He's Got Her Wrapped Around His Finger...

I have always known how spoiled Jacob was but it really hit me yesterday. My Mom is amazing...both my parents are. Growing up my sister & I had any and everything we wanted...but not to say we were not appreciative of it cause we were. Jacob is the first born grandchild and was the only one for almost 3 years until he had to share the spotlight with my neice, Madelyn. My parents will do anything for those 2 kids. Back to my point...so Sunday my mom took Jacob to lunch, the movies & bought him 2 new toys....they had a date. Wow...what a day...he had it made! So yesterday after work I stopped by Wal-Mart so I could get some closet organizers...for my shoes, purses, etc....we seems to be running out of room in the closet so I really needed to get organized. (It never fails...I always see my mom at Wal-Mart...haha) So usually if I see her there she takes Jacob to the McD's and then drops him off to me. So yesterday we are walking by the McD's and Jacob's conversation goes like this:

Jacob (looking around...like he is looking for my mom): "Where is she?"
Me: "Where's who?"
Jacob: "My Nana...where is she...she needs to take me to McDonald's...I'm a little hungry."
Me: "I don't know where she is...but I don't think she is here and she is not taking you to McDonald's today"
Jacob: "But she can take me home"
Me: "No"
Jacob: "But she can take me home...O M G Nana where are you?"

So we get loaded into the car & I call my mom and tell her just how wrapped around she is on his finger and where is she...pulling into Wal-Mart...she JUST missed us...never fails. But then again how can you resist this face...

Jacob this morning for his 2nd day of Pre-K

Buddie Club Party, Fake Birthday, Motorcycle Club, & The First Day of School

So much to update. I took off Thursday & Friday. Ahh I love breaks. Thursday Jacob & I slept in...wow that felt great! We had breakfast, watched cartoons, and then got ready to head out to the Astros Buddies Club party. We got to Minute Maid around 12:15 p.m. and waited in line. Thankfully we were under a tree so we had shade...thank you God! They let us in the doors at 1:00 p.m. and they gave us an agenda of the party. I think I was one of the only people to read the agenda because if you would have read it you would have known that different players were at different sections and not all the players in one section. Tons of people were standing in one line but we went to the farthest section and only had about 3 people in front of us. We stood in line for a few minutes and got Brian Moehler and Jose Valverde's autographs. Jacob was so excited...& so was I!. After we got the autographs we played a few games and played on some moonwalks. We saw Junction Jack and Jacob stabbed him with his balloon sword...probably not the best idea.

We then went and got to go into the Astros dugout. It was awesome! We got to go onto the field and actually sit where the Astros do during the game. As dumb as it may sound...to me it was a dream come true...I love the Astros and it was just an awesome experience. After the dugout we went and played in the Squeeze Play. We had a great time. After that we headed home and got a much needed nap. That night we went out to eat for Ruben's parent's birthdays.

On Friday, Jacob's school was closed for teacher in-service so I had both Jacob & Madelyn. We played all day and then that afternoon Jacob had a play date with his friends, Katie & Race. That night we went to my parents for my "birthday" dinner. (When I was younger my mom lied about my birthday so I could go to private school for Kindergarten so my family thinks it's funny growing up I didn't know when my real birthday was Fake birthday: August 21 or real birthday: September 21...so every year on my "fake birthday" they give me a cake and dinner...weird I know.) So we ordered Big Humphrey's and had some birthday cake.

On Saturday Primrose had an open house. We headed over there around 11:00 a.m. and met with Jacob's teachers and played on the moonwalks. After that we headed over to Pasadena Honda so Ruben could get oil to change his motorcycle's oil. Some guys at his work started a motorcycles club and they were having their 1st meeting that night. In a few weeks they will be escorting a solider coming home from Iraq. I think Ruben is very proud to be apart of something like that & I am very proud of him.

Today was Jacob's first official day of Pre-K. He wore his uniform today...which he picked out himself. I cried passing an elementary school...seeing those kids walking in made me realize Jacob will start there next year. Then I cried when we got to his school. I am such a baby! Today Ruben also starts his night classes. He will be going Monday, Wednesday and Thursday...back to our normal routine.

Pretty Proud Of Myself...

The Friday that just passed Katrina & I ran some errands. One of the places we stopped was Half Price Books. I found a book called, Mother Warriors, by Jenny McCarthy. I am really surprised at myself...I hate to read books. I hate reading them because it's hard for me to concentrate. I can be reading and then my mind wonders and I start to think of other things (without even realizing it) and by the time I am done with the page I don't even remember what I read. Well this book is different. I am already on Chapter 11 and I have only had the book 5 days...that's pretty good for me. I actually love this book. It's about her journey after she helped "recover" her son, Evan, from autism. It makes me think and realize just how blessed I am to have a healthy son. I thank God everyday for that boy...just makes me want to thank him even more. I understand there is a link from vaccinations to autism but I don't think that not vaccinating your child is the answer. I believe you already have some sort of gene or biological trait that with the vaccine can trigger autism. Not vaccinating Jacob was never a choice for me...even before I knew about the vaccine - autism connection. I feel for me that if it were to happen to Jacob or anything or any other sickness I should take it as it was in God's plan. Who am I to question Him or his path for me and my family? Everyone has their own believes and makes their own decisions...I praise you for your own decisions...I believe what is right for me & my family...again who am I to judge what you feel is right for your family. So I am excited to finish the book and I want to get her other books, Louder Than Words, which is how she helped "recover" her son and her book, Life Laughs: The Naked Truth about Motherhood, Marriage and Moving On. These books came out around 2007 so I will probably have to order them online.

Here is a conversation with Jacob yesterday at the grocery store:

Me: "Remind me to get bread"

Jacob: "I love bread, I love toast, I love sandwiches, I love grilled cheese, I just love bread...isn't that interesting?"

Me: (laughing that he asked me if that was interesting) "Yeah Jake that is pretty interesting"

Jacob: "Yeah I know...I'm a pretty cool dude"

Haha...what? 4 year old's. He's pretty full of himself.

