Happy Birthday Oreo

Miss Oreo Marie Niño is 4 years old today! Here is our sweet puppy dog relaxing in the house. She is the bestest doggie of all times! Danny gets after me when I cry to think about that one day...she won't be around. I hope it's another 12years+!!!!

I had my annual gyn appt with Dr. Gallagher today. Before my "exam" we talked about Maile, the Kansas Jayhawks--football and basketball, Kansas City (we both love it there) and about Paul. She said, "everything looks good." Of course it does Mary Shannon! :-) We agreed that I would not have a mammogram this year. Had one last Dec...will wait until next December.

After my appt I met my friend Carmen for lunch at Sea Island. We had a nice visit, but all that friend food has upset my tummy. I need to try and find a sitter for Paul tonight so we can attend a birthday party for my "spiritual advisor." Please pray I will be successful...

As we complete the month of November and enter into Advent Season..let us all remember this:

Over two thousand years ago, God presented the world with His ultimate gift--baby Jesus. Make Jesus the heartbeat of your home. Rejoice in God's blessings and praise Him. May the true Christmas spirit, which was born with a babe in Bethlehem, dwell forever in our hearts.

We Can't Both Look Good. Is It Me or The House?

Think about that question..seriously...... Although initially I intended for that thought/question to be be silly.

Paul and I watched The Polar Express tonight. For the most part, he was mesmerized and you should have seen his face when Santa appeared in the doorway of what I presume is the Town Hall building in the North Pole. And that same face (on Paulie) when the reindeer took off into the dark, clear sky to get Santa all over the world to deliver the presents to the girls and boys. Magical all the way folks!!! He is so sweet and cuddly.

I had a dental appt this morning with my "spiritual director" and he proceeded to tell me that an old filling has cracked. Probably from all the teeth grinding I do at night. And yes, you guessed it...he also wants me fitted for a night guard b/c my enamel is wearing out. Ho hum...ok, I said. I will do whatever you say Diamond Dave! (inside "family" joke).

Then I visited a pre school to get a tour and talk with the director about possibly placing Paul there next year. It was an awesome place and not too far from our home. This school is NAEYC accredited and I happen to know the lovely gal who runs the school. She is an ACTS sister! And get this..all of you who the saga of our experience at St. Mark's...she knows all about their program and knows Kathy (St. Mark's Co-Director) quite well. Oh Destiny darling.....I can't decide if I should sit you down and convince you to put Drew somewhere else next year.....if you read this....and want to know more..let me know sister! The gal I spoke with today was appalled that Father Kevin (at St. Mark's) never responded in any way shape or form to our letter. Tina--you will like this about Abiding Presence--they have a School Board who report to the church council. I told Frances today that I felt (early on) that the teachers really did not want Paul there and I could sense all the negativity. (and so could my little boy!) Frances proceeded to tell me that when one of her teachers didn't seem to like a child...and the parents sensed it...Frances eliminated this teacher's job. GO FRANCES!!!! I visit another NAEYC school on Thursday at 10am. And I also going to speak with 3 other schools which I believe would also be a good place for Paul..and his Mommy.

Off to watch The Biggest Loser and Dancing With The Stars!

Housewives of Bexar County

Here are 3 hot Housewives of Bexar County. Granted, we had been drinking and just ate a big turkey dinner..and we STILL look HOT! I know you all agree!

ZZ and Erin are sisters.....I go to church with them and we are all great friends! They lovingly invited me to share Thanksgiving dinner with them and their families..at Erin's house. It was a joy filled afternoon. I don't want to seem presumptuous..but I believe that I fit in with the Pruetz's, Devin's and Mylar's! Erin--I must know the brand of the port wine we were drinking..it was devine! I must also say that Erin's turkey was very good and I am a tough critic when it comes to turkey on Thanksgiving. I don't think too many folks can get it right!

I just received this email from Erin.......

It was AWESOME having you here. My family just LOVED you (if you couldn't tell, since they nearly tied you down when you said you were leaving!) and, of course, you were a fantastic addition to the conversation and camaraderie. I'll have to ask Z about the Port -- she bought it!

