All These Things

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T22:12:00.001-06:00

Just popping in to say Merry Christmas from Oklahoma.

Birthdays and Holidays and a Long Time Hiatus

2011-12-10T16:30:00.000-06:00

So we had Thanksgiving, Tyler turned 9 <- still hard to believe, a week of stuff for birthday, schools, science fair, cub scouts and now heading full steam to Christmas.
Since I have taken on the Cub Scout leader roll on top of treasurer I am busy and tired. I don't exactly have a blogging and writing spirit right now either.
I want to redesign and simply write just about the world and how I feel.
My son is important to me and I enjoy the occasion story on here about him, but I want to redirect my focus. I want to vent my opinion. I am certain plenty who stop by to read this might not read it then. However it is my little piece of the internet and I have to find a direction for it. I have to many irons in my internet fire too. I am cleaning and condensing as we speak.
For the next 20 or so days I will be on a hiatus to figure it all out.
I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T11:16:00.000-06:00

Some of the best Veterans to have ever graced my life are no longer living.

For the rest of the living Veterans Thank You for everything. I mean that with the utmost sincerity. The freedoms I have could not have been given to me or defended without you.

I wrote this on Memorial Day 2010 and I still have and will always have the same stance.
To People Who Protest at Military Funerals and Ceremonies.....
You are nothing more than snakes in the grass ...you think you have accomplished something but really you have made yourself out to be a complete jerk....The good men and women of the military protect your right to be jerks so you can at least respect that....We would all love peace but it is pretty well not completely up to us....Terrorists want to kill you and these men and women are trying to make sure they don't .... I personally think if you choose to protest at a funeral or other military ceremony you should be exiled and told where the terrorists can find you ...perhaps instead of killing you they could just recruit you because you are a terrorist....I think when you die your funeral should be rudely interrupted and you grave site should be marked as so others will know you were "that d bag who protested a military funeral" so we can come by and spit on your head stone during decoration.... To the jerks of the world who don't respect the military, I say to you simply go live somewhere else....perhaps hell will have you! May the graces of mercy be always with the men and women serving the Great Country of the United States Of America! Long Live the USA!

Cub Scout Astros Day

2011-11-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

We went to a baseball game before the season ended and got to explore the area around the field and where the locker rooms are located.

It Is Friday Hug a Stranger

2011-10-21T21:43:00.001-05:00

It started like this .. I got off of work ordered 3 medium pizzas, so I could feed 4 kids and myself dinner at the park.

I got the pizzas and the kids and arrived at the park. There were 5 teenage boys playing basketball by the picnic table.

I quickly noticed them checking out our pizza and I quickly decided we had too much. I walked over and asked if they would like a pepperoni pizza, explaining I would rather give it away than waste it.

I was greeted with 5 thank you ma’ams and with that we had our picnic.

Two of the rougher looking young men approached me after my friend showed up and thanked me again asking if he could hug me, because it was so nice of me to give them the food.

I obliged and boy #2 said well I will have a hug too, thanks again ma’am.

With that I said I am glad you enjoyed it.

Maybe that kindness will carry over in some point of their lives that a complete stranger gives you a fresh hot pizza for no reason!

Day Dream Believer

2011-10-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

I find my self day dreaming a lot these days. I dream about cooler weather and trips out of the house. I love football and I have no desire to move from my couch on Saturday afternoons. I kind of long for some simplicity and wish I could move back to my small town in Oklahoma. Having a son with a father that lives here will keep this from happening. There is another part of me that is ready for adventures elsewhere... Maybe another state somewhere else with beaches and wave... Maybe a lot of things but it seems everyday is the same grind and work, pay for things we probably don't need and live like I am running at full speed.
Sometimes I just want to move like molasses and flow freely like a wave... However life has different plans right now.

See Ya Summer

2011-09-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

Well according to my calender it is fall..

According to the thermometer is is not fall

If you have to say good bye to Summer

No worries I am going to the Beach Saturday

I will do some playing for you

I will be glad for cooler weather

But for now I am glad I am not really saying

Good Bye to Summer

I love Summer

Happy Friday!

