Ike blows!

You could feel the panic and anxiety in the air today. Everyone is scrambling to prepare for Hurricane Ike. It has already hit Galveston basically wiped away the west beaches and is charted to come straight over us. Everyone within a 100 mile radius is stocking up on gas, batteries, food, water and ice. The stores are absolutely crazy, and their shelves are literally empty. (I found it humorous that almost everyone viewed large amounts of beer and alcohol as essentials in addition to the water and ice.) Most gas stations have run out of gas, and those left with it have cars waiting over an hour to fill up. The ATM’s have no cash. The hardware stores are completely sold out of their plywood and generators, and yards have been emptied as everything movable has been brought inside or thrown in backyard pools.

We are grateful that we have been taught by our church leaders to prepare for times like this, although it is hard not to become victims of panic like everyone else as we braced for the storm. However, as a gift to me and my family I had this incredible fatigue that knocked me out for a good 3 hour nap today. A gift because I know I would have been a mess stressing over what was about to happen. I am confident I would have been a nervous wreck!

These are some of the other things we did to prepare:

- filled all of our bathtubs and sinks with water (to use for toilet water or bathing)

- made sure both our cars had full tanks

- replenished our cash stash (what happened to the last one???)

- checked our battery supply, flashlights, and radio to make sure they worked

- took apart the trampoline

- took the canopy and swings off the swing set

- brought in all the pots, chairs, table, toys, grill, and our pink flamingo (joking)

- made sure all toilets were scrubbed (all toilets should be clean before any natural disaster, right?)

- verified we had all our important documents protected

- grilled all the meat we could and stuffed ourselves with ice cream (melted ice cream would be such a shame!)

- bought a shotgun (apparently we are of the mind: ‘you loot, we shoot’)

- set up our beds in the master closets (Eden was so excited!)

- cleaned our house from top to bottom (have you figured out I am a little OCD yet?)

- cleaned out our garage (see above, but actually Damian started this one)

- moved our furniture away from the big windows

- took pictures of all our belongings for insurance (I knew I cleaned for a reason)

- backed up all our documents and pictures onto external hard drives (I was solely thinking of not wanting to let down the readers of my blog)

Before we barricaded ourselves in for the night, we took a walk around the neighborhood. It was almost eerily quiet except for the wind that was already fiercely blowing. I tried to take some pictures that would show how strong the gusts already were.

(Darn good thing Damian doesn't have a blog!)

The kids wanted to fly a kite, but apparently dollar store Spiderman kites

aren’t made for hurricane force winds.

The final calm before the storm was this amazing sunset, which I did not edit at all!

Damian had to remind me several times that we have done all that we can to prepare, so we just need to relax and enjoy the hurricane. Yes, Damian was excited to ride the storm out, and had he not been afraid the windows would have blown out if he opened the door he would have gone outside at the height of it all to have the ‘real experience.’ We hunkered down as the wind howled, grateful we had a sturdy (hopefully) house to keep us warm and dry.

To Cruise or NOT to Cruise...

After several hours of debate and conference calls with each other and Carnival, we finally came to the conclusion at 1:30 this morning that we wouldn’t be on Ecstasy when it sailed. As of last night, part of Galveston had been issued a mandatory evacuation notice, but Carnival still planned to beat Hurricane Ike out of the Gulf and not give any refunds for those who didn’t board the ship. The factors that made us decide against going were:

1. We have 28 kids between the 7 of us.

2. Hurricane Ike is tracked to go right over our houses.

3. We would have to pass all the evacuees as we drove into Galveston and leave a car there.

4. Puking over the side of a ship doesn’t sound like a fun getaway.

So, we made a good responsible decision…right? I thought we did, but when I woke up this morning I was SO bummed. (Somebody tell me why there always drama surrounding my birthday?) Later this morning the rest of Galveston was issued a mandatory evacuation, so we were sure the ship wouldn’t sail. Alas, the Houston Port Authority granted them permission to board as long as they left by 4 pm. The Ecstasy sailed without us! Stupid boat. The good part is the cruise line finally refunded our money. Now I am just worried that we will be able to pull off another girls trip soon after this disaster.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was a little, shall we say, depressed over the fiasco. We decided that the girls needed to go out this evening to make up for it. Most companies had either given their employees the day off or encouraged them to leave early, so we took action and made appointments at a spa for massages and pedicures. I called Damian to inform him of our plan, but I had a hard time getting a hold of him. The third time I called he finally answered the phone giving me vague answers to my questioning.

