Just Chugging Right Along!

Not much has changed for us. Rich is still playing basketball. The team is 6-0...and I'm not trying to jinx them. He made the A/B Honor Roll FINALLY!!! He even ended the semester with with all As and Bs!! He has started this 6 weeks out a little rocky. But hopefully he has time to bring them up to Bs before the 6 weeks ends.

Kiley has been sick with strep this week. But she is on the mend. She got her report from her teacher and she is doing very well. Even scored perfect on her math benchmark (district wide test). Her reading speed and comprehension has vastly improved as well.

We are getting ready for Valentine's. Her Valentine cards for her friends are way cool. We punched holes and added a crazy, heart straw. (Hoping pic loads below!)













And her box for Valentines



















Just started up with a Crafternooner Club that includes some of my favorite inlaws...Karen, Erin, Christy, and Wendy and of course Tricia!

SICK!!!

I posted on my Facebook that I was having a bad hair day due to all the hats I wore yesterday...mom, nurse, plumber, teacher, etc...Kiley was sick first. Took her to the doctor. His words were, "She is confusing me!" She has the symptoms of a stomach virus (throwing up), but she has a sinus headache and symptoms of a sinus infection, but he didn't see an infection. She continued on throwing up all afternoon and evening. Mike called and said he was heading to Care Now to get checked out. He was complaining of a "tight chest and achiness". That doctor said he tested negative for flu, but had the symptoms, so he put him on Tamiflu. We can't leave Rich out. He was trying to study all evening while I was going back and forth with Kiley to the bathroom (she felt the need to have my presence while she threw up). I finally get everyone in bed around 9:30. I enjoy the quiet and peace for a few minutes and then head to bed myself. 2:30...I hear Rich up. Now he was sick. Sent him to school while Mike stayed home. (Kiley went to school, too!) Rich came home around 9:30. Mike stayed sick all week. Kids recovered within a day. Then I ended up off for a day sick as well.
Fortunately we are all over that mess.!!!

The Basketballs Are A Dribblin'

Kids are back in school after the Christmas break. That means our schedule is back to being cRaZy!!

Fortunately (sorta) Kiley's basketball season came to an end on Saturday. She was really upset she didn't get a basket this season, and claims she is DONE with basketball forever! The coach tried his best to get the ball to her to get her basket, but it just didn't happen. She did enjoy it at times and made several new friends.

Rich's season just started. Mike is coaching along with another dad. First game was a WIN!!! Rich even scored a basket and had he opportunity for 2 free throws...way off. But it is the 1st game afterall.

He (and I) will be spending this week preparing for his first semester exams. We are about 75% through his Science review and about 50% for Reading/Language Arts. His Social Studies, I'm NO help with! He'll be on his own for that, and should do pretty decent. Math is my worry....but with a big prayer and lotsa self confidence, he should do ok. Luckily his average is pretty decent and even a barely passing grade on the exam will get him by (he can't know that, though! *wink* *wink*).

Christmas stuff is all packed away except for my big screen. I've convinced Mike it is more WINTERY than just Christmas-y. Truth is, I haven't found what I want for that wall yet...

New Year's and the last of the Christmas celebrations...

We enjoyed a quiet (as quite as a 26 and 17 month olds can be!), small New Year's Eve. Tricia, Chris, Storri, and Levi were over as well as Shana and Weston. (When you tell Weston you love him, he cocks his head and says, "I do." So darn precious...his tone is totally different from his usual voice.) Then Brian and Kristi stopped by for a few.

New Year's Day we had Stephen and his family over. The kids enjoyed hanging out with Nick and Nicole and playing on the Wii Fit. Even Stephen and Michelle got some Wii Fit time in. Fun afternoon.

Saturday (the 2nd) we got together with my family for our Christmas! Tricia's living room was filled with Christmas gifts! Not sure how when it was mostly $$$ being exchanged. Rich ended up with $ from Aunt Reda and Uncle Billy, 2 hoodies from Weston, and more $$$ from Ma and Pa. Oh, and a nerf dart gun from great Aunt Peggy. Kiley got $ from Aunt Reda and Uncle Billy, more $$ from Ma and Pa, and the cutest 'K' necklace from great Aunt Peggy. But from Storri she got a fun (we shall see about that!) paper recycling factory, some make-up (joy!), Topple, and text message things. Mike got some much needed tools (wrenches, I think....not sure) from Chris and $$ from my parents. I got $$ from my parents, and 2 new sets of jammies from Shana! Can't wait to sleep in them. We all pitched in $$$ for my parents a new flat screen tv.

