Another Weekend Update.

Wow, just when I thought my life could not be any more mundane........ hee hee!
Saturday was filled with the soccer jamboree and me debating whether I should have Michael try out for the traveling team. Sunday involved a fun filled morning at church (heavy sarcasm,nothing personal), having a Mexican lunch at El Tapitio, followed by a movie screening with 8 people for G.I. Joe with the Nelson clan and Michaeal/Mom (meaning me). I LOVE the Nelson's. Anywho, here is a picture of my two favorite dudes with Awesome Eagle from TTU. Go Tech!!!!
Just FYI....the Eagle mascot is truly awesome. Last week was the kick off of Cougar Run (yes, it is back again) and your truly is on the board.... I had to sit/stand through 5 pep rallies (one for each grade ) featuring the Tech cheerleaders and Awesome Eagle taking pictures with every grade at Michael's school. It is bittersweet......last year at Capshaw! Go Cougars! We raised over 50,000 gross last year, hopefully this year will prove just as fruitful. TTU PRIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday Fill Ins

Well this glorious day of the week has finally arrived. Thank the good Lord above I only have one patient to see today. I don't have any big plans for the weekend, I am just ready for it to get started. Have a great weekend everyone.

1. He was a force to be reckoned with.

2. Summer and vacation is what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is a confidant to a level one could not possible measure.

4. I am very selfish with my time and like to be alone alot to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be VERY DECEIVING.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was my son.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to maybe going to the pool and cooking something on the grill, tomorrow my plans include I honestly have no idea, and Sunday, I want to go to Sunday School with the kids and chill on the patio.

Sorry, I Am Bragging!

First thing.....I seriously try not to brag on my kids too much. I understand that most parents believe their child is the smartest, cutest and funniest in the Universe.
Second thing.....Most of my friends know how I feel about standardized tests. a.k.a TCAPs. (I think it is a means to begin pigeon-holing kids based on academia or how well they take tests) For those of you who are not proud parents of a 3rd grader or older this is an Angela crash course in the aforementioned. TCAPs are a state-wide standardized test administered to 3rd through, I dont know, guessing 12th graders. The lovely government uses the scores to decide who is being "left behind" on how much money said school will receive based on scores. It is my understanding the higher the score...more money and the opposite is also true (not sure how factual that is so if I am wrong, sorry) It doesn't make sense to me either way. All schools should receive equal funding based on the KIDS! HELLO, McFLY.
I must admit I was worried about Michael's scores since he can be so easily distracted....well.... worry no more. Here is a brief synopsis of his scores. There are 26 subcategories in 4 different subjects. Scores are rated as Advanced, Proficient and Below Proficient. Michael scored Advanced in 24 out of 26 subcategories. (The other two were Proficient).....AND....in eight subcategories he didn't miss any questions (score of 100) and made in the 90's in 10 other subcategories. I have never been so pleasantly surprised.
Well, I shall step off of my pedestal now. I will try not to let this happen too often.

Happy Birthday To Marshall

As hard as it is to believe.....my little guy is three years old. The main theme was Handy Manny but the cake was Thomas the Tank Engine. What can I say, my son has varying interests. Anywho, the moonwalk (bouncy thing as I so lovingly call it) was a success and the kids chowed on the usual birthday fare...hamburgers, hotdogs, and chips with a grand finale of cake and Neapolitan ice cream. I have posted a few pictures but, as usual, the majority of them will appear on Facebook that is as soon as they work out a glitch in their photo upload service. Annoying at best. Enjoy.

A Tribute To Cake

Not the cake you eat silly.....see your mouth was watering already. The group Cake.....

How do you afford your rock 'n roll lifestyle!?!?!

