Halloween Eve

Some of these pictures are from Saturday night. Like this one...Rosie and Puss all snuggled up, loving each other like brothers should. How sweet is that?
And, Kelsey and her date Shane, before going to her formal dance "Carousel". She looked beautiful! At least I didn't cry this time when I saw her all grown up.
Now we get into more recent pictures. Last night was "Mathoween" at ACA. The kids got to wear their costumes with makeup (as long as there was no blood- too scary for the kindergartners). Here is Madeline in full costume, minus shoes. Heaven forbid we put those on too early!
Here's our little "death warmed over Cheerleader". I think it's actually called "School Spirit". But she wanted her face white with blue on her eyes. There will be more, hopefully better, pictures tonight.
And, Anna. She wanted makeup on, too. So she has some red on her cheeks and nose. She'll be all dolled up tonight. Stay tuned for more pictures!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! BE SAFE AND HERE'S HOPING YOU HAVE KIDS WHO WILL GO TRICK-OR-TREATING AND BRING YOU YOUR FAVORITE CANDY!

Before you watch this video, I want you all to know that normally, Anna would not be drinking Coke or Dr. Pepper. She commandeered my drink (Dr. Pepper) and it was wetting her whistle whilst she kept us entertained by singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, little star". That is what she is singing at the beginning of the video.

And, just so you know, I've heard that Channel 4 replayed my interview yesterday morning.

Patty Cake

Anna loves to play "Patty Cake" and will ask anytime, anywhere. I finally caught it on video!

Cowboys and ducks

This morning, the fog was so thick, I took this picture at the corner of where the new Cowboy Stadium or "The Stadium in Arlington" as we call it, or "Jonesville" or what it truly should be called "Landry Field" but, I digress. As you can see by the picture, or can't see, it was really, really foggy. You couldn't even see the arches or trusses as they are actually called. Pretty wild. Things get wilder!
As I am doing my "homework", dutifully studying with the front door open so I can feel the nice coolness of outside, I hear all sorts of helicopters flying over which means 1) there's a felon on the loose and they're trying to chase him down or 2) someone's been hurt at the construction site or - as I know is the case today - the "keystone" to the arch (or truss) is being set today. I feel the urge to blog it. So, off I go. I'm so easily distracted.

When I got there, there was a News 4 truck there and I was snapping away, see the picture?

Then, Mr. Adrian Arambulo, from News Fox 4, comes to me and asks what I think and I tell him and he asks if he can put me on the noon news. Well, duh, of course! So, he gets the cameraman and back they are for the "interview". He asks about 3 or 4 questions and that's that. So, I go home and wait for the noon news and there I am, lead story. Looking for all the world like one of those people they interview after a tornado and I actually said "My gosh, it's huge!" (or words to those effects) on the local news. I wanted to crawl under a rock. Conrad even says my teeth look horrible, so now I look like a grandma-tornado victim hooked on meth or whatever drug messes with your teeth. Great. Just what I wanted for my TV debut. Well, rather than make y'all go looking all over the place for the clip - which I know you can find because you're all so computer savvy - I'll include a link to it - just click here.

And, just so you know, no - NO I did not know my hair looked like that, had I known, I would have taken it down. I had put it up while on the phone so that when I got finished talking, it would be out of my way for transcribing. Hence the reason it looks like Anna put it up for me.

Then up to the school to see the unveiling of the Griffin Buck Truck in all it's painted glory! Jessica did a fantastic job. See for yourself...
It's got a grill, headlights and a driver! Recognize him? It's Mr. Simon.
This is one of the sides, see the ducks? I may not have told you but each month we're going to have a Griffin Buck Truck Duck. Here you see the Professor duck in the left corner and Rainy Day duck in the upper right corner.
And here's the winter duck. I love that it looks like a penquin. Jessica is in charge of her church's WinterFest and it's theme is penquins. I feel like it will always have a part of Jessica on it. And, how about that license plate? That was my request. I wanted it to have a vanity plate. Really, Jessica, I cannot thank you enough and I cannot even put into words how cute this is. I hope lots of people comment on it. Thank you for all your hard work!

Our Fall Break

The kids had fall break last week and I'm finally getting to post our exciting time.