An entirely different topic from turkey and Thanksgiving...if you have pre school age children, I would like to offer a website that guides you to programs in your zip code who are accredited for quality programs. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC is committed to becoming an increasingly high performing and inclusive organization. Founded in 1926, NAEYC is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 100,000 members, a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations. These programs tend to have teachers with college degrees, masters and some have phd's to teach your children. These programs might be better for those children, like mine, who need a little extra patience, love, attention and someone who understands Sensory Integration and or autism..or is willing to learn. Here is a quote from WSJ....... "The primary gauge of quality has been accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children… whose seal of approval is regarded as the gold standard by parents, educators and facilities." WSJ, March 24, 2006

To SEARCH for programs in your area..click on the left Accreditation...then scroll down on the next page and you will see a link (in red)which will allow you to search by your zip code. I am visiting three schools in my area to find the best place for my little man for pre school next September. It starts now, b/c registration is in February for next school year.

Danny and Paul arrived home safely from Houston Sat afternoon...around 4:30ish. We had a quiet family day on Sunday. Danny went to the library for about 3 hours in the afternoon to study his CFP material. Paul napped and I watched a movie in Lifetime..go figure.

We're happy to see the sun today! After P's nap, he and I will go to the playground for an hour before coming home to make dinner.

As Maile said in her blog today...BRING ON CHRISTMAS!!!

KNOCKED UP

Ha--got your attention right?! I am busy wrapping some gifts, doing laundry and filing a ton of papers and stuff...and I watched the movie Knocked Up today. One line in the movie has convinced me that Paul may be an only child.....when she is getting an exam...the oh so smart and savvy doctor says, "ooops, that is your asshole, not your vagina...happens about 5 times day!" YIKES!! No thank you! :-)

In one of my magazines that I have enjoyed reading while Danny and Paul are in Houston....listed songs for different moods. I thought I would share a few...

Best for getting you off the couch: Walk On by U2, On a High by Duncan Sheik, Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Best for pushing through an intense workout: Hey Ya by Outkast, Let's Get Loud by JLo, I Predict a Riot by Kaiser Chiefs

Best for picking up the pace: Lose my Breath by Destiny's Child, Zak and Sara by Ben Folds, Skip to the End by The Futreheads

Best for mellowing out: Easy Tonight by Five for Fighting, Windmills by Bliss and Sophie Barker, Beautiful World by Collin Hay

I have to get back to cleaning and organizing. Going to dinner with the gang. "The Gang" incliddes Danny's childhood friends and spouses and friends. Darren and Tisha, Diane and Adrian, Mike and Barney! We're going to Pericos over on Bandera..so a bit of a hike for me, but that is ok. The evening will be full of awesome fellowship and great food!

Note To Self...and Others....

Never run your business like you do your personal life.....!!!!

We had lasagna for dinner - Paul loved it!!! He is eating a few more things the past few days. He would never eat any gummy thing at all -- but now, he will eat those Welch's juice gummies for a snack! He just pops them right in and chews away. Unreal!! Danny agreed to stay home and give Paul his bath and get him into bed, so I could go to church at 7pm. It was a lovely time and I was able to see lots of brothers and sisters! My "spiritual director" David took some time after mass to talk with me about Paul and offered love and support. How lucky am I that he is also my dentist!!! I loved the first reading for Thanksgiving..... from Sirach 50:22-24....
And now, bless the God of all,who has done wondrous things on earth;Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,and fashions them according to his will! May he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; May his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days.

I am grateful for the growth that God has given me as I welcome and learn to use everything in my life properly, as His gifts. Amen.

God's Love for You!

Make it a project to grasp how much God loves you. Read the following verses slowly and prayerfully, and ask God to make them real to you.

I pray that you ... may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:17-19

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5)

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7)

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9). But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever (Psalm 52:8).

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

They Never Get Old....More Blonde Jokes

A blonde was bragging about her knowledge of state capitals. She proudly says, "Go ahead, ask me, I know all of them." A friend says, "OK, what's the capital of Wisconsin?" The blonde replies, "Oh, that's easy: W."


