Deirdré and Kids

Date Night

2009-07-12T00:14:00.006-05:00

Alex and I started Date Night some years back to have special mom/son time. As long as he's willing to continue this I will always be game. We had a chance to go out just the two of us tonight.

We started the evening at Pole Position - which is indoor go-karts to the extreme. They went much faster than anything we'd done before - we had to wear helmets and everything.

I think we'd both agree we had more fun playing all the video games after our race than the carts. Anyway we tried it - doubt we'll go back though.

Then we moved on to Friday's for dinner - and more importantly CHEESECAKE.

Yeah - not much there huh?

It was a fun night - thanks Alex for being sweet...

Sarah Singing

2009-07-10T16:22:00.006-05:00

Ok - so I took Sarah to the doctor today for a sore throat. After being a good girl at the doctor - we went for the standard after-doctor ice cream! On the way to Braum's we were listening to my iPod - and Sarah was saying she can't help but sing even though she knows it sounds terrible. After being assured it didn't hurt - well I recorded it!

Yeah - I'm mom of the year laughing at it - but at least I took her to the doc first! :-)

4th of July and Updates

2009-07-05T01:02:00.019-05:00

For starters - a token picture of my adorable angels!

Ok - fine - I can take a hint! I've been terrible about updating my blog. But at this point I'm not sure where to start. Everyone who reads this knows about me dating Richard. That's old news.

So, it seems easier to start with now and go from there.

Last night, mom and dad joined Richard, Tony and me in Bricktown. The OKC Philharmonic had a free concert followed by fireworks.

Tony and Dad chatting before the concert.

True love.

Listening to the orchestra...

It was a great time!

Update

2009-04-10T23:09:00.002-05:00

It was nicely pointed out that I haven't updated since we got back from vacation. So, here's the update. Got through my pile waiting at work. Alex's boy scouts is going well - even though his first camp out got flooded out. Sarah cleaned the house like a crazy woman ... I truly think she is related to "fresh air mary" (momma) ... it was a bit scary but hey - the house is clean.

And other than that - normal daily stuffs.

So - there's the update!!

Last Florida Post ...

2009-03-20T09:35:00.004-05:00

Well, we're all packed up (mostly) and getting ready to check out. Fell asleep reading before I could post our activities last night. Here's the brief recap:

Manicure/Pedicures for me and Sarah while Alex played his DS.

To the Track for bumper boat rides and go-cart races.

To the beach/pool/beach for some sun and water.

To the condo to meet Uncle Al and Aunt Linda (Joe's) who live down here.

Walk on the beach with Sarah to watch sunset.

See some amazing sand castles.

Dinner at fancy-shmancy restaurant.

Spring Break '09 - Part 2 - Day 2

2009-03-19T07:35:00.010-05:00

Aren't my titles clever! Should have been Adventure Day!

Okay - started the morning with sunrise. Got kids and self moving for our day.

Started at the Gulfarium...

[FOR THE RECORD: Alex voluntarily jumped to go stand by the "Splash Zone".]

Personally - I think this is an awesome video!

Then we went onward to our real ADVENTURE of the day!

Yes - that's all three of us Parasailing! Sarah wanted to do it but wasn't big enough - so I agreed to go with her. While watching the group before us go, Alex decided he wasn't sure he wanted to go but didn't want to have any regrets. All three of us had a great time - no regrets! It was so much fun and amazingly beautiful. I've never been more happy to have tried something. I'm sure Sarah thinks I'll do the bungee jumping now too ... but I'm fairly certain that will remain a no way!

This photo I don't look like I'm having fun - but I really was - it was as we were coming down to land and I was worried a bit. We were told to "land on your feet". I was correctly worried my knees would laugh at that thought. Yeah, I landed and went immediately down to my rear. But was able to stand after that with no problems.

Back on the boat safe and sound ... and ready to do it again if they'd let us!

Sunrise

2009-03-18T07:46:00.003-05:00

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good...

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Spring Break '09 - Part 2 - Day 1

2009-03-17T21:16:00.004-05:00

Started the day amazingly enough with the sunrise. Everyone knows I don't do mornings - but now I think I'll try to get up every morning while I'm here. It was that amazing.