First, Jon Michel, my oldest, turned 21 on Monday. We celebrated at El Chico's then went to a <gasp> bar and watched the Cowboys game (yep, they won!) and played some pool (I lost, as did Jon) and I got to "hang out" with his friends who are all very nice and I really enjoyed being around them. They even acted like they liked when I played "Dancing Queen" on the jukebox!

Tuesday, we went to my Mom's house in Shreveport. This is what greeted us... (I made her stand back in the door so I could take her picture!) my Mumsey - not on a walker or anything!
How wonderful does that look? Can you believe just 3 short months ago she broke her leg and now look at her!

Wednesday, we went up to her church and she let Sadie play the organ. Here they are hard at work.
And this video is so you can hear Sadie playing the organ.





Anna's expression says it all!
Anna joins in the fun!

Thursday, we went down to the Lousiana Boardwalk and the girls got to go to Build-a-Bear Workshop and make new friends - literally - Sadie made a dog, Sugar, Madeline made a monkey, Curious George, and Anna made a turtle, Tinky.

Then, once Anna was down for a nap, I got to go to <gasp, again> a casino! The man who is in charge of all this God forsaken construction on our street found out I was going to Shreveport and gave me money to play the roulette wheel for him. I think he thinks the only reason people go to Shreveport is to go gamble. Little did he know I have never in my life been to a casino in Shreveport. He asked which one we were going to and I said (thinking ever so quickly) "do you have a preference?" He said "no" so I went to the only one I could find the entrance to - it's on the way to the Boardwalk. I didn't win any money for him, unfortunately. But, it was fun - ish. I think it would have been more fun had I known more of what to do. I just put the money on the numbers that he gave me and hoped for the best. Yes, now I know you can put money on the lines and corners, etc. but I didn't know it then.

And lastly, Sadie and I went letterboxing on the campus of Centenary College. There is a series of 5 boxes and we found 3 of them. The campus is beautiful and we really enjoyed walking around it.

This is Sadie with the contents of the first of our boxes.

We had El Chico's and Mr. Gatti's pizza and my mom actually cooked lasagna the last night we were there. Ok, Stouffer's actually cooked it, she heated it. But, it was still delicious. Thanks, Mom, for letting us come invade your home for 3 1/2 days. You're a great hostess!

Last Night was First Friday Family Fun Night at ACA. We played games. Susan, my Vice-President and friend, did a great job of planning and executing the games for the kids. This picture is Sadie trying to break a balloon. Not long after this, Anna pointed out into the hall as if to say "this is WAY to loud, mama, I want out, NOW!"



One of the games was crab-walking across the floor. Anna played, too. The person to her left is Sadie so it's really a bonus video of them.

This is Elsa Archangel. Isn't that a great name? We see her most every morning at school and she always says to Anna, "there's my little friend, you want to go with me?" I told her that someday Anna would say "yes" and she'd be stuck. Well, last night she did say "yes" when asked and she crawled up into Elsa's car and buckled up. She would NOT get out. Finally, I had to tell her that she could ride with Elsa around to the other side of the school but then, she would have to go with me. She did just that and was most upset with me that she couldn't go home with Mrs. Elsa.

This is Kolton (Madeline's boyfriend - who knows, maybe they're broken up right now, you never can tell with them) participating in the flipper/snorkel relay.

If Anna had gone home with Mrs. Elsa, she'd miss snuggling with her Daddy.

Here are my two atheletes, today, between their two games. Aren't they sweet?

Visitor's Day

Yesterday was Madeline's first "vistor's day" at dance. She was very excited to have her guests which included: Sadie, Anna and me.

I would have posted this last night but my head was killing me by the time the girls went to bed. Worry not, I don't have a tumor or anything, I'm giving up Dr. Pepper. Yes, you read that right. I'm giving up Dr. Pepper. The reason is multi-faceted...I am hoping to lose a few pounds by giving it up, my health can only improve and it should save some money. Although when I think about it, I could have more expensive addictions, say, crack or heroine. In the scheme of things, I really won't save that much money but I can feel like I am. I'll still drink it when I go out to eat or other such occasions, we just won't have it around the house. Can you believe it? Oooo, I just had a thought, I could give up giving up Dr. Pepper for lent! Dang that lent, now I'll have to drink Dr. Pepper! "Don't throw me in that briar patch Brear Bear!"

