tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-145268342012-02-16T04:29:14.044-05:00Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.comBlogger3891100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-50609360098716702922011-12-08T16:30:00.000-05:002011-12-08T16:30:02.219-05:00

I received a few IMs from my buddy MarkD down in the Caymans. He is one of the very, very few who apparently still keep up with this dwindling blog. Thanks, Mark!That prompted me to look back at a few of my old posts, and I realized how much this blog that I started over 6 years ago helps me to remember the past.I was reading my posts from when Katrina hit New Orleans, and if I hadn't put my

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-83265788682049338322011-10-11T21:01:00.002-04:002011-10-11T21:07:48.215-04:00

Look, MarkD, I'm doing TWO in a row. Ain't no stopping me now.I think I may need a hobby. For the past 15 or so years, my life has been almost 100% about my kids; bringing them where they need to be, trying to get some 'quality' time in whenever I'm not at work. Independence is almost here for my oldest; she gets her license in 6 weeks and has a car waiting for her. She even has a summer job

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-15548103562571261872011-10-10T21:34:00.002-04:002011-10-10T21:39:50.623-04:00

I'm not gonna lie. I totally forgot about this blog, until MarkD reminded me last week. I so much want to revive it because I enjoy having a diary of sorts. I have more incentive now because I'm pretty sure no one reads it anymore (except MarkD!).Problem is, I find that I can't find things to write about. The words don't flow, and if I come up with something, I find it to be boring and too '

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-86607557127522704632010-12-09T23:25:00.002-05:002010-12-09T23:30:44.622-05:00

We just signed John M. up for basketball this winter. It's the first year they've offered it since he's been playing age. I'm so excited to watch him. He's only played with his cousins, Andrew and Big John, in the past, but they are great players. And good teachers for him. My dad was a great basketball player, and coach for many years. Mark's dad played too. Mark's not so bad himself, so I'm

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-21521575822086829242010-11-21T19:34:00.002-05:002010-11-21T19:40:40.319-05:00

Tomorrow, my first baby will be 15 years old. It sure was a lot easier when she was only 5, but she makes me proud every day.I love you, AnnaBean!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-34933491147452843542010-11-12T21:42:00.003-05:002010-11-12T21:51:09.527-05:00

This has been one of the longest weeks I can remember in a while; I think all of the worrying about my job situation made it drag and drag. Still counting my blessings though:1.) Just watching the happiness of my kids, when they don't know I'm watching. I picked Emma and 3 of her friends up from Youth Group just a few minutes ago. I had the Sugarland CD playing with one of my new favorites, '

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-1658365498000798282010-11-08T23:12:00.002-05:002010-11-08T23:18:08.242-05:00

Most days, I feel the need to slow my brain down a bit. My mind races sometimes, mostly with worries and things I need to get done. Does that accomplish anything or make anything go more smoothly? Definitely not. It's just the way I'm built.These last few days have been worries about my job and whether or not I'll have one next week. And bills, tuition, braces, everything...So, I'm trying to slow

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-35557671827732472822010-11-05T23:40:00.002-04:002010-11-05T23:47:02.932-04:00

It hasn't been the best week. We just got word of lay-offs in the agency that I work for. I've been with the State of La. for almost 20 years and nothing like this has happened before. Everyone is afraid that they may be on the chopping block and it's tense. We won't know for a few weeks exactly who will have to go. I'm trying to be optimistic, yet realistic at the same time. Anyhow, Beki

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-81149997364532870622010-11-02T13:05:00.004-04:002010-11-02T13:13:59.075-04:00

By the way, I'm officially 41 years old, as of last Thursday. I'd like to think I'm the same age as Anna, if you're dyslexic just on my part. The thing is, I don't feel any older than I did when I was . . . say, 18. I remember my grandmother, Maw-Maw Jean, talking about that very same thing. I'm not sure how old she was at the time, but I was a teenager so she must have been in her 60s. She loved

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-78077069527242352812010-11-02T11:49:00.003-04:002010-11-02T11:57:29.446-04:00

I haven't blogged in over a year; last year was a crazy one. And this one has just been busy. I don't find that I miss blogging that much, but I do like the idea of having a diary of sorts to look back on. I read my friend Beki's blog and always think what a great way to look back and remember what was going on during a certain period of time.I'm going to try and keep up this blog just for myself

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-5291872442163450432009-08-10T22:42:00.004-04:002009-08-10T22:48:08.589-04:00

by John M.1.) They made us go to the bathroom, like 1 million times.2.) We had 'mooncakes' for snack. I didn't eat 'em.3.) I didn't pee all day. I didn't have to pee. (About 5 minutes later, guess what he asked me? You got it.)4.) Me: Did you play on the playground? Him: Not much times. Me: Oh, how many? Him: Just like 3. (I'm not sure how many times would have been 'much', maybe 10 or

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-74754494040460755712009-07-31T23:08:00.004-04:002009-07-31T23:24:40.016-04:00

Throughout Mark's entire sickness, one of my biggest concerns was that my children would be overwhelmed with unhappiness and worry. That they would always remember the Summer of 2009 (and possibly the whole year(s)) as a bad one; one that they would like to forget. I wanted so badly to protect them for the hurt.So, I worked hard to keep them busy. Not so much with summer camps, as we've usually

