Today was an incredibly long day. I left the house at 7:00 am to be at school for an 8:00 am lab. Only two people showed up for this lab:( I had back to back classes all day, then had a diagnostic till 5:30. When I finished that I had worked with graduate student for half and hour on her thesis project. I left the building at 6:15 and got home at 6:45. Thank goodness for Rosa's Cafe or my family would have eaten PB&J for dinner.
I had one of those moments today where I wondered what in the world am I doing here? I was working with a sweet little girl about Katie's age and I couldn't help but think that I really just wanted to be home with Katie and Sydney and Jack. Most of the time it's okay because the things I am doing are while they are in school. Lately, however, I feel like I am required to stay later and later and I just don't want to do this anymore. I can't quit, I'm too far into it. Maybe I'm just a little blue, who knows. I have this aching sense that they are growing up and I am missing something. Maybe I would be feeling that anyway since they are gone the majority of the day to school. I feel so incredibly grateful for staying home with them while they were little. I know I need to be in school now that they are all in school or I would just spend my days watching soaps, shopping and eating bon-bons (seriously). I think I'm just so worried that I'm missing something important. It really makes me appreciate all the dads who go away everyday and never get that opportunity to stay home with their kids when they are little. I remember feeling a little jealous as Jesse would "escape" the house each day leaving me to handle things. Now I feel a little guilty for having envied his life, wanting to trade away all those wonderful times with little ones. I wouldn't trade for anything now.
Enough rambling. I'm done now and I think I should go watch the Olympics. That always cheers me up.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
This is the best Valentine so far. I love a day (or season) dedicated just to showing the people in your life you love them. How can you go wrong. I did my second annual "14 Days of Valentine" for Jesse. It was as much a fun as the first time. Other than his frog (who completed him, BTW) he got a lamp so he can read in bed at night, some books, peanut M&M's, beef jerky, a TCU shirt (for supporting me in my going back to school), and many other things. I in return got my first roses for a Valentine gift, a box of Turtle's (candy of course) and he planned our wonderful evening out which ended with us staying in a hotel in Fort Worth leaving Amy home with the kids. This romantic stuff is beginning to rub off on him. I love it!!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Snow
I have never seen so much snow in person in my life. This has been the absolute most fun time ever with snow. I have never like snow in the past because it snows, everything gets cold and wet, and before there is enough to have fun with it's melted and everything is disgusting. This kind of snow, the kind that sticks and is significant, this is fun. The kids have been playing outside non-stop throwing snowballs, building a fort, making a snowman. What a fun end to a very stressful week.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Update for FWAFA
Sydney had her first audition tonight. She did two monologues and performed for the theater teachers. She has been working really hard to memorize her lines and get all her movements and correct intonational patterns down. She is so amazing to me. I would never, in a million years, perform in front of anyone let alone in a competition with 100's of other kids to get into school that is going to want more performing and auditioning. But that's who she is and she is very good at it. I hope it all works out and she gets in this year, but if not, we'll try again next year. She auditions with her vocal pieces on the 19th and we will find out whether or not she got in within a month from that time. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Amy-isms
Living with Amy is so fun. She has her own made up vocabulary that keeps us guessing all the time. I decided to start cataloging some of these made up Amy words and see if others have used these same terms. Occasionally, Jesse knows the words too, but most of the time they're strictly Amy-isms.
Ordament instead of ornament
Angel wings instead of shoulder blades
Scritcher instead of scratch pad
Minute minder instead of a timer
"chunk the ball" instead of chuck the ball
A "pervert patch" is the little strip of hair men grow on their chin.
I'll add to the list as I think of more.
Ordament instead of ornament
Angel wings instead of shoulder blades
Scritcher instead of scratch pad
Minute minder instead of a timer
"chunk the ball" instead of chuck the ball
A "pervert patch" is the little strip of hair men grow on their chin.
I'll add to the list as I think of more.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
White's Dumpy Tree Frog
Now, I'm not trying to say I'm the greatest wife on the planet or anything but I have never been one for reptiles or amphibians. I was not the little girl who chased lizards and I really hated dissecting the frog in science class because I didn't want to touch a frog. With that being said, I want you to know about the newest member of our household. Meet the White's dumpy tree frog. You would probably guess that Jesse brought this creature home from the pet store, but in fact I purchased this funny little frog for Jesse for his "2nd day of Valentine" gift. I'm super excited for him to come home and meet his new best friend. Sometimes I think back to the old me with no love for slimy creatures and wonder what happened to that girl. Then I remember that I fell in love. If this isn't true love, I don't know what is.
