What do Nordstrom, Baby Got Back and Krispy Kreme Have in Common?

Glad you asked...glad you asked! Tonight, I drove out to La Cantera Shops to return some spanx at Nordstrom. If you don't know, spanx are the item that holds it all in and helps smooth out your rolls of fat so you look better in your clothes. Yeah, well-I already had one pair and thought I needed another...NOT! So, on my way back home (on 1604) I started thinking about the day when I get to my goal weight and will buy myself a swank new outfit. I did not eat dinner and wasn't planning on it either..but dang, it was 8pm and I had a rumbly in my tumbly. WHAM..there it was---HOT NOW at Krispy Kreme. I am so bad that I know the back way off 1604. I was coming from the west remember..so I existed Stone Oak..went up to Sonterra then to Hardy Oak and as I was about 2 min from the parking lot...on 94.1FM came this...

"Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt. It is so big. *scoff* She looks like,one of those rap guys' girlfriends. But, y'know, who understands those rap guys? *scoff*They only talk to her, because, she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay?I mean, her butt, is just so big. *scoff*I can't believe it's just so round, it's like,out there, I mean - gross. Look! She's just so ... black! I like big butts and I can not lie..You other brothers can't deny, etc.

Well, I busted out laughing in the Krispy Kreme parking lot...going yup--that's me...big butt Susan...heading in to get some donuts! Do you see the irony here?! So, instead of 3, I only got 2! Then I came home and took Miss Oreo for a 20 min walk. I know it didn't burn off those donuts, but I made a little effort.

Paulie has school tomorrow and I am off to see Neely afterwards and then run some errands before I pick up my sweet boy. Counting down until we leave for St. Louis on Friday.

This morning I had MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers). It was a fun time and I even did a craft! With the help of Yvonne, Jennifer, Rachel, Erica, etc. Sarah Jane talked about patience. HA!

I had heard a few years ago that you NEVER ask God to give you patience...b/c guess what He will do? -- Sure, he will provide with many trials and tribulations to learn patience. YUCK! Sarah Jane mentioned that this morning. So, it must really be true. Danny is studying right now and I am headed to bed. The plan - to be asleep by 10:30. Danny says---turn the TV off and close your eyes and it will happen. He's right..but don't tell him that!

Above are some items I have on my wish list..at Nordstrom. The hoop earring are by Anna Beck..handcrafted. They are so beautiful in person! This pic does not do them justice! And the Nadri Butterfly pendant...so lovely. Ho hum.....

Peace to all my sisters and brothers!

High School Classmate Jams with Enrique

Rich Berra, my high school classmate, is a DJ in Phoenix and Tuscon..morning show. He helped plan and organize this concert for Friday night and told Enrique Igelsias he would jam with him on stage. Check it out....Rich is playing the guitar!!! YouTube link below. Rock on dude!!! I get to see him next weekend in STL for our 20 year reunion. Anyone want his autograph??? The week of the concert Rich sent me this email in response to me stating that I cannot wait for our reunion: working hard to get there.
it's been a wee bit stressful.
i had to really crank on some stuff.
we're doing a concert this friday.
i told enrique iglaseas i'd jam with him on stage.
i didn't realize how hard the song was to learn.
yikes.
so now i'm cramming because the concert will have 20 thousand people there and I don't want to screw up..
i've played it about 500 times already..
getting closer.
i'm a bit freaked. i've played in bars and stuff before.. always nervous.. this is a whole new level of nerves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n28L1KRnhls

What's Hot and Delicious?

Answer: The brand name of the dress I am wearing to my 20th year high school reunion next weekend in St. Louis! And with my edgy new hairdo, I know I will kick it and have lots of fun with my classmates and their spouses! Anyone remember the song - Everybody Have Fun Tonight?! Oh yeah.....

So, Girls Night Out Wed night was fun and a little different than usual. Tina reads a blog whose author is a chef in Georgia. He and his mother had traveled by car to the upper northwest portion of the country and were on their way back home to GA and decided to stop over in San Antonio. Another blog stalker planned a dinner at a Argentinian restaurant with some of the other SA blog stalkers to this man's blog/newsletter and Tina wanted to go! So, a few of us said, "sure"-- we'll go! Maile was supposed to go. In fact- here reply email was, "I’m stoked you’re letting us into your cooking cult…oh, I mean world." Courtney, Melissa and I joined Tina and the food was awesome and the entertainment and conversation was interesting and also fun. If you live in SA--you must visit Gagos Restaurant on I-10. Lovely ambiance and as I already mentioned..yummy for your tummy food! I wore my new jeans of course!