Back to visitors day: Here's Madeline Chassez-ing around the circle. I'm not sure I spelled that right but you get my drift.

And this video is of Madeline singing "Dancing Tickles My Toes". Very cute.

And, lest you think because you saw these videos you don't have to attend any recital?...forgetaboutit! The recital is May 31 and Madeline has invited everyone she sees. If she hasn't invited you, yet, she just hasn't seen you. Put the date on your calendar!

This video is after Mads got finished and Anna wanted to dance. Mads is such a good big sister!

More on The Lion King

In response to last night's blog, I have these links for you:

http://disney.go/theatre/thelionking/

http://digital.lionking.org/musical/media/

I hope you enjoy some music from this fabulous show.

And, I was given this information about the person who created the animals and directed "The Lion King" on Broadway. Enjoy! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_Taymor

Maybe more than anyone wanted to know about the Lion King but it is interesting and engaging.

The Lion King

We went to see "The Lion King" today (the "real life" version, on stage). It was so much fun to see it through the girls' eyes. They were astounded by the animals and really enjoyed it. Yes, I know you're not supposed to take pictures and this is the only one of the two that turned out (if you can call it that). But, there it is.

It was an awesome production. The animals are unbelievable. It's amazing to think someone in some production meeting went "what if we make people to look like animals?" I think that production meeting went something like this:

Person #1: What if we use people to make the animals come to life? Elephants, giraffes, lions, etc? What if we have them walk down the aisles through the audience?

Person #2: Sure, we can do that.

Person #3: What if we make half the stage lift up?

Person #2: Sure, why not?

Person #1: What if we use people to make grass, flowers, vines, etc.?

Person #2: We can so do that!

Person #3: Person 2, are you on drugs, or can you really do that?

Person #2: Well, I just don't see why it can't be done.

That's how I imagine the production meeting going. I hope you enjoyed it.

Before you watch the video, which isn't by any stretch riveting - I mostly filmed for the noise)...I must say that yes, this was our main bathroom's bathtub on Sunday and Monday. Our plumbing decided to back up on Sunday morning as I was getting ready for church. I was taking my shower and all of a sudden, the shampoo bottles we have on the floor of our shower (stall) were tipping over. That's not normal. Normally, the water flows freely down the drain. Not that day! Floaty, floaty went the bottles. Well, I know enough to know that I need to get finished quickly.

So, I get out and sure enough, water is leaking out of the bottom of the toilet. Don't ask me from whence it comes, it just does, all over the bathroom floor. I, ever the quick thinker, grab the toilet tissue, which we have so cleverly stored right by the toilet - on the floor -, and save it. Yay Me! If ever I get to go potty again in my bathroom, I'll have paper!

So, Conrad spent all day Sunday working on the plumbing in our home. I made sure to "go" whenever we went somewhere -men- avert your eyes...(it was "that" time of month, to add to my joy of living on Sunday) OK men, you can look again...or I went across the street to my benevolent friend Lisa's house.

At some point, Conrad used some God awful stuff down the drain and it smelled like poo. Sulfur, I think is the smell. I had to bring in Anna to change a diaper - way past time - and I nearly gagged at the smell. Conrad was just sitting there (waiting for the stuff to work) like it smelled like baking cookies in here. I asked him how he could sit there in that smell? He said "what smell?" uuurrrggghhh! Well, the stuff didn't work. Neither did all the other things my patient husband tried. So, I got to call a plumber.

Now, Monday wasn't a typical day. It wasn't like I was going to be home all day to wait for a plumber. No, I had to do another "Griffin Buck Truck" run. Friday wasn't enough. But that's a story for another day. So, I was going to be up at the school allllllllll day! Well, I call the plumber and she says she can get someone out there in about an hour or so. I told her that I would need her to wait for awhile so she says she'll call me when they can do it. (I told her preferably after 4 - if you can believe that!) So, at about 11:45 she calls and says someone is on their way. It just so happened that we had to put the truck up for about an hour and I was about to make more Griffin Bucks (oh joy, oh rapture!) so I said "I'm on my way!". All the while thinking "this better be quick, I gotta get back to the school"!