Me: When are you going to be home?
Him: “I dunno. Pretty soon”

Me: What are you doing?
Him: “Checking some stuff out.”

Me: What is that suppossed to mean?
Him: “Just looking at stuff.”

Me: Where are you?
Him: “Academy”

Me: Are you there buying a shotgun?
Him:“Yep”

He had our family’s best interest at heart I am sure, or was he using this hurricane as an excuse to feed his desire to buy a shotgun? You be the judge. I thought a rifle and a handgun would be sufficient protection, but apparently we are way more valuable than that! Thanks for protecting us honey, and let me know when Carter’s gun safety classes start. I couldn’t be mad though. I knew we would have a new shotgun someday anyway and as long as he would be home in time for me to get a massage followed by a shower with 12 showerheads, I would have been okay with him coming home with a tank.

After our pampering, we were hard pressed to find a restaurant still open because most places had already closed down in preparation for the hurricane. But we persisted and even found a place for dessert after dinner. We wouldn’t have been able to call our night out a success had we not topped it off with some kind of sugar, and yes I do feel better! Besides, I know ‘Ecstasy’ awaits me at home!

**Update: Carnival’s Ecstasy sailed, but they were not able to port in Cozumel and they returned a day late and in New Orleans instead of Galveston. Passengers then had to find their way home from there or were bussed back to Galveston, where their cars that were under water awaited them.

Too bad I can't take credit for the lyrics...

(to the tune of ..."VANILLA ICE ICE BABY")
Rapper 'Vanilla Ice'

Yo, TX, Let's kick it!

Ike Ike Baby, Ike Ike Baby
All right stop, evacuate and listen
Ike is here with some big ambition
People, close your homes up tightly
It's blowing like a hurricane daily and nightly
Where will it stop? Yo-I don't know
Turn off the lights and let's go
To the coastline Ike rocks like a vandal
Start up the car and watch me drive like an animal

Dang, hardware store sales boom
Ike's killing my plans like a poisonous mushroom
Deadly, evacuate they tell me
Anyone left will be charged with a felony
Love it or hate it, you better get away
Ike will hit the bull's eye, the storm don't play
If you're on vacation, Yo, Ike stalled it
Check out the eye while the bands revolve it

Hurricane Ike Ike Baby, Hurricane Ike Ike Baby
Hurricane Ike Ike Baby, Hurricane Ike Ike Baby

Now that the people are jumpin'
With their stuff packed up and the gas done pumpin'
Quick to the road, to the road no fakin'
Pass McD's get a burger with bacon
Burnin' 'em and follow the symbol
I go crazy when I hear some imbecile
Revving, in a souped up Pinto
Now I can roll, it's time to crack the window
Rollin' in my Chevy Tahoe
With my window down, I can feel Ike blow
My laptop's on standby, Waiting for some Wi-fi
This spot hot? No - and I gotta fly
Kept on pursuing to the next block
I busted a left and I'm beating the clock
The light was red

Yo -- so I continued to I-37 to San Antonio
Wish I was there in a blink like a jeanie
How I'd love to be sippin' a martini
Jealous 'cause my girl's living fine
She left yesterday and was there by nine
Ready to give my homies a call
My homies acting ill because their car just stalled
Humidity, the air is sticky as hell
Ike's on his way, the weatherman yells
Moving toward the gulf coast real fast
I'm in my car, can't give it no gas
Bumper to bumper the interstate's packed
I'm trying to get away before Ike attacks
Police on the scene, what can it mean?
They hooked me up, now there's another lane free
If you're on vacation, Yo, Ike stalled it
Check out the eye while the bands revolve it

Hurricane Ike Ike Baby, Hurricane Ike Ike Baby
Hurricane Ike Ike Baby, Hurricane Ike Ike Baby

Yo man, let's get out of here! Word to your mother!

