Goodbye 2011

As I sit in my recliner, contemplating what we will do tonight, I think back on this past year, and honestly, once again it's a blur! It's the year we have had many "lasts". It's a year that Dad got really sick and thank goodness is better now....I also found out just how fast one can get from Lewisville to Mt Pleasant, without a ticket. It's a year that we met an environmental deputy. It's the year we moved out of my dream house (should close week after next!). It's the year Chelsey took her first college classes. It's the year we lost my wonderful brother in law Donny. It's the year we acquired Tank. It's the year Mom retired. It's the year Danny and I celebrated our 21st Anniversary and the kids got one year away from being 18. Colton turned 8 and Dylan went to double digit 10 years old... Colby stepped on Bobcat field for the very last time in uniform. What a year!

2012 will be an interesting, exciting and sad year....Graduation times TWO. Being unsure if we will stay in Celina after they get out of school. Considering we have worn orange since 1998, this could be a major change for Danny and I. Things I want to do....lose weight, quit smoking, go on a cruise or at least a tropical vacation, and savor every minute of the last few months that the kids are in high school. I want to build our saving back up....grow my hair down to my shoulders...find a charity or organization to volunteer with....visit Baylor NICU on April 4th....see my sister a little more often....fish with my Daddy... Spend more time with Ashley and the boys....start a tshirt quilt with my Mom....and spend time with Danny, other than in our recliners... I think I can do all that in a year!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy NYE....now bring on 2012!

Much love,
Pam

Another year in the Mortgage business closed out!!!

Well....that would be my 27th year end in the mortgage business....no wonder gray hair is starting to show up near my temples! We managed to get it done before 5pm, which I think is a first in all those years.... Heck, I have people on my team that aren't even 27 years old...ugh! That was a kick in the teeth sentence.

Sooooo....what will the Fenter Funny Farm be doing this weekend? Keeping Dylan and Colton tomorrow night....maybe we can dance a little with the Wii. And bowl and play tennis. Sounds perfect to me! Maybe a Starbucks run. And a run to return that damn green shirt I bought for last weeks dinner party. I do not like it as much as I thought. And other than that, not any plans. Course Chelsey and Colby probably have their whole weekend planned out...more driving me crazy. Tomorrow we are having a nice sit down talk about them finding J.O.B.S. I am sure that will go really well..... Probably worth an entire blog post when it's over.... Stay tuned...you will not want to miss this one! I may even take photos of the momentous occasion...

Ohhhhhh....and I am going to rip down all the Christmas decorations and walk the neighborhood, as excercise, for the next three days that I am off. All part of the diet...today I didn't even realize I missed lunch until almost 4pm....so I had a small piece of cheese and two crackers to tide me over u till dinner, which was at Ernosto's in Prosper....had chicken with rice and salad. No guacamole. No cheese dip. No tortillas. :-). That's progress....going to step on the scales in the morning. I hope it's five pounds this week. We shall see...

Lastly, I just bought our black eyed peas, cabbage and ham for Sunday. What's it all for Mom? Wealth, health and ? Can't remember exactly...maybe all that will happen and the Cowboys will win Sunday too.

Have a nice weekend all....going to watch a little tv then off to bed.

PK

P.S. Jeannine and Carla....and Katelyn, you could post a little more often...I enjoy keeping up with you too ya know!

Good morning!

Good morning all....please tell me I slept for days and Christmas Break for the kids is over? Good grief, they are driving me crazy....

Looks like the temps will be almost spring like before it gets really cold again Sunday/Monday. Least we get a day or two! Started my diet on Tuesday...thought I might as well get a jump on the new year. So far my only cheat was a couple of curly fries last night. Tired of being fat Pam....I have a goal weight, by May 31st, which is graduation day. Let's see if I can make it happen. I will post progress on our blog ever so often.

Typically I love all our Christmas decorations being up until New Years, but with a 5 month old puppy....I have a different out look this year. If Tank brings me one more Christmas ball from the tree, I am going to scream! I keep a fly swatted out, have yet to get him with it, but he's beginning to understand that it is not cool to bring me balls! He has this....I just can't help myself look every time.

Danny talked to Susan last night...she has all her benefits worked out and can make it financially, so he said she sounded a little better. The holiday has been tough on her. Not a day passes that I do not think of Donny.

Off to dress for work. Have a good day!

Pam

Fun Facts...

A few fun facts.....about 1943

Bread was 9 cents a loaf
Milk was 62 cents a gallon
Stamps were 3 cents each
Average home price was $3600.00
Average annual wage $2000.00
Gallon of gas 15 cents
Average monthly rent $40.00
Bottle of Coca Cola 5 cents
Average new car price $900.00
Pentagon was built and considered the worlds largest office building
Great Depression ended
Popular Films: From Whom the Bell Tolls, Heaven Can Wait, and Lassie Comes Home
President of the United States was Franklin D Roosevelt
Those born in 1943 are Robert de Niro, John Denver, Mick Jagger, Chevy Chase, Billie Jean King, and Janis Joplin......

I have this vision of my Granny, big pregnant, on December 26, 1943....and on December 27th having a baby girl she would name Mary Helen...

Happy Birthday Mom.....it may not be until tomorrow, but I wanted to get all my facts straight tonight. Love you!

Pam

A first and a last....

A first.....not one of our vehicles has left the house today. That has to be a first, since the kids started driving. We have just enjoyed being home today. Cooked breakfast and then opened gifts.....Colby got his iPhone and Chelsey got her new comforter set. I then cleaned for 3 hours, while everyone else slept, and then I cooked. Ashley, Tazz and the boys came over at 3pm and we ate and watched tv. Good times.

The last...this is the last Santa of sorts...the gifts have been under the tree for well over a week, but it was the last time that the kids will go back to high school after Christmas Break. Lordy time flys.

Enjoyed time at Mary's yesterday...was sad to walk in and not be able to hug Donny. He was really missed.....after that we headed to Emory. Enjoyed it Mom and Dad. Always great to get together....love you and hope you've had great day! Also great to see Carla, Paul and Morgan...hope your enjoying your Ninja!

Now, as I sit in my recliner, under my heated throw, watching Green Bay and Chicago play, I begin to look forward to a new year...one more week of 2011 and then it's bring on 2012.

Hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas. We sure did at the Fenter Funny Farm...

XOXO,
Pam

Merry Christmas!!!

Well....I am the only one awake so far. Not cooking breakfast until everyone wakes up and then it may be lunch instead. I hope everyone has a great day...and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love to all,
PK

Christmas Eve...

As I sit here in my pj's with wet hair, I can't help but wonder what next Christmas will be like. Will the kids be home for Christmas break from college? Will it ever be the same? The answer is no...at this moment, we still have a little control. And they have been home to snoop thru their presents, and make lists, and leave a messy kitchen, and leave tooth paste on their sink, and fight me via text over curfew, and give me a big hug when I get in from work., then ask what's for dinner! Seems like such a short time ago that they were rolling around on the floor playing with boxes...ignoring the toys. Also seems like only yesterday that we just had Ashley for Christmas and I hid toys in every corner of the house, so that we could still believe in Santa just one more year. Last night as I danced and bowled with the boys until midnight, I saw a glimmer of days past with Ashley...gosh we had a lot of fun! Can still see her ripping into those packages with a smile, on all our faces.

Today we will be in Greenville first, then off to Emory. Then back home to have the last "Santa" in the morning. Let's hope he makes it!

Love to all and Merry Christmas Eve!
PK

A nice Dinner

Went to Bob's Chop House in Grapevine last night, with all the managers and spouses from the office. It was delicious! It takes a little work to participate...as in leaving the office at 3pm, flying to the mall for a sweater and leggings, and a green shirt in case I do not like the sweater. Race home, shower, get ready, end up in the sweater....Danny in slacks and a red shirt (we matched, LOL) and then we leave for Grapevine....at 5:15. We make great time until we exit Bass Pro...just a little traffic. Okay a LOT of traffic....we make it at 6:30 on the dot! Nice dinner and laughs. Home at 10:30pm...unwind until almost midnight and now I am back up, showered and about to get ready to head to Lewisville. The Tollway Authority should send me Christmas cards...in appreciation for all I spend on tolls!

Hoping to get out of the office a little early today, to pick up 3 more gifts...and then I can say DONE!

Happy Friday everyone....and Merry almost Christmas! Let's hope it is not a white Christmas, because Danny will have to work...

Pam

Banana Pudding AGAIN!

Danny has been with TxDot for over a year....when he first started, they had a luncheon. He asked me to make banana pudding, so I made a triple recipe. The only thing he brought home was the spoon. This started requests from his co-workers, every time they have a spread, that I make banana pudding. So, tonight he and I are mixing the pudding and chopping bananas, for what seems like the 10th time in a little over a year.... The famous TxDot Recipe by PK (taken from an Eagle Brand Milk can at least 15 or 16 years ago) is as follows:

6-7 ripe bananas
Box of vanilla wafers
Couple of tablespoons of lemon juice
4 serving box of vanilla pudding
1 can of eagle brand milk
1 1/2 cups of COLD water
Small tub of cool whip

Slice bananas thinly (um...peal them first) and put lemon juice all over them, coating completely. This keeps the bananas from turning brown. Do not add anymore lemon juice....it will make them tart!

Take a hammer, rolling pin, mallet or what ever you have and crush the wafers in the bag they come in

Mix eagle brand milk and water in a bowl. Once mixed well, add pudding and stir together with a whisk. Place this mixture in the frig for 10 or so minutes, until it thickens

Once thickened, stir in cool whip, with a whisk, until mixed well

Take a large bowl and start layering....pudding on the bottom, crushed wafers, bananas. Pudding, crushed wafers, bananas. You want to end with pudding on top, sprinkle a few wafer crumbs around the edge of the bowl and add a couple of banana slices in the middle. Cover and refrigerate. Not sure how long it will keep in the frig, because it never lasts more than two days at our house.

Back to the drawing board...