Tonight I Conduct

2011-09-13T10:39:00.000-05:00

My very first Cub Scout Den meeting...
That's right I am a trusted enough member of society to lead a Cub Scout den...
Scary thought indeed...
I have been so busy getting ready for scouts and doing all of the things that go with it I have almost forgotten my beautiful little blog...
I will probably never be that pro blogger that blogs everyday and makes super relevant points, I will probably never be the blogger who posts great recipes and advice on being a home maker type, and I will never be the blogger that gives you advice on having more than one kid...
However I will always be the blogger that throws down a few random thoughts as a release of stress and a way to forget my everyday life for just a bit.
It has been so hot here summer was LAME for us...
It has been so dry here summer was LAME for all of Texas
The lakes and rivers are drying up and it is really just sad.
Good news is maybe fall will hurry and usher in relief.
Everyone have a great week I have to figure out how to mold the minds of young cub scouts so they grow up to be gentlemen!

School Started and I am Busy .. Still

2011-09-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

Well with the start of 3rd grade comes all kinds of busy. We have homework, have a schedule again and Cub Scouts starts this week... Am I ready? Well I have not choice I have to be.
I am still finding time for a workout and I am down 20 LBS it feels amazing.
I promise as we start to do more maybe I will have more to blog about and on Tuesdays and Thursdays I will be posting at least 2 Old Scanned photos...This is my self inflicted project!

Happy Labor Day aka the end of summer ....but really not in Houston so yea....

Tourist season is over which means Tyler and I will be hitting the beach more and more!

Also it is football season so if you don't like football I am sorry because I LOVE it!
BOOMER SOONER!

My Mirror vs. My Camera

2011-08-25T23:02:00.002-05:00

A raging battle I do not understand…. everyday I look in the mirrors in my bathroom… with and without clothes and I see

A happy, vibrant, fun loving, kind of chubby but still cute, early thirties girl. I love this girl I love myself and all I am. I don’t see what the camera seems to make me see…

Every picture of myself I see lately makes me see

A fat, divorced, approaching mid thirties, wrinkled, weathered old woman… I hate her I can’t stand to look at her…

I exercise and I can be active for a long time… I eat pretty good and I feel pretty good but the camera is taking pictures of me that will become my legacy memories my son will have when I am gone. He will show these to his kids and they will likely see the girl I hate because that don’t know the girl I am….

I feel this about everyone… they see the girl I hate and never meet the girl I am …

I know this is not true I have amazing friends but I have to change what is to become my legacy and memories of me while maintaining the girl I am…

One step at a time, one mile, one walk, one apple, everything counts

My camera will learn who the girl in the mirror is ..

How Did this Happen

2011-08-17T10:52:00.000-05:00

We were here 8 and 1/2 short years ago...

Well on Monday he will start 3rd Grade

And looks a lot like this

My one and only baby is so very big now

We enjoy these years too as he keeps me busy

I am certain that this should all be a dream

From the first moment until now

Was I really supposed to be a mom

How did this happen how did he get so big!

Bring on 3rd Grade and new adventures

By The River

2011-08-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

Tyler in front of Blackfork River where I used to play as a kid

Our trip took us from League City to just South of Hodgen Oklahoma

We went to a cabin near Cedar Lake with my Cousin and her kids

The we went south a bit more to see my other Aunt at her cabin

We spent time in the river and the lake

We spent time away

Then we went to Arkansas to see my mom.

I came home Monday

Tyler stayed, but today his other grandma picked him up

And now he is back in Poteau

Saturday they will head to Branson

Travels then back to school

Stay tuned for more pics.

Neglected Not Abused

2011-08-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

My Blog that is!
I have been out of town on a min vacation and prior to the mini vacation I had to get ready to go on said vacation.
I have lots of cool stuff to share coming soon!
I am too old for 9.5 hour drives by myself...I get tired and bored.
Two 5 hour energy things in one day made me feel very ill last night.
I am certain that must be what it feels like to do drugs.
I can't wait to share some of my vacation stories!

