My Bucket List

A friend came over yesterday and we were talking about our "Bucket Lists".  I mentioned that I wanted to see a tornado before I died.  So I thought it would be interesting to come up with a list of things that I want to do before I die.  There are probably many more that I could add.  I thought, however, that I would start with 25.

1.  See a whale and a great white shark.  (not in captivity)

2. Run a 5K

3. Ride a gondola in Venice and take a picture of myself in front of the Eifel Tower

4. Parasail or bungee jump

5. Read the bible in a year

6. Grow a beautiful vegetable garden

7. Spend three months getting my body in optimum shape

8. Go deep sea fishing

9. Visit the Holy Land

10. Find out my ancestory

11. Swim with dolphins

12. Take a cake decorating class

13. Learn to crochet or knit

14. Write a letter to everyone I love

15. Paint on canvas, then hang it in the house

16. Watch a tornado

17. Go skiing

18. Attend a major sporting event.  (World Series, Olympics, Super Bowl, ect.)

19. Meet a President of the United States

20. Watch a sea turtle in the wild

21. Get a massage on the beach

22. Read the top 20 classic books of all time

23. Go on an African safari

24. Give my testimony to a large group of people

25. Plan my funeral

Gus, you stink!

Question:

Have you ever found something so gross in your fridge that you threw it away, Tupperware and all?

Have you ever found your kids sippy cup in the car, curdled and smelly?  Then figured it wasn't worth the trouble of cleaning,  and tossed it?

I could go on and on.

Well, all I can say is.......you shouldn't throw your dog away.  That is exactly what I wanted to do this morning.  

I woke up, picked clothes out for Gracie to wear.  Ian comes into the bedroom with a look of disgust on his face.  I wish I could describe how his face was twisted and his eyes were wild.  Without a picture of the event, there is no way. I knew immediately after looking at him that something was really array.  He says seriously...VERY SERIOUSLY, "MOM, something really bad stinks in the living room, I think it's poop.  It seems like it's coming from Gus' cage!"  

UUUGGGHH!  My heart dropped.  I'm not ready for this already.  Is this how my day is going to go.

Gracie had just told me minutes before that she wished that she was a mom, " because you can rest when you want to".  Does she want to be a mom now?  I doubt it.

I try to muster up the energy to face yet another life crisis in the Smith home.  "GUS, GET OUTSIDE, NOW!!!!!!!  Gus is sulking.  He is nearly stepping on his lower jaw because he is so ashamed.  Usually he takes his sweet time waking up.  He will stretch, walk a little bit, sit down.  The whole time, I'm waiting by the door.  Hollering for him to hurry.  Have I mentioned that Bulldogs are stubborn.  Not today, he ran to the door.  It was almost like he was trying to get away from the smell that was on his butt.  

Ian hadn't exaggerated the smell.  It was horrific!!!  It permeated the entire east side of the house.  Bad....bad....bad!!!!  I'm gagging.  How in the world am I going to wash that dog.  Outside, definitely!!!!!  And a brush with a very long handle.  A gas mask could come in handy. ( I also haven't mentioned that I have a weak stomach. )

The dog is now clean.  The cage isn't.  It's sitting in the driveway....waiting.  Waiting for me to brave the second round.  It's going to have to wait a little bit.  Or maybe I could just toss it like an old sippy cup?  At least I didn't toss the dog.

I'm getting ready to head to the church kitchen.  I cannot for the life of me remember what we are making today.  I am going to be gone next Wednesday (yeah!!!), so I only have one more week until I am done for the summer.  It is always bitter sweet.  I am going to miss my girls.  We just don't seem to get together much when we aren't cooking.  However, I am going to be sooo glad to have that extra day a week.  Looking forward to May.  Especially a little warmer weather.  I am tired of the wind and chilly days.  I want some 80's and 90's.  

The hospital in Carrollton has a super nice indoor pool.  The kids love to go there when Rick is on call in the ER.  My kids are like fish, I think that they could live in the water.