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-38213591918263619952009-07-28T22:01:00.003-04:002009-07-28T22:11:26.672-04:00

This spring and summer, John M. has turned into a little fisherman. Well, for about 10 or 15 minutes per fishing trip. He'll talk about an upcoming fishing trip every day for a week, and he'll be bursting with excitement when it's time to go. The pole is in the water for about 5 minutes, and he's 'bored' and wants someone else to man his Spiderman rod. Mark said every fish he (as in almost 40-

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-2169318664169953262009-07-27T19:29:00.005-04:002009-07-27T22:45:52.219-04:00

I'm heading (hopefully) back into the boring life that I always took for granted. After the past 7 months, boring is what I want. Kids at school. Mark and I at work. Trying to balance it all. I never thought that was just what I wanted, or needed, but I've missed it. Part of going back into 'real life' is trying to start up blogging again. It's something that I enjoyed when I started, and I want

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-55766719046229344702009-03-12T20:14:00.002-04:002009-03-12T20:20:20.606-04:00

I started this blog to remember; a diary of sorts (I know I've said it before...).My lack of updating means I already forgot to remember many things. Honestly now, there's not much I want to remember. I dread coming home in the evenings to sickness, depression and the unknown of what the day has to bring.I never thought I'd see the day when I'd prefer to be at to work, rather than home.But, (yes,

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-30076771319300667922009-03-03T14:18:00.003-05:002009-03-03T14:24:01.750-05:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-75480061866087200752009-02-05T22:11:00.002-05:002009-02-05T22:14:43.849-05:00

1.) Okay, the first is a big thing! Mark's PET Scan came back clear, which means the cancer has not spread to any vital organs!2.) John's cute haircut today, that makes him look like a miniature man.3.) So many special emails from friends that make me know that I am loved. I have truly come to believe that I could not make it without my friends. It was a GREAT day today, for many reasons. Thanks

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-63194296782512754292009-02-04T19:33:00.000-05:002009-02-04T19:33:00.991-05:00

I'm taking the lead from Jess and Chantal and joining in with this little project called 'Grace In Small Things'.Please leave a comment and let me know if you found grace in something small today.1.) A lunch spent laughing with friends.2.) Mark sharing a little bit of good news with me on the phone.3.) An email from my sister, reminding me that we're not polar opposites.4.) A message from my

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-26468762269056235332009-02-04T17:23:00.000-05:002009-02-04T17:23:00.848-05:00

I'm not the type of the person who just drifts through life, not wondering all the horrible 'What If's?'. -What if someone I love gets into a horrible car accident?-What if one of my kids gets sick?-What if I find out I have some dreaded disease?etc., etc.Sometimes, I think about these things far too often than the 'average' person should.I was shocked none the less to find out last week that

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-12889040239161981192009-01-02T00:04:00.005-05:002009-01-02T00:15:50.774-05:00

Well, actually I don't think I partied in 1999 either. Probably fell asleep WAY before midnight, with a just-turned-2 and 4-year old.Said children are busy on their I-pods and cell phones as we speak. Weird.I don't make resolutions, but I have been thinking about changes that should be made. I'll call them thoughtolutions, so as not to have them set in stone. And that will ease my guilt when none

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-1856290957281265172008-12-04T14:13:00.004-05:002008-12-04T14:22:15.661-05:00

My bad. I don't know if it's just that I've been busy. Or just lazy. Or some of both. In the meantime, my oldest child is now certifiably a teenager, having turned 13 on November 22nd. She and her friend rang in their teen-ness with a dance. It sure wasn't like I remembered from junior high. We used to stand together in little girl and boy-only packs and start to dance an hour or two into the

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-30943365410054963812008-11-11T22:47:00.005-05:002008-11-11T22:54:48.638-05:00

Yes, I still do have this blog. I'm just very neglectful lately. Work has been one busy place, and home life isn't so slow either. Can you believe my oldest will be 13 in 10 short days? Shit, how did that happen?Thought I'd be thankful for today. I had a holiday for Veteran's Day today and had a nice day off. Today, I'm thankful for . . . 1.) A beautiful Veteran's Day mass today at Emma's school.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-84257411882614620122008-10-21T00:12:00.002-04:002008-10-21T00:19:15.086-04:00

1.) A little bit of Putt-Putt never hurt nothin'. 2.) I need to go to sleep or I'll never get up at the butt-crack of dawn for work.3.) I really should go and blow-dry my hair or my new short 'do is gonna look really Maw-Maw in the morning.4.) Dee-Dee, can you stop the howling? I mean, really.5.) What am I going to get everyone for Christmas?6.) Should I go in the pantry and scout something out

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-78118379442573271872008-10-08T16:20:00.001-04:002008-10-08T16:22:03.411-04:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-25784000363590203832008-09-26T10:05:00.004-04:002008-09-26T10:19:39.693-04:00