So, Saturday I was on the hunt for the boots Chelsey wants for Christmas....only option was to get them at Nordstrom and have them shipped store to store. The guy called....had the boots pulled, gave all info, paid for boots and shipping. Today he calls and it didn't happen...boots didn't get flagged. Someone else got them... So, we are now to Plan B, as soon as I figure out what is!

Again, is it January yet?

PK

It's clean!!!

The old house is cleaned out!!!! Only thing left is 3 area rugs and my cleaning supplies. Good lord what a chore! Danny and Colby took two truck loads to storage. THEY still have a couple of items, but I am DONE with that house...

Colby is cooking a pie. Half blueberry half peach. Chelsey made potatoes. Danny and I ate out. LOL. Nothing wrong with that sentence....

Just gave Tank and Lily a bath. House is a mess....the kids can clean tomorrow, since they are out for two weeks. Chelsey couldn't wait for Thomas to get home (he and his Mom flew to Florida for the Bucs/Cowboys game. He is a Bucs fan and his Mom is died hard Cowboys according to Chelsey. I may just have to meet her one day... His plane got in late, so their movies and dinner have to wait. She is kinda stopped up, so I do not think she is too disappointed. He's taking her to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. I think that speaks volumes about this guy!

Back to work tomorrow and then count down the days until Christmas!

Have a good week all!

PK

Just a moment of panic....

Up and out this morning to finish up Chelsey and Colby's Christmas gifts...Frisco bound. Had my list. Knew exactly where I needed to go and even had it kinda planned in my mind, so I would only have to make one trip around the mall. First and second stop were for really small gifts, so to keep from having to drag around multiple sacks, I got one larger sack at my first stop, then added to it as I progressed thru the mall. After a couple more stops, i had to add another sack Went upstairs for a couple of items, got them really quick and started toward the last store. As I am walking I realize that I left the first sack at my last stop. Panic set in....I almost ran back and luckily, my sack was still sitting there. Thank goodness, was so relieved. Went to Champs, grasping my two sacks, and while looking around, I saw a lady looking at t-shirts. She was in decision mode, you could just tell. I walked around then headed back to the tshirts once more....on top of the shirts, was a Coach bag. I realized that the woman left it....so I stood by it, looking for her. Finally she went up to the register and I picked up the purse and said "I think you forgot this". She looked at me in shock and said OMG thank you!!! She didn't even realize that she had laid it down and walked away. I said Merry Christmas and continued shopping. So....some strange lady is probably happy that someone honest saw her purse and I am glad that someone dishonest missed out on my sack. Whew....we were both lucky!

After I got home, I snuck everything to our bedroom and wrapped...all under the tree. Chelsey and Colby will have to spend the next week trying to figure out which gift belongs to who...no name tags. LOL. Keeps them on their toes...

Cowboys are winning...better go savor that statement and hope like heck they do not blow this lead!

PK

Making cookies...

Chelsey spent her Friday night with me making peanut clusters and pretzel cookies. Becca came buy as well. Fun night with the girls!

Planning on just a couple more things for Christmas during my shopping tomorrow. No, Chelsey is NOT getting her entire list.... Then I am done January yet?

Least it didn't rain today...
Pam

Wellie Socks...

What are Welle socks? Google it.....I am going to make some! Made a trip to Goodwill in Lewisville today. Bought 7 sweaters to cut up and make the socks. $30 for 7 sweaters to make 7 pair of socks....the socks are $30 a pair on line. Winner winner! When I got home, I was all excited to show my idea to Chelsey. She was not impressed....why am I not surprised? YES I got the idea from Pinterest.com. Addictive....

Tired of the rain...will it ever end?

Glad tomorrow is Friday!

PK

P.S. To Daddy

P.S. To Daddy. Was nice to talk to you on my way home tonight. Made the rainy trip not so bad. So glad you are doing well! Love to you and Mom!

Christmas Wish List

Just have to record Chelsey and Colby's Christmas List 2011. Here we go....

Colby's List:

iPhone 4s with black and white otter box
New shirts and pants
Xbox games 2-3
Shoes
Waffle Maker

Chelsey's List:

Louis Vuitton Danimer Neverfull purse
True Religion/Rock Republic Jeans
Victoria Secret Jacket (m) Yoga pants (m) and sweats (m)
Michael Kors Very Hollywoood Perfume and Chanel Chance Perfume
New windshield
Bedroom comforter
Cartlidge pierced
Starbucks and Chipolte gift cards
Nike Ankle boots and Nike black tennis shoes
sunglasses (note indicates she is unsure of what kind yet)
Eye shadow
iPad cover

Now.....I have to ask...Did Chelsey miss ANY brand names? Am I still to this day thrilled that I had a boy AND and girl? What color ski mask should i buy for the bank robbery? LOL....kidding..kidding. And could Colby be any easier to buy for? I mean come on....a waffle maker? Sure do love those two.

Bottom of Chelsey's list also mentions something for Ashley that involved Juicy Couture. Mom....I remember when it was Wranglers (36 inch inseam) and K-Mart.... Carla and I were easy compared to this!

For those of you with grown kids...I don't want to hear it and for those with little ones JUST WAIT! Santa better be reading this too....I just want it to be January already...

Love to all,
Pam

An afternoon of meetings...

went to the office until 11:30am then was off to a nearby hotel for meetings....then left at 6:15 to head home and 121 was at a stand still. Passed wreck #1 and was off to the races again with all the other cars, only to get on the tollway and find another one....it was just a LITTLE rain, but people forgot to drive with the wet roads...made it safe and sound finally!

Back tomorrow for meetings, then to our employee Christmas party....should be fun. Always surprises me of just how many people work for our company.

Danny and Chelsey were eating cold pizza when I got home. Colby is at the basketball games. Fairly quiet night at the Fenter Funny Farm. Kinda liking it...

One of my "other sons" Jamarick got a couple of college offers today. Hope he stays close enough that we can keep up with him! Ashley joined Chelsey at spin class tonight....I think it kicked both of their butts...literally! Love that they do things together...

Think I will turn in early for a change. Night all.

Pam

Hardwood floors!

I cleaned the hardwoods at the old house one LAST time today....spent 6 hours out there. Cleaned out the flower beds of the frost bitten flowers that were so pretty 2 months ago. Our former maide came after a few things. One last small trip tomorrow and the house is empty. Kinda bittersweet....hopefully we get it closed before the end of the year! Since it is all empty, and the electricity is still on, we hpmay have one last party out there...or made not, since the hardwoods are sparkling at the moment! Barn is NOT empty, but that is Danny's mess, not mine. He and Colby get to figure that part out next weekend. I walked down to the pier, and stayed just a minute, before leaving. Gonna miss all those fish that were waiving goodbye...

We now have a dresser...of sorts. I just could not part with my dining room suite, so we decided to store it. While I was taking the screws out of the top, I thought...now, why can't we use the bottom as a dresser, since we do not have one with out bedroom suite? Danny looked at me as if I had two heads when I asked him, but when I got home, the bottom part was in our room. Guess my two heads didn't have such a bad ideas after all....

Lily and Tank were happy when I got home. Everyone was starving, so we just got back from Ernesto's for full out mexican food. Now I am full, dirty and tired...BUT the Cowboys are playing....so here I go to watch the game until I pass out in my recliner.

Love to all, and have a good week! And Carla....I didn't see an email from Danta, but I will go look again now.

Pam

Ice!

First time ever to see the Ice exhibition at the Gaylord. WOW....was amazing...even in a giant blue parka. 9 degrees....nose got cold, but other than that, it was great. Christmas decor at the Gaylord did not disappoint....Megan you MUST taken Hayden and your camera. Chelsey and I saw so man little ones all dolled up in their Christmas outfits....precious!

Headed to Downtown Grapevine after leaving the Gaylord, but Chelsey was about to fall asleep on me, so we headed home instead. Maybe next time....

Pam

What to do...

Danny is on call for the next week. Can't go more than 20 minutes from McKinney. :-(

Soooooo, I think Chelsey and I will head out to Grapevine. One of my favorite places to go is the Gaylord Texan. It is beautiful anytime of the year, but at Christmas...it it breath takingly decorated. Bass Pro is very near and I also walk to check out the downtown square. Funny, I work less than ten minutes away...and have never been to the square. Maybe we can find a gift or two...

Glad this past week is over! Took many hours to catch up at work. Now I am just my normal "behind" which I am okay with at the moment. I talked to Susan last night and she is doing well. So glad! Have been really worried about her.

Colby and Kevin just came in from Saturday school. He had to make up work missed while we were in Greenville. They are now cashed out for a few hours...

So flipping cold! Looked out this morning and all the rooftops (have not said that in years!) were sparkling from frost. Duke barked half the night, so I slept fretful....Tank and Danny slept well though. Until I had enough of Duke and had him up trying to get him to stop barking!!!! I bet I get a call from the landlord....ugh...

Chelsey applied with UNT in Denton Thursday night....least it is close and NOT the other one she has talked about. Hoping OSU will somehow come up again. Still no sign of Colby's plan....I kind of wish he'd go into the military, but want him to be right here with us and not off someplace hot and sandy.

Chelsey made her Christmas......if she got everything it would require me wearing a ski mask and buying a gun. Not happening,

Colby has not made his list yet. Typical. He's the easy one of the two. Someone sure knew what they were doing when we had a boy and a girl. Two girls would just not do!

Stopped last night, after meeting Danny in McKinney for dinner, and bought my first gifts of the year. Maybe we can add to that today!

Happy Saturday all!
PK

Cinnamon rolls

After seeing Megan's post about homemade cinnamon rolls, I had to try making them....but decided instead of taking the time to check for a recipe, I would wing it, sooooo....I went to the store and bought pizza dough, cinnamon, butter and cream cheese. I saw her pictures, so I rolled out the dough. Melted butter. Sprinkled it with cinnamon. Rolled it up. Cut the dough and placed it in a pan. Baked until kinda brown and done in the middle. Once they were ready I melted cream cheese with a little butter and spread it on top. Next I placed the lid on the pan, so the cream cheese could sweat it's way into the rolls. Colby came in and got one. He took one bite and I saw him sneak it to the trash. I was curious...so I got one, took one bite and tossed it. Although they looked great, please note, there is no sugar in pizza dough, cinnamon or butter. So, although they looked great, they tasted like non sweet pizza dough....next time I will take the time to write down the recipe!