I had to beg to get them this close to each other.  I kept saying closer.....closer......Closer.....CLOSER!!!!

I only got a couple sighs and eye rolls.

Rick and I bought a membership to the Carrollton Country Club.  They have a private pool.  I'm also looking forward to using that this summer.  I'm hoping that they kids and I will use it often.

Yesterday morning I went to Gracie's classroom.  Just as I usually do on Monday mornings.  But today was excitedly different.  They were going to honor me with a "celebration"!!!  I got an invitation in Gracie's backpack the Friday before and I was anxious to see what they had planned.  Gracie was good on her word to Mrs. Gutshall not to tell me anything.  

When I walked into the classroom, they were all sitting at their tables.   When they saw me, their arms sprung into the air, they were bouncing around, obviously wanting to get Mrs. Gutshall's attention.  Mrs. Gutshall greeted me and pulled out a seat (a small seat) right next to Gracie.  Gracie was proud that her mom was the center of attention in a classroom full of her friends.  She hung on my arm, hugged me, kissed me, showed me her desk (as if I hadn't seen it every Monday since October), I thought her gestures were sweet.  I went along with it.  Oooing and Ahhing at everything she showed me.  After-all, this was really about her, not me.  I wouldn't have worked in this classroom had it not been for her.  They served me powdered doughnuts and Doritos with a Kool-aid drink.  

Then, the best part of all.  They each read me a poem that they had written about me.  After they each read, they would hand it to me and give me a big hug.  Some of the boys were a little embarrased to hug me, they were a little stiff.  But most of the girls, squeezed as hard as they could.  

I was proud of each and every one of them.

This was Gracie's poem to me.  She informed the class that hers would be the best because she knew me the most.  

In case you cannot see it, it says.....

Amanda

Always loveable.

Marvleis (marvelous)

Always nice.

Not mene. (mean)

Dose (does) help us.

Always says you love me.

Love, your little gril (girl) Gracie.

Mrs. Gutshall presented me with a flower to plant, a candle that smells like chocolate chip cookie, and a certificate.  

All those mornings when I went when I didn't want to go.  When I felt like I had other things that I could be doing instead.  I'm so glad now, that I did it.  I have now volunteered in each of my children's classrooms.  I hope that they know that I did it for them.

We were graciously invited to attend the YMCA Y-pals fundraiser last Friday.  Y-pals stands for "Young People Actively Learning Success".  The program is for children who need a positive role model, more self esteem, and self-confidence.  Y-PALS helps kids build social skills, develop a friendship, and provides them with someone who will listen.  Y-PAL volunteers share their free time with a youth about four hours per month.  I believe that it is a worthwhile and admirable organization.  Rick and I were happy to support it.  Besides, they made the giving part fun by hosting a murder-mystery party.  We were to come in costume according to our part.  I was Angel Roni, Rick was Bo Jalais.  Other characters were... Rocco Scarfazzi, Mama Rosa, Marco Roni, Tara Misu, Father Al Fredo/a.k.a. Kelly Poling, and Clair Voyant/a.k.a. Angela Poling.   Clever names, ay?  We played the parts course by course, had lots of fun and most importantly, met some new people.  

Marco and Mama Rosa

Marco played the part of my brother.  A wanna be soccer player who had a complicated relationship with our father (the deceased).

Mama Rosa (who is Marco's wife in reality), played the grieving widow.  Who wasn't really mourning too much as she was shacking up with her husband's twin brother.  Marco won the best costume in the men's category.  Congratulations.  His prize, a large piece of fruit.   How appropriate.  He was a fruit.

Angela and Kelly Poling were the hosts and our long-time friends.  They bought the table and graciously asked us to join them.  Angela played the part of Clair Voyant and Kelly was Father Alfredo.  Angela even brought her crystal ball and gave us readings.  HUMMMM!!!