UGH -Terrible Way to End a Good Weekend

2011-08-01T00:22:00.001-05:00

Sunday after getting Tyler home from his dad's I noticed a lot of head scratching..... UGH
This lead me to Google what lice looks like because I had no clue.
Yep no clue.
I know anyone can get it and it can be spread very easily, but we have never had it in our home ....
Until today. Poor Tyler you would have thought I just told him the world ended .... He was just devastated but I handled it with the best poise any clean freak can.
I made a quick trip to Kroger where I purchased the super home lice cure kit and headed back to my place to get the situation handled...
Other than the mountain of bed clothes and towels in the laundry it is all done. I made quick work of it with exception to my own hair.
Yes I have to put the foul smelling crap in my hair...
OH well tomorrow will be a long day and tonight was a long night.
But
Friday I am north bound and heading to Oklahoma with kiddo we are going to see family and he is going to stay with both grandma's.
Happy August everyone.
Wow August!

Lazy Days Of Summer

2011-07-25T23:33:00.002-05:00

Well we have not been doing much since swimming, basketball and camp ended. We have a few summer scout things and then on August 5th we leave for our vacation! Tyler and I will visit with mom and maybe pop in and see my cousin. I will come home and he is going to hang with mom a few days until his other Grandma picks him up! He will be gone until 2 days before school starts. Then I will catch up blogging, scanning, and get all of my stuff ready for fall Cub Scouts.
I am going to be a den leader in fall for the new Tiger Cubs coming in, we did not have a younger sibling that who's parent is already involved so we had no leader. This will give me a chance to volunteer and my son a chance to be more independent in his scout adventures.
I am going to call up my cousin and ask her crafty self for some ideas. I found some good stuff on line and I need to go get my book and uniform as well as finish some online training videos. I am excited and can't wait to share with you all.
I have lost 14 LBS so far but about 2 weeks ago I decided I want to lose 33lbs by my 33rd birthday so I am working hard on that!

That is what we have been up to

A Fishing We Will Go...

2011-07-20T21:44:00.001-05:00

Tyler's cub scout pack went fishing this past Saturday and in true procrastinator fashion I am just now telling about it ..
We met at a great beach house further off the beach and more on the canal. It was a descent evening as far as temperature. We cooked hot dogs,burgers and had a fruit and veggie tray. There were 13 boys if you count the siblings.
Tyler caught 2 small fish I am pretty sure I missed getting a pic because unlike the other moms there I play dad and have to get the fish for him and such. No big deal I like it! We had a great night.

This Happened 4 times...4 times...ugh

The View

Tyler in our OU chairs next to the family with the UT chairs

BOOMER

Just Fishing

Working hard

Hair Ideas

2011-07-16T12:16:00.001-05:00

Right now my hair is in between these 2 lengths ...cut it or grow it that is the question

Lighter or darker

HMMM

What say you

Best Friends -Wordless Post

2011-07-13T09:44:00.000-05:00

Yes I Have a Rockin' Baby

2011-07-11T10:07:00.000-05:00

It started with a few tears and several pregnancy tests.. A love I knew would be greater than all the love I had ever felt. After nine months I was mom, I had a baby boy in my arms, I knew I would die for him and live by him. He was mine and I was amazed just like I am every single day.

I am joining Shell for Rocking the Baby ...She had a rocking the bump link too I did not participate because my bump was the size of a house. I was miserable during pregnancy.

You should check out Shell's blog

You should link up and show off some baby pictures too

Here you go welcome to the world December 6, 2002Tyler Lennon9 LBS 7OZ22 1/2 inches Perfect

My first time to hold him

19 Days Old

These 2 were favorites from his 4 month pictures

6 Months

Probably my favorite baby picture of him

And Nine Months

I must say looking back makes me wish for those days, but him being 8 has brought us a whole new kind of adventure.

Mom loves you bug!