Yesterday was INSANE at work....I learned that my desk does not allow for being out unexpectedly. Going to take me all week to catch up. Ugh...

Chelsey finished her dual credit college courses yesterday. The instructor came in with their final test 30 minutes late, allowed open book and for them to split into 2 groups. So....they all made the same grade. I am afraid she may get the idea that college is easy....

Colby is learning to live without football and work outs. He's still lifting weights, but is enjoying sleeping in and being able to do other things, such as going to the basketball games last night. Oh he misses it, but after all these years, he has a little sense of freedom.

Danny was HOME when I got here last night....since the roads were not bad, they didn't do on 12 off 12 hours. So glad he was here! I think he was too. Chelsey and I watched Milluonairre Matchmaker so he was in our room watching some old western....least we were under the same roof!

Off to find warm clothes that I can shed later this afternoon....our office gets HOT in the afternoons!

Happy Wednesday!

Pam

Dang it's cold!

Brrrrrrrrr....Danny is out being TxDot man tonight until midnight...hope he stays warm and they all make it home safe.

Was a really cold day for a Memorial service and funeral. Chelsey, Ashley and I wore our rubber boots to the grave side service. Donny would have love that! Still very sad. I talked to Susan tonight and she sounded good. Again, Donny, you will be dearly missed.

Back to work and normal tomorrow...I am ready. But first I have a load of clothes to fold, so off I go.

Night all, much love and a heavy heart ...

Pam

So many fond memories...

As I sit waiting for a danny to get ready to leave for Greenville, I think of the many fond memories I have of Donny....

He always asked me "how's my favorite sister in law been doing?"

We wrapped the trees with toilet paper, behind he and Susan's apartment after a night out at PJ's, while Danny and Susan cooked breakfast. I would throw the roll off the second floor balcony, into the trees and he would run down and get the end of the roll for me to throw again. He reminded me often that Danny and I went home and it rained....he had to try and get that toilet paper out of the trees when it was wet...so they wouldn't get evicted!

Ashley figured out early on that Aunt Susie had a boyfriend....she said "those boots are NOT Aunt Susies, Pam". He congratulated Danny and I on Halloween of 1990 for just getting married....I looked at Danny and said "who's that?". Ashley, being the sly one, said THAT is Aunt Susies's boyfriend Pam! Then said DUH and she walked away. He chuckled.

I watched he and Susan get married 11 months later....at the little church in Flats. Both all smiles. Danny and I too, because we already loved him at this point!

ONe time we were out at him wheat field...there was a semi with a trailer attached....I traipsed over to see if the keys were in it....he just shook his head and told me I could NOT drive it over his wheat.

Donny and Danny raided a corn field one time.....I came home from work to find them in our kitchen at our 2 bedroom apartment with a hatchet and our big wood chopping block. There was corn on the ceiling, walls, cabinets, floor, appliances....Donny said, it will be okay Pam, I will help you clean it up....

We cooked many meals on the grill. Including some of that dang corn on a cob!

We also had a big ole mess in PJ's parking lot one night with toilet paper. He bought two giant boxes and was tossing them to me one by one, to put into my trunk. We laughed until I almost peed my pants. Toilet paper was everywhere.

We used to race golf carts at their house. The rule was one had to steer while the other gave it gas. Danny and I headed out one afternoon, while Donny was sitting on the back porch. I was giving it gas and Danny was driving. I thought he was turning left so I leaned and he turned RIGHT. We laid it on it's side with my arm pinned under the top. Danny picked it up off of me. I had a gooses egg above my eye from hitting the rocks and was covered in sand. We drove back to the porch, which was less than 1 minute from where we left Donny and he said WHAT in the he'll did you two do....he put ice on my eye and again we laughed together.

He used to say Heeereeee now to Chelsey and Colby when they were little and they stopped dead in their tracks from what ever mischief they were into.

Donny was also a gadget guy. Anything for the kitchen. Always bought him something fun every year for Christmas. Choppers. Knives. You name it. And he used them all. He bought himself Ginsu knives one time.

We deer hunted. Shot boxes. Drove to Round Rock with a deer blind, only to have it roll down a hill after we got there.

The last time they came up, he and I sat on the patio and talked, laughed and drank a beer. Then Susan and I took off for bingo, while he and Danny sent the afternoon together.

We gave him a Celina baseball cap years ago, and he wore it all the time. When we got to their house on Thirsday, it was hanging on a door knob. Made me smile.

Oh how I am going to miss him....

Pam

Correction!

L a v e y #45. iPad corrects it to Lacey. LOL....

Homemade eye make up remover..

Can I just say that pinterest in addicting....I spend a lot of time just browsing. Today I found Homemade eye make up remover. Three ingredients and only one I had to pick up at Walmart. I just used the concoction and it worked great. Here is the recipe (is it a recipe?)

1 cup of water
1 1/2 tablespoons of tear free baby shampoo (had to buy this....got the cheap Walmart brand)
1/8th of a teaspoon of olive oil (also said coconut oil, but I have never bought that before, so I used olive oil from pantry)

Mix all together in a container that can be sealed. Shake well. Put on a cotton ball and go after that eye liner and mascara.

Worked great! And didn't burn or feel oily afterwards. Considering the size of baby shampoo, I think I am set for several years with this easy mixture.

Tomorrow afternoon is visitation for Donny. Then Monday morning, is the funeral. Still seems unreal.

Danny and I did a little running around today. He got his Santa beard trimmed while I made the Walmart run. What a ZOO that was...we had lunch and came home. We've been holding down our recliners ever since....and I made potato soup in my crock pot. It is good! Rain all day today...cold coming this week. Not looking forward to it!

Carla...I will give you and Paul a list and you can go knock my Christmas shopping out...just let me know when!

Love to all and to all a goodnight...and go OSU! Fun to watch with two former Celina players out there....Lacey #45 and Blatnick #50.

Pam

He shall be greatly missed....

Phone rang this morning at 7:20am....sister in law Judy's voice said "Pam, Donny just passed away.". I could not believe it. Donny is my brother in law, married to Danny's sister Susan. He had surgery several days ago and was doing really well, feeling better every day and then this morning was having issues breathing....they rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. I can hardly even express how much we all love this man. He and Susan have been married 20 years, Ashley, Chelsey or Colby never say his name with including "Uncle" before Donny His services are Monday....heaven got a great man today. He shall be missed....

Pam

Elf on a Shelf

Love hearing that so many are busting out their Elf of a Shelf....2 in Austin. 1 in Point. 1 in Savannah. 1 in McKinney Ours will be doing the 12 Days of Christmas for Chelsey and Colby this year. They do not know it yet....but he is going to leave them hints everyday, starting 12 Days before Christmas. They have to find him first....then they will get a small gift. It's their last Christmas, that I still have a "sort of" hold on them, so we may as well do something fun. Will update as we get closer. Still need to post Senior Pictures. Hopefully I can in the next few days.

Off to watch tv. Happy almost hump day to all. And best yet month end for me!

Pam

P.S. Thanks for the call today Mom, glad Dad is doing well. Love you both!

Another chapter ends...

Henderson closed another chapter of Chelsey and Colby's Senior Year tonight.....sad that the 2011 football season has now ended. Making it to Round 3 with a final record of 12-1 is no small task. Love those boys. Friday Night Lights is sure entertaining!

Night night...

Pam

Great day!

Just got home...had a great Thanksgiving. I cooked two things and had very little mess to clean up. Still miss the big house and having Ashley and the boys over to cook and drink a little vodka...

Had a great time as always in Alba. Thanks for hosting Jeannine and Kenneth! Stopped by Mary and judy's on the way home...too full to eat there. Home now in my pj's with Tank in my lap and Danny controlling the remote.

Hope your feeling better Dad. Love you Mom. Great to see you Carla and Paul.

Love to all,
Pam

A short week!

The kids are out of school this week, and so far have enjoyed running the roads.... Friday night is football in Mesquite against Henderson. Thursday Chelsey and I will make a run to Alba to see everyone. Colby has work out and Danny is going with him to watch. I am taking my floating holiday Friday....have to soak up all the football I can with Colby. I told him the other night that when they lose, "all we have is memories, and I am NOT ready for that yet".

Off to watch tv and let my sleeping pills take effect. Fighting a stuffy head, so I hope to sleep good and sleep it away!

PK

Just a little bit of football...

Stay with me here.....Celina game last night. Hooters afterward to see OSU get beat in O/T. Home to sleep than up this morning and off to Cowboy Stadium to watch 3 games. Love to watch Allen and Euless Trinity. Trinity won it....I was willing Allen to score at the end to send it into O/T, but it didn't happen. We were sitting with Trinity fans, so I was lucky to not get smacked....It was tough to not jump and cheer for Allen there at the end. We left in the 3rd quarter of Marcus and Timberview, listened to the USC game on our way home and NOW we are watching Baylor and Oklahoma. Appears the top seeds are not fairing well this weekend. Clemson upset. OSU upset and Baylor just might beat Oklahoma. And then there is tomorrow....loving every minute of it!

Off to see who wins...

Pam

Bring on round 3!!!!

Celina 37 Lovejoy 17. Great game. Started out with Celina down 10-0. I got that sinking feeling in my stomach, but we rallied back to pull it out. So....now we go to Mesquite Friday night. After the game Danny and i went to Hooters and finished the Iowa State and Oklahoma State game, OSU went down in O/T. Today Danny and I are heading to Cowboy Stadium to watch 2-3 games. One of which is Allen and Euless Trinity...both are undefeated. Yes my friends and family, I am a football junkie! Love every minute of it....also, Allen's band is like no other. Typically 600+ strong and absolutely fantastic to watch...can't wait!

Came home yesterday to find a little green flyer on our front door. "Christmas lights hung for $125". It's a sign....gotta have them. Now...what color? Red? Clear? Green? Chelsey said anything but blue...she doesn't get "blue" for Christmas...LOL.

