Ka Boom?

I wanted to end the NoMoBloPoMo with a bang, so consider this post that firecracker that got lit and just never went off.

I've lost all my fizzle. Is anyone else drained?

To everyone who took part: Emily, Kelly, Lydia, Ali- Congratulations! But I'm sure those words mean nothing when rivaled with the mass e-mail sent out to inform all of us that we could pick up an "I Did It!" badge.

Because the next time I do something awesome, like run my first marathon, or save a life...I want to drive somewhere on the internet to "pick up" my words of recognition. Not that I'm bitter.

I just thought they could put together a slide show (complete with girly/bond, cry music) of all of us here in front of our computers, typing, deleting, re-typing, laughing, googling post ideas, visiting everyone else's blogs, ...but,

they didn't.

.

So I did.
.

O.k., I didn't. But had I the capabilities, the time, the creativity (wait, got that)- I would have, ladies. REALLY. Because I won't make you go to a site to pick up your damn, I Did It badge.

.

No. I believe you're worth more. So much more. So I will create one for each of you, individualized, and featuring the very best things we loved about your blogs this month.

.

O.k., I'm not gonna do that either. And now I understand creators and moderators of the NoBloPoMo. You're just tapped out too, aren't you? Wait. Where's your 30 days?

And I want no comments on how I happened to place posting for 30 days straight and saving a human life on the same pedestal

.

well for comedic sake, maybe I do...

Big Brother, A Cheeto, & A Ball

This morning we had our usual three ring circus that happens on Tues. and Thurs, where I get everyone ready so that we can drive across the street and take Sebi to school.

After the delirium, I realized that I had yet to get myself dressed. So, I put up the baby gate at my bedroom door. Trust me, this is the best route in a hurry. Otherwise, they just jump on the treadmill and play with all the computer cables, and if you happened to leave the bathroom door open and hear Pudge laughing, it's probably a good idea to check and see if he is swirling his hand around in the toilet...

So, obviously the babies are mad because I have imprisoned them out of my room...if that even makes any sense. Well, Sebi decided he would help me calm the babies. Probably, since I wasn't doing a darned thing about it and was just carrying on with getting myself dressed.

He apparently went to the pantry and got a Cheeto because I heard him say,

"Here, Pudge"


crying stops


"No! Gabriel! That was Pudgie's Cheeto!"


"That's NOT nice, sweet Gabriel!"


both babies crying now.


"Here, Pudge. There you go."


crying stops again.


Pudge starts crying again.


"NO! GABRIEL!"


"That ball is for HOMER! You already took his Cheeto, and now you've ate it all!"


"GIVE THAT BALL BACK" (with obvious straining as if when he said, "give that ball back"- he meant, I am taking that ball back)


"Hear, Pudge. There you go."


Gabriel is crying.


"WELL, YOU ATE ALL THAT CHEETO!"



I couldn't help but to wonder, Is this what I sound like???

and I don't know why Sebi thought that grabbing a Cheeto would calm Pudge, but his name is Pudge.

and calm he did, until brother took it from him...

The Things I'm Not So Proud Of

O.k., if this list were to include all the events of my life, we'd be here awhile. So, let's just start with the most recent, like today.

1. At the top of the list. Remember when I said, "I think I did fine" in regards to my exam. Well, we begged and pleaded with our professor tonight to run our scantrons so we could get a feel on how we did on the exam. We all pretty much knew whether we had the multiple choice and essay section down.

Y'all. Unofficially, I have an 83 on my exam.

excuse me while I wipe a tear from my eye.






There were many people who felt they did poorly on this exam. But I just wanted to hide under a rock. or lab table. or in a pitcher of margaritas... I crunched numbers and the A is still possible, but that just means that I have to (let me clear the lump in my throat) ...study. Like really study. Not cram the day of the exam.

Again, remember the "if it ain't broke" quote?

It's officially broke.

2. I cursed today. I don't typically have a "potty" mouth. I do say crap a lot. and I know you are thinking that seems to speak potty quite vehemently- but you know what I mean. Today, when I realized that I have two exams on Friday to take that (of course) I haven't studied for, I said,

***I am about to use pig Latin here. I mean, really. Do you think I would curse on the blog? o.k., you may probably go through the archives and find a phrase or two. but could you just live in my fantasy land with me for a bit while I am down and out...

oh, if you don't know pig Latin, I have two suggestions:
1. go back to 5th grade and get cool
2. Google

...when I realized that I have two exams on Friday to take (of course) which I haven't studied for, I said:

uck-fay.

3. I burned bread tonight. Frozen bread. That's like killing a cactus, which coincidentally I have also done.

Alright, I'm sorry that I didn't send out invites to my pity party, but really....you don't want to join all the fun.

thanks, Kelly for giving me the extra push. I was about to ask for my Men In Black pen light back

Yes I Cook. And Sometimes, I Bake.

I'm not gonna toot my horn because honestly, I made something from a box. That's what I do when (and if) I bake.

I will toot my horn on the cooking.

• My mom is an AWESOME cook


• and, I watch the Food network for enjoyment


• and, I'm Hispanic

so stack those odds.