We had yummy Mexican food to eat (and a few Amaretto Sours to drink). But my favorite was my mom's chocolate pie!!!!! Couldn't get enough of it. Then I tried her lemon pie........yum! Wish I hadn't even tried it.

Levi took a tumble off the bed and badly bruised his cheek and inside of his mouth. He and Weston looked like they had been in a battle. Weston had fallen on New Year's Eve and got a bruise by his eye. They are comedic to watch together!

So, our New Year has started off with lots of hanging out with family...so we hope it continues through the entire year!

Now on to the family gifts to each other. Kiley openned a vest from Rich. She was with me when I purchased it. While she wasn't surprised, she was glad she can finally wear it! Dad opened a notepad from Kiley that says #1 Dad on it and I got a #1 Mom one that matches. She said to make sure I kept it in my purse in case WE need to write on it. I know that means HER. WOW! Rich went shopping! Not really. He had NO INTEREST in going shopping for his mom and dad (mom covered sister for him). I even tried giving him $30 to go pick out something for Mike and me. NOPE! Wouldn't do it. So I bought Mike some windpants and wrapped them up. And I got me some slippers and wrapped them up. Even Christmas morning when we were passing out gifts I mentioned how PROUD I was of Rich to go shopping and get something for each of us. So Mike opens his pants first. I inquire to Rich about where he shops. He so nonchalantly says, "Dicks." (Uh....Wal-Mart was were I snagged them.) Then I made a big deal about my slippers. He never gave in. Just took total credit for it all. THAT BOY!!!! But on a bright side, he put batteries in something and declared himself the family mechanic!! Just what we need. Good thing Kiley got him an awesome lanyard with flames on it. Not sure he'll ever use it, but it sure looks cool!

Christmas morn....(I'm doing this live...then going back to edit it)
We made them open one at a time. Kiley opened her perfume and Rich his cologne. Impressed!! Next was a shirt for Kiley that she loves. Next she opened jeans. She said ,"I love getting jeans!". Rich opened slippers. Whew, he liked them. Kiley thinks it is "awkward" that Santa used so many boxes. And Kiley gets "oh my gosh'. Slipper flip flops!". Ohh ahhh Rich opens his basketball shoes!! Kiley's turn. "A box again! Who uses so many boxes. Oh my gosh a jacket.". And Rich opens an Aeropastle jacket!! Kiley freezes while opening Twister Hopscotch. She can't wait to play it with Emma. Now back to Rich. A pair of Levis. Kiley..."My turn! This ones heavy. No way! Ok. I'm buying. Who is it from? Love 'em". The black boots she wanted. She thinks the insides are cute. Mike asks her if she will need help zippering it. "Apparently!" was her response. Rich opens a shirt. Not so impressed. He had an Aeropastle Christmas (hoodie, cologne, and shirt)!!! Now on to her guitar. She looks just like Taylor Swift. Uh oh....Rich just said 'lucky'. Guess he isn't impressed she got a guitar and he didn't. Rich opens the Wii Fit! Pretty much success. They still don't know about the bikes in the garage!! :) the plan is to let them stumble on them!! OH and stockings...well Santa and her helper have temporarily misplaced the stocking fillers besides the fruit. So Kiley was a bit sad that she had no chocolate! Fortunately they were found mid afternoon in the garage. He must have left them there when leaving the bikes! ;)

Today was Kiley's 2nd grade program. It was a Fitness Sock Hop theme. She had a speaking part and did very well..."Yea. Especially since you have to work so hard at soccer practice.". Then she was a ribbon dancer. Well she twirled some ribbons anyway!
She was back to the ENT. Her hearing has slightly worsened and she had Been referred to a pediatric dr. She will be evaluated to see if she is ready to have her eardrum patched.
So after her program and appointment we headed off to the mall and did some frugal jewelry shopping! We followed it up with lunch at Chili's!

Not good about keeping up!