Colby is at practice...so glad to be able to type that for another week.

Off to figure out what color to wear to the games. Maybe just my traditional orange...since that's what I have the most of!

Love to all...
Pam

Ahhhh....Friday!

Friday night lights again. Celina vs Lovejoy in Frisco. They put us out in round two last year, so tonight is revenge.... Taking off for the pep rally so I can savor every minute.

Another long week. Chelsey and I ran to the grocery store last night for items to make corn casserole and broccoli salad, then I whipped them together just before bed time. Big spread planned for today.

Going to put our Christmas tree up tomorrow. Yep, before Thanksgiving....because I want too. Two houses near ours already have their lights up on their house. Can't decide if I will go to that extreme this year. But we can't be the only one with out lights, right?

Morgan, thank you for the text yesterday, you made me laugh just thinking about the whole scene.

Hair dryer time...and a sweater, it's finally chilly outside!

Pam

Clarity to my previous post...

I should clarify, I am still at my current job...just switching my team to another source for loans....will still be busy, still doing loans and still liking what I do!

Thanks to all that worried, called and text...love each of you!

Pam

Happy Wednesday...

Can't believe Thanksgiving is a week away! Looking forward to seeing Mom, Dad, Carla, Paul, Morgan, Jeannine and the whole rest of the family. It's been a while since we ventured east. Since we do not have our giant kitchen anymore, We are NOT cooking this year. And I also have to work next Friday, so that doesn't help matters....

Senior pictures are done and posted on Facebook. Once I get the disk in the mail, I will post on here. Chelsey is furious about them...she said they look ridiculous...I personally think they are great! Long hair and ridiculous wind is not a good combo. Watch for the big reveal, if you haven't already seen them on facebook. You can also go to danreedphotography.com and click on clients then click on their names. If you know me well enough, you have my cell number, so text me and I will give you the password.

I should mention that Colby didn't complain one bit about his pictures, but as soon as he saw them, he asked me to cut all his hair off. LOL. I road his tail all week to get a hair cut before the photo shoot....next time I bet he listens to me!

It has been crazy at work, as always, but added craziness due to my entire division, in the field, being let go last week. Yesterday was all their final day. All 50+ of them....so they have been burning my phone up, finalizing everything. Each day should get a little quieter now, but sure going to miss those that were strung from California to Florida and everywhere in between!

Off to dry my hair and slap on some make up. Have a great day all and Jeannine...it's time you post on your blog please!

Pam

Senior pictures

I can not wait to see the final product!!! So much fun....even Colby said "that wasn't so bad Mom". He didn't realize it took 3+ hours until we got home. The wind proved to be a challenge for Chelsey's hair, but we made it work. I'll post the pics as soon as I get them!!!!

Pam

Celina 42 Sanger 21...

10-0..and still rolling Love the playoffs! Rough game tonight. Sangerplayed dirty. Tried to start fights. Lots of personal foul penalties. Now it's Lovejoy Friday night in Frisco. We have unfinished business...they knocked us out last year.

Spent the day getting everything together fir tomorrow's Senior pictures. They are gonna look sharp...will share as soon as I can.

Happy 11/11/11 all...wonder how many people won in Vegas today?

Pam

Crazy Wednesday!

Had a crazy day at the office yesterday....changes made and now off and running on a new adventure today. 3 teams, instead of 4. Different focus. Bring it on!

Weather is sure nippy....got a call from our landlord that the HOA sent him a letter that we need to mow between the street and sidewalk. I could probably pull the tall grass by hand it is such a small space...oh the joys of living "in town". See...we are THOSE neighbors, and we are not even trying!

Off to dress for work. Today is my Friday again...Holiday tomorrow. Couse, as usual I have a full day of "to do's". One is to take my car in for repair estimates, dress for Chelsey, Colby a hair cut. And get ready for their Senior pictures Saturday morning at 9am. That should be fun. A friends husband is doing them for me....wonder when the next time will be that I corral them for pictures?

Have a great day all!
Pam

Happy birthday to my beautiful baby sister!

41....41....41....41.... Happy Birthday Carla. Love you bunches! Hope you have a wonderful day. 41....41....41....41....

Pam

We made it!!!!

pep rally was great....made it thru without a tear, until Mikaylee's Dad cried before they called her name out and as he walked out on to the gym floor. I had tears rolling.

Thank you to Ashley, Colton, Dylan and Chelsey for walking with Colby and I out onto the field I didnt cry, but Colby had tears rolling before we walked out, make me choke up Sad that Danny didn't make it today. Hope Donny is okay. He's at Parkland...Danny text that he has a mass wrapped around his vocal cords. Sure do love that guy...and hope he's going to be okay.

They start the playoffs next Friday night in Denton, against Sanger. This is where the real fin begins....but any game could be the last, and that's tough to swallow.

Off to take my sleeping pills and wait for Danny to get home.

XOXO,
Pam

Today was my Friday!

Off tomorrow...Senior Day at the Pep Rally. Presenting Colby with his photo collage. Then walking him out on Bobcat Field for his last home game. Dylan and Colton are joining us. I bet I shed a tear or two....the good thing is that they are in the play offs...so it's not over yet. Just the last home game.

Chelsey and I made his photo board. Turned out really good. If she shakes her head NO at me one more time when I say "how about this picture?" I would have screamed!

Danny is still at work. Fatality accident on 75 north of McKinney... Wreck at 380 and Preston when Colby was coming home from the volleyball play off game in Frisco. It was a white vehicle, so he called me in a bit of a frenzy...sounded relieved when I answered and was okay. He's all boy, but has a tender side that just makes my heart melt.

Off to try and sleep....or play Angry Birds till Danny gets home. Or Words with Friends.... My name on WWF is PK I am if your still up!

Good to talk to you Daddy...love you.

Pam

Exciting news..

Sometimes it is the little things that make this girl happy.....Monday, on my way home from work, I discovered too late that the new bridge from 121 to the tollway was open. F.I.N.A.L.L.Y. This may not seem big, but for a year and a half I have had to exit off of 121, sit thru a light, go less than 50 yards, sit thru another, turn left and go less than 100 yards and sit thru another. Now....in all this time, I have figured out that if I am FIRsT in line at the 2nd light and punch it when the light turns I can make it before the last light turns yellow/red. And I mean lay down on it to make it....it's all part of the game. Being first is the real challenge. Yesterday and today, I took the tollway exit and went up and over the bridge and made it to the same spot in 1 minute, that usually takes 5 or more minutes. Today, same thing! So.....I can now make it home, traffic permit, in 30 minutes. That my friends and family is exciting stuff. Consider I have commuted since 1984, 5 days a week (except holidays and the rare chance I take vacation) a minimum of 40 miles round trip...I refuse to calculate the gazillions of miles, but it is no doubt a bunch, 5 minutes is a lot of time.... See, it's the small things sometimes...

Pam

Correction to yesterdays post...

She was NOT texting. She was putting on her make up. News at 8pm aka Chelsey Fenter told me this... The good news is that Mikaylee is doing well. She's banged up, has broken bones, will need surgery to repair her leg and hip, but she's is lucky it was not far worse.

BBQ brisket smell fills the house right now. Love my crock pot. 4 items needed. 1. Crock pot. 2. A fully trimmed brisket. 3. A bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce. 4. A crock pot liner (I never use my crock pot without one...no scrubbing this way). Pour a little sauce in the crackpot after placing the bag in it. Put the brisket in, fat side up. Pour the rest of the sauce on top. Pit the lid on and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Your house will smell like a BBQ restaurant, but GOSH is it good. I just take the meat out and scratch it with a fork to shred, then chop if sandwiches are the plan. Soooo easy and this way I can say I cooked!

Off to watch tv and relax a little. Dang it sure got cool this afternoon. Raining too. Good news is that I am home!

Love to all,
Pam

Makes you stop and think....

This morning as I am getting ready for work, after Chelsey had left for school, I happen to walk by my cell phone amd notice 4 missed calls. I pop it open, remembering that I had turned the ringer off yesterday in a meeting, to see all were from Chelsey. She had just left the house...I immediately dial her and she says MOM thanks for answering...there is a wreck on Preston and she's going to be late for class. I tell her to not worry, if Preston is shut down, it must be bad and that others will be late too...no worries. A few minutes later she texts me that is Mikaylee, a girl from her class. I see care flight head out just as she texts that it was bad and they had to cut her from the vehicle. Took an hour and a half to get her out....and they were Parkland bound. Turns out, they think she may have been texting and ran into the back of a rock hauler. The speed limit is 60 mph where it happened....left femur is split. Ball in her hip is shattered. Also right foot is possibly broken. Surgery tomorrow to do repairs.

Sure makes you think about how things can change in the blink of an eye....hope she's okay. Beautiful girl. Chearleader. Lots of friends so many showed up at the hospital, they made them leave Life will likely change for her. Today as I rode home....my cell phone stayed in my cup holder. That blinking red light could wait. Be safe all!

Pam

No more candy

Two giant bowls full....all gone! Sooooo mich fun to see the little ones all dressed up. Chelsey and I had a great time. We sat out on the drive way in chairs with out bowl of candy. Buzz Light Year, Woody, Bumble bees, scream masks, hobos, and more Princesses than I could count. Now...back to reality, have to run get dog food and finish laundry and dishes. Sigh...

Happy Halloween!

Pam

Candy...

For the first time since 1997, we will have Trick or Treaters for Halloween. We have always lived "way off the road, and not in a neighborhood" so this is going to be fun. Chelsey and I made a pumpkin and candy run this afternoon. The pumpkin is not carved yet...it may not get carved. Can't wait to see all the little ones dressed up tomorrow night.

Another day cleaning the house. Oh so close to DONE. Danny is Mr Walk down memory Lane while I am cleaning and packing. I was ready to kick his tail. He finally went to the garage and with Colby and Kevin's help, got all the trash and junk out. He stopped to look to look at every picture, news paper clipping etc. Good thing I was on go and full of energy. Not so much now....

Couple of loads of laundry and my day will be done. Oh, and watching the Cowboys as well.