Anywaaay...I promised Sebi today that if he behaved and was a big helper and if he let mommy watch Judge Joe Brown (what?), that we would make brownies after dinner. I didn't just happen to have a box of brownies, because if you couldn't tell from the post title

I REALLY DON'T BAKE. EVER. feel free to feel bad for my husband.

I had the box mix because my gracious mother-in-law sent me 3 of them with her husband the last time he was over. I will not take that as a hint...

So, we baked. He added the water, the oil, the eggs. It was very precise. And I know one good reason why I will not bake in the near future.

IT SMELLS SO GOOD WHEN IT'S DONE.

here are a few pics to view evidence that this actually happened. I'm off to unbutton my jeans. Brownies don't go down well without like a gallon of skim milk...

poor kid looks like he's never had a brownie before......ahemmm

* oh, and the 1st picture was what I actually cooked for dinner*

I Have Rats

Or mice. I actually don't know, and does it really matter which rodent is in my home? or does the fact that they are bunking up with me and the three kids seem to be the real issue here. Fortunately the pest control guy (stephen) has stellar bedside manner,

"yup, you've got 'em." (this is why I don't know. "em" in my book could mean all sorts of things)

"they actually got into your Christmas ornaments (smiling)!"
I don't want to put a damper on Christmas, but I'd like to shout out a ba-humbug on that info.

*note to self. Ask Sebastian to get the Christmas box down. And take it outside. And sort through it.*

And on a seemingly related topic,

We rented Ra-ta-touille last week. It's really good. But this ain't Paris. And I'm the only one cooking. So, I'm still a little pissed about the rats/mice/miscellaneous in my attic. But please, do see the movie.

Update

This is an actual excuse from school/work/blogging.
*this is not an actual excuse from school/work/blogging*

O.k. I'm tired. I'm also sick. I have this nasty cold that I can't shake, I slept 4 hours last night, and after my exam tonight I had to come home and make enchiladas- because I promised Sebi that I would. That's a process, y'all.

And he was in bed long before they were done.

The exam did go well except for the fact that I chose to ignore the Endocrine system, and like 78% of the exam in some way or other covered it...

I think I did fine. but I'm a little annoyed that had I only just memorized glands and hormones, I would have aced that one. Well, I'll just be content knowing that I actually learned some material and didn't just spit it out.

O.k., that's not true, either...

But, still. I think I did fine.

Diligence Has No Meaning Here

This past week has gone by so quickly, and at the same time, it feels like Monday was so long ago. Really. I had 7 (extra) days to prepare for an exam. And so I thought, 6 days should be plenty of time. Then 5. 4. 3. 2.

And here I am the night before my exam aboard the same boat I've been riding in all semester. ..and I hope like heck that it doesn't sink on me.

We did manage to get a study group together tonight at I.H.O.P. That was productive for all of 37 minutes. But, I had a nice spinach salad and some coffee.

Of course, I am nervous like you wouldn't believe. (Which is also a constant each night before the exam.) Wait til tomorrow. That's when I officially freak out...

I dare say this strategy has been working for me in hopes of not "jinxing" myself. But, if it ain't broke...

Last Man Standing

*O.k, I know what you're going to be thinking after you start to read this. What is it with the gym posts. Well, I'll tell you. It's gotten cold lately, so I can't jog outside. I have the gym. There are lots of people at the gym. Crazy, crazy people...*

Anybody else out there go to the gym and get on a treadmill near someone who is already on another one and challenge yourself to stay on longer than that person?

Thank goodness. it isn't just me.

Well, today I picked a guy two treadmills over.

I don't know why he didn't have orange cones set up around him along with a sign that read, "I'll be here for a good while. Like 79 hours."

Needless to say, I was not the last man standing. dammit.

I'm Thankful For......

My family.

Here are all six of the grandkids, from oldest to youngest. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving lunch hosted by Juan and Toni. Can't wait til next year! And if there happen to be any additions to the family, here's wishing it doesn't come from this end of the Vega pool- although, I wouldn't mind a little girl....

Amelia Lynn Vega
Lincoln Alejandro Vega
Sebastian Lauriano Vega
Naomi Edena Vega
Homero Olivo Vega
Gabriel Juanito Vega

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

And NOW, let the Christmas decorations and what not be released.

I'm Sorry For Living In My World....whoever you are

Alright, the posts have been straying. I would like to redirect back to the "me show", if y'all don't mind.

Today was Saturday. And on Saturdays, Sebastian doesn't have to work and that means I get to take my long run that I soooo look forward to all week long. (And I know today isn't Saturday). But I woke up and my husband was home, so my mind thought Saturday. and it also thought, oooh. good run day.

I let him get to the gym first because he had already drank his protein shake and then he had like 38 minutes until he needed to work out or the drink would have been in vain- how can I argue with that...

Well, he got home and I was ready for my jog outside. I took Oso out for potty and hey, hey, hey. We have winter. Needless to say, I changed my outdoor running plans. This is Texas, y'all. 78 is nice for jogging. 75 is nice for sweatshirts. You hit the 40's and we are just ridiculous around here. Really. I had Sebi dressed like that poor little boy from "A Christmas Story" all bundled up on our trip to the grocery store. I couldn't even fit his car seat buckle on him. So while I'm all off on this tangent, can I just ask those of you who live in colder temperatures.....