A married couple were asleep when the phone rang at 2 in the morning. The wife (Undoubtedly blonde), picked up the phone, listened a moment and said, "How should I know, that's 200 miles from here!" and hung up. The husband said, "Who was that?" The wife said, "I don't know, some woman wanting to know if the coast is clear."

Unbeaten Kansas...#2 in BCS Poll

For all my friends who are most interested in this TOP news story..I am anyway....Kansas is now 11-0 and will play Missouri this Saturday for the right to play in the Big 12 Championship Game here in San Antonio on Dec. 2. My step-brother and his wife are Missouri grads and so my Step-Dad is a bug Mizzou fan. We have bet $5 on the football and basketball games for about 15 years. Many years..I get $15. Sometimes we send the $5 back and forth in the mail. So, we have our usual $5 bet on the game this Saturday. I am about to call my brother, Brad, to see about a bet with him. He lives outside Seattle and works for Starbucks..so maybe I can win a white chocolate mocha with an extra shot of espresso!! :-)

Danny and I had a date night last night. Dinner at Piatti's and a movie..Bella. Great dinner and awesome movie. The only problem was I had a horrific headache which made me dizzy and nauseated. In the middle of the night, I barfed up all my dinner...not pretty or tasty at all. I was sweating and felt awful the rest of the night....finding it rather difficult to sleep. But, I got my butt up at 8AM and got ready for church. I had to serve Communion at 9:30 Mass today.
Jennifer and Ryan were here taking care of Master Paul. He loves it when they are here and they seem to enjoy him..and Miss Oreo. I think Ryan would take Oreo home in a heartbeat!

Some friends have asked recently, "what does Paul want for Christmas?" His answer is simply, "a donation to the nonprofit Brighton--they are helping me with my obstacles/challenges due to me having something called Sensory Integration, and they are not charging Mommy and Daddy....so to help me would be to help them!"

Danny and my other Longhorn friends and family won't appreciate these jokes..but they came from our good friends..the Murphy's. Terrence went to Texas Tech and thought these were worthy of sharing.....


1. Four UT Longhorns in a car, who's driving? The police.

2. The UT Longhorns have adopted a new 'Honor System'. Yes your Honor, No your Honor.

3. How do the UT Longhorns spend their first week at fall practice? Studying their Miranda Rights.

4. What do you call it, when a Longhorn goes on vacation? Time off for good behavior.

Celebrity Love Match? Angel or Devil?

I took this quiz....Celebrity Love Match. My match is George Clooney. Take the quiz and let me know who your celebrity love match is!!!

The other one I bothered to do was Angel or Devil? Which am I?!!! --- if you said Sweet like Reese Witherspoon...you're right!! Can you feel the love?!

Tort Tort--this one's for you: New York eatery offers $25,000 dessert

The Frozen Haute Chocolate was declared the most expensive dessert in the world on Wednesday by the Guinness World Records. The dessert is a frozen, slushy mix of cocoas from 14 countries, milk and 5 grams of 24-carat gold topped with whipped cream and shavings from a La Madeline au Truffle.

Let me know how it tastes Courtney...AKA Tort Tort!

The Out of Sync Child....Master Paul

Paul has been diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder. I like to refer to it as Sensory Integration Difference. (sounds more positive!) There is a great book for parents who have come face to face with this challenge...The Out of Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz. Paul has minor case of it, but nonetheless, he is a child who is out of sync and needs understanding and help to overcome the obstacles. SPD is the inability to use information received though the senses in order to function smoothly in daily life. An umbrella term to cover a variety of neurological disabilities.

The severe parts of his dysfunction includes interacting with others, fear of crowds/large groups and the inability to use pragmatic language skills and he often does not seem to understand what you are asking him. Paul is most definitely a sensory seeking boy. He seems to want more of everything. Bear hugs/being squeezed; fast movement; spinning; chews on items such as furniture, clothes, any object really; likes to push things around; sniffs food and other items; licks and tastes everything; drools all the time. And he is a very sensitive child.