Uniforms & Buddie Club Party

In a blink of an eye it seems like Jacob has gone from being 4 days overdue to a 4 year old. I love it though! I love him being a big boy...there is never a dull moment with him. At my mom's work party at the Hilton downtown this past weekend he was eating and then when someone offered him a piece of candy he said, "if I eat candy I will get fat!" What...true but where did he learn that. Crazy boy! Oh and how I love to see him dance...he dances to anything...and always does his air guitar move...too funny! Yesterday I got in the uniform shorts/pants I had ordered him online from Old Navy. I was trying them on him with his shirts...he looked like such a big boy. (He starts wearing uniforms to school on Monday...it's his first official day of Pre-K). This boy is expensive...at least the school is. We had to special order his uniform shirts because they had to have the Primrose logo on it. $15.00 a shirt X 8 shirts = $120...on just uniform shirts. Are you kidding me? I wouldn't mind spending $15 for a shirt if I liked it but for a uniform shirt...that's a little much to me...if he needs it he needs it. Thankfully Old Navy had their uniform shorts and pants for $10 each so that was a pretty good deal. Even though Jacob has already been going to to Pre-K class since the beginning of summer I know I will still cry on Monday. Seeing him in the uniform will do me in...I just know it. Then it's just 1 year until he starts Kindergarten. Ahh I can't even think of that right now.

So Thursday Jacob & I will be going to the Astros Buddie Club party. I think I am probably more excited than he is. I can't help it...I LOVE the Astros! They will have a few players there to sign autographs and games to play...should be a fun day! I can't wait...I mean Jacob can't wait...hehe! On Friday Primrose is closed for in-service so Jacob & I will be at home taking it easy!! 4 day weekends are awesome!!

Voided Contract, A Haircut, George & The Astros

This past week sure has been a crazy one. On Wednesday we had the inspection on the house we wanted to buy. The report was not so good. The inspector found termite damage, a leak in the roof (& it was only a 6 month old roof), and a couple of other things. The sellers lied about having termites before when the inspector clear saw visible signs of having previous termite treatment/damage. Ruben was very upset with this...if they tried to get away with that no telling what else they could have lied about. Termites can be treated but it would be something Ruben & I would have to continue with to ensure no more termites....this could have become very costly. After lots and lots of discussion by ourselves and with both of our parents we felt that we would have to pass on this house. It was a sad decision since we had already put money into it but had to think of the long run. In the long run we would have had to put a lot more money into it then we would eventually get out of it. Upon talking to it with my parents my dad once again suggested we build a house on their land (they have 5 acres). We have always wanted to do that but we wanted to buy a house this year and if we built it would probably be in another 1 1/2 or so. My parents have a beautiful home there now but my dad is going to start a little bit smaller home on the land later this year. He said he & my mom don't need a big house since it is just the 2 of them now. When my dad finishes their house then we can start on Ruben & mine. After we thought about it we decided we were going to wait and in the end we would come out on top. Waiting another year would give us more time to save more money and if we wait we would have a brand new house with everything we want. My dad knows how to do everything...so with all of us doing stuff like painting, floor we would really cut down a lot of cost instead of paying someone else to do it. Good things come to those who wait.

I have been wanting a haircut for some time now but wanted something different. My hair was pretty close to being in the middle of my back and have always admired people with short hair. Any time I got a trim I always chicken out and never cut it short. Well this time I didn't! I cut it and I love it. Jacob wasn't happy about it though. I cut it on Friday and went home and fixed it and then went to pick up Jacob from school. He saw me and make a mad face and in front of everyone told me. "I told you not to do that!" He has a thing with my hair. He has always played with it, especially to go to sleep. He was not happy I got rid of my hair but I told him it would grow back & he was ok with it after that. I didn't tell Ruben I cut it either. I walked in as if nothing had happened and he right away noticed. He thankfully liked it, I was scared he wasn't going to like it. My mom & sister really liked it as well!

Saturday rolled around and it was time for George! I was so excited! My mom, sister & my sister's sister in law went to eat at Saltgrass before the show. We had a blast at the show. We saw Julianne Hough, Blake Shelton, Sugarland & of course George! It was a great show! Sunday we went to the Astros game. What a great weekend! After the game Jacob got to run the bases. It was amazing to watch. He loved it! Made my eyes tear up watching him out there...cry baby I know but it was just a surreal moment. I love watching the Astros and having Jacob run out there on the field was honestly like a dream come true. We are huge Astros fans so it was just an awesome experience. On the way back to the car Jacob told me, "Mommy when I get bigger I'm gonna run on that field again." I can only hope!

The Ball Is Rolling...

Tomorrow we have an inspection on the house. They said it would probably take around 3 hours & we only need to be there for probably the last 30 minutes. I pray everything on the house is OK. I don't think there will be any problems. The house looks great and was very well taken care but I guess you never know. We also got all the papers turned in to get our loan finalized and we also got a quote on our homeowners insurance. It feels like everything is happening so fast. We waited so long & now the ball is finally rolling. I hope the inspection looks good tomorrow & after that it is pretty much a done deal! Wow! I guess this is growing up! It's all so scary but very exciting!! Thank you God for all the blessings you have brought into our lives!

FINALLY...HOPEFULLY

On Saturday morning we dropped of Jacob with my mom (they were going to go to the movies that afternoon) and we headed off to meet our realtor. She had 12 houses for us to look at we were ready for a day of house hunting. The first 2 houses we looked at we really liked. They were a little more than the price range we wanted to stay in but they were well kept homes in Silverlake...the only thing we would have had to do to either was paint the rooms...they both had girls so the rooms were painted pinks and purples...Jacob probably wouldn't have liked that. Painting, no problem. We looked at the other 9 houses but didn't care to much for them. We thought the problem would be choosing from the first 2. We had one last house to look at. It wasn't in Silverlake (where Ruben really wanted to stay at) but we decided to look at it anyway. Again it was more than we wanted to pay but still in our price range. It was a 2 story house with a pool (& if you know me I hate 2 stories...Ruben loves them...I just hate stairs haha). It was beautiful! We both fell in love with it. It has a new roof, new fence, new paint, new floors, no back neighbors and even with the pool the backyard is still huge. (The only thing I was really looking for in a house was a big back yard so we could put a swing set for Jacob and he could have lots of room to play). Ruben called his parents to come see it and see what they thought. They came and they also loved it. We went ahead and decided to put an offer on it. Scary! Ruben said he felt like he was going to throw up. Haha! Our realtor was going to go to her office and put together the contract and call us back to come and sign it. When we got home Ruben & his dad did some research on the property and thought it looked like a good deal. Our realtor called us back and we met her at the house again and this time my parents met us up there too so they could see what they thought. They liked it as well! (It was important that both of our parents liked the house). We put together a contract and signed the papers. Now it was a waiting game. The seller had to agree to our offer. We went home and waited...we didn't know how long it would take. Our realtor thought maybe Monday the latest...we were wrong...our realtor called at 10:00 p.m. the same night and said they had a counter offer. A few changes to our offer and we had to let her know if we agreed. We did! So she was going to email their agent that night and see what happened. On Sunday we got a call that they agreed to our changes as well and they would sign the papers that night. More scary...now it was more realistic. So now to today. We have 10 days to do inspections and make sure there is nothing wrong with the house or property and if everything goes well we will close on August 31. WOW! I am so happy we finally found a house and I pray pray pray that everything goes smoothly. Fingers crossed!