The beach was beautiful. In the morning, Alex and I just walked and had a really nice quiet morning. This afternoon, Sarah and Alex had fun trying to boogie-board. I say trying cause the waves were pretty quiet. The ocean was very cold - but fun. Everyone says it's sugar white beaches and clear beautiful water ... they aren't exaggerating!

We also have a heated pool at our condo. So, when we got too cold at the beach we went to warm up by the pool.

Tomorrow hold promise as our "activity" day as Alex calls it ... but I'm not saying what activities in case plans change.

Off to bed ... getting up for sunrise makes a person REALLY tired!!

Spring Break '09 - Part 1

2009-03-17T07:35:00.007-05:00

Well, we made it to Florida - which is actually Part 2. Part 1 included 2 days of driving and a fun-filled day with MamaSue and PapaFred.

The drive out was extremely uneventful/boring. Even the books we listened to on tape weren't all that impressive. The only real adventure came at the very end of the drive. Fred and Sue live in Henderson, TN - but out in the middle of nowhere. I'd been there oh 15 years ago when it was being built - but not since. We turned off the highway and began making our way around the curvy road towards their house. Keep in mind, the sun had set and there was this eerie blanket of fog making it even more fun. Two mammoth dogs jumped out in a yard I was passing and scared the [poo-poo] (edited for mom's sake) out of me. It gave the kids quite a laugh but that was it. We made it safe and sound which is the main thing.

Sunday we spent with Fred and Sue - went to their church, had some amazing bar-b-q for lunch, and hung out at the house all day. Sarah and I had our odd adventure to Wal-mart. It was a nice quiet day which we all realized we really needed.

Sarah and Alex in the Hites' Treehouse

PapaFred after walking around outside with the kids.

Monday we got up early to head to FL. We were greeted about 30 minutes out of Henderson with rain. Not a bad - I can't see a thing kind of rain. But a persistent - oh let's rain on them the entire way. Let's just say we were very tired of hearing dad's wiper blades. And ... we weren't overly impressed with our first view of Florida!

You can barely read the sign through the rain in the windshield:
Welcome to Florida "The Sunshine State"

The condo was relatively easy to find and we've been extremely pleased. More from Spring Break '09 in part two either tonight or tomorrow morning.

Sunrise 3-17-09 - A great start to St. Patrick's Day!

Look Out, Shannie!

2009-03-10T13:17:00.002-05:00

So, my niece Shannon is graduating this Spring and plans to move to Australia. I saw this article and just had to warn her - - and her loved ones who may visit her!

Kangaroo intruder terrorizes sleeping family

Mon Mar 9, 2:07 pm ETCANBERRA (Reuters) – An Australian couple thought they were being attacked by an intruder when a kangaroo crashed through their bedroom window and started jumping on them.

"My initial thought, when I was half awake, was it's a lunatic ninja coming through the window. It seems about as likely as a kangaroo breaking in," Beat Ettlin told local media Monday.

The three-meter (9 feet) kangaroo smashed through the window in Ettlin's Canberra home Sunday night.

While Ettlin and his wife and young daughter took refuge under the blankets, the injured kangaroo jumped on top of them, gouging holes in the furniture and smearing blood all over the walls, said the Australian Associated Press.

The next thing Ettlin heard was his 10-year-old son Leighton screaming from his bed: "There's a 'roo in my room!'"

Ettlin, a 42-year-old chef, wrestled the bleeding kangaroo, got it into a headlock and dragged it out the front door. The kangaroo disappeared into bushes.

I'm not making this up Shannie - look out for psycho roos!~

Puppy Update

2009-03-03T00:12:00.005-06:00

Thought I'd share some updates on Odie and Maggie ... well updated pictures anyway!

It's Official ... Alex is Boy Scout

2009-02-27T00:05:00.006-06:00

Alex taking his first oath as a boy scout....

And some fun photos ...

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

How did I miss this?!?

