happy early birthday to me

pimp my soule

Nuttin' wrong with treating myself to a little cowgirl bling. Right? RIGHT?

the house that Sassy (and fam) built

Well, we moved to the Kuntry a year and a half ago with intentions to built a new Sassy family home. Then, one thing led to another, and we discovered Sweetie's ailment. So, now that Sweetie has kicked cancer's ass and things are getting back as close to normal as humanly possible, we start the process again.

It's a blessing in disguise we didn't start the building process when we originally intended. God works in mysterious ways, eh? Our "ideal" house went from one end of the spectrum to another. We originally wanted what we left back in Sweet City: a typical neighborhood looking home Man how things have changed.

We've got big plans for our little ranch, country house. It's going to be functional, homey, enjoyable and perfect for entertaining. I can't wait to share in the process over the next few months. For now, the walls are not yet up, but the kiddos have big plans for their new space. Big plans. Huge.

It's so funny how the girls are only 19 months apart, come from the same set of parents, yet are so different from one another. Diva is all diva. She's into fashion and music. She has very specific requirements for the perfect room.

via

She will be slumbering in a room with bubble gum pink walls, a black bedspread, touches of zebra everywhere, a dress form standing by her vanity table and a huge guitar painting on the wall. All her ideas, pictured in her sweet little head.

Drama. So opposite. "No pink or purple" was her only desire. At least in the beginning. She's the other extreme. Doesn't care much for clothes, as long as she is covered and comfy. She just wants her own room again. Then she began to pour over pictures, catalogs and internet sites. Blue, blue, blue. That was all she wanted without much direction where she wanted to take the "blue" room. Then, she saw it.

via PB teen

Now, I am to create this look, exactly as I see it. Exactly. She's a little Type A.

Trouble is a green freak, with a capital F. He loves all things green. He loves the outdoors. So, we are thinking we will be going along these lines (sans the Christmas lights on the wall!):

via PB teen

So, as we all have big dreams in our heads, it will be interesting to see how they change over the process. Or not. Something tells me the girls are dead set on what they have chosen. Me? I'm just finding myself wishing it was all over, so I can sit with Sweetie on the big porch, watch the kiddos play and enjoy a cold one.

hello, my name is Sassy, and I'm an addict

Although I'm not quite as bad as those 10-2-4ers, I still can't live without you. I know our relationship isn't healthy. But no matter how hard I try to leave, I keep running back to you. I'm a freakin' Pepper.

image via

no lie, it's going down right now, as we speak...

Diva: You know, you have to marry the man that picks you.

Drama: No, it's the lady that gets to decide. She doesn't even have to get married if she doesn't want to. You can just be by yourself, you know.

Diva: Yeah, but I want kids.

Drama: Well, then only have one. If you have more, you won't want to take them to the store or anything together, because they will be bad when you're there and fight, like you do.

Diva: I want two or three kids. Girls. You know you will be their aunt.

Drama: Well, don't expect me to babysit for you. I'm not doing it.

Livestrong day

I am a bike rider. Each year, I bike 180 miles in a two day event from Houston to Austin to raise funds for The National MS Society. I have taught Spinning classes for five years. So, naturally, I know all about Lance Armstrong. I've followed his many miles through France. I am a marathoner as well, and I cheered him on when he tackled his first 26.2 mile race. I sported a yellow LIVESTRONG rubber bracelet for years, until I finally parted with it when it fell off while swimming.

Not until Sweetie's cancer diagnosis last year did I really, really respect Lance. Not for his multiple wins of the Tour de France. Not for his super human speed on the New York course. But for using his mega celeb status to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients. You see, I was much in a daze over the past year.

Watching my handsome husband undergo cancer treatment was the hardest thing I have ever witnessed. To see such a strong man torn to shreds was heart breaking. It would be so easy to push the past year in the back of my mind and forget all about it. Sometimes my method of choice of 'dealing with it'. But not Lance. Lance took a time in his life of great suffering and fear and turned it into something huge. Instead of forgetting, I thank God for his power of healing. For keeping my hubs on this earth with me and our three children a little longer. For putting people like Lance on earth that have a strong passionate voice. For bringing so many good things out of suffering and loss. For bringing people together.