1.) Carousels (and 'little' girls who are not too big for them yet).2.) Friday night high-school football games with my family.3.) Playing the Wii with my boy.4.) Small town life. 5.) Bananas for breakfast.6.) Cheaper electricity bills!That last way may just be due to the fact that we were without power for a quarter of the month, but I'm going to take what I can get.We're having great cooler

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-28301112969590372782008-09-24T00:05:00.000-04:002008-09-24T01:05:32.567-04:00

My baby is four years old today. In celebration, here's a list of four reasons why I love John M. being 4:1.) John, you love to prove to me that you're a big kid and can do things. Example: "Mom, I'm big so I can sweep that up for you!". Go for it, boy!2.) You're starting to learn all of your letters and love to spell things for me, although you always do it from right to left. When you see a

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-74256333098733307942008-09-18T00:32:00.005-04:002008-09-18T00:51:46.587-04:00

This blogging thing lately has not been what I set out for it to be. It's supposed to be a diary of sorts, something for my children to read one day and remember what we were doing at any given point and time. I haven't been doing that. Everything gets in the way. As I sat here and finally downloaded the pictures from the past month or so from my camera, I realized all that I've been missing out

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-79753400208472349562008-09-11T06:17:00.000-04:002008-09-11T10:34:52.626-04:00

Hurricane Gustav has come and gone and hopefully Ike will stay away. I think the last hurricane that affected me personally this much was Andrew back when I was fresh out of college and living in Baton Rouge. Katrina and Rita were huge for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, but not horrible for me.Gustav made sure we would never forget him. It sounded like the wind was going to blow the house down,

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-54743555949124285252008-08-31T20:34:00.003-04:002008-08-31T20:43:40.398-04:00

Gustav is on his way. Thank goodness for Mark otherwise I'd be totally unprepared. I'm more the 'It's not gonna be that bad' type. We're pretty far inland so we usually get some wind and rain, but nothing really bad. That's the way to jinx us, huh? Knocking on my head right now.I'm also Mrs. Last Minute and went to the store in my hometown today at 1:00, only to find that had closed up shop at 12

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-91689745499281186472008-08-21T09:47:00.006-04:002008-08-22T09:54:08.355-04:00

Do you like getting free stuff? Is the sky blue? Are you watching Olympic swimming competitions just to check out the guys’ hot bodies? Okay, so ‘yes’.I’m joining in a little game started by Kia at ‘Good Enough Mama’. She had a children’s book giveaway, and I won a free book. Go me. So, now it’s up to me to ‘pay it forward’ and give a book of my own (or of John M’s own). Poor child doesn’t even

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-65636806184240972662008-08-19T17:51:00.000-04:002008-08-19T17:51:00.382-04:00

I notice these days I offer lots of short prayers, recognizing small things I’m thankful for during the day.My mini-prayers usually go something like this ‘Thank you Lord for (fill in the blank here) being able to pickAnna up from cheerleading’. Or ‘Thank you God for letting me find that (fill in the blank here) I was lookingfor.’I feel silly for doing it sometimes, but I figure a small prayer to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-74982648702646620802008-08-11T11:21:00.001-04:002008-08-11T11:23:05.717-04:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-50602996895412962372008-08-04T17:09:00.000-04:002008-08-04T17:09:01.554-04:00

Any month, Any day, 2003Dear Renee,I know the girls make you crazy sometimes, fighting, arguing, not leaving your side for more than a couple of minutes at a time, whining, saying 'Mamaaaa' until you want to scream. I know that sometimes it just seems like one more chore to go next door and visit with your grandparents and find out what's going on with their lives. It's just a little too easy to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-18405613307527770432008-07-10T10:09:00.004-04:002008-07-12T23:50:24.996-04:00

You know that big, blue octopus? Oswald.We were watching that last night; Oswald had a wish coming to him so he was consulting all of his animal friends on what his wish should be and what theywould wish for.John M. looks at me with this 'duh' expression on his face and says 'Well, I'dwish for a big, big, big slip and slide that went all the way to the sky'. Heseemed to be thinking 'Why does

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-28812314948699252282008-07-09T10:43:00.003-04:002008-07-09T10:52:13.269-04:00

We made it back from San Antonio a few days ago. So, my first vacation without Mark, and with all 3 kids went better than expected. Except for long, hyper John-nights in the hotel room. He left with a skinned up knee, busted lip, and a foot bo-bo also. Boys, huh?The girls loved the virgin daiquiris by the pool and all of the kids loved the S'mores on the fire pits at the hotel.I'm ready to go

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-22868663186593397632008-06-25T10:21:00.004-04:002008-06-25T10:39:53.073-04:00

We're leaving for vacation Saturday. This is the first vacation where I've taken all of the kids without Mark. He has no earned vacation time at his new job, so it's just me and the kids. We're not going far, but I'm still a little nervous about it. Mostly, the drive and locating things. Directions are not my thing. In fact, I have absolutely NO sense of direction. Thank God for our trusty little

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-15341066147241067542008-06-10T11:44:00.004-04:002008-06-10T12:04:24.128-04:00

I am: burnt out with work lately. I need a vacation (or possibly early retirement!)I think: I need a margarita to help me feel better. I thank: God that my family is healthy and happy.I know: that my kids are growing up way too fast.I wish: I could lose those 6 lbs. I just discovered I gained.I hate: obnoxious people. I miss: my friend, Jolie.I feel: hungry! I shop:

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-39976645490792091772008-06-03T11:48:00.002-04:002008-06-03T11:54:13.714-04:00

As you probably know, SUMMER is my favorite time of year. Yes, it's steaming hot down here, but for a woman with the body temperature of a king snake, this is a good thing.I thought I'd make a little list of things I hope the summer has in store:- lots of days at the pool- popsicle after popsicle- some rainy days for splashing in puddles- a day or two at our local water park- oh, feasting on some

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-54591729602427529322008-05-27T14:24:00.003-04:002008-05-27T14:28:13.468-04:00

We spent Memorial Day at the beach. The weather was nice, the breeze was great and the kids had lots of fun. Hope y'all had a great Memorial Day!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-39496010467082442342008-05-24T14:00:00.000-04:002008-05-24T15:00:04.384-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we had lots of rain. Which, in my yard, equates to a lot of mud puddles.This is what happened next.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-12554779580105579042008-05-22T06:43:00.001-04:002008-05-22T14:56:37.960-04:00

Only 6 more left.No longer an elementary girl.Sniff, sniff.Yes, I did cry a couple of times on graduation day.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-9883334751541404482008-05-11T01:06:00.005-04:002008-05-11T01:26:15.009-04:00

and I'm reading blogs. Can't sleep. I was looking back at my posts from last summer when I noticed I had done a 'John M likes' post. I haven't done another one of those in a coon's age (Lord, I'm no Dooce, huh?), so I thought I'd give it a go.Some of my boy's favorite things at the age of 44 months:1.)As of last weekend, swimming in the pool. At the mention of it, he starts jumping around, saying

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-29391197711726175162008-05-07T23:55:00.000-04:002008-05-08T00:53:35.618-04:00

I don't have a 'tell-all' blog.It's supposed to be a diary of my life. Something for me to look back atwhen the kids are grown.But it's definitely an edited version.I guess because I worry about the people that I know. I mean really KNOW that read it.I want to keep certain things to myself, because if I share too much, they'll know that my life is far from perfect.I want to put it all out there

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-10041637160478907432008-05-02T16:58:00.000-04:002008-05-02T17:10:18.282-04:00

So grateful . . . - that it's finally Friday!- for those green eyes above- for warm summerish days- to be going on a mini-vacation in two weeks- for packages of goodies coming in next week (that I ordered this week!)- for my Agapanthus about to bloom any day now- that there's only 2 1/2 weeks of school, homework, etc. left for the year!- for getting to watch Emma at archery class yesterday. Yet

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-84681985349133655522008-04-24T18:05:00.002-04:002008-04-24T15:35:44.848-04:00

How did I end up with a child going into 'high school'?Actually middle school, but it's considered part of high school, and definitely not elementary.Anna graduates next month. There's a ceremony and a party afterwards.And a dress and shoes and gifts. And I'm not ready. I mean, I guess I'm 'ready'as in, we have the dress and I'm working on the gifts. I'm not ready mentallyis the thing. She's gone

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-56142714949179666792008-04-17T18:16:00.001-04:002008-04-17T15:27:41.599-04:00

John M likes to 'I wish' lately. It's his passive aggressive toddler way of stating what he really wants, but won't go the full nine in asking for.He also has a fascination with cops lately, or as he calls them 'po-lice offiters'.At first, he saw them as 'bad guys' and he was afraid of them (probably because I mostly refer to them in fear, like 'Oh s&!#, a cop, let me slow down before they catch

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-16205096084406854312008-04-06T22:51:00.002-04:002008-04-06T22:55:25.227-04:00

Okay, so I missed 'Grateful Friday' and 'Thankful Thursday', alright?Today was a good day; nothing particularly spectacular happened, but it just felt nice and balanced. That's what I strive for each day, 'balance' and I do appreciate it when I feel like I've achieved it.We spent the weekend in Gonzales at an Arabian horse show that Mark entered one of his horses in. We stayed in my

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-52738990057910875402008-04-01T18:39:00.000-04:002008-04-01T17:04:38.932-04:00

I didn't realize it had almost been a month since I've posted. It's been busy. Anna just wrapped up her softball season, and Emma is just starting hers. Anna's well into the volleyball season, and just made the cheerleading squad for next year. That's all we need, one more thing to do. We had a fishing rodeo last week and John M. loved it. That's where the pic comes from. I've found that Emma and

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-43352896398104008982008-03-10T18:36:00.000-04:002008-03-10T14:39:35.172-04:00

The ‘bad mom’ blues have me down some lately. Not on a ‘Mommy Dearest’ level, but just feeling neglectful. I have this continuous feeling that I can’t give everyone what they need. I can give them little bits and pieces of time, and maybe a bigger chunk every now and then, but not enough. I guess there’s never enough time. That’s what it boils down to. Between hauling kids from activity to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-24441591628764739322008-02-27T06:40:00.000-05:002008-02-27T11:54:04.641-05:00

So, it's almost March, eh? I hope, with March, comes warm weather. Lasting warm weather, not just the little teases we've been getting.Anna's softball season is in full swing now and I don't like to watch ball games with hard nipples. I'd much rather sweat. In other news, my house is in disarray. We had to basically rebuild the front wall of our house because of moisture damage. Which led to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-53191550523372779422008-02-18T00:30:00.006-05:002008-02-18T00:48:12.085-05:00

Drumroll please . . .Cows . . . checkHorses . . . checkDonkey named Toto . . . checkGoats . . . not yet, but any minute now. Mark has goats on the brain.So, tell me, what's a good name for a cute wee goat like this?