2009-02-24T22:15:00.007-06:00

I'm calmly leaving Wal-Mart last night after spending insane amounts of money on OJ, medicine and tissues for Sarah (who has bronchitis by the way). As I'm walking past the little book shop inside Wal-Mart, I notice that they have a sign talking about JD Robb. So like a moth to a flame, I must look into this!

Okay - I must be slipping because I didn't even know JD Robb has a new release coming out today! This series is definitely my absolute favorite. Well, mostly anyway. Almost every book that's been released I've bought and read within the week.The dilemna now is wondering if I should buy it and read it over the weekend - or save the fun and bring it on spring break with me to read on the beach.

Oh, didn't I mention - I'm taking the kids to the beach for Spring Break. We'll leave first weekend of spring break, head to the Hites' in TN. Then leave that Monday for Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. We're all pretty darn excited about it all.

So - the question is read the book this weekend or wait and read it here: http://www.suncoastvt.com/listings/view.asp?lstID=885
.... decisions decisions decisions!

Alex's Arrow of Light Ceremony

2009-02-21T20:17:00.004-06:00

Well, Alex is one step closer to being a real Boy Scout. Tonight was his Arrow of Light Ceremony.

Sarah's photo shoot

2009-02-20T01:19:00.005-06:00

The long-awaited post is here! Some of you may know that Sarah has been doing some modeling. She had her first real professional photo shoot a couple of weeks ago. Here are just some of my favorite pics. He took over 350 total!

Happy Birthday Sarah Lynn!

2009-02-04T01:00:00.004-06:00

Today is my baby girl's birthday. She is 15 - which is totally amazing to me. And although she is a teenager and therefore must test everything, she is the best kid. Everyday something happens to remind me how truly blessed I am to have this beautiful young woman in my life.

A few things many might not know about Sarah:

She has the ability to make me smile just by smiling at me - always has.
Late night trips to Wal-Mart is one of our favorite silly things to do.
Followed by the candle isle at Walgreens.
Seeing her with her brother doesn't just make me proud but is such a blast to watch.
She is a great friend - trustworthy and supportive.
When she eats bananas - for some odd reason - she goes bonkers! But it's fun!!
She is very very smart - not just book-smart but common-sense-smart too.
She's decided she likes Math but is wonderful in history and literature.
She can sing beautifully.
She can debate amazingly well.
She loves to dance.
And above all - she is the best daughter. I could never want her to be anything other than who she is.

So, anywho - I just wanted to take this time to share with whoever is reading - how smart, beautiful, talented and funny she is.

Happy birthday, Sunshine Angel Princess!

Saw this online and wanted to share ...

2009-02-01T20:24:00.002-06:00

DAYTON — Gabriel Hurles was so engrossed in the cupcakes his mom brought to class for his sixth birthday Wednesday that he didn’t notice the enormous wrapped box that came in shortly after.“That’s one big giant present,” his classmate Jacob, 6, alerted him. “See what you got, Gabriel.”
Gabriel peeled back the wrapping paper, then jumped back in surprise, letting out a yelp. “Hi daddy,” he said.Then he let the rest of the Sutro Elementary School kindergarten class in on the surprise: “It’s my dad.”

Spc. Casey Hurles, 23, stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, hadn’t seen his son since he left in June for his second tour in Iraq. For months, Hurles has been planning to surprise his little boy, who lives with his mother in Dayton. When he learned his leave would coincide with Gabriel’s birthday, a plan was hatched. Hurles left Iraq Tuesday, flew into Reno, then went to his parents’ home in Dayton. It wasn’t hard to stay hidden, he said, because he slept most of the day to make up for the jet lag.

Waiting in the box, though, he got butterflies. “I always get them when I see him,” Hurles said. When Gabriel pulled back the wrapping paper, the surprise was mutual. “He gets bigger every time I see him,” Hurles said. “It was just a rush of emotion.” Gabriel’s mom, Jackie Holocker, 25, felt a similar rush. “He’s my son. I feel anything he does,” she said. “I’m excited when he’s excited. I think it’s wonderful.”