Been a long time since I've updated!! But here is what's been going on lately. Kiley started basketball practice this week. YEAH!!! They were able to have all girl teams rather than co-ed like last year. I think she will like it much better. She did a really great job at practice last night dribbling the ball. Much improved over last year where she would forget to dribble! Her grades are still exceptional! Even her conduct grades are 100. That is simply a miracle in itself. She is still loving going to cheer practice. They are learning a routine to Party In the USA by her favorite Miley Cyrus. As for Richard, I'm not sure which to share first. He has finally gotten back to As and Bs at school AND he has a girlfriend. Her twin brothers have basketball practice just before Kiley in the same gym. So last night as she was leaving she and Rich gave the oh-so-affectionate knuckles!! Good thing her Daddy didn't see it! She is a nice girl that seems to come from a nice, large family. Her parents are both from Midlothian and they live in our neighborhood. Ok enough about that. We are most excited about the effort he is giving in school and his positive attitude

Ticket for dance - $4; Spending money for dance - $10; Going to his first dance - PRICELE$$

Today was a in important day for Rich. He has waited for this day since elementary school when he first heard they had dances at middle school! He wasn't sure about how to go about buying a ticket this week during lunch. So we convinced him to just ASK his friends! DUH! How hard can that be??? So he finally came home with a ticket mid-week. It was 80s themed, so what does a boy wear? He ended up wearing just denim shorts and a polo style shirt. He couldn't decide to 'pop' the collar or not, so he decided to wait til he got there to 'pop' it or leave it down.
NO! I was NOT the mom that honked the entire time her son got out until he reached the door. But Rich did walk in with that boy and they laughed about it. Now, we WERE those parents that got there 15 minutes early to pick him up to sit in the parking lot and watch all the kids coming out. Some girls were dressed way up, some were dressed 80s looking, and some were in plain school clothes. All the boys I saw were just in regular clothes...but hello...boys wore jeans and thsirts in the 80s just as they do today.
His reaction when he got to the car was that it was AWESOME and he can't wait until the next one. I remember in the 80s going to middle school dances and having the same thoughts. I even wearing my 1st mini skirt to a school dance!!! I think it may have been my LAST mini skirt, too!
I'm glad he was able to go even if his good friend was home sick and didn't go. No pictures because afterall...he just wore his regular clothes. "It is no big deal, mom!"

Trying To Catch Up?!?!?!

I keep telling myself to upate this before I forget what I want to add. But...never get around to it. So, I'll try to update now going back to the last update.
((((NOT FINISHED UPDATING!!!! STILL WORKING ON IT!!!!))))

Thursday, 10-Sept
Today Rich had a BIG day....Math test, Science test, and Social Studies test!!! We studied our hineys off last night. Unfortunately, the math score was 53. Math is such a struggle for him...and me trying to teach him. He so keeps his head held high. Before we discussed the math results I asked him how he did and he seemed so confident. When I told him 53, it was like I totally knocked him down. I try not to cry, but I so feel like we (or I) am letting him down by not getting it through to him. Today was Basilio Rocha Day at his school. Last Friday Basilio was in the bathroom and another kid was chocking. He safely and effectively performed the Heimlich manuever on him and cleared his airway. It has drawn the attention of the local news media. Richard says it is 'gay', but I have assured him he needs to stick close to this kid when he can in case RICH starts choking.
Kiley had a great day at school. Tomorrow she FINALLY takes her 100 clothespins that she would not take today because it isn't DUE til Friday.

Wednesday, 9-Sept (09-09-09, cool, huh?)
Uneventful day at the office and school...thankfully. Just lotsa studying for Rich's tests tomorrow.

Tuesday, 8-Sept
Kiley had cheer tonight and she worked on 'stunts'. She loved the climbing on other people and having them climb on her. I hit the resale shop next door for some bargains!

Monday, 7-Sept
Today Kiley and I went for our mani pedis! She loved every minute of it. We got fancy acrylic on our toenails...mine are white and hers are hot pink with flowers and sparkles. She just kept mouthing to me, "This is SO cool!!!". We did some shopping at her favorite store Justice. Got to use our spend $50 and save $25 coupons...both of them. Spent $58 and saved $76!!! Amost paid for the mani pedis...almost!
Mike started some training today to last thorugh Saturday. At least he gets to start early and get off at 3:30. We could all get used to that schedule!
Rich just hung around.