Compassion, Train Tracks, & Almost Officially PPK

There is never a dull moment with Jacob. This happened last week but I forgot to write about it until now...I was thinking about it & it always makes me laugh. We were trying to get out the door when I couldn't find Jacob's shoes. So I ask, "Jakey were are your shoes?" Jacob's response, "Will you just show me some compassion...I can't find them!" Compassion? At 4 years old? Oh Jacob! I told Ruben I was glad he was there to hear that because he probably wouldn't have believed me. That boy is too smart.

Last night we had a train track building contest...I won! Jacob loves Thomas and probably has over 30 of his friends and tons and tons of track. Ruben & I each built a track and had Jacob choose which one he liked best. He choose mine...but to Ruben's defense he couldn't finish his cause I used most of the track. Jacob know every single one of those trains names and if they have a number he knows that too. We have the Thomas Trackmaster edition so that mean motorized trains. Ugh those things get annoying after a while. Even if they fall off the track they keep running & running until you turn them off. The sound gets annoying real fast but Jacob loves them...I guess I just don't understand "boy" toys. I guess I will have to wait until Madelyn gets older so I can play Barbie's with her...haha.

So the first day of Pearland ISD is fastly approaching & so is Primrose's (they follow PISD calendar). August 24 is the big day. On that day Primrose will have an "official 1st day" of school & that means Jakey Jake will officially be in Pre-K. He is in the PPK class now but during summer they do more fun things like their field trips and such. They will be handing out the packets to start ordering their uniforms this week. Crazy. We have already bought a couple of uniform shorts but the shirts we have to get through Primrose...they have the school name and logo on them. I can't wait...he's gonna look so cute in his uniform.

10 more days until George! I couldn't be more excited! & the day after we will be going to the Astros game & after the game Jacob will be able to run the bases. So awesome....probably be one of the best weekends in my life....George Strait & the Astros...nothing makes me happier...haha! Can't wait!!

Scrathed Face & A Trip To The Beach

Let's first back track to Thursday. Thursday was supposed to be Jacob & Madelyn's last day of swimming lessons but thanks to mother nature it rained and it got cancelled. Since the weather was clear on Friday they had a make up class on Friday instead. They both got completion certificates which was so cute. Now to the start of Friday. On Friday Jacob's class went on a field trip to see the circus. I went but had to follow in my own car (the rules of the bus...no parent rides on the bus, they must always follow in their own car and the children have to ride to & back on the bus...they can't leave with their parents.) So we have a great time at the circus and after & I said bye to Jacob & went and ran some errands. I told my sister that I would pick up Madelyn from school too since I was going to take them both to swimming lessons. I picked up Madelyn in her class first and then we walked down to Jacob's. I guess I was focusing on Madelyn more and didn't notice Jacob had 3 scratches on his face (1 was very deep) until we got to the end of the hall so I asked what happened. He said a boy named Christopher scratched him on the bus on the way back to school. WHAT? I was furious the teacher didn't tell me. I went back into the class and asked the teacher what happened. To her defense she was not on the field trip so she probably didn't know what happened. She asked Jacob again what happened and he told her the same thing so she called over Christopher and asked his side of the story. He admitted he scratched Jacob but said he did it because Jacob wasn't nice to him and didn't want to be his friend. The teacher told him to apologize but he didn't...his response..."Well maybe if he would be my friend I wouldn't scratch him"...omg...I seriously wanted to go & punch that boy! At home Jacob is a typical boy but when he goes to school he knows to behave and always does. He usually doesn't play with Christopher because he is so rough and gets into trouble. Jacob respects every one and plays with every one but distances himself from Christopher because of his behavior...& honestly I think he is pretty smart to already distinguish the difference and judging what type of people he wishes to surround himself with. During this time a girl from his class comes out and gives Jacob a hug & says "I'm sorry Jacob that Christopher is so mean" it was the sweetest thing. So the teacher says she will find out what happened and talk to his parents. I was a little scared for Ruben to see Jacob's face...I knew he would be furious. We went home and put some medicine on it and my mom suggest I call the school and make sure they talk to his parents. I did and they understood. So we went to swim class and Jacob did great. I was in the pool with Madelyn and my mom & Ruben's parents watched Jacob. After class we all went out for dinner. When we got home Ruben was upset with Jacob's face. He is very protective of Jacob so I think it honestly hurt him more than anything.

On to Saturday...we woke up around 3:30 a.m. and I got ready as Ruben packed up the car...we were off to the beach! I had packed the night before so it was just a matter of getting our bags into the car as well as snacks, sand toys, and Ruben's fishing pole. We headed to my mom's around 4:15 a.m. and they followed us to the beach. We got there around 5:30 and set everything up and sat and watched the sun set...it was so amazing. Ruben went and fished for a while while my mom, dad, sister, Jacob, Madelyn & I played in the sand and water. Madelyn loved it. We all had a great time. When we were there a man was fishing fairly close to us and guess what he caught...a Hammerhead Shark. It was crazy. We went over to see it and Jacob was just amazed...I was scared...we were just in that water playing close to it...ahh! The man set it free and we didn't get back in the water after that. We left the beach around 11:00 a.m. and went and rode the fairy just for the fun of it. We were all pooped and ready for some lunch and a big nap!! I was so happy we went to the beach as a family and watched to sun rise...it was beautiful. On the way home we got some McDonald's and Jacob was so tired he kept falling asleep with a nugget in his mouth. We kept him up so he would nap at home. We got home and showered and slept for about 3 hours. It was a much needed nap. The rest of the night we just watched movies and took it easy.
This morning when I dropped Jacob off at school the teacher that was on the field trip was there. She told me what happened and that the school wrote a letter to Christopher's parents and from now on Christopher is not allowed to sit next to anyone on the bus...he has to sit with a teacher. I felt bad for him getting in trouble but it just upset me that he would put his hands on Jacob when Jacob never did anything to him.