This was our entire group.  When Kelly called and gave our costume assignments, mine was to be similar to a "GREASE" girl.  Bright red lipstick, mini-skirt, scantilly dressed.  Rick was supposed to be french.  He sported a beret from Wal-mart, a sportjacket, jeans, and loafers.  My handsome Bo.  We were engaged in the script.

Ronni and Tony Clark were at another table.  But I couldn't resist the incriminating picture.  She was dressed as Clair Voyant and Tony was Father Alfredo.  

The murderer..........was Bo.  My real-life husband.  Rick, how could you?

Saturday was crazy.  Rick had Relay For Life in Carrollton.  I was helping with our soroity's fundraiser for Relay For Life in Chillicothe.  Between us, we divided and conquered.  I felt like I chased my tail all day.  Whew, glad it's over.

Sunday was uneventful.  We visited Rick in Carrollton.  He was on call in the ER until 6:00 p.m..  So we let the kids swim at the hospital pool and ate lunch at Pizza Hut.  

Can't wait to post what I did today.  Since I have to get the roast in the oven, it's going to have to wait until tomorrow.  

Wrote at 10:00 p.m. 4-15-09

Ryan told me at 8:30 p.m. that he volunteered me to bring doughnuts for one of his MORNING classes.

Ian forgot his backpack at church this evening.  With his homework inside.

Gracie forgot to take her D.S. game out of her pocket before she put it into the laundry.

I wish that I could snap a picture of a sunset and it look as beautiful as what my eyes see.  I've just never been able to capture the beauty of them on film.  This is what my Uncle Mike calls "A Painter's Sky".  This was the view that I woke up to this morning.   It has to be a good day!!!

Gracie, Clayton Walker, & Walker Graves at Ryan's second track meet.  His first home meet.  They were rooting on the home team.  

The meet started at 4:00 p.m..  I was able to watch Ryan run the 100 meter hurdles.  Then I had to run Ian to guitar at 5:00.  So I missed his mile.  Bummer.  I was disappointed but proud of how he did.  His time was 5 minutes and 45 seconds.  Whew!  It would take me twice that long!!!!  He is an all-round athlete.  I know that it especially makes his Daddy proud.  I'm proud too, but more importantly, I'm proud that he loves the Lord and he is just a good kid.

Not many of the other kids come to sit by their mom and dad after the event is over.  Most are running around doing who knows what.  But every time Ryan comes to see if we saw him.  Run through all the things that he did right or wrong and tell us his times.  It always boost my ego to know that he still doesn't mind being around us.

Let me be honest....I could care less if Ryan ever jumped another hurdle again in his life.  I think that I have expressed my opinion about this in previous posts.  But, he's pretty good at them.  He got 1st in 7th grade and 3rd out of 7th and 8th.  Pretty impressed.  I hold my breath the entire time he runs though.

This is Ryan's girl.  They have "went out" for two months.  She is a sweet girl and she has a sweet family.  I've taught her three years in Sunday School, so I feel like she's one of my own kids.  I think that they are quickly approaching their two month anniversary.  Big stuff!!!

So, I took the kids to school this morning.  Stopped by Casey's to pick up three dozen doughnuts (which I wanted to eat, but didn't).   Went to church to get Ian's backpack, then took it to Central school.  Went to the YMCA to register Gracie for baseball, worked out while I was there.  Went to tan.  Came home and made myself an egg beaters breakfast.  Hummm....that may be as productive as I am capable of.  Guess I should scrapbook the rest of the day.  hehe.  I did get the May issue of Card magazine in the mail this morning.  Plus I have a BIG SHOT calling my name.

Happy Belated Easter

Good morning, ya'all.  It's a soggy mess here.  It's rained day after day and I'm so tired of it.  I'm ready for some sunshine and heat.  