Weekend 5 & 6-Sept
Not much of anything. Mike worked the yard and we hung out in the house. Kiley and Rich stayed overnight with the Miller kids last night and Kiley came home sick. So we put off our mani pedis. By day's end she was feeling much better and went swimming at Aunt Reda and Uncle Billy's then we hit Chili's for dinner and stopped over at Aunt Tricia's for some Storri and Levi loving!

Friday, 4-Sept
Mike and Rich are headed to PA for the weekend to work on Mom's house. Unfortunately 1/2 of the DFW metroplex wanted to go as well and left no seats available for them. So no girly weekend for me and Kiley! Oh well!

Thursday, 3-Sept
Today was Kiley's day she got written up for talking at school. We have made it this far!

Wednesday, 2-Sept

Tuesday, 1-Sept

Monday, 31-Aug

Sunday, 30-Aug

Saturday, 29-Aug
GARAGE SALE!!! $75 cha-chings! Had mom, dad, the Williams family, and Andy and kids over for some grilling afterwards. Great family 'hang' time. Missed Bill and his sweet family and Keith.

Friday, 28-Aug

Thursday, 27-Aug

Wednesday, 26-Aug

Tuesday, 25-Aug

Monday, 24-Aug
First day of school!!! Rich goes to 6th grade at Walnut Grove Middle School! MIDDLE SCHOOL I TELL YA! He rode the bus to and from. LOVES IT!!! Bus picks him up at 7:45 and drops him off at 4:15 about the time I'm coming and going. Should work out great!
Kiley is in 2nd grade at Longbranch. Instead of YMCA afterschool, Emma's Mammy will be picking her up and sitting with her until Rich or I get home. Hope it works out.

End of the Summer Party!! Time for School Supplies

No, summer isn't over yet...but the party was today at Aunt Reda and Uncle Billy's. They hosted for all the brats that having been coming over this summer a hot dog cookout and swimming. Aunt Tricia, Storri, and Levi went. As did Erin, her girls, and Garrett. Karen, Belinda, Jewelee, and Braydon showed up, too! My kids had a great time and enjoyed the extra swim time. This was the last week Garrett will be there with my kids as they go to Pennsylvania for the next 2 weeks. By the time they return, Garrett will be back with his mom.

I got more school supplies today for the kids. I LOVE SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING! I love everything about it...the crowded aisles, the hunt for the exact Jumbo Elmer's Glue Stick...that costs 4 times as much as a regular one for not even twice as much glue, the Made In America pencils which are getting harder and harder to find, and pointed not rounded scissors for Kiley. And, Kiley will be taking 6 not-jumbo tubes verus the 3 jumbo ones she was supposed to have. Couldn't decide between 2 pencil bags...so she ended up with both. She'll have to decide which to use. And, if I know my girl, she will end up with them both.

Reunion duds....

This past week we spent getting ready to go to Oklahoma for the Nix Family Reunion. I was super prepared for fun and junk food. Instead ended up in bed most of the day Saturday with a little stomach virus (I'll spare the details) and then was loving enough to pass on to Mike later in the afternoon and then on to Rich during the early morning hours on Sunday. We were sharing a room with Tricia and her family. We all ended up leaving and checking out at around 5 or 5:30 Sunday morning and making our way home...with only a few pit stops.... Mike and I both worked today and the kids seemed to manage their chores without getting sick. Good thing I went easy on them. It IS Monday afterall and we all have a hard time getting motivated for Mondays!

So, in the end...we were the reunion duds.... But we did take advantage of the INDOOR pool. I don't really remember it ever raining at our reunion too much in Oklahoma. But this year it did. We swam in the pool while watching the lightening and rain come down. The kids and I made it down to the little amusement park with the rest of my family Saturday evening for some bumper car action! Kiley loved the bumper cars, ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, pink spider thing, and go carts with Kae-Kae! Rich was more into the go carts and some airplane ride and NOT the spinning rides! He did ride the ferris wheel with AK. Kiley is the thrill-ride girl! Rich just wants to DRIVE! He put his hat on backwards on the go carts and took it serious to make it to the front of the pack! I even got in on the bumper car action and tried taking pictures while doing it. Not really a good idea...