Vote For Me!!

Please vote for my picture at http://www.39online.com/, under contest scroll down to the Red, White, and Blue Photo Contest. I am #32. You can see all the photos in the Contest Galery and then the voting poll is on the right. Here is a link...
http://www.39online.com/community/contests/redwhiteblue/
Thanks! I appreciate it!

House Hunting = Stressful

Ruben & I have been looking for a house for months now. Boy has it been stressful & many times I have gotten my hopes up. Well Friday night Jacob stayed the night at my parent's house because in the morning we were going to look at a couple of houses. So Saturday morning we met with our agent (& longtime friend) at 2 houses in Twin Lakes. The one we originally interested in needed a lot of work (pictures can be deceiving) and right now with work and school we don't have the time for something like that. We saw another in that neighbor hood that was beautiful and something we were looking for so I thought we were going to have some luck. The only downfall...behind the house was the Pearland Police Station...Ruben wasn't to fond of that. We then looked at 2 houses....1 in West Oaks and 1 in Silverlake....both were beautiful & what we have been looking for. The problem....they both had bids on them so we would have to decided right then and there if we too would like to put a bid on it. Ruben is the type to stop and think about things...not rushed into things. This is a long term investment and he is not going to be rushed into something unless he feels it is the right thing for us. We don't want to rush into something as big as buying a house. He said if it was meant to be it would be...not rushed. So therefore we are still looking. Ugh!! When will we find what we are looking for?!! Our time will come & I am sure we will be happy we waited...hopefully we don't have to wait too much longer.

So today kicks off our 2nd (and last) week of swimming lessons. Jacob did great last week! I hope it doesn't rain this week so we can finish up our lessons.

"Were They Hot?"

I totally forgot to mention this yesterday...

On Monday after work Ruben went to a dr. appointment. When he came home Jacob & I were in the kitchen and we were talking getting ready to leave for his swimming lesson. Ruben was trying to tell me a story of these 2 girls that worked at the dr. office and something they had did. So the conversation went like this...

Ruben: "Oh guess what...these 2 girls that work at my dr. office..."
Jacob: "Were they hot?"

Ruben didn't even get a chance to finish the sentence...without pause like it was a gut reaction my son hears the word girl and automatically asks if they were hot. Are you kidding me? We couldn't stop laughing. What am I going to do with him? Ruben of course on the other hand was proud.

Day 2 of swimming lessons yesterday went even better than the 1st. I am really proud of Jacob. We have lessons again tonight as well as Thursday and Monday - Thursday of next week. He is going to be exhausted!

A Day of Remembrance & Celebration

Today would have been my Tia Nena's 61st birthday. Unfortunately she went home to be with the Lord on November 14, 2005. We love and miss her everyday. We say she is Jacob's guardian angel. I strongly believe that. I have her picture on my visor of my car...I feel as though she watches over and protects me as I drive. I love looking up everyday and know she is smiling down on me & my whole family. We love you Tia!!

Today is also a day of celebration...today Ruben has been sober for 21 months. I am so proud of him! You have truly changed for the better and have given Jacob an amazing role model to look up to. Jacob & I are so proud of you! We love you!!

Yesterday was the first day of Jacob's and Madelyn's swimming lessons. They both did great. Jacob listened and had a great time. He even jumped in the pool 3 times...which I didn't think he would...he really surprised me. Last years swimming lessons were a disaster, so this year we are off to a great start. My sister & Madelyn did the Mommy & me class which was way on the other side of the pool. All of a sudden I hear Madelyn scream and start to cry I looked over & she is out of the pool. That girl loves the water! As soon as they put her back in she was laughing again. Haha! I hope today is a good as yesterday was!

Thank Goodness

Madelyn's surgery went well! Thank you God!! We got to Texas Children's around 9:45 a.m....we were supposed to be there at 9:30 a.m. but were pulled over on the side of 288 for a little while...Madelyn threw up so we had to get her and her car seat cleaned up. Back on the road we arrive and my heart just melts. Seeing all those sick kids there made me so sad. Day to day we take advantage of our life's and don't stop to realize how lucky we are. I am so lucky Jacob is healthy and I don't take time to really realize it. There were kids in the pj's, kids hooked up to machines...it just broke my heart. I thanked God right then and there for all the blessings I have been blind sighted by. I called Ruben to tell him I loved him and to also thank God for everything we have. Back to Madelyn...the surgery only took about 30 minutes and recovery about 30 minutes. When my sister & brother in law brought her into the waiting room she was acting like nothing had happened to her. She is a trooper! Thank Goodness everything turned out fine & no more ear infections!!

Saturday was a lazy day for us. We ran to Wal-mart & Target to get a couple of things and then we hung around the house all day. Sunday we were up early for a baptismal. Right after the baptismal we picked up a quick lunch and headed home to change. Ruben's family was throwing his cousin a surprise party so we headed to Galena Park. We stayed for a bit and then Ruben dropped Jacob & I off at my sisters so we could all go pick up my mom from the airport. She made it home safely...thank goodness & with souvenirs for all of us.

This week will be a busy one. Jacob & Madelyn will start swimming lessons today. Everyday for 2 weeks. This is Jacob's 2nd time with swimming lessons so I hope this time goes better than last time. I think this time he is ready...last year he wasn't. He also has 2 field trips at school so he is always excited about that.

Surgery & A Birthday Letter To An Amazing Friend

Tomorrow is a big day. Both scary and happy. I will talk about the scary part first....tomorrow my niece, Madelyn, will be having surgery. It's nothing major but surgery none the least. We will be going to Texas Children's early in the morning and they will be putting tubes in her ears. She has had over 5 double ear infections since she was born (now she is 1) and the Dr says that is too many. My sister had the same surgery when she was younger. The surgery is common and easy but the thought of them putting my sweet baby niece under anesthesia freaks me out. My mom is in Vegas right now so I know that her not being there makes it much more harder on my sister. Madelyn is a fighter and a tough little girl and I know deep down she will be ok...my auntie senses on the other hand wishes it was me instead of her...I hate to see her in pain. Please pray for the Dr hands as they perform this surgery on Madelyn and pray everything turns out well.