Boxes and Boots...

One of my favorite mommy things is when one of my kids comes running to tell me to look at how cute their brother or sister is. No, this doesn’t happen often, but I thoroughly enjoy when it does! Today Eden found me TWO DIFFERENT TIMES TODAY and said,

“Mom, you have got to come see Landon. He is being so cute! Hurry! Bring your camera!”

GOOD mail...

Today I got belated birthday gifts in the mail!! Wahoo! There is nothing better then extending my celebration, so if you perhaps missed my birthday have no fear! My mailbox will indefinitely welcome any kind thoughtful expressions of love. I love good mail!

Linds spoiled me with an address stamp. I have always wanted a cool one, and I got one baby! Thanks so much! It makes me want to send mail just so I can use it, so if you reply to this post you might just get to see it on some good mail in a mailbox near you!

Then my mom and dad sent me a sweet birthday package and Landon the truck he fell in love with at Cabella’s. My dad had been holding out on him until he was really potty trained. The boys were ecstatic when each of them got a truck! You should have heard them screaming like they won the lottery. I wish I would have had a video camera! Of course they sent Eden a little something too. They are too good to us, as usual!

I have never gotten a present like the package that Megan and Kevin sent me for my birthday. I feel so extremely loved for lots of reasons, but especially because I knew it was hard for Kevin to spend money on it (i.e. I am positive this created marital tension.) But I was SO excited when I opened up the box that was overflowing with things that made them think of me and all the reasons why! My favorite was a sexy push up bra for my 30 year old sagging girls. (Sorry honey, at least it is sexy.) Thank you so much for seriously spoiling the snot out of me, and I hope you have kissed and made up over the arguments I am sure that I caused. I love you!

mY giRLs...

Girls Camp- June 3, 2008

For the past year and a half, I have had the privilege to teach the 16-18 year old girls at church. It has been an awesome experience! I sat in awe almost every Sunday as they taught me more than I ever could have taught them. They are an incredible group of girls, each one different but beautiful and strong in their own way. They have helped me understand how important it is to be firm in your beliefs, especially in a world where so many are not. They have shown me how the knowledge of their divine heritage and sheer will to do what they know to be right can bring immeasurable happiness, even in a world full of people who would tell them those small choices don’t really matter. They have befriended me even though I am super old, inspired me, made me feel cool by laughing at my lame jokes, made me feel loved, and made me feel like taking the time to teach them on Sundays really mattered.

Well, today was my last day teaching. I was officially released, and asked to head up the newsletter for our church. I will miss my girls, but I want them to know how much I love and appreciate each one of them! Today, I got to stand in front of them and talk for a few minutes about my association with them and share with them one more time my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel honored to have been able to work with them, and I know each and every one of them are headed for greatness!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

This morning I woke up to banging and clanking in the kitchen. I groggily smiled to myself remembering that it was my 30^th birthday. Damian was in the kitchen was being incredibly thoughtful and was whisking up one of his delicacies for my birthday breakfast. I rolled over with a smile still lingering on my stank-breath lips. There he was. My husband, out like a light. I nudged him a little and then pretended to be asleep. It did the trick. As soon as he heard the noise in the kitchen he hopped right out of bed to investigate. Carter was the culprit. He was caught red-handed…making me frozen waffles. He wanted to bring me breakfast in bed for my birthday! (Now, you don’t even have to be a mom for that to melt your heart!)

Damian talked him into helping him make blueberry pancakes instead, and they were delicious! I had a yummy breakfast, didn’t have to clean up any dishes and marched myself right back into bed. Ah…guilt-free laziness. When I got up, Carter gave me an adorable picture he had drawn of the two of us (major brownie points for that little guy!), Eden gave me a bead project she made for me, and Landon gave me a hug and a flick (either a form of endearment or punishment at our house).