After Hurles sat down and ate a cupcake with the birthday boy, teacher Dawn VanSickle presented him with a banner from the class that read, “Welcome Home. Thank you for your service.” She said she was happy to arrange the reunion in her classroom. “One of the first things (Gabriel) shared about himself was that his dad was in Iraq and that he was waiting for his dad to come home,” she said. “He talks about his dad all the time.”

Hurles, a mechanic in the 1st Cavalry Division, joined the Army four years ago. He completed one tour in Iraq and is seven months into his second tour. He expects to finish sometime between June and September. Although he talks to his son almost daily by phone, Hurles said he is especially happy to spend the next 17 days together. Gabriel said he looks forward to playing with his dad, but he understands why he has to leave. “He has to work,” Gabriel said. “He works in the war.”

Gabriel’s grandparents, Darrell and Karen Hurles, and uncle Joel Hurles were also there.The crowd, Karen said, may have intimidated the usually rambunctious boy. “Usually when he sees his dad he gets very excited and jumps up and down,” she said. “I think he was a little shocked with so many people.” But it’s a memory she thinks he will cherish. “His dad wanted him to have this memory because you never know what tomorrow might hold.”

Please say it's not really genetic!!

2009-01-28T18:29:00.003-06:00

Many people think I look a lot like my mother. Our bodies are definitely shaped mostly the same - although I do have bigger arms and feet (don't ask). And although I would love nothing more than to be as good of a mother, housekeeper and friend as my momma - I don't want her back!

Last night - after working on a project for a client from dawn to past midnight - I went to put Maggie in the crate and go to bed. She didn't like that idea - took off - played catch me if you can. When I caught her I bent over and lifted straight up. Hint: no legs were used in lifting.

You guessed it - I've been moving around like ... well no offense mom ... but yeah, my momma when her back is acting up. I've never been more glad to have my kids home from school if only because I couldn't reach my feet (even bending my legs) to get on socks or slippers.

I worked on the website again today (from dawn til now) and am going to take a long, hot, pound-on-my-back kind of shower. Maybe it'll help loosen it up some.

Mom, I love you more than words can say. I pray daily that I can be as good as you AND look as amazing as you do at age 70+ BUT really can you keep the back thing?

Why my daughter-in-law will thank me....

2009-01-27T20:31:00.005-06:00

So, after spending the day with Alex - I realized my daughter-in-law will thank me greatly. He's been raised (as Sarah likes to say by 2 females) - so he's learned all sorths of things that will be appreciated when he's an adult.

Things like:

He never leaves the toilet seat up.
He knows where his socks belong (in the laundry basket).
He likes to help in the kitchen cooking.
He knows how to do dishes.
He knows it's his job to take out the trash.
And, today, he learned how to do laundry, including how to sort laundry, start the washer, switch clothes into the dryer, even clean out the lint catcher (which he was thoroughly disgusted by). He's known how to fold laundry for a while.

Of course, being a single mom - he also has to help me around the house. He knows how to change light bulbs, use screw drivers, hammers, and plungers.

So, yeah - in about 20 years I'll be ready to let him get married (so I can move in with him and let him take care of me)!

Our Family is Growing!

2008-12-14T19:07:00.008-06:00

No ... silly people ... I'm not pregnant! However, we do have 2 new family members.

Alex is pictured with his new puppy, Maggie. She is about 6 months old. Was found on the side of the road with her family - all had been obviously mistreated and abused. All family members were saved by the folks at Free to Live. She is very shy and calm... which is obviously a huge bonus.

Sarah is pictured with her new puppy, Odie. He is only 8 weeks old. He and his litter mates were found outside the fence of Free to Live. Odie was the last of his litter not to be adopted. He couldn't come home with us today because they want him fixed before they will adopt him out. But he's been pre-adopted and we hope to bring him home before Christmas.

Now, you may wonder what our loving kitties think. Well, Bullet hasn't been seen since Maggie entered. Snickers has wandered through but hasn't gotten within 5 feet of her. Maggie seems interested but only wants to play. It's obvious that she has been around cats so it's nice not to have to worry about that.

That's all for now in our crazy life ... which I grant I just increased the insanity 2-fold.

Holiday Spirits

2008-12-13T22:43:00.002-06:00

Heard this on the radio the other day - then got it emailed to me. Hopefully it will help keep us in the holiday spirit as things get busier by the day.

