911 Please...My Internet Connection is down!!!

Some of you know that I am addicted to my email and web. I know..kind of sad. I agree..BUT nonetheless, late this morning our phone service went down...oh for about 4 hours. Yes, that's right T and M--4 hours!! T & M are 2 friends of mine who are also addicted to their email! The worst part was that my mind seemed sharp and I had lots to write about on my blog. However, now it is almost 3pm, which is usually my down time each day. A time when I feel I need a nap, or chocolate or something to get me thru the next 2 hours.

Paul is napping. Fellow Mommies...is Paul starting a new phase? I think this is probably normal behavior for a 2 year old. He has been fighting his nap the past 3 days. He IS tired, but when we go into his room to read some books and get a fresh diaper..he has started saying "no." He loves to read books, but pushes them away and tries to squirm off my lap. I imagine to go back to the family room and play..or chase Miss Oreo around the house. Regrettably, I actually yelled at him to lie down and take a nap. After I thought, uh Susan..that will not work and that is not Christ like. However, within 5 minutes he was quiet and another 5....asleep! And I quietly cried on the couch wondering what my problem is..... freaked Oreo out. She is like her Mommy and brother..ultra sensitive!

Before I get to some items I wanted to share with the few who do read my blog..I must say that Paul and I are picking up 2 delightful kids at 4pm today. Michelle and Robert..10 and 7! Their parents are on their way to the coast for a couples' weekend retreat. I am taking the kids to see Fantastic Four tonight! Little do they know I am probably more excited about it than they are...especially since they do not know this yet! :-) Tomorrow..Fiesta Texas. Please no rain until after 4 tomorrow..... I heard Robert is excited to spend time with his new friend, Oreo Marie Niño. The very first time he was ever here at our home he wanted her to stay away, now he seems to get annoyed if she won't go near him. Kids are so funny that way....

Word of the Day = Perspective
Relief from the Mommy siren.......when you feel depleted by the constant demand of your children, read these encouraging passages. They just might put life's irritations back into perspective while you feel the warm embrace of our loving heavenly Father, God.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disasters, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

1 Samuel 2:1 "Then Hannah prayed: My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me."

And read Isaiah 40:29-31


Zany Zoo Ideas...
Name the animals (has anyone ever done this?) - and identify which animals have feathers, large teeth, fins or fur, etc.

Waddle - like a penguin, growl like a lion or bounce/hop like a kangaroo. You all know I have done all these!! I am a silly Mommy indeed!

Good zoo (animal) books to read...Good Night, Gorilla; Curious George; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

**And does anyone know when Vesuvius Day is? It is the Italian volcano that erupted a long time ago....like 80A.D. And more trivia for you....July is Skyscraper Month!

I suppose I should make up the guest bed for my little friends coming.... Would it be wrong to put our guests to work this weekend? Help dust, yardwork, clean garage??!!

Have a blessed day!

BIG DAY for Paul and Mommy....

I took Paul to his first movie theatre experience. Tina and Michelle told me about how some of the Regal cinemas have free movies on Tuesdays for kids. So, my friend Rhonda and her 2 kids and the two of us headed to Northwoods this morning at 9:40 to see Curious George at 10am. Rhonda and her hubby, Terrence, are members of our team for Teams of Our Lady. http://www.teamsofourlady.org/ We have been together since January 2002. Miss Caroline is 2 months older than Paul and the Murphy's have a new addition..Luke Crawford arrived in April. He came to the movie too. I must say that both Caroline and Paul behaved like champs! They both laughed a lot, and of course my sensitive boy cried a little when he thought Ted or George was hurt or scared. Wow--he really is a mini ME! :-) Back home for lunch and a nap.

Paul got his first haircut from Tonie in early May. He needed another one and Tina told me about Toon Klips on Blanco. They specialize in haircuts for young people. We went at 4:30. So many toys! Paul got to watch Barney while sitting on my lap and getting his hair cut. For the most part--he did well. The hardest part was around the ears b/c Paulie would not hold still. I held his arms and another gal held his head while the one cut around the ears. Whew...we all survived! Above is his "after" picture.

