Cotton Dust and Cotton Bolls

HI

2010-10-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a super long time! My profile was 2 years behind! Crazy huh! Hopefully I'm back and will be able to post on a more regular basis. There is so much to tell you. Stay tuned! I will post the present stuff and play catch up also!

So much to catch up on!

2010-05-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

There is so much to catch up on I don't know where to start!

I still do not have a computer! My computer crashed and is long gone. I'm still waiting on Santa Clause to by my another one! HAHAHAHA.

I miss posting so much! So sorry there will be no pictures this post, but i will try to catch you up.

First of all there will be a new baby Cottonboll arriving very soon! I'm pregnant and due in June! If I make it that long! Its a BOY! We all very excited and counting the days till he is here!

Cottonboll is very excited to be a big sister! She always has lots of questions from how to when and can he sleep in my room? She now has a new room that is painted pink and no play room. We have worked very hard to get her in one room and keep it neat. Papa has built shelves in her new closet, we have under bed totes for dress up clothes and she even let me get rid of some of her toys. For the ones who do not know this, my Dad, (Papa) is a pack rat and my daughter has inherited this gene and it is very strong in her! I mean very strong she will not let go of anything! This pack rat gene is not strong in me and I can get rid if stuff! so we have battles junk vs trash all the time. Cottonboll letting me get rid of stuff was ans is a big deal!

Cottondust is excited also. We had issues about baby Cottonboll's name, but we have worked them out and the baby Cottonboll does have name.

Cottondust is very busy this time of year and feels pressure. The bigger and more uncomfortable I get and the more the more pressure he feels. I have warned him I don't think I will make it to June, I'm thinking the end of May sounds good to me. So he feels pressure to tie up lose ends at work and be prepared for the big day.

I will try to post as soon as I can again! till then check back on and off!

Yes I'm still around

2009-12-15T01:47:00.000-08:00

I'm still around, but I'm having computer issues! So I'm hoping Santa Claus will bring me a new computer for Christmas. So hopefully in the near future I will be able to catch up.

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-09-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

This summer went by so fast! and now I cant keep up with Fall!

After we got into our school routine Cottonboll started Dance class again and is now also playing indoor soccer. It seems like we are always so busy.

Cottonboll and I have finally adjusted to a 5 day a week school. (It was much easier for Cottonboll ), but we, ok I have adjusted. We treasure our time together from 3:15 till 5:00. Eating a snack and just chatting. She really is very funny. I love to see the world through her eyes.

Every Tuesday night she has homework. We cut out pictures from a magazine beginning with the letter of the week. Remember doing that, I do! She is learning so much, such a little sponge. Everyday she comes home and tells me about her day and what she learned. So amazing how the little things we thought we just knew was once taught to us in kindergarten. One day last week she came and home and explained the past, present and future to me. Then there are days when we are riding in the car and she starts singing a new song about pennies, nickles and dimes. She is so amazing and I'm a proud Mom.

Cottonboll turns 5

2009-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

A Little catching up to do!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LITTLE TINKER BELL

On August 5th Cottonboll turned 5

We had a Tinkerbell in Space birthday party! It was at the Science Spectrum, friends dressed up as Tinkerbell and friends. We also crawled inside a space bubble and looked a the stars and constellations. Then after the party the kiddos played at the Science Spectrum.

The party was fun, the kiddos had a great time and for the the 1st time it was not a my house. So great, for the stress factor and I did not have to clean my house twice. Before the party and after the party. So great !

I took many pictures but I cant post a lot of them because of the other children but I do have some I can post.

I love the pictures, of my niece Lily and Cottonboll. Lily is tying Cottonboll's ribbon back in her hair

First Week of School

2009-08-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Of course Cottonboll had a great first day and week! She is and was so excited to go back each and every day. The only issue she has had is with lunch! The first day of school, was enchilada day. It didn't go over so well. She said it looked so yucky and didn't taste it, but she did try the rice and said "The rice had a pepper in it and IT did not taste like my Nana's rice"Luckily the next day was cheese pizza day and that was great! She came home and said lunch was great I got to eat pizza!

Lunch has really been the only issue. She loves the structure and rules of school. Cottonboll talks non stop of her day, "first we do this, then clean up and we go to P.E. we have to wear tennis shoes, no flip flops or sandals, so if I wear my sandals I have to take tennis shoes in my back pack! She talks just like that and forgets to take a breath, I love it!

So I guess we are surviving school, even though it is 5 Days a week and all day long. But I still think 5 days a week is a bit much maybe 3days?

First Day Of School

2009-08-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

I am going to try to catch you up on everything that happened this summer, eventually!
I think, I hope but anyway I will start with the here and know.

First Day of School KindergartenSo excited!
Last Monday was the first day of Kindergarten for our baby girl! What a day it was! Cottondust and I walked her to school, to her room, got her all setup and gave her good luck hugs and kisses. She was okay until she realized it was time for Daddy and Mommy to leave and the tears started.

Seriously who could walk away from that face? It was hard but I did and I kept it together until she couldn't see me and then let a few tears escaped. On the walk home my tough old hubby kept saying she is okay, she will be fine she is just spoiled. So after Cottondust finally left for work, I could cry in peace! My baby is growing up so fast!

Working in the yard

2009-07-15T07:26:00.001-07:00

We have been working on/in the yard. I use the word we loosely. I have really bad allergies. (I do!) So when the lawn mower starts I take a Zyrtec-D and hide.

This particular day in June the lawn mower was not working. Cottondust had the lawn mower in the back of his pickup and was working on it. Cottonboll ran in the house and said "I need my tools! Daddy needs help fixing the lawn mower". All I could see was a bright orange and green blurr, then back out the door she goes with her tool box in hand. Every girl needs a tool box and tools.

This is Cottonboll' s tool box. Please notice the stolen napkin rings!

In the above picture, she is trying to convince Cottondust the lawn mower needs the stolen napkin ring.

Cottonboll is such a good helper! Asking lots of questions.

My Computer has been taken over

2009-07-13T19:27:00.001-07:00

My computer has been taken over !

As I was looking through my summer pictures I remember another reason why I have not been posting on my blog. Any time I have time or try to make time to use the computer. Cottonboll asks, request, begs, any or all the above, "Please can I play a game, work on letters or go playhousedisney.com

Baseball

2009-07-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

We hit the summer running and we haven't stop yet. Baseball in June! Cottonboll and I went to my beautiful and talent nieces tee ball and baseball game.

This is my niece Lily and Cottonboll watching Emma play ball.

Cottonboll, Lily and Emma

Mema, Lily and Cottonboll playing Ring Around the Roses

Papa and the girls being silly. I have told you before that my Dad is a mess. Right?

Emma. Isn't she beautiful?

Where has the summer gone?

2009-07-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

I will try and catch you up on all of our summer fun. Stay tuned.

P.S. I started writing the the last post about the Dance Recital in June. Just finished it. See below.

Recital Weekend

2009-06-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

We survived our very first dance recital. I have to tell to you, at one point Saturday Morning I wonder if we could or would survive!

We had two performance's. The first was at 10:00 Saturday morning. Cottonboll and I got up early to prepare for the first show.

Extra Curls for her hair.

I survive the bright red lipstick, blue eyeshadow and pink blush ordeal. Yes, Cottonboll had to wear makeup on stage, so we could see her face with all the lights. Yes, I had a very hard time with this. I have very strong feelings about makeup, nail polish, reveling clothing or anything that is not age appropriate for or on children. After rehearsal Friday night, I decided, the makeup does help to see the girls faces on stage and would be appropriate for this occasion. But it was still very hard to put makeup on my child. Cottonboll and I have had many conversion about makeup, age, dance recitals and will probably have many more.

We had a dressing room back stage to get the dancers ready(band hall). The dancers could only wear their costumes back stage and on stage, not in the audience ( not to ruin the surprise). So Saturday morning Cottonboll had to be ready and in line at 11:15. I went back stage at 10:15, I thought that should give us enough time to put on her costume, fluff her hair and apply make -up. Way, Way to much time! Girls from the age range of 3 to 6 all running wild with all types of costumes on and all of us moms saying stop that, come here, sit down, don't suck your thumb, don't touch your lips you will get red lipstick every were! (Moms way more stressed out then the dancers)

Finally after a very long hour, time to line up, but guess what? Cottonboll had lost one of her shoe bows. Here we go looking all over this band hall, with young girls running wild, in all types and colors of costumes looking for a stray yellow shoe bow. Found it, put it back on, made sure everything else was right then stood Cottonboll in line with her group.

Whew! After all that I was hot, tired, and thirsty, but no time to rest. I ran outside, back in to the auditorium, found a spot along the wall and waited once again. But this wait was much more pleasant, it was cool and I got to watch some of the other dance routines.

The Sunshine Dancing Kids entered the stage, Cottonboll did a great job! So cute, she remember her dance and sang her song. I was so proud and excited I forgot to breath! Cheered, cried almost past out (due to lack of breathing) as the group exited the stage, remembered I needed to breath, ran back around the building, back stage and showed an officer my badge, collected Cottonboll, showered her with praise, returned to the dreaded hot band hall, change her cloths and finally back around to the auditorium. So hot and thirsty at this point and very ready for lunch and a nap.

I did finally have lunch and a short nap before the next performance at 7 that night.

It was Cottonboll's day she loves to dance and she loves to perform. I am so proud of her and she is so brave!. She loved it and so did we. Daddy gave her roses and I gave her ballerina teddy bear for working so hard and doing a great job. Due to all the craziness the picture below was taken Sunday morning. Mommy was a bit tired! but Cottonboll was still very excited!

Dance Recital weekend.

Crashed Emma's field trip

2009-05-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cottonboll and I arrived at the Science Spectrum with Chick-fil-A, in hand for lunch. We planned to have lunch then enjoy the afternoon exploring and playing. When we pulled up and I noticed a school bus from the small town by brother and his family live. I wonder if Lily or Emma here? HMM Probably just a coincidence, could be any class from there.