Do you have a separate car seat adjusted for the cold weather clothes???

back to me.

So I drive to the gym (call my dad) and as I'm warming up on the treadmill, my dad and I are swapping "what are your plans for today" agendas. We finish our conversation, I get the ipod strapped on, and I'm good to go. Here is where I apparently became the "gym snob".

Let me explain.

I am blind. Seriously. Y'all remember the term coke-bottle lenses. That's me. Only science has progressed, so that now you can buy lenses (for an arm and a leg) and get a lens that is just a millimeter less thick than the regular old ones. Wear the coke bottles yourself, and then you tell me that you won't splurge on the extra millimeter...

Remember my other post on running? It's sord-of meditative to me. I get to get outside of the mom/wife/student box and just run. It's very liberating. And if I'm at the gym, I generally take my glasses off because I don't need to be wearing coke-bottle glasses and jogging. There is no vanity here. Really. They're heavy, you sweat beneath them, and then break out like a 7th grader. The choice is obvious.

As I said, I'm blind. So removing my glasses is like jogging in a room full of mixed blobs. I really don't care, because generally I'm just focusing on whatever tune I've got playing, or the thoughts that are just running through my head.

But up walks someone who says, " you're rude. I've been talking to you from across the room and you just stare, like I' m not there. At least acknowledge my voice before you blow me off."

As the blurr is walking off, I slow down the treadmill to a walk and put my glasses on and think, gee...do you think you just ruined my run?, Mr. I don't know who you are. I didn't see you. I was staring off blankly, probably much like a blind person because I can't see- my glasses were off. And I'm sorry, but you were saying WHAT???

It's the Little Things

Today was Bonnie's 30th birthday. And we had class until 9:00. I didn't want her having a bad 30th birthday, so I planned to have balloons all over the classroom, cupcakes for everyone there, and a special present that I had made her.

I gave her a framed sheet of notebook paper with the "30 reasons why you are a good friend and I love you". I have never been so reciprocally blessed with the reception of a gift. She smiled and laughed as she read it, and I could see sincere joy on her face.

I thought to myself, it really is just the little things in life that mean the most...

Happy Birthday, Bonnie. And I know you will never read this, because you never read my blog....but I still manage to reference you from time to time :)

For Shame.

o.k.

I'm slightly cheating here. BUT. WAIT. I have a huge presentation due tomorrow complete with a pamphlet that I have yet to construct &

• my printer is down
• I've barely just researched the disease
• and I'm looking at going to kinko's last minute before class at this point.
  
  So, yes. I found old video. And I will see you all tomorrow night, when I am done with this darn presentation.
  
  And, I need to finish Samantha Who.
  
  
  And of absolutely no relation, below is a video of my Pudge when he was feeling a bit under the weather.
  
  

Oh, you guys

Today, I left for class dreading the rest of my day and evening. Remember the exam I mentioned that I have on Wednesday? Well, we must have got a wild hair- or maybe it's snowing somewhere it ought not be, but we decided that we would have a study group after class tonight at IHOP.

We are sensible women.

So, I ate my tuna sandwich *brain food*, and went on to class knowing this would be a loooong night. In walks the professor, and before he can scratch his ass, a student decides to corner him. In front of the whole class. So, it wasn't so much a corner as it was a massacre on his part.

"Prof. Can I talk with you about something? I've been speaking with some of the classmates and I think that we are a bit overwhelmed and we would like the exam to be postponed."

other student: "If you postpone the exam, you can lecture on Wednesday."



hmmm. I'm so glad she gave him the option along with her permission...

long story short. I don't have an exam on Wednesday. I do have a professor who apparently has lost total authority, but it's working in my favor so I'll just shut-up about that and get on to the whole purpose of this post.

I came home tonight to a very happy husband. It is Monday night football. Vince Young is playing. No more needs to be said.

I had resolved that since the t.v. was taken, I was going to bed at 9:30. Well, I got on the computer and see that all of you have come out of the wood works. So, obviously I need to check in on your lives and see how everyone is doing.

And I am just so relieved that Emily is alive and well. No post this morning was surprising- to say the least. I believe I hit the refresh button twice just to make certain. And by mid-day, I considered sending a shout out to Lydia or Erica to go and check on her.



I breathe easy now ;) ...and I'm off to read.

Dear Blogger,

**readers, you may want to read my previous post 1st to fully understand the depth of this post**

Hello, and good day to you sirs/madams who happen to live in the computer at my home somehow...

I would like to address a recent issue which has come up because it has failed to be resolved as of yet. I do not wish to declare this a formal complaint. I am obviously happy with the blogging service which you have provided me, hence the countless (often times, meaningless) posts. That being said,

I have been trying to upload a video onto my blog. It's obviously quite important to me that it appear, or I wouldn't be going through all of this trouble. My issue began last night as I was trying to make the deadline for the NaBloMo- which I am certain you are familiar with. After agreeing to your upload terms and conditions, I waited an hour only to receive a message instructing me to contact support with some information which you provided.