I will post family photos with our newest baby and give the name later.
A few hours later...
Direct quote from Jesse Bell about his new frog. "My life now feels complete." I love this man.
Our new frog's name is Jobi by the way. Some of you may know the history of that name. Those who don't will have to ask Jesse in person.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Things I love
I love that my son is taking guitar lessons. To me there is nothing better than the sound of an acoustic guitar. He wanted a guitar from Christmas and I was thrilled. We just started lessons last week and he's been practicing every day. When I am done with school, I think I might take guitar lessons, too.
I love that Katie walks around the house with her little makeup case filled with a variety of lotions, brushes and sprays asking anyway she happens across if they ordered a foot massage. She gives a great foot massage too.
I love that Sydney loves theater. Some people want their children to be great athletes, hunters, cheerleaders, etc. but I want my children to have a love for the arts. I certainly have that with my oldest. I can't wait for her auditions for FWAFA. That would just be the icing on the cake if she got into a fine arts academy.
I love that my husband loves to talk to me as much as I love to talk to him. We have the best time together doing nothing but talking for hours on end. I married my best friend in the whole world.
I love being on a college campus. There is something exhilerating about higher education. Sometimes I think I may never want to leave.
I love that I am learning to be a more critical thinker and think like a scientist. It is nice to know that there is a way to weed through the the nonsense. It is empowering. And I especially love when I discover that the things I once thought to be true have absolutely no (or very little) scientific basis. That is the part when I become humbled. And don't forget the part where I thought something was evil, and it turns out it's not.
I love La Familia-the restaurant in downtown Fort Worth. I highly recommend it if you're in the area.
I love having a laptop. How did I ever get by with just a desktop.
I love modern technology and the ability I have to stay in constant contact with family and friends near and far. I especially love that I can catch up with family while driving to school in the mornings (using blue tooth of course) It's crazy to think of all the time wasted before cell phones, laptops, email, dvr, etc. etc. etc.
These are a few things I love.
I love that Katie walks around the house with her little makeup case filled with a variety of lotions, brushes and sprays asking anyway she happens across if they ordered a foot massage. She gives a great foot massage too.
I love that Sydney loves theater. Some people want their children to be great athletes, hunters, cheerleaders, etc. but I want my children to have a love for the arts. I certainly have that with my oldest. I can't wait for her auditions for FWAFA. That would just be the icing on the cake if she got into a fine arts academy.
I love that my husband loves to talk to me as much as I love to talk to him. We have the best time together doing nothing but talking for hours on end. I married my best friend in the whole world.
I love being on a college campus. There is something exhilerating about higher education. Sometimes I think I may never want to leave.
I love that I am learning to be a more critical thinker and think like a scientist. It is nice to know that there is a way to weed through the the nonsense. It is empowering. And I especially love when I discover that the things I once thought to be true have absolutely no (or very little) scientific basis. That is the part when I become humbled. And don't forget the part where I thought something was evil, and it turns out it's not.
I love La Familia-the restaurant in downtown Fort Worth. I highly recommend it if you're in the area.
I love having a laptop. How did I ever get by with just a desktop.
I love modern technology and the ability I have to stay in constant contact with family and friends near and far. I especially love that I can catch up with family while driving to school in the mornings (using blue tooth of course) It's crazy to think of all the time wasted before cell phones, laptops, email, dvr, etc. etc. etc.
These are a few things I love.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What's new
I am procrastinating writing some lesson plans and thought I'd take a moment to update on our life. We are all finally back in school and back into our routine. Katie is having a rough time waking up in the morning because she refuses to go down at night before 9:30. She finds a million things to do instead of what we tell her. She still loves school though. She is always very happy at the end of the day. Kindergarten is such a magical year. It's the only time the kids LOVE to do homework. She considers homework a privilege and is very good about completing the assignments. She is also unique in that she really remembers days and when things are supposed to happen. She always knows when there is a special event or when it's Friday and they can wear their "friday t-shirts". I don't think I've ever had a child so organized and on top of such things. She will be receiving an award at her assembly tomorrow but I have no idea what for. I'll find out in the morning at 8:30.
Jack is plugging away. He gets great grades and reports from teachers are usually glowing. Little bit scatter brained sometimes but I think it kind of comes with his age. Everyone expects him to be responsible for things in his life, but he's not all the way on board with that. I have to constantly remind him to bring me notes and give me assignments. He even forgot to tell me about the class Christmas party. I feel like everyone must think me the worst mom ever, but I think he has to take responsibility too so I will let him continue to work towards independence. Sometimes it will be painful but I think we can get there eventually. He is a great kid and I couldn't be prouder of his character and integrity.