On a brighter note...tomorrow is Anakin's 1st birthday! Happy birthday turtle!!
Katrina,
You have been my best friend since we were in the 6th grade...so that's like 12 years...wow 12 years! Watching you grow from a little girl to a mother has truly been a blessing to me. You are an amazing person, friend, and mom. I thank God everyday you are in my life. The day you told me you were moving to NY was one of the hardest days of my life. It was hard because I felt like I was going to loose you. I thought you would be hundreds of miles away and forget about me. I was going to miss hanging out, going out to eat and all of our girl talks. I felt like I was loosing part of my heart that day. It took a lot of time to adjust to not having you there. When I saw pictures of Dani and you together I knew you were where you were supposed to be. I knew you were happy and that was all that mattered. Before you even called to tell me you were pregnant...I already knew. I think we have known each other for so long we just know whats going on with each other. I was so happy for you...I knew you would be an amazing mother...most in part because you too had an amazing mother. I know you had a long pregnancy but when he finally did come I can just imagine the amount of love your heart filled up with. Meeting Anakin for the 1st time was amazing. He was a mini version of you for me to love. He has a smile that could light up a room. May God bless Anakin on his special day as well as always. He is a miracle! Celebrate his birthday because he will never have a 1st birthday again! Things change but our friendship never will. I am so proud of all you have done and so proud of the mother you have become. I'm still waiting to have farms next to each other with cows and motor scooters so we can race each other and I wont have to keep asking you for your address! Haha! I love you and the birthday boy, Anakin!!!

Love,
Jess

P.S. Can I buy you some cereal? Ahh never gets old!!!

& I can't wait until Anakin gets my present...your gonna die!!! Haha!

Chicken Fried

Bless his heart...he only knows the chorus. He loves this song! He asks every time we are in the car to listen to it. Gotta love his effort & air guitar!

Happy 4th Of July

Some pictures I took of Jacob Ryan & Madelyn Grace. Love them!
Happy 4th of July!

Boycotting George Strait?

Ok little back story here...I have the WORST luck when it comes to buying concert tickets. I am a huge George Strait fan...so when he comes to the Rodeo I make sure that I go to that concert. So the last time he came to the Rodeo was in 2007. I waited in line for 2 hours prior to the time they went on sale & was the 3rd person in line trying to get tickets. I did this so I could try and get good seats...did that happen...no! I waited in line for over 2 hours and got crummy seats...I don't get it! Any seat is a good seat as long as I am there for George I guess. So he didn't come in 2008 or 2009. Little disappointed but that's ok. I went a couple of times to the rodeo those 2 years but vowed I would never wait in line to get concert tickets again. So a few months ago they announce George Strait is coming with Sugar Land, Blake Shelton, and Julianne Hough...are you kidding me! I have seen Sugar Land twice & they are awesome & I got to see Blake Shelton at a private party at my mom's job last year & was like 2 feet away...it was amazing. I have proof: Haha ok anyway. So I said to myself...I am not going to stand in line for tickets. Nope, no way! So during this time my mom keeps teasing me that I am not going to get tickets to the show. She finds ways of bringing it up but I am not going to give in. I told her I was boycotting George Strait.

So yesterday Ruben & I got tickets for the August 9th Astros game. Jacob is a Astros Buddie Club member & on that day Buddie club members can run the bases after the game so we made sure to get tickets for that day since that is the last day they will be doing that. So Jacob & I went over to my moms to take some 4th of July pictures of Jacob & Madelyn. We were all sitting at the table & I was telling them that we were going to the Astros game on Sunday, August 9. My mom pops up and says, "What day?" and I tell her again. She goes over to her purse and comes back to the table and puts something in front of my sister & I. It took a second to understand what it was since I wasn't expecting anything. It's tickets to the George Strait concert on Saturday, August 8. My eyes filled up with tears and I hugged my mom...I couldn't believe it. She had them since they went on sale & never told us. What a great surprise...I LOVE MY MOM!! I was totally not expecting that...it was amazing...so needless to say the boycotting of George Strait is over.

2 Movies In 1 Day & Fishing

I love Friday's. I really don't have to go into work but I do since I go by there when I am dropping off Jacob at school so I just go in & check on things and go over any last minute things. Friday's is normally my cleaning day since I am alone but I had already cleaned Wednesday when Ruben & I stayed home with Jacob since he was sick....so my Friday was clear with nothing to do. I went by the movies to buy tickets to see My Sister's Keeper for that night for my sister, mom & I. I wanted to get them early since it was a Friday & it was the first day the movie had come out. We couldn't wait to see it! So since I was there I thought I would treat myself to a movie...ALONE! I thought I might be embarrassed watching a movie by myself but it was so nice to have "me" time. I saw The Proposal...it was hilarious! It was the first showing of the movie & hardly anyone was there so I didn't feel so dumb watching a movie by myself. So I went home did a couple of things and picked up Jacob early from school. We went home and hung out until Ruben got home. We ordered pizza and I had Jacob in bed for Ruben and then I got myself ready and my mom & sister picked me up & we headed off to the movies (again). My Sister's Keeper...awesome movie...I loved it! I didn't cry but my mom & sister sure did & a few people around me. They dropped me off & it was time for bed...it was already past 12:00 a.m...way past my bed time...haha. On Saturday morning Ruben & Jacob went fishing at a pond down the street. They came back and we had lunch and had a nap. We played the rest of the afternoon & then they decided to go back fishing. Sunday rolled around and Jacob & I went to my mom's for breakfast and to go shopping. We had Madelyn since my sister was working. Boy is it exhausting with the both of them. We went to Kohl's, Target, out for lunch, and then Old Navy. We were all ready for a nap by the time we got back to my mom's. My sister was home by then and we watched Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was pretty cute. After that Jacob & I went home. We had dinner and then all 3 of us this time went fishing and played at the park. It was so much fun. The boys fished while I fed the ducks. When we went to the park Jacob & I were racing on the slides and swinging...I felt like a little girl again...I feel like I haven't swung on a swing in forever. We had a lot of fun. Then it was time to go home & get ready for bed. Our weekend wasn't to eventful but it sure was nice....and also nice I had a lot of "me" time.