I hope that everyone had a blessed Easter.  Ours was nice.  We bought clothes the Saturday before for the kids.  (except for Gracie, of course)  I think that they looked handsome and "Springy".  That was my rule this year, it had to be pastel.  Ryan's was borderline, but it worked.  We headed over to Rick's parents after church service.  Aunt Alta Lou, Brenda & Josh & Brody, Crystal, and Aunt Katherine & Debbie and all Rick's sisters + their families were there.  Quite a crowd.  I would have to say that we were extremely lazy this holiday.  Several naps were taken (including me).  

Isn't she precious!!!  I regret to say that the dress was ripped during Children's Church.  She was on the ground and someone stepped on the dress.  That's OK.  She had her moment of glory.  It was chilly Easter morning, so I put a white button-up sweater over the dress.  She looked like a little angel, if I must say.   I kept her home from school on Thursday.  She has been battling a small cold.  It isn't getting her down but you can just tell she isn't herself.  Her eyes tell all.  There are lots of sneezes and drippy noses happening right now.

Here are the three musketeers.  Actually I had to make a crude comment to get them to smile.  They are all sporting their fave. colors.  

Ryan has another track meet this afternoon.  He is running the same events as last meet.  I will try to post the results in the morning.  I'm praying that he does well in the mile.  That is his best event.  We bought him track spikes and compression pants last weekend.  I'm sure that will make all the difference ;)  (joke)

I'm beginning to get super-duper excited about my Las Vegas trip.   I am going with a couple of my girlfriends.  a.k.a. Nancy and Michelle   However, those won't be the names when we go.  We are choosing alter-egos.  I haven't officially decided, but I think I'm going to be a set designer for Martha Stewart.  I'm still choosing my name.  I'm not sure that is radical enough though.  It needs to be more dangerous.....daring.....exotic.  I will let you know the official decision beforehand.   

Undercover agent?

Lion tamer?

Romance author?

If you have any suggestions.  Leave me a comment on the bottom of this post.

Well.  Gonna have to check-out.  Lots to do today, not much time.  Adios amigos.

I loved this picture, it's from THIS website

I bought a Jullian Michaels workout DVD yesterday.  I'm pretty sure that I'm going to look like her in a couple weeks.   (hey, the DVD made a promise to me)

I finally have my washing machine back!!!!  Yeah.  The repair bill was a whopping 175.00.  Seriously, the machine needs to fold and put away my laundry now.  I realize that I use it more than the average consumer, but it really shouldn't need repaired once a year.  Do you think?  Maybe my expectations are too high.  My philosophy is that the machine should last a llllooonnngg time.  For one reason.....I don't like to buy things like that.   It isn't fun.  Now, a dining room table, ok.  A new Lexus, alright.  A trip to Hawaii, I'm there.  But a washing machine.  NOOOO!   I should seriously take a picture of the heaping piles of clothes that I have waiting for me.  It may swallow me whole.  

I am supposed to get Gussy-poo groomed today.  But Gracie-loo is home sick, so I'm not sure what's going to happen.  She woke up this morning with the sniffles and the drippies (she even had a bloody nose)  Poor lil' girl.  She probably could have made it through the day.  But I know how I feel when I have a cold.  It's just no fun.  She had only missed one day this year.  So, I said, "It's ok hunny, you can stay home with mommy."  

Gracie wrote a note to her teacher, Mrs Gutshall the other day.  I wanted you to read what she said.  FYI: This is direct from her note.  No edits have been made.

Dear Mrs Gutshall                              

I want you to come over sometime!  You are a good techer in the world.  Do you have a plan on ester?  yes or no  I want you to come on ester but we have plans!

Wat day can you come over!  I relly want you to come on ester. 

love, Gracie

Ian has a pizza and electronics party today.  He is PUMPED!  He brought his PSP (he made sure that it had a full charge) and all his games.  I'm so glad that they get a whole four days off.  Whoo-hoo!!!!  Par-tay.

Walker, Ryan and Maggie after a tough day raking leaves and walnut shells

Ryan has this crazy obsession with gross creatures.  