Sydney is doing great. Sometimes we have issues with her missing some math assigments, but other than that she's doing great. She is currently participating in the One-Act show for school. She's is playing Raggedy Ann in a play I can't recall the name of. She is also going to be auditioning to attend a new school next year. The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts is holding their auditions this semester. We attended the Open House the other night and Sydney was beaming. It is such a great fit for her. She will have to do a vocal and theater audition piece in front of a panel. The enrollment is based strictly on the audition so she's working hard to get her song down and find the two monologues she will perform. The school is close to TCU and not too far from Jesse's work so even though she wouldn't attend school in Burleson, it wouldn't be a terrible thing to drive her there and back each day. I am so excited she has this opportunity. She is very passionate about theater and music and that is what they say they are looking for. And the school received exemplary status last year, so she will also be receiving a wonderful education in the subjects other than the fine arts.
Jesse is reading lots of books and having fun playing with his new iphone. I have come to loathe the iphone. Hopefully he'll bore from his newest plaything and decide to come back to me. We got science museum passes for Christmas. That is Jesse's little slice of heaven on earth so I am sure we will be spending many weekends there. He's such a fun husband and dad...when the iphone isn't around;P
I am back in classes and start therapy next week. I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed as I did the start of last semester. I love the classes so far and think that it's going to be a great semester. I can't believe I only have 1 1/2 years left to be done with school. It is flying by. This time next year I'll be registering my intent to graduate, looking for my first job, and looking toward the next stage in life to begin. Time is flying!
That's what's new with us. How about all of you?
Jack is plugging away. He gets great grades and reports from teachers are usually glowing. Little bit scatter brained sometimes but I think it kind of comes with his age. Everyone expects him to be responsible for things in his life, but he's not all the way on board with that. I have to constantly remind him to bring me notes and give me assignments. He even forgot to tell me about the class Christmas party. I feel like everyone must think me the worst mom ever, but I think he has to take responsibility too so I will let him continue to work towards independence. Sometimes it will be painful but I think we can get there eventually. He is a great kid and I couldn't be prouder of his character and integrity.
Sydney is doing great. Sometimes we have issues with her missing some math assigments, but other than that she's doing great. She is currently participating in the One-Act show for school. She's is playing Raggedy Ann in a play I can't recall the name of. She is also going to be auditioning to attend a new school next year. The Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts is holding their auditions this semester. We attended the Open House the other night and Sydney was beaming. It is such a great fit for her. She will have to do a vocal and theater audition piece in front of a panel. The enrollment is based strictly on the audition so she's working hard to get her song down and find the two monologues she will perform. The school is close to TCU and not too far from Jesse's work so even though she wouldn't attend school in Burleson, it wouldn't be a terrible thing to drive her there and back each day. I am so excited she has this opportunity. She is very passionate about theater and music and that is what they say they are looking for. And the school received exemplary status last year, so she will also be receiving a wonderful education in the subjects other than the fine arts.
Jesse is reading lots of books and having fun playing with his new iphone. I have come to loathe the iphone. Hopefully he'll bore from his newest plaything and decide to come back to me. We got science museum passes for Christmas. That is Jesse's little slice of heaven on earth so I am sure we will be spending many weekends there. He's such a fun husband and dad...when the iphone isn't around;P
I am back in classes and start therapy next week. I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed as I did the start of last semester. I love the classes so far and think that it's going to be a great semester. I can't believe I only have 1 1/2 years left to be done with school. It is flying by. This time next year I'll be registering my intent to graduate, looking for my first job, and looking toward the next stage in life to begin. Time is flying!
That's what's new with us. How about all of you?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Have I mentioned...
I LOVE the Roomba. It's my new robot Jesse got be for Christmas. It just roams my house sweeping and vacuuming whenever I want. It has made my house feel so clean all the time and it frees me up to do other things when time is short. I love, love, love, love our newest family member, Roomby. I can't say enough good things about him. If you have a lot of wood floor or tile in your house, this is the robot for you.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Chicken Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
* 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
* 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips
* 1 cup green enchilada sauce
* 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 4 cooked, boneless and skinless chicken breast halve
* 1 cup half-and-half
* 1 tomato, chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Combine chicken stock and tortilla strips in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until strips soften and broth thickens somewhat.