So, I meet the guy (Jose) and he goes in the backyard, not where the clog is. He goes up on the roof and apparently the higher off the ground he goes, the higher the fee, and he can't get to whatever it is up there. (The video is while he is up there - it made the house rock with noise - what do I do? Go grab my camera, of course!) Back down he goes and into the bathroom and off goes the toilet. 1 minute and he's done. I ask him to unclog the front clean-out so the washing machine will drain properly - well, he's here isn't he? and he gets that done and off I went, back to the school, just in time for the last run of the Griffin Buck Truck for the month. Man, if you don't see God in that timing, I don't know what to say.

So, all that black gunk - yeah, I know what it really is...-in the bathtub? It's gone. Clorox clean-up is great. Makes everything smell cleaner and look cleaner. There's still a stain but I feel like all the germs are gone. The "master bath" was clean in time for my husband to come home, take a shower and then take the girls out to the Ranger game. He asked what I was going to do while they were gone. I said "have myself a personal little breakdown".

Pictures have been found!

The pictures have been found! However, something's going to have to change for this to go on. This was a pain in the hiney to get these on here. But, I'll get it figured out in no time, I am sure. Quit your laughing, it could happen.

OK, even though I knew I would not be able to blog while the computer was in the "hospital" I took pictures anyway. This episode of "Scenes From Lisa's Life" was funny. The camera was acting up and this is the only picture that was remotely focused enough to show you.

Madeline and Sadie came in with underwear on their heads acting like superheroes. Cracked us up. This is Madeline as "Underwear Girl". Even Anna wanted in on the act. She kept patting her head saying "panty". They went and got her some, too, so she was "Underwear Girl-ette".
On Friday (I can't remember which one, so much time has passed) the girls were part of a group of students from their school who all went to play games with retirees at 3 different retirement homes. These people played cards, chess, bingo and candyland. We went to the "Waterford" retirement home. This is Sadie playing with one of the lovely ladies who attended.

Madeline playing checkers.

Madeline playing Candyland with a nice lady.

One Monday morning, the first graders created volcanoes out of piles of sand, baking soda and vinegar. Here is the picture of Madeline's group.

Anna started going to Parent's Day Out. This is her with her backpack on. When we were walking up to the "school" she saw other children with their backpacks on and she was so excited. She kept saying "mama, backpack!".

When we walked into the classroom, she looked around in awe. One of the teachers said that she would have to give up her "binkie" until naptime. As soon as she heard that, she popped that binkie out of her mouth and set it on the table. I figured she would have a major meltdown but noooooo.... Then, she started over to one of the tables and with barely a glance behind her, she waved and said "bye". I wanted to tell her "I want some tears out of you, young lady! - At least act like you're going to miss me!". But, I figure it means she is well adjusted and well, maybe there's a part of her that needs to be away from me as much as I need a break from her. We sure are happy to see each other at the end of the day.Anna at her desk, the first day of school.

You may wonder why some things don't faze me or Conrad. You know, things like eating while changing diapers, watching a bunch of kids all at once out in the street while at the same time making sure they don't get run over by cars, finding a new box of cereal spilled all over the living room carpet (well, that one does get to me),etc. Well, it's because those are all simple things to deal with after you have to dress a child like this picture above. If you can enlarge it you will see Conrad is putting on Anna's shoes (to what purpose, I don't know, they're just coming off in the next 5 seconds) while she is essentially standing on her head. You try that sometime, it's not as easy as it looks. But, it sure makes the rest of life a little less threatening.


Sadie started playing baseball. Here she is in her uniform. She's a "Husker". At least her uniform is a normal color. Mads uniform for soccer her first year was bright orange.

Sadie during her first "at bat".

Madeline at the ballgame.

As an update: Sadie had two games this weekend, one yesterday and one today. Yesterday she got as far as second base (on a walk). They tied that game. Then today, she walked both times up to bat and crossed home plate both times. They are now 1-1-1. I'll keep you posted.

Finally!

Wow, we're finally back on-line! Our little baby (the computer) is back where it belongs, in our home, safe and sound. It had to have it's operating system removed then reinstalled. I think we had a virus or something. I don't think it was one that infected others, I think it just infected us. If it did infect you, I am so sorry, I had no idea that we were even infected with anything. But, it's all cleaned up now and ready to go.