We sat down had our lunch and no sign of my nieces, my sister in law or anyone else I might recognize. Then we walked up to the counter and I said we have a membership under my Mom's name. (part of the grand kiddos Christmas) Told them my Mom's name and she replied the membership has been used today already. Ok, I said but she has enough for all her grand kids. Yes there is a father here on field trip, from the small town my brother lives in and he used them. HMMM. My brother no dought. So I flipped out my phone,call my brother and heard my brother's cheerful hello. Hi I said can you come to the front of the Science Spectrum. He asked are your here and need 2 tickets?, yes please. He appeared with 2 tickets.

So I got to visit with my brother and watch my niece Emma in action. She is growing up so fast. I still see her, as though she is 1, walking and shaking her hips as fast as she can around the park with a pacifier in her mouth and giggles spilling out. I tell ya, times goes by so fast.

That is how Cottonboll and I crashed Emma's field trip today.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

Memorial day fun!!! Swimming

My little fish!

Papa~ and Cottonboll playing!

Cottondust manning the grill and Nana helping

Dakota chilling.
More swimming and water play.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and of course watermelon.

Happy Memorial Day

My daughter the Belle of the Ball

2009-05-24T18:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Cottonboll went to a princess birthday party. She chose to dress up like Cinderella. Since I was sleeping beauty or maybe just the beast (i worked Friday and Saturday night). I asked Cottondust to please take her to your mother to fix her hair and take pictures, more than one picture, please and to take her to the party. He agreed and promised to take a least 2 pictures for me. such a funny man!

Yes, but of course she still had the dress, shoes and crown on when I got up at 3:30 and when I went to work at 6:30. I think Cottondust had to make some deals to get her to take off her Cinderella outfit for bed.

Don't you just love it the whole outfit! dress, shoes, purse and crown. Did I mention that the dress lights up. (i didn't know it when I bought it, I ran in to Target and grabbed the first Cinderella dress I could find.) The dress lights up blue. I will take a picture and post it. She truly thought she was the belle of the ball.

Our Anniversary

2009-05-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Our Anniversary was May 18th. 13 years. Yes we got married young, so in love. This was our engagement picture. It was taken in October of 95. We were so young!!! I was so in love in I could not wait till May to get married. I tried, so hard to convince Cottondust to elope. I wanted to get married in Las Vegas. My Mom knew I wanted to elope and she had him promise to have a wedding. He kept the promise and to this day he stills says "You will love the memories of our wedding". Yes I love the memories, but I still would have like to go to Vegas. So "I'm trying to convince him to renew our vows in Vegas for our 15 or 20th wedding anniversary. Guess what he says about that. " He loves me, but he will not marry me again". I have a couple of years to work on him. Las Vegas and Elvis here we come!

I do treasure the memories of our wedding. It was May 18th 1996. I wanted an outdoor wedding in May with real flowers. It was hot, but I didn't care I was getting married! The wedding was at County Line on the patio, the flowers were so pretty and the trees so green. There were peacocks everywhere ( they made the worst sound every time the sound system came on. A loud caw)We talk all during the wedding! I don't remember talking or what we said but you can see us just chatting, smiling and laughing through out the ceremony on the video. We would pay attention to the preacher when we needed, said our vows on cue but during the music we started talking again.

Cottondust was so handsome, my heart still flutters thinking about how handsome he looked! So i guess i do love the memories. Happy anniversary. Here's to many more years.

Last Day at PDO

2009-05-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Last night when I should have gone to bed. I started digging for pictures. I love looking through old photographs. So you are going to have to bare with me as I make a trip down memory lane. But not today I don't have the time.

Yesterday was Cottonboll last day at her PDO preschool. It was a happy and sad day. As I mention before she started going there when she was 1. I will miss the faculty, staff and loving environment. Miss Lisa was and is such a great teacher and we will miss her also. We plan to stay in touch via this blog. We will miss you and good luck with your move Ms. Lisa.

Mother's Day/Happy B-day MOM

2009-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here I go again playing catch up.

Mother's Day was good. We hosted a cook out for our Mothers and me. I am the main photographer ( i use that title loosely) I m the one who always has the camera out and snapping shots. Sorry, between enjoying Mother's day and being a hostess, not many pictures were taken. Even though there are no pictures to see it was still a great day. The weather was cool, the food was good and family here to enjoy the day. Cottondust and Cottonboll gave me a cake, a lovely plant and let me sleep in on Saturday. (i love to sleep in.)

Happy Mother's Day

May 14th was my Mother's Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom/Mema

My Mom is the quiet serious type, but she is always watching and is aware of your outside and inside feelings. She is a very smart MOM. (It only took me growing and being a mom myself to realize how smart she was and is) She is always there for me when I need her. With kind words, good advice and loving hug. I can't thank her enough for all that she has done. She is a Great! Mema, always full of stories and fun activities for the grand kiddos. Cottonboll can't wait for there summer fun together. We love you Mom/Mema. Happy Birthday!

Yes, still playing Catch up

2009-05-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

OK yes I'm still playing catch up. Like I said we have been busy and I was preoccupied reading.

Due to Cottondust and my crazy schedule Cottonboll had to go to work with Cottondust one morning for a couple of hours. He was due in a field to do what ever he does. I think he had to monitor the the farmer who was planting. Cottondust was so excited. She loves to go to work with Daddy and when she works with Daddy she has to wear her pink cap.

Cottonboll dressed for work with Daddy

Thursday was Mom's and Muffins day.

Below are pictures of Cottonboll's and my typically day. This was Friday and we had a wonderful day together at home.

We watered our flowers, with Dakota's approval

Put puzzles together, read and played baby's.

And rode bikes. Don't you just love the pink and red stripped socks!

Still Catching Up.

2009-05-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Cottonboll had her end of the year program at her PDO. It was movies and "I'm a star" theme. Very cute! I took lots of pictures, but as always, the pictures have her classmates in them so I cant post them.

Cottonboll started going to this PDO program when she was 1. For the first year of her life, I worked nights, full time while Cottondust was going to school. I would come home after working 12 hour shifts and sleep when she slept. Of course for the first 6 months it was great. She slept, nursed and slept some more. The older she got, the less she slept. By the time she was 9months old it was getting hard to work and function as a Mom. Luckily, it was May, the end of school and my Mom was able to come and watch her while I slept. Cottondust and I started to talk about, what we were going to do when school started again and Mema went back to teaching. We both agreed day care was not an option. So we started looking into PDO programs at local Churches and at the church we were attending.

We decided on the PDO program, registered her and got ready.

The August she turned 1, Cottondust and I went to meet her teacher and fell in love with her. She was so friendly and Cottonboll took to her. Which was great, Cottonboll didn't and still doesn't take to a lot a people. The first Tuesday I dropped her off it was not easy!, but looking back it was the best decision we could have made to begin her education.

Cottonboll has gone there since then, except for the 8 months we lived in Hell (well the small town that i call hell anyway) , but she did finish the year out when we moved back. So technically she has gone there for the past 4 years.

I have loved and enjoyed each and every year and the teachers. I'm going to miss the factually and staff so much when we say our final goodbyes in May.

Cottonboll graduated from her PDO's pre-school. I know. I know where has the time gone! (sniff sniff) She is growing up so fast.

Holding her diploma

We are so proud of her!

Also, Last Wednesday Cottonboll and I went to her new to school to preregister for kindergarten. I have to admit, I'm nervous and I'm going to miss my baby. I'm not ready for this 5 day a week school thing. I can deal with the Tuesdays and Thursdays when she is at PDO but 5 whole days. I will miss my very talkative shadow at my side for the other 3 days. I will have to cut back working weekends, which is good and bad for many reasons. Seriously 5 days! so not ready for that. (most of the time)

More Catching up

2009-05-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

More catching up to do.

We have been busy.

I begged Cottondust to build me some planter boxes or make a flower bed in the yard. He keeps saying he does not have time. (likely story) So every time I go to Wal-mart (which is almost every day) I bring home flowers and pretty flower pots to put them in and I'm lining them up on my patio and I have plans for the front yard also. ( I think he has figured out I'm serious about the flowers now! ) He has been helping us transplant the flowers in to my pretty pots. Cottonboll is so excited! She has helped transplant the flowers and helps me water and take care of them.

Cottonboll and I spend a little time each day checking on the flowers and watering them. We are always excited to go to Wal-mart for more. When Cottondust gets home and sees we have more flowers and pretty pots all he can do is give me that smile I love so much! Oh and of course help Cottonboll and I transplant them, but of course he is the pro.

Cottonboll and I walked in the March of Dimes. Or rather I walked and pull her in a wagon for 4 miles. Thanks so much to all my friends who helped me pull her up the hills! We really had a great time. I forgot my camera. So Cottondust caught up to us after the walk and I have picture after the walk.

We are having a after the walk snack of popcorn and cotton candy.

We have matching T-shirts that say antepartum angels and our name on the back. Oh yeah Cottonboll loves the T-shirt she had to were it to school.

After the walk there was family activities, games, jumping castle, firetruck and food. We stuck around after ward and played.

Driving a firetruck

Getting in the jumper seat

Buckling up.

As I mentioned before we have been busy so I still have more catching up to do. More to come soon. stay tuned.

Camie the books I was reading The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. There are 7 book in all the last one came out in April. It is another vampire series very good but a little racy.

Confession and Playing Catch up

2009-05-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, Okay I'm sorry I started reading a series of 7 books and the books have taken all of my free time and then some. I am finish with the series, for now, until another book comes out. So I should have more time to do other things. ( I can hear Cottondusts in the back ground saying FINALLY). He gets neglected when I read. I have a compulsion, obsession with reading.I cant stop reading until there is nothing left to read. So I try very hard not to get into series of books, I cant do anything else. My house is a mess, I'm more sleep deprived than usual and Cottondust is grouchy from all the neglect. Cottonboll is great, I read while she is occupied doing other things or at the park, where I can watch, read and she can play. At night I read after she goes to bed which causes all the other previous mention stuff to not get done.

Anyway I have confessed now all 3 of my readers know why I have not posted anything.

Now to catch up.

Easter was good. We did the usual things. I worked the sat night before so I did not make it to church. Cottondust and Cottonboll went. I asked Cottondust to please take a picture of Cottonboll in her Easter dress. This one was the only one he took.

The Easter Bunny came while I was a sleep so Cottonboll's Easter basket was waiting for her when she got home.