Rick's first crappie of the season.  For some reason, our pond is full of big crappie.  This is actually a small one for us.  

Ian is preparing to blow up a toy dinosaur with a bottle rocket.  

This is half of a scrapbook page that I made this weekend.  I'm gonna have to figure out how to get the whole thing in.  That would be so fun to share my creations on my blog.  

I am getting ready to head to Gracie's classroom.  Not much happened this weekend.  

Before I sign off, I want to share a joke that Gracie told me this morning....

Gracie says:  "How many squirrels does it take to screw in a light bulb?"

Mom says:     "Two?"

Gracie says:   "You're right, two!"

Yawwwnnn!

These are pictures from years past because I am feeling reflective today.

Mornings are not my forte.  I can't seem to get this ole' body moving yet.  

I was beginning my devotional this morning and found something that I wanted to share with you.  I try not to get too deep in my blog.  I think that is mostly because I write in the mornings and I'm not feeling it yet.  But this caught me....

*Don't hold on to your children so tightly that God can't move them.

*As your children get older, the best mothering involves less smothering.

*It's a mother's job to raise her children to be independent and self-sufficient.  She is to be praised when that happens (although she will later regret that she was so good at it).

*"Letting go" is difficult for a mother-but if it doesn't happen, it is disastrous for the child.

*Some of the greatest joys of motherhood can only be experienced from a distance.

I am noting some signs that I need to "let go" a little.  Especially with Ryan.  Since he has a girlfriend now.  I am constantly drilling him every afternoon.  Poor guy.  When I say girlfriend, I mean that very loosly.  They hang out between classes, at Sunday School and Youth Group, and they also text each other.  

This is how a conversation might go when he gets home from school.....

"How was Maggie today?, Did you sit with her at lunch?, What did you talk about?"    I understand that while I'm doing it, I'm driving him crazy.  But on the other hand, I just cannot stop.  

The joys of motherhood are some of my life's sweetest rewards.  But the uncertainty of motherhood are some of mys hardest "stuff".  I guess that I need to find a balance with him.  Before I get any phone calls from you....I do understand that he is only 13.  I know that I cannot "let go" completely.  I just need to do more "let God".

So, I found this poem on the Internet, and I love it.  I know that I'm not there yet.  But in some ways, it feels like it could be as close as tomorrow.

Side by Side

It's happened, my friend

They're almost grown

Out the door

On their own

Needing us just

As bad as before

Sometimes we'll think

We need them more

Unwelcomed change

Strangely true

This is what

We raised them to do

Empty rooms

Then they'll come home

Friends to see

Talk on the phone

A minute here

A minute there

Still we'll know

We were there......

Watching them play

Watching them grow

Breaking up fights

Bandaging toes

From Sunday school

To Mother's Day Out

From Kindergarten

To Brownies and Scouts

From Big Wheels

To souped-up cars

From sleeping bags

To football scars

Cried 'till we laughed

Laughed 'til we cried

One moment proud

The next horrified

Dobson's books

On dusty shelves

It's time for them

To try it themselves

Oh, my friend

It's been fun

In many ways

We've just begun

So much ahead

Mothers confide

Let's stick like we started:

Side by Side

-Beth Moore

Gracie's diorama

Gracie had a little project to do for school.  We had to make a rain forest diorama.  My friend, Nancy, helped me pick out some of the creatures to go in it.  This picture is of the top of the box.

This picture is of the inside.  Ohhhh....ahhhhh.  She was proud of it.

And I discovered a new feature on my computer called photo booth.  My computer will take pictures of me.  Then it has like a million things you can do with it.  I took this picture after I took off all my makeup.  So I didn't want to do anything where you could actually SEE me.  So, I choose this Andy Warhol pop art.

I can take my picture and place it in front of any background.  Soooo kuullll.  Instead of "pimp my ride", it's going to be "trick my pic".  