Wow! That Came Out Of No Where

Tuesday was like no other. Ruben went to school & Jacob & I played until it was time to get ready for bed. He seemed just like normal...nothing was wrong with him. Took him a shower & had him asleep by his usual 8:30 p.m. Ruben got home around 9:30 and said that Jacob felt a little hot so we took the covers off him and thought that would help...wrong. He woke up screaming around 10:30 and he was burning up! We took his temperature and it was 102.4 so we throw him into a cold bath and then took him out and gave him some Tylenol after a little while we felt a little difference. The rest of the night & morning was spent putting cold towels on his head and neck to try to get the fever down. We all didn't sleep much so Ruben & I stayed home with him on Wednesday. Jacob was really bummed he didn't go to school...he missed a field trip. By about 10:00 a.m. Wednesday his fever was gone and you could see a big difference in his attitude. He ate Jell-o and crackers all day & he wasn't complaining...he loves jell-o. Who doesn't? We made him a Dr. appointment for 3:00 p.m. even though the fever went away. He took a nap around 12:00 p.m. and slept to about 2:00 p.m. and as I was getting him ready to go to the Dr. I noticed he was getting hot again. Thankfully we were on our way to the Dr! We got there and they took his temp again...103.5! What? They did the flu test and that came back negative...thank God! She really couldn't tell us what was wrong with him since he had no other symptoms whatsoever. She gave him some Motrin and like within 10 minutes there was a difference in his temp. We went home and continued the cold towels and jell-o and he thankfully knock on wood hasn't had a fever since. He certainly is milking the being taken care of...he keeps telling me he needs more jell-o so it can cool him down. He slept all night as did we and this morning still no fever returned. Ruben stayed home with him just in case and so he could continue our routine so the fever doesn't come back. Once again he is missing a field trip but I'm sure he is having a blast watching movies with Daddy at home. Poor baby the fever just came out of no where...I pray it doesn't come back!

The Sweetest Thing...

Oh my Jacob Ryan. He is a true boy...likes to get dirty, play rough, just the normal boy things. But when it comes to me...I am his princess. Last night I took him a shower and then myself one. I was sitting on the floor with him putting his lotion on and my hair was still up in the towel. He said, "Mommy why haven't you brushed your hair?" I replied, "I will as soon as I finish putting your lotion on." He then jumped up and said, "Please let me do it. I would love to do it." So he took the towel off my head and got my brush and gently started to brush my hair out. He was so sweet about it and kept asking if he was hurting me. Are you kidding me...it was the sweetest thing ever. So he finished brushing my hair and then said he loved my hair & I was beautiful. Ahhh I love him! I pray that he is gentle and sweet like he is to me to his future wife one day. I put him in bed and he said his prayers as he always does...the same one every night...

as he makes the sign of the cross

The Father,

The Son,

The Holy Spirit,

Amen.

Please God take care of Madelyn & Me.

He always prays for him & cousin Madelyn. So he tells me he loves me and my response back (our usual saying) "I love you to the moon" and he finishes it with, "& back!". I love to hear him say that.

Weekend Re-Cap & Crazy Things A 4 Year Old Says...

I will back track to Wednesday...Jacob's 2nd field trip at school. They went to the movies and I went this time (I missed Tuesday's field trip). I noticed I was the only parent that went but that's ok because I love being involved in Jacob's school & will continue too even if I am the only one. He wasn't embarrassed I was there, he was happy I was there. I know as he grows older that will probably change. I tell Ruben I am going to be PTA president when he starts school...just watch I will! So we are off to the movies & I am following the school's bus that Jacob is in & what do I do...I start crying...like a little baby. I just can't believe how big he is & how crazy it is that he is going on field trips and will then be starting school soon. I love that he is growing up but sometimes it's just a little too much to take in. He's a boy...not a baby. So we get to the movies & I pull myself together. We watch the movie and have some snacks...yummy! We head back to the school and the kids are ready for their lunch and nap time. I am so HAPPY Jacob goes to Primrose...they are truly amazing. I honestly couldn't believe how well they have everything put together and organized. All the kids had id bracelets and matching t-shirts, they did head count very often...it was just amazing. Now I know that I am ever not there Jacob as well as everyone else is being very well taken care of. When we got back to the school I checked Jacob out and we headed out to have some lunch of our own. We went home & he napped while I did some cleaning.

Friday was do-nuts for Dad at school and Ruben was so upset he couldn't make it. So I took Jacob to our usual Shipley's before school so he definitely didn't miss out on the do-nut end. I ran some errands and got of course last minute Father's Day gifts. My Dad, Ruben & brother in law are so hard to shop for!! Men! My mom asked if Jacob could spend the night with here so I got his overnight bag ready and picked up some pizza making supplies so Jacob could make pizza for everyone. He loves that. I picked him up from school and we headed to my moms. We made the pizzas and then I headed home. Ruben & I watched He's Just Not That Into You and then called it a night.

Saturday morning I woke up early and headed to my moms. Jacob's bowling league was supposed to start that morning but when we got there they told us it was cancelled...boo! He was kinda bummed. We went shopping with my mom, sister & Madelyn after that and then had some lunch. We dropped my mom & sister off and headed home for a much needed nap. The rest of the day we just hung around while Ruben worked on his paper.

On Sunday morning Jacob & I woke up early to make Ruben breakfast. We made him eggs, bacon & pancakes...we even made him a special pancake that spelled out dad. He loved it. After we ate Jacob gave him a tie that he made for him at school and Jacob & I both gave him an IPod...so he can have something to listen to when he rides his bike to work & stuff. We hung out the rest of the day until it was time to have dinner at my parents house. Ruben has a good day! Jacob & I love him so much...we are so grateful for all he does for us!! We love you Ruben!!!

Now to the crazy things our 4 year old has been saying...
- "Mommy why do you have big boobies?"
- Jacob why did you make a mess....as he is lying down holding his tummy he says..."Oh my stomach hurts I can't hear you"
- In the store pointing to random girls..."She's hot!"
- "When I grow up I am going to sing Rock n' Roll"
- He hit his mouth on the guitar (guitar hero) and started crying so I asked him to let me see it he says..."I can't see my tears are too big"
Oh there are so many more...you just never know with that boy! Love of my life!!

"I Can't Sleep...I'm Just So Excited!"

Jacob's normal bed time is 8:00 p.m. Last night he didn't go to bed until 9:30 p.m. His excuse..."I can't sleep...I'm just so excited"...what is he excited about? Today is his very 1st field trip at school! He was so excited to be able to ride their buses and go on a field trip. They are just going to the park today & having a picnic. Something small to start them off. Tomorrow they are going to the movies. I will be going on the field trip tomorrow so he is happy about that.