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-52879368440684412342008-02-08T21:27:00.000-05:002008-02-08T21:32:36.320-05:00

You know what I've noticed lately?That I spend too much time feeling guilty about not enough time spent with each of my kids.But a little chunk of time with each goes a long way.Today, I spent the day home with John because he was sick. So he got a big piece of my time.I had Mark get Emma from the babysitter's after school b/c I couldn't leave with John. I felt a little guilty b/c I hadn't really

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-31243119806654980862008-01-25T08:43:00.000-05:002008-01-26T02:26:55.414-05:00

I read Martie's post this morning and decided it was time that I do another one of these myself.I'm thankful for:- my girls' happiness at school. They both basically have nice, good-natured friends who they can count on to help them out and be there when they need them. They've had very little bullying and 'mean-girl' syndrome.- John's daycare caregivers. I've mentioned Sam and Mike before; they

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-25112452690749320112008-01-17T06:29:00.000-05:002008-01-17T09:45:46.416-05:00

Okay, so my mom requested a new post because she's tired of looking at my ass. Since she is one of my total of 10 readers, I'm going to comply with her request.So, does this post have to have a point? I suppose not. What's on my mind lately? Unfortunately, what's been on my mind this week is sickness, death, and the uncertainty of what the future holds. Cheery, eh?The reason for this is news that

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-46295209027196703142008-01-07T17:59:00.000-05:002008-01-07T15:02:28.663-05:00

Well, actually it's my kids' ass, but here she is.This is what happens when the kids join Mark at a livestock auction and some yahoo decides to sell a donkey dirt cheap.John named her 'Toto'.She is pretty cute though, don't you think?

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-80572950503317132272008-01-03T17:54:00.000-05:002008-01-03T16:04:36.153-05:00

Happy 2008! (check me out on the left there; I wanted to post a picture of myself for this post and I have so few, so this is it, folks).I've tried to think of an idea for a 'New Year' post, but couldn't really come up with something specific, so I thought I'd just jot down a few things I'd like to work on in the next year (or possibly forever). - being more positive and complaining less. -

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-55540263082353023382007-12-27T23:49:00.000-05:002007-12-27T23:56:07.336-05:00

'A Mom and Her Boy on a Ferry Boat Ride Across the River to get a Christmas Tree That is WAY TOO BIG for their house'.Said tree.'Nuff said? I can't wait to get it out of the house.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-51406373250890894902007-12-27T23:44:00.001-05:002007-12-27T23:47:59.912-05:00

At her art party. Guess how old she is?!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-90927509229954496892007-12-27T23:37:00.001-05:002007-12-27T23:41:48.127-05:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-26606523224518866502007-12-23T22:44:00.000-05:002007-12-23T22:50:11.878-05:00

I've invented a new word, one that fits me lately:Slog - A blog slacker. I have good intentions to blog, but am too lazy or time-pressed to do it.I figured I'd give it one more shot before the new year.I've been doing lots of gift-wrapping, last minute shopping, and cleaning up.Mark has accepted a new job IN OUR HOME TOWN! Not in New Orleans, 90 miles away anymore. But 10 MINUTES AWAY! Can I say

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-48556390672437354272007-12-09T22:41:00.000-05:002007-12-09T22:59:21.194-05:00

My middle offspring is 10 years old today. I'll never forget the day I turned 10, my dad telling me 'You're out of the single digits forever, it'll be double digits from now on'. And I really stopped and thought about it for a minute and it made me feel excited. But kind of sad, at the same time, because even back then, I knew that my 'little kid' years were mostly behind me. I love the picture

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-18240453266636815002007-12-05T18:40:00.000-05:002007-12-05T14:49:40.023-05:00

1.) That I went to my 20-year class reunion (yes, it has been 20 years already, geesh!) back in October and had a really good time? Picture of me and my high school buddies (and Mark) above.2.) That Mark hit a cow Friday night and totally creamed his wee Corolla? We're pretty sure it's totalled, and the cow definitely was.3.) That Emma will be ten years old in 3 short days, so I'm planning

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-52768200275659489632007-11-29T07:31:00.000-05:002007-11-29T11:45:52.242-05:00

Beki at Artsy-Craftsy Babe tagged me for this meme, 8 random things about myself. Let's see if I can think of things I haven't blogged before b/c I have a tendency to repeat myself.1.) I had two favorite dolls as a child, the one above (her name was Corrine and I thought she was just lovely!) and another little plain rubber baby that I had when I was much younger named Rosie. I still have her,