I have some MAJOR housework to do today.  I have decided to take one room at a time.  Scour!!!  Gracie's room was first.  I don't cringe when I walk in there now.  It looks like a little girls room instead of a pig pen.  Next is the spare room in the basement.  We call it Zach's room.  Because, that is where Zach lived when he stayed here a couple summers ago.  (he is spending the night with us next Friday and we are all stoked!!!!)  I talk to him via e-mail and text but I haven't seen him since early summer when he stayed with us. )  

Did you see Idol yesterday.  Buh Bye, Megan!!!  So glad she is gone.  She was like 6" nails on a chalkboard to me.  I wouldn't mind trading her face with mine though.  Gotta give her that.  The girl was beeeutiful!!!

So, tootles, friends.  Off to clean the house.  

Here are some pictures of our class reunion Saturday.  It was such bad luck that we had a March blizzard that day.  Only a few of us made it.  Bummer!!  I must say that I am disappointed in the local Hamilton-ites that didn't come.  Seriously.  Some of you could have walked there.  You are on my list!!!!

Left to Right:  Wendy, Me, Shawn, JoNell, Missy, Brandy, Cody, Dina, and Jennifer

Thanks so much to Dina for pulling all this together.  I truly appreciate it.  I loved seeing all of you!!!

Cousins and classmates, Dina and Jennifer

Cody and Shawn: BFF's 

My favorite picture.  Wendy, JoNell, Me and Missy.  We were such a small class that we all HAD to be friends.  I felt like the bell just rung and I was heading to anatomy when I saw these girls.  They will always have a special place in my heart.  Even though I'm not the best at keeping in touch.

OK, now on to today.....

IIIII...Neeeeeed....Cooofffeeeee....soooonn!!!!  Actually it is brewing.  I can smell it and my taste buds are SHOUTING!!  For some reason (coughing under my breath....Congo the cat) I didn't sleep well last night.  Every since we added Gus Bus to the family, Congo has felt a little short changed.  So he is either trying to catch-up on his much needed attention, or he is punishing me for bringing the fat dog home.  Not sure which.  I will let you know when he decides to tell me.  I do know that it is hard to breathe with a fur ball ON your face, then licking your face, then purring like an old Harley Davidson.  Gonna have to lock the kitty out of the room for a few days.  That is exactly what I did last night after three hours of torture.  O' kitty!!!

I think I have mentioned this in another post but Ryan is in track and baseball now.  I feel like I am running myself ragged.  I have to pick him up every evening at 5:00.  He seems to love it though.  He placed second on the mile.  That boy ran the mile in 6 minutes and 3 seconds.  It takes me twice that long.  (that is, if I could accomplish it at all).  The coaches are wanting him to hurdle.  I don't want him to.  Since Rick doesn't agree with me, and neither does Ry, I'm sure that I won't win.  I just don't want him hurting his knees.  

All the kids are getting ready for MAP testing.  Please don't get me on my soap box.  MAP tests leave bad tastes in my mouth.  I understand their relevance, but PLEEASEE!  They start prepping these kids in Kindergarten for these things.  I don't think they begin taking them until third grade.  Anyway....MAP tests usually mean that school is winding down.  99% of me is excited about that.  I look forward to no 6:30 alarm clock and no bedtime.  I also look forward to more outside time.  Gardening, walks, and baseball games.  I don't look forward to I'm telling...... MMMOOOOOMMM!!  and empty cabinets because my kids are vultures!!  

Rick's cousin, Fred, had heart bypass while we were in San Antonio.  They are hoping to release him from the hospital this week.  Please pray for them if you can.  His wife, Carolyn has a type of brain cancer.  She is undergoing her second batch of chemo.  They found out recently the last batch didn't work and it has spread.  They are just going through so much and they are probably the sweetest people I know.  (besides, they are so young.  60's maybe?)  

I thought that I would end today with a picture that Gracie made at school.  You may have to click on the picture to read what she wrote.  I was rolling when I saw it.  That girl is a mini of her mommy.  