It was 5pm now and on our way home we stopped at Walker Ranch Park. Paul played and played...then we went for a walk. Sixty minutes later...we were both hot and sweaty!

I just put the love to bed. He wants to be held the past few days. He would not let go of my neck when I put him in the crib. I was a sucker....so we sat in the rocker and read 2 more books. Daddy is at his CFP study group tonight. One of the gentleman in his class is a CPA and tonight is signing forms to allow Danny to manage his money! Rock on dudes.... And this CPA has clients he wants Danny to meet. Even better!! Praise God!

I am wiped out myself. I love being with Paul and doing things with him, but come 8pm..I am usually ready for bed! Is that wrong/pathetic? I bet if I were 27 it would be different..but I am 37....well, almost 38! And a side note....have lost 4 lbs...30+ to go!!!

You Know You're a Parent When......

Both you and your husband can lie in your bed, snuggled up close and recite the book..Goodnight Moon...and you have a discussion when one of you mixes it up a little and says goodnight to the items in the wrong order! Keep in mind that Paul was already asleep a few hours before in his bed! :-)

I am behind in writing.....Paul turned 2 on June 16. My Dad and Jean came from St. Louis as well as my brother and his family from Denver. Bright and early on June 16 we all ventured to the SA Zoo. My love, Paul, loves the lions, tiger, elephant and giraffe, but seems to be leery of the flamingos. They are VERY noisy! My niece, Lauren, is 6 and I had lots of fun with her! She is a joy to be around. Sometimes she reminds me of myself! Poor Tom and Alleson.... We rode the train around Brackenridge Park. Up top is a picture of Paul and Lauren. Lauren loves her little cousin...and vice versa of course. We raced back home to make sloppy joe's for lunch and get Paul down for a nap. Everyone went to their hotels and we all showered and got ready for the birthday party. Start time...3pm. End time..5:20pm. We went to the Blue Cactus Cafe which is 5 min from our home. The kids played on the playground while the adults mingled and ate and watched the kids playing. Paul gave lots of hugs and kisses...especially to Miss Mackenzie. She will be 2 in October. The theme..Curious George. We really lucked out with the weather too. There was a breeze, clouds and the rain held off until later that night. Paul and his cousin Daniel were sweaty little boys when we arrived home. Paul received a lot of nice gifts from family and friends. To name a few...Thomas the Train Laptop, flashlight, bouncy ball, clothes, books, Aquadoodle, Little People Airplane, animal figures, lawn mower that dispenses bubbles, t-ball set and the new Flyer wagon! Now, where does Mommy put everything?!

Father's Day (Sunday) was more relaxing. Church and then hanging out here at home. I took my family to Scenic Loop Cafe for a nice dinner. Really my Dad hosted, I just picked the restaurant. Again, Paul had fun playing outside on the play equipment and we all loved our meals! They really do have excellent food. And our server is a Junior at Michigan State. She is here for the summer living with her Dad. She was born in Detroit...so was I...my brother and my Dad!

Last week was mostly catching up on sleep and getting things cleaned up after the big weekend. Paul had his 2 year well checkup. Both ears are still infected and so Cheryl put him on another round of meds! Poor baby. He is a whopping 35 3/4" tall, which is the 85th percentile for his age. Which means...only about 15% of kids his age are taller! He weighs 28 lbs, which is the 40th percentile. My boy is tall and lean. We already knew this of course.....!!

Danny had to work most of Saturday, so he allowed me to sleep in until 9am! It was pure heaven. He then went to work around 10 and came home around 4:30 so I could get ready for Maile's rad 1980's Pajama Party at 7pm. I will write about that another time...way fun! Awesome dude...As If! I went to church Sun at 9:30AM...had to serve communion to my fellow brothers and sisters. Then Sister Marge K treated me to 2 breakfast tacos made by our Knights of Columbus. Sunday afternoon..a church meeting and then collapsed in the evening.

I thought of this as I was reflecting and praying on Friday and wanted to share...

Go to sleep in peace...because God is always awake!

Sleep well...
Susan

Rest of weekend and shout out to Tonie Taylor!

