A Little Yard Work

Well more like ALOT of yard work....but it looks so nice when completed!!

Pictures from Texas

These are a few pictures from our trip to Texas!!!

Returned from TEXAS

Well we returned from Texas today....after 7 fun filled days. It was great to have lots of time to visit with everyone.

The kids had their easter egg hunt at mom's. Cindy's 3 boys were there too. Even Derek decided he wanted to join in on the fun!! (yeah got a blackmail picture out of that one...LOL) We spent the day there...and then went back to dad's till Tuesday. We spent 2 more nights with mom....before returning to dad's at the end of the week....to get ready to come home.

The kids loved being able to wake up around 830 AM and play outside ALL day....until dusk dark. I think the was the first time in their short years they grabbed a pillow and blanket around 8-9 PM and went to sleep with NO problems. I can say that they played their little hearts out!! They really enjoyed uncle Floyd playing catch football with them....and then taking them to feed his chickens!! Every night the bath tub was full of dirt, sand and grass.....a true indication of a hard day's play!!!

The weather was GREAT!! It rained a little on Sunday...but turned out to be a WONDERFUL sunny day. The weather stayed clear and sunny the whole week....until FRIDAY....and then it RAINED all day!! The kids were like sardines in a can.....I eventually took them to McDonald's to play....to help work some of that energy out!! LOL

We didnt get to see Chelsea....which was hard on the kids....but they seemed ok with it as time went on. I just hope she realizes that family should ALWAYS come first. Her sister and brothers are growing up wayyy to fast.....and soon they arent going to have time for her.....so she should take advantage of the time she has with them now. But some lessons have to be learned.....the hard way!!

I got a whole bunch of pictures from my mom to make copies of....so I can start on a scrapbook about me. I hope to go back in the summer....and get some from Dad and Nana....to complete my life story scrapbook!!! I hope one day my kids will appreciate and enjoy learning all about my life!!

Well off to rest and relax......gotta work on Monday!!!

Very Tired

This week has been very exhausting for me....I worked Monday night, Thursday day shift and then Friday and Saturday night. A total of 48 hours...{it even makes me tired thinking about it...LOL} I think the really hard part...it the transition from days to nights...and back to days!! But...I will adjust....the good news is I will have off a whole week come Friday!!! YEAAAHHHHH!!

Kids only have to go to school 4 days this week!! They are out Friday and then all next week for Spring break so we are going to go to Texas for the week! The kids are sooo excited! They havent been since before Thanksgiving....so they are looking forward to it!!

I was shocked when I got home from work this morning. Keith had washed up all the dishes, cleaned out the cabinet above the stove, and put away the dishes he washed! {O-O} <----those were my eyes...LOL He even started a roast this morning so it would be ready for supper tonight. I asked him what had gotten into him...and he said he just started doing it....and just did it!! Well I told him that it meant ALOT to me....to have that task done....and not on MY to do list. Then with the dishes washed up and supper cooking was EVEN BETTER....because I am soo tired...and probably wouldnt have gotten around to it today or tomorrow...and those are my only days off before I work again. So he does care....it apparently is DEEP...but there....LOL!!!!

We took the kids to park for a little while today so they could use their side walk chalk. They didnt get to play on the slide and swings because there was an Easter Egg hunt going on....and lots of people in that section.....so we went across the street...and let the kids play on the soccer field....it also has a paved track for walking. They drew a few pictures and decided to run up and down the field...LOL!! Then we started playing Tic Tac Toe. Right before we left.....I drew an outline of each of the kids....and let them color it....they turned out SOOO cute! The kids didnt want to leave them....but I told them we could always re-draw them!!! :)

Better end now.....try to get some clothes washed for next week!!!

Returned from Scrapfest

I got in this morning about 1AM from Mandeville. I enjoyed my little break these last 3 days..... nothing but scrapping and scrapbook shopping!! I met Vera and the Scrapalious crew from Thibadeaux. We all sat at the same table! It was great. I also ran into Pat and Martha from Remembering Moments in Petal MS....I havent seen them since last Feb 2008. There were classes, games, prizes and make and takes! The best part was I completed 24 PAGES....you can see them on my scrapbook blog http://www.southernmadememories.blogspot.com/ !!

Here are some pics of the Castine Convention Center!!

This is our table....pictured are Maria (right) and Mel (left front) (I forgot the name of the girl on the left next to Mel...sorry) I sat all the way at the end on the right.

Looking down the whole convention center.