I Do Not Have OCD....Well Maybe A Little

Well, this is it. Marshall officially graced the Earth with his presence at 5:31 p.m. on this day. I wonder exactly what was going on at this very moment 3 years ago? I think I was showering or getting ready. Yes, I completely primped and coiffured before I went to the hospital. I was determined my after the birthing process pictures were going to be good this time....not the horrific, look at this before you think of having kids picture from my first child!
So, today is the big day. Marshall is turning 3 and has officially left his mark or shall I say......a torrent of aftermath and destruction (does that make sense?) As with all birthdays, in my household anyway, a party must ensue. The more peeps the better and everyone better come hungry.
Ok, so let me address the title of this blog. Usually I stress so much about every little part of the house. Just think of the minutia which follows that. I am so tired by the time the guests arrive that I wish they would all leave! Not really but kind of. Last night I looked at Mike and said "I am not going to make sure everything is perfect for this party." Then he said "I am surprised you don't have a paintbrush in your hand yet." How rude, I thought......but true. Yes, I have been known to walk around the house with a gallon of paint and a brush and touch up every iota of trim in the house before a party. I just could not stand all the marks and prints.....I offer no apology! I guess sometimes the truth hurts.
I am proud of myself. I have yet to go all crazy and look......it is already 8 a.m. and the party is at 3:30. OK, OK I will admit a few things. I wiped the outside of all the cabinets down (I saw one little drip of something and it was downhill from there). Next, I was sitting at the kitchen table and glanced across the kitchen into the dining room. OMG, those windows are filthy. "Mike, look how nasty the windows in the dining room and office are" (at this point I had made my way to the front of the house to get a better look at all the windows) He rolled his eyes....imagine that. Guess what, they are all clean now and the pleats on the drapes in the the dining room are perfect too.....and....there are no fingerprints on any of the appliances.....and.....my quartz countertops have been scrubbed with a Scotch Brite pad....and....my patio has nary a leaf or debris of any kind. Finally, I have quarentined myself to the kitchen table to write this blog. I felt if I interrupted the madness, I could squelch it. It is working so far. Well, I still have to make up the beds but that is only how it should be when having guest, right? Afterall, it is just a house.

Friday Fill Ins

1. I remember, I remember ....wait, what was the question?

2. Dear God I want you to know I am really not crazy.

3. Is that my hair!!???

4. I'm trying to resist the temptation of many things.

5. I'm saving a small piece of my heart just for you!

6. If I made a birthday list a winning lottery ticket would definitely be on it!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to eating some good ol' fried fish, tomorrow my plans include Marshall's birthday extravaganza and Sunday, I want to help with Michael's Sunday School class and enjoy the outdoors.

Angology...Pronounced (Anjolojy) Long Sound On The Second 'o'

I love the "about me " quizzes. I truly feel it is not the narcissistic side of me. I think of it as more of a self discovery. I would also like to add how much I enjoy reading this type of information about my friends. Once again, I have about 15 people a day reading my blog but only a few/several peeps that leave a response. Don't forget, you can always leave an anonymous response. Don't just read and run.....that is rude. So, here is quiz a found off of Facebook. Please feel free to copy, paste and fill in but let me know you did it. I want to read it!!!!!!!!!!! Off we go.......................

FOODOLOGY

1. What is your salad dressing of choice?
I have to choose two...sorry. In restaurants, some sort of vinaigrette, i.e. rasberry, balsamic, portabello. At home, Lighthouse brand (I think)Blue Cheese from Sams Club it is like Meth. For those of you who say gross to this type of dressing....you have tried the wrong brand.

2. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
It would have to be a toss up between Crawdaddy's or Maddux Station.Menu variety would be the deciding factor.

3. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? Mexican

4. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Green olives, pepperoni, bell pepper and onion

5. What do you like to put on your toast?
Mix on the plate butter and honey with a fork

TECHNOLOGY

1. How many televisions are in your house?
Six

2. The color of your cell phone?
Lime green and grey...same as my tennis shoes and the accent colors of my downstairs living room.

3. How long would it take you to look up who invented the Rubber Band?
Less than 15 seconds thanks to Google and being able to type 70 wpm. William H. Spencer invented rubber bands. On March 7, 1923,

4. Have any idea how many Megahertz your computer has?
Enough....size does not matter it is how well it performs....ha ha... just being silly.

BIOLOGY

1. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

2. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
My children (does that count) Still have my appendix and all my teeth!!

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
I am sure it was a patient but I perform heavy lifting so much that I barely keep up with it anymore.

4. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
Never but I am sure some people have wanted to put me in that state of conciousness!!! Remember, researches have found links between Alzeihmer's and the number of times one has been rendered unconsious from a blow to the head.

CRAZYOLOGY

1. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
NO. That would just give me something else to worry about

2. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
My Mom always wanted to name a girl Robin when she was little. That was until she married a man with the last name of Hood. Needless to say she named me Angela instead. I always liked Rachel.

3. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
No, no and no. I am not afraid of hot but would rather not.

DUMBOLOGY

1. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
Seven, do you have a problem with that?

2. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
I was 8 months pregnant with Marshall and he claimed my husband's passing gear shifted in when he was clocked at 85. I graciously pointed out the 4-Runner Mike drove at the time was a manual 5 speed......he let us go! I likie a lot!