Easter Egg hunt

Confetti eggs

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention a confetti egg, cracked over my head and the mischievous, sweet laughter of my child was how I woke up on Easter Sunday. Oh yes confetti and eggs shells went all over my bed. Cottondust actually told her it was okay to crack the egg over my head while i was in bed. So guess who had to clean it up before we went to bed. Heheheeh yep. Cottondust.

More to catch up on. so I will post soon.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Easter Egg Hunt

Today was Cottonboll's Easter egg hunt at her PDO. I was able to go. Ms Lisa, Cottonboll's teacher is so smart. She wrote each kiddos name on the eggs and the kiddos had to find the eggs with there name on them. 1. It was a good learning experience and 2. it lasted longer. The hunt was planned for out side, but that nasty old wind will not let up, so it was inside.

Hmmm were to start!

I think this one has my name on it.

Found one!

Lysol Disinfectant

2009-04-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have been invaded by what I call sugar ants. ( I don't know if they are really called that or not but I'm calling them sugar ants) Little reddish, brown, black ants. Over the weekend in our rush to get everything needed done, done, a bowl of dry coco puffs was left on my night stand. Monday morning Cottonboll and I noticed what I called sugar ants on the window sill marching in a line. After the initial shock of it wore off I convinced Cottonboll that they are harmless little sugar ants. Leave them alone and we will tell Daddy when he gets home. He will get rid of them. He did try! He took out his handy dandy spray bottle and sprayed underneath and around the windows. He came back in and said I didn't see any but I sprayed anyway. Good hopefully that will take care of that.

WRONG. Those darn little ants continue to march in as the sun warms up the window sill and march out as the sun goes down. Do you know how many questions I have to answer about the ants.
Why are they walking in a line? Do they have eyes? can they see? Why do they run into each other? Were do they come from? Were do they go? Are they girls? Are they boys? Are they babies? Were is the mommy? were is the daddy? are they sisters? brothers? Oh Many many more questions!

I also get a minute to minute updates about the ants. They ants are here. They are marching on your window sill, They are marching in a line, They have two lines now. almost a circle! Come see it is so cool! Some are marching on the floor now. look some of them are running in to the other ants. SEE, hurry you have to see. they look like robots, but they are not robots! The ants are going home. The sun is going down.

Cottonboll also tells me approx hove many ants are on my window sill.

Last night I complained again about the ants and I encouraged Cottonboll to ask Daddy all the questions she asks me about the ants. So, after about 20 mins of questions he got on line and looked up sugar ants. He read alls kinds of information., but that was all he did. So today I super cleanned. I moved the nightstand and bed. swept and mopped. and Sprayed a whole can of Lysol Disinfectant around the window, window sill and floor. I think that took care of it.

i guess lesson learned, 1. dont leave cocopuffs out 2.Lysol Disinfectant can kill sugar ants along with everything else. 3. just take care of things your self!

March For Babies

2009-04-05T02:37:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I work on a high-risk OB unit, we try to prevent the premature birth of babies, but many of our patients deliver early. Some need a few weeks in NICU, while others stay for months, and a small few never make it home.

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Ok blog followers, with the above said again. I am asking the ones who have not donated to March for Babies to please consider sponsoring me. I have only 20 days left until Cottonboll and I will March (walk and pull a wagon) for Babies. I would like to reach my goal of 100 dollars. So please consider sponsoring me. If you would like to sponsor me, click on the link to the right.It is really easy just click and follow the directions.

Below is more information from the March of Babies web site.

The money we raise for March for Babies will help:

...support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects

...educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby

...provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care

...push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children.

Please consider sponsoring me.

House Chores and kiddos

2009-03-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

Yesterday as I attempted to do some laundry and clean house, Cottonboll was following me around and not letting me get much done. So I decide I would give her a pair of safety scissors, a glue stick and Christmas's wrapping paper. I drew shapes and had her practice cutting and gluing. The activity worked great I was able to finish cleaning the kitchen and get some of the laundry washed. Of course snap a few pictures.

Cottonboll does help with the chores. She always goes on a dish hunt. Which in our house, she goes to every room and brings all the dishes she can find back to the kitchen, ranging from drinking cups to things she has taken from the kitchen to play with.

Chores, Kiddos and Moms how to get all done. Takes skills or something.

Rainforest Theme Trip the End

2009-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Rainforest Theme Trip

Sunday we went to the Dallas World Aquarium

This is a unorganized family photo in front of the aquarium. (i don't think any one was listening to the request for use to pose.)

Cottonboll and Zeke looking a the Eagle rays

cool shot of a turtle

Cottondust and Cottonboll in front of a Sawfishshark

Cottonboll and the Jaguar

The Aquarium was neat and so many thing to see, read and learn about. this post does not do the The aquarium or the fun we had there justice, but it is hard to keep up with every and take pictures. If you are every in the Dallas area it is worth the visit.

March for Babies

2009-03-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Cottonboll and I will be participating in March for Babies this year (March of Dimes up till last year). As many of you know, I work on a high-risk OB unit, we try to prevent the premature birth of babies, but many of our patients deliver early. Some need a few weeks in NICU, while others stay for months, and a small few never make it home.

Here's a fact sheet on prematurity:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/21191.asp

Please consider sponsoring me, Cottonboll and the Antepartum Angels team this year!

Little Ears are Always Listening

2009-03-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

Little ears are always listening.
Sunday during Church as the preacher spoke, Cottonboll was doing her usual thing. Playing quietly with a stuff toy and writing on piece a paper with her back to the preacher. ( yes standing with her back to the preacher, but QUIET).

Tuesday night I was looking up the Bible verse the preacher spoke about. Cottonball ask me what I was doing. I said I was looking up the Bible story the preacher talked about Sunday. What is a preacher she asked. I said the guy who was telling the Bible story Sunday at Church. Oh she said, the one about Jesus walking on water and the guy got out of the boat and walk toward him. Then he took his eyes of Jesus and his feet begin to sink. Yes I said with mouth dropping to the floor.

Matthew 14:22-34

We continued to discuss the Bible story and what the story meant to me and her. Of course after Cottondust was home I could not wait to tell him about our little ears. Cottonboll had understood, remembered and absorbed a sermon for adults.

So I guess the point of this post is little ears are always listening to the words they need to hear and of course the stuff we don't want them to hear. Little sponges. God is everywhere in little and big hearts.

Rainforest Theme Trip continued

2009-03-19T01:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday Nana and Papa~ joined us at Christina house and we all decide to go to a Chocolaty Festival, in one of the near by suburbs. But very sad to say, once we got there the Chocolate festival was sold out. So We ended up having a late lunch or early dinner. We attempt to shop a little more but Cottondust, Papa~, Steve and the kiddos were not interested in shopping.

So we ended up back at Aunt Christina's house and the kiddos painted Easter egg cookies.

Rainforst Theme Trip

2009-03-19T00:58:00.000-07:00

Trip to Aunt Christina's house part 1. Rainforest Theme.

We got to aunt Christina's house late Thursday night, said hello to a very excited Zeke, and a tired Aunt Christina and Uncle Steve.

Cottondust had something work related to do Friday, so he got up and went to work Friday morning. Christina and I got up, dressed the kiddos and headed off the to the mall to shop. I miss shopping so much. I forget how much I like to walk through a mall and just shop. Shopping is so much fun! We went to a mall in Gripevine, which has several children's clothing outlet stores. We shop for kiddos clothing. Cottonboll is now ready for spring and summer. Also some what ready for fall, alot of fall/winter clothing were on clearance. Such great deals.

About noon Cottondust caught up with us and we had lunch a the Rainforest Cafe. Truly a neat place to go at least once. Cottonboll and Zeke loved it. At first Cottonboll was not sure about the storms and animals moving, but after the first storm she figured it out and had a good time.

She really did have a good time, even tho she looks scared to death in this picture.

Zeke had a great time, not much bothers him. He could care less about the lights flickering on and off and the animals moving. He was happy to color and steal chips from Cottondust's plate. So cute.
As we were waiting for a table we walked around the gift shop and there was a diver in the fish tank cleaning the tank. I got a cool picture of Cottondust and Cottonboll with the diver.

A couple of Christmas's ago Steve and Christina got Cottonboll a teddy bear from Build a Bear Workshop. The bears name is Precious. She has several outfits with matching shoes and panties. Cottonboll loves her and changes her outfits daily. The plan was to let her build her own stuff toy at the end of the day. After all the shopping and lunch we walk around to the Build a Bear Workshop, told her and Zeke the news. They were so excited. Cottonboll had a hard time trying to figure out what she wanted, she thought about a puppy, Hello kitty or maybe a pink bear. She finally decided on a brown horse. Zeke had the same problem but he finally chose the same brown horse.

pressing the foot paddle to add stuffing and loving

Choosing a heart

Making a wish

First shower

The fun part! choosing cloths and accessories. Rainbow tennis shoes, pink skates, rainbow shirt and a hot pink skirt of course. Zeke horse had black converse shoes and skates.

Meet Rainbow the Skating Pony and not pictured Mickey the other skating pony.

We ended a day at the mall with a carousal ride.

Such a Big Girl

2009-03-10T17:26:00.001-07:00

Tuesday while the weather was still warm Cottonboll rode her bike. Last fall before the weather became cold, she was just getting to the stage of bike riding were she was comfortable. Today we had to start all over. I started walking behind her holding the bike, promising not to let go. Then just walking beside her. Same old question. "What if I fall" then get up dust, yourself off and get back on. "but what if I hurt myself " that is just part of learning, you have to get back on and keep going.

Well she fell, but after she fell the fear went away and she could ride her bike all by herself.

There she goes all by herself. Turning around in the neighbor's driveway

Coming back to our drive way

Happy smile. I can do it.

Painfully Sleepy

2009-03-10T03:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so tired and sleepy that it hurts. Your eye lids burn and are so heavy. Things, people and thoughts do not make sense. Oh and don't forget about the noise. When I'm tired and sleepy I hate noise. TV is too loud. Cars passing by, too loud. birds chirping, dogs barking, Cottondust's voice (he has a loud voice that carries even when your not sleepy) all to loud. Why is the TV on anyway. Annoying and loud. Things just don't make sense. I need sleep.
Oh don't get me wrong I love Cottondust's voice, but when I'm tired little to loud at times, but soothing. Doesn't make sense, does it?