Easy Peach/Fruit Crisp

2011-07-10T18:43:00.001-05:00

Want a quick yummy summer baked treat that pairs perfect with ice cream ...
Here you Go

Peach/Apple/Apple Cherry/Blueberry Crisp

Choose your fruit
I use about 2 LBS of fruit either fresh, frozen or Canned.
I use fresh peaches, fresh apples, frozen cherries or frozen blueberries.
The only one I pair up is apple cherry

2 Lbs of fruit
1/4 cup of granulated ( I usually use a little less)
1 Teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup of Amaretto Liquor (I use only Disaronno)

Mix these up in a bowl cut fruit to your liking slices chunks whatever, once mixed put them in a 13x9 pan (spray with Pam first) I used my trusty oval glass pan I love it is a bit small but works fine I cut my recipe down to fit in it.

Topping
1&1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1&3/4 cup self rising flour
dash of salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 cup (stick) of butter or margarine ...I am a butter girl

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl add butter by cutting off slices and mix until the mix looks like little pea sized clumps in the bowl. I just use my hands and smash it all up good. Pour it over the peaches and place in the 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes to an hour. Until golden brown on top and bubbly.

I served my peach crisp over butter pecan ice cream with crushed walnuts on top <- Sinfully delicious

Amazing Space Shuttles

2011-07-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

I am not bitter about the last shuttle launch, I am bitter there is no replacement fleet in place! I think it is absolutely amazing that we can have people fly into space, off of the earth and into orbit. I am a bit of a nerd like that. For years people have taken for granted the awesomeness of space flight and exploration. I live in the heart of the Houston Based NASA community. Johnson Space Center is 4 miles from my home. I have friends and neighbors who make a living there, and at this moment their futures are unstable as far as a job. The space program was slated to be ended in 2010 under the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration prolonged it and good thing the economy is bad enough. However his administration also pulled the plug on the next space shuttle fleet. I can understand since they were over budget, behind schedule and yet to have a test flight. Rome was not built in a day and neither are space shuttles sir!
So now America has outsourced manned space flight to Russia, I think this is bad practice and I hope future generations of American kids can still dream of being Astronauts.
The space shuttle program has helped in countless medical and science experiments and done more for man kind than any of us may ever realize.
Long Live NASA
Long Live Manned Space Flight in the US
God Speed Atlantis
Very Cool CNN Video 135 Launches 135 Seconds 30 Years of the Shuttle Fleet

Random Happenings

2011-07-06T20:00:00.002-05:00

Well last night was supposed to be a party for the basketball team, we got to Mr. Gatti's Pizza and to no fault of theirs they had no water. So even though they offered us pizza and 2 liter drinks so the kids could play, we politely declined because you could not use the bathroom and ummm they could not wash their hands. We moved to a CiCi's Pizza Location they have a few games and a not as good buffet. The kids had fun anyway. My kiddo had 3 mini carrots, one slice of cucumber, 3 slices of cheese pizza and a cupcake. When we came home he wanted chips and I said NO! We compromised on an orange and he was happy.
normally if he has a pretty good dinner I will let him have a small bowl of chips, which he prefers to sweets, but not after cupcakes and pizza.
Yesterday I learned they use a helicopter with a spray wand to clean off the power lines ...Crazy and it looks scary.

we had a nice 4th of July weekend, Tyler had his last swim meet of the season on Saturday. His dad, step mom and step sister came to watch him. He went home with them and I picked him up on Monday. We went to his best friends new house which is near the water and watched fire works from the back yard and swam in the pool. All in all a good weekend. I missed my family in Oklahoma though.

Also I am kind of sad about the last launch of Atlantis

Long live NASA

Forever Live Manned Space Flight

Long Live the Shuttle

Thankful in a Just Alive Kind of Way

2011-07-01T19:49:00.002-05:00

I will be doing some writing about things that are typically bad and looking for a light at the end of the tunnel.. I will be writing about death soon. I will also write about religion and about various other topics some see as bad, gross, risque, etc... I will not curse I will not use words I think are offensive and my blog will still be family friendly just in a raw, things I have to someday discuss with my son way. I still plan on plenty of fun posts all about the Things we do thanks for reading and have a beautiful weekend.