3. Last person you talked to?
Amy Lowery (mother of Marshall's girlfriend) at Callie's 3rd birthday party.

4. Last person you hugged?
My mom...only because Mike has been out of town for a week.

FAVORITOLOGY

1. Season?
This is a tough one....I believe we have a tie. I love fall for the leaves falling, blue jean wearing, smell of bonfires. I love spring for the crisp sunny air, donning the shorts and all the early blooming flowers and shrubs.

2. Holiday?
I love most holidays for different reasons. This is due to having a fairly good time regardless of where I am. Any summer holiday is good for obvious reasons. Thanksgiving is great because of the awesome food and fellowship, Halloween rocks because it closely rivals the quantity of decorations I have for Christmas and we have a great party for Michael and his friends every year. Christmas rules...first of all for the obvious reason (birthday for the slow ones) and secondly for the tree, Santa, presents and the 1000 lights I wrap on our real tree every year not to mention the remaining 1000 or so lights on ancillary wreaths and other Christmas trees in the house.

2. Your mood right now?
Tired, placated, and comfortable

3. What are you listening to?
TV

4. Watching?
Embarrassed to say.....Fast and the Furious....I love speed and actors aren't too bad either!

RANDOMOLOGY

1. First place you went this morning?
Sunday School

2. What's the last movie you saw?
On tv.......Steel Magnolias

3. Do you smile often?
Wow, that is a really dumb question! Try constantly.Unless you expel gas, that is never funny!!!

OTHER-OLOGY

1. Do you always answer your phone?
No, no and no again. If I do not recognize the number.....sorry.

2. It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
All my friends are over 3o and are in bed by that time. It would be an emergency of some sort.

3. If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I would not change them. I love my blue eyes.....even more after I cry because they are this cool ice blue color.

4. Do you own a digital camera?
No, but my son received one for Christmas from Santa...I borrow it a lot!! I have been toying with buying a Canon digital so all my lenses will work but unwilling to let go of that kind of money.

5. Have you ever had a pet fish?
Many which had a toilet funeral. BUT, Michael has had the same three for over five months.

6. Favorite Christmas song(s):
Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire (probably not the name but you get it)

7. What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Things most people could not afford....funny.....neither can I!

8. Do you do push ups?
Hell yes....thanks to P90X...I am a machine!

9. Can you do a chin up?
I can do one thanks to P90x. No thanks, I will just stick to Lat pull downs...same same for girls. We don't need to be able to do that anyway!

10. Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Both......for different reasons

11. Do you have any saved texts?
No

12. Ever been in a car wreck?
Let me count the ways!!! Numerous

13. Do you have an accent?
Yes, according to some...No, according to others.

14. What is the last song to make you cry? Seeing as most good songs evoke some sort of visceral response in me....I cannot answer that.

15. What are your plans for tonight? Enjoy my last night at home with reign of the house.

16. Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? A resounding YES

17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Mascara, dental floss, book light

18. Have you ever been given roses? Yes, many moons ago by my husband. I am not a typical female romantic so roses all the time would pique my curiosity.

19. Current worry? Socialist frame of mind that is being crammed down our throat and the health of my children.

20. Current hate right now? Hate is such strong word. I really don't hate anything. Ok Ok....I hate my alarm clock.

21. Have you ever met someone who changed your life? Numerous professors in college and my kids.

22. How will you bring in the New Year? I have no earthly idea

23. What song represents you? Wow, with the thousands of songs on my iPod...who knows.

24. Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? The flapper days prior to the depression in 1929.

26. Have you ever dated someone longer than a year? A few times.

27. Do you have any tattoos/piercings? One in each ear and I would like to keep it that way

28. Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now? as far as I know

29. Does anyone love you? Lots of folks

30. Ever had someone sing to you? No idea but I have for others...mostly my children who love the way I sing and request encores....God love 'em

31. When did you last cry? Now that I think of it...I have not cried for a long time...I guess December/January

32. Do you like to cuddle? Yes, but on my terms

33. Have you held hands with anyone today? Both of my boys while walking through a parking lot.

34. What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school? I only remember Michael Jackson but I am sure there were more. Too old to remember.

35. Are most of the friends in your life new or old? Definitely new.

36. Do you like pulpy orange juice? No pulp all the time.....too much going on.

37. Do you believe angels walk among us? Without a shadow of a doubt

Finally, Friday

Well boys and girls it is finally Friday. Three days of school under the belt for Michael and doing remarkably well I might add. Blogging has been slow...sorry...I actually had to earn my money this week. I really wish I could find someone to pay me for sitting around or basically do whatever I want. I won't hold my breath...