I look forward to 'us' having our own family reunion and my awesome sister-in-law Shana is supposed to be planning our 1st one!

Now a MONTH's worth of POSTS!!!

12-14 July
We started working on the deck Sunday. We cut off the top part of it where the covered part was (not that we ever saw it covered). Then we headed to Home Depot to ‘look’ at solar lights to top the support posts with. I never even knew there was such a thing until I saw them in a circular. Ended up buying 3 as they are $20 each. Since the wood is all warped too on the top rail, we went ahead and got wood to replace them as well. Eventually we’ll replace the bottom rail as well. But for now it looks ok. Took us until Tuesday evening to get it all done. It was a family effort. Mike cut, measured, and drilled, Rich was a holder, I was a holder and stainer, and Kiley…..well, Kiley was digging for treasure. As treasure as hitting limestone 3 inches down is. Hopefully Wednesday we can get the 3 lights we got on and the other posts’ plain, black plastic covers screwed on a well.What a difference we are seeing with Rich’s braces already.

5-11 July
Its kinda quiet only the 3 of us. Kiley stayed at my mom and dad’s after Kae’s party. After a great time at the Consalus’ Family 4th Celebration, I spent a great deal of time in bed ‘recovering’ on Sunday. Monday Rich and I got up bright and early to be at the orthodontist at 8:40. Rich got his braces on. He's looking all cute in them. He had to have BLUE bands on them. Just what he needs is more blue to make his eyes pop out. Then Dr. Parker told him to take Tylenol every 4 hours the first couple of days to help with the pain. He also said if that didn’t work to just bring him back and he’d take him home for a few days. Rich liked this idea when he found out he had a pool and batting cages. He survived though. BUT, he did lay around for a few days moping about it.
Rich and I stopped by Tractor Supply on our way back from the ortho to look for a gift for Weston’s upcoming birthday. We found several cute things (and on clearance might I add!), but not the little push tractor I wanted him to have. So I found it on-line (of course!). Paid extra for shipping to have it by Friday. Well, Friday afternoon found me waiting for the UPS delivery until almost 5 in the afternoon! But he got his tractor I wanted him to have as well as a John Deere baseball! Who knew there was such a thing? It’ll go great with his camo baseball glove we got him when he was born.
We went to my mom’s on Friday (after UPS came!). Storri and Kiley made up a ‘presidential suite’ upstairs at my parents. It was the room we all stayed in Friday night. It was called the Due-Will. They had their little parts for when we ‘arrived’. AK was the security guard. His part was so darn cute. Kiley giggled all the way through her part. So, we have no idea what she was saying. Rich took his part seriously. Storri was quite the ‘manager’ as well. We even had chilled chocolate waiting for us.
Weston’s party was at the Hico Fire hall. He had lots of family there to celebrate with him. He didn’t mind sharing his cake with Levi either. Tricia did a great job on the cakes (John Deere of course!). By the time we left there Saturday afternoon, I think everyone had seen enough yellow and green.

28 June - 4 July
Mike is on vacation Sun-Wed of this week. So that means play time for him and the kids while Mom works. He took them to Ellen’s 2 of those days to play around. Rich had his friend Brandon over to spend the night after they went to a Ranger game Tuesday with some of their baseball team (Rangers won by the way!).
Kabrina turned 16 this week so we went to Hico to celebrate at her surprise birthday party. She had several friends show up and all 17 of us were there. It was a fun time. I finally made a bottle cap frame with her name on it. I’ve been wanting to make one for awhile now. And finally did it. WAY CUTE! I’d love to be able to make some up for selling…we’ll have to see about that. I also put together a photo album for her. All she has to do is slide the pictures in after the party. Oh, and our little Kae-Kae is a legal, licensed driver in the State of Texas…watch out!!!
When we got back from Hico Saturday we headed over to a 4th of July celebration we were invited to by some friends of ours. Had a really great time and the fireworks were just as great. We stayed until about 2:30 Sunday morning…

21-27 June
Not a lot happening this week. Mom went back to the cardiologist. Nothing new to report. She’ll go back in 3 months. Rich went to the orthodontist this week. We really like Dr. Parker. He explained there was nothing that couldn’t wait to be fixed in Rich’s mouth. When I explained we would like to get his top overbite really taken care of now. He totally understood and will get him started. With him starting middle school, we just want it taken care of. So we’ll go back on 6-July for Phase 1 braces. Which will be just the top 4 front teeth getting braces for now.