Me and Amber

Scrapalious store..behind the register is VERA :)

...another picture of the convention

My house was broken into......

(heart pounding)When I came home about 30 minutes ago....it was pouring down rain...so I just grabbed my stuff out of the car and quickly got inside. Well as soon as I opened the door...I noticed the livingroom light was on....and I KNOW that I turned it off when I left......also there was a box that was in the kitchen right in front of me....and I know that wasnt there when I left. Well I went to the back and looked all around....searched in the kids rooms...(really good thing we have a small house...it doesnt take long)...then I called Keith and asked did he have someone come in to get something.....he said NO. He called everyone and they hadnt seen or heard anything. I was only gone 3 hours, plus MaryAnn was home, Maw was home...and the garbage man came during that time...so how could this happen. I checked and all of Keith's guns were there, my wedding rings were there....but $80 was missing from on top of the fridge. My heart sunk....I felt violated!! I called Keith to ask if I should call the Sheriffs office....because I know they touched the lights...maybe they can get finger prints.........then he proceeds to tell me....that I am married to a maniac (like I didnt already know that)....and he had came home to grab something and took the money.........and since I wasnt home....he played this trick on me. Ok....most of you probably dont know....but Keith LOOOOVES pranks....he comes from a family of pranksters.......(he used to put fake spiders in his mom's plants.....so that when she watered them....well...you get the picture....)

Well all ends well...seems I got an EARLY.....APRIL FOOLS!!!

LOL....I bet the kids will love this one....because they are always putting fake bugs on the floor and screaming roach or spider....to get me to jump......oh what am I going to face in the years to come.........:)

Spring has Sprung

The first day of spring was Friday....and I can see it all around me!! The azelas are blooming everywhere, grasses are being mowed, and babies are being born....(we have 9 in ourselves)...LOL

I have a scrapbook convention this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9AM to 12Midnight all three days...45 hours of SCRAPPING and SHOPPING!!! I have been looking forward to this for months. Scrapfest occurs twice a year....so I try to take advantage of it...if I can. Scrapfest is held in Mandeville, LA...there are several vendors that come from all around...some hours away to set up 'store' in the Castine Convention center. Its great....I meet new friends everytime I go. Friendships that I have held ever since. Its really neat because I even run into ladies that I have met online through scrapbooking message boards too!!

Kids are good....just ready for school to be out. It is getting harder and harder to get them up in the morning. I hope our trip to Texas after Easter will give them a needed break and they will be ready to return and finish up the year. May Fest in on May 1st. It is a LES school function in which the whole school puts on a program for the community. Kaitlyn and Kase will perform in it. Chelsea was in it when she moved over here in 4th grade....now that seems like ages ago. I will have to get those pics out and take a trip down memory lane!!

Well I am off....gotta go finish packing for this weekend......

Air Guitars

Nothing much going on this week. I worked Monday and Tuesday....and work again on tomorrow through Tuesday!

Kids had a great week this week. No bad marks on their behavior charts for either of them! Yeah!! They had the book fair at school...and I let the kids take $5 to purchase some books. Kase bought a Cars book and 2 bookmarks.....Kaitlyn didnt get a chance to go...so I am going to take her to Wal-Mart to purcahse another Junie B Jones book....<---(her favorite).

Went looking at houses again this week. There is just so many choices...and not enough choices....!! LOL I have for now talked myself out of getting a house....again!! Just too many issues going on in LIFE right now!!

Last night the kids were playing air guitars....while listening to music on the TV! I just had to get out the camera and capture this moment!!

Next weekend is my 3 day scrapbooking convention!! I can't wait....I need this break from work, kids...and just life in general! I am meeting some friends from far away...that I dont get to see that often!! .....plus you add shopping on top of that...and it makes for one AWESOME weekend!!! So I am off to clean and pack for next week........

Very Busy Week

Lots going on this week. Kaitlyn and Kase were sick at the begining of this week. I ended up taking them to the doctor on Wednesday....so that made the week seem to start off VERY slowly....but the rest sure did fly by. Once Kaitlyn and Kase were better....they went back to school on Thursday....which helped me.......since I worked Wed and Thurs...and needed to rest.