I cannot, however, find where my pictures go when I send them from the camera to the computer. They are not where they used to be and I have to get back to my schoolwork so I can't spend alot of time looking for them. I will find them and share them with you soon. Some are too cute to pass up.

Blogging has become such a part of my life now that when I can't it's like I've lost my voice. I am happy to be back and hopefully either later tonight or sometime tomorrow I will show you the pictures I took in the 20 days since my last blog.

For those of you worried about me (and I've heard reports that some were), thank you for your concern. I am back and will continue sharing my little piece of the world. Thank you for your interest in it.

Y'all have a great evening and I'll blog at 'cha in a bit!
Lisa

Can you believe it's raining here? Blessed rain, cooling off the earth, Thank you, God!

OK, as promised, here are some pics from the trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo. We went Saturday and were going to go see the StarWars exhibit at one of the museums in Ft. Worth but the line to get a ticket was 35-40 minutes long and then you wouldn't get in until 3 hours later. Forget that!

So, here's the best picture I've ever taken of a Gorilla. My experience in this is vast (not). It's actually the only picture I've ever taken of a gorilla (children not included).
This is possibly the worst picture I've ever taken of my children. Had it been in focus and not in front of a big window where the flash shines through, it might have been a keeper. Thought I'd share it anyway.


Some of the pictures didn't load, don't know why. But, I'm forging on.

Since we didn't get to see C3PO and R2D2 from Star Wars, we went and got Ice Cream and sat by the fountain. The girls and Conrad had found a letterbox here before and Sadie had to show me where it was. This is her retrieving it. If you're a letterboxer and haven't found this one, skip this picture.

And for the most exciting news...I no longer have to upload videos to YouTube for your viewing enjoyment. That means you may get more videos on here because before, it was a pain in the hiney to remember to upload before I started to post and if I had more than one, it was a painstaking process - one you are all worth, by the way, but a pain nonetheless. So here is my first video not uploaded to YouTube.

I liked this video because you can hear the tiger growling. What an awesome sound. If I were out in the outback or wherever tigers live (yes, I actually don't know that right now - I'm sure somewhere in my vast store of knowledge it's there and if I were given a million dollars to come up with it, I could) I would probably wet my pants if I heard it.

First General PTO Meeting

My perspective before the meeting started. There were lots more people there once we actually began. That's the VP's computer. She made changes to the budget as we went along.

I thought, tonight, I would share with you all my exerience at my first ever General PTO meeting (being the President over one, anyway).

First of all, after I got there and helped set up, the Financial person of the school came to me and gave me some information -maybe 10% of what she told me stuck in my head. I was nervous. I had no idea if I was going to be able to do this. People were coming in like this was an important thing. Well, it was, we were voting in our budget. But, I have this habit of thinking anything I could possibly preside over couldn't be that important. Well, think again, Missy.

Then, Mr. Simon, our principal came up to me and told me the teachers were there (lots of them) to show me support. Made me tear up. How embarrassing, I need a tissue moments before I am supposed to be all presidential.

Our programs person, Elsa, did a FABULOUS job of setting up the table for the ice cream social to take place during the meeting. Soften 'em up with sweets, how can they hate you, right?

Then, the meeting got started. Everyone gave their committee reports. Short, concise, informative, just lovely. Then I gave Mr. Simon the floor and he had very nice things to say about this year's PTO. Made me tear up again. "Tissue!" That took all of 45 minutes to go through. We broke for 15 minutes to get ice cream and potty break.

Then the budget part started. We went through the budget section by section instead of line by line and it went quickly. Lots (and I mean lots) of questions were asked and I answered those I could, gave those I couldn't (that had nothing really to do with me) to the treasurer and Mr. Simon supported us through it all. 55 minutes from start of budget to adjourning the meeting. IMPRESSIVE to say the least. I've been to budget meetings that lasted 3 hours or more - at this school - recently. Not this one! YAY!

So, sorry this wasn't very exciting. But, I wanted this down for posterity. If I did nothing else in life, I proved a budget meeting could be done without lasting 3 or more hours.

The next blog will deal with our trip to the zoo on Saturday.