14-20 June
I’m thinking this must have been a boring week as well! We are still bummed baseball ended like it did. Rich did go to birthday party on Thursday for J. Wyatt at Alley Cats (one of his favorite places!).

A week's worth of posts!

June 13

A pretty boring day today. Mike (mostly) and I worked out in the yard by the gate to the backyard. Since it was so hot we decided the 4 of us plus Emma would go swimming to cool off. Water was 86 degrees and perfect!


June 12

OK...today is FRIDAY / PAYDAY! The kids were left with a SMALL list of chores with the stipulation the whole week's pay depended on them completing their list....didn't happen! I get to keep my $$$


June 11

RAIN!! RAIN!! and MORE RAIN!!!
Baseball Tournament...........CANCELLED! A major bummer. I hated to see their season end on the sour note it ended on at their last game that they played like crap at! Oh well...there is always next season...

The kids did go to Reda and Billy's to swim...but the storm delayed their swim. Rich didn't get in though.


June 10

Kids did pretty good with their chores again today. So they get to go swimming tomorrow. I'm thinking it is going to work!

A nasty storm blew through tonight and broke the basketball goal. Hopefully we can just buy a replacement part or two and not the whole darn thing!!!

June 9

Today they went swimming at Reda and Billy's. Great, hot day for swimming.


June 8

The 1st real day of summer break for the kids. No problems though. They had their chore list and their reward was getting to go swimming the next day. I hope it works.


June 7

YEAH! We got our Rich back and got to go visit with Levi and Storri. Then it was off to Rich's baseball practice. With only 4 kids there and 2 coaches...they got an awesome practice. So much so that Rich's stitching came loose in his glove. Good thing post-season tournament is all that is left for the season.


June 6

Kiley had her softball tournament starting this morning. They played an awesome game their first go. The 2nd game...not so good. She did end up with the team's Most Improved Player trophy and she loved her season trophy...it is a glove trophy with a softball sitting in it. It is like the one I got when I played tball! So, I probably like it more than her!

This afternoon we went to my company picnic at the Stogner's house. As always Kiley enjoyed swimming and Mike enjoyed too many rounds of volleyball. Since Rich was off camping...he didn't get to join us.

Kids are both finished with school!!! Kiley keeps telling everyone she got promoted! I love it!
Today is my mom's heart catheterization. We are here waiting for the procedure.
Rich is off camping with Tricia and family.

UPDATE: Mom's catheterization went well. Shows only 30% blockage (dr not worried about that). Still aren't sure why the weak heart muscle. He'll change her meds and check her in December.

Kiley and I rode with Reda and Billy to the hospital. We always enjoy our time with them!

Rich's awards were this morning. He recieved the accomplishment award as well as commended for TAKS. The latter of which came from the principal placing a medal around his neck. His teacher, though his homeroom and math teacher, was so proud for him for getting a medal...Even if it wasn't for math she was proud! He was one E away from the citizenship award. He had a teacher he could not do anything right for and had a rough 6 weeks where he 'earned' an S instead of an E. Oh well, walking off the stage with the medal was good enough for him! Then on to the talent show...surprised by Kiley and crew performing God Bless the USA in sign language. Which was the first act. Rich did do his speedstacks until the very end...2hours later. They were both glad to get out and go home. Good job kids!!!

Way to go down winning!!! Kiley's softball team won their final game of the season!!! On to end of season tournament Saturday!!

YEAH!!! Just found out Rich passed his math taks. It took 2 tries, but he made it!!! 6th grade Walnut Grove Middle School, here we come!!!

Tonight after the Kiley's practice we went to Whataburger. Kiley was trying to say something to Mike and he told her to talk slower. So she literally started talking in slow motion. Too freakin funny!!

This morning was 1st grade awards for the Class of 2020!! Kiley received the Personal Achievement award and the PRO award for good conduct. I think she barely made it for that one.