2. Stir in enchilada sauces and cumin. Stir in chicken and half-and-half; heat through.
3. Garnish with diced tomato, jalapeno pepper, and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.
* 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
* 10 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips
* 1 cup green enchilada sauce
* 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 4 cooked, boneless and skinless chicken breast halve
* 1 cup half-and-half
* 1 tomato, chopped
* 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Combine chicken stock and tortilla strips in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until strips soften and broth thickens somewhat.
2. Stir in enchilada sauces and cumin. Stir in chicken and half-and-half; heat through.
3. Garnish with diced tomato, jalapeno pepper, and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Katie's Birthday
Katie turned 6 on December 30th. For her birthday she wanted to go to her Grumpa's ranch and roast marshmallows. She also requested a butterfly cake. My sweet sisters Kisha and Lindsey worked all day on Friday making her a cake while we were driving back from New Mexico. It was so cute.
Charlotte with her cute piggies.
We went down in a pit and built a big fire. The whole family pitched in to gather wood and build her fire. She is such a loved little girl.
The cows were watching us from the top of the cliff. Later we told ghost stories using the cows as part of the story. It was a little creepy.
Charlotte with her cute piggies.
We went down in a pit and built a big fire. The whole family pitched in to gather wood and build her fire. She is such a loved little girl. 
The cows were watching us from the top of the cliff. Later we told ghost stories using the cows as part of the story. It was a little creepy.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's at the Ranch
This year we went to New Mexico for New Year's Eve. Jesse's parents have a ranch in mountains there. The small community they live in does a New Year's Eve party every year with a live country western band and an all-you-can-eat buffet. We had such a fun time.
Amy
Mark and Amy
Amy is such a great aunt dancing with Katie all night long. Cute girls.
Katie has a great friend that she plays with when visiting. They danced all night.
John and Sylvia still have it!
Our new baby niece
Laura and Benson
Sylvia having Happy Birthday sung to her in front of the whole group.
Amy
Mark and Amy
Amy is such a great aunt dancing with Katie all night long. Cute girls.
Katie has a great friend that she plays with when visiting. They danced all night. 
John and Sylvia still have it!
Our new baby niece
Laura and Benson
Sylvia having Happy Birthday sung to her in front of the whole group.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas
We had an interesting Christmas this year. Sydney and I had tickets to go to The Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. A blizzard (slight exaggeration) blew in that day but we made the terrifying drive to downtown Fort Worth to see the ballet because the tickets were non-refundable. I am so glad we did because it was beautiful. But while we were there we got the disappointing news that Grandy and Grumpa had to turn back because the road conditions were really bad. By the time the ballet ended the weather had worsened and I knew mom and dad had made the right choice as sad as it was. Sydney and I made it home safe and sound, but my knuckles were white and the steering wheel is permanently imprinted with my finger marks.
After arriving home, the kids opened their family gifts. They got all kinds of fun stuff from Mom and Dad.
Our plans that evening were completely altered because of this severe snow storm. We were expecting my parents, and 3 other couples to come spend the evening with us. We ended up only having one family over. They live in the same town and come from Utah, so they weren't afraid of driving. We really enjoyed their company and I am so glad they were willing to make the drive over. We played Sydney's new game, Catchphrase, with them.
Christmas morning the kids woke us up at 7 am. This is probably the earliest they have ever had us up. They got what they wanted for the most part. Apparently Sydney really wanted an Ipod touch. She got Rock Band 2 and Beatles versions. This would have been a great gift except a week before Christmas the Wii broke and had to be sent off for repairs. So she didn't get what she really wanted and the thing she did get that she would have been happy with she didn't even get to play with the whole day. Maybe this wouldn't have been so bad had Jack and Katie not played with their DSi's in front of her all day. Sad day. She didn't even let on that she was disappointed until the very end of the night. I sure felt like a bad mom for not noticing. She never asks for anything and would never intentionally let on that she was less than thrilled with everything. Dad was a little more clued in than mom this time and he pried until he got it out of her. What a sweet girl she is.
Jack got the much desired DSi he has been wanting for years. He also got a guitar, a real guitar, the acoustic kind. He's been asking for one of those too. I'm excited about the idea of having a guitar player in the house.
Katie got a DSi too. She has played all day. She and Aunt Lindsey had an hour long pictochat today while we were visiting.
Jesse got an ice cream maker, the counter top kind that doesn't require ice or rock salt. The man was thrilled and in the middle of the blizzard last night was making ice cream.