Hope everyone has a great Monday and Halloween.

Pam

Good morning!

Woke up at 3am and thought something seemed odd so I get up to investigate....front door was standing wide open! Good thing Lily and Tank didn't realize it...

Sent the day at the other house. Almost ready to haul everything to storage. Be glad when it is all done..

Chelsey was a little sad, well a lot sad, yesterday. It was Dallas' birthday. One year since the split. She went to dinner with Danny and I and then out with friends. On our way home we stopped for a few things at the grocery store. We run into Colby, Tyler and Jamarick. Colby's screw had come out of his glasses, so for about 15 minutes, after buying a glasses repair kit, we got it fixed. The scantly clad girls came in while we were working on it....the boys forgot all about the glasses until I snapped them back with me. I laughed so hard. If we were on tape by the registers, watch for it on YouTube. LOL.

Today I want to get a pumpkin or two to carve for a contest at work tomorrow. Searching pinterest for ideas...

Happy Sunday all!

Pam

21 years ago today.....

21 years ago, Danny and I stood by a lake and said our vows. We didn't know what the future would bring...who knew I'd be typing this on a blog 21 years later.

Things I remember about this day:

Paitnting the white picket fence at the crack of dawn, in case it was in the pictures.

Danny putting his hand on my back as I got to him, and saying my dress was pretty. (will never ever forget that moment)

Swatting a bee from Danny's boutineere and hoping it couldn't be seen on the video.

Turning around after the kiss only to discover my Sister in law hadn't flipped the cassette tape.

Cutting the cakes

Dad putting a penny in my shoe

Mom's pink dress

Carla smiling as I walked down.

Ashley smiling as I walked down and holding my flowers so proud.

Ashley sitting in the floor board of my car, and me seriously considering just taking her to the horse races with us.

The cans (that I still have) that were hanging from the rear view mirror. Not even sure who made them.

Happy Anniversary Danny! Cheers to many more...

PK

Happy Birthday Ashley

can not believe my oldest is 29 today....where does the time go? Next year 30. Ugh....

I hope you are reading this Ashley.....the first time I ever saw you was at the fair in Emory. Back then, I think it was in August, so you were almost 2. You had pig tails and were riding on your Daddy's shoulders, all smiles, and telling him where you wanted to go. So precious...

Who would have ever thought that beautiful little girl would some day be such a special part of my heart? We have had a round or two, but gosh have we had some fun over the years....times I wouldn't trade for anything. Falling on the ice, shopping, sliding around on Welsey Street on the ice, shopping, trips to the lake, trying new foods, shopping, watching you bring Dylan into the world, redoing your room more times than I can count, birthday parties, watching you try on wedding dresses and later crying when you walked down the isle in the perfect dress we found together, pulling your teeth, teaching you to ride a bike, doing crafts, coloring, watching movies, making sure we had that dang bow just so before you went to school, keepingnup with your blue uniform socks, flash cards till I thought I would lose my mind, switching your expensive clothes that Memaw brought you home in...to those Walmart short sets, watching you bring Colton into the world, watching you cry about your Mom, making cookies, sleeping cuddled up, laughing together, crying together, and making sure there was never a dull moment... All of which I have loved sharing with you. And all the years to come....glad I have you in my life and love you more than I could ever possibly convey...

Happy 29th to you...

From your Mom #2 Pam

ACT

Chelsey's alarm just went off....on a Safurday morning? Yep, she's taking her ACT at 8am. My baby girl is sure growing up. Talks of college are a common thing with us now. She has stopped saying Arkansas, at least in the past week or two. I would love to see her go to a fairly big school. I could see her doing well and maybe a sorority life. She was very close to the group that graduated last year and they are all over the place now, so she hears about lots of schools. We talked about Oklahoma State University of recent. She could still wear orange... Just can't believe how the time has flown by.

Colby is also talking college. He wants to be a coach. As hard of a time as he has given coaches over the years, it makes me laugh to even think about the tables being turned on him, but I think his decision is because he has always looked up to his coaches. He's going to take the ACT in February...after a lot of tutoring sessions. No mention of where he wants to go yet. All he says is Coach! I wish he'd go to the police or fire academy....he has the perfect build for a police officer! Big scary guy. Megan, maybe Jeff could do a "ride along" with him sometime.

One thing is for sure...they are experiencing several "last" times right now. Tuesday was the last home volleyball game. This will be their last Red Ribbon Week. In two weeks, their last home football game. A couple of weeks ago, their last Homecoming. Sigh....they grew up.

Happy Saturday all!

Pam

A very long week...

Wow am I tired! Glad it is Friday and come heck or high water, I am NOT working this weekend... Got home tonight and had Danny say magic words..."I am taking off Monday thru Wednesday to get the house cleaned out and packed up!". Woohoo!!! I get to spend a few hours out there this weekend deciding what goes, what is to be packed, etc., and then he is going to finish it up. Sounds like a perfect plan to me.

Also have to get an estimate to fix my car. Get a hair cut. Watch two Ranger games. And clean house and do laundry. And run to the cleaners and grocery store. And take a nap somewhere in there....whew...

Hope everyone has a great weekend. And Morgan....I think Chef Ramsey would kick you and Carla out of Hell's Kitchen after just one day!

Love to all and thanks for the offer Mom and Aunt Barbara, love you both!

Pam

BAM!

Sitting at a red light tonight....and all of a sudden BAM! I am fine. Car is okay, except a cracked bumper but DANG did it scare the crap out of me. I pulled over and the guy jumped out to see if I was okay....we drove to a place OUT of traffic, unlike how most people do, and I got all his info. It's a guy from Prosper with boy/girl twins that are 15. I asked if he wanted to do insurance or what. He said he'd like to try without insurance...that's what brought up the twins...... Just glad we were both okay!

Busy Monday, with a clean desk to start out. I actually left it fairly straight. Had I left one minute earlier or later...I wouldn't have a cracked bumper!

Thunder and lightening at this moment. Duke is inside his new dog house with his blanket. Danny thinks he looks sad.....

Off to do dishes. Love to all!

Pam

One win- One loss

So, Rangers to the World Series. Cowboys to the locker room with another loss. Brady, Brady, Brady. Trying to decide of I am going to convert to the Patriots or Packers. Cowboys are sure trying my fan patience.

Duke is home with us now. He's sitting here beside me watching the lights of cars go by. Not a single bark yet. Hope he stays quiet all night.

So, my weekend check list included a Halloween wreath for the front door (forgot to get a hanger!). Go to the office and clean up my desk. Watch the Rangers and Cowboys. Do laundry. Buy new black and brown shoes for work. Clean the house. Get Danny a surprise (a pair of Crocs) get Dolby a couple of pair of new jeans. All this got done.....BUT never made it to the other house. Next weekend we gotta bust a move cleaning that one out! Danny moved a few more of his clothes and got the hair clippers that I have forgotten numerous times.

My little friends from the football game, Scott who is 2 and Eli who is 4 (they have season tickets right next to us, and are new in town) asked if my son was " the fuzzy headed one" so we HAD to have the clippers. Scott, Eli and I ate nachos together at the first home game. Friday night we had Cheetos. Eli brought me a candy necklace from home. They are precious....and sit right beside me and jump up every time I do to yell. It's kinda like babysitting with the parents right behind me! They also know about Chelsey, and every blonde that walks by, they ask if that is her. So stinking cute!

Off to fold the last load of laundry and take my sleeping pills. Night all, have a good week and please pray that Duke doesn't bark all night...

PK

Another win!

35-0 over Anna....great game. Only a couple more left. Senior Night is coming.

And Carla, not sure what the heck Collin County or the potential buyer thought....I havenever, in the 7 years we have owned the property seen a fence up THRU the lake stopping anyone from using it. Just baffles me.....

Gotta put a major dent in cleaning that place up and emptying the house this weekend. Also have to watch the Rangers and Cowboys and go out to the office and find my desk again. Gonna be a busy weekend!

Have a good one all... OH Megan, did you see the John Deere tractor footprint picture on Pinterest? Hayden would love it....

Pam

3-2= the first 1

Well.....we haven't made it to three offers yet....the couple willing to pay "more" called Collin County about the lake and were told they would not have access to the whole lake. So, they are no longer interested. Collin County cost us a buyer...with an incorrect statement. The cash buyer wants to wait to see if the first buyers go thru. So...we are back to one contract. Better than none I guess.

Busy week...working with an additional team now. I have FOUR instead of my original one. Bring on the challenge....I just have to figure out how to get home before 9pm...

Danny worked until after 1am this morning. Big "spill" on Highway 5. They had to shut the road down. Evacuate for a little while...not let anyone go to their homes...not fun. He's now fast asleep, since he had to get right back up this morning and leave at 6.

Chelsey is at a hockey game with Nick (cutie from Prosper) and Colby is laid up in his bed watching tv. My buddy Sharon's husband came and hung our new ceiling fans today. Colby is mad that his does not have a remote like the one in our master bedroom. I didn't even know it had one...but it is pretty neat. He said he laid in our bed and tried out all the speeds. He recommended medium or low, because it got a little cold when on high. LOL. Wish I could have been a fly on the wall as he tried it out. LOL.

Tank and Lily are trying out Duke's new dog house....he's not with us yet, but we hope to move him this weekend. Also hope he doesn't bark all night....we do not want to be "the neighbors with THAT dog".

As I sit typing this all is fairly quiet in the neighborhood. Not much traffic tonight. Football tomorrow night. Home game, so not much scramble to make it to another town.

Happy almost Friday (except my lucky sister....who gets Friday a day early).

Pam

Yes...clean AGAIN!

ruts are going to have to wait. I stomped on as many as I could. Chelsey helped me early and Colby! Tyler and Jamarick helped me on the second trip.

Tired now....

PK

A BIG thanks....

A BIG thank you to whomever had a small party on our other house on the patio and drove thru the yard, leaving ruts. If I find out who it was, I shall make sure you do not do it again. Mama Bear is fierce about this one folks....just try me.