Unfortunately, your link took me to a help page where I did not receive help. And I have not one clue as to where I should submit the "following information" which you provided.

So here it is,

Blog Id:729092881691978583Video Id:82a173acda128a89


Please, please blogger. Let my friends and family see the aflack duck saying, "Aflack!". It is the holiday season, and I would so love to warm their hearts.

And while I'm here. May I just throw out one more teeny, weeny concern. Why can you click on some of my pictures posted and view them, and others (coincidentally, the really cute, good ones) you can not?

Sincerely,
Blogging Vega

Yes, the Ducks. Again.

Guess what we did today?

Maybe you're bored with it, but let me tell you... We were there. The ducks were there. You wanna know what wasn't there?

the double stroller.


Yes, my babies are officially going places and I don't have to put them in a stroller. Granted they generally tend to head off in complete opposite directions, but hey- I'm not one to complain.

I mean really. Look just how cute they are...

Sebi is not holding a pack of tortillas, y'all. Just because I'm mexican doesn't mean I don't care about the ducks (Bonnie). It's pita bread. And it had been in my fridge for a week, so I decided to share the wealth...

Oh, and I happened to run into the "Aflack" duck while we were there.

Really. Blogger just doesn't want to load my video. but I will keep trying...

A Minute On the Lips, Won't Always Go To the Hips

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. Family, friends, and yes, FOOD! Lots of it. I know that many of us work hard throughout the year to reach goals, and one day doesn't have to put you back a week, or two...



This is a special time of the year. The foods are rich, the drinks are plentiful, and we seem to wander on through the holiday on this rotating conveyor belt that inevitably leads us to the table that served us. If you plan accordingly at the start of the week, you can even out the caloric intake that will come later and hop right back on your work-out horse (or at least the jeans that you rode in on).


Monday - Start the day off with a work out and plan an extra 15 minutes. At the end of the day, try and squeeze in a power-walk at the mall/grocery store for some last minute holiday and/or grocery shopping. Getting moving after your dinner will boost that metabolism, and you can check off one more item from your to-do list.


Tuesday - Keep your normal work-out routine and add those extra 15 minutes again. At meal times, go light and easy. It's amazing what a day of fresh fruits and vegetables will do for you. Lean cuts of meat (either steak or chicken) a-top a smartly designed salad can be just as fulfilling as richer meals. Remember, the more pleasing it looks to the eye, the better chance you'll enjoy it- so have fun with your dinner presentation!


Wednesday - Lots of water and keep moving! You'll probably have several last minute things to take care of so staying active shouldn't be too difficult. If you happen to be hosting Thanksgiving at your house, 45 minutes of good thorough housework will shed an extra 200 calories- so whistle while you work!


Thursday - If it's possible, get in a morning work-out. Don't skip any meals, and in between, choose healthy snacks to tide you over until the big meal. Enjoy your day! After thanksgiving meal, try a short walk or stroll before you settle in to hibernate and football frenzy.


**Try cutting 200 calories a day until Turkey day. Those 600 calories will cover a healthy portion of turkey, side of mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce!**

Late Night Post

I've got 13 minutes to get this in before it is "technically" Sunday. In the spirit of deam, I think I will do a poem.

So many times I've had you to turn to
Each time, you welcome me into your arms
But there are times when I shut you out
And I'm sure that it's lonely outside my circle
So, I'd like to extend it, this circle, for us
To show you I love you with all of my heart
In hopes that you'd feel all that you've hoped for
And so much more than you dreamed
Never leaving you wanting or needing, but happy. forever. with me.


I know it doesn't rhyme, and there is no catchy tune. But I just wanted to say that I love you, Sebastian.

Forever and Always.

Crafts, New Car Seats, and Happy Kids

This is what Sebi and Sebastian made together the other day. Hands. Sebi's hand and Daddy's hand. I thought it was sweet and they had a good time together.

Yay! We finally got (much needed) new car seats for all three of the kids! I am hoping that they last a long, long time.

They love laying down next to one another. It's their new "thing". Along with giggling at each other in their highchairs, or at the grocery store...

I Love Talking On the Phone With Other Moms

Really, we understand each other. We'll be in mid-sentence and then blurt out a warning to the kids, and then resume our conversation. It's parenting. And multitasking, if you will. We get it, and we roll with the punches.


This afternoon, I got to experience parenting at its height. I called Bonnie on the telephone- because we don't just go to Wal-Mart, we also talk about why we never get around to studying until the day before our test. It's routine. We have a test this Wednesday- and we'll talk about that test right up until Tuesday. Then Wednesday mid-morning, we'll talk frantically about the exam and then, before class, we'll meet up at Whataburger and we'll go over our review.


We manage.



Back to the parenting....this afternoon while we were chatting, Bonnie was telling me that she had the exam review. I lost mine. And we were discussing maybe thinking about looking at it. (We won't. This is also part of our "routine") Well then she blurted out,


"You can't have any candy!" "And put that chip down and eat your pizza!!"