Enjoy!

Pretty talented guys huh!

At bookstore and not buying books??

2008-12-10T21:26:00.002-06:00

Sarah wanted to go to Barnes and Noble to do homework. So, we're here. But I made it totally clear before leaving that I wasn't buying any books or anything while we're here. So, I'm sitting in a comfy chair playing computer games while Alex helps Sarah with her Math homework. (seriously).

I think I've recovered from my crazy weekend - and this week is relatively calm. Well, I've had or have meetings every day this week. And 3 websites looming that needs to commence. But since I don't actually have copy to use for one, approval for the other or information from client on the other, I'm kind of stuck in a holding pattern. I'm supposed to have off the week between Christmas and New Year's ... but odds are I'll be working on said website(s)since they are all due to be launched in January.

Oh well ... it's more for savings for new furniture for new house I'm hoping to get next year.

Off to work on Family Tree stuff for Sarah.

Last Post of the Night...

2008-12-08T22:52:00.002-06:00

And maybe last of the month and year! But hopefully not.

Quick update on life. It's been CRAZY!! The video in the post below really does sum up my life lately: client meetings, rfp's (bid proposals), new business, more client meetings, research (they forgot research), strategic plans, more client meetings, advertising, special events, web design and management, more client meetings, program workbooks, powerpoints, more client meetings, annual reports, book keeping, and you guessed it more client meetings.

Other than work, kids are doing great. As mentioned below, Sarah is continuing in debate. This weekend got her all fired up again. We had the opportunity to watch an advanced CX quarterfinal debate. One of the teams had a girl who was really impressive. Sarah sent me a text in the middle of her first speech saying I'm going to be as good as her. It was fun.

Alex has started basketball at the Y. He'd played a few years ago but asked to play again. So, we spend Mondays at basketball practice. His games are on Saturdays. We've only had 2 practices thus far but he seems to be doing really well. The idea of a zone defense is still a bit outside the realm of reality for most of the boys. Kill the man with the ball is much more fun. But they'll get there. I really like his coach and the fact that he's also a doctor helps me not worry about his asthma.

Other than that, Sarah is still doing modeling. We spend Tuesday nights getting her back and forth. She's almost done with classes and will start getting real jobs soon I hope.

Both are continuing to do great in school and I'm very proud of them both. Their grades are awesome and both are taking on the responsibility of getting their work done on their own - for the most part anyway. It's been very nice.

Okay - now that I've updated and no one can give me a hard time about not posting, I'm going to finish the website that I have to present at ... yeah you see it coming .. a client meeting tomorrow in Tulsa.

Take care all ....

These Kids ....

2008-12-08T22:48:00.004-06:00

... have it all figured out already! Warning: some language may offend, listen at your own risk.

The following is a great summary of the world in which I make my living! Enjoy...

Weekend in Austin

2008-12-08T22:37:00.004-06:00

Sarah had a debate tournament at UT this past weekend. Alex and I headed down early Friday afternoon. Long drive - but well worth it.

Debate is an interesting "sport" if you will. There is the intensity of the debate rounds interspersed between a lot of sitting around and waiting. The best photos taken were of the sitting around part.

Sarah did well all things considered but didn't make it into quarterfinals. So we were done early Saturday. And although I wish she'd continued on, it was nice getting back to the hotel and being able to relax.

Alex meanwhile, was in boy-heaven. As many may remember his best friend Patrick recently moved to Texas. Austin Texas to be exact. I dropped him off at Patrick's Friday evening before heading over to UT. He spent Friday night, all day and night Saturday with Patrick. We picked him up Sunday in time for all of us to go to lunch.

As you can see he had a good time - and happily learned that some things never change and friendships can be maintained regardless of the great suck-hole to the south!

And speaking of friendships, on our way home from Austin, we stopped in Keller and had dinner with Teresa, Pete, Alexandra and Sam. When we'd gone to Dallas over fall break, we weren't able to catch up with them. Although we failed to bring the camera in to capture that part, it was a great ending to a wonderful weekend.