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-36386790663215233062007-11-22T16:54:00.000-05:002007-11-22T17:04:09.609-05:00

In 1995 on this day, at 12:07 pm, I saw this face for the first time. It was love at first sight.I can't believe that face is 12 years old today. She loves shopping (see our plans below), IMing her friends, her cell phone, listening to music . . . I swear she's been a teenager for years now. But she's still my sweet girl who brightens my day with her pretty smile and makes me laugh with her

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-83675479577005869352007-11-19T23:48:00.001-05:002007-11-19T23:51:58.352-05:00

Scene: John M. comes in crying, holding his head. (After I heard a loud 'boom').Me: Awww, did you hurt yourself?Him: Yeah.Me: What did you hit?Him: The ground!Scene: Lying (or is it laying, someone help me here) next to John in bed.Me: Can I have a kiss.Him (nods his head 'no')Me: Please.Him: (he tilts his little head my way)Me: No, not that kind. On the lips.Him: I don't have any lips.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-4904939293207066012007-11-19T20:27:00.000-05:002007-11-19T20:35:08.124-05:00

Jamie at BlondeMom blog is giving away a free printer! Don't you just love FREE stuff? Go check it out for a chance to win.Thanks for all the nice comments regarding my post about my grandfather. They all meant a lot to me.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-84903016044610310642007-11-17T23:27:00.000-05:002007-11-17T23:33:26.264-05:00

My grandfather died yesterday. He was almost 88 years old. My sister and I always called him 'Pod', never 'Paw-Paw' or 'Grandpa'.When my sister was born, he was 47 and said he was too young to be a 'Grandpa'.He asked her to call him 'Podnuh' (Cajun for 'partner', friend, goodfella, you get my drift).She couldn't say it so she called him 'Pod'. It stuck.I admired him more than just about anyone I

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-52981037395097723802007-11-12T21:58:00.000-05:002007-11-12T21:59:28.723-05:00

Look to the right, in my 'About Me' section. See anything uh . . . a little off?I swear I did not change that. Intentionally, at least.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-77764057311976409532007-11-06T06:40:00.000-05:002007-11-06T11:41:57.689-05:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-79161882133349262552007-11-06T06:27:00.000-05:002007-11-06T11:37:09.624-05:00

As usual, I'm behind on posting about the day to day. I wanted to make sure and do a Halloween post because I love to look back on the pictures from year to year. Here we have Emma starring as Hannah Montana and John M. as Rocket from Little Einsteins: This is the first year that John M. actually 'got' the trick-or-treat thing and seemed to enjoy it. He stripped 'Rocket' off about 1/3 of the way

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-14026239460896906052007-10-26T14:41:00.000-04:002007-10-26T14:48:47.113-04:00

Our new Governor-elect Bobby Jindal is just 36 years old. On Sunday, I'll be 38. I'm older than the Governor. If that doesn't make me feel pre-historic, I'm not sure what does. That's just the way it goes right? You live long enough and you're older than everyone. Your doctor, your boss, your governor, everyone. This has been the quietest birthday I can remember ever. I haven't talked or thought

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-24621634227774766062007-10-18T23:39:00.000-04:002007-10-18T23:52:07.161-04:00

So, John M's been 3 years old for almost a month now, but I'm finally getting the birthday pics in.His party was at a local 'farm' here, complete with a pony, goats, an oversized rabbit, and a hayride. Most of the kids loved it, but John M. cried about 90% of the time. The only part he seemed to really like was the cake and the presents. I wonder who he gets that from? Hmmmm....

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-17826227949011400632007-10-11T18:10:00.000-04:002007-10-11T15:26:36.644-04:00

Remember this post way back when? Probably not, because no one read my blog way back when (but since then I've gained you 5 readers - woo-hoo!!)It was about noticing. About how most times we don't even notice that we're not noticing. Back then, I was making an attempt to be more observant, more appreciative of all of the beauty that surrounds me. I'm still working at it; it's something that I

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-63819123791808930352007-10-04T07:33:00.000-04:002007-10-04T11:44:51.782-04:00

I've been tagged by Jamie of BlondeMomBlog for a middle name meme. Okay, my middle name is Renee (which is the name I go by). No one has ever called me by my first name, except for my orthodontist and a few of my college professors. Here are some facts about me using the letters in 'Renee'; can you stand the excitement?R - Real. One thing I cannot stand is people who aren't 'real' and pretend to

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-51410650314787390762007-09-24T07:14:00.000-04:002007-09-24T16:37:14.144-04:00

My baby is three years old today. I know you're thinking 'he's not a baby anymore'. The thing is, to me, he still is. Maybe I want to hold on to his 'baby years' so badly that I just can't see him any other way. He's my last, you know, so give me a break.So, Happy Birthday to John M. My boy, my only boy. Thank you, John, for showing me what it's like to mother a boy. Thanks for showing me all the

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-57325553069444898742007-09-21T07:27:00.000-04:002007-09-21T10:31:51.921-04:00