Do you know what I am rambling on about? Sorry once again for posting non important thoughts but thought I needed to share anyway.

Did you know that Cottondust can sing? He will tell you that he carries his tune in a bucket, but he can sing and it is very soothing. Cottonboll and I both calm down and get still when he starts to sing. At night, he looks on line for music videos to his favorite songs and sings along with them. Actually, one of the easiest ways to get Cottonboll to get ready for bed, is to offer her if she hurries up, brushes her teeth we will watch videos with Daddy. Her favorite 2 are George Straits Old Troubadour and She will Leave you with at Smile. If Cottondust does not sing a long we have to restart the videos.

Ok ok I feel better. thanks for listening.

Dads and Donuts

2009-03-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

Thursday was Dads and Donuts day at Cottonboll's PDO.

Cottondust was out of town Tuesday and Wednesday. He got home late Wednesday night after Cottonboll was asleep, as I was tucking her in she ask for the hundredth time "Daddy will be home tonight? right" "right" I said. "Good! because tomorrow is Dads and donuts. He promised me he would be home and take me to school tomorrow" Yes he is on his way home now!

Cottondust got home after 10:00 Wednesday night. As promised.

Cottonboll was so excited. Daddy took her to school and had a donut and coffee with her. Thanks to Ms Lisa I have the above picture.

Windy dusty day

2009-03-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

In honor of today's windy dusty day I thought I would post a picture of my dusty dirty dog and daughter. When the wind blows 100 miles an hour, (I know more like 110 miles an hour) like it does all the time here. My back patio gets covered in fine dirt. Dakota loves to nap on the patio and he does not care if it is covered in fine dirt and therefor becomes very dusty. The picture above does not do the dust covered duo justice. Cottonboll has had a bath, but poor Dakota has not. He does not understand why I will not let him roam the house as he is accustom to. He has to stay outside or in his room until I have time to give him a bath.

So I guess this goodnight, I must go give poor Dakota a bath so we may all sleep tonight.

Messy House

2009-03-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

My house is absolute mess. I'm tired and grouchy!!!!. Just thought I needed to share that news with you. Plus it gives me an excuse, not to start cleaning and give the house cleaning fairies a few more minutes to get here.

20 minutes later: I don't think the house cleaning fairies are coming. So I guess I will clean and post something more interesting later.

Date night

2009-02-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

Last night David Copperfield was so much fun.!I had a great time. Cottondust and I went with my brother and sister in law. I think every one had fun. Although, when the tickets went on sale I talk my brother into getting tickets in the balcony, (because it is easier to see the stage,) but that was a mistake. We would of had more fun on the floor. So sorry Neil. Of course Cottondust is such a sceptic, he tried to take the fun out of the illusions, but we had a good time anyway.

After the show we all went out to eat and I ate way to much, but the food was so good. We went to local Mexican food place and ate tons of chips and hot sauce. I had a really great chile relleno.

My parents came over to watch Cottonboll and my two nieces. They ordered pizza, had a party and just played. Cottonboll was so tired last night, past the point of tired. She fought everything. I don't want to brush my teeth, I don't want to go bed. fussy fussy fussy. Once we got her in bed , she remember she did not have her bedtime snack. Oh my! the big fit that followed. She had all ready brushed her teeth and was in bed so I said no, just go to sleep. She finally fell asleep, but woke up at 1 am crying about not having a bedtime snack. (yes at 1 am.) so the great mom I am (especially after being woken up by a fussy child!), I gave her two cookies and sat on her bed while she at them , then tucked her back in.

Where is the Mom of the year award for cookies at 1am?

So excited! I just can't hide it!

2009-02-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I'm sooooooo excited! I have a date tomorrow night (yes with Cottondust) we are going to see David Copperfield and eat out some place nice. I will let know how it goes.

Also weight watchers has been going well, Thanks to all who have asked and I will post an update soon.

Cottonboll is healthy and doing well also. She had a great weekend at her Papa~ and Nana's house and is asleep now.

Dakota Update

2009-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday after I got Cottonboll to her PDO and after a long nap. I cleaned up the Fajita mess and sprayed a bottle of Lavender and Vanilla Febreze trying to kill the fajita smell. Dakota stay at my side most of the day following me from room to room as I worked. Once he decided it was warm enough for him outside he stayed out for a while. He came in for while when Cottonboll got home and acted fine. Once the temp started to drop he came in for the night and acted perfectly normal. At bed time he was normal. He found is spot on the end of our bed and stayed there all night. So hopefully it was the strong smell of fajitas in the house and Dakota is not losing his mind. Things are normal and we are sleeping most of the night. Very important!

Dakota

2009-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

I started writing this Thursday night. finally posted it tonight.

I'm afraid our old man might be trying to lose his mind! Is is possible for a dog to go crazy in his old age? I truly hope Dakota has not lost his mind.

Dakota does not like to be by himself. So most nights he sleeps in our bed. Sometimes we can put him in his room and he will stay there, but like I said most nights he sleeps with Cottonsdust and me.

Last night I work until 1:00am got home about 1:20, ready to crash. I had talked to Cottondust about 11:00 he said Dakota is in our bed. No big deal. I get home and Dakota is on the floor next to our bed, a little strange. I ask him if he wanted to go out side. He got up and moved closer to the bed, so I put him on the bed. I start getting ready for bed and he jumps off the bed and goes into Cottonboll's room. I go get him and as we walk by the back door he decides he wants to go outside, out he goes.

I finish getting ready for bed, let Dakota back in, put him back on the bed and crawl into bed. 2 seconds later Dakota is by face whining. What? I asked him. Go to your spot and go to sleep. He moves over to Cottondust's side and does the same thing. Cottondust wakes up and wants to know why I didn't let the dog outside. Huuuuuuff, I did I don't know what his deal is. Cottondust in grouchy tone said do something. I'm trying! Huuuuff, huuuuuff. Cottondust moves Dakota to the end of the bed and we try to go to sleep.

Just about the time I started to doze off, Dakota jumps off the bed and goes back into Cottonboll's room. As I' m trying to get him out of her room and she wakes up. HUUUUUFF again. After several questions, why are we in her room, when did you get home Mommy?she goes to the bathroom, gets a drink of water, sing Twinkle Twinkle Little star, I finally get her back to bed. I leave her room, taking Dakota with me.

It is now about 2:30 in the morning I have been up since 7:30 and I'm tired, grouchy and cold. I take Dakota to his room, put up the gate and go back to bed. As soon as I get comfortable, Dakota starts barking! Bark quit for a minute, Bark quit, bark quit. I let him do this for about 10minutes, afraid that the barking with wake up Cottonboll I get up again. HUFF HUUUUUUUUUUUFF.

I put him back on the bed push him down to his spot and try once again to get comfortable. He comes back up to my face and starts whining again. It is now after 3:00 am. What? What is wrong? Go to sleep.

Dakota and I finally came to compromise I let him stay next to me and I scratch his ears. He finally relaxed and went to snoring. Now I cant sleep! So I start to wonder what on earth is wrong with him. Is he losing his mind, is he worried about Cottonboll for some unknown reason or is it the Fajita smell in my house?

I made Fajitas last night before I went to work and the house smelled like fajitas. So I'm hoping the smell had something to do with his crazy behavior and he is not losing his mind. I finally fell asleep and Cottonboll comes bouncing into my room at 6:30. Sleep is overrated.

Happy Birthday Dad/Papa

2009-02-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today is my Dads 61st Birthday! Happy Birthday Dad/Papa.

My Dad is truly a mess. He has always been full of life, the family clown and a pranksters. He can touch his nose with his tongue and is very proud of it! Like I said a MESS. He also has a soft heart and is very kind. In October when we lost our dog I called him and he came over and help me look for him. He knock on all my neighbors doors and walked the neighbor. That was also the day he looked at my tree in the front yard and asked "do you like your tree like that?" no I said we just haven't had the time to prune it. The next weekend, he call and said that he and mom were coming to visit Saturday morning. Mom came to visit, Dad came with his chain saw and pruned my tree. He is also a great Papa. Cottonboll said " he is very silly" Over Christmas he was out and about and bought special Christmas's gifts that reminded him of each grandchild

He is one of kind.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD/PAPA!

Parents chapel and Valentine's party

2009-02-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today at Cottonboll's PDO program was parents chapel and her Valentine's Party. During chapel each class got up on stage and sang a song, then we had a short devotional. After chapel each class had their own party which the kids feasting on loads of sugar and fruit. I love to watch Cottonboll interact with her classmates, she is getting so big! (sniff, sniff)

Cottondust was able to attend also. Above is a picture of all of us at the party. I took lots of pictures during her song , but her classmates are in the pictures and I didn't ask permission to post pictures of the other children. So, sorry I am not going to post them. But I do have a video of her singing her song solo after she got home.

I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul

I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul

I've got love like the ocean, I've got love like the ocean, I've got love like the ocean in my soul

Happy 35th Birthday

2009-02-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!

To the love of my life, my best friend,and the funnest, wittiest and cockiest man I have the pleasure of loving and being married to. Also a great Daddy, what more you ask for in a mate!

I love you!

I wonder why you get better looking the older we get? I have always loved that smile and your dimple!

February 1st was Cottondust's birthday. Cottonboll and I took him out to eat a steak and shrimp and had a surprised desert delivered after the meal. A huge cookies monster with ice cream! I thought about embarrassing him and having the wait staff sing to him, but my birthday will come around again. So I decided I didn't want pay backs. Anyway happy birthday!

My Poor Old Man

2009-01-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

The below freezing weather, has slowed down my poor Dakota. He has arthritis in his hips. Usually, first thing in the morning he carries his right hind leg, until his hips loosen up, and as the morning progresses he starts to use his leg more. During the past 2 days he looked so miserable and didn't want to get up. When he finally got up he looked to be in so much pain! Tonight he seems to be better and I see the young dog in him, as he happily chews his bone. He was very helpful when Cottondust took out the trash. He walk with him to the dumpster to look for cats and pee on everything there and back, using both legs.

Yes he needs a hair cut, but he does have his Valentine bandanna on

Why do dogs have to age so fast?

Work Gloves!