Tuesday night--SPURS play tonight. Just put Paul down to bed. I hear him chattering in there. We had a great day together. He listened well and we went for a walk around the neighborhood at 3pm..HOT, HOT, HOT. While we were out we saw our neighbor and church friend Claudia. She could not believe we were out in the heat. But my boy is strong willed and a real manly man--he can take the heat. But can Mom?! It's true what they say about chunky (fat) people...we do sweat a lot! But I have to say..even when I was in high school and college and weighed under 125, I still was a sweaty girl. So, maybe the whole weight thing really has nothing to do with it..maybe it's my DNA...??!!

Getting back to our weekend...since Paul has a nasty cough and 2 ear infections, I went to church by myself Sat night and then Danny went Sunday morning. He had to EM anyway.
One of our ACTS brothers from church lost his Dad last week and the rosary was Sunday afternoon. A couple we are close to..Meliza and Bill..brought over their kids..Michelle and Robert and I stayed home with them and Paul so Danny and Bill and Meliza could go. I taught M and R to play Phase 10. It's a card game that I learned a long time ago from my dear friend Pam. It has 10 rounds and it took us an hour and a half. I think they enjoyed it. Then we had ice cream and hung out. Paul was asleep the entire time they were here. Something like 3 hours. Then, Meliza and Michelle babysat Paul so Danny and I could attend our monthly Teams of Our Lady meeting. Six Catholic couples all trying to put Christ in the center of their marriage. It is a great community and we are 20 teams strong here in SA. TOOL started in France in the 1940's...I wonder if anyone in Tony Parker's (SA SPUR) family is involved in TOOL?!

A SHOUT OUT to my hair stylist (artist) Tonie Taylor. She went to a new salon and has her own room. I think on Maile's blog it says her new company name is "Tonie's Cut, Curl Up And Dye." My neighbor Natalie told me about her over a year ago and I love her! Maile sees Miss Tonie too! Call her and make an appt....you will be glad you did! Salon At The Oaks and her number is 489-7801. I have her cell number but will not share that with the world. :-) Tonie joined us last week for Girls Night Out. I wonder what she thought?! I have not asked her yet......Tonie, what did you think? I know..you thought I was so quiet and polite...hardly girlfriend! One more tidbit...ok two....I think I recall her telling me once that she used to be a radio DJ...but not here in SA...and she is getting married next summer! Her ring is beautiful!

My Dad and Jean arrive on Thursday from STL. My brother, his wife and Miss Lauren arrive Fri night. They are all coming to help celebrate Paulie's 2nd birthday--which is Saturday! We're all going to the zoo first thing Sat morning and the party is in the afternoon from 3-5 at the Blue Cactus Cafe over here by our home. Bring on the beer I say.....!!! And it better be cold!

One more thing before I head out to the couch to cheer on the SPURS.....my 20 year high school reunion is in October. And I think I might go! I have been in touch with a few of my classmates recently. Rich Berra has a morning radio show in AZ! I listened in this week for about 30 minutes. He sounds the same! He is married and has 2 kiddos. And from his email today..he is booked and ready to go for STL in October. So now I suppose I have to go so he will have someone to talk to! And his email also said that he talked about an email I sent him on his show today..I wonder what he talked about? Ya'll know I have a lot to share and I could supply him with a ton of material. But now I can probably never live in AZ....all my secrets will be aired over the radio waves....thanks Rich. Does Rich know that Clear Channel is headquartered in SA?! He better watch out..I know people.....!!!!!

Tomorrow brings cleaning, exercising and more cleaning. And I plan to make a nice dinner for Danny. I usually go out Wed nights, but am staying home tomorrow night to get ready for my company. So, this will be a change...eating together on Wed night!

Adios dudes!

Hot enough for you?!

Geez--it isn't even July and yet--it is pretty darn hot here in SA! I guess July and Aug will bring the 100+ weather! Oh joy---I cannot wait!

