A Groin, Some Gravy and Alot of Growing

Now then... I don't want anyone to fall over because I've posted again so soon. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. As you can tell by the title of this posting... I have some random thoughts but I've tried hard to make them easy to follow.

If I'm perfectly honest, my holiday was fair. The day's schedule was perfect. The food was good. The people were fine to be around. I just had my share of those "little comments" that sort of dig at your psyche. If I were to sum up the comments, I would conclude that I'm a fat parent and have failed to teach my kids manners. Instead, I am letting go... and just focusing on the blessings God has given.

I've continued with my running. I'm up to 4.5 miles once a week and an additional 5-6 the rest of the week. I haven't been as faithful with my every other day crosstraining. Yesterday, I woke up with my first running injury though. I felt pain as I was getting ready for work and by the time I actually got to work... I was sure I needed a hip replacement. However, after looking up my symptoms and doing a couple of "moves", I've self-diagnosed myself with a strained hip flexor and groin muscle. Yes, girls have groins too! It feels 100% better today. I'm taking Motrin for it. I love Motrin. If I could only take one thing with me on a deserted island... it would be a bottle of Motrin.

This Christmas my family is coming to my house. It was decided by my Mother on Thanksgiving Day after I caught my Mom teaching my sister-n-law (Teri) how to make gravy and whined about it. What was I suppose to do? Mom never showed me how to make gravy so why is she showing her how to do it? So my Mom showed us both together. Then I said "maybe I'll cook next year" and Mom said "you can cook this Christmas". In a previous blog, I mentioned something about having a competitive streak... I don't think this qualifies as an example. This was pure sibling rivalry. Mom has been giving my brother SOOO much attention since he bought his new house (Teri is his wife). Then they cooked T-day dinner at their new house and had Mom's full attention all day long. Whatever! Yes, they did a great job. Yes, everyone felt at home. Yes, I was sort of impressed and proud of the job they did. Whatever! I've always told my Mom that every since she went and had four more kids after me... the only time I get her full attention is when I'm in labor with a grandchild (that would be twice in twelve years for those of you who are counting). By the way, I have the menu planned already.

Another milestone in my journey as a parent... MW has crossed the aisle from "little girl" section to "big girl" section. I clearly remember wearing a 6X from Kinder until 4th grade. I remember picking out 4-5 dresses with my Mom in preparation for Kinder and I remember my Dad taking me for some clothes towards the end of 4th grade. My daughter wore 6X for two months. She is flying through size 7 and actually has made it to a few items in size 8. She went from little girl shoe size of 13 into big girl shoe size 2 in one leap. If good prenatal care and breastfeeding leads to this sort of thing... I don't know if I can continue supporting it. I might have to stop feeding her vegetables. It was amusing when I could fit into her brother's shoes and he passed me on the scale because it means my boy is "growing up". MW is my baby. It isn't as amusing.

So those are my rants... but the real story.... I'm grateful for my family. This includes little brothers who get all the attention, sisters-n-law that put up with them; healthy growing children; and a Mother that still puts me in my place.

Exchange Student Fun

Hello Everyone. I've been completely self-absorbed the past two weeks. Our exchange student arrived on the 9th and left on the 19th. It was a good yet all-consuming event.

Gonzalo lives in Guadalajara. He is the same age as CW. He actually turned twelve during his visit (six days after CW's 12th birthday). He attended school with CW and was part of a basketball team from Mexico. The team played two exhibition games while here. Turns out, I had the star player and team captain in my house. I might be bragging a little bit. He was well mannered and spoke English much better than I speak Spanish. He didn't seem too homesick but did buy his Mom a small gift anytime he had the chance. He & CW got along well. MW took much pleasure in playing the role of an annoying little sister. I think I must have asked "are you hungry?" at least every five minutes during his entire stay.