Thought I'd jot down this phrase I catch myself saying over and over to my daughters.Usually preceded by them telling me they don't WANT to do something or don't feel like doing something.Me: "I do LOTS of things I don't want to do."Usually to be followed by 'So, that's life' or 'Get used to it'. I say this all the time. Do you have a phrase like that? If so, please share.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-78119017052492239382007-09-19T07:14:00.000-04:002007-09-19T10:22:08.312-04:00

I was commenting to Anna yesterday about one of the moms at soccer practice (she's a tiny, little petite lady); I said 'Oh yeah, she's a little tiny lady'. John M. chimes in, 'Yeah, mama, you a little not very little'. An insult, slightly in disguise.This one comes straight from his sisters' example.At the age of 2 now, 'Mama, you gettin' me so agwahvated!'.There was another one I wanted to share

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-49821695490850535692007-09-18T17:08:00.000-04:002007-09-18T17:13:15.456-04:00

I just noticed how long it's been since I've posted. La-zy, that's me.I'm still alive, I've just been blog-neglectful.John M. has had a weird stomach virus for the past 5 days that he just can't seem toquite get over. I had a touch of it over the weekend, and now Anna has it too, althoughnot nearly as bad as he had it. I cleaned up more vomit in the last week than I evercare to see in my

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-42442764609673466372007-09-06T07:13:00.000-04:002007-09-06T10:19:22.976-04:00

I come from a land of hunters. Hunting and fishing are huge down here. Last Saturday was the opening day of 'Dove Season', and my father-in-law, who is big on hunting, invited Mark and my boy on what would be John's first hunt. Mark bought him some little headphones to wear, and of course, we had to coordinate the whole 'camo' outfit (because if you're hunting, you have to look good, right?!).

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-24429134128014200632007-08-30T07:25:00.000-04:002007-08-30T10:38:08.507-04:00

John M's babysitter lives on a bayou. Guess what they spotted yesterday?One of these!It was about 10 feet long and apparently hungry, b/c it went for a dog next door. I've always wondered if they saw gators in their yard b/c of the bayou being so close, but this is the first time she's actually told about one being close.I have to admit, I think alligators are pretty cool. When Anna was little (

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-9148134233743114682007-08-27T17:12:00.000-04:002007-08-27T16:26:45.343-04:00

1.) The gators! They were kinda feisty and jumping after french fries. 2.) Watching the kids play on the playground. 3.) This gorilla who ate a variety of veggies like a person. I thought it was Mark for a second. ;~) 4.) The waterfall area! 5.) Monkey hill where I watched 2 of my own 'monkeys'. 6.) Elephant cutouts b/c we never got around to the actual elephants. 7.) Big long 18 inchers. (

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-53974356501331084212007-08-24T18:45:00.000-04:002007-08-24T14:50:44.704-04:00

1.) The end of a L-O-N-GGGGGGGGGGGG work week. 2.) A fun day the Audubon Zoo/Aquarium of the Americas planned for tomorrow. 3.) My mom, who has helped me out every single day this week (okay, every day of my life actually ;~) ) 4.) Basketball and soccer seasons starting up (it's a lot of work but always fun). 5.) Having about 1/3 of my Christmas shopping done! 6.) John M.'s chubby baby hands on

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-67683599017631385002007-08-23T14:21:00.000-04:002007-08-23T14:24:01.647-04:00

This picture makes me smile. #1 because my sweet little boy sleeping, dead to the world.#2 because I actually have my husband wearing Kenny's T-shirt, of his own free will. ;~) FLIP-FLOP SUMMER . . . Woo-hoo!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-50719079771826385412007-08-20T14:16:00.000-04:002007-08-20T14:23:52.549-04:00

just to re-forget it by next week.VacuoleRibosomesMitochondriaNucleus(blah, blah, blah)Anna had to make an edible model of a plant cell for school today. Where DO they come up with this crap? I can't wait to get home and eat the vacuole.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-89271897859489250922007-08-17T23:44:00.000-04:002007-08-17T23:51:00.078-04:00

So I'm slightly nuts and I told the girls that they could each invite 5 friends over to watch the long-awaited premiere of High School Musical 2. My God, did we think that show would ever actually premiere?! They've just been advertising it on Disney since the beginning of time.We had 11 girls here, highly engrossed in the movie for about 45 minutes, and then screaming like banshees for the next

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-57403751683526888442007-08-17T10:50:00.000-04:002007-08-17T11:12:04.242-04:00

I haven't done a John M. post in a while, and it's hard for me to believe that boy will be 3 years old next month. Here he is at the bull-riding show last weekend. He loves bulls, have I mentioned that? Especially watching the 'mans' fall off of the bulls. That's his favorite.He'll also give his right pinky toe for a doughnut. He'll give his whole foot for a bag of doughnut holes! I have an

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-70675816082660564862007-08-10T10:59:00.001-04:002007-08-10T11:07:52.890-04:00

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-58135174779910701032007-08-02T16:41:00.000-04:002007-08-02T16:56:15.076-04:00

We had a great time. There's something about New York City that I just can't get enough of. I've come to think that it's because it's so incredibly different from the place that I live. Opposites attract. And Southern Louisiana and NYC, they couldn't get much more opposite.I love the business (busy-ness).I love the tall buildings.I love not needing a car.I love the variety. Food. Shopping.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-90873142816830070592007-07-26T23:16:00.000-04:002007-07-26T23:24:39.657-04:00

We leave for the big city tomorrow.I'm having mixed feelings; feeling excited but leery at the same time.I feel really guilty about leaving John M. Sometimes I feel like that's crazy but I can't help it. I started figuring . . . he's been with me every day for about 1000 days now and I'm just up and leaving him. I know, I know, it's just for a few days and he'll be fine, but guilt is something I

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-60905583800066853562007-07-24T14:48:00.000-04:002007-07-24T14:50:46.897-04:00

Remember I mentioned a few posts ago that the girls and I are going on a trip and I didn't say where? We leave in 3 days!