I am taking Paul to see a pediatric ENT this afternoon. We're going to get his hearing tested and see if his adenoids are enlarged.

Last night one of our local TV gals, Shelly Miles, held a fundraiser for Brighton. This is the nonprofit helping Paul. Their services are free to us. Praise God!! Paul and I went as Danny had CFP study group. We said hello to Miss Shelly and then sat down and ate some fajitas. It was very overwhelming for me and at one point, I began to cry. The owner of the restaurant was near me and came right over and chatted with me. Louis reminded me that life is a marathon and we need to keep on keepin on! Amen brother!

** Dear Shelly - it is rather ironic that La Haicienda de Los Barrios was the location for your fundraiser. When I was pregnant with Paul I was extremely ill for 25 weeks and all I really wanted or could eat was Mexican food. So, off we went twice a week to La Hacienda. Then, the manager Josh Riley helped us plan my baby shower there in April 2005. So, when I saw the dinner was going to be there..I thought..we've come full circle..sort of anyway! A huge thank you to Shelly and the staff at La Hacienda for raising money for a wonderful asset in our community! Danny and I are forever grateful for the folks at Brighton and all the support and help we are receiving.

Remember friends..praise God for your struggles too..not just your successes!

Peace....

40 Days Until Christmas!

The Check WAS In the Mail...

Praise God! St. Mark Pre School did the right thing and sent us a refund! No note or call involved..just the check. So mature of them don't ya think?! Oh well...we're done with them.

And I cannot create this entry without a shout out to my Kansas Jayhawks! They routed Oklahoma State Saturday night...43-28! We are now 10-0 and #3 in the College Football BCS Poll! Iowa State is the weekend in Lawrence and then a big showdown in Kansas City--Arrowhead Stadium--for the annual KU-MU game the following Saturday (Thanksgiving weekend). Paul has a new Kansas t-shirt and a KU football! Rock Chalk Jayhawk...go KU!

I went to Kansas City (Overland Park) to visit a sorority sister and her family. I have been friends with Debra for 19 years!!! Half of my life really...... Above are pics of her adorable kiddos. Miss Olivia is 2, as of Nov 3, and Master Logan is 4 weeks old! I had a joy filled time and loved every moment I spent with them! Debra spoiled me rotten with a pedicure Sat morning and then off to Nordstrom Cafe for a yummy lunch and girl talk. We had pizza Sat night and watched the Kansas game. Her hubby John plays the trumpet in their church orchestra. I was lucky to hear a solo performance at church Sunday morning. It was the postlude...and he is VERY good!! They attend Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. A huge sanctuary. Debra said they have around 10,000 families!!! Little Logan is going to play baby Jesus in the church pageant in early December. Debra is a twin and her sister Julie lives in DC. She is working for a while in KC and she came into town on Sunday and came over. She is sweet and I always enjoy seeing her too (two!) :-) Some of you know the story about when Paul was conceived... My friend Evin (whom I met at Fatso's for a KU bsketball game) got married in Prairie Village, KS (where she is from) in early October 2004. We stayed with Debra and John in their "Perfect" Village home. I was ovulating and so we had to...you know..and voila! It worked! So apparently, we needed to go out of state to get the job done! And no...no baby making this time in KS. I went alone and left Danny and Paul to enjoy one another for the weekend!

Paul is waking from a 2 1/2 hour nap...so I must go...but before I check out......a little something for all my friends! For the ability and grace to live God's Will and be open and listen to Him.

Dear Father, God--I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ's death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Paul Has a Silly Mommy....

But most of you already know that! So, what does a Mommy do when you're driving home from dinner with your 2 1/2 year old in the back seat crying and being rather fussy..about what..who knows?! -- You put on 94.1FM and start break dancing in the car to Janet Jackson's Pleasure Principle.... and now your little boy is belly laughing and clapping and totally enjoying the show.... thank goodness Mommy can drive and dance at the same time! Chalk one up for Mommy SuSu! And when we pulled in the garage and off went the tunes...back to being unhappy! He is MY BOY---the child loves music and dancing and being silly.