I am so thankful for Eve or evolution or what ever you choose to believe about how a woman got to be the reproducer of other humans. Let me tell you why ... I will start with my low iron struggle... I have low iron and many many forms of iron make me super sick to my stomach. Low iron becomes a bigger problem when it is that time of the month... Ravaging my ability to function and causing me nose bleeds and some serious exhaustion problems. I can take some supplements and I eat iron rich foods so this helps a little. I am also thankful for the extremely disgusting nature of the entire time of my period... What a rocking way to spend 4 days... some women have it worse so it could be 6 or 7 so I am thankful for the 2-4 that it plagues me.

I am also thankful for the headache, back ache, cramps, leg pains and severe mood swings... I never let any of these things win though,
I don't take Midol, Tylenol or any other medicine to combat these terrors ...Instead I go into full on warrior mode and I let the pain remind me that there are things my body is capable of that have been a true blessing to me. Can you imagine a world where men not women carry and birth babies... Me either it is as natural as the sun rise for a woman to have the pain and suffering of PMS so that someday she may have a baby. I am thankful for my baby and for the 9 months of feeling like total crap it took to get him. Thank goodness it is only 9 months.

These are my thoughts from the last two days what are your thoughts on being a woman. Do you feel empowered knowing you can give birth, punished by it or have you never thought of all of the things that go along with being a woman.

I am thankful for my breasts as well, even though they are set forth to nurse a baby they make me look fabulous! I mean think about it women get to have a totally different shape than men all in part because we are women. So many species look exactly like the male with little differences but we women get to rock out our curves and we should be proud of that.
So again thanks Eve or evolution. The forces of being a woman are no easy task but the rewards are many.

Take notes and let yourself be forceful when it comes to the differences between a man and a woman. Remember a man will never feel what it is like to have PMS. A man will never feel a labor pain, get kicked in the rib cage by a baby that is too big for your womb, pee himself because the baby put its hand in your bladder or know what it is like to be postpartum. None the less we still need them and we always will, we are just truly better warriors than men.

Keep Swimming

2011-06-28T20:28:00.001-05:00

Tyler keeps swimming no matter what! Saturday I had a very proud mom moment when Tyler was asked to swim a relay with the next age group. He had fewer races than some of the other boys and is closer to 9 so it was no big deal. Apparently to him it was... They first asked him to do back stroke but that is his weaker stroke so he nervously told me he wished he could swim the freestyle. We found the coach and asked her and she gladly changed it, because in a medley relay they swim 4 strokes. We then got all the nerves shook off, he was afraid of doing bad and the bigger boys being mad at him. I of course said do your best!

Nervous Face

A little better

Mom says funny stuff ...Or Bribes him with awesome lunch plans

He wanted me to take a picture of his eyes in the goggles

Coach giving him a pep talk

In he went

Made a good turn

Kept Swimming

The event he had to swim was a 50 and he typically swims 25's so he was nervous but he went the whole way and never gave up. They did not win but no matter they tried.

Tyler than had about 10 minutes to rest before his 25 Freestyle event and got his first 8th place ribbon because he was still tired. He had a bit more time to rest before this lovely back stroke

And a lot of time to rest before the relay with his age group.

Way to go Tyler!

Take Me Out to the Ball Park

2011-06-23T20:00:00.006-05:00

My Fabulous boss gave me a 1/2 day off work and their season Tickets to take Tyler to a ball game. The Houston Astros of course is our home town team. We had a wonderful day and since there were four tickets we took along a friend of Tyler's and the fella. We had fun even though our guys did not win it was a good game. we too the boys to Chuy's (best fish tacos) for lunch and Cracker Barrel for dinner. We rushed back because we had a Basketball game the same night.... Long fun Perfect day!

BUG!

Bug on the court working hard