We laughed.

Baby Steps...itsy, bitsy,.teeny, weeny. baby steps

So about 2 weeks ago, I decided that I wanted help around here. Really decided. Like made a list decided. It was really very simple (I think).

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sebastian is responsible for cleaning the bibs, highchairs, and managing toy clean-up. I get to put up leftovers, clean the pots and pans, counters, stove, table, and sweep. We just take turns on emptying the dishwasher. Tuesdays and Thursdays we swap. And we even it out on the weekends.

I know. I am a tyrannous wife. I have eliminated joy, relaxation, and fun from my husband who now has (as he put it), "chores". Which I must add that he did make note that we should make exceptions to their completion if we are having a "hard" week. And I believe his example was, "like, when you have a test", and then he added, "or when I've had a hard day".

Just about every day is a hard day for him and I strongly believe he was creating loopholes, but hey-I'm easy going....sordof.

Well, I understand that change is hard. Straying from the norm can take all sorts of time, and this is a work in progress. Translation: Sebastian has been having a hard couple of weeks,... I guess. But, I know that there is a period of acclimating that needs to take place with one's new found responsibilities-especially after three years of not doing some of these things.

Tonight, I was at the grocery store with Sebi when my phone rang.

him: "Are the dishes in the dishwasher clean?"

her: "no, I need to buy detergent."

him: "Oh, o.k."

It's his turn to empty the dishwasher, and by golly! he's making an effort. This makes me happy....for the rest of the grocery store trip and ride home. Because, when I got home to cook dinner, I noticed:

The plates around the stove were askew. My pan was sitting at an angle which seemed funny, and I noticed that the stove plates were set horizontal instead of vertical. He had cleaned the stove. I know I should rejoice. I know I should have hands held high. There should probably be a Hallelujah shouted out.......BUT,

Did I ever mention that I don't like Sebastian coming home to a dirty house? Now, I'm not hitting stellar records, but I would say that a good 8 out of 10 nights, I make sure that the kitchen is tidy along with the living area. No dirty counters. No dirty dishes. No dirty table. No toys thrown everywhere.

So, my husband had apparently cleaned the counters, stove, and table which I had just cleaned before he got home. It was nice to cook on a spanking clean stove, but I knew it was going to get dirty. I weighed the mention, and rolled the dice...

her: "um, you know that the cleaning usually takes place after the dinner, right? because, that's when the mess is made?"

him: "well, I can't be doing those things after a certain hour. I have to get up at 6:00 in the morning. so, I can not do any of that after 8:00, or 8:30.

her: "um, it's 7:30 now"

And what I wanted to say was,

I sure would like my time-clock, so I can clock out at a given hour!

*the hims and hers are out there to protect the parties involved. I never said "we" had those conversations. assume what you will...

And now, I'm off to clean the stove, counters and table. Sebi helped me sweep earlier, and I went ahead and did the pots and pans myself.

Oh, Wednesday

I just never know what to expect on Wednesdays.

If you don't already know this, I have class on Monday and Wednesday nights. Wednesday is a bit longer (since I have lab after class) which usually takes me close to 10:00pm. Well, I never know what we are doing in lab because honestly, it's sordof a breeze. So I usually walk in there wondering what in the world we'll be doing this week...

Tonight, I got to pee in a cup. Yes, people. I got to collect my own sample of urine and then analyze it. The whole nine yards. Color. Smell (yeah, I had to actually smell it and then write a description). Cloudy? Clear? PH, presence of proteins, etc., etc.

I checked out o.k., and I'm not pregnant.

Lab ended exceptionally early tonight. We were done by about 8:40. Well Bonnie Lou asked if I wanted to go to Wal-Mart and I just couldn't refuse. No laughing at the Texans going to Wal-Mart. We weren't hanging out. We were Christmas shopping.

Again. No laughing.

And by the way, Bonnie Lou is technically her name- but she goes by Bonnie. I just thought that would make for better reading what with the whole Wal-Mart/Texan thing...

Anyhoo, y'all know I'm not a shopper- but something about Christmas, and Sebi being 3 this year, (and maybe having a bit of extra spending money) just made it all so fun. We walked the kid aisles looking at all the neat toys. I fought the urge to pee after having to drink so much water for lab, and we laughed and had girl time.

oh, And all the while, I rubbed my hands with about 9 alcohol swabs to try and erase the stench of this horrendous lotion that my lab partner offered me once lab was done. And I will never, ever, ever accept that offer again- dry hands or not.

So...

• I have now bought over 5 presents
• I am looking forward to Christmas
• I have washed my hands 3 times and they still wreak of that darn lotion. So F.YI., alcohol swabs will not take away a bad choice of hand cream....they will encourage the dry skin, however.

Oh, and I just can't leave this out.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!! and I'm sorry you got posted with pee.

The Language of Love....Which One?

O.k, tonight was week 7 (and the final week) in the marriage series. We talked about the 5 love languages and how we all speak French to someone who speaks German- yada, yada, yada....

Call me crazy, (or maybe consider the glass of wine that I had), but does anyone else out there think that discovering your partner's love language should be a subject explored like in week..... 1???