This weekend was fun. Friday night hanging out with my family and doing some chores. I went to a baby shower for my friend Jessica. She and Jaime are having their first child in August. A baby girl who they will name Chloe Marie. I trained both of these young people at Frost Bank. Just like Danny and I -- they met at Frost, fell in love and got hitched. If I had time, you might be surprised how many marriages have been made at Frost Bank. Shoot--Pat Frost (President of the bank) met his wife there. I believe they worked in Marketing together.....maybe it's because Frost hires awesome people..well, mostly anyway. Jessica received a lot of really cute girlie clothes and "stuff" that will be used a lot! I went more practical and got items on her registry. I know how these Hispanic women usually don't go off the registry and buy clothes...hence the reason I did not buy clothes. Clothes are awesome, but a new Mommy needs bottles, teething rings, sheet savers, toys, mylicon drops, bottle brushes, etc. Ya know?!

Paul needs my attention...I will continue the weekend another time.... adios

My sick boy....

Paul has been fighting allergies (like the rest of South Texas) for weeks now. He takes 2 prescription meds, but still suffering. After 16 days of it he finally starting acting sick and cranky/fussy. And he started coughing. So off to Dr. Trexler's we went this afternoon. And he was NOT happy to be there. Ask Blanca and Dr. T----if they even looked at him..he threw a fit! And when they left the room and closed the door...even worse. He wanted out and he wanted out right then!!! Wonder what he will do on June 20 when we go for his 2 year well check up and he gets shots! Maybe Danny can take him that morning and I can sleep in..... Diagnosis---2 ear infections and a bronchitis virus. So, three new meds!

Our friend Diane came over to be with Paul tonight b/c Danny has CFP class every Thurs night and I have a meeting at church every other Thurs night and I could not miss tonight. Thank you to Diane for dropping everything and coming to our aid. We are blessed in many ways!!

Paul is down for the night, but the poor baby is coughing and coughing. I think it might be a long night for all of us! I am off to watch the SPURS. Game 1 against Cleveland. GO SPURS GO!

Story of the jiggly, wiggly tummy......

My precious toddler is a hoot. I do believe he comes by it naturally. Anyone who knows Danny will agree......Paul has MY personality. :-) Today we were playing and wrestling on the family room floor and my shirt came up and exposed my tummy. Paul immediately was fascinated by this white mound of fat with lots of moles on it. He carefully touched my belly button and the mole next to it. Then all of a sudden he poked my belly (to the left of my belly button) and it rolled and jiggled. He smiled and laughed..and did it again. Then I purposely made my belly roll and he laughed even more. The moral of this story...I suppose God gave me this extra weight to entertain my son. Little things keep him happy! What will entertain him when I lose my 30 lbs....maybe Danny's tummy! **My friend Cathy R sent me this quote in response to this story.... "Children are God's opinion that the world must go on"

Paul had his 2 year old photo shoot with my girlfriend Maile on Sat morning. We visited SA Botanical Gardens. Paul had pictures taken in 3 outfits and by the end --we were all HOT and sweaty! Paul had rosy cheeks from being hot and I do believe my long hair was a little damp. YUCK! This is Maile taking pics of Master Paul near the fountain. He loves water and had a grand time playing. He was NOT HAPPY when we left the area.

We had the St. PJ's gala Sat night and I need to write a separate entry about the event. Way cool and we had a lot of fun!!!!

Paul and I visited the playground this morning. Only one other child there..with his nanny. Sebastian..he is 2! The boys had fun together..especially chasing one another. And duh...I realized something today for the first time...we go to this playground ALL THE TIME and funny I never really figured out that there are cedar chips all over. Paul is allergic to cedar. Do you think the cedar chips bother his allergies?! I don't know if they do..or if it is cedar pollen from our trees from NOV-FEB. I need to find out I suppose.......

Tomorrow morning we go to Madeline's for a play date. Her son Lucas is 2 1/2. We hope to throw them into the baby pool and then we can chill and visit. I hope she has mimosa's..or a cold beer! And tomorrow night...GNO. Although at this point, I cannot discuss the plans. Only to say that I am picking up my hair stylist and she is going out with us! Pray that Tonie survives a night with us girls!

New words Paul now says...cow, airplane, cat, and I think horse.

Adios amigos!