2009-01-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Last week Cottondust announced plans to work in the yard this weekend! So early Saturday morning he got up and realized it was to cold to start as early as he had planned, but that did not stop him. He decided Cottonboll needed work gloves to help him, so off the 2 of them went to Wal-Mart and I went back to bed. Hey it was 7:30 on a Saturday morning. Anyway they return way to soon for me and my morning nap. Cottonboll was very excited about her Dora work gloves and big plans to help Daddy rake leaves. Saturday was to cold to get started so Cottondust had to wait until Sunday afternoon.

Sunday afternoon the 2 of them finally got to work in the yard. No I stay inside and cleaned house (with out too much help) allot faster this way! I also snuck outside to snap a few pictures to Cottonbolls delight and Cottondust irritation and occasional comment like "Why don't you help" "there is another rake" " Were are the work gloves I bought you".

This is the picture I got when I ask to take a picture of her work gloves. She was way to interested in raking leaves at this point.

Cottondust and Cottonboll working hard

Stomping down the leaves. This was Cottonbolls favorite!

Cottonboll had her own trash can to help haul leaves to the dumpster (old plastic planter)

Our poor old man Dakota, his arthritis was hurting him, but he still wanted be in on the action. He did finally come in the house and hang out with me after a while

As any 4 year old she has a short attention span when it comes to work. Cottonboll did work hard and help her Daddy rake leaves as the pictures above shows, but she also ran in and out of the house and in and out of the garage trying out her other tools. Her little red rake also came with a yellow shovel and a purple hoe which she had to try out. At one point she ran in the house and asked if she could take her wheel barrel out side to pick up sticks. Sure I said, then she said "Daddy said I sure am chasing down more equipment then I am leaves". laughed her little laugh and went off to get her wheel barrel. All Icould do was laugh !!!

and oh yes! she did have to jump in the pile of leaves also.

But she sure did work hard too!

Crazy Me!

2009-01-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been 6 days since the last post! Crazy me, decided to work 4 nights in a row over the weekend. Due to the MLK holiday Cottondust was home on Monday so, I traded Wednesday night for Sunday night. I actually got more sleep that way, but it was hard to work 4 nights in a row. The good news now, is I don't work tonight and I have 10 nights off. HOORAY! My friend Lori who moved from Phoenix Arizona was able to stay home on Sunday and cheer the Arizona Cardinals to victory with her family.

So it was a win win situation.

Back to routine

2009-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

Back to routine! Eating a snack and watching Tinkerbell before bedtime.

After a fun filled Christmas's break and a very long week of being sick we are back to our normal routine. Cottonboll is back at PDO Tuesday and today. Loving every minute of it! She came home Tuesday full of stories of what happened that day , what she learned, who said what and so on. The other kiddos ate up every bite of her stories about her straw in her hand to help her drink. So interesting and funny to hear her tell it and answer questions about her hospital experience. I love the mind of a 4 year old! Cottonboll went back to Dance class yesterday and wore one of her new dance outfits. so cute. Then after dance class she dance all over the house until dinner time and I made her change clothes to eat.

Cottondust is back a work also. Last week he went into the office some but not much. I think he is glad to back at work. The man must have something to do outside and stay busy if not he turns into a very grumpy man. When I tried to give him something to do over the holidays he wasn't very interested!, but did it any way and was still slightly grouchy at times. Got to love him! It was nice to have him home most of the time, because God knows I do love that man!

Dakota is doing well also. He loved us all being home over the Christmas break too. He was not thrilled about last week when Cottonboll was to sick to play or let him in or out of the house at his will and didn't like when we were not home for 2 days. He had to stay in his room, but other then that he is the same old man. (Please scratch my ears, help me on the bed or couch) sweet old man!

I pretty much worked my regular schedule I just had more sleep! Back to routine means days like today when I can sneak off and get my hair done all by my self. Oh yea, less sleep, but I hear sleep is over rated anyway.

Being REAL!

2009-01-14T07:18:00.000-08:00

Okay. Me being real here again, bear with me.

I went to my first weight watcher's meeting (again) yesterday. I need the meetings and support! I have tried to lose weight on my own ,but I have to be held accountable for my weight. Does that make sense? I need some one (an anonymous someone ) to weight me and say "you had a good week!'. "Keep trying" or "bad week huh?". So here I go again! Once again I know what I need to do and how, but why cant I eat healthy all the time?

The concept is basically the same. You can eat what every you want, as long as you stay with in your points limit, of course the healthier you eat, the more food you can eat. The New Momentum plan helps you feel satisfied, by choosing healthier foods that will help you lose weight and keep you satisfied. Also track every thing you eat and drink (accountability again). Eat smarter, attend meetings, build helpful habits and move more. Sounds easy huh? HA!

I have the concept down now for putting it into to motion. I'm not a breakfast eater! Never have been! But everything I have read says "skinny people eat breakfast" So this week goal is to eat breakfast. (Building helpful habits!) I will keep you posted.

Attend meetings.... check
Building helpful habits.......check

What a week

2009-01-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

Caution not for the weak stomach! BewareLittle Miss Cottonboll has had a very mean and nasty stomach bug this past week. It all started last Saturday morning. I had worked Friday night and scheduled to work Saturday night as well. Cottonboll had spent the night at Nana's house, Cottondust was still dozing and I was tucked into bed and about to drift off to sleep with the help of a sleep aid (to insure I will sleep and not hear the day world). Nana called and said Cottonboll has thrown up. I said oh no I hope she is not sick, Cottondust jumped up and said I will go check on her, she probably ate to fast and started playing to hard. U-uh, sure! I will go make some coffee!. No no he said, sleep, I will call you if we need you. So off he went and called an hour later, uh yea she is sick! As soon as she can travel we will be home and honey what do I do? I said wait it out, keep a trash can close, keep her comfortable and give her ice chips. Call me if you need me and let me know when you guys get home.

Cottondust was great! He took great care of her, by the time they finally made is home he had it all under controlled. He new by the look on her face she needed a trash can and a cool wash cloth. Saturday she threw up all day, Saturday night I called her Pediatrician's nurse and ask for a suppository to help her stop throwing up and rest. She finally stop throwing up and slept on and off for most of the night, Sunday morning the diarrhea started! and she did not want to eat ice chips or sip anything. Spirit was sour and had rolling bolls in her mouth, the same with Ginger Ale and don't even get me started on what she said was wrong with pedialyte. Have you ever tasted that stuff? yucky! I had to agree with her on that one. She did have 2 Popsicles, few bits of jello and attempted chicken broth. Monday the same, diarrhea, not drinking and me pleading, please a sip, ice chip? So Monday night we tried orange Gatorade, ( Gatorade does not have the right mix of water, sugar and minerals for children) I was desperate at this point. We sat down and she sipped and I pushed. Bad mistake, She throw up everywhere. OK this is it! I am calling her Pediatrician in the morning.

Tuesday morning she woke up with sunken dark eyes, cracked lips and sticky mouth but, she wanted ice chips and to play. Yahoo!. I talk the her Pediatrician's nurse and she encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing and we both agreed she had finally turned the corner. We play a few hands of Go fish, she nippled on ice chips, a Popsicle and became very tired, we laid down to rest. She woke up dry heaving was weak and listless. This is it! we are going to the ER for a IV hydration.

The ER Doctor was a jerk! He examined her and turned and looked at me. Why do you think she needs an IV? Because she has been throwing up, has had diarrhea and has not been able to keep anything down or in since Saturday! She is weak and listless and look at her! He stated "Well the inside of her nose is still moist. We will draw labs, get a urine and stool sample and we will see how dehydrated she is. Then gave me a look and left the room. JERK! Cottondust ask what does that mean? I said he thinks I, we are stupid! and he doesn't think she needs an IV.

To make a long story short she was dehydrated and we ended up spending 2 nights in the hospital for IV rehydration. Dr Jerk went off duty and did not see her labs to see how dehydrated she was. The doctor who came on was very nice and reviewed her labs and call her Paediatrician.

Cottonboll is very glad to be home and feels so much better. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.

Love The Cottondust family.

New Years Resolutions

2009-01-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to be real! I need to lose weight. I must lose weight! I weigh more now then I have ever weighed in my life (even the day I delivered Cottonboll at 38.6 weeks). I can tell you many reasons why, and the reasons for the weight gain will remain the same, but the cold hard fact is I need to lose weight. So, like many of you out their, my New Years Resolution is to lose weight, become more active and healthier for me, my daughter, my husband, my family any future child I may be blessed with. Bear with me you may have to read (or not read if you choose) about my struggle and determination to lose weight and become healthier.

One thing about me, I will not do something until I decide its time. I have decided is is time! Wish me good luck and I will keep you posted.

Thank You to my dear friends and family who are joining me on this adventure.

Go Red Raiders

2009-01-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

Go Texas Tech Red Raiders

From the young and old fans.

Christmas/New Years

2009-01-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today we spent the day with my family. We all took lots of pictures and I thought I would post some. As in every picture of large group no one is looking were they are suppose to at the same time.

Back row from left to right. Neil (brother), Cottondust (half hidden), Dad, Melvin (brother in law). Second row Camie (sister in law), me, Mom, LaJeannia (sister), Third row Brandon, Sage, Emma, Fourth row Lilly and Cottonboll. ( i was attempting to proof read and just notice Emma's Face) hahaha.

The picture above, believe or not is the best out 24 pictures. The first time the timer went off the camera was set to take 8 pictures. My child yes, Cottonboll started to walk away after the first flash, so the next 7 pictures you can see Cottonboll walking off, then back on and then she stands there with hand over face laughing. The next series of 8 picture Camie my sister in law (the one on the left) was cut in half. So we scooted closer together and Brandon my nephew (the boy right in front of me and Cottondust) is covering half of Cottondust's face.

With my big mouth open saying Hey get back here!

But seriously the best out of 24. funny funny facial expression. Plus the Kiddos were done with standing still.

but silly us, we tried to get another picture of the Kiddos with Mema and Papa.
Family picture. LaJeannia is the oldest, me and then Neil.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight the Cottondusts family is up to absolutely nothing and loving it! We had BBQ sandwiches and ice cream for dinner. (No, I didn't make the BBQ sandwiches the supermarket Deli did) Cottonboll is sound asleep and has been since 8:30. Cottondust and I are watching a TV marathon, Dog the Bounty Hunters, his choice. I have to admit it is somewhat addicting, but I had to take a break. I can take only so much of male TV! I think we need to switch and watch a girl movie. Fools Gold maybe?