1. When will this wretched heat and humidity go away?

2. Look Me In The Eys was the last good book I read or movie I saw or tv show I watched. (I have actually read many after that but it did read 'good book'.

3. Everything has its beauty but beware of it's opposite.

4. Appetizers from Chili's is what I had for dinner.

5. I'd like your confidence if you have any to spare.

6. Anywhere there is sand, sun, ocean and a fruity adult beverage is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a weinee roast with mom and the boys, tomorrow my plans include going to the Putnam County Fair and Sunday, I want to go to a pool birthday party for Marshall's girlfriend.

Sunday Morning Rain Is Falling...It Is Bullet Time

• Not really, no rain, however, the weather guys are calling for it over the next 4 days. Bring it, I say. I have grown accustomed to my $50 water bill this year as opposed to my $175 water bill (per month) last year. The irrigation system had to run every other day in order to keep the grass a color close to green during the drought.
  
• The first day of school is tomorrow. I am having a hard time believing Michael is officially in 4th grade as of Monday. I still think it is strange that they have registration tomorrow...then an off day, THEN the first day of school.Weird
• Mike has requested a kitchen pass and wants to go on a 6 day fishing trip to his homeland (Minnesota). Since he has been a patient Mr. Mom during the entire summer...I granted him his kitchen pass and will send him on his merry way Tuesday. By Thursday, I will be ready to chew nails I am sure.
• I already have an exiting week planned for the boys...fraught with fast food restaurants. One night at CiCi's and one night at KFC for the good fried stuff with the usual accoutrements. Mike is not a big fan of fried, non healthy places therefore we shall visit them when he is away.
• My Mom is an Angel and has graciously decided to take Marshall for a few days. GOD love her. She feels this is only fair since Michael spent an entire week with his GiGi and Marshall deserves the same. This was actually my Dad's idea which is pretty cool.
• Well, I guess that is all. Off to a full week of work and helping others.
  

Friday Fill Ins

Well, I am actually having to work a full (almost full) five days this week. Oh, well it could be worse. I finally got all the pictures from our trip uploaded onto Facebook so if you get a chance, take a peek.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.

1. Swimming and grilling are my favorite summertime doings.

2. My favorite John Hughes movis is Breakfast Club, like you have to ask.

3. My yard is something I love to touch.

4. The full moon is entrancing in all of it's glory.

5. I should be on my way to work right now.

6. When daylight fades the mosquitoes come out!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting a highlight and a spray tan, tomorrow my plans include going to the waterpark and having a supreme time, and Sunday, I want to take the kids to Sunday School and then to a birthday party.

Marshall's Prayer

With my Mother's urging.....I am trying to be the facilitator of prayer during supper. This is Marshall's prayer:
Thank you for our food
Thank you for our forks
Thank you for our milk
Thank you for our green beans (on his plate)
Thank you for our tomatoes (on his plate)
Thank you for Michael's camera (happens to be sitting on the table)
Amen

Mini Holiday

Well, my three day mini-holiday came and went at the speed of light (299, 792, 458 m/s) which is measured in meters per second for those of you who did not know what m/s stood for. We had a great time and did a lot of walking. It was good exercise and often put Marshall to sleep...whoo hoo!
We rode the Incline Railway on Friday which is the steepest of its type in the world. Going up, you ride backward and I must admit feeling a little squeamish and having to turn around and face the direction we were going. Going up and coming down I could not get this horrible image out of my mind....What would happen if the cable broke? I know that is a horrible thought but I promise you I am not the only one who has ever had it pop in their heads.
Saturday we went to the Children's Discovery Museum. Michael is just about too old for it so I think this will be the last year he will be interested. Marshall, on the other hand, had a great time. The 2nd floor of the museum changes it's theme every few months and the theme this time was Curious George. We thought that was apropos considering Marshall is a monkey that always gets into trouble! Sound familiar. Now, if I could only get Mike to wear a yellow, 10 gallon cowboy hat!
Sunday we went to the Aquarium which is a lot nicer if you have a two year old in a stroller not free lancing it all through the place. Once again, the kids were only partially interested. How could a bunch of cool fish, penguins, crabs, jellyfish, etc. etc... not be cool for a kid? Kids today are so hard to please. I remember being happy with 5 TV channels and playing Space Invaders on my Atari! Amazing what a few/several decades will do! Here are a few pics from the trip. The remainder will be put on Facebook since it is easier to look through them (and bigger pictures).