Eden and I went to a bridal shower this afternoon. It was one of the cutest bridal showers I have ever been to! The couple’s colors are black and white, so everything was done accordingly. The hostess, Tammy Bitter, had gathered a bunch or black high heels and filled them with white roses, and for favors she sewed miniature wedding dresses filled with kisses for the guests to take home. Too cute and so much work. Of course I had to take a picture.

When we got home we all got suited up to go to the pool only to get there to realize it was closed for the year. What’s up with that? It is still 90+ degrees here! So, we opted for the sprinkler on our trampoline instead. It was fun for about two minutes until hives started spreading down my legs.

Aside from breakfast this morning, the kids have been annoyingly cranky all day. I was so relieved to be going out alone with my husband for my birthday…Well, until he dropped the bomb. You see, when it is your wife’s birthday, you should think of a plan and then arrange for that plan to happen so you can celebrate her entrance into this world in proper fashion. If that plan involves children and a date with your wife, then you should get a babysitter. Yes, even if you haven’t gotten one before.

After trying two other restaraunts, we ended up at our old standby, PeiWei. With the kiddos in tow, we were fortunate to not have to wait too long and dinner was surprisingly enjoyable. We drove through Sonic for a shake, hit Redbox for a chikflik (What Happens in Vegas- terrible), and when the munchkins were in bed I made Damian make up for the whole babysitter thing...nah nah nah nah nah da da (oh stop turning red already, I meant I made him pay by taking this picture with me and then posting it on my blog!) It ended up being a great night after all...

...and such a happy birth-day!

Rotten...

As in spoiled rotten! Who knew turning 30 would be so much fun? I have the best family and friends in the world. I feel so completely and utterly loved on my not-even- yet 30^th Birthday! Thank you for remembering my big day and for making it so special. I don’t know what I have done to deserve such good friends, I mean my family doesn’t have a choice due to the whole blood link situation, but my friends really actually choose to love me. I feel honored!

I even got 3 nights to celebrate the big 3-0! Last night Becky treated me to dinner and a pedicure, tonight I had dinner at

Maggiano’s with the girls and their big surprise, and tomorrow I am going out with my husband who I am sure has a jam-packed agenda planned for our date night on my real birthday. (Darn it! I didn’t post that in time…)

As for my SURPRISE: With the help of some girlfriends, Damian surprised me with a cruise for my birthday! I was shocked! I am leaving THIS Thursday on a five day cruise out of Galveston with the girls! (That is if Ike doesn’t hit Galveston and I can find people to watch my kids!) Thank you so much, Babe, for letting me do this and to the girls who have been planning this surprise since March! See, totally loved.

For your viewing pleasure, I have included the first 30 year old pictures of me.

Onto a new decade!

Nose Nonsense...

I had my follow up ENT appointment today. Looks like I will be getting a septoplasty sometime in the near future. Breathing good is nice and all, but couldn’t they at least make my schnoze look a little more flattering while I’m knocked out? I have to say I was a little disappointed since I thought that when this inevitable surgery happened one day that I would be beautified. Apparently that would involve taking my nose off my face, a hammer and chisel, two months of recovery, black eyes and thousands of dollars. Who knew? C’mon, can’t they just leave it on and whack it a little if I promised a generous tip? Septoplasty, Rhinoplasty…big difference. I bet my insurance company wouldn’t even notice. Looks like I’m stuck with my ‘when did you break your nose?’ nose. Bummer.

Have you ever heard the story about the lady who was in a terrible accident? Ok, so I am sure, unfortunately, that there have been lots of ladies in bad accidents…

After she died she told the angels waiting for her that she wasn’t ready yet. They agreed and sent her back to finish her life on earth. While in the hospital recovering, she decided that since she had a confirmation that she would be alive a while longer she might as well take advantage of the situation and get that plastic surgery done that she always wanted.