I must sign off now. We need to get the lad ready for bed and then I think Danny and I are going to watch a movie. If I can stay awake. I am a little under the weather today. Lots of chores to do this weekend and a little shopping for my big weekend in STL next weekend. Oh, and Oct. 9 marked the 9 year anniversary that Danny pinned me against his apartment door and first kissed me. We had been to Park Place (which no longer exists) to celebrate our friend Letty's birthday. If I recall correctly, 5 different dance floors with 5 different types of music. Lots of Frost Bankers were in attendance. In fact, Jill and Erica finished off the night dancing on the CAGES!! Not I...trust me! I know it sounds like something I would do..back then..but I was not drunk enough. When the night began, Danny and I were friends..once I saw him dance ..my mind shifted to..hmmm, maybe there is potential! :-) The rest is history.... And 40 weeks later..Erica had a baby. So maybe the cage dancing was a prelude to something fun at home!

Peace out dogs!

ASSORTMENT

It’s Not What We Know, But What We Do That Matters - How many times have you read a new book, been to a great seminar, or learned some wonderful new piece of information that inspired you, but, for a myriad of reasons (you got busy, you didn’t write it down, life got hard, etc.) you didn’t put it into action? This is something that happens a lot for many of us. We have the best intentions, but then life gets in the way, right? When it comes to creating real growth and lasting change in our lives – both personally and professionally – it’s not what we know, but what we do that matters. Learning new things is fun, exciting, and rewarding. However, until we figure out how to incorporate that new information into our daily lives, it does us very little good.

“ Insight without action makes no difference.”
- Unknown

Next---took Paul to pre school this morning, ran to the bank and then came back to "observe" Paul for about 20 minutes. I saw him, but he did not see me. Gotta love those mirrors! This was "free" time for he and his little friends. I quickly noticed that Paul wanted attention from his teachers. And to get it..he would do things like, throw things off the table onto the floor, take a toy from a friend, etc. Then he did get attention! Each time (before he did it) he looked to the teacher and if she wasn't paying attention to him...cause hello, she was helping another child or children with something at the table, he wanted her attention and WHAM.....he got it alright. He isn't able to verbally express his desire or needs. At one moment he was sitting quietly in the corner reading a couple of books. Trent was about 2 ft from him sitting at a little table reading a book. Ms. Charisse went over to see what Trent was doing and VOILA...I could see it in Paul's eyes and knew exactly what my little boy was about to do....HE wanted her attention too! So, instead of saying something like "look at me," or "me too," he went over to the table and yanked the book away from Trent and Ms. Charisse. And naturally he got reprimanded..kindly of course. Really nothing too atypical of most young kids. Doing something - even aggressive in nature-to obtain attention from their teacher.

Next - I went jean shopping while Paul was in school this morning. Was thrilled to find a pair that flattered my assets...ya know, curves and a back side! :-) If you live here in SA, visit Mary at The Gap (at the Quarry). She was most pleasant and helpful finding the perfect pair for me and my body! Thank you Mary for all your help and patience. You ROCK!

Next - I am not going to finish my bible study homework for tomorrow, b/c I am visiting Paul's new pediatrician at 9:30am! And therefore, will miss CSS. From what I know, this doctor will be able to help me and have good insight into how I can better parent Paul and what, if any, strategies I can share with his teachers to help him not be so dang frustrated when he cannot verbalize things. And Paul will also hopefully be getting some speech therapy!

Let God's light shine big in you today! Let your actions

mirror His actions. Ask God for help! AMEN

Hola, love you....

Paul's new saying is, "hola, love you!" So sweet! I melt every time he says it and he has been saying it a lot the past few days. We went to the Pumpkin Patch with my MOPS group this morning. Up past 3009....off Nacogdoches....a Methodist Church has the coolest pumpkin patch with hay rides, educational activities, hay you can play in, a sand box and of course lots of pumpkins! I invited some friends from church too. I hope they had a fun time. I borrowed my friend Jena's fancy digital camera and I think I got some great pics of Paul and some of our friends. Paul and I found a really nice subdivision off Bat Cave on our way back home. Custom homes and large lots. It was so peaceful in there, that I wanted to pull over and take a walk. But Paulie had to eat lunch and take his nap. I hear him talking a little in his room, but he will fall asleep eventually.

Big sports weekend for me! Kansas played K-State on Saturday and we won..30-24! KU is now 5-0! And we are ranked this week..#20!!! Danny's team..not so good again this weekend. The Red River game in Dallas. OU beat UT and Danny was not a happy camper. I felt bad for him, but I was on cloud nine since my alma mater won a huge game!

Sunday brought 2 ministries for me as a way to serve God. I am a Stephen Minister and twice a month we go to The Laurels and the Haven in Stone Oak to offer/serve communion to the elderly folks. In the assisted living unit we actually conduct a mini service with readings, prayer, reflection and intentions. They appreciate us coming and we appreciate them! Then it was off to help with our Life Teen group at 6:30. The activity for the evening was pretty neat and I enjoyed being with the young people of our parish. I returned home around 9 and was a little tired from the day. In between, we took Paul to a playground and I did some chores. My work is never done. This is why I so look forward to Paul going to school so I can work on my CSS homework, get my house cleaned and organized and do my dr appts and ministry work.

I have to work on my CSS homework for Wednesday morning. I am a little behind and it is way too much if you wait and try to accomplish all of it the night before. I also have to make a phone call to a fellow MOPS Mommy who is going to be able to support me as we move forward with Paul and trying to determine what he needs and what his teachers can do for him to make school even better for everyone. He has his formal evaluation tomorrow here at our house, but they really need to visit St. Mark's, b/c he acts different there versus here at home or any other place to attends. I am a little exhausted with the whole situation right now, but am trying to be hopeful that the folks from Brighton can offer his teachers some better insight and strategies. Two weeks ago, the Brighton Coordinator called me after she had talked with the Director of the Pre School and said..."sounds like to me he has normal 2 year old things and they are picking on him, being tense and frustrated about it and therefore making it all worse. Who knows..I will allow the professionals to make the assessment and then we can move forward. Please keep Paul, his parents and teachers in your prayers. Give us all the patience, courage and wisdom to do what is needed to help Paul and allow him to grow and develop.

Did I fail to mention that Paul is a strong willed little boy?! All the books and articles I have read state quite clearly...."strong willed children really test the limits with parents and teachers and we need to remain positive, calm and consistent!" Personally, Danny and I feel this is what he is doing at school and for whatever reason, continues to test his teachers. He certainly is not being mean or malicious. And I would like to add that all involved should read and reflect on this scripture verse...Galatians 6:9 - Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.

Rock of Love

Yes, I watched most of the season finale of ROCK OF LOVE. Poison lead singer Bret Michaels chose his new girlfriend..Jes...a 23 year old from Chicago. Many probably don't know he is the father of two little girls and I wonder...what will they think of their rock star Dad when they see this silly show?! Even worse..I watched some of it.. And Bret is old enough to be Jes' father. Oh come on....some of you watched the show too!

Anyone watching this new season of Dancing with the Stars? I have only seen it last night and watched 2 dances and was not impressed.

Paul had a half day at pre school. NEISD is having teacher conferences and so the staff at St. Mark's needed to be rid of the young ones so they could attend their own kid's conferences. I don't recall any of my bosses or former employers ever giving a hoot about that?! And here is another thought on the fact that NEISD has conferences during the day. What happens to the parents who both work and cannot leave early to visit their child's teachers? When I taught at Bishop Carroll in Wichita, KS, we had our parent-teacher conferences from like 4-9. School got out around noon so the teachers could eat lunch and regroup for the parents arriving later that day. Come on NEISD....do a better job please on this one! Hmmm..I am rather cranky. Must be time for food and then bed!

Paul had a good day! He is so fun to be around. He says more and more words each day. He truly loves to sing and dance and be silly. Does anyone know where he acquired those traits?! I am rather dumbfounded really..... He picked out the books he wanted to read tonight. A book about Dora and the raft race; Wags and his friend Ben; a book on God's bright colors and Curious George goes into space!

Remember I wrote once about Stacey London and What Not to Wear and her new show--Fashion Fanatic?! Here she goes again... Stacy London, TLC’s style guru is hosting her own show! It’s going to be sassy, stylish, inspirational and a little bit naughty, just like its host. Stacy brings her years of fashion experience to a weekly girls’ night-out that is full of fashion, style tips, relationship advice and gossip! Premieres Friday November 23, 2007 at 10/9c on TLC. Go sister!!! I love her!!

One last tidbit before the puter gets shut off for the night....my friend Gloria Garza (I call her GG) shared with me this website and I have been using it for over a year. With Christmas coming in a couple of months, you might wish to try it! It helps you pick the perfect gift(s). You can customize all about the person you are shopping for....examples: senior woman who is an achiever and loves to cook: adult male who is an adventurer and loves to read and play sports.... check it out and play around. Once you start searching, the site leads you to all kinds of neato gifts that you probably would not have thought of on your own! Good luck!
www.gifts.com

From Exodus 15:2 "The Lord is my strength and my song..." Amen.

Living to Give.....and other tidbits

Wow--can you believe it is October 1?! September flew by and seems like October, November and December sail too quickly as well. Take some time and enjoy this time of year.

Devotion for Mothers - from Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."
One of the main ways you can guarantee joy in your life is by living to give. God promises to multiply back to you everything that you give. When you step out in faith, you open a door for God to move on your behalf. It's the simple principle of sowing and reaping. As mothers, we are super sowers. Get ready for a super huge harvest! Amen.

This weekend was super busy with church stuff and running around and getting chores completed. Whew--it's now over and we can concentrate on the week. Wednesday is my friend Gloria's birthday and also Paul's Godfather's birthday--Mike. We hope they have a super fun and enjoyable day!

My Mom and Wayne moved into their new home in Northern Michigan. They are busy beavers unpacking and getting things organized. If you want someone who is super fast and super organized to assist you in unpacking and putting together a home--call my Mom! I will give out her phone number for a nominal fee. :-)

I am off to work on my CSS homework for Wednesday morning. Ya'll have a glorious and prosperous day!

SuSu