Don't get me wrong, it was insightful. And I'm glad that I can now look back on the fights we had weeks 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 after each meeting, and attribute them to the fact that I like to be told that I am smart and funny and intelligent (because I am, right?), and he likes for me to show him physical affection, (like kiss him when he gets home).

Sounds so simple, right? Sure. But, I probably would have gotten pregnant in week 6 (topic -good sex), so maybe they know what they are doing.

Who knows. All I know is- I love my husband. He loves me. We just don't have a darned clue as to how to communicate that in the way each other would like.

But, thank you week 7. For being last. And, no thank you week 7. For not being week 1. If that makes any sense.

Again, I had wine...

I Got Nothing...Except All This Good Stuff

Luckily, I have kids. Today, I got some great moments from the boys. So they are saving me from slipping on the blog posts.

This morning Sebi told me, "I have a lots of gas in my booty"

Nice. This is just the beginning of spending many years in a house with 4 men.

Gabi (who is my bigtime sleeper) woke up early from his nap today SCREAMING. I went in and picked him up. He said, "addddewww. dadadada thbbbbbbb!!!!"..... Smiled at me, let me hug and kiss him, and then played happily while I talked on the phone with Megan.

I got home from class tonight anxious to see my husband. He was in the bathroom brushing Homer's teeth. Homer was so happy to be brushing his teeth that he forgot to initiate the crying that he ALWAYS does on my return. It was so nice to see him just happy with dad.

Sebastian and I had a delicious pot roast with some good wine after the kids were in bed. :)

I like my life.

Cheers

****I don't know why this post vanished and then reappeared. I cannot explain the blogging world. I just happen to live in it. (and for the record, it should have posted last night just before 8:00pm. I did have an appointment, and I am a timely woman.)****


This blogging thing has been a journey.



It's almost like technology unfolding all over again. It started out with just words, pictures and neat buttons on the top of the screen that you just didn't click because you had no idea what they were for. Well, along came video and links, widgets, surveys and so much more.



Well, today we walked on the moon in the blogging world. I will explain, just give me a second to wrap it up.



You see, when I likened Neil Armstrong's feat with an event which took place earlier this afternoon, I failed to mention that thanks to the blog- I have a keg to attend. There was a post- it on Emily's blog. It intrigued me. I wrote on it. Now there's a keg. End of story.



This post is ridiculously short, and without sustenance. I am not copping out of the NaBlo. But, you must understand that I gotta run. Maryland is a long ways away, and there are a few ladies out there that I need to have a drink with...

Oh, yes. The Kids!

I know this blog ends up being the Becky show most times, but I do have three precious, adorable, HANDSOME boys. (mother's bias)

Well, we visit the duck pond pretty frequently around here. It is very close. It does have ducks. And they do entertain. And there's the whole man-made lake thing/park/play-center too that just add a bit more excitement to the mix.

Here we all are, at our stomping ground. LOVING weekend time.

M. R. ducks

M. R. not

O. S. A. R.

C. D. E. D. B. D. wings?

Y. I. B.!

M. R. ducks! ( no U. R. dork comments, please)

Sebi would swing from the cross-bar he's holding on to, and then slide! He had a blast, and fortunately there was a bunch of other kids there to teach him things like:

1. how to slide down head first,
2. and that taking turns is apparently out the window these days....

This is the pose that we get from Homer every time we ask the question:

Gabi, where is up?

And Gabi finally gives in (rarely, I must add....and with much less enthusiasm), but he gets it :)

Here's the pose again. Just too cute to leave out this shot.

And down below is a video of him showing mama where up, his head, and ears are too. It was a breezy day, so please forgive all the wind.

I did manage to get a photo of me in. I know they are rare.

Hope everyone has a great MONDAY!

I Have No Idea What To Post

The title pretty much says it all. I couldn't go with Writer's Blogck, since I used that one some time ago...

I figure if I just let my fingers do the walking, something will come out. Let's see if I can just recap one day this week for y'all and just shoo you away with boredom.

Thursday night, I discovered that I am (hang on, let me stand up) an addict. I am addicted to chapstick. In a very bad way. I'm sure I have, at any point in time, 5-7 chapsticks somewhere in my house.

Well, Thursday night they up and left me. Or maybe there was some intervention from friends and family going on that I didn't know about...regardless, I'll tell you how my night went.

My lips got the itching. I got up to go check my purse. No chapstick. I went to check the bathroom drawer. No chapstick. Kitchen junk drawer, no chapstick. Backpack. No chapstick. Other bathroom drawers. No chapstick. (You should start reading faster for more emphasis here since this is when I went into the addict-junkie mode). I looked in toy baskets. Under toy baskets. Behind furniture. I lifted a couch. I accused my husband of taking them. I begged my husband to go buy me some. I looked under my bed. I looked under the treadmill (did find a sock and a pacifier). At this point, I was about to go nuts. You have no idea what it feels like to just need something on your lips.

I announced (at 11:03 pm) that I was going to Walgreen's to buy some chapstick. I bought three. Two of the regular old one's and my personal favorite, Burt's Bees. Which by the way, costs an arm and a leg- but they know their customers well...