Real quick before I work around the house..Paul just went down for the night......

One of my good friends from high school is Kathy Casper. See us above @ the reunion?! We had a special bond for 2 years and then we lost touch. We reconnected at the reunion a couple of weeks ago. She is a third grade teacher in Columbia, Missouri. I got this really sweet email from her today....here are a few words she wrote to me...."It was amazing seeing you at the reunion and I was shocked at the fact that it seemed like life stood still for those 20 years and we picked right back up where we left it!" I AM going to plan something in 2008 so she and I can get together and hang out! She is still tall, pretty, fun, smart and oh so sweet!

Mama - How Long Will You Love Me?

This is the title of a book I purchased a month or two ago to help Paul to finally say Mama. Still nothing.... So, this is a lovely book by Anna Pignataro. Mama bear and baby Sammy bear. A real cute story. The end always chokes me up a little....... my sweet little boy is a blessing a gift from God. How can one love someone so dang much?! Getting back to the end of the story Paul and I read now and then.. a Mama's love is everlasting.. Sammy asks, "Will there always be you and Me?..."Miles and miles forever," whispered Mama. After I say that..Paul says AMEN and the end. SOOOOOO precious. I literally shed a tear or two now and then.....

I had bible study this morning.....the Book of Revelation. We read Chapters 14-16 and answered questions and then discussed in our small groups today. So great--and the support and unconditional love I receive from my fellow sisters and brothers is tremendous and not to ever be diminished or forgotten! I praise God for all the wonderful people in my life. The book of Revelation has so much symbolic language. Keep in mind that Fundamentalists take it literally...us Catholics..do not. Truth be told..I feel after reading these 16 chapters..that we can take comfort in knowing the God is powerful and has our back! If we repent and make good choices in our lives. Do good works; keep faith; strive to offer God's grace to everyone; say covered in the blood of Jesus Christ.....and you will be rewarded! The book in the bible..which is the last book...is really about hope..not the end of the world. John writes about the battle between good and evil. "Our wills are strengthened by prayer, worship, Holy Communion, spiritual development, reading, studying, etc."

Tonight was GNO. For any newcomers to my blog--GNO = Girls Night Out. We visited La Paloma Blanca. I looked around for my high school classmate, Dan O'Grady, who lives near the restaurant and said he and the family go there once a week. But I did not see them. Three beers and many laughs later.....I made it home safely. Danny is studying his CFP info and Paul is asleep of course..and Miss Oreo is waiting for me to come to bed and snuggle. I think she is warming it up for me. :-) Danny stays up until 1am sometimes reading..not me! I need 7-8 hours in order to properly parent Paul.

A shout to my friend Lori Flores. She turned 40 on October 30! I worked with her at Frost Insurance Agency. SHE ROCKS and is a fabulous mother to two teenagers..who also rock!! She and Danny (along with Brent Barry's wife Erin) serve on a local children's home board - St. PJ's.

I cannot sign off the puter without giving you some motivation/inspiration..so here is my best effort at 11:30 at night after a wild night with some fun gals....

Ephesians 2:8-9 " You have been saved by grace through believing. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. It was not the result of your own efforts, so you cannot brag about it!" Accept the goodness of Jesus Christ. Abandon your own works and accept his. Abandon your own decency and accept his. Stand before God in his name, not yours! Father, God, help us to be busy about the right business -- the business of serving you! Amen.

High School Classmate To Appear on the Ellen Degeneres Show this Friday!

Can I get a whoop whoop?!! Yes, it is true---my high school classmate--and friend, Rich Berra, will be a guest on the ever popular Ellen Degeneres Show this Friday. If you live in San Antonio...3pm is the hour to turn on and watch Rich dazzle you! I hope he gives a shout out to his classmates from JFK--class of 87! And maybe a special shout out to his pal Susan in San Antonio!! Can someone in SA TIVO it for me please?? I will be in Kansas City and am not certain I will be able to watch it?! Gracias. Rich is a successful morning show DJ in the Phoenix/Tuscon area. ROCK ON BROTHER.....my brother from another mother!!!! Dang--I wish I could be in the audience..uh, Rich, why didn't you call and get us in babe?!