First Days

Madeline has decided to dance this year. Last time she danced, she wanted to do it her way. That doesn't sit so well with dance teachers trying to teach fundamentals. Her teacher said she did fabulously yesterday (her first day). This picture is of her right after her first dance lesson...still smiling! It probably helps that her boyfriend (Kolton) is in her class.
First day of school!!!!!! WooHoo!!!!! I mean, BooHoo, NOT! My little girls are off to another year of school. Except, their not so little anymore. Sadie will be in third grade this year. She'll have the same teacher as last year because Mrs. Solis moved up a grade. (She got smarter, too! haha)
This is Madeline, the first grader, leaving the house this morning, all ready to go. She was up at 6 am (with a bloody nose) but ready to go.
This is Sadie, NOT up at 6 am but ready to go when it was time. That's all I ask.
And Anna, toddling after them, raring to go.

Unusual sleeping places

Yesterday, when I went to wake up Anna and Madeline, I saw that Sadie had made her way into the other girls' room, sleeping beside Madeline. I couldn't find Anna anywhere.
No wonder! She was under the bed! I don't know how this happens but somehow, she made her way under the bed and that's where she slept, at least part of the night.

More birthday party

The girls got to go fishin' out at Uncle Joe and Aunt Bonnie's house yesterday. This is one of the fish Sadie caught. It's as big as Anna!

How yummilicious does this cake look? Sadie made it all by herself. Madeline wanted to frost it but Sadie did that herself. Madeline did, however, put the gingerbread muffin and razzles candy on it.

As "Happy Birthday" was about to be sung, I looked over at the counter and there sat this stick of butter. I thought, hmmm, the cake mix Sadie had was a "butter recipe" cake mix. I asked her if she took two sticks of butter out and she said "no, just one". I thought to myself, hmmmm, I'm thinking that stick of butter ought to be in that cake. I prepared myself for the worst.

The cake actually tasted good. Dry, but good. I'm very proud of Sadie for doing it all herself. Maybe next year, she'll learn how to clean up after making a cake!

High School Musical 2

Several weeks ago, when I found out High School Musical 2 was coming out on TV, I thought to myself "wouldn't it be fun to let Sadie and Madeline invite 3 friends over each and have a sleepover and watch HSM2?". One of the friends invited was Taylor whose mother is my creative, artistic friend Jessica. When I told her of the plans and that Conrad and Anna would be finding someplace else to go she told me her husband would be at his yearly Naval reserves week so he wouldn't be there and suggested we have it at her house.

Of course, that took the pressure off of having my house kid-ready so I gratefully accepted. Her kids also got to invite people so it wasnt' just my kids friends (although our kids' friends are all pretty much the same so it works out).

We decided to have a red carpet and crafts, make-overs, pizza, the works. Jessica even made star shaped cookies that were very yummy.

As it turned out, I was sick ALL week ( and if you remember the trend in my house this year, it has been for the birthday person to be sick on their birthday - held true with me!) so on Thursday, I called one of the other girls' mother and asked if she could fill in for me in case I wasn't well. I was still running a fever on Friday so there was no way I would be able to stay up all night and sleeping anywhere besides my bed wasn't a comforting or healing thought.

I took the girls over there and stayed until the movie started and that zapped most of my energy. But, here the big girls are, on the red carpet, showing their "diva" side.

And here are the first-graders in full "diva" mode.

Jessica is so creative, she made this sign with lights...how great is that sign?

After the movie, they made a "poop pile" which is just all the pillows available in a big pile, then the girls stand on the coffee table and JUMP!

Now, how fun did that look?

I am feeling a bit better now. My fever may be gone. I'm taking it easy until Monday when we have to go "meet the teacher" at school and take all our school supplies in. And, I'm sure there will be PTO stuff to do, just not sure what it is right now, I'm still a little fuddled in the brain (no more than usual, probably).

Conrad took the girls (all 3 of them!) out to Joe and Bonnie's out by Lake Tawakoni to celebrate J&B's 20th anniversary. They're going to go fishing and have a great time, I'm sure. I, on the other hand, am going to enjoy some peace and quiet and maybe find some of the floors in my house. I'm sure they're in there somewhere.

Happy 20th Anniversary, Joe and Bonnie. I wish you many, many more!