The Gift That Is Corbin Strikes Again

So last Friday I had the day off so I took the kids to IHOP for breakfast then we headed out for shopping at Old Navy and Target to get those few last minute going back to school needs. After an exhausting morning of 3 kids crammed into a fitting room trying on clothes, constant requests for more junk, arguing over who's gonna push the basket, and chit chat from the boys on how excited they are to have their teachers, we made it home and I decided to have some girl time with Taya. So we went to get our nails and toes done. This is always fun. Especially when you have have your BFF with you.

Before Taya and I left, I tried to do a couple things around the house. I wasn't in a rush, per say, but I was walking around the house with purpose, mind focused on the nail salon. Well, my dear Corbin always has a million and 5 things running through his head. He kept asking me the same question over and over...and OVER. I wasn't necessarily ignoring him, I just wasn't listening to the words coming out of his precious mouth. Finally, after about 7 minutes of him continuously following me around the house, he stopped dead in his tracks and said as serious as only he can "Are you EVEN listening to anything I'm saying to you right now?!?" Now THAT folks, got my attention! I busted out laughing and gave that boy a big ole' kiss. I love him.

Back To School They Go

Today starts the 2011-2012 school year. This is exciting for the kids but sad for me. It's just a reminder that they're all steadily growing up...too fast. On top of that, Taya started Pre-K. This is different then just pre-school...it's like REAL school.

The boys were so excited. Up even before me. They picked out their "first day of school" clothes 3 days ago. Both got the teachers they wanted and were ready to see their friends again.

Taya has been carrying her new backpack around for 2 days and has put everything SHE thinks she needs in it. I don't have the heart to tell her that that thing will become a pain soon enough.



I dropped the boys at school(don't really even remember them saying bye as they got out of the car, they were so excited) and off we went to take tot. Taya went to Miss Achaaale's(Michelle)house. She's being home schooled along with buddy Grayson. They got to feed the horse apples and "oatmeal" before I left. Taya was stoked. She loves her horses.

The real test of my day is after school, when the boys ride the bus home and STAY ALONE until I get there. That's an hour and a half of them "hopefully" being responsible and not burning down the house. Fingers crossed.

Now that they're all in school, I miss them so much.

The Gift That Is Corbin

Last week Matt was away on business so I, for the second week in a row, was doing the whole single mom thing. Got the kids up at the crack of dawn(5am to be exact), ran through the day as normal and crashed by 9:30. Every morning I felt like a terrible parent, getting the kids up so early(during summer at that), driving in the car, for what seems like forever, and just having to be away period. The kids however were fine. Happy. Awake. Discussing the topic of conversation on Kidd Kraddick in the morning(had to abruptly change the station a couple times) and rarin' to start their day. At one point, I was so tired, missing Matt and just feeling really low. We're driving on 205, behind the normal 6am traffic thinking I REALLY wish I was home in bed when I look over and see this...



At that moment, all the chaos and craziness of the world dissipated and a HUGE smile and feeling of total peace filled my entire body.

I believe God gives us kids to remind us in moments of doubt that there is ALWAYS humor and love in this life big enough to conquer it all.

My Husband...The Builder

For the better part of the past 10 days the kids and I have been on our own. Matt has been away on business building playgrounds...in the humid Houston heat...only 110degrees. Poor guy.

This is the product of his handywork.



I'm so proud of my guy. He is truly my hero.

Matt's due home at the end of the week...hopefully with a picture of another creation:-)

My Best Friend

Stands about 3ft tall.

Weighs approximately 33 pounds.

Has sandy blonde hair, with bright blue eyes.

My best friend...

Makes me smile.
Makes me laugh everyday.

Makes me want to learn all I can about the world.

My best friend...

Teaches me all about horses.

Teaches me how to be a great friend.

Teaches me to love even myself.

My best friend...

Gives me the best hugs and kisses.

My best friend...

Makes me want to be a kid again.

My best friend...

Is the light of my life.

My best friend...

Makes me want to redeem myself.

My best friend...

Brings me more joy than I could have ever imagined.

THIS is MY best friend!

Missing George

Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting my dog George. We have a LONG past together. Ya see, when I was 14 and a freshman in high school, my boyfriend at that time gave me a puppy for Christmas. Christmas of '95. I named the puppy George. Half dalmatian and half whatever else. Black lab? Schnauzer? Who knows?

George became my everything. When I was home he was right by my side. He was literally my baby. We did everything together. After I met Matt and he left for the navy, George was that piece of happiness that got me through my hardest days. I remember being pregnant with Ethan and spending almost everyday either on the couch or in my parents bed watching tv...George right there with me.

Two days after Matt and were married we left to start our life together in Virginia. I couldn't bring George so he stayed with my folks. My dad loved this, I'm sure. Anyway, I remember kissing my parents and saying goodbye. We left. Then 5 minutes down the road, I realized I never said goodbye to George. I made Matt turn the car around and I went to hug him and tell him bye. All that because I was NOT leaving town without telling him I loved him. After that, life got crazy but whenever I was home for a visit things were the same. He was my baby. Once I started having kids that whole bond kinda got shuffled in the midst of my new life. I never stopped loving him. He has lived with my parents for the past 15 and a half yrs and has been a part of our family. Today, a piece of our family died. George, at 95 yrs old in human years went to heaven this morning. Taya said "It's okay, he'll be right back." Boy I wish she were right. I know he's no longer suffering and I believe with all my heart that he will watch over our family. I'm pretty sure that we all, myself, my mom, my dad and my brother all are taking this harder than we ever thought we would. This is tough.

No matter how mad he made us all at times, he was an awesome dog. A great protector and to me, he was one of the best friends I ever had.

I love you, George.

My Father

As long as I can remember my father has always been a man with a heart of gold. When I think of my childhood, I'm reminded of a great song, "Daddy's Hands".

I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.

I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.

Growing up I know I wasn't an angel to live with much less easy to parent but I do know that my dad could never love me more.

I remember a picture taken of us at my mom's uncle's house in the hill country when I was about 8 or 9. I have no idea where the picture is today but I can still picture it vividly in head. Even what I was wearing. We were sitting on the back deck. I was curled up in his arms, my head on his chest.

Now that my brother and I have babies of our own my daddy became Pepa or "P" as Ethan calls him. I could have never known what an asset my dad would be to my children. Next to their daddy, their pepa reigns supreme.

These past few months have been a real trying time for my dad. A time to see what he is made of. He is a man of great strength, wisdom and most of all love.

How fortunate we all are for having my father in our lives, but more than that, how lucky am I to call him my dad.