On another note, we have a 2nd offer in the works, on the house. It will be a back up. The couple wants their Realtor to do a walk thru tomorrow at 2:30pm, before they write the contract. Soooooo....I have to somehow get rid of the ruts in less than 24 hours. Nice way to spend my day off.

One more load of laundry then I go back out and play in the mud again.

Signed,
Mama Bear

T G I F!

Thank goodness it's Friday and a long weekend for the kids and I. Holiday Monday, but not for Danny. He gets all these other crazy Holidays but not this one.

Had someone look at the house yesterday....we may get a 2nd contract. A year and a half without one and now maybe two. Good grief! Had to clean Wednesday night in a frenzy...got it presentable in an hour and 20 minutes. Had Danny running around cleaning with me. Was actually comical, now that I think back. He kept saying "it looks okay" and I'd stop and shoot him "that look" and he'd keep straightening.

Tonight is football again Hope Colby plays. Sad to see him stand on the sidelines the whole game. He's HATES it! He's been on the sidelines since the second game where his holding penalty got a TD called back. Welcome to Celina football...

Chelsey is happy now that we have direct tv again. Me too for that matter.

Challenges remaining are: a shower head that shoots water everywhere. A thermostat with a mind of it's own. And no ceiling fans in our bedrooms. Planning to fix all that this weekend. Also figure out our house phone. Appears at and t does not service this neighborhood. You'd think they would have told me that when I moved the phone. Oh and that dang at and t Internet box...all shall be fixed by Monday, since I will have time to work on each one.

Got a new team added to my responsibilities yesterday at work. 5 of them do not want to be under me. Today we shall meet to I can find out why and work to fix that.

Off to dry my hair and dress for another busy day. I shall get a nap or two this weekend....it's been a while and is much needed.

Have a great weekend all!

Pam

Check list went to heck in a hand basket!

Soooo....my check list below looked sooo good, BUT, let me write about the challenges presented.

First....gas was turned on at the house but the hot water heater wasn't working. You got it, pilot light. I am AFRAID of gas, so no way was I trying it. Danny tried. No luck. I called a local guy yesterday mid day and he FINALLY came last night and in 30 seconds had it lit. This was after Chelsey and I went out to the other house and showered.

Day two of DirectTV. Not hooked up yet. They can't get a satellite. Seriously? I LIt.THEM.ON.FIRE today and they finally asked if I knew if there was already a dish on the house....heck I don't know...I mean shouldn't THEY know this? So....I called Chelsey and she looked and sure enough, there is one. So...they are coming tomorrow night They better. The silence in this house is driving us all crazy!

Next...house phone, which I do not think we need, but Danny does, SO, it was to be moved today. I called our number this afternoon only to get this loud screeching noise. Got home and no dial tone. Tomorrow AT&T and I shall have a conversation. It shouldn't be this hard!

Tonight we had pizza delivery. This is a treat, because we have always lived outside the delivery area. Not tonight....Pizza Hutt at my door step. Least that went well!

Also, can't get our wireless to work. That little AT &T box makes me want to scream. Least I have my iPad. It is the only thing keeping me sane.

Work was crazy today...when I am not at the office, I read my email on my Blackberry, and if I need to do something with it, then I mark as u read. I did this all weekend and then yesterday, since I decided at the last minute sorta to stay home and wrap everything up. I had 96 emails that I had saved....whew. Still have about 15 of them, but by percentage, I won. This excludes the 200-250 new ones I got today. I shall not take off again, unless it is planned. Spent all day long catching up!

Now....I sit in silence, waiting on Danny to get home, as Tank and Lily chew on their toys, Colby plays xbox and Chelsey is at a friends, because she can't stand it one more night without TV!!!!

Joy joy joy....welcome to the neighborhood!

Megan and Sharon...thanks for the update. You are both so strong... Keep your chins up. Love you both!

Carla, thanks for the chat. Ashley, thanks for the chat. Love you all!

Pam

We are in!

We are in...took 5 1/2 hours to load all the furniture, tear apart the red couch, ring all my Xmas stuff from the attic, and craft stuff and furniture and get it all to the new place. And dang I am tired now....new place is cute. A/C is on 75 and I am shivering...I think I am going to love this place!

Lily and Tank are here. Duke will be to or row. I decided that the only way I can completely finish is to take off tomorrow. This way Direct TV gets hooked up. I can do a forwarding order on mail. I can take Lily and Tank to the vet. And get a few more of my clothes from the other house. This way I can be ready for work Tuesday, and have all my clothes here to get dressed.

Thanks to Mom and Daddy for coming up to see us. Thanks for the sewing Mom. Much appreciated and the BBQ.

Off to bed before I pass out. Let's see if Danny snores me out the first night.

Love to all!

Pam

My check list....

My check list so far....

Turn on water. - check

Turn on gas. - check

DirectTV - that comes Monday afternoon.

Move house phone - that happens Tuesday. Although I am not sure why....we use our cells way more. Danny said keep it, so I did!

Find a fridge on Cragslist.com - check.

Drive fridge from Little Elm to new house, unload, put in it's place. Pray it works - check. (tearing the handles off when bringing it in the house was an added attraction). Never fear, super glue to the rescue! It dumped it's first batch of ice right before I left.

Move all decorations - check. Only took two trips with my car loaded to the headliner!

Hang the shower curtain, that was the decision maker on colors - check. Did that last night.

Decorate top of cabinets in kitchen. - check. Did that last night too. Chelsey said "it really looks cute Mom.".

Sit on patio one last time. - check. Doing that right now...as I listen to total silence outside...except the birds. Lots of cars out and about in the neighborhood this morning. That is going to take some getting used too. There were about 5-6 garage sales going. Maybe that contributed to all the cars going by.

Now....to load up the kitchen and go put all the pots, pans, mini appliances in place. While...Danny and the kids take a nap. They must be tired from all of the above. Ha!

Movers come at 9am in the morning. Gotta get my butt in gear for a few more hours...bet I sleep good one LAST time in the big house tonight.

The move...to be continued!

PK

Friday!!!!

Good lord what a week....went to the new house last night at 8pm....swept, mopped, lined cabinets, cleaned bathrooms, forgot the vaccum but I did clean every base board. Took all of 2 hours. Can you see the smile? Takes 5 hours minimum to clean our current house and that is minus the baseboards...that alone could take 2 hours. Utilities to our name today. Direct tv Monday. And I somehow missed moving our house phone so I have to do that today. The sticky to remind me has been on my work commuter monitor all week....just never got it done.

I also put out rugs and a few decorations on top of cabinets. So far, so good. Tonight is football of course and I do not even know where the game is as I type this....tomorrow we move the little stuff and movers are coming Sunday morning at 9am to get the furniture. Just couldn't stop worrying about moving it ourselves....so I broke down and called a moving company. They are by the hour, so I shall be hot on their tail to get it done quick!

Off to get dressed to finish this month out today!

Love to all,
Pam

And the color scheme is...

The color scheme is.....brown, cream and brick red! That's the shower curtain Chelsey picked out and the one I liked too. So, now we build around that. The good news is, I already have several accents that are that color, so this should be fairly easy to put together.

We also got kitchen rugs, and stopped by the house to see how they looked. Chelsey liked, me....we shall see.

Have gotten rid of many things this weekend. House is looking bare.

Off to watch tv and clean up the kitchen. Happy Sunday evening all!

Pam

Great football weather...

What a gorgeous night for football. Let's review the past three games. 3 Fridays ago it was so hot the letters from my Senior Mom Jersey stuck to my back. Last Friday night it rained us out. Tonight capris, flip flops, and a jacket by the end of the game. Just perfect. And the final score.... Celina 41 Paris 22.

Got the key to the new house this afternoon. It's now empty, so Chelsey and I measured a few things. Her bed is going to be a bit snug, but she is DETERMINED to get it in her room. Colby's King bed will be snug too, but he said he didn't care. Those kids love their beds, what can I say? And.....we actually have a concrete patio. Not sure how I missed that, but we can take the patio couch and chairs. No cover, so I'll have to figure that out, but at least we have a patio! No flower beds...can't decide if that is a good or bad thing for me.

So, tomorrow I start to pack and plan. Measure a time or two more. Buy a shower curtain. That curtain will determine our decor colors. Either going with green and blue with brown OR red, cream and brown... Again, shower curtain is what determines it.

Have a nice weekend all!

PK

Three shots...

THREE shots today....And not rom shot glasses! Steroid, B12 and flu shot. Got the crud After the wind and rain storm Sunday. Change in the season gets me eveytime. Oh and an antibiotic, 1 giant horse pill for 5 days. I actually already feel better told Kim at the clinic here in town, that I may leak water from all the needle holes received today. No time to be sick, so it was a must!

The new soon to be Mrs Owner is bringing her sister out to the house tomorrow at noon. That's a good sign that she already wants to show it off. After all, it is very important that sisters approve! Right Carla?

Nothing exciting around here....starting to think about packing. But I actually think we can move one room at a time and not really "pack" just yet. The plan is to get everything out of the big house and into the little one that will fit and we use, then see what is left. I will say, there will be a lot left, but we have a couple of weeks to get it all out. Not worried. One room at a time, and I can knock it all out. Danny and the kids are not worried either, since they haven't said one word about what the plan is....I shall take this bull by the horns, trust me, and they will be in for a quick ride!

Take care all....and I can't help but wonder who all the visitors Royse City, Mesquite, Terrell....I know Winnsboro, College Station, but the others are a mystery.

Happy Hump Day tomorrow....trash day around here.

Pam

Facebook Frenzy Sale

Well, created quite a frenzy on Facebook this afternoon. Posted 40+ pictures of items selling before the big move. Check them out. If sold, I have marked them that way. Cell phone was ringing, house phone, text messages and messages on FB. Good grief it was crazy for about 2 hours as I posted pictures.

Homecoming was.......

Senior Float....isn't it just like Colby to be turned sideways (#51 shirt below)

Run thru - only time we saw it....rain prevented even unrolling it at the field.