Paul has occupational therapy today at 2. DeeDee will be arriving, although he will probably still be napping..so I will have to wake him..unless she wants to go over the sensory integration survey and his new sensory diet and other things we can do with him to help me process things better. And remember, today is WED...so it is GNO! I hear we're doing Mexican...but not sure where...so, someone let me know! I can almost taste the salsa and mole. Yummy for SuSu's tummy!!!

Kansas Jayhawks--both the football AND basketball teams are ranked 4th in the country. A first ever (I think) for the Univ of Kansas! ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK....beat the Cowboys. (Oklahoma State --Sat's game)

Kansas Jayhawks 9-0--Here We Are BCS!

I graduated from the University of Kansas in May 1991. KU is mostly known to be a tremendous and fabulous basketball school. We won the NCAA Championship my freshman year..April 1988! However, this year our football team has gone undefeated and we are the only NCAA school to have both football and basketball ranked in the TOP TEN nationally. ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK...GO KU! Danny has been great about the football team..easier since his team (TX) and KU don't play this year. He and I are hoping they win their last 2 games...Oklahoma State and Missouri. Those will both be TOUGH games.
*****New rankings on ESPN. I viewed this AFTER I first posted this entry and now I need to add something about my Alma Mater. Kansas was ranked eighth in the USA...this week....#4! A couple of the BCS people voted us as #2 -- but the computer average is rank 4. We'll take it!!!! If you could have only seen me when I saw that on ESPN.com......jumping, yelling and running out to the family room to tell Danny of the new rankings!!! All the while keeping quiet b/c Paulie is STILL asleep!!! Danny is a great husband and sports fan--he is super stoked too!!!!!!! Can I what get a WHOOP WHOOP?!!?!!!

Moving on...we attended 9:30 Mass this morning and Master Paul visited our nursery. And of course we saw many of our ACTS Brothers and Sisters..so fun to go to church with so many faith filled, family oriented folks! My good friend (and ACTS Sister) Meliza--is our cantor for 9:30 Mass and she and Fred sang one of my favorite David Kauffman's songs--If You Seek Me. I did a talk on Community at an ACTS retreat in April 2006 and after my talk, played that song. I love it. The song went well with today's Gospel Reading. Apparently, Paul was a little aggressive a few times while in the nursery...pushing kids and such. I guess behavior from pre school have now overflowed into other locations...GREAT! And things were going so well in parish nursery.....ho hum.

Danny and I are part of a couple ministry called Teams of Our Lady. We and Jena Bissaillon hosted an information meeting at church today after 11am Mass. Twelve couples attended and all said YES to becoming involved, and we have 2 additional couples who had already attended a info meeting and wish to join TOOL. Praise God!!! Two teams will be formed and begin in January. This is VERY exciting!

Paul went down for his daily nap around 2 today and as of right now...4:10...is still asleep. Danny has been watching NFL and I ran to the Dollar Store to get items for Operation Christmas Child. We have to turn in our shoe boxes of goodies tomorrow at MOPS. I chose to purchase items for a girl age 5-9. In our box are the following items: socks, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pink combs, hair clips, girlie stationary, pens, fancy pencils, pencil sharpener, gum, harmonica, Disney Princess play rings (set of 6), Disney Princess yo yo, little mermaid doll, crayons, lip gloss and stickers. I need to write her a little note to include in the box. Who knows, maybe our little friend will write to us....

Tonight I need to write a couple of thank you notes and get spiritually, mentally and physically ready for the upcoming week.

