Traveling...AKA Day 115 of 365

Driving to Valera today to take Em to her dad for Spring Break and having Kyle and Miranda follow me back to Whitney.  They will be staying until Wednesday morning.  Michael, Sandra and Mom will be here tomorrow and are staying until Thursday.  Love that everyone is coming.  They will have to pardon our messy house for now.  Hoping to get it all put together soon.

Modem, too?....AKA Day 114 of 365

When it rains it pours.  Now the new modem doesn't seem to be working.  Tech coming out tomorrow.

Having what I think is a serious purer issue, but is probably something super simple. Will try again tomorrow to fix it.

Hate falling asleep on the couch. It messes with my whole sleep pattern.

Kitchen is coming together.

Day 111 of 365 Today was all about cleaning the brat packs abode. Took 4 hours but it sparkled when we left. I felt a little sad saying goodbye to our home :(

moved in!...AKA Day 110 of 365

OUCHIE, we all hurt!....AKA Day 109 of 365

OMg, what a very long day.  Woke at 5 to get ready to head to Whitney.  Made it out the door at 6:30 and to Whitney by 7:30.  By the time we stopped by both nursing homes and then dropped Jim off at work, we walked in the door at the school around 8.  Spent an hour enrolling her and then she decided to start school on Monday.  We stopped back by the clinic, then headed out to the house.  Emily and I were like unpacking machines.  We were able to unpack all of the pantry items, all of the stockpile, all of my clothes into the closet, all the bakeware, china, glasses, plates, tupperware etc.  We also unpacked all the games and medicine box.  We felt very accomplished when we left there.  We had lunch with Jim mid day, then around 3 we left for Hillsboro to go the bank and then to pick up some new clothes for Em's more relaxed dress code.  She was thrilled!  Back to Whitney to pick up Jim.  On to Waco to pick up the UHAUL, then back to Marlin where we started in packing again.  Just about the time we were all reaching major meltdown mode, Kyle showed up and changed the mood of the house!  Love that kid!  Now we are all about to topple over.  Think we are going to hit the hay, then start dark and early tomorrow morning.  Tomorrow is moving day!  Will be updating from my phone for a few days while we unpack and wait on the internet connection to be established.  Be well all!

Back spaz spaz spasms...AKA Day 108 of 365

Started out the morning okay.  Got up and started getting busy.  Em made her way to school and Jim was out the door.  Then I remembered that I didn't send lunch or lunch money with her.  This put a big pause in my morning.  I went and picked up lunch for her from Subway and went to Walmart to purchase *sigh* more bins for packing.  I came home and made it through lunch, a few boxes, phone calls, bill paying, cityville and straightening then I had to go withdraw her from school.  She handled it very well and didn't seem sad at all.  This made me feel better.  After being totally mortified by a comment involving someone planting their lips on a big white butt and having turned as red as a lobster, we finally made it out of the school.  We stopped by Sonic for drinks and tried the new sweet potato tots (YUMMO, just make sure you add salt as they don't salt them!).  We headed home where we started in on our packing again.  I managed to go through my entire closet and thin it down by a third.  Now what I didn't mention is that about midway through this day, I started having massive back spasms.  They are still happening.  Gotta love when you get stressed :(

Tomorrow takes us to Whitney, enrolling her in school, unpacking as many of the boxes that Jim has already taken there, picking them both back up, heading to Waco to pick up the UHAUL, coming back to Marlin, Kyle arriving, frantic packing finishing and a wee bit of sleep before rising on Saturday morning to load it all into the truck and head to Whitney. 

Sunday will bring us driving back to Marlin to clean the house, then Monday the carpet cleaners arrive.  Shutting off the utilities on Tuesday and we will officially be finished with our time in Marlin.  I will miss this town more than I thought I would.  I have grown accustomed to our home here, our neighbors, the town itself.  I will miss all these things, but I am very much looking forward to our new adventure!

God breezes...AKA Day 107 of 365

Okay, just had one of those moments of clarity.  For the past couple of days I have been feeling incredibly overwhelmed with packing and preparing to move. I have been doing the things that needed to be done, but not at all with a joyful heart or in the quantities that needed to be done.  I had been feeling more irritated about trying to get it all done.  Then a moment ago, in a moment of true clarity, I heard the message come across loud and clear.  Instead of being irritated with moving, I am grateful that our new home is ready for us to move into now.  We are blessed to have a new home in a quiet neighborhood in which to start the next chapter in our lives.  Instead of being angry at myself for all of the stuff we have accumulated since we moved to Marlin and are now having to pack, I am feeling blessed that we have the means to pick up the things we need, when we need them. I am thankful that we are able to pass on some of the things to a needy family to bless them.   I am thankful that we will all be together in Whitney where my honey can now get an extra hour of sleep in the morning instead having to get up early and make the hour long drive to Whitney for work.  I am thankful that my beautiful daughter is so excited at the possibility of making new friends in her new school.  I am thankful that we will be surrounded with a new view in which to gather inspiration to foster the creativity that I know resides within each of us.  I am thankful that we will be pushed to get things unpacked quickly so that the next weekend we can welcome family for a visit with open arms since we haven't seen them in almost a year.  I am thankful that we will get to spend a few days with Kyle over Spring Break as well.  I am thankful that Emily is excited at the thought of getting to spend some time in Odessa with the other side of her family over Spring Break. I am looking forward to exploring our new town.  I am realizing that I was in need of an attitude adjustment and am thankful that God saw fit just a bit ago to knock me upside the head and remind me of all the things we have been blessed with in our lives.  Thanks :)

Overwhelmed...AKA Day 106 of 365

I got some done today, but not as much as I hoped.  I forgot how overwhelming moving can feel.  I just keep telling myself that this time next week we will be settling in good at our new home.  One way or the other, it's happening this weekend.  Just trying to remember to breathe deeply and pack just one box at a time.  That's all I can do.  It's still an exciting adventure, just ready to get to the new part and zoom past the packing part.

I can do anything for 15 minutes!...AKA Day 105 of 365

I got much more accomplished than I thought I would today.  I packed up a bunch of dishes, small appliances, my china and one box of of my "stockpile" stuff.  I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but to anyone who knows me, they realize that is a bunch.  Kitcheny stuff is kinda my thing.  Tomorrow will be the rest of my stockpile, all of my bakeware and the remainder of the plates and glasses (hello paper plates and red solo cups!). I will also tackle my closet which I intended to do quite some time ago.  Will bag up some things for goodwill and then prepare everything else for the move.  I am determined to get this done!

Packing and sorting and moving OH MY!....AKA Day 104 of 365

Am really hoping today was more productive than it felt.  I was able to go through a bunch of paperwork and sort out what needs to stay and what could go.  I also made 2 dozen pear muffins and 2 loaves of pear bread from the pears we picked up from Bountiful Baskets two weeks ago.  Got a bunch of laundry finished as well.  Thankfully I already prepped tomorrow's supper so I have good intentions of getting up and dressed to the shoes ASAP tomorrow so I can work my tail end off getting stuff done.  Here's to good intentions!

Can barely gold my eyes open. Goodnight.

Coughing. Tired. Sleep.

Oh yeah, it's on!...AKA Day 101 of 365

Looks like it is finally all coming together.  We take possession of the house on March 1st but won't actually move in until the 3rd.  Spent today working on the utilities and logistics of things. Jim will start taking boxes from Marlin to Whitney tomorrow as the owners said we could start storing the boxes there.  May as well make the most of the drive.  Hoping for as smooth a transition as possible.  I am really looking forward to this new chapter.  A change of scenery is always inspiring and I could use some inspiration again :)

cough cough...AKA Day 100 of 365

I am so very tired of this cough.  I miss sleeping in my bed.  I miss being wrapped up in my honey's arms.  I miss laying flat without suddenly feeling like I am going to cough up a lung.  Other than my throat I feel fine.  I made the most amazing muffins today and cooked a yummy supper.  Now I am just flat out exhausted.  Going to try and go to bed in our bed tonight.  Not sure if that will last or not.  If it doesn't, guess I will end up back on the couch.

The wheels on the car go round and round...AKA Day 99 of 365

Ugh, just spent $625 on new tires.  It has to be done, but I hate when it is that time.  I did get a good discount though.  Brought the men doughnuts for breakfast.  I know how to grease the wheel, so to speak LOL.  Next stop will be the dealership for an oil change and possible brake service.  Then HEB for a King Cake as it's Fat Tuesday!  Hoping to have time to get my nails done and pick up a few things before I drive back to Whitney to pick up my baby, then home to Marlin.  If I haven't mentioned it, I feel like I live in our car lately.  Gotta love the fact that I really like our car.  Will post more later...maybe.

CityVille is the work of Satan...AKA Day 98 of 365

Slept very little last night after playing CityVille through my exhausted time and right into my I'm wide awake again time.  Took a short nap.  Must sleep.

Wonderful Weekend...AKA Day 97 of 365

Have had a relaxing, yet productive weekend with the love of my life.  This afternoon we will go pick up our angel girl in Valera.  Miss her so much when she is gone :)

Waco, Whitney WOO HOO...AKA Day 96 of 365

Spent a great day with my honey.  Got my hair done and had a nice visit with Kendall.  Congrats to her on her engagement!  We ran a few errands, had lunch at Collin Street Bakery, then ran to Whitney to take some measurements of the house.  Turns out it is about the same size room wise as what we have now, just no garage :(  Will have to be efficient about what we keep as there will be no storing boxes in the garage for years LOL.

Long Drive...AKA Day 95 of 365

Today was spent in the car.  Most of the day anyway.  9 hours is plenty.  Now for a healing weekend :)

Good Surveys....AKA Day 94 of 365

Tag! You're It! My totally awesome friend, Laurel of Four Princesses. tagged me in this fun post so I accepted the challenge. You were most likely tagged in my post if you are reading it, so get busy! This round is the tag of 11's.

The deal is that I have to
1. Post the rules
2. Share 11 random things about myself
3. Answer the 11 questions from the post in which I was tagged
 4. Create 11 new questions for my tagees to answer
5. Tag 11 people-legitly

Eleven Random Things About Liz:
1. I have lived in 5 different states, 8 different cities, 21 different houses/apartments
 2. I can write my name with my toes.
3. I love to cook.
4. I had an imaginary playmate named Junior when I was a child and sometimes Junior was a boy, sometimes a girl.
5. My first car was a brown Audi 5000
6. I have premonitions.
7. My favorite alcoholic beverage is rum (preferably coconut flavored)
 8. I am 3 months into 365 days of posting on my blog/journal.
9. Growing up I thought I would be a child psychologist, then along the way realized I would be too emotional for that.
10. My favorite ice cream flavor is Blueberry Cheesecake from a mom and pop shop in Connecticut called Pokey's.
11. I love to laugh and do so as often as possible.

My 11 questions to answer:
1. What is one of your earliest memories? I remember my granny telling me should wouldn't help with my swimsuit because she didn't "deal with girls".
2. What is a hidden talent that you have? Thanks to my father, I know one or two lines from MANY THOUSANDS of songs.
3. If you had to choose only 1 food to eat for a week....ONLY ONE....what would it be? Any cooking and "free" stuff (seasonings) is OK. It can't be a type of food, or a mixed dish.... but one food.... like chicken. Pasta
4. If you could change your ethnicity, what would you choose to become? I would be Italian (as in live in Italy Italian)
5. Money and time being no object, what career do you wish you had? Attorney
6. You have to move. But, you are given your choice of location. The thing is, you have to stay there for the rest of your life. Where are you moving? Italy
7. You get a "walk on" for a TV show. What show? What do you do? I would love to be on NCIS. I would be a murderer and Gibbs would have to catch me ;)
8. What is your guilty indulgence? Chocolate of just about any variety.
9. In what subject, in school, were you just HORRIBLE? Geometry! I rocked at Algebra, but Geometry and I were mortal enemies.
10.What is your favorite household chore? Why? Folding towels. It calms me to fold them, see them all lined up and color coordinate them in my linen closet.
11. Where did question 11 go?  It ran away because it felt out of place.

The 11 questions I want YOU to answer:
1. What was the name of your first crush and how old were you?
2.What is your favorite place to visit within the US?
3. What was the first album/cassette/cd you purchased on your own?
4. Who is your favorite author and what is your favorite book from that author?
5. If you had to be an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be?
6. Who is the one person you wish you could spend just one uninterrupted hour with this evening?  What would you do?
7. What is the favorite thing that you like to cook and will you share the recipe with me?
8. When was the last time you wrote a real letter and mailed it?  To whom was it written?
9. When you look at the youth of today, what is your first thought about the future of our country?
10. If you could go anywhere, all expenses paid for one week, where would you go and who would you take with you?
11.  How did we meet?

Going to do my tagging on Facebook.

Still sick...AKA Day 93 of 365

Being sick sucks.

V-Day...AKA Day 92 of 365

Happy Valentine's Day

Life...Day 91 of 365

Feeling about the same as yesterday, but since it's not worse, I shall not be complaining too much. Just ready for the cough to let go of me and ready to sleep laying flat again. Still don't have a final word on what day we can actually move. That is so frustrating because we really need to finish all this up soon. Being sick this last week set us back. I am really going to have to hustle this week and pray I can get it all done in the HOPES that we can move in this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed!

Birthday boy...AKA Day 90 of 365

Woke up feeling considerably better after getting 3 hours of sleep in a row that was preceded by a few 30 minute cat naps. Got up, got a few things done. Before you know it though, the cough was back. NO fever today though so that has to be a positive step. The house needs airing out but it has just been too cold for that. Tuesday is supposed to be very nice so I am looking for that day being a house breathing day. In the meanwhile I guess it is just keep the Lysol going to try and keep from spreading the germs any farther. Today was my wonderful sweetheart's birthday! Last year we had a very enjoyable party to celebrate and I had a nice surprise for him. So glad I didn't plan that this year since we were all sick. We had a relaxing (for the most part) weekend at home. Made him his favorite dinner and some birthday cupcakes. Will send a good deal of them with him tomorrow for his co-workers. Have a million things to do tomorrow so going to hit the hay early. Have a wonderful night friends and family. Love y'all!

Recuperating...AKA Day 89 of 365

Slept in 30 minute intervals last night so woke not feeling the least bit rested. We had to go to Temple to pick up our baskets and they were really good this week. Other than that, the three of us spent the day watching movies and recuperating.

Wretched demons GET OUT...AKA Day 88 of 365

Okay, I have had just about enough of this. I woke around 5 to my fever finally breaking and drenched in bed. Then around noon it started creeping back up. I hate cold and flu season. The only thing I ask is that I am well enough to pick up our Bountiful Baskets in the morning as Jim needs his rest. Sooner or later I will feel well enough again to write more than a sentence or two.

Head/chest cold and Cityville characters...AKA Day 87 of 365

Today was NOT fun. Em stayed home from school today with the same head/chest cold that Jim and I have been fighting. I was barely able to eat today so Jim stopped at Great Wall and brought me a bowl of egg drop soup. Didn't have to chew it and it was nice and warm on my throat. Emmy and I both took some Nyquil about an hour ago. Hers kicked in and she drifted off to dream land. Mine is just now kicking in and I anticipate that once again I will be plagued by the little people from Cityville running around my dreams demanding I restock the stores. Lord help me!

Sinues and Cityville...AKA DAY 86 of 365

Well as I suspected, today was NOT a good day. Spent a good deal of the day in my chair with a hot pack to my face trying to relieve sinus pressure. I barely ate because it hurts to chew. I have been pushing the fluids so hopefully it will go by quickly. All of us were asleep in the livingroom by about 7 because we all feel like crap. I woke up long enough to do my post and to clear out my city in cityville. Otherwise I have little people running through my brain jumping up and down waving at me to refill supplies. So sad LOL

AAACCCCHHHHHOOOOO! Bless me!....AKA Day 85 of 365

Today was a day that I had a serious case of the "don't want to's" I straightened the kitchen a little, emptied and ran the dishwasher, picked up after Beezus when she pulled all her toys out of her box, cooked breakfast and supper and that was about all. I feel bad, but not quite like crap yet, though I anticipate if this cold progresses as most, that tomorrow will not be good. Have the cough, sneezes and slight fever today. Tomorrow I may be curled up in my chair with 12 blankets, 2 boxes of tissues, a bag of Halls and a bottle of Nyquil. Oh the joys of the winter cold!

Zicam....AKA Day 84 of 365

Well, I knew it was coming sooner or later. Which means,for the next couple of days, say hello to my new best friend, Zicam.

Superbowl...AKA Day 83 of 365

Well so much for getting a ton done today. We did manage to collectively get all the laundry done and folded and partially put away ;) And of course, we managed to watch the Superbowl. My honey is fighting a cold and I keep dodging his germs. Lord help us to remain cold virus free this time around, PLEASE!

No workie....AKA Day 82 of 365

Had a very UNproductive but very necessary day with my honey and my beautiful daughter. We laughed, and talked and played Wii and just generally had a wonderful time being totally relaxed. Tomorrow we will have to work twice as hard, before the big game of course, but that is fine. I love days like this :)

Light show...AKA Day 81 of 365

So today didn't go as planned. My intentions were to do a very personal post on PTSD, written during daytime hours so that I had time to "recover emotionally" prior to going to bed. I could make up all kinds of excuses or list many reasons why it didn't get done today, but the fact of the matter is I didn't make the time to do it because I had no desire to go there today. I will be posting on it soon, but no promises as to when. All I can say is that it is one of those topics that just smacks you in the fact one day and says "hey, dummy, there is a reason why you can't let go of something". All that being said, I am going to go snuggle up with my baby in our bed and listen to the sound of the rain hitting the roof and watch the light show that God is providing. Thanks to Him for us being home this evening to enjoy it, rather than being on the road. Everything happens for a reason...

Dr Oz grabs Rosie's tush...AKA Day 80 of 365

I could fib and say I was flipping channels earlier today and ran across Dr Oz, but the truth of the matter is, yes, I watch Dr Oz. Sometimes he has some good tips, ones that we have implemented in our lives. Today's show had Rosie O'Donnell on it and she was being very candid about her personal life, her childhood and a subject that for many women is the most personal of subjects, her weight. She often catches a lot of flack, but one of the things I admire about her, is her ability to tell it like it is, no matter who she is talking with. I kinda like that in a person. Some of the things she had to say really hit home. She wasn't making excuses, just explanations. It reminded me of a conversation that I had with Jim several months ago, explaining certain things. We all have our defense mechanisms. The key is to find a way to deal with the things that trigger the not so positive ones. Rosie is working to better her health and is aware that is going to involve many changes, but is doing it slow and steady. Still it is her personal journey. It's a shame that others can't understand how things came to be a certain way and instead of being insulting and nasty in their comments and attitudes, either being encouraging, or better yet, keeping their noses out of other peoples personal lives if it doesn't involve them directly. As a note to myself here, I think tomorrow's topic will be written about during the day and will involve the subject PTSD. Chosen based on a link I provided for my friend, Deb, earlier today. Goodnight all!

Move, blah blah blah...AKA Day 79 of 365

I have said it before and I will say it again, I will be so glad when we are finished with the move and all settled in and unpacked.

Mt Washmore...AKA Day 78 of 365

Why is it so dang difficult to get in touch with a repairman??? I really need to get my washing machine fixed ASAP. With trying to get everything ready to move, I need to stay on top of Mt Washmore. Please Mr. Repairman, answer your phone or at least hook up an answering machine so I can leave you a message.

First day...AKA Day 77 of 365

Jim started his new job in Lake Whitney today. I am so excited for him to be back in a clinic setting instead of at the prison. I know he will miss many of the people he worked with there, but his talented was really being wasted there. I know that his abilities will bring such blessings to the people of Lake Whitney. I feel like our purpose here was fulfilled, and now God has led us to the next chapter in our lives. Thankful for our time here, and there are definitely aspects that I will miss. I have no doubt that we will love being in Lake Whitney, as well. Keep us in your prayers for a quick setting up of our house in a few weeks, so we can turn it into our home again. Much love to everyone for your words of encouragement and support.

Meatloaf...AKA Day 76 of 365

Everyone knows that the best part of having meatloaf for a meal doesn't occur during the meal at all. It happens much later when said meatloaf is calling your name from the fridge saying "SANDWICH NOW". So, being the ever obedient person I am, I had to oblige. But, unlike any other meatloaf sandwich I have had before, I put a Green's twist on it. We had stopped at Green's Sausage House for breakfast and to pick up some supplies yesterday morning after hitting our Bountiful Baskets location for some nummy fresh goodness. While there I picked up assorted things, but my best find was this OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD sun dried tomato and herb bread. Oh yeah, that meatloaf went between two pieces of hand sliced heaven with some deli sliced cheddar cheese. I may have to tap out my keyboard for the crumbs. Oh yeah, it's that good!

Sleepy...AKA Day 75 of 365

Not sure why it didn't post, but I did this from my phone last night so I am going to back date it. Short, sweet and to the point: Sleepy. That is all.

Dancing bananas...AKA Day 74 of 365

Emily has a friend sleeping over tonight. I was just watching them play Dance 3 on the Wii and they were having so much fun. I may have to give it a shot when no one else is around LOL Or just the three of us so I can look completely ridiculous and not have to worry about it. Looks like a lot of fun. They have a country version as well, WOO HOO! Would be a good way to work off our supper! Tomorrow is a bountiful baskets morning. We only ordered one basket this week as we aren't sure if Jim is going to be sleeping over in Lake Whitney this next week or not and we didn't want to have too much and have it ruin before we could finish it. Looking forward to seeing what we do get. It's like being a kid on Christmas morning. It takes some of the guess work out of choosing good for us stuff. We get things we haven' thought about buying in awhile and many of our favorites as well. Mental note to self though: Do NOT put the bananas in the green bags this week as that is not a good situation!