Homecoming was.....postponed! It doesn't rain for days, months..but it did last night. Mom and I head up to the field at 6:30pm and by the time we get there, an umbrella if our topic. We have ONE with us. So up we go to the stands in a slight drizzle. Then...it gets worse. Lightening show begins. We head out of the metal bleachers and then hover under an umbrella for half an hour. Then we head to the car and to Sonic. At 8:30pm they call the game. So...next weeks game shall be "Homecoming" of sorts...no parade, huge pep rally, but we'll get to find out who os Homecoming Queen.

Made it home to go to the parade. Several floats, cheerleaders, band, Benny Boys, football players, etc. Made it to the Pep Rally. Theme is "11 working at ONE". Gym was packed. Standing room only. I'd put this town up against any other for support of the kids. Everyone turned out for it! Danny even made it. He nor I mentioned that we planned to attend so it was a nice surprise for both of us.



Mom, thanks for attempting to see Colby play...maybe next time!

Off to shower and head to work. Happy Saturday all!

PK

From BIG to small...

Lease is signed. Contract is signed. Amazing how two big stacks of papers can cause such a frenzy.... So, we now get to figure out what, from this 4400 square foot house, gets to go live in the 1835 square foot house we'll be renting.... Can you say less than HALF? Oh well, we'll figure it out! We are set to move in 10/1 2 weeks to plan what will fit and what will not.... Oh...and it is going to cut 12 minutes and almost 10 miles one way from my daily commute. 24 minutes a day that my butt will not not be riding in a car. I will take it! Homecoming tomorrow night...last Homecoming parade tomorrow. Last late night working on the float tonight. And last "guard the float" night, so no one trashes it before tomorrow. 67 degrees on my way home tonight. Under a blanket in my recliner at this very minute. Fall has arrived...maybe! Take care and wish us well at our last Homecoming game with the kids in school... Pam

P. S. Just in case your interested, this is what I mean BIG to small...

The new....

The now....soon to be old.

Just a bit of difference..... :-)

Decision made!

Okay...after a lot of thought and discussion and worrying...we, the inhabitants of the FFF, have made a DECISION. We are going forward with the offer received....going with the small house in a neighborhood and will be moving out of this big ole house in the next week or two. After talking thru the options with my wonderful sister....she's right. I do not want 18 acres to keep up with the one house we looked at. I want to come home, to my tiny house and not be fretting, cleaning, worrying, etc. It is time to STOP worrying myself sick and move on. Yes, We will be able to spit on our neighbors house....hopefully they like us and we like them. Yes We have to have a MAJOR garage sale, but it is time to downsize. Time to smile again, as Carla says. Time to move!!! Even C and C are relieved with a decision. Limbo is NO fun for any of us. We'll still be The Fenter Fuuny Fsrm, just on a much smaller scale!

Stay tuned...I am sure there will be lots of stories with this move.... And, a dining room suit, pool table, possible Kubota rtv, flower pots, rugs, decorations, books, etc etc etc going up for sale.

Pam

P.S. Love you Carla...

Good morning!

Still no word on our counter offer....

But, on the flip side, Danny, the kids and I loaded up Sunday and drove all of Celina, to look at houses to rent. We went inside of 3. All of which would work for us. One said no pets. The other two are very different from each other. One is in a neighborhood, with houses all jammed together. On one hand, I would love concrete walkways and neighbors to get to know. On the other, I am not sure I can live where I can spit on my neighbors house, because it is so close. The other has 18 acres and needs a lot of yard work, and I mean a lot! I see this one as a fun project. We have all the tools for this one....zero turn mower, tractor, and everything I would need to create flower beds and such. This one really caught my eye. It also has 3 barns....one for all our game room stuff, one for the tractor, jeep, etc and the other is actually a horse bard with 10-12 stalls...I could have a stall for each theme in the attic, such as, one for all my Christmas stuff, one for crafts, etc. It's really perfect, but a lot of work. Both are the same square footage and only a small spread in the rent amount. Decisions, decisions....

Since I worked all day Saturday, my desk was clean yesterday, and I had a really good day at work. So busy we can barely stand it. Interviewing for more staff. It's wonderful to see the business turning around a bit. It will never be as it used to be, but good just the same right now. Going to take advantage of it and close as many loans as possible, while they are there for us!

Off to an early meeting. Late tonight and tomorrow night with dinners. Friday is Homecoming and will likely work all weekend. I shall be a pooped puppy by Sunday, I'm sure.

Pam

Things I remember...

I remember that I was babysitting Brad and Joey when Mom called to tell me Elvis had died.

I remember the light I was sitting at when the radio told of Pulte buying out Centex.

I remember how bad my heart hurt when I heard of the Oklahoma City bombing....all those children.

I remember hearing that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center, and rushing to the tv at work to see it, only to see the second plane come in. And then the Pentagon and the Pennyslvania crash. Watching as one tower came down and then the other. I remember a week or so later, Chelsey begging Danny and I not to leave on a Production Trip for Cancun....please do not fly Mommy, were her words. She had watched intently as the news reported for weeks on end, even as a 7 year old, she was scared I emailed they next day, canceling our attendance. So many did the same, the trip was cancelled and rescheduled later for Vegas.

So many memories.....sad moments in time, that forever stay in my heart.

Pam

Another Friday night...

Celina 43 Pilot Point 12. What rival game? :-)

Still waiting to hear back on our counter offer...and waiting...

PK

Waiting, waiting, waiting...

We went back with a counter offer on the house. And now...we wait again.

On another note, our dear friends from Greenvilles daughter was in a one car accident near Greenville/Campbell yesterday morning and is at Parkland, after being careflighted there from the accident scene i was finally able to talk to her Mom just a bit ago. Jordan is doing well considering how bad it was in the beginning. Broken bones will mend. They are just working on a hole in her lung now. She's not out of the woods, but is a fighter and doing okay. They hope to try and get her up walking soon, even with a rod on in her femur, broken hand, ribs, and a lot of bruising. She was a sassy little head strong cookie when we left Greenville and that will surely help get her thru this.

Another friend just posted on facebook that her son who is away at college, is being transferred to a hospital in Austin. He's had some sort of fall and has a concussion and a brain bleed. My friend and her husband are headed to Austin as I type this. Lord, please let Joe be okay, and Suzie and Dan make it safely...

Been a worrisome couple of days. We have a house in mind to rent, if the sale goes thru. Just another chapter at the FFF.

Night night,
Pam

Offer received!

But it is WAY low....decisions decisions....I may just throw up!

Pam

Hopefully...oh hopefully!

Realtor says should have an offer on the house tomorrow....OMGosh I hope so!!!!! To all that read this, please cross your fingers.

Back to work today, not too bad. A little tired tonight, but beyond excited over what tomorrow might bring.

Have a good night all,
Pam

Day 10

Missed Colby's first day of school, so here he is on day 10....my big guy on game day...LOVE YOU SON!

Update

Turns out that we had two showing this afternoon...we got the "all clear" from the Realtor at 3:20pm, that it was okay to return home. We all arrived within 10 minutes of each other and were all asleep within another 10 minutes....the FFF inhabitants were tired. Even Tank, the puppy, took a nap with me. No news from the Realtor. We have a friend here in Celina that is getting an offer on her house tomorrow...maybe it's in the air!

Danny and I return to work tomorrow....kinda ready. I have loved my 10 days off, but need to get back into my routine. Chelsey and Colby have Senior pictures tomorrow (she in a drape and he in a fake tux). Since Colby scheduled late, his is at 7:10am... He can't sleep in this way! As I type this, I am sitting outside in the garage with Duke. It is so nice out! Guess we'll have a week or two of fall, then it will turn cold. Ugh...

Lunches are made, dinner dishes cleaned up, laundry done and put away, car clean, just needs gas in the morning...and we'll be off and running for another week. Let's all make it a good one! Living for Friday nights again, we play in Pilot Point. HUGE rival game. 2 years ago there were 8,000 people here to watch it. More than the population of both towns combined. May have to go to work that way Friday morning and tape down a blanket, so we have a seat!

Night night from The FFF.

Pam

The smell of Pinesol...

Cleaned yesterday for 5 hours straight so that the house would be Spic and span for the showing. At 5pm, 2 hours before they are to arrive, my cell rings....they can't make it. I still had a good hour or so left of cleaning, so I toss all the mops, brooms, cleaning supplies, rags, etc., on the cabinet and went to Bingo with Sharon. Not a winner...only one crazy lady to laugh at. Stopped by Walmart at 10pm for washing powder and milk and was home by 11 and exhausted! Mopped the kitchen before calling it a night. They did at least reschedule for 1 pm today, so kind of them!

Woke this morning to wind and cool temps. Ahhhhh....love it! Makes it feel a little more like football weather... Typically I love summer, but this 100 degrees for 60+ days changed my ways a bit.

Forgot to cover a police visit on Thursday....I am napping and wake to a bit of commotion, well at least Danny, Chelsey and Colby talking in the kitchen, so I hit the floor to see what is going on. Seems that a cop came flying down the driveway, jumps out and runs to the door (Chelsey saw this part, good thing I was sleeping!). Colby goes to the door....asks if he drives the gray Dodge in the driveway. Yes sir, why? Well....it appears you left without paying for your gas at the Shell station.... Now, here's what happened: Colby stops for gas, puts his debit card in the machine (mind you, he NEVER knows how much he has in his account, so much for teaching him that part) and it doesn't work. Pump says "see attendant" so he goes in, gives his card, and goes back out to his truck to pump gas. It stops on $20.00. He thinks, okay that's how much I have in my account. Puts the gas cap on and drives away. The lady didn't tell him that his card didn't work inside, but she somehow cleared the pump. The cop knew this...he told Colby to just go back up there and pay and all is well, so he did. Now....Danny gets after me, because I always punch "no" for a receipt, when I get gas. One less piece of paper in my purse...being "green". From now on, I shall take the receipt option...can't have the cops chasing me down! I bet Colby is more cautious next time too. He can get into a mess without even trying!

Now I am off to clean my bedroom and straighten the attic.....they better be impressed at 1pm, because it is a LOT of work to clean this big house, but I am NOT going to leave them a note or anything telling them that. Maybe they will buy it and figure it out on their own!

Happy Labor Day all...