We found out this week...that the FHA limits on buying a house went up. (ok long story short...we have been looking at buying a new mobile home...but since we didnt have land to put up...it has raised the down payment....and what we qualify for....since I havent been working 2 full years yet....and we only qualified for 49,900...which really limited what we could buy)....So now the limit has been raised to 69,900..... :) Which is soooo much better because with a family of 6....we really need more room than what is in a singlewide. We had to put down more money before with the old limits....to get a doublewide....and that was fine...but as of Feb 11....there are new state guidelines on the land you put a mobile home on....you have to build a 'pad'....like you do for a house....and that in itself is going to be over $1,000!! So anyway...this news has shed some light on the house situation......!!!

On Saturday...we had 'another' new addition to the family. Princess...our Black,Orange and White Calico cat had kittens.....2 white and 1 black and white....and then today... low and behold....she had another black one. ....I really hope that is all!!

Kaitlyn has a new 'love'.....of books...Junie B. Jones!! We picked up one last night...and ever since she hasnt been able to put it down. She laughs as she is reading.....she says...."Junie....is so funny...listen to what she says...." Her facination has even rubbed off on Kase....he is constantly saying..."read it to me".....!! This is like a step back in time....because Chelsea's favorite books at this age were the same....she LOVED Junie B. Jones!!!

Well there ya have it....one very busy week....and one finished week.....Tomorrow will start another......

Weekend Wrap-up

Here are a few pictures from the this weekend. I was working during daylight savings time.....so I didnt feel the time change....but today I sure have!! Another Monday starts tomorrow......so off to get this together to start the week!!

Lime Green, New Kittens...and the weekend

Well here we are....the end of another week!! I have enjoyed my last 3 days off. I bought a new bedroom set....its black and white...with accents of lime green!! It matches the colors I have my scrapbooking stuff stored in! I havent had a new bedroom makeover since 2001. I always put my wants and needs last on the priority list.....but I seen this....and just went with it!! :)


Well racoon kitty had her babies yesterday. She had 6 but only 5 made it. They all look like her....a grey and black tiger stripe. Coby is too cute....he said "raccon cats babies are eating" ...and Keith said...'eating what' and Coby said..." racoon kitty's tummy"!! I just love how innocent children are!! He keeps telling the cat that he 'wubbs' her babies....all of 'dem'!

Kids are good! They are ready for school to be out. Kase keeps asking when his birthday is....and what month we are in! He told me last night he wants to have a transformers party at the Fun Farm...so I will be planning that soon!

I work tonight and Sunday night....so I better get off and take a nap!!

Its Monday

The begining of another week is upon us! Nothing exciting over the weekend. I took Kaitlyn with me to meet Amy and Annalise in Covington to go shopping and do 'girl' stuff for about 5 hours on Saturday. The boys went with Keith to the auction barn in Kentwood. Of course KEITH bought something..... A GOAT!! Correction.....2 GOATS!! They are about 2 months and are so stinkin cute! They run up to you and wag there tails like little puppies! The kids love 'em. Keith put them in the chicken pen to keep the grass down and so the kids would have something to play with while he is feeding up. I still dont think we need another animal....but the kids are happy and thats what matters...right?

We hung out at home Sunday...did a little cleaning. We went grocery shopping!! I can not believe how expensive everything is getting!! It cost us $120 for food....and it wont last a week. I even made sure to buy the cheapest, buy store brand...and it is still high!! Two pounds of hamburger meat, a 2lb roast, and some boneless pork chops was $20!! At this rate....I am going to have to get another job so I can feed my kids!! LOL

I work tonight and Tuesday night then I am off for 3 days! I have been enjoying my days off....spending time with the kids, and getting some scrapping done. The kids even come help me...or ask if they can scrap too! Life is GOOD!!

Kailtyn's Pigtails

All is well here....I am off from work for 3 days....but today is almost gone...so really 2 days!!

Anyway...I just wanted to post a pic of KK and her pigtails....every morning we get up....she asks if I have time to fix her hair into pigtails....one on each side she says......LOL You cant tell it but she has both top front teeth missing....and neither is trying to come in yet!! :)

Well Feburary has come and gone....now into March.....which brings spring, longer days, easter and spring break!! I am planning a trip to Texas when the kids are on spring break which is the week after Easter!! I will be taking off a block of time then.....but wont know final details till closer to that time!!! I will keep everyone posted!!

Kids are home from school...so I am off to talk to them about their day!!!

(ETA: the lesion on my leg is being treated...if it turns out to be something else....I will let ya know)

Work Work Work....

I work again tonight. Then I have off for 3 days....so hopefully I can get some things accomplished.