Tomorrow we are having breakfast with Cottondust's parents and then to my parent's house for lunch and Christmas. Yes Christmas on New Years day, but that was the only day all of us could get together and Mom wants it all. I tell ya. So no sleeping in for me.

Anyway Happy New Year to you and yours!

Tomorrow we will work on New Years Resolutions!

Please enjoy the dorky self portraits of us. It made us laugh so I thought I would share. Beware Very Dorky. HEHEHEHE

Of course Dakota is right there with us. Very Dorky but funny!

Pillow Fight

2008-12-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday at Cottondust's parents house. After all the eating, opening presents and family time, Nana started to clean the kitchen, Christina and Steve went to visit friends, I step out of the room to make a phone call and left Cottondust, Papa' and the kiddos in the living room.

The video shows what I returned to. A huge pillow fight! To the left hand side, you can see Nana stepping out of the kitchen to see all the commotion.

Don't worry thou, the kiddos finally won and brought Cottondust down!

The victory went to the Kiddos! Then both Zeke and Cottonboll had a snack and fell asleep soon after. Cottondust was not as lucky he still had to load the car, drive home and then unload car before he could go to bed.

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

About 7:45 Christmas morning Cottonboll runs into our room and was shouting Daddy, Daddy get up!! Mommy, Mommy Santa came and he left "TINKERBELL wrapped presents" Get up! Come See! and "He put SOCKS in my stocking"

Sure enough Santa had been here and left Tinkerbell wrapped presents and socks in her stocking! Cottondust said "you must have been very good to get all these presents" Cottonboll replied " I sure fooled him"!! "Can I open them"

Along with socks Cottonboll also received a Fairy Forest Lodge (a fairy doll house) and all the accessories

Living room, bed room furniture, kitchen stove and refrigerator and fairies for the house

So cute. Cottonboll's imagination went wild! Her little fairies are very busy fairies with different names, voices and roles. If you are invited to play she has a script and lines for you!

OH yea, Santa is so funny he also brought Cottonboll more shoes. This time dress up shoes with heels. (hehehehe) Yes they are all over the house! Can you see Cottondust in the right hand corner of the picture covering his face. He was surprised also! (oops Santa forgot to mention the purchase of the shoes.)

My parents came over Christmas afternoon and spent the afternoon and night with us. After dinner Cottondust and I took advantage of sleepover babysitters and went to the movies. We went to see Australia with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Very good! It was funny, romantic and adventurous. We both liked the movie and I didn't realizes it was 3 hours long until we got back to the car and I noticed the time.

We had a very Merry Christmas and I hope you and yours had a Merry Christmas also.

Twas the Night before Christmas

2008-12-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas,

A Mom and her daughter baked cookies, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be here.

A Dad and his daughter spread special reindeer oats in the back yard. In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be here.

The delighted child placed cookies and eggnog by the tree, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be here.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even Dakota.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be here.

The child was nestled all snug in her bed, While visions of sugar-plums danced in her head. And Daddy dressed in (well we won't say) and I in my t-shirt and pj's, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be here!.

Christmas' PJ's

2008-12-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas' PJ's and I really love matching Christmas PJ's.
I found these PJ's and the monkeys at The Children's Place sooo cute.

The kiddos were not up for taking pictures we (as in the whole family) could not get them to look up at the same time, keep the monkeys and bows out of their faces or leave the truck alone.

Last years Christmas PJ's they were from Gap Kids. Sooooo cute. The kiddo's sat still a year ago!!They are growing up way to fast. I need to spit on there heads and say to fast, to fast. You know from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. (No I'm not Greek. I just love movies and silly lines stay in my head and come out at strange times) Any way I love Christmas PJ's and the kiddos are growing up to fast. And they are sooooo cute together. I wish Aunt Chris, Uncle Steve and Zeke lived closer.

Stay tuned I have pictures and video of a huge pillow fight between the kiddos and Cottondust to post.

Tis the Season

2008-12-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season! We had Christmas at Cottondust's family Sunday night. Cottondust's sister and her family (Steve and Zeke) were driving through to Odessa and stop for the night and Christmas. Cottondust's brother Daniel was unable to make it. Cottonboll misses you uncle Daniel!Picture of Uncle Daniel and Cottonboll at Thanksgiving.

Papa', Nana, Cottonboll and Zeke. Sorry Nana. The above picture is the best of the 2 pictures I got.

The second picture, with Zeke running away.

Cottonboll and Zeke opening presents.

Aunt Christina, Zeke and Cottonboll.

Aunt Christina Uncle Steve and Zeke.

Tis the Season

Merry Christmas!!!
Yes! I got the crock pot that I wanted! I'm planning to make a brisket Christmas Eve. Thanks Nana and Papa'

Shopping

2008-12-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Guess what the tree is up, the house is somewhat clean and I am finished Christmas's shopping! Hooray! I am ready now. Well, I ordered some stuff and I hope Santa can get it here on time but other then that, I'm ready!A picture of the tree with out having to hide the mess, with presents ready to go! Good thing! because Sunday we are having Christmas with Cottondust's family.

Cottonboll has been home all week and we have been keeping ourselves busy. We went shopping. Lots lots of fun with a 4 year old and the holiday crowd. I promised her Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets at the mall and cookie by the bubbles (water fountain) if she was good and stayed with me, with out whining or being fussy. To my good fortune or bad fortune, the balloon lady was making balloon animals right by Chick-fil-A. Yes, a another promise if you are good, on our way out we will get a balloon. Delightful cheers and promises from Cottonboll I will be good! And she was good for the most part so we did have Chick-fil-A nuggets in the mall, MM cookie by the small bubbles (fountain) because toy for tots was at the big fountain and yes we did get a flower balloon on the way out.

Oh yes, I all most forgot this little story. To go shopping, I wore black boots with heels that clip clop when I walk. As Cottonboll and I were leaving out the door to shop, she came out of her room with a big smile on her face and her black Sunday shoes on her feet. NO, what are you doing? Were are your brown boots? I asked. Her reply"I want to were heels that clip clop like yours do pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Fine I said lets go. So off went to the mall with jeans, a red shirt and black Sunday shoes.

Cute huh? As we walk through the mall she would occasionally look up at me and said "my shoes clip clop just like yours" One little thing I forgot, is those little black shoes are slippery!!!! She slipped and slid as much as her shoes clip clop right through the mall !!!

The Christmas's tree is up!!!

2008-12-16T19:53:00.001-08:00

Finally the tree is up!!! I guess we are ready for Christmas now. The tree has a Candy Cane, Santa Clause, snowman and everything theme.
Please excuse the mess I tried to move things so they were not in the picture.(hehe yes I said move not pick up.) But the tree is up. I cant do it all. Clean and put up the tree, I gave up on trying to do both or the tree would never get put up!!:)

Silly shot. Cottonboll is wearing her new Christmas's PJ's.

Silly girl!!!

Cottondust sat back on the couch, watch and would occasional say "I think that looks nice." So much help, I tell ya! but anyway HOORAY the tree is up!!!
What is up with that girl and sticking her tongue out?

Playdates

2008-12-16T10:44:00.001-08:00

I should finish putting up my Christmas's tree, but I got distracted! Plus I need more lights. (i think. NO! I know I do!) so I will have to get out and go to wal-mart after Cottonboll's rest time.

Any way I though I would post pictures from some of Cottonboll's play dates.

A Tea party with our friends Lola and Xyla at our house before Halloween. The play date started off as a Jack-o-lantern drawing party ( Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the girls drawing their jack-o-lanterns.) After the Jack-o-lanterns the girls had "the biggest tea party ever"
Above Xlya is wearing the tiara. below is a better picture of her.

Xlya wearing the tiara

After Thanksgiving we met Xlya and her brother Zion at the Science Spectrum. I love play dates. The kiddos had a great time and Katrina I followed them around, encouraged them to try new things and visited.

The girls racing on the roller coaster cars!

I wish you could have heard them laughing!

Playing with the water in the water area.

Xlya and Zion in the firetruck

The girls climbing on the firetruck
Looking a fish. Trying to find Nemo and Dori

What a great play date. Thank you Katrina, Xlya and Zion

Guess What!

2008-12-14T19:23:00.000-08:00

Guess what. Today is Sunday December the 14th and my Christmas tree is still not up!! Can you believe that? I cant either! I usually put my Christmas tree up on thanksgiving day or the day after and here it is the 14th of December and my tree is still not up.!! Where has the time gone?
Let me tell you why the Christmas tree is not up.

Friday November 28th the day after thanksgiving I survived the stomach bug, work Saturday night Nov. 29th. Sunday Nov 30th slept till noon then did loads and loads of laundry. Help Cottondust pack. Got up super super early Monday Dec 1st took Cottondust to the airport. He was gone the entire 1st week in December and my Christmas decorations were in storage. I did not want to go get them and deal with that storage closet on my own (especially since Cottondust was the one who put all the stuff in storage). Cottondust got back December the 5th and I work December 5th and 6th. Before I left work I ask Cottondust to please do three things. 1. please go get the Christmas's stuff out of storage. 2. find a box in storage mark desk stuff and get my address book 3. convert Cottonboll's car seat to a booster seat. Guess how much was done Sunday when I got up. Nothing at all. yes NOTHING

My mothers old saying, ran through my head "pick your battles wisely." So I thought about it, is worth getting grouchy over, considering he has been gone a week and when he was finally home I had to work? Cottonboll missed him soooo much, she did not let him out of her sight all weekend. So I let it go. yes I let it go. I said we will go tomorrow and get the Christmas's stuff together.

We did not make it to storage on Monday or Tuesday. Finally Wednesday night we went and got the stuff and I found my address book, but the Christmas stuff is still in the garage! Thursdays was Cottonboll's Christmas party at her PDO, after the party I worked on Christmas's cards and yes I got them in the mail. Friday morning Cottonboll and I got up and I told her if we get the house clean we will put up the Christmas tree. We got the house clean but we ran out of time to put up the tree. Once again I worked Friday and Saturday night. Now we are back to Sunday I slept till about 2:00 pm today and got up brought grocery and ran other errands. Now it is about 10pm, Cottonboll is asleep and our tree is still not up!! God willing we will put the tree up tomorrow. Stay tune and if we actually get the tree up I will post pictures.