After a few more weeks recovering from her glamification, she was released from the hospital. As she was crossing the street, she stopped to admire her beautifully transformed reflection in the window of a parked car. Unfortunately, she was so taken with her image that she neglected to see the bus barreling down the street and was hit and killed.

(And you are asking yourself why I would share such a twisted story? My answer: Don’t go and get your panties in a wad just yet.)

When she got to heaven she told the angels they had made a mistake. She explained that she had just died a few weeks earlier and they sent her back because it wasn’t her time yet. The angels looked at each other amused and just said, “Aw Girl! We didn’t even recognize you!”

This makes me feel better because:

1. I have been around for 30 years with my old nose and I haven’t been all that naughty, so

I think I want to be recognized when I get hit by a bus…or whatever.

2. I think it is funny.

Oh, and I made some invitations for Ruth’s bridal shower today and despite my nose drama they turned out cute. (Oh, back off! I deserve a little tooting my own horn after all that nose-nonsense.)

tHerApY

When I was going to a counselor to help me get through my mid life crisis at 29, one of the things she recommended was that I take time out to COLOR. When I asked her to clarify, she said something to the effect of you know crayons, coloring book, staying in the lines? Apparently, coloring has some kind of soothing effect.

So today when Carter woke up grumpy as all get out I asked him if he wanted to color with me. He declined, but I decided I needed a little soothing myself. I got out the crayons and if I do say so myself, made Guido look fabuloso! It wasn’t long before Grumpy joined me. I mean, who could resist a Lightning McQueen coloring page and a crayon CAROUSEL? It worked like a charm for both of us, although I don’t know if I should be worried that the cars he colored all had really mean looking eyes. Maybe it was all part of Crayola’s letting go of the anger therapy. All I can say is that was the cheapest therapy session I ever had, and look at the excitement on that cute non-grumpy face!

rock N roll

Carter had his first day at preschool today! He looked so handsome when he left. After I got home I downloaded the pictures and I couldn’t believe how old he looks. I was fighting the tears thinking about him going to kindergarten next year! So, next year Eden and Carter will be in school and Landon will be in preschool 2 days a week…that means either I will have 2 days all by my lonesome! Oh, think of the possibilities! I love my kids, but a little break would be nice…is that selfish? Oh yeah, I am still sad about Carter growing up though.

We took Carter’s friend Wyatt to school today. They were in the same class last year and became best little buds. It was so cute to see them walking through the doors holding hands. When we got to Wyatt’s class Carter waved goodbye and walked straight to his classroom to hang up his backpack. As soon as he walked in the door he was all business. Even though I coaxed a hug and kiss out of him he gave me the “Seriously,mom?” look, so I quickly pushed his limit by taking a couple of pictures before I left my growing boy.

As I was walking back to the car I realized that Landon’s breathing was more labored than normal. I looked down to assess the situation and found it was because I was unconsciously squeezing the daylights out of the poor little guy. I guess I am not really ready for my babies to grow up after all. I decided that Landon and I were going to have fun together today, so we played puzzles, cars, had a picnic in his bedroom and went out to get ice cream. I was trying my hardest to be the fun mom, but it didn't help that he kept saying, "I WANT CARTER!" Turns out that moms can only be kinda fun compared to brothers.

Carter’s teacher, Mrs. Hinchman came to meet him at our house and brought a car poster for him to color and a ball. Smart lady to come bearing gifts! That night at dinner, Damian was asking him if he liked his teacher. Carter said, “She is so cool.” His response when we asked him what made her so cool? “Because she has rock n’roll hair!”

rOaDies...

We spent the morning visiting with Grandmother and Pops before they cruised home on their motorcycle. They just bought their Honda Goldwing in the middle of June, and it already has almost 10,000 miles on it! Randy and Kris took a 3,700 mile trip back East, and Randy just got back from his cross country trip to Banff, Canada. I think he rode around 5,700 miles on that one. We got to see some pictures of his trip…so beautiful! Talk about die-hards? Who would have known that my in-laws would be the motorcycle ridin’ type? I think Kris needs some leather pants to fit the image! We had a fun weekend having them in town, and Pops played along when he took us each for a ride.

