Almost the New Year

Well before tomorrow I need to decided if I will post everyday for a year...this is something I have thought of doing. I love to blog, but don't always have the chance. There have been times I could not even get to a computer, so this may not even be possible to do. I guess I have a few more hours to mull it over.

I can't believe I am sitting here at 8:54 and my children are still asleep! I am about to hop in the shower and then get Davis to a basketball clinic by 10am. Then I will attempt to grocery shop and find some items on my gluten-free shopping list. This shall be fun. The fun part is looking forward to shedding some pounds. Perhaps when my broken foot is healed I can add some exercise to the plan!

Until the next time...

Abilene Christmas 2008

Here are just a few pics from Christmas in Abilene. Sophie was excited about the egg she gathered from the hens you see in the other picture. The kids always enjoy visiting Aunt Joy and getting to go to the McCoy ranch.

Today we are off to the Dr. to have my foot x-rayed again to see how it is healing. I am so ready to get this boot off! On our way home we will stop at the Asian market to get a few things in the gluten-free category since I have officially started the diet. Oh the joy's of health issues!

Disturbing....

My new laptop has a photo feature that my son loves to play with. Here are a few of his pics. Oh my!!!!

I've recently been diagnosed...

with Celiac Disease! I just got the call today. Over the last year I have had numerous stomach problems, and I will spare you the details. Last Sunday night/Monday I had yet another "episode" as I call them. I missed the 6th day of school this year. I was fed up! I called the Dr. and was seen Monday afternoon. After several tests including the panel that is sent to an out of state lab I finally got the call that I tested positive. I still have several more tests to go, from what I understand.

I'm a little sad, overwhelmed, and relieved. The gluten-free diet is going to be very difficult and expensive. The gluten-free diet is the only way to stop the symptoms and reverse the effects of Celiac Disease. I know I have so much to learn!I'm sure I will have more posts related to this topic.

Below is a brief description from one of the sites I have been reading:


Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.

Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.

My new laptop...

I am so thrilled to have a new Macbook for Christmas! One of the cool features is photobooth, this morning we played around a bit. Notice we have yet to get out of our sleeping attire :)

I've been tagged...for the first time

8 Things About Me...

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. The news(Channel 4)every morning...Hi Chellie!
2. ER
3. SVU
4. PBS
5. I love to go to movies too!
6. Any video that Sophie may be watching
7. TLC
8. Lifetime movies

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Olive Gareden
2. Zio's
3. In and Out Burger
4. Ted's
5. El Novillero (in California)
6. Tao' Cafe
7. Chick-Fil-A
8. Starbucks

8 Things That Happened Today

1. Slept in til 9:20 am
2. Made muffins
3. Cleaned kitchen
4. bathed Sophie
5. cleaned bedroom
6. made lunch for my family
7. went to Davis's basketball game
8. Came home w/ a sleepy girl and now I'm blogging and on the phone

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Being in heaven one day with my family
2. Being home again one day with my kids
3. Building a home someday
4. Having a garden this Spring
5. Family time
6. Watching my children opening their Christmas presents
7. Hugs from my hubby
8. Christmas Break

8 Things I Wish For
1. Good health
2. To be a stay at home mom...again
3. That my husband will keep his job in this crazy recession time
4. to be a Godly wife and mother
5. for continual growth of the CR program
6. for my children to follow Christ
7. to be out of debt
8. a trip to the beach

8 People I Tag
1. Christi
2. Chellie
3. Amy Walker
4. Tara
5. Daniele
6. Summer
7. Robin
8. Leslie

The kids

My two sharing a seat on the van bus that dad drove to the CR retreat back in October

One of the latest pics of Sophie and Davis

She loves to eat!

Sophie has a major sweet tooth that she comes by honestly. She was determined to get every last drop of ice cream out of this carton!She also likes to disregard the rule of no food in the living room.

Update on broken foot...