Love Treesa

Cottonboll's Christmas Party

2008-12-11T14:05:00.001-08:00

Today was Cottonboll's Christmas party at her PDO. I was invited and attended with other parents to enjoyed the Christmas fun. Oh, and of course take pictures.
Cottonboll made a Christmas tree place mat for the occasion

Christmas tree place mat
we had yummy breakfast treats and juice

A gift exchange. The kiddos took turns, drew a name out of a bowl, then gave the present they brought, to the person who's name they drew. It was a great lesson in the spirit of giving. I wanted to thank Ms. Lisa for everything that she does and also everyone at PDO. Everyone does at great job and we appreciate you and everything that you do. Merry Christmas!!

What a Wonderful day. It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas, every were we go.

OK on that off key note I must go and address Christmas's cards.

Love, Treesa

Dakota

2008-12-09T16:47:00.001-08:00

Cottonboll loves Dakota and Dakota loves her.

Have I ever mentioned that, I love my old man, Dakota. 12 years ago when he was a puppy I thought I would never get him trained. He chewed on everything from shoes to furniture. He ran wild! When he got in trouble he would look at me form underneath his eyebrows and was so sorry, how could I not love him. Dakota is such a good dog we love him and he loves us.

How could you not love that face?Dakota is such a great companion! Below are pictures I took back in Haskell, Cottonboll was pretending to camp and Dakota was her watch dog for bears and lions. (oh no)
He was more than happy to play and nap with her.

And no, I do not miss the pink carpet. Not one little bit!!!!!!

He knows that I'm writing about him . When I am at the computer he sets behind me, on one of his blankets waits and watches. That is, until something more exciting happens then, off he goes. He can hear Cottondust and Cottonboll playing in the playroom and wants in on the action.

Even thou he is 12 years old he still loves to wrestle and rough house.

More from the Zoo

2008-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

As the cold winds whip around and snow flurries fly about, I thought back to a warm beautiful day ..... and thought I would post more picture from the El Paso Zoo.

Along with the Sea lions we also loved the elephantsAnd the monkeys

If you are ever near El Paso. the zoo is really great. It is not very big, but the perfect size for small children.

See you soon

2008-12-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

Cottondust this is for you. Cottonboll ice skating, or her version of ice skating anyway.

in all her glory

Dear Daddy,

I was good today, and listen to Ms. Lisa. I love you so much, you are a good Daddy. At home I never got into no's no's. I love you more than you love me hahahaha. Be home. bye

jhfhgjkhukt jukhjkh jkhjhbjhgjhjbhgjbhgjhbjhb

Mom's Dayout

2008-12-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Cottonboll has PDO (parents day out). I use those days to: A. sleep if I work the night before. B. do other all the stuff that is easier to do without a 4 year old shadow or C. something fun like a movie or shop (not groceries) but shop.

Today was a C day I got to go to a movie with my dear friends. We have all read the Twilight Saga books and have been waiting for this movie to open. The movie was okay, but as you know the book is always better!!! I had a great time, good to get out and hang out with friends. So with that statement I am proposing that once a month and the day can rotate so every one can have a chance to go, we plan to go to a movie, lunch, window shop or anything just something outside of work.(and sister inlaws and friends outside of work are invited too.) A MOM's dayout!! How about it ? So if you are interested let me know and we can make plans for January or even later this month.

Love Treesa

P.S. Camie this includes you also.

Warm December Days

2008-12-04T13:13:00.001-08:00

Sorry, my days are little messed up, but so am I (lol).

Anyway, Tuesday was such a warm pretty day for December. It was 75 degrees and breezy. Today the sun is shining but it is cold.

So Tuesday, Cottonboll and I headed off to the park to play in the sand.

And our buddy Lola met us their to play

The girls had a great time and I got to visit with Jessica and play with baby Deacon, but he was more interested in trying to eat grass.

Have I ever told you how much I love play dates. Cottonboll gets to play and I get to visit. I love play dates for kiddos and Moms too.

We miss you

2008-12-03T14:33:00.001-08:00

Today was parents days at Cottonboll's dance class. I get to watch and take pictures during the first class of each month. I love parents day!! Each class the girls practice 3 disciplines: tap, ballet and tumbling.

Practicing tap, cute little tap shoesBallet, cute little ballet shoes

Tumbling

completing a front roll

The weather is cold and windy here today. I hear it is snowing Kansas City, Missouri and people get to ice skate!!! Anyway as Cottonboll and I pulled up the driveway, guess what we saw! Right by the front door.

Cotton dust caught on a branch

and we thought of you!!!!

it made us smile

and make a silly face
and smile and laugh again

We love you and miss you.

Nicknames

2008-12-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

It has been suggest, by some of you, that I to should have a nickname also. So while I was waiting for the DSL guy to come fix the DSL (needed a new modem) I thought long and hard for a name.

I thought about the word cotton and words related to cotton, like cottonball or cotton fiber....... no not right for me. I thought maybe Cotton Candy or Dustie, but they sounded to much like a stripper's name and to sweet to be me. (Don't get me wrong I am sweet, just not sugar sweet, the way Cotton Candy and Dustie made me think off. Does that makes sense to anyone else? or just me?)

Thought about Duster, but Duster made me think old worn dust cloth not me at all. SOOOO I continue to think and think. "think, think, think." Can anyone guess who says that? Cottonboll got it right off the bat!)

As I thought about a nickname for me it caused me to think about who I am and words I would use to describe myself. Hard day I tell ya. (Whewwwww) After I had enough of trying to come up with words to describe myself, I took a deep breath and pulled up the the good old thesaurus and dictionary. Nope, not much help there either, just confirmed my thoughts about Cottoncandy, Dustie and Duster.

Then I started to laugh, hahahahahahahehehe. I can't give myself a nickname. a nickname is given to you, So I guess I will stick to Treesa. Whew all that hard work for Treesa.

Love,
Treesa

aaaaaahhh. DSL

2008-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

Sorry DSL/E-net has been down but is FINALLY back up . I have so much to blog about, so many stories running around in my head. I cant wait to write them all down and show pictures! I'm trying to pace my self , guess being quiet most of the time will do that to a girl. SOOOOO much to write about. Will post something soon.

For those, of you who follow my blog please remember my welcome warning and for those of you who are new or passing by I CAN'T spell or proof read well at all. So please excuse all misspelled words and grammar errors. Thanks so much Treesa

Last years Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T08:46:00.001-08:00

Do you remember the cold front that blew through on Thanksgiving day last year and left a dusting of snow?

Here are a few pictures from last years Thanksgiving Day at Cottondust's parents house, in the snow.

Cottondust, Cottonboll and Dakota running down the sidewalk to burn energy

Cottonboll and Dakota. Dakota needs to be groomed

Happy Thanksgiving from Cottondust, Treesa , Cottonboll and Dakota.

(sorry it is very hard to get a family picture of a all 3 or 4 (Dakota) of us. one snaps and one in the picture)

Sea Lions at El Paso Zoo

2008-11-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

Back in September we made a quick trip to ElPaso to see Cottondust's grandparents. (more on that later). On the way home we stop at the ElPaso Zoo. ElPaso Zoo is just big enough to enjoy with small children. Below is picture of the Sea Lions underground aquarium. One sea lion kept circling around the aquarium, right in front of the window. Cottonboll loved every minute of it. She asked if we could take the sea lion home. She said" he can swim in my pool" (she has a Kiddy pool)

Papa and cousin Zeke move in to get a closer look

around and around the sea lion went, to the children's delight

around and around

and around
Cottonboll says "he was swimming a round so silly"

I wonder what the sea lion thoughts were.

Papa and Nana when can we go back?

8 Things about me

2008-11-25T11:10:00.001-08:00

I' ve beem tagged by Denise. Thanks

8 TV shows I watch ( I watch a lot of reruns late at night)
1. Friends
2. Reba
3. Seinfeld
4. Scrubs
5. If Walls Could Talk
6. Hidden Potential
7. Dancing with the Stars
8. House Hunters

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Harrigan's
2. Gardskies
3. Chedders
4. Abuelo's
5. Picantes
6. Chick-fil-a
7. Subway
8. Sonic (love happy hour 1/2 price drinks)

8 Things that happened today
1. made breakfast and cleaned up after breakfast
2. lost and found my phone twice
3. talk to my Dad
4. Played and lost a game of Candyland
5. played baby dolls
6. Cottonboll and I worked on her Christmas wish list
7. answered a million questions
8. read the blogs I follow and blogged

8 things I look forward to
1. Cottonboll's smile and laugh
2. Cottondust coming home after work
3. Dakota's loyalty
4. Daily morning chats with my dad and my afternoon chats with my mom
5. A Good book, soft rain and thunder
6. Family time
7. rest time
8. Play dates with friends (for the kids and moms)

8 thing I wish for
1. Cottonboll to live a long happy life in Christ
2. Cottondust safety
3. continuing a long happy marriage
4. more children
5. to sleep late
6. a hot date with Cottondust
7. a clean house
8. right now a Starbucks peppermint mocha twist grande please

8 people I tagged
I have only one person who blogs and was not tagged by Denise
1. Camie

Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

My parents Thanksgiving is all ways the weekend before Thanksgiving Day. My mom will say it is because she didn't want her children to have to choose who to spend Thanksgiving with, them or in laws, but the truth is after we (me, my sister and brother) married and moved out, they want thanksgiving weekend to themselves. Once again Happy Anniversary Dad and Mom have a great thanksgiving weekend. Saturday was great.

So Saturday we had thanksgiving at my parent house. I didn't take many pictures (i know bad daughter bad bad), but we had a great time. When Cottondust, Cottonboll and I pulled up to my parents house, my dad was on the far side of the house, just out of eye shot from the front door, drinking a Diet Dr. pepper. I looked at Cottondust and said "he is hiding from my mom". Dad strolls over to us and I ask "hiding from mom?" dad replies "no just standing in the sun". (I didn't believe him either). We go in and mom is running around with a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towels still cleaning and says " i don't know where your father went off to". Cottonboll says "he outside drinking a Diet Dr Pepper" uh oh busted...