From 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, (that is the devil) but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Amen

Below is the refrain from If You Seek Me by David Kauffman. Love, love, love it!!! Enjoy and reflect!
"If you seek me with all your heart
When you search me with all your being
There you will find me and I will restore your soul
And bring you home"

Christmas Wish List

People keep asking..."what do you, Danny and Paul want for Christmas?" I have lots of ideas for Danny and Paul..but have trouble thinking of wishes for me. Oh please....understand there are plenty of "things" I would love to have..but how do you know what is most important and affordable to the people wishing to purchase the items. So, in no particular order..if Santa reads this blog....I have mostly been a good girl this year!

*SLR Digital Camera -- Canon preferably...Rebel XTi
*Gift Certificate to 1154Lill so I can design another purse
*These really funky ear buds for my IPOD - the pink crystal ones
*Gift Card to Nordstrom - for shoes and maybe a new funky shirt when I lose more weight
*Gift Card to Francesca's
*A few books on how to parent Paul - they are: The No Cry Discipline Solution; The Out of Sync Child; Raising a Sensory Smart Child; Answers to Questions Teachers Ask about Sensory Integration: Forms, Checklists, and Practical Tools for Teachers and Parents
*I need some new perfume, but I need to go and pick out a couple new scents
*A 10-12 cup coffee maker so I can make it when I have large groups over -- you know--church friends! I own a 4 cup now which works great for me and myself.
*ITUNES gift card would be great
*More memory -- for my computer!
*A Yard Boy to come once a week
*Roller Blades -- I think those could whip me into shape quick and I would have fun in the process!
*A basement
*Good tickets to a SPURS game..or someone can invite me to one of the suites--that would do!
*New formal dining room set--I have narrowed it down to about 3--let me know if you're thinking of this one and we can talk!
*Peace on Earth....
*Healthier better looking body
*Designer Stationary from this really cool site....you can create how you see me..be kind. Check out www.designhergals.com
*Whiter teeth
*One of those garage things I can put boxes and tubs of stuff on and then hoist it up over the cars...I think Lowe's has one that would work...$80 or so
*An all expenses paid trip to Los Cabos -- Danny and Paul too!
*The silver/crystal butterfly necklace at Nordstrom which I posted a picture of last month
*Microdermabrasion treatments once a month for a year!
*Big can of macadamia nuts....and a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio--chilled please

Girls Night Out...the saga continues every week...

So, Wed nights are the usual GNO = Girls Night Out. No kids, no husbands, no worries (we try). We try to eat somewhere new and where you might not take your kids. So, an adult kinda restaurant. Tonight we visited SPICE. Awesome food and even better laughs and conversation. Eight of us gals showed up...Tina, Melissa, Maile, Judy, Michelle, Adrienne, Courtney and myself. Above are two of my favorites pics....Artist Extraordinaire Maile. Maile is my sweet friend who is the professional photographer. She is amazing and a lovely person to be around. In fact, she is someone I could travel with and be around 24/7 and never be tired or annoyed. Seriously.....!!!! The other picture is of Ms. Judy. She was telling us a funny story..which I cannot share...but trust me...it was a good one! She is a OT at a hospital in North Central San Antonio.

I am tired, but also excited for the weekend! Chores and errands and spending time as a family.

Remember this friends...God's faithfulness and grace make the impossible possible.

From Psalm 47:1.."Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." This verse reminds me of my evening with the greatest group of women..laughing and being joyful! Laughter is a gift from God. I hope God will put a smile on your face each and every day. And that you can share your smile.....as they say..it's the least expensive way to improve your looks!

Peace Out Dogs.....

Meet My Eccentric Elephant Little Man

Isn't he cute?! My Mother says I am not supposed to say how cute Paul is since he is my son..but come on....he's sweet too! We had fun over at the Bissaillon's house and then back home for some trick or treating. Paul had fun and did well saying TRICK or TWEET when the person opened the door. And many times he would say THANK YOU. The other picture is of Captain Philip Sparrow and Lady Sophia. So cute!!!

Paul is napping and I have been folding clothes, picking up toys and emailing some friends. I think I am going to take Paul to a drop in care place I use all the time -- Kid Space. I have an unofficial appt with Mary at Window Fashions of Texas this afternoon. We are FINALLY going to get our faux wood blinds. HIP HIP HOORAY!