Jacob working in his work book last night.

So excited about his first field trip

"Oh My Gosh...I Just Won $100!!"

On Friday I picked up Jacob early from school...he had a dr. appointment at 1:00 p.m. for his 4 year old check up. We got there and they checked his hearing and vision and all the other normal stuff. Then it was time for the hard part. He had to get 4 shots!! But on the bright side he wont need any more shots until he is 11 years old. The nurse and I both held him down as he recieved the shots. Boy is that boy strong. We both had a hard time holding him down. He didn't scream just yelled a little but he was quickly over it when they gave him stickers. He also didn't want to unroll his shorts down cause he didn't want them to mess up his new band-aids. We headed off to Walgreen's so I could get his prescription filled (he has a small rash on his face so his dr. gave us a prescription for some cream...he has such sensitive skin) and I let him pick out a candy since he did so well at the dr. appointment. We went home and he was down for a nap while I picked up and finished some laundry. Ruben came home and we hung out a while until my sister picked up Jacob & I. We went to the splash pad (again) and then my parents met us there and we all had a picnic under one of the pavillions. It was so hot but it was a lot of fun...I love my family!

Saturday came around and we didn't do much of anything. Ruben had a paper to write so Jacob & I hung around and I cleaned out Ruben & my closet. We had a graduation party to go to but Ruben needed to work on his paper & I didn't want to drive to Galena Park all by myself.

Sunday we had breakfast and then Jacob & I played with some play-doh while Ruben worked on his paper some more. We got ready and headed to the Bazaar around 1:00 p.m. Boy was it hot!! We met my mom, sister & Madelyn there. Jacob & Ruben played some games and we ate. We then went to the bingo hall so my mom & sister could play a few rounds of bingo. They also had a game called "tips" there. It's just like a scratch off but you peel off the rows to see if you win. I went and bought $4.00 worth...i think they were like 2 cards for a $1.00 so I went back to our table and Ruben & I split them. I was on my last card and on about the 3rd row (there were 5 rows to peel) and I said, "Man I never win anything" and then I peel the 4th row & what do I have....3 7's. OMG!!! I just won $100.00!! I was so happy...I seriously never win anything!! The people around me were so excited too...it was hilarious! I took it back to the Tips table & showed them so they start yelling & everyone is looking. It was crazy! So I went with this lady to the church office & claimed my prize...$100.00 cash! Lord knows I needed that! I was so happy!! When I went back Ruben bought $10.00 more worth of tickets and he won $2.00...so he was a sore loser that I won more than him. Jacob played a few more games and then we headed home. I took him a bath around 6:00 p.m. and he was passed out around 7:00 p.m. We had a great time at the bazaar...we played games, I got a funnel cake & won $100.00!! Thank you God!

"Wakey, Wakey My Little Jakey"

Yesterday we were supposed to head to the splash pad but my sister called and asked if we wanted to have dinner with her & my parents. My dad loves Baytown Seafood so that's where they wanted to go. I HATE seafood! I will not eat it for anything. I knew they had other things to eat so we met my family over there. We ate & my sister ordered crawfish. Jacob just couldn't stop looking at them. It was funny. I don't think he understood my my sister was eating them. I ordered a pound for Ruben to go so he could eat when he got home from school. I didn't tell him cause I wanted to suprise him...he loves crawfish but we never go eat it cause he knows I don't like seafood so I knew he was going to be suprised cause he was craving it for so long. We finished dinner and headed home. In the drive way Jacob triped and scraped his knee. He gets up and starts crying..."Is it bleeding?" I looked at him and noticed he only had a small scracth and no blood. I tell him no & he starts limping in and saying he needs a band-aid. I took him a shower and got the scrath cleaned up and put a band-aid on him...2 actually...he said he needed 2. So I put them on and he's limping again. I asked him why he was limping and he said he couldn't walk with the band-aid on cause he didn't want them to fall off. That boy! When I put Jacob to sleep he said, "Mommy, can I ask you a question?"...sure Jake..."When you wake me up in the morning will you say...Wakey Wakey my little Jakey." I started laughing and said yes (I always say that to him to wake him up) He told me I forgot to say it yesterday morning. Around 9:30 Ruben came home from school. I told him to close his eyes and I showed him the crawfish. He was so happy! He loved them. By the time he was done we were ready for bed.

This morning I woke Jacob up and said "Wakey wakey my little Jakey!" He was happy! He has splash pad at school today but he will only get to play this morning & will miss the afternoon time. I am picking him up early...he has his 4 year old check up today. He will probably not be happy about that.

We have a graduation party to go to on Saturday and St. Helen Bazaar on Sunday. Should be a fun, relaxing & HOT weekend!

Saved By The Bell Reunion

Are you kidding me?? File this under GEEKY! Saved By The Bell is probably hands down STILL one of my favorite shows...EVER! I swear to you I watch it every morning on TBS while I get ready for work. From 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m...no wonder it takes me so long to get ready...I'm watching Saved By The Bell. I know every episode & pretty much every word. It's hilarious!! So Jimmy Fallon is trying to get a reunion of SBTB on his show together & I think the only cast members he still needs is "Lisa" and "Screech". I hope they do it...it would be awesome....I would stay up & defiantly watch that. I love the video above...I was dying laughing at all the little punch jokes he was throwing in & it was hilarious when he came out dressed like that & pulled out his old cell phone! Oh memories of growing up! Just thought I would share the video 'cause I thought it was funny. I love Saved By The Bell!!