The food was great and spending time with my family was wonderful. Cottonboll ran around like a wild child playing with her cousins. The men (Cottondust, Dad, my brother, Uncle and cousin in law) stood in the front yard talking and watching the kids run wild. The women (me, Mom, my sister, sister in law, cousin and aunt) stood in kitchen finished up the cooking ,talking and scooting kiddos back outside to play.

Saturday was a great day Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy 35th Anniversary

2008-11-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

My parents have a great marriage. I grew up in loving home with loving parents who, love each other very much and have a great marriage. I remember my parents fighting like couples do and I remember them making up also. Most all I remember the love and care they have and still do for each other. November 24th is there 35th wedding anniversary's and We wish you a very happy Anniversary.

God Love them, but they use to embarrass me so with their PDA (public display of affection). One time I was in the 6th grade and we where at my sister basketball game. My Dad had his arm around my mom and would occasionally gently rub her back I was sitting with my friends and they said " look at your parents your dad is rubbing you moms back ooooooooooo". More than once I would go to school and some kid would come up to me and say "I saw your parents kissing on the front porch". Yes those times did embarrassed me but, I am and have always been thankful that my parents love each other and do show their love. So maybe that is the secrete to a happy marriage PDA.

Happy Anniversary

Here's to many more years

Love you Dad and Mom

Happy Anniversary

My House smells sooo yummy

2008-11-21T21:32:00.001-08:00

Cottonboll and I made pumpkin pies to take to my parents house for their Thanksgiving on Saturday. We had a great time and Cottondust got home just in time to take pictures for us.

Adding brown sugar

mixing the pumpkin in the mixture

pouring the mixture in the pie shell.

The finished pie

Thanks Mom, Cottonboll and I had fun and I hope they are good. See you tommorrow

We made a total of 8 pumpkin pies. They smelled soooo good and tasted very good. Cottonboll help me with the first 3 and gave up waiting on them to finish baking and went off to play. After I snap the picture above, she had her bedtime snack and went to bed.

Cottondust was a great help also, he did take some pictures and kept me awake by playing Guess this Song. He was in the 80's mood. I have to admit I love late 80's and early 90's music. I am way cooler then he is. For years any time Cottondust doesn't understand something I am saying; I have stated in a southern draw "What we have here, is a failure to communicate" he looks at me like I'm nuts and I would say you know Guns-n-Roses.

Can you guess what song?

Its is the beginning of the monologue before the song Civil War.

We had way to much and I felt young and old all at the sametime.

Don't you just love Guns-n-Roses "Sweet Child of Mine", Def Leopard "Love Bits", "Hysteria"and don't forget "November Rain"

Bon Jovi "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Living on a Prayer" "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Just to name a few; we also listened to Micheal Jackson and Madonna

Any way, we had a fun Friday night of pie making and music history. And I am way cool!!!!

Blogging is so much FUN

2008-11-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

This blogging thing is so much fun. Thank you Amy-Rose and Jessica for introducing me to blogging. Since I have started blogging I spend more time on our personal computer then I use too. I was working on another post this morning while Cottonboll was playing. Cottonboll is always singing or talking to someone or something so if she gets quiet, time to check on her. I got up to look for her and this is what I found. Cottonboll working on her own version of her blog. She received the pink laptop last year for Christmas and when we upgraded to a new computer, gave her the old keyboard and mouse to play with. She put them together to look like a desk top computer like the one I am using.

(She hasn't noticed me taking pictures of her yet)

Working so hard typing

using the mouse (still hasn't noticed me yet)

typing again

uh-oh busted

Mommyyyyyyyyyy!

me "What are you doing?"

Cottonboll "blogging"

me "why do you have your laptop and a keyboard"
Cottonboll "it looks like yours"

smart girl

This is what Dakota was doing while I was blogging.

He is laying right behind me

(he doesn't know I'm taking his picture either)

busted again

The other post I was working on I will verify some facts with Cottondust and post soon.

Mom thanks for the recipe Cottonboll and I have big plans today after rest time to make pumpkin pies. I need a volunteer to photograph our pie making.

I have verify facts with Cottondust and posted CottonDust?????? below this post

Cotton Dust????

2008-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

What exactly is cotton dust?? Meet the cotton dust culprit who has brought cotton dust into my house nightly for the past two weeks. My loving husband Cottondust him self. Many of you and your allergy's know it is cotton harvest time in West Texas. Cottondust works in cotton research and has been harvesting cotton in or behind a cotton harvester or "stripper" . He has a modified cotton stripper were he is able to ride on the back and collect samples. I wish I had a picture to show you. I will try to send the camera with Cottondust to get a picture. any way back to what is cotton dust.

Do you see the white specks on his jacket? cotton dust and lots of it. Not only is it on the front of his jacket but on the back as well and his cap.

and his jeans
(Do you see Dakota's tail?)

front and back
(Dakota says "hi")

entry side walk to front door

I Love this time of year

2008-11-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

I would love to see a true Autumn day to see all the beautiful reds, yellows, oranges and browns

My favorite time of the year is Fall. I love to watch the leaves change and crisp cool mornings with bright warm afternoons. Well not today windy windy and cold, but there has been a couple of beautiful mornings and afternoons

West Texas leaves go from green to brown but they are still beautiful and fun to jump in.

and round up and jump again and again.

Have a Happy Autumn Day

Mom I need the pumkin pie recipe.....Love you

Thanksgiving Feast

2008-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today at Cottonboll's parents day out program was their thanksgiving feast. Cottonboll made a Indian headband, pumpkin place mat and center piece for the occasion.

She was so excited! I join the feast and had lunch with Cottonboll, her classmates and their parents. She had her favorite cube ham and cheese with crackers and fruit. I had a really good chicken potato cheese soup. (I need the recipe)

Thank you Miss Lisa and Parents Dayout program for a great lunch and all that you do.

Happy Birthday

2008-11-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

When you become an adult with responsibilities life changes, one of those changes, is I have found it difficult to make new friends and maintain friendships. I am quiet and shy until I feel comfortable around someone. Then my thoughts, opinions and friendship poor out of me. I work a weird scheduled for most and I prefer to spend my free time with my family with that said I do have a few dear friends who share the same weird scheduled and thoughts. Yesterday was one of my best friends birthday. Our friendship started about a year and a half ago as a play date for our girls. We discovered we had a lot in common and have been able to work around our schedule and families to maintains a friendship.

She has stuck with me through a very rough year and has let me cry on her shoulder, put up with my anger and has been there for me when I needed a friend or sitter. I just wanted to say thank you and I love and appreciate you and our friendship.

Her birthday was yesterday and I wish you a very happy birthday and we will go get manicures and pedicures when our schedules matches up again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESSICA.

I have a messy habit

2008-11-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Good habit: I love to read, I prefer to cuddle up and read a book than watch TV any day.

Bad messy habit: Monday afternoon while I was picking up by my self I noticed something, I have a messy habit as well. (shocked? I was) I was leaving books right were I had finished reading them, next to my bed, next to the fireplace, on the fire place mantel, on the end table and on the coffee table.

I do have a small defence thou, Cottonboll and I had just been to the library and 2 of those books are new and 2 books are the ones she got from the library. So maybe my messy habit isn't as bad after all? Ok ok it is. I will round up the books, the books that I have read i will take to work to share with the book club and put the rest up.

I am passing my love of reading to my daughter. She loves to read.

Oh no I think I am passing my messy habit to her also. I will have to nip this one in the bud.

More Messy habits

2008-11-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

Meet Dakota our old man. He was 12 years in October. He has messy habits also.

He can't keep his dog food in his bowl. I'm not sure why but he insist on scooting the bowl around till there is no food left in the bowl.

Empty food bowl = Very messy utility room.

Drives me crazy, but he will clean it up. I pick up his bowl and don't feed him until he has eaten all the food off the floor.

Works like a charm

Messy Habits

2008-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

I work most weekends, Friday and Saturday night from 7pm to 7am. Therefore I sleep all day Saturday and half a day on Sunday. Cottondust and Cottonboll are on their own for the weekend and have been since Cottonboll was three months old . It works out great for our family. Cottonboll and Cottondust survive their weekends together very well. They are both happy, full and clean for the most part when I get up, but my house is not. Normally Sunday evening after dinner I turn into the wicked witch and every body has to help clean up and I stand and direct. (that goes there, this here, put your shoes in your closet)

Yesterday we had something special to do. (more on that later). So after our special after noon we went out to eat and had great time. Cottonboll was tired and was a sleep by 8. Cottondust and I enjoyed some time to our selves which leaves Cottonboll and me to pick today. Cottonboll and I had a busy Monday morning , had lunch with uncle Neil and aunt Camie and went to the library. Now is Monday afternoon Cottonboll is down for rest time and (surprise surprise) asleep. So my house is still a wreck ( i cant stand to have a messy house drives me nuts) i began to clean and discover new and old bad habits.

Cottonboll has a major problem keeping shoes on her feet. Guess how many pairs of her shoes were scattered through out the house (for now they are in front of her bedroom door until she gets up from nap time)

How many did you count. remind you that she only 4. (why does my 4 year old have all of these shoes?) I really don't know why.

9 pairs of shoes: 3 pairs of house shoes, 2 pairs of crocks, 1 pair of boots, tennis shoes, dress shoes and sandals.

9 pairs of shoes that she took out of her closet, wore, took off and left them scattered through out the house. 9 pairs of shoes. oh wait there is more she did not wear any of them to day.

Here are today's shoes by her bed. while the little shoe scattering monsters naps.

More family messy habits to come soon.

Welcome Warning

2008-11-16T01:21:00.000-08:00

Oh help me now! I have enter the new world of blogging. Please bear with me while I enter this new world. For those who know me are well aware of my many faults (and love me anyway) and for those who don't will soon learn 2 of my many faults include the fact that, I can NOT spell and I cant not proof read, so please excuse all my miss spelled words and grammar errors.

With that warning,Welcome to my blog, Cotton Dust and Cotton Bolls.

I have title our blog Cotton Dust and Cotton Bolls because I think it fits my family, our life as we age, change and enjoy life and I am the blogger so its is about my family Cottondust and Cottonboll. Also during this time of year my husband aka Cottondust comes home covered in cotton dust and my front foyer is currently covered in fine cotton dust (ahchoo sniff sniff. bless me).