MERRY CHRISTMAS

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS. I, PERSONALLY, AM GLAD ALL OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE IS OVER WITH. FILLING SANTA'S SHOES BY MYSELF THIS YEAR WAS BOTH CHALLENGING AND REWARDING. IT WAS A LITTLE HARD ON ME WITH ZOEY HAVING TO ENDURE A SPLIT CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR, BUT I THINK IT WENT WELL. I WILL ADMIT I WAS PRETTY GROUCHY THE FIVE DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS WHEN SHE WAS AT HER DAD'S WITHOUT HER. I'M JUST SO USED TO HAVING HER WITH ME MOST ALL OF THE TIME. BUT I GOT OVER IT AND KEPT MYSELF BUSY TRYING TO PREPARE FOR THE BIG DAY.

SUPER Z MADE OUT LIKE A BANDIT WITH ALL OF HER GIFTS. BUT ONLY BEING 7 YEARS OLD, AS WE DROVE HOME FROM MY SISTER'S HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THIS LITTLE ANGEL OF GOD SAID "MOM, YOU KNOW CHRISTMAS ISN'T ALL ABOUT PRESENTS AND GIFTS. IT'S ABOUT BABY JESUS AND GIVING TO OTHERS" I WAS QUITE IMPRESSED WITH HER OUTLOOK ON CHRISTMAS. THEN SHE STATED SHE WANTED TO DRIVE AROUND NEIGHBORHOODS AND HAND OUT CLOTHES AND GIFTS TO KIDS WHO MAYBE WEREN'T AS LUCKY AS HER. WOW! I DON'T REMEMBER MY LITTLE BRAIN THINKING LIKE THIS WHEN I WAS 7. SHE'S QUITE AN EXTRAORDINARY CHILD.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

NUTCRACKER

SUPER Z AND I WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH THIS WEEK TO GET TO GO SEE THE NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE AT THE WORTHAM IN HOUSTON. WHAT A PERFORMANCE. THIS WAS OUR FIRST TRIP AND I WASN'T SURE SHE'D SIT THROUGH THE WHOLE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUALLY "CATCH" ON TO THE STORY. SHE WAS GLUED TO HER SEAT IN AMAZEMENT. OF COURSE, IT DIDN'T HURT ANY THAT OUR SEATS WERE FRONT ROW AND CENTER BY THE ORCHESTRA. IT WAS LITERLLY LIKE YOU COULD REACH OUT AND TOUCH THE DANCERS. AFTER THE PERFORMANCE, WE HEADED TO THE "GREEN" ROOM WHERE ZOEY WAS GREETED WITH A GORGEOUS BALLERINA SLIPPER SIGNED BY BOTH THE PRINCE AND THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. THEN WE WERE ESCORTED BACKSTAGE WHERE SHE GOT TO PERSONALLY MEET AND HAVE PICTURES WITH ALL OF THE DANCERS. WHAT A DAY. THIS WAS ALL MADE POSSIBLE BY ZOEY'S FAIRY GODMOTHER. YES, SHE HAS A TRUE REAL-LIFE FAIRY GODMOTHER WHO SPRINKLES HER FAIRY DUST ALL AROUND SUPER Z AND ALWAYS MAKES EVERYTHING SUPER SPECIAL FOR HER. THANK YOU KK FOR THIS SPECIAL DAY. YOU'RE THE BEST!

BOLT

LAST NIGHT, I TOOK ZOEY AND MY TWO NEPHEWS TO SEE THE MOVIE BOLT. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE. THE KIDS WERE GLUED TO THE BIG SCREEN LAUGHING THEMSELVES SILLY. IT'S ABOUT A LITTLE DOG WHO IS A SUPER HERO TV STAR WHO SAVES HIS "PENNY" FROM THE EVIL GREEN-EYED MAN. THE THING IS, THEY'VE CONFINED THIS SUPER POOCH TO THE SET THEY FILM ON AND HE DOESN'T KNOW HE'S REALLY NOT A SUPER DOG. THEN WHEN HE VENTURES OUT OF HIS "BUBBLE" AND TRAVELS ACROSS THE US, HE REALIZES HIS SUPER POWERS DON'T EXIST. I CAN TOTALLY RELATE TO THE IRONY OF THIS MOVIE. YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS ONE THING, AND THEN ONE DAY, YOU WAKE UP AND NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMED.

A FRIEND MADE A COMMENT TO ME AWHILE BACK "IT'S ALL YOU NOW." AT THE TIME, I REALLY DIDN'T GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT. NOW THAT I REFLECT BACK AND START TO ANALYZE THINGS AND REALLY THINK ABOUT IT, IT REALLY IS ALL ME NOW AND IT SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME. I GUESS YOU'RE SO BUSY WITH LIFE, YOU GO THROUGH THE MOTIONS AND DO THINGS THAT COME NATURALLY TO YOU. BEING A SINGLE MOM, I HAVE THIS LITTLE PERSON TOTALLY DEPENDENT UPON ME. SHE DEPENDS ON ME FOR SHELTER, MAKING SURE THERES FOOD ON THE TABLE, MAKING A HAPPY HOME, TRANSPORTING HER BACK AND FORTH TO SCHOOL AND ALL OF HER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS, HOMEWORK, STUDYING FOR TESTS, FILLING SANTA'S SHOES AND ANYTHING ELSE LIFE THROWS AT US WHILE ALSO HOLDING DOWN A FULL-TIME JOB. I HAVE AN APPRECIATION FOR ALL YOU SINGLE PARENTS OUT THERE, WHETHER IT BE FROM DIVORCE OR DEATH OF A SPOUSE OR WHAT THE CASE MAY BE. I THINK WE'RE BECOMING QUITE THE MAJORITY BREED THESE DAYS WITH MORE JOINING THE FORCES EACