I Write The Songs...

Last night we saw my favorite artist in concert...Barry Manilow.
I know, I know. Not very hip or cool of me but I can't help it, I'm a diehard Fanilow!

We took the hubby's parents and ate at a yummy Mexican restaurant downtown. Everyone in the restaurant was at least 35 years old so we knew they were all going to see my man.

This was probably the 9th time I'd seen him in concert and he didn't disappoint. He is a true talent and has the most incredible voice.

I Need A Vacation

Restoration is still in the process at my Moms. We are waiting on the FEMA Adjuster to show up tomorrow to let us know what they will cover. I really hope they will cover the work that the restoration company has already done or my Mom will freak out. She can't handle stress now that she has Parkinsons and any type of situation makes her cry. It's really sad but it's the reality of Parkinsons. I forgot to mention that we have a new member of our family. A Boston Terrier. We named him Boomer. I know, really original for Sooner fans. He was dumped by a horrible man right outside of our house. My husband was sitting in the office working and watched the man do it, then the dog run after the truck all the way down the street. My hubby was horrified and brought the dog into our house and he's been a member of the family ever since. After I posted a picture of him on Facebook, a 7th grader in my sons school actually told my son that it was her dog but we could have it. Her Dad didn't like him so he dumped him. WHO DOES THAT????!!!! The vet said he's around 5 years old and he's so sweet and perfectly trained. That's the strange part. We haven't had to teach him anything. He already knows it. I'm just glad he found a good home!

Great Flood of 2012

Sunday night the weathermen mentioned that storms might form and we were under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch. The chances of rain were 30%. I went to bed about 11pm when I heard it starting to rain pretty heavy outside. I was excited because it was good sleeping weather. I ended up not going to sleep so I looked at the radar on my phone and Pinterest. I noticed that the storms weren't moving away from our area and just seemed to be back building on top of themselves. The lightening and thunder were very intense. I finally fell asleep about 12:30 and slept for a while until the phone rang at 2:15am. It was my Mom and she told my hubby that she woke up and smelled something sulphur smelling in her house. She said she walked into the kitchen and there was water on the floor. We immediately jumped up and drove to her house, or attempted to at least. The roads were all flooding and had rushing water on them. This was one of the worst rainstorms I'd ever seen. When we got to her house, I wasn't sure if we could pull into her driveway, the rain was making a river in her yard. My Mom has a small creek beside her house that has never, in 17 years, come close to the house. We couldn't see grass in her yard, only water. We walked in the house and this is what we saw. We were stunned and the sulphur smell was horrible. It smelled almost like sewer and a burning smell combined. We called the fire department and asked them to come make sure we didn't have a fire in the house. They got there and checked everything out. When the fire chief arrived, he told me, "If the house isn't burning, we have to go. We are so busy." Luckily, everything was ok, just flooded. They turned off the breaker, which I would never have thought to do. The kitchen, laundry room, garage, dining room, and the back part of the living room were all flooded. It was so sad for my Mom, who has Parkinsons Disease and doesn't handle stress very well at all. We just locked up the house and took her to ours to sleep for the rest of the night. The restoration company we called came out the next morning early and started pulling everything up. I guess now my Mom will get new carpet, tile, paint and baseboards. It will seem like a new home. That's the only thing I can think of to make this seem ok. Thank God for FEMA Flood Insurance.

Sunday full of nothing

I feel like I've done nothing today. I've done laundry and that's about the most I've accomplished. See what happens when they have a Real Housewives reunion?!

I washed the comforters on our bed and that's been on my to-do list for a while. There's nothing like sleeping on a completely clean bed, especially when we have a Boxer and a Beagle that sleep on our feet every night.

I called and checked on my Mom this morning, as usual. I told her I'd spent the night before on the computer researching more Parkinson's Disease websites. I try to explain to my Mom about what's going on with her since this is a new diagnosis. She's having a very hard time understanding the disease and what's going on with her. I feel bad that she just can't understand what's going on. She constantly tells me that her brain isn't talking to her body for some reason.

I have a day filled with taking her to another doctor tomorrow. Those days always wear her out so much. I hope it's an easy day for us.

We need to have her feeling good next Friday because we have Barry Manilow tickets. We're so excited!!! I've seen him a ton of times and he's awesome!!!

Summertime, Summertime!

School let out a week ago and the boys have been loving it! Well, to be honest, I've heard a few "I'm bored!" comments.

H is upset because his buddy Seth is moving 2 hours away in July. I've tried to get them together as many times as possible before he loves.

We went to Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow last Wednesday. Seth had given H a gift certificate for his birthday and H wanted to use it. We had fun walking around looking at H's favorite things, anything fishing, and the boats were fun to walk around in.

We plan on getting together a couple more times before Seth moves, I hope they keep in touch with us. H would like that.

Other than shopping, T has spent his time hanging out with friends playing Playstation and H has gone to the pond near our house and fished every chance he's gotten.

Happy Memorial Day

I always think of my brother and his sacrifices on Memorial Day. He's a Retired Army Colonel and I've always admired his commitment to this country and protecting our freedom. Think of the thousands who have sacrificed so that we may enjoy our freedom each and everyday.

Conference Track Meet

Yesterday we went to the Metro Lakes Conference track meet in Tahlequah. T (my 7th grader) qualified for conference in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 4 x 1 relay and 4 x 4 relay. This is our first year in track and T loves it. More than loves it, he's obsessed. It's all he thinks about day and night. I actually never thought track would be a sport he liked. I never hung out with track people and I sure didn't run track. The amazing thing is, it's funny how much you start to like a sport when you have a child that does well in it. T did great in the conference meet. He didn't win any metals but he and his relay team came in 5th or 6th. T really enjoys watching all of the older guys and how fast they run. Some of those boys are simply amazing! I love watching them! They run like a jaguar or something. We had fun at the meet also because we got to sit with a bunch of friends that were there. That always makes a 12 hour track meet a little more bearable!

Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day was great. Mr. H and I gave the kids their candy and cards when they woke up, then Allie the Boxer gave the boys their card with a Best Buy gift card to share with Dad. Mr. H and I exchanged cards, he bought me a really sweet one!
After work, we went to pick up Nana and bring her over for dinner. We had bar-b-que from a great restaurant here in town and it was delish! We gave Nana a huge heart box filled with Russell Stover candies and a sweet card. I think she enjoyed visiting and getting out of the house. My mother-in-law even stopped by for a visit!
Valentine's was a nice, quiet evening which is exactly how we like it.

Good Stuff

Since I've been home a lot with my Mom, I've been on Pinterest and blog reading a lot. 

I've definitely come up with a few things that I really, really want (hubby-are you reading this???????????) Didn't mean to put that many question marks but my sweet husband spilled Coke in our keyboard so it gets stuck, and I thought it was rather appropriate!  Here's the list of the things I just must have in the near future:

1.  Project Life by Becky Higgins-A simplified scrapbook kit.  I don't have time for those complicated scrapbook layouts anymore.

(copied from Becky Higgins website)

The point is this: You can use Project Life however you want.

I can't emphasize this enough: Project Life is meant to SIMPLIFY the process of memory-keeping. If you use it at the most basic level, you are more likely to succeed in "keeping up" - if that's your goal - and you'll still have an amazing album. For inspiration on keeping it simple, please be sure to see THIS blog post.
Yes, of course you can get creative if you'd like. Many people love adding their own flair with extra embellishments, etc. We love to share inspiration and ideas. In fact, we have a whole Creative Team that is full of talented women who regularly share their amazing Project Life pages. By the way, we'd love to see more from guys and kids - trust me!
However you make this system work for you, the Core Kit has everything you need: The title cards are intended to label your layouts. The journaling cards allow you to write notes & memories to accompany your photos. The bi-fold cards are for when you have more to write. The filler cards are designed to be placed in the 3x4 pocket where you don't have a journaling card. The arrow stickers and day + number stickers are all included to label and identify journaling that accompanies the photos.

Keep it simple or get creative or maybe a little of both. This is your life, your style, your approach... your Project Life.

2.  Erin Condren planner

3.  Urban Decay - Naked Palette II - the first Naked Palette was the single best palette of eyeshadow I have ever used in my life!  I cannot wait to see this next palette of colors!

I've also found a great etsy site with the cutest home decor products....jennasuedesign.etsy.com. - Adorable!

Also this site on Etsy-Oldnewagain

You can customize your state!

I also found a great smoothie recipe for the boys smoothies in the morning.  We have to very careful what the oldest drinks before school in the morning since he has off-season football first hour.  We don't want to encourage any first hour puking while running.  This smoothie works out great because it's filling but also on the light side.

Oatmeal Smoothie-PreventionRD.com

1 cup ice

1 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 plain 0% Fage Greek yogurt

1/2 cup instant oatmeal

1 banana

1 tbsp honey

1 cup of milk, we use 2%

260 calories, 2 g fat, 51.5g carbs, 7.5g fiber, 12.5 protein

Pot Roast and a Dust Storm

This has been the strangest day for January 22nd.  First of all, it's about 65 degrees outside with a 20-30 mile an hour wind.  It sounds so strange outside on our back porch.  The wind keeps whipping through the fan blades on our outdoor fan, making it whistle.  It's so creepy sounding, especially when I'm enjoying my new favorite show, Finding Bigfoot. Ha!

The wind actually blew a wind storm into our area and it looks foggy, dirty, strange outside.  I'm really surprised it hasn't messed with the 10 year olds asthma.  We even saw it block out the sun and the boys were just sitting in wonder at how odd it looked.

It was a lazy Sunday so I whipped out the trusty Crockpot and a roast I had in the freezer.  I completely ad-libbed the recipe since I never follow a recipe for pot roast.  It turned out terrific.  Here's the recipe:

Pot Roast - Serves 6

5 lb pot roast
1 small can of tomato sauce
Montreal Steak Seasoning - 1 tbsp
Montreal Burger Seasoning - 1 tbsp
1 cup of chicken broth

Just let it cook all day and add more seasoning if you think it needs it at the end of the day.  The tomato sauce makes a great gravy.  We served ours over mashed potatoes.

To change the subject, my Mom has been set up with a Home Healthcare Nurse (which is what she used to be) and a Physical Therapist.  The PT is going to work on her movement and help her with her walking so maybe she doesn't fall anymore.  The home health nurse went through my Mom's medicine and told me that the doctors in Atlanta had started her on a medicine for Parkinsons Disease.  The symptoms seem like what she's going through.  I actually found another Parkinsonian type disease that sounds even more like what's going on with her.  It's Multiple System Atrophy and she has every symptom.  I'm going to mention it to her doctor tomorrow.

This is all so confusing and stressful but I'm trying my hardest to be helpful to her and make her feel like everything is going to be ok.  I'm not sure it's going to be but I don't think my Mom knows that yet.

Feeling Better

My Mom came back home yesterday and is now safe and sound at her house.  I think she's so thrilled to be home.  Unfortunately, my sister turned into the most disappointing person I've ever known and I just have zero respect for her.  At one point, I considered driving 12 hours overnight just to go rescue my Mom from her. She treated my Mom in a way that I'll never be able to forget.

I felt a relief when I knew my Mom was back home, maybe it's a control thing, maybe just a daughter thing.

I called the Doctor and he's already sent a home health nurse and physical therapist to help us.  I think that will give me some stress relief. 

I'm still going to take care of my Mom but it's nice to have some help.  I don't feel so alone in the task.

Allie II-Our White Boxer is almost a year old

A have to give an update on our puppy Allie II.  She is such a joy to have in our home.  She adores her human "pack" and wants to be near us all of the time.  She sleeps in our bed with Baylee her Beagle sister every night.  They are really best friends and always have to be together.

She's really rambunctious and I thought she would never get potty-trained but she's finally gotten the hang of it and has been a good girl for quite a while now.

Here are some pictures of how big she's gotten in the last 11 months.

A Better Day

Today has been a better day than the past few.  Tator Tot had a friend spend the night last night. He's a great kid and all three boys had a fun time riding bikes and jumping ramps.  I made them tacos last night and they loved them.  This morning I got up and made them pancakes, about 15 pancakes to be exact.  Three boys can really eat some pancakes. 

I spent the morning vacuuming the house.  Why does vacuuming always make me feel better? It makes me feel really accomplished knowing that at least my floors look like I do some cleaning around here. 
After vacuuming, I did a few loads of laundry and folded clothes to put up later.  I'm having the boys put up their own clothes in color order in their closet.  We'll see if that lasts.

This afternoon, after Tator's friend went home, we went over to the next town and went shopping. I really needed some new makeup and stopped by Sephora.  I love the products I bought.  I've used them before and they are the bomb! 

Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin-Great for keeping eyeshadow in place all day!

Urban Decay Naked 2 eyeshadow palette-I pre-ordered.  The best set of eyeshadows ever made-hands down!

Buxom Lip Plumper in Hot Shot (a rose nude)

After my makeup purchase, the boys and I met my friend Jennifer for lunch at a Mexican restaurant.  I wish I could stay away from the chips and salsa.   That seems to be my weakness, salty foods.  I was proud that I chose to eat a grilled chicken breast with sauteed vegetables.  I'm sure it was loaded with oil though.  I hate when you think you're ordering healthy food at a restaurant and it turns out to be super high in calories.  Losing weight is the one thing I just can't seem to get a handle on. I know it's because I'm being ridiculous and not going to some form of exercise class but I just don't feel like it right now.

I'm debating about going to a Zumba class. I think that's right up my alley since I lose dance music and dancing.  I just don't want to look like an idiot doing it. Ha!

The rest of my day was spent at the hair salon where I cut about 4 inches of hair off into a nice bob. I think my hair looks a lot healthier now.  I have super fine baby hair and it just doesn't hold a style easily.  That's why I constantly have my hair in a ponytail.  I'm trying to break that habit and actually have a hairstyle working everyday.

So, to sum up my feelings this evening, I feel pretty good.  My anxiety level has been off the charts and I've really been trying to hold it together for the boys and my hubby's sake.  I haven't done very well lately.  But sitting here tonight, I feel like everything might work out.  It might be because I haven't spoken to my Mom today but I don't feel that heavy feeling in my chest right now.  I don't feel like I have a black cloud surrounding me when I walk aimlessly through the house trying to stay busy so I don't go crazy.

I think it's the haircut.  Definitely.  For me, a haircut can brighten the day everytime!

Tough times

My sister recently came to Oklahoma to get my mom and take her back to Atlanta. My moms been gone 3 months and is now coming back home. The problem with that is, my Mom is having very serious health problems. We've gone to doctors for 2 years and no one can tell us why she's falling everyday. Falling sideways, not just tripping but completely losing all muscle tone and dropping. She's losing her memory and words and just not with it somedays. I think she has the beginnings of dementia and I believe it started with severe depression from my Dad being killed in a car accident 6 years ago this month. She's never been the same since.
All I want is for her to be safe and healthy. I can't seem to make that happen and it's killing me. I'm so stressed I don't even want to leave the house or do much of anything.
I'm researching assisted living facilities and hoping to find a good one in the next town. By the way, buy long term care insurance now because assisted living is close to $5,000 a month. Amazingly expensive.
I was hoping my sister would help with my Mom until we could find a place in Atlanta near great doctors but my sister is completely selfish and is sending my Mom home because she needs time with just her (grown) kids and husband she doesn't even like. I really doubt I ever have a close relationship with my sister after this. Somehow the child (me) with growing children and a full plate always seems to be the only one that can take care of our Mom. My sister is retired with a 25 and 23 year old yet can't take care of our Mom for 6 months while we figure something out. She said I owe he'd money for taking care of our Mother. Greedy and self-centered.
I'm hoping my Mom gets home and we can find her s great place to live. I'm praying something works out for us. It just has to or I might drown in my tears.

Halloween Pics

The boys had a great time on Halloween.  This was the first year I didn't walk with them. *tear*  Tator Tot had his best friends come over and they met up with a big group of friends, including *gasp* girls.  Haha!  They all wore morphsuits, including Small Fry, and looked so funny together. 

They are complete goofballs!

Small Fry had a friend come meet him over here in our neighborhood and they went together.  Mr. H and I actually got to hand out candy this year.  We sat on the front porch with Baylee the Beagle and Allie the Boxer.  This was Allie's first Halloween and she didn't know what to think of the scary monsters coming up to her.  She did, however, love the cute little kids that came up to pet her.  I think the dogs were the hit of the night!