Gracie, if mommy was a rock, I would be a diamond too!

The next week, she wrote another paper about diamonds.  Man, I feel sorry for her future husband.  She is going to be high maintenance.  

This was my view on our first flight home.  We left TX at 3:30, then we lay ed-over in Memphis. I love the excitement of leaving for a trip.  Even the airplane ride.  You're not sure what the trip has in store for you.  What are you going to do?  What will you think of the destination?  What will we be bringing home with you?  All the anticipation has finally come to pass and you are on your way. 

Coming home is different.  It's tiring and frustrating.  You are worn out from all the things you did while you were gone.  You have a sense of let-down because it is over and you no longer have it to look forward to.  Besides all the work that faces you when you're home.  It's just simply.... not as exciting (and maybe even a little sad).  I missed my kiddos SOOOO badly though and I nearly bawled when I talked to Ian before we got in the car at KCI.  I could tell that he missed us to.  It nearly killed me.  But we will stick a pin into another city on our world travel map.    

We were sitting in an old amphitheatre at the Alamo.  It was made entirely of stone.  We were resting our "dawgs" as Rick says.  He always tells me that they are barkin' when he needs to rest.  So we watched people come in and out while we sat on the bench.  Taking it easy.

If we had to pay for our hotel room.  We wouldn't have been in the one we stayed at.  It was called the Watermark Hotel.  It only had 90 rooms.  Service was unbelievable.  Everyday the doorman remembered our names.  Even though they weren't always the same ones.  They would open the door for us and say, "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, how are you today" or "Mr. and Mrs. Smith would you like a bottle of water to take with you on your walk?".  SWANKY!!!!  The receptionist even escorted us to the elevator and pushed the button for us.  Chocolates were on our bed every evening from Dean and Deluca.   They even had valet service for our car.  We just had to tell them 15 minutes before we needed it.  Needless to say, the spoiling was nice!!!!!  

Anywhoo....this oil painting was in the lobby and I loved it.  It seemed so peaceful and happy and simple.  I admired it every time I passed by it.  Rick thought that I was crazy for taking a picture of it.  I just didn't want to forget it.

Not an attractive picture of me.  Rick and I stopped at a park bathroom and he was ready with the camera as I walked out of the ladies room.  Little stinker!!!!   This was the place that I found the lilacs.  Now I am anxious for the MO lilacs to bloom.  I'm thankful that I was able to experience them twice this year.

On the way to the Market Square, we passed this old Catholic church.  You could feel the history of this building just by looking at it.  They were having mass at the time.  We could hear the music of humming (or whatever Catholics do).  I thought that I was a pretty church, so I snapped a couple pics.

We were waiting to eat dinner on the River Walk.  I often tell people that I don't go on our family vacations because I'm never in the pictures.  Which isn't true.  I am most definitely there.  It's just that my future generations are never going to believe it because there isn't any proof.  So, for Valentine's Day, I bought Rick a tiny little camera.  One that he can put into his pocket and snap.  That way, I can join my family on our trips.  hehe.

So now that I have bought this little camera, I almost regret it.  Look at this picture.  GROSS!! Another not so attractive picture of me.    

The restaurant that we ate at this night was called Saltgrass.  Terrible service and terrible food. I do not recommend it.  But the next night, we ate at a place called Pesco's.  Unbelievable.  I had crab cakes and Rick had chilled shrimp.  Rick loved MY crab cakes and ate more of them than I did.  I didn't mind if you are wondering.  Eating is a BIG deal on our trips.  We have a rule that we cannot eat anywhere that we can eat at home.  So, we get to experience lots of different foods and styles.

What are you grabbing Mr. Ricky?  I think that this man was once smoking a cigar.  Now, I'm not sure what he is doing?  Weird!!!  It was fascinating that many figurines of Mexicans had liqueur or cigarettes.  That is so taboo here.  Everyone smoked there too.  Rick and I wanted to watch the Mizzou and Marquette game while we were there.  We went to a sports bar (because that is the only place you can find a Missouri game in San Antonio) and we had to leave because it was too smoky.  Yuck!!!  We did find another place to watch it though.  (just in case you were wondering).  Yeah, MU won, although they almost lost it in the second quarter.