Well it's been about a week since I broke my foot. I am so thankful for the invention of this walking boot. I can get around pretty well and I'm even driving. The thing I hate most is sleeping in it! I wake up hot and uncomfortable through out the night, I've even ripped it off at 2am out of desperation for relief! Other than that all is well.Only 5 more weeks to go and I'll be good as new...I hope.

From the mouth of babes...

In the last few day's Sophie has had the funniest comments:

Dog barking in background, which always startles her, she ran and grabbed me and buried her head in to my arm and said, "I'm not scared,it's OK, I'm just smelling your shirt".


Today while I was propping my foot up, that was throbbing by the way, I was eating a small bowl of ice cream. Sophie informed me that she wanted a bite and proceeded to tell me that, "Jesus will be sad if you don't share".

I have never broken a bone in my life...until today!

Today I was attempting to leave my house when my dog got out. I was trying to get her to come across the street when I stepped on one of those porkie pine ball thingies that fall from the trees and I "rolled" my ankle. I fell to the ground, scraped my knee (without tearing my favorite pants)and managed to break the bone on the outside of my right foot. I heard it too! I knew I was doomed, especially when I was overcome w/ nausea, thank goodness that passed. Thankfully I was blessed to have Daijha over today so she was able to help me back to the car and got my phone for me. Sophie was already buckled in. David and Davis were shopping. So... I debated what to do and finally decided to drive myself to urgent care. By the time we arrived I couldn't even walk. Sure enough x-rays showed it is broken. I have a temp. cast now and will see a ortho Monday or Tuesday. My biggest disappointment and inconvenience is going to be not driving. So far the pain is tolerable...I will post more when I know more.

Straw Bale Homes

I'll Huff and I'll Puff and I won't Blow your house down...

Over the years (the last 10) I have researched various ways to live more simply. At times being obsessive about it. I have several books to prove it. The Internet has also been a valuable source. Having done all this I am sad to say we still have debt...that is not going anywhere. After many discussions we are considering selling our home and renting (an apartment most likely) for a year or two to free up some much needed cash flow. We are still not sure due to the economy and real estate market right now. It will all be in God's hands.

Following this financial decision our goal is to build a home. Our goal is also to do it with as little money as possible...that is what leads to the title of my post. We are very interested in straw bale homes. Yes, they are made of "hay bails", and then plastered/stuccoed over. They can be very simple to very extravagant...we of course will lean towards the simple ones. There are awesome books on this structure if you are at all interested in having a look for yourself, here is a link to get you started (strawbale.com) One of the things I like most is the energy efficiency of these homes. I would love to be able to cut our heat/air bill in half! There are other homes that we are considering as well, such as a metal building. The possibilities are endless I guess, when it comes to building. Doing it on a tight budget will be a long ride I'm sure! Please keep us in your prayers as we embark on yet another adventure!

I'm giving myself a bath...in the car

Today on the way home from school Sophie removed her shoes and socks. I really didn't pay attention and then noticed she was sucking on her blankie? Still didn't say anything. After we picked up Davis I asked her why she had removed her shoes and socks. She proceeded to tell me that she had been giving herself a bath...in the car, with her blankie as the "saliva filled washcloth". She said her feet were all clean, even between her toes. She later said she needed another bath tonight to finish cleaning the rest of her body.

I get such a kick out of...

the comments other bloggers post about the things their kids say, so I thought I would conform.

Last night after dinner while David and I were actually having a converstion...

Sophie: My sister won't stop hitting me.
Us: What? You're sister?
Sophie: yes, we are on a roller coaster and she keeps hitting me.
Me: What's he name?
Sophie: Johnnie
Me: Are you ok?
Sophie: It's OK she didn't hit me that hard.

Anything for attention I guess. Oh, her tone was so matter of fact??? Strange???