My own personal closet monster...AKA Day 73 of 365

Was pleased to see my friend Deb celebrating the one year anniversary of the publication of her first novel! I would highly suggest you pick up her book, not just because I adore her and wish the best for her and her little family and want her to continue to succeed, but because I believe she has put out a truly awesomtational piece of work. You can purchase it here AmazonI look forward to her blogs and you can to if you go visit her at The Monster In Your Closet and read her stuff, not just because I said so, but because you will be a better person for it. You may also visit her on facebook TMiYC I managed to pack all of my cookbooks today as well as most of the hanging/standing pictures. For those of you that know me personally, you are aware that packing up my cookbooks can be a job all by itself. The reality is that I have a ton of them, but most of the time when I need a recipe now, unless it is a family recipe and in my file box, I just pop over to Allrecipes and find what I'm looking for. Maybe after we get settled at the new place I will work on decluttering my cookbook stack. I also cooked supper and prepped items to cook tomorrows supper as well as get some "chores" done around the house. It always amazes me how a great start to my morning makes the rest of the day run smoothly :)

Zachman!!!...AKA Day 72 of 365

Seventeen years ago today, my life was greatly enriched when a 8 lb 14.8 oz bouncing bundle of joy popped out of me like toast. I can hardly believe that my youngest son, Zachary, has grown so tall, to the point that I have to look up to him! You are an amazing young man, Zach. I still thank God for you everyday and ask that He protect and lead you in all the decisions you are making. I miss you like crazy and can't wait to see you again! And on a completely unrelated note: When I woke this morning, I discovered that sometime during the night, my cyst had finally ruptured. Thank you, God! I also woke to a seriously strong storm that had just knocked the power out. We were under tornado watch, severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood watch. I am thankful for the rain, and even the storms, so long as we can all stay home during them as they still give me the heebie jeebies when we have to be out in them. Got a few errands run today and did a wee bit of packing. I am thankful for everyday that I can see at least some progress towards our goal of completing the move and me still having hair :)

Never wrestle with a pig...AKA Day 71 of 365

“If you attach to the negative behavior of others it brings you down to their level.”―Guru Singh Dear God, Please help me to remember that I have the utmost of faith in You, in my children and in the man that You have chosen for me. That no matter how much outsiders may try to change any or all of those, they are things that are not bendable. You have put challenges in front of us before and we have persevered, together. Remind me that a calm head and a kind heart is the way to approach those surrounding me who wish me both good and ill will. Your child, Me

Flat surfaces...AKA Day 70 of 365

Today I made a really cool discovery. I discovered that in fact, my desk really does exist underneath the pile of paperwork, makeup, vitamins, hair pretties and perfume! Go me! My daddy always says that in our family, if a flat surface exists, we find a way to fill it up!

cysts suck...AKA Day 69 of 365

Still have my cyst and nearly everything is uncomfortable at a minimum. Dear God, please please please let it rupture tonight. I have too many things to get done to have to deal with this right now. We made the drive to Valera today to pick up our Emmy girl. Glad to have her home again. Hoping to carve out some time to write tomorrow. Have a LOT of things spinning round in my head and need to get them down.

Decluttering and blessing...AKA DAY 68 of 365

Well we have managed to clear out and gift to a family that needs it, 8 boxes of assorted things. They are having to start all over so I feel blessed to have been able to help them and not have the extra clutter of excess. The house we are going to be moving in to doesn't have the cabinet space that we have here and upon looking through all of my kitchen things I was able to pare down and still have plenty. I am also working on day 3 of one of those blasted cysts. It just will not bust. Of course this is an inconvenient time to be moving in less than full motion, but I guess any packing/purging is at least a forward motion.

Drive...Day 67 of 365

We arrived home safely. I slept almost the whole way home. I slept horribly last night so I'm not surprised. Hoping for a great night's sleep starting in a few short minutes :)

AAACCCCHHHHOOOO...Day 66 of 365

So today brought some serious garage clearing. Filled one of those big rolling trash bins with "stuff". Found Emmy's first baby pictures, the ones way back before you could really even tell she was a baby (I think that was her arm in the picture but who knows!) Also found homemade birthday cards from my little guys when they really were little guys and not men. Found pictures of people that I haven't a clue who they are. Gave away 4 boxes of freecycle stuff. Listed another big box and a couple of pieces of furniture. Those are waiting to be picked up. Spent some serious good time with my honey. Ran a few errands and just really enjoyed our day together. He managed to pack up the game cabinet so all the board games are packed! The Wii is not. Let's not be ridiculous, Tetris IS a stress reliever. Made a roast and veggies for supper. Tomorrow will be coke butt chicken, cole slaw and steamed broccoli and carrots. Also will be making some banana bread, I believe. Tomorrow should also bring sorting out my dishes cabinets and boxing up the extras to give to one of my freecycle people that is starting all over again. Then packing the ones I am keeping except for the bare necessities to get us by for the next month. I hate packing and moving so much, but I am just trying to get a little done everyday. Jim is off tomorrow as well, so I am looking forward to our time together.