Today is Livestrong Day. Call someone affected by cancer. Tell them how much you love them. And thank God for them.

new school year = sick kids

I know, I know. I've been a bad, bad blogger. Again. I've been reading, experimenting in the kitchen, swamped with kiddo and school stuff and just plain ole not into blogging. So, this maybe, very well could be, might be my comeback. But, don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years months.

So glad the school year is underway. The kiddos are gittin' all smart n' stuff while I'm getting back into a routine with household duties, ranch duties and being the world class mom and trophy wife that I am.

What is it with the start of the school year? Every year, my kiddos come home sick. This year, only a smidge over a month in, we have had two rounds of the germies. Ick. We are around other kids all summer, but it takes the start of school to really do us in. Nothing like getting back into the swing of things just to put a halt to all of it with sick kids at home.

I have adjusted our diets to rid our house of the crap and instead incorporate more natural and raw foods, organic foods and good for us fats. One word: coconut flour. Ok, well, that's really two words, but one product. Love. Throw it in your smoothie for a yummy protein boost. Good fat, low carb and not all nasty textured like coconut flakes. Did I mention I hate shredded coconut? But I love the flavor of coconut. Oh, and the smell. Tropical. Coated fish in it last night for some fish tacos. Mmm, mmm good.

I've been cooking up a storm. Luckily, all three of my little monsters like to help in the kitchen. It seems they are way more willing to try something if they had a hand in putting it together. Hopefully I can keep them well from here on out!

A new gym opened up in my little tiny town, so I quick quick lickity split signed up. I am in love. It's all shiny and new. You know how much I love shiny things. Being freshly opened, there are not many members yet. I get to hog all of the machines and bop along to my iPod with nobody to get in my way! I have actually been consistent! I'm on a plan! I have a purpose when I walk through the door! Back in the saddle, again. But this time, for good. With Sweetie's troubles in our past, a new gym membership and eating cleaner foods, watch out world. Sassy's coming out in full force.

Oh, and Blogger still sucks. I've been trying for 30 minutes to upload a foto. And I'm nowhere near my memory space. Stupid Blogger. So, since there is no picture posted, I'll paint you a little scene...Picture it: Sassy, Sweetie and their three charming little monsters, all clad in their True Religions (two new ones for me, plus a jacket! yay!), topped off with pristine and crisp white shirts with no stains or missing buttons. Nobody is fighting, there is no name calling and everyone has clean little tootsies, despite the fact they love to run around barefoot in the country. I've lost 12 pounds on a diet of Friday night Mexican food & margaritas and daily doses of dark chocolate. Mmm. Life is grand. Hope yall are all doin' as well!

(soon to be) saved by the bell

I'm catching up on my Google Reader and crying tears for people such as John Deere Mom and Kat and others that have already sent their kiddos off to school for the new school year.

After reading other people's stories about the fears and tears of sending their little ones off to school, I thumbed through my posts from this time last year. Got 'back into my head' if you will.

his-ter-i-kul

Hysterical how things have changed. We don't start until next Monday and I'm a little green with envy. These moms have already returned to a quiet house with kids away at school. My house still looks like a bomb went off and is constantly so loud, you'd think we were hosting a rock concert.

It all got me thinking. Mainly about how tired I am. Tired of playing referee, tired of breaking up fights, tired of sending people to their corners after they've been throwing elbows. Tired of fighting everyone to find two shoes that match so we can all take a fun filled trip to the grocery store. Whew.

I am SO VERY ready for school to start. I am ready for a routine again. I am ready for my kiddos to get back into the swing of things and enjoy their friends, rather than duke it out with each other.

This year, instead of curling up in the fetal position, day one may be celebrated with a nice quiet nap. Or a bloody mary. Babies on the bus? Ah, they'll be fine. Their bus driver has a better driving record than I do.

Don't get me wrong. I love my kiddos, but I'm craving the routine again. Don't think for a minute that when I drop them off at school the first day that I still won't cry like a baby. I just get to do it all by myself.