Halloween 2008

We had an eventful Halloween before Halloween this year. The kids actually did not do anything on Halloween night, except go to CR as usual :) But...on Sunday night, before Halloween they enjoyed Trunk or Treat at church and on Thursday night Sophie and I went to the dorms at OC and Davis got to go to Haunt the Zoo with his cool aunt and uncle who, by the way ,do not have children. That was so kind of them...I heard the line was looooong! Needless to say the results were too much candy as usual. Here are my kiddos and a few other kiddos...

Say No to Pepto!

I am going on day 5 of having a stomach virus! Just when I think it's over it comes back...I've been asked"what have you taken for it?", if you know me, medicine is a last resort. I typically like to let things run their course. Usually it's not this long! I have tried Tums and Pepto, only once...because to no avail they both came back up! I have gone about 12 hours without...well you know. I am praying that this bout is over.

As for my students at school, they probably think I skipped town. I do have to admit I did enjoy my Fall Break. I think I will actually be able to return to school on Monday. That is if Sophie doesn't get it...

Pumpkin Patch

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My little ones are growing up...

We have celebrated a few birthdays in the last month so I must post. This blog is also my form of a "memory book". I know it's sad.

Davis had his 2nd annual campout for his birthday. We stayed at the same site as last year at Laka Arcadia...on Texas/OU weekend. Go Colt McCoy! Our cousin...I've been told I can root for Colt but not Texas :)

Sophie's party was at the church in September on a very rainy day. We had a great time!




This is the only pic of Davis;I learned 10 year old boys would rather play than get there picture taken.

Home Sick...

It's been a little while since my last post. I've decided I'm going to make a New Year's resolution to post everyday for at least a full month in 2009. Perhaps the whole year, we'll see...

On Sunday Davis came down with a stomach bug in the wee hours of the morn...Needless to say I had it by Monday morning and in to this morning. I have been home from school for 6 days if you count Fall Break. We are feeling much better. The sad part is it reminds me how much I loved being a SAHM! Even if I was sick part of the time. I have truly become a homebody.

I have had some extra time to surf the internet reading sites I don't get to frequent as often as I'd like. I'm an information junkie I guess. I love educating myself about so many different kinds of things... So I guess I can say I'm not only home sick, but I'm also homesick.

Elephant Ears

I have always loved elephant ears! It first started at the California State Fair. We would always eat an elephant ear. It's the fried bread similar to the bread of an indian taco. They were served with honey...now I love the funnel cake. I haven't seen "elephant ears" sold at the Oklahoma State Fair, but I'm sure I could ask for an indian taco w/o the fixins.

So, as I've matured I've also grown to love elephant ears in the yard. I planted these in the Spring and they are massive...whoops. I thought they would be a little smaller. So hear is Sophie posing by them...soon after she tore one in half; it has yet to mend :(

Extreme Aquatic Team

We are so proud of our Davis and his new sport of swimming with the Extreme Aquatic Team. He has really wanted to try it for some time so we finally decided to give it a try.He's been at it about a month. He is enjoying it so far. Man, do they work hard! It is such a great work out. A full hour of swimming. He just advanced to the next group and can now practice everyday if he chooses, although I think we will be doing 3 for now.

So for now I am spending many hours at school, football games(cheer coach), and the swimming pool! I miss home :(

(for some reason I can not post an image)

Happy 3rd Birthday Little Sophie!!!

I wanted to have a natural childbirth this go around so my wonderful SIL read up on "doulaing" and assisted David through out the 20 hour process. We couldn't have done it without her. She and Sophie have a special bond to this day...Sophie absolutely adores her Aunt Moni.


Dad was a great support through the whole thing! Here I am wearing him out. I didn't get in the bed until the last hour in a half or so to actually push. Other than that I was up and down the halls, in the shower, on the birthing ball, you name it we tried it!

Here we are about 5 hours after Sophie was born. Her big brother was only 6 at the time...he was so proud, and still is.


Here is one of my favorite pics of Sophie as a baby! She was worth every hour of labor, I wouldn't change the experience for anything! Happy birthday Sophie, you are more than we could ever imagine!