PK

T-F-S

Can't remember what we did Thursday...stayed home I think.

Friday...Pep Rally then to the game at Prestonwood. They are back to back State Champions are were playing on a mission. They lost one of their coaches on August 1st. He colapsed at a 2 a day practice and later died. A dedication was held before the game, with his family on the field. Very touching. Then the game began...back and forth on scoring in the beginning. We went into half time behind. This rarely happens! With under 7 minutes to go we were down 33-21, only to come back and win it 34-33. It was exciting. Colby got a holding penalty in the 2nd quarter, which brought back a touchdown....so he stayed on the sidelines the rest of the game, looking very down I might add. His pal Jamarick had 277 rushing yards!!! It was his 40 yard run that was called back, so he would have been over 300. His name is pronounced Ja-Mark but the announcer kept saying Ja Ma Rick, which is what Danny has called him since pee wee football. Had no voice yesterday, due to all the screaming I did in the 4th quarter. Can I just say I LOVE Celina football!!!

Saturday...up and out early for a Dallas paper. Had to read all the scores and highlights. Back to bed at 10am and back up at a little after noon. When I went to bed, everyone was home. At noon everyone was gone. So....I went to Sonic for a drink and then road around looking at the 5 houses for rent in Celina. Not impressed..... Got a call from our realtor, house is showing between 7 and 8 pm this afternoon. Maybe, just maybe....

Went to bingo with Sharon last night....I tell you, we have more fun together! First we met at Jason's Deli for dinner then blasted off to Bingo. Third game I FINALLY got to yell BINGO!!! $500.00 pot...no split. Next game I was set needing 24 to Bingo again it comes up on the monitor, but some man behind me yells Bingo on the prior number. So....I was one number from $750.00. Two guys joined us at our table, and to say the least, they were comical. One with his pink dauber and the other a blue one....then, a couple joins them. The guy was a nice looking Hispanic man and his wife a pretty white girl, with GIANT boobs that were more out of her shirt than in. Sharon and I laughed so hard at everyone around us commenting and staring. We just might had to start a "People of East Plano Bingo" blog, like the one out there with photos of people in Walmart. Speaking of...she saw a man in WM yesterday with tight shorts, shirt and his thong underwear were sticky out of the back....good thing we were not together for this sighting!

As I sit outside at this moment, there is a cool breeze, gun shots in the background (dove hunters) and it's beautiful outside! This must be the "cool front" that was to come in....need rain too.

Off to clean house...pray they love it this afternoon!

Pam

M-T-W

Not much going on around here. Started walking each night, on the track, after dark. 2 miles a night so far. Ankle loosens up after about 2 laps and then it is fine. Barely a limp.

Found a long lost cousin in the past couple of days. Just emailed a short version of the Luckett family to him. Will see if he replies back. Also gave him our blog address and Carla's. If your reading this, I hope you enjoy.

Take care all, off to mow....

Pam

Another weekend recap...

Friday night lights were great last week! Carla and Paul got to watch Colby make his Senior Year Debute...he played almost the entire game. Won 49-6...hope they keep this up!

I slept almost all day Saturday...sorry Carla, I think the work week and quick trip to Vegas kicked my butt! Saturday night was bingo with Sharon...one of these nights I AM going to WIN something...I can just feel it. Carla, thanks again for my plaque...love it!

Today Danny and I got up and went to Starbucks...then breakfast and back home. Thank you Mom and Dad for coming up to wish me a happy birthday...was great to see you!

Chelsey and I went up to the track this afternoon...she ran and I walked/jogged, 2 miles. Considering it was 104 degrees, we thought that was far enough. Then back home to watch a little tv.

At this moment, everyone is in bed. Danny and I are on vacation this week....should be fun. I plan to renew my drivers license tomorrow, walk the track and have cookies ready for the kids when they get him from school. Oh, and I will turn 46 too. Ugh...

Off to bed, night night and love to all!

Pam

Vegas...hand in hand.

Made it there and back safe and sound. Black boot and all. Security swabbed it for explosives...all clear in Dallas and in Vegas. Not much to write about except.....

As I sat waiting for our plane to start boarding I saw a handsome guy walk up near our gate with a big bouquet of flowers. He had no ticket. No bag. Just flowers. I am thinking what the heck. They do not allow anyone in the airport without a ticket, so what's this guy doing. He's watching as a plane unloads and people walk out. He looks very excited. I can't take my eyes off of him...knowing I was about to witness something, just wasn't sure what. Lots of people get off the plane. He stands and waits, and waits, and waits. I begin to think whomever it is may have missed their plane. Then I see him smile from ear to ear and start walking toward the gate. A tall, beautiful brunette walks out and he grabs her in a hug and kisses her. She is all smiles and so is he. She...was wearing fatigues...and had a backpack. He stepped back and pulled a box from his pocket. I see a flash of his wedding band....he pulls hers from the box and he places it on her empty left hand. By this time I had tears streaming...he hugs her again and she smiles really big. They walk off hand in hand. Not sure I will ever forget this. You think about the men over fighting for our country....but I forget their are women too. Well...I knew, just didn't think about them leaving a husband behind to do it. I hope they had a nice evening, hand in hand. Such a beautiful sight. I was frozen watching...wish I had snapped a photo, just to remember that tender moment.

Off to clean....company coming tomorrow night.

Pam

First day...

First day of school was a success! Chelsey goes in at 7:20am and gets out at 12:30. Colby goes in at 10:30 and gets out at 2something. Chelsey said she was going to find a job...so she wouldn't be bored. LOL. I may never get a morning of Colby!

Only complaint was from Chelsey (of course....). She has one class with all freshman....it was the only elective that would still get her out by lunch. I told her to just be the adult and help all the little ones along this year!

Off to work. Have a great day all.

Pam

Miss Chelsey - First Day - Senior Year!

Weekend recap

First of all let me say WHAT was I thinking when Chelsey and I headed out shopping Saturday? We got to the Frisco Mall early...not crowded, close parking space, not the zoo I expected...and then....Colby calls us from Allen Outlet Mall to come pay for the things he had found. So....we fight our way into the parking lot, find a spot, go into Casual XL Male, sack up and pay for his items and walk to a few more stores. Then we head to the car, which has 32 miles until empty and it takes almost an hour to get out of the parking lot. Windows down to conserve gas, Chelsey HOT, me HOT, cars everywhere trying to get out just like we were. And Colby right behind us in his truck...GOOD GRIEF what a mess....never again. Never ever ever again will I go there. They could be giving away free stuff and I'll pass.

Then...Cheksey and I head BACK to Frisco, to Champs, where we buy Colby's college logo t-shirts all the time. Little more crowded this time. We get in and out of there fairly quickly and then go to The Foundry, Big and Tall Shop. We walk in and a guy says "how about a cold soda or beer?". I chuckle and keep walking....funny thing is he was serious...they had beer on tap. Tempting as it was, I passed. Chelsey had a field day in this store. She found a size 70 belt....she held the buckle above her head and stood on the end with holes. I was ready to run away from her. Then she buckled it and tried to holah hoop...then she found a size 70 pair of shorts and could wrap them all the way around her own waist. Then she found a t-shirt that said "everyone loved my Weinie" and it had a picture of a wiener dog on it. She was having WAY too much fun....trying on giant shoes too. I should have just had a beer and let her play...we laughed so hard!

Today we go do mani pedi's in Frisco.....a lady walks in talking about this horrible 5-6 year old gettingbhis hair cut next door. She said he jumped out of the chair screaming you ruined my hair and I am NOT going to school like this....the lady said he ran and slammed his body into the front door. Well....I needed a trim, so over I go. He was easy to spot. Red face. Obviously pissed. Arms crossed and one of the ladies was still cutting his hair. He was a MESS. His mom was very calm. His dad too. Even his sister seemed unfazed. I'd have busted his ars....little shit was really making a scene. The same lady cut my hair afterward. She must have been on meds, because she seemed unfazed as well.

Ohhhhhh....almost forgot Saturday, while we were in Forever 21 we saw a guy in a short shirt (as in belly hanging out) and ladies cheetah print tights. Chelsey said MOM you can see his......I bolted at that point. We didn't need anything from that store anyway.

Tomorrow the kids start their Last first day of High School...can hardly believe it is here already. Chelsey has 7:20am dual credit class and Colby goes in at 9 something.....maybe he will not be tardy as much this way. Stay tuned, this is going to be an adventure getting TWO to May 31st Graduation. On the bright side, tomorrow night will ne the last time I have to fill out "packets" for them to return back to the school. Seems like they get thicker every year....

I leave for Vegas Tuesday morning at 7:20am and land back at DFW at 11:15pm that night. Quick trip for a meeting...Should be fun with my giant black boot....security here I come!

Love to all,
PK

Sometimes you just have to make them smile...

Busted out "creative PK" yesterday.... Staff is really feeling the stress right now, soooooo, what's a boss to do? Air Hockey of course. PK Style..... This is how is all went down.

Two conference room tables placed side by side. Poster board trim. Duck tape. Metal loaf pans. Canned air. Colored paper.

Push two tables together, tape border trim all the way around the edges, so they stand up above the table all around.

Cut loaf pans in half. Tape to each corner like goals.

Instructions were to take the colored paper, 4 different colors, one for each team. They had to decide to make small paper wab balls, Large ones, tape them, not tape them ect.

Pick a team goal tender

The other two on each team were offense.

Insert 12 cans of canned air, like you'd use to blow out your computer key board.

Rules....can't touch the paper balls. Can't shoot own goal. If ball falls on floor, it is dead. Each paper ball that is shot into a goal is one point. They each received 4 sheets of paper, it was up to them on the size of the balls. And also the number of balls made.

They only received one extra can of air.

The winning team gets taken out to a fun lunch one day next week by me.

Now.....things I didn't plan on. 1). Those cans get freezing cold when constantly is use. 2). That we might all feel high as a kite from the odor. 3). That I would almost pee my pants watching them play!

It was a blast....I highly recommend, if you have a group that could use a smile.

Any questions...ask, you'll not regret trying this with a group!

Pam