The first day I took him to HEB to pick out foods that he liked to eat. He was so polite that everytime I pointed to something he would just say "that is fine". I could have pointed to chicken livers and he would have agreed. So the HEB thing didn't work too well. He seemed happy with whatever I gave him though. It was day 3 that I realized he hadn't brushed his teeth which could've been a big problem since his Mom is a dentist. He would shower, dress, sleep, wake, or whatever needed to be done with no trouble which makes me worry about CW. He goes to stay with Gonzalo in March. I'm hoping he showers and brushes his teeth. I'm not too sure he'll do it without me there to nag.

It is tradition for the exchange students to bring gifts for the host family. I received a bottle of expensive Tequila and a beautiful silver necklace/bracelet/earring set. CW was given a chess set and shirt. MW was given a sweet charm bracelet. We sent a scrapbook of Gonzalo's stay home with him and a framed picture. When CW goes in March, it will be our turn to send gifts. I'm open to ideas.

During Gonzalo's stay we did the following: ate out eight times, Laser Quest, Alamo, Riverwalk and boat ride, Tower of Americas with 4D ride, 3 basketball games, Spurs game, shopping @ La Cantera, Forum & Bass Pro Shop, school, Sunday school, church, Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner, swimming and celebrated the boy's birthday with a sleepover. Now I know how it feels to have out-of-town guests. I'm usually the out-of-town guest. My appreciation for my previous hosts has grown.

The BIG DEAL was the H2. All the exchange & host students plus 3 of CW's friends were picked up from school (on CW's birthday) by the pictured H2 for a ride to lunch and Laser Quest. Yea, it was a hit.

I'll post some more pictures separately. I've been trying to insert photos for the past 2 hours and it just messes up this blog. I actually had to retype part of it. If anyone knows the proper way to type text and insert photos without messing up the format, please share. I'm beyond frustrated. The pictures will only post at the beginning and not at the end or within the text. Plus, when I browse to my CD, it only lists numbers and not actual photos (so I don't know which one to pick). Plus, how do I get it to copy/paste? I don't see the option anywhere. SARA MORELAND! This is your doing. Thanks in advance for pointers.

Halloween Treat

I've been told by a few that a new blog posting is overdue so I have a treat for everyone... pictures! I hope my brothers and the Moreland home is impressed. I figured out how to do it all by myself (since 11/1). Please note the crazed cat in the photo with CW & MW. Also, displayed are MW's man feet. Don't tell her I said that.

As you can see, MW was not a princess. CW wore his black robe again with a different mask. He also carried some sort of rod/sword/weapon which I wouldn't pay for but told him he could buy it with his own money. He gladly forked over the cash.

Their Dad took them around the block. The whole trick-or-treating event was done within an hour. I'm referring to the whole neighborhood. It was quite by 8:30. The kids had their fill though. The previous Sunday, our neighborhood had a block party with a costume contest and parade.


So I'm glad November is here. My Dad's procedure went well and he is going back to work. Thank you everyone for your prayers! Thank you God for your answer (the one I wanted).

A big event is taking place this week in our household. Our exchange student arrives on Thursday for a ten day stay. He is in the same grade as CW and speaks English. I'm a bit anxious because the people who organize this have the exchange/host kids on a busy schedule. I already have a hard time keeping up with my two kids. I just don't want to mess up. Also, this poor kid will want to be fed. What if he hates my cooking? Please pray for him. Oh, I didn't mean that as a joke... I'm more concerned about homesickness than cooking.

The other big event is CW's birthday. It is next week. He and some of his friends and the other exchange/host kids are being picked up at school in an extended Hummer. They'll go to lunch then to Laser Quest. Three of the boys will stay for a sleepover. Of course, our exchange student will be there too. As a matter of fact, his birthday is the following week so this is a joint birthday celebration. I'm most anxious about the birthday plans. I always get nervous about this kinda of stuff.

Much love to the families of Sophie (cat) and Molly (dog). My heart aches knowing you are hurting. I know and you know everyone will be OK but it does hurt for a little while.

I'll do my best to post quicker next time. I hope you liked the pictures.