Broken Car, 2 Water Parties & Appendicitis

What a weekend!! Friday I ran some errands, cleaned up, did laundry & then was on my way to pick up Jacob from school. Well on my way my car just died in the middle of the road. Went from 50 mph to flat zero! I was so scared. I put it in park and turned if off and said like a million prayers in like 2 seconds praying it would start again before a car came behind me. Thank you Lord...it started. I called Ruben & of course he didn't answer. He was on his way home from work & rode his bike to work & therefore did not hear or should I say feel my phone call...he obviously wouldn't have been able to answer anyway. So I am driving down 518 praying it wouldn't happen again & Ruben calls back & I explain what happened so he says he will check it when we get home. I pick up Jacob & he was so happy...they had splash day at school & he was still excited. I asked him what he wanted to do that night & he said to go to the splash pad with Madelyn. So I call my sister & ask if they want to go...she of course will have to pick me up...I was to scared to drive my car anymore until Ruben looked at it. We get home & Ruben is dead tired. The sun really drains him out all day plus he had to work overtime on Saturday morning. So he says when he gets home from Saturday work he will look at the car. My sister picks us up and we head to the splash pad. My mom & dad met us there. We went to my mom's after and ordered pizza. Saturday Ruben drove his bike again to work so I could take his car and get Jacob a hair cut and take him to a friend's party that afternoon. The party was at the YMCA & the kids could play on the splash pad or play in the pool. Jacob had a blast...me on the other hand could feel my skin melting in the sun. I am probably 3 shades darker! (I thankfully don't get sunburned...I just tan) So after the party Jacob fell asleep on the way home and we all took a nap together when we got home. We woke up and went to my mom's for dinner. At dinner my sister kept saying her stomach hurt. She just thought it would pass and left it at that. Jacob spent the night with my mom and dad & Ruben and I went home and watched some movies and hung out. It was nice to have some time to ourselves especially since Ruben starts summer school today...Monday, Tuesday & Thursday nights he will be gone. So we wake up on Sunday & Ruben gets ready to get some things he needs to fix my car. I call my mom & tell her I am on my way to pick up Jacob & I hear Madelyn in the background...I was like why is she there & my mom said my sister & bro in law dropped her off early in the morning cause they needed to take my sister to the ER. WHAT?? So I go to my mom's and my brother in law calls and says my sister has appendicitis....I had my appendix taken out in 8th grade & I can still remember how bad it hurt!!! So they were waiting for the Dr. to come back & thankfully he was able to do the surgery that morning. So my mom got ready to head to the hospital and I take Jacob & Madelyn home. My sister made it through the surgery just fine & now she will be in the hospital hopefully no more than 3 days. Ruben finished working on my car and we all got ready to go to another birthday party. They had a water slide that at first Jacob didn't want to get on but once he got comfortable he kept going down it. After we left the party we went to Ruben's grandmother's house for dinner to celebrate his cousin's high school graduation. By the time we left we were all ready to go home & crash. It was a long & crazy weekend!!

Today was Madelyn's 1st day at Primrose. My sister is sad she missed it but what can you do...you can't help that things happen. So Jacob & I met my mom & dad up there since they were bringing Madelyn. We got everything ready for her to start and when we left she was playing in her class. We then went & dropped Jacob off at his class. I hope this week goes smoother and less eventful than the weekend.

"Oh My Gosh...I'm Going To Turn Into A Fish"

Today at Jacob's school is Splash Pad Friday. The 4's, 5's & older kids out of school get to go outside to play on the splash pad they have at the school. They of course at different times get to play on the pad 2 times...once in the morning & once in the afternoon. Jacob was so excited...he told everyone he was going to play on the splash pad. So yesterday we went to Kohl's to see if we could find a new beach towel. He has an Astros one but he needed another one 'cause we also have 2 water parties to go to this weekend. So then on the way home Jacob & I are talking and he said "Why did I need another beach towel?" I told him when he goes to school he and his class are gonna get to play on the splash pad so he needed a towel to dry off and then on Saturday he was going to a swimming/splash pad party and he was also going to a party on Sunday with a water slide so he needed another towel since he only had one. His response..."Oh my gosh...I'm going to turn into a fish!" I said why...his response..."Only fish stay in the water all the time!" That silly boy!! So this morning he was super excited cause he knew we were stopping at Shipley's and he got to wear his swim shorts to school. I can't wait to pick him up to see how his day was!!

Happy 26th Birthday Ruben!

Happy 26th Birthday Ruben!!

Jacob Ryan & I love you to the moon & back!!

May God bless you with many, many, many more birthdays!!

Ummm kinda...

Is it me or does the weekend seem to fly right by? Friday we picked up Pei Wei & rented some movies and hung out. Just usual...I love it though! Saturday we had a birthday party to go to at the Little Gym in Friendswood. Jacob had a blast! He was one of the only boys at the party (it was a girl's party) so it was really cute to see all the girls chase the boys...poor boys were out numbered 10 to 3. After the party we went to my mom's and I left Jacob there while my sister, Madelyn & I went to the town center. I needed to find Jacob some water shoes at Children's Place (at school they get to play on the slash pad they have there on Friday's but they have to have some sort of water shoe). So I found some and my sister found Madelyn some "school clothes"...Madelyn will be going to Primrose with Jacob starting this coming Monday. Then we went to Gymboree cause I needed to get Jacob a different size swim shorts I had previously bought him...thankfully they had the size I needed. So my sister & I decided we should take the kids to the splash pad at McLean since it was such a nice day. We got to my mom's & got Jacob & Madelyn into their swim suits and headed off. They had a great time. Madelyn was so excited...she was just running everywhere. It was so funny. My sister had to keep going after her cause she would get to far away from us. They both had a great time! Ruben met us up there and bought us all snow cones before we left. We went back to my mom's and she made us all dinner...my mommy is the BEST!! After we ate we went home and got Jacob ready for bed and then Ruben & I watched movies. I fell asleep (of course) and he woke me up when the movie was over. I can't help it...I always fall asleep during movies. Sunday came around and we got ready and headed to the movies so we could take Jacob to watch Up. It was cute. Jacob & I like it...Ruben didn't think it was funny. We took a nap when we got home and when we all woke up Ruben & Jacob went outside and painted the sidewalk with some sidewalk paint we had bought him. We had dinner and got ready for bed. We didn't do much but we got to spend the weekend together but it just never feels like enough time.

Wednesday is Ruben's 26th birthday! He doesn't like to talk about his birthday cause he says he's getting old. We will probably just go out to dinner.

This weekend we have 2 birthday parties...what's new? All these parties wear me out!! We have one on Saturday & one on Sunday...both are water type parties so I know Jacob will have a blast.

Jacob's new phrase lately is...Umm kinda. Any question you ask him: "Jacob are you hungry?"...umm kinda. "Jacob did you have fun?"...umm kinda. "Jacob do you like your new teacher at school?"...umm kinda. Ugh that boy. He's just being silly but now he caught on that I am not a big fan of that phrase & says it on purpose now but then quickly reply's his real answer...he always keeps me on my toes.