A nanosecond after I payed, I was uncapping that Burt's Bees and I shellacked my lips. All I can say is, aaaaahhhhhhhh. *and sigh*

When I got home, I walked in and told my husband that I thought I was addicted to chapstick.

He said,


"You think?"

The Sign Reads...

I'm going to preface this post with a disclaimer stating that I am not complaining. Believe what you want.

Y'all know what it's like to take the kids to the grocery store, so I don't even need to go there...

but you know how there is that special, reserved, area for the kid carts? Wouldn't it just make all sorts of crazy sense that you should reserve those parking spaces near those special carts for the shoppers with kids?

*small tangent while I'm on my soapbox* And how about this. I appreciate that someone's 16 year old is performing over and above at their job which entails returning the carts to the store front....BUT, can you leave a couple out there for some of us lugging 3 kids?

Anyway, I went to the store today. (And I did manage to score a spot near the kid carts, so I got on board my emotional happy train and headed on in.) *one more tangent*You don't need me to tell you that H.E.B. is on top of their marketing game- but they're now facing serious issues with some of us moms.

Upon entering, they had a toy tool-set (complete with 42 pieces..nice for clean-up, sure to be lost within one hours play, and potential choking hazards included) displayed for my Sebi to see.
He didn't get one. I know, I suck. And if he knew the phrasing, I'm sure he would have let me know it too.

Back, to the subject..So we're heading back to the car and I've got my grocery cart full of my groceries and my 3 beautiful boys. Once I get to the car, I begin the process of packing the groceries in the trunk and then start loading up the kids one-by-one.

As I'm doing all of this, a man in a big truck comes and parks in the coveted spot right next to the kid cart return. He gets out and strolls into the store, solo. I would like for everyone to think that I did not harbor any ill feelings toward this man.

Back to transferring groceries and kids...By the time I've gotten the groceries loaded, re-filled two sippy-cups with milk, and gotten 1 out of the 3 buckled in, along comes solo guy back to his truck.

Now I'm feeling bad because,

• I did harbor ill feelings about this man
  
• and he was pretty much in and out of the store.

As my mind is scolding itself and I'm getting the other two kids buckled in, my thoughts get interupted by these words:

"Can I back out?"

It's solo truck guy. And apparently the door that I had open to get my child into his carseat is impedeing his swift return from whence he came.

He kindly shut my car door for me- since I was on the other side of the car

loading up my other kid

in a parking spot with a sign that read,

"Child Cart Return"

"When I was...Younger/Single/Smarter" (post title, courtesy of Emily)

When I was younger...

• I thought I'd be married at 25, have kids at 27, and oh yeah, be a doctor. Little did I know I'd get pregnant at 28, be married shortly after the birth of my first child, and still not be writing any prescriptions.


• I couldn't handle dishonesty. I had to inform the WalMart lady that we should have been charged for the big (not small) pastries from the bakery department. Nowadays, I continually lie to myself while at the grocery store about the calories in those same pastries. They don't count while you're shopping. And I'm certain there may have been a time or two when one was eaten and not taken into account at the check-out line.


• I watched Bob Vila and I loved it. My dad would walk by, shake his head, and smile. But when my sister got her first house and was doing renovations- I was the one who suggested we remove all the outlet and plug coverings before they painted.


• I was in band. Marching band. I played the bass drum. I'm also almost 5 feet tall.


• My dad was, and still is, my hero.

When I was single...

• I rarely was "single"
  

When I was smarter...

• I think I've just gotten there, and boy does it feel good to know where you're headed.

What The Blog Has Taught Me Thus Far

I thought it would be fun to walk through the archives. And since I learned that nifty little link trick, what better way to reminisce some of the best times I've spent here in front of the computer peeking into your lives, dear blogging friends...


The Blog has taught me that men can be fashionable, but babies sure make it easier on them. Check out Tim with his "man bag" in this post.

All these years I thought that I had a black thumb. Little did I know that I was just using the wrong "chemicals" in my garden, as shown in this picture.

I can no longer get mad at my husband for leaving rolls of toilet paper throughout the house. Apparently, this is common practice in America as this delightful picture made me aware of.....not to take away from the beautiful picture, mind you ;)

I'm sure I've got more that I would love to post, but I gotta meet the BloMo deadline, and these are my 3 favorite sites! wait, 4!...just got a new one, and this post just cracked me up when I read it some time ago.

...and on a side note- I think I kicked butt on that exam tonight, so thanks for all the well wishes.

Honestly, I would just like to relax for the next two days. I even thought about scheduling a massage, but we all know how that went last time...

Me. Pregnant...With Twins.

Snapfish:Photo:Shared

I was fishing through some snapfish photos, and just when I thought there were no pictures of little ole me pregnant with twins......BAM! Roxie, my sister-in-law, pulled through. just had to share.

And if you think my belly is big in this first shot, I still went almost three more months where I actually got EVEN BIGGER! And I had this phenomenon where they would shift, so one minute I'd look 3 months pregnant, and in the next split second- I would look 8 months! If you don't believe me, ask Megan. She saw it first hand and couldn't believe it.