On another note....I found a 'raised' lesion on my leg today. Its not brown in color but it is glossy like the books say....and clearly it isnt normal. I plan on going to the doctor tomorrow when I get the kids off to school. I just noticed it so hopefully it wont be anything serious. I dont want to scare anyone....and I will update as soon as I know something!!

Well gotta run....need to start getting ready!!!

Fat Tuesday

Ok...so nothing really exciting going on here for Mardi Gras....at least not as exciting as whats going on down on Bourbon Street.....:) Just been a lazy day for us! Keith was off today and took the kids to the auction. He is wanting to by a goat to keep the grass down in the chicken pen....but also so the kids can play with it. Yeah....well lets not ask me my opinion about that one.....:)!

Yesterday I took the kids to the park to eat and play. I going to call it MONDAY FUN-DAY....when I scrap the pictures.... :) The kids had another little girl to play with that was 4....so they ran around for over an hour. I think their favorite part was playing on the tennis courts....just running, laughing and falling down. I enjoy watching them be so carefree.....

Why 4-year olds shouldn't dress themselves....LOL

So yesterday...I am putting Kase and Kaitlyn on the school bus and I tell Coby to get ready....and put his shoes on so I can take him to daycare. Well I had the laugh of my life...when I turned around...and seen this........

and a closer look.........(they dont match either)......

he was so proud that he accomplished what I had asked him. I explained that pink flip flops couldnt be worn to school...and he says to me....'I can't find my other crock'.....LOL....

Sometimes it is moments like this that really slow life down....and me smile of all the blessings that GOD has given me!!!

Another Monday

Well I couldnt sleep last night...so here I am on the internet....getting my fix. Not sure if I just wasnt tired....or had alot on my mind with all that is going on. But anyhow....this week should be pretty laid back. Nothing going on with the kids....they have school all week. I work tonight then I dont work again till Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Maybe these few days off...will allow me to get some things accomplished around the house that I have been putting off.

I might even take some time to scrap....if I can get this printer to print my pictures...LOL!!

Gotta go....kids are dragging this morning and we dont need to be late!

Valentine's Day Weekend

Time has passed since I last posted....a week to be exact!! I worked for my birthday...so nothing really big happened here. I did go eat at La Carretas with the kids.

I was at work all week this past week...so not much time to post. I did get some special Valentine's stuff from the kids....and Keith bought me a new Kodak camera....this one is more on a professional level. I can use it for more professional type photos....gotta read up and experiment a little first though...LOL

So all is well as can be. I have talked myself out of getting a new house right now....not sure why...just have lots of doubts with the economy, the deal itself.....my marriage....just lots of things not really adding up right now...and I feel it would make more sense to just wait. Well what do you know....'me' trying to be more responsible.... who would have seen that coming...LOL So anyway....on with another week.......


ETA: Today Derek turns 16! He has become a dedicated,loving, and charming young man. Sometimes when life is difficult we choose to take the less traveled path....but he chose to over come the obsticles. I commend him on his positive attitude and the respect he shows to everyone he meets. I pray that he will succeed in all that he does!!

Some Random Thoughts

Well here I am....the day before I turn 32! WOW.....am I really 32? Where has the time went to? I dont feel 32....not that you are suppose to 'feel' any special way. Its just hard to believe! I am the kind of person who plans for everything.....I always worry about the future...do we have enough money for bills, food...will my kids be ok....but I have never really looked at MY future....past the age that I am living at the moment. I have no expectations of 32....nor have I ever really thought about where I would be at 32........

I can say that I am content with my life at 32...I have 4 great children, a husband who is supportive and makes me laugh, a loving family, a career that I enjoy, and many great friends! I can say that 32 is going to be GREAT ......because I am surrounded by people who love me for who I am......no matter what age....and I couldnt have planned it any better....(even if I had tried)!! I AM BLESSED!!!

Happy 15th Birthday Chelsea

WOW...15 years has flown by. I can still remember Chelsea as a little girl. Playing barbies, baby dolls, and riding her tricycle. She has become a beautiful young lady. I wish her all the best that life has to offer her. I pray that she always remembers her roots, is true to her friends and to never forget that no matter what......she is LOVED! I also hope that she enjoys these last few years of being a teenager....because 18 is only 3 years away....and then the really HARD part about life will start.....theres no changing it....or holding it back....it happens...and ready or not....she will soon have to face it.

TO Chelsea: ***remember these words***

~laugh like no one is listening, dance like no one is watching.....and love like you have never been hurt~


****I LOVE YOU CHELSEA****