I am learning about all the fun that comes with coaching a cheerleading squad. Most of the fun is good and a little of it is "drama". I'm sure it could be much worse. That is one reason I decided to stick with middle school cheer.

Here are a few things I have learned thus far...
1. It is possible for someone to not be able to jump off the floor...literally
2. Cheerleader's today are much different than cheerleader's of my day
3. There is such a thing as ghetto dancing
4. Not everyone has $300.00 to drop to pay for all the expenses
5. Most cheerleading squads cost double what it costs to be on our squad
6. My girl's appreciate the little things, (cheap shoes as long as they are new)
7. I am not willing to buy cheap shoes...we cheer for FB and BB
8. I am blessed to have a great assistant coach
9. It can get UGLY when the co-captain does not get captain...still working on this one
10. EMHS has some great girl's on their POM and Cheer, they did our camp this summer

I'm sure I will continue to learn much more...we haven't even had our first game yet! So far I am enjoying it, despite the critical remarks I get when I tell someone that I coach MS Cheer...maybe I haven't learned that lesson yet....

Murphy Beds...

Today I ended up behind a truck advertising custom made Murphy Beds. It has always been my dream to own a Murphy bed.I wanted to jot the # down. In case you are unfamiliar with this term it is a bed that folds up flush against the wall so you have more space in the room. I am also facinated with people who live in small spaces and the way they maximize their space. Now that we are settled in our new jobs I would like to research doing the same thing with our family. If you have ever been to the Ikea store there are many examples of how to do this. I was amazed at the creativness of how to live in a small area and have everything you need. The Murphy bed is a perfect fit for this kind of home. This would explain my excitement I had when we stayed at a resort at Grand Lake a few weeks ago; we had a Murphy bed!I'm not sure who was more excited the kids or me??? I ended up taking advantage of the king and let the kids have the Murphy!

My son would like to share a room with his sister!

Davis has been asking to share a room with Sophie for awhile now. He really doesn't like being upstairs by himself. Unfortunately her room is so small, even a temporary change wouldn't work unless he slept on the floor, which he would probably do! One night he put her to bed and fell asleep too, we didn't wake him...and they both slept the whole night like this. Mind you he is a pretty big boy for this little twin bed...it was too sweet!(I used a flash but it was actually very dark in this room, you can see Sophie covered her face in one pic from the light, Davis slept through the wholde thing)

Where does time go????

I have been so lax on posting these days! For those of you who actually read this, sorry.

I actually start school tomorrow! I'm looking forward to the new change...so glad I don't have to drive between schools anymore. Sophie will be with me too, Crooked Oak has a 3 year old program, what a blessing!

This past month we attended the Global Missions Seminar in Dallas, went camping, and went to Grand Lake, although we didn't actually got to the lake...just hung out at the pool at our resort. David did indulge in a game of golf w/ his bro at Shangri-La. We had a great time!




Davis, Austin,and Jackson at White Water Bay!!!

An Apache 4th of July...

I had no idea my 4th of July would include total immersion in the Apche way of life for a day! We started our day by attending the parade, then on to the feasting grounds, followed by ceremonial dances, and finished off with the rodeo! A long day in the mountains of New Mexico. It was so much fun! Here are a few pics.

Land of Enchantment

It is not unusual to see a sunset like this on a cool New Mexico night. I know because I lived there.

We are leaving this morning for Ruidoso, New Mexico to go see my brother and sister in-law, mom, and their 3 k-9 kids. I takes about 10 hours to get there. Not the best drive. It's pretty ugly and flat until the last 60 miles or so.

We always love going to Ruidoso. My brother said there is a black bear that keeps going down to the house along with many deer. He sometimes sees them in the morning while sitting on his porch. We hope to see them. I'll try to get pics of course. In addition, Ruidoso is beautiful! It's nestled in the mountains. It will be at the most a high of 80 and a low of 40 at night. Can't wait.

We are taking Lily with us too. She is so excited. She can't wait to see more of the US. What better time than the 4th of July.

I will post more later!
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