**shout-out** Thanks Rox. This meant a lot to me. And Megan. You were the most wonderful friend during the whole pregnancy...and before, and after, and continually!

HEy Megan,

do you have any pics from the shower??? (it was a beautiful shower, y'all.)

She and Tim wrote (and animated) a book about a little fish named Sebi who was getting two new brothers. It was so heartfelt and I will always, always, always cherish it.

And there was banana bread. And Megan kicks butt in the banana bread department...There were many wonderful points about the whole shower... really. I just love banana bread.

...so I managed two posts tonight. I'm gonna attribute that one to seeing myself pregnant and getting all hormonal.

Oh, and I'm FREAKING OUT

Last night, I went to bed knowing that I had two exams covering 10 chapters to take on Wednesday. Had I read any of those chapters? Absolutely not.


As of 12:00 this afternoon, I am down to one exam and 4 chapters. I'm not awesome. I just beg really well, and I got an extension from one of my professors. Am I proud, no. Do I feel like I've not worked up to my potential, yes. Am I studying now, no.

I just got in from the marriage course. I think they served an Italian version of enchiladas....who knows. There was meat.

I need to go to bed to get up SUPER early so I can study for my exam.

Sorry that this post sucks :( Blogger has a message that it will be down, so I'm trying to get this post up before it does go down.

And because I'm not pulling my Mulligan out this early in the game, I'll end with this:
.. and on top of all that, I made the executive decision to do some maintenance and shave. I itch. And I will leave it at that...

My Man

***update*** ahhh, the formalities...I have been tagged by MeganThe Game of Tag about your MAN:

This is by no means cheating with the National blog post thing for November. In fact, I checked and under article 243.6b section 4, you may post a tag and (I quote) it "totally counts as a post".

There is no need to research and verify the statement above. Obviously, I ooze truth.

All kidding aside, I didn't really have any photos of Sebastian until recently. And I still couldn't muster one of the two of us. Working on that...

1. Who is your man? Sebastian Lauriano Vega

2. How long have you been together? 5 years

3. How long did you date? about a year and a half

4. How old is your man? two years younger than me...

5. Who eats more? he does

6. Who said "I love you" first? He thinks I did. I'm pretty sure he did.

7. Who is taller? Thank the Lord, he is. I LOVE high heels, and I don't think I would feel comfortable if wearing heels made me taller than him......wait. Maybe that would be nice.

8. Who sings better? I'm not one to talk, but let me tell you -tone deaf takes on new meanings around here. I won't reveal with who...

9. Who is smarter? Well, we picked each other so call us both dumb. Just kidding. I don't think it's a matter of who is smarter-just what the topic is.

10. Whose temper is worse? We both can get pretty hot. He gets angry more often- but when I do, you best run for cover.

11. Who does the laundry? I do the "house" laundry (towels, bed sheets, blankets, etc.), my laundry, and the kids. HE does his own laundry. It's always been this way. He's never asked me to do it, and I am o.k. with that.

12. Who takes out the garbage? We both do

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? looking at the bed - I do, and he tried to argue that spot from me initially but I wouldn't budge.

14. Who pays the bills? Sebastian does. But I just recently got put "in charge" of one credit card...

15. Who is better with the computer? I am

16. Who mows the lawn? I do. He hates to do it, so it wouldn't ever get done. I don't mind it so much and actually enjoy the stress relief.

17. Who cooks dinner? I do

18. Who drives when you are together? He does

19. Who pays when you go out? He pays

20. Who is most stubborn? HIM (and I'm sure if he were writing this that would read, HER)

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I think we're both pretty good at recognizing when we've gone 'all idiot' on the other person

22. Whose parents do you see the most? His, they live in the same town. But I speak with mine more frequently. We talk just about every day.

23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me at the movies. We were watching The Ring. I fell asleep.
24. Who asked who out? He asked me out to see The Ring. I believe his line was, "do you like scary movies? I took this girl to see The Ring and she was practically in my lap the whole time!" Obviously from #23, this in no way hindered my acceptance to the offer

25. Who proposed? Sebastian did, but I think I may have pushed him before he was ready....or before either of us were for that matter.

26. Who is more sensitive? Sebastian is WAY more sensitive. He once got so hurt because his "favorite" song was playing and I said to please turn it off. It was annoying to me. He couldn't believe that I didn't like his "favorite song".

27. Who has more friends? When we met, I did. After we were married, he did. Now, I do.

28. Who has more siblings? We both have two siblings, one sister and one brother

29. Who wears the pants in the family? That one is debatable. But I'm pretty sure it's me.

Picture Post

NObody wanted a picture when I got home from school on Halloween night....

.....and I think Gabi wanted to be a ghost instead of peanuts.

Wondering what to do

His first Halloween candy

Daddy let Sebi pick out his top 4

First, it was fun to just grab and throw...

AFTER the candy

They're all hopped up on sugar

And how could I put them to bed with those faces?

The 1st casualty from Pudge

His first bite of chocolate

Walnuts

What a night.

And sleep.