Packing...AKA Day 65 of 365

Managed to pack a few boxes today. I also cleaned the kitchen and dishes, straightened the living room and cooked a yummy supper. Tomorrow my goal is to pack at least 3 boxes and then go through all the paperwork that is stacked two feet high on my desk. That could very well be an all afternoon job. Jim is off from work tomorrow for "Confederate Heroes Day" The state of Texas gives such odd holidays off, but it's a day off with pay! It's a good thing as he can be here to get me motivated to get things done.

Reminders...AKA Day 64 of 365

I hate when the old memories from the past creep in on you. We are preparing for the move to Lake Whitney, and the thought of being apart from my honey for any length of time keeps weighing on my heart. I know it will need to happen and is for a very limited time, but it reminds me of all the time I spent alone in our cramped apartment when he was working in Rosebud and I was stuck in Crane. The only two things that make it bearable is the knowledge that it will only be for a couple of weeks and he will be home on weekends, and the fact that I have my beautiful daughter with me this time around. I will just make a point to stay busy during the day so I can enjoy her company in the evenings :)

Signs, Signs, Everywhere are signs....AKA Day 63 of 365

I am a big believer in "signs" and I have passed that on to my beautiful daughter, Emily. I believe that when things are meant to be a certain way, there will be little signs from heaven that you are headed down the right path. Since we got word that Jim was being hired in Lake Whitney, there have been a few things that just made me go WOW! First off, I called the middle school to see if someone there knew of any houses for rent in the area. The secretary was super sweet and told me she would make some calls and call me back. Ten minutes later she called to tell me that there was a house across the street from the principal that was for rent. I called the lady and made arrangements to see the house today. In the meanwhile, I looked up the secretary on Facebook, which lead me to the principal. At the top of the page I noticed we had a mutual friend listed-one of the women Jim used to work with at the prison! Odd coincidence, sure! So today we go to Lake Whitney to sign the contract, look around the town and look at the house. We walked in the clinic and this was one of the first things we saw:

Anyone notice the crane in the picture above? Then we went to the nurses station where I looked down at the phone and pointed out to my angel girl that the name on the phone was "Emily"! Sign #2! We sat down in the waiting area and Emily and I discussed what our next sign should be. We said it should be either bees (my fave), butterflies (her fave) or hummingbirds (my grandma's fave). As we were driving up to the house, this is what we saw on the front:

Notice those two huge butterflies on the front of the house? My grandma also had a butterfly similar to that on the front of her house. Then as we walked around the house and looked at all the trees, and I mean there were a TON of them, I looked up and saw this:

This one isn't as easy to see, but there are two lady bugs on one of the trees. For some reason, everytime I see lady bugs, I think of Jim's daughters. So although this time will be stressful, I am more convinced now than ever that we are making the right decision and are being guided there for a purpose.

Mt Washmore!...AKA Day 62 of 365

Had a pretty productive day today. Seemed like I was folding and hanging laundry forever, though. Tomorrow we go to Lake Whitney to visit with the doc and to try and find a house. We are all so excited to start out on this new adventure!

Lots of goodies...AKA Day 61 of 365

Woke up dark and early this morning to head to Temple with Emmy Lou and Ms Susie, our next door neighbor. We were on a mission to tackle Bountiful Baskets again. We came away with quite a haul. Between the huge amount of produce that we acquired and the food in the freezer, we should not have to buy much more than bread and milk until we the big move day. Oh and cold liquid caffeine. Let's not forget that, otherwise the previously mentioned move will NOT occur. Must have fizzy caffeine...often! I have decided though, that once we are moved and unpacked, I am going to try very hard to cut back and then cut out caffeine. After doing some reading about it this week, turns out caffeine is not so great for my chiari. So if I can at least reduce the amount of caffeine I consume, I am sure it will benefit me. I can't believe it is barely after 8. I am just so stinking tired. Tomorrow I am going to tackle my bedroom and see if I can get it into "pre packing" shape. I am determined that we are going to try and freecycle at least 1/4 of our belongings instead of trying to take it all with us. Am feeling the need to purge more of the old and embrace the excitement that comes with living in a new place :)

Cat's out of the bag...AKA Day 60 of 365

So we were finally able to let the cat out of the bag. Yes we are going to be moving away from Marlin. Not too far though, only about 60 miles. We will be relocating to Lake Whitney, Texas. We are still looking for housing, but are planning to see one on Monday that is very close to the lake! The opportunity came about and we think this will be a good move for our family. We would love to be closer back to West Texas, but this seems like it will be a good fit for us. We are all excited about the change and hope that those of you that have been praying for us, will continue to do so as we make the transition. Look forward to starting a new chapter in our lives :)

Falling into place...AKA Day 59 of 365

I have said forever, though I know I am nowhere near the first to do so, that when things are meant to be, they will fall into place. Well things, they are a fallin'!