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-12049393819600665662007-07-20T06:26:00.000-04:002007-07-20T14:37:11.223-04:00

I'm wishing FroggieMom a Happy Birthday. I started her two years ago today. She was 'Frogola' back then.I've thought several times since the creation of this blog, about quitting. I've had this thought for a number of reasons, one being that it may share a little too much detail about my life, another being that I felt I was becoming too focused on readership (or lack of it). I would get a little

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-67603939042733282402007-07-19T06:08:00.000-04:002007-07-19T11:14:30.646-04:00

Another week of horse camp this summer. This is the girls' absolute favorite camp. The lessons, the trail rides, the counselors, swimming, they love every minute of it. They have grown to be so confident on the horses and I'm amazed, because the horses still freak me out a bit.Just 3 weeks left of summer, can you believe it? If flew this year.Oh, and you'll never guess where the girls and I are

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-64820254121920283152007-07-13T23:39:00.000-04:002007-07-13T23:42:52.486-04:00

Update: She's back from camp and she had a great time. I'm so proud of her. In the midst of many campers seeing the negative things, she saw the positive.Anna loves to make friends and have new experiences and I love that about her. You know when you're so proud of your child that you just feel like crying? That's me today. Not for one particular reason, just because of who she's becoming.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-87316542232558641602007-07-10T06:24:00.000-04:002007-07-10T06:28:47.345-04:00

Anna is off to 'sleep-away' camp for the week. This is the first time she's ever done that, and if you've kept up with my blog for a while, you know this is a big deal.She is my queen worrier and projector-of-all-that-can-go-wrong-scenarios. She cried as she boarded the bus, but I really have this great feeling that she will be okay.So far, I am too. Just doing a lot of praying that all will go

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-61400099818373436762007-07-05T16:57:00.000-04:002007-07-05T17:01:52.060-04:00

My boy loves to pee outside.I'm at fault in a big way here because, hey, it's easy. So I let him do it when we're home. Often.So, now, even if we're indoors, he'll say 'I have to pee-pee' and then start to head outside, as if the toilet's on the back porch. I have to remind him that we do have indoor plumbing, and then he's all dismayed that he has to actually pee in the bathroom. Have y'all had

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-69673158475938866812007-06-27T18:35:00.000-04:002007-06-27T14:53:05.993-04:00

The Go-Gos, you gotta love 'em, huh?Showing my age here.We had a nice vacation. We had a few strange things happen; Mark lost his wallet (but then later discovered it, after cancelling credit cards, etc), we got into a wreck (minor), and it poured down at the outdoor Kenny concert. But all in all, it was good. You're thinking, 'Yeah, that sounds just lovely', but it actually was.We visited Shamu

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-78018819200423808262007-06-16T10:54:00.000-04:002007-06-15T23:00:10.037-04:00

Today was good. You know why?Because, today, for the first time in a long time, I felt like a family.Mark was off of work; his first day off since he started his job in November (not including the weekends).I had to work, so he kept the kids. I didn't have to get them up and ready for the first time in 6 months.I.made.it.to.work.early. Someone please hang a medal around my neck and stick a gold

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-38963781799465112992007-06-15T05:08:00.000-04:002007-06-14T17:16:04.122-04:00

We're off for the week to the great state of Texas, Dallas and San Antonio, to be exact. The best part, I get to see Kenny again! With my girls, this time. Thanks, Ches.Hope everyone has a great weekend and a good week. I'll post about my vacation when I'm back home. Peace out. I'll leave you with a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend:

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-27948698495626387032007-06-11T14:54:00.001-04:002007-06-11T14:57:52.344-04:00

We took the kids to the Animal Planet Expo in Baton Rouge yesterday. It was H.O.T. I think the heat index was about 160. Okay, I'm exagerating a little, but still it was steamy.We had a good time though and even got pictures with the Irwin girls! What do you mean, those look fake?! No way.

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14526834.post-55661736213520609722007-06-08T00:22:00.000-04:002007-06-08T00:30:12.275-04:00

1.) Stepping on the scale to find that I've lost weight.2.) Lazy afternoons playing with my kids in the pool.3.) Long, quiet baths after my kids are asleep.4.) Looking forward to summer vacation.5.) Fridays6.) Having the advantage of having my family right next door.7.) Hearing from friends.8.) Izzo's Burritos in a Bowl9.) Blog comments10.) My new Sugarland CDHope y'all have a nice weekend. I'll

Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16504027972983568300noreply@blogger.com14