Me-I got a robot. It's called the iRobot Roomba and it sweeps my floors. It is a dream. It just wanders all over my house looking for dirt to sweep up. I never knew I wanted one, but now that it's here, I will never want to live without it. My techie husband comes through again!
We went to Lindsey and Les's house for Christmas dinner this afternoon. It was a nice evening. Lindsey and I decided to do the 12 days of Christmas food. We came up with a whole menu based on the song. It was really fun. The only problem was Mom was providing a few days so we only had the 9 days of Christmas. We loved it even without our other 3 days.
Even with all the glitches and a few disappointments, it was a wonderful Christmas. I love my family and I am so grateful to have them. I hope everyone else had a very merry Christmas.
After arriving home, the kids opened their family gifts. They got all kinds of fun stuff from Mom and Dad.
Our plans that evening were completely altered because of this severe snow storm. We were expecting my parents, and 3 other couples to come spend the evening with us. We ended up only having one family over. They live in the same town and come from Utah, so they weren't afraid of driving. We really enjoyed their company and I am so glad they were willing to make the drive over. We played Sydney's new game, Catchphrase, with them.
Christmas morning the kids woke us up at 7 am. This is probably the earliest they have ever had us up. They got what they wanted for the most part. Apparently Sydney really wanted an Ipod touch. She got Rock Band 2 and Beatles versions. This would have been a great gift except a week before Christmas the Wii broke and had to be sent off for repairs. So she didn't get what she really wanted and the thing she did get that she would have been happy with she didn't even get to play with the whole day. Maybe this wouldn't have been so bad had Jack and Katie not played with their DSi's in front of her all day. Sad day. She didn't even let on that she was disappointed until the very end of the night. I sure felt like a bad mom for not noticing. She never asks for anything and would never intentionally let on that she was less than thrilled with everything. Dad was a little more clued in than mom this time and he pried until he got it out of her. What a sweet girl she is.
Jack got the much desired DSi he has been wanting for years. He also got a guitar, a real guitar, the acoustic kind. He's been asking for one of those too. I'm excited about the idea of having a guitar player in the house.
Katie got a DSi too. She has played all day. She and Aunt Lindsey had an hour long pictochat today while we were visiting.
Jesse got an ice cream maker, the counter top kind that doesn't require ice or rock salt. The man was thrilled and in the middle of the blizzard last night was making ice cream.
Me-I got a robot. It's called the iRobot Roomba and it sweeps my floors. It is a dream. It just wanders all over my house looking for dirt to sweep up. I never knew I wanted one, but now that it's here, I will never want to live without it. My techie husband comes through again!
We went to Lindsey and Les's house for Christmas dinner this afternoon. It was a nice evening. Lindsey and I decided to do the 12 days of Christmas food. We came up with a whole menu based on the song. It was really fun. The only problem was Mom was providing a few days so we only had the 9 days of Christmas. We loved it even without our other 3 days.
Even with all the glitches and a few disappointments, it was a wonderful Christmas. I love my family and I am so grateful to have them. I hope everyone else had a very merry Christmas.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Favorite Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
* 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 2/3 cup evaporated milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
* 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.
* 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme
* 1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 2/3 cup evaporated milk
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
* 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Yea Sydney!
Sydney competed in the UIL competition this week. There were probably 5 or 6 schools in all. Sydney participated in the Ready Writing and Improve portion of the competition. She won 1st Place! There were a lot of kids participating in the Ready Writing competition so this was quite an accomplishment. Congratulations Sydney!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The furniture's in...
and the tree has come up. I still have lots to do, but it's finally starting to get there.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Great News!!!
Sydney loves to perform. She is always auditioning for various performances as they come around. I am so proud of her because even when faced with disappointment and rejection she doesn't give up. She just tries again for the next performance. This year paid off for her. She auditioned to sing one of the solos at the upcoming choir Christmas performance. She was awarded one of the solo slots. She is so happy. I am so proud of her. She performs Thursday at 7:00 pm. I wish her grandparents were closer so they could come see:(
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Before and After
Yea! We're finally getting rid of the disgusting carpet and putting in wood floors. Here are pictures of the house with carpet. In a few days I will post the pictures of the finished product.
This is the finished product. It will look better when everything gets put back in the house. But we are thrilled!!! I love that my mother-in-law comes to town for a day and somehow finds us a guy to come and do the floors. Not only did she find someone, she found someone GREAT!!! He did a beautiful job. Come and visit so you can see them in person.
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