10 words after settling into the after supper butt holding receptacle???? This is becoming the rule not the exception :(

Ch ch ch changes...AKA Day 57 of 365

Lately we have been dealing with some changes and trying to figure out what to do with them. I think today may have brought a solution, but nothing is set in stone yet. I would ask that our friends and family keep us in your prayers as we are seeking the ultimate guidance from above. I am afraid that at this time I can't be more specific, but God knows our situation so just ask the He lay his hands on the situation and show us the way. Thank you and know that we love and appreciate all of you and each other :)

Spent a wonderful day with my angel girl. So very glad she is home. Got some much appreciated rain and snuggled down for a movie day.

Can't keep my eyes open. Goodnight all

Bye Bye Christmas...AKA Day 54 of 365

Had a good day with my baby and we got a lot accomplished. Spent some good snuggle time before we ever got out of bed. I made a peach coffee cake out of some peaches that I canned with my own two hands last summer. Laundry is done and folded. Christmas is taken down and put away. Kitchen is clean. Living room is clean. I made a comfort food supper with smother pork chops, mashed potatoes, onion gravy and creamed corn. Got everything packed up for tomorrow. Even played Tetris with my honey for like an hour. He was getting pretty good! Tomorrow we make our drive to go pick up the angel girl. I am so glad as I have missed her so very much!

Date? Night...AKA Day 53 of 365

Today I got myself all scrubbed up, painted up, coiffed up, gussied up and fluffed up then went and picked my honey up at work. Afterwards, we came home, picked something up that we needed to return then drove to Waco. Took care of our return, then we decided to grab dinner. I must say that when he announced where he wanted to go, I was a little put off, but of course didn't tell him. Hello! I got myself all prettified to spend time with you and you are going to take me to a burger joint? I have to admit though, I kinda love Five Guys Burgers & Fries.

The reality is that it doesn't matter where we are, so long as we are spending some quality time together. (Honey, if you are reading this, it means don't get distracted by little kids crawling all over things or weird guys moving stuff. If I take the time to "fix myself up" for you, pay attention to ME and I will pay attention to YOU!) So we each got our burgers and shared a regular order of fries. If you have ever been to Five Guys, you know that a regular order is plenty for two and a large will easily feed FOUR! Side note here: We got the regular fries, but the cajun style are a million times better. Just do it, you know you want to. Burgers consumed, we stopped to feed our car. Smokey Joe needed some go go juice. Then we headed back home. We got in our night night attire and alternated between watching Miami Ink and the Cotton Bowl lol. It just ended by the way. The Razorbacks won so I am sure Shayne is freakin' ecstatic right now. I chatted with my angel girl tonight and texted with Kyle. Zach must be in his own little world as once again he is ignoring my texts. Now that the game is done, and I am about to publish my post. I will say goodnight and go snuggle with my baby in our comfy bed. Hoping my back is a bit better in the morning.

Coincidence...AKA Day 52 of 365

Okay so yesterday I posted about the possibility of needing to go see a chiropractor. It was like someone was listening. In Jim's livingsocial email this morning, we got this offer: If your body aches have you as immobile as I-35 traffic in a construction zone, it's time to put the brakes on your agony. What you knead is today's deal from Hillcrest Chiropractic Clinic, which will get you back in line and moving along. For $47 (regularly $415), receive a consultation, exam, X-Rays, findings report, and a 30-minute relaxation massage. Or, pay $20 (regularly $40) for the massage only. Board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and a member of the International Chiropractors Association, Dr. Shamonica Trunell-Morgan and her team will help you heal by relieving tension, soreness, and stiffness. Plus, the Hillcrest Drive location will take you away from the commuter mayhem of the interstate, while this up-to-89%-off deal steers you away from financial stresses. Now I'm thinking that the x-rays alone would be more than $47, plus throw in a 30 minute massage. Hmmm I think I may have to jump on this one (not literally, my back does still hurt like heck lol)

Still Sore...AKA Day 51 of 365

After working so much around the house yesterday, my back was really giving me heck. Took things a little easier today. Thinking I may need to go to the doctor, maybe a chiropractor and see if they can fix me up soon.

To Do...Day 50 of 365

Got a lot done today but didn't finish my to do list. Guess I can work on it tomorrow. Night all.

Cream and all...AKA Day 49 of 365

Ouchie, simply ouchie

Happy New Year...AKA Day 48 of 365

I ate my black eyed peas today, Daddy. Hoping for more luck in the new year.