For Labor Day we went to a birthday party. It was a family pool party. We all had a blast, even though I wasn’t feeling like shimmying into my bathing suit. It was fun to visit with friends we don’t get to see near as often as we’d like. The kids turned into little fish this summer, and I was having a hard time convincing them to get out of the pool. We were one of the last ones to leave.

As I got up to go find my hubby and all our gear, I had the feeling that I needed to stay by the pool. Even though the kids were just in the shallow end, I thought I better not ignore the prompting. I am so glad I didn’t, because five minutes later Carter and his little friend were clinging to each other as they struggled to get a breath. They had gone down the slide and landed together and wouldn't let go of each other to swim to the side. It was probably only a couple of seconds before I realized what was happening, but it felt like forever until I got to them. I remember thinking to myself, “Aw, c’mon! Seriously? Are there no other adults around in swimming suits?” (I know, that was naughty and selfish!) Answering my own question, I jumped in fully clothed. I was so grateful I was there, that I listened to the prompting that I know came from God who was watching over two of his children!

walkin' in my sleep!

Landon is 29 months old and still sleeps in his crib. I don’t know if he is trying to tell us something or he is actually sleep walking, but we find him curled up on the floor anywhere between his bed and ours. He used to try to get in bed with us, but we vetoed him enough that if he makes it all the way to the foot of our bed he just cozies up with a piece of carpet. This really isn’t really a problem unless we step on him, which is inevitable at some point.

I am a little concerned that he might roll down the stairs too. We have found both him and Carter curled up snoozing on a stair in the middle of the night too. So, the debate continues…big boy bed or crib. Of course, Damian is against the big boy bed which would mean purchasing a new bed.

These are pictures I took of Landon today during nap time. I was on the computer in the kitchen when he came staggering down with blankies in tow. Without saying anything to me he laid down on the carpet was back to snoozing in no time…crazy boy!

To Sneeze or not to Sneeze...

I had an interesting doctor appointment today. A few months ago, Eden had an allergy test done and as the doctor was telling me that all Eden was allergic to was mold (phew…she got Vest genes in that dept.) I asked him about some of my allergies. He told me I needed to come in and get an in depth test done…surprise surprise.

In depth, no joke! 74 skin pricks on my back and an ice cube test! It wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t been allergic to so many things. I was trying to find my happy place instead of claw the daylights out of my back. The bad news is that I am severely allergic to all shell fish (so much so that I have to carry around two Epi-pens with me everywhere I go now. Like I need one more thing in my purse.), horse hair, cat hair, dog hair, and dust mites. I have lots of mild allergies including the cold and my own sweat. No, that is not a typo. My own sweat! Apparently my body does not deal well with temperature change.

The good news is that I am not crazy when it comes to itching, sneezing, wheezing and getting hives. The best news is the doctor ordered that if at all possible I should have someone else cleaning my house, especially when it comes to dusting and vacuuming. Seriously, I made sure he repeated that when Damian came to drop the boys off. Wahoo! If that is not an excuse to be paying someone to help me clean the house, then I don’t know what is!

The undecided news is that I am not allergic to any fish. Not quite sure how I feel about that since I have avoided fish all of my life. I am going to have Damian take me to a really nice seafood place and order a mild fish…someday, when I muster the courage. Other undecided news is I am not sure if I want to get the recommended allergy shots. It won’t help the sweat allergy, and I am not around animals (unless you count my wild stallion of a husband) all that much.

The funny news: During the physical exam the doctor asked me when I broke my nose. He was sure I had because of my ‘severely deviated septum’ that makes it difficult for air to pass through my left nostril. (Hence the open-mouth sleeping and cognizant clenching of my jaw to avoid catching stares- or flies, despite feeling like I might suffocate.) I just laughed and told him it was part of my genetic beauty. I am sure he felt stupid, and if he didn’t he should have!