Our trip was interesting.  The best part was spending quality time with my husband.  No kids bugging us to buy them things or fighting with each other.  Just relaxing, slow-paced & quality time together.  Do I want to go back?  Not really.  But I'm glad that I went.  Now, I am anxious for my next trip.  I can start looking forward to it now.

Such Pretty Things is now my new favorite blog.  Notice it on the list to the right.  Wowser!!!!  If I could have everything in my house look this way....ahhhhh.....I'm dreaming of it now.  However....Rick doesn't agree.  Pastels and flowers and shabby chic are foo-foo girl stuff to him.  Bummer!!!  I usually win arguments with him, but I can't seem to win this one.

I haven't forgotten to post more San Antonio pics.  I just don't have time this morning.  My computer is running a little like me today...slow.  So, tomorrow...days three, four, and one pic for five.  I'm off to feed the church.

T.T.F.N.  ta ta for now!!!

Home, Safe, & Sound

Our second day in Texas, we went to Sea World.  We all know that Shamu lives there, but did you know that this guy does too?  This was the shark tank.  I wanted to see the big guy, you know, Jaws.  But he wasn't there.  I would say the biggest shark was probably 10 feet long.  LONG ENOUGH!!  Check out those teeth!!!  Wouldn't want to dive into this tank.

We tried to see several shows while we were here.  This was an acrobat and Beluga whale show. Very interesting.  Crazy too!  The acrobats were diving into this tank from what seemed like miles above.  NO WAY JOSE!!!  The Beluga whale was really neat.  I wish that I had the time to post all the pictures.  I took lots and lots this day.

I wouldn't be able to catch this shot again in a million years.  We went to the alligator exhibit and this brave little turtle was catching a ride.  "HELLLLLOOO, Mr. Turtle, are you stoned?  That is an alligator, dude!")  awwww, neither seemed to care.  Maybe they are buddies?  

Of course, I can't show you Sea World pictures without showing you Shamu.  These are the smartest creatures.  I cannot believe the relationship that the trainers have with them.  What a dream job.

When Rick and I get away, something happens to us.  It's like we are dating.  All the day-to-day responsibilities are thrown out the window.  We enjoy each other, simple as that.  I'm so thankful to have a husband that still opens doors for me, gets more enjoyment out of buying me things than himself, and tells me sweet things that I'm not going to share with anyone else. I am a lucky girl!!!

We drove to a small town called Fredricksburg for our first morning in Texas.  There were lots and lots of small shops.  It felt a little like Weston, MO to me.  I couldn't believe all the flowers.  Even the lilacs were blooming.  (did I mention that lilacs are my favorite scent?)  We spent nearly all day there.  This was a bead shop.  We found a chicken IN THE STORE!!!  How often do you see that?  The store owner had given him a few pieces of bread.  I was trying to get close enough for Rick to take my picture.  The rooster wasn't buying it.  He wanted no part of me.  

This was my favorite store.  OMGoodness!!  Pretties everywhere!  The window was amazing.  I was trying to take a picture of this gorgeous rabbit, but the glare of the window kept showing.  It wouldn't do it justice.  Decorating ideas were popping into my head the whole time I was in this shop.  We bought Gracie a little stuffed bunny here.  We are probably going to hold it back for her Easter basket though.

I have to admit that I hadn't even heard of the River Walk until we planned this trip.  Boy, was it amazing.  It stretched on for what seemed like miles and miles.  Without Rick, I would have been lost many times.  This was the view from our hotel balcony.  Rick spent a lot of time out here reading.  He would get up in the morning (letting me sleep in), take his book out here....watching the people and reading.

I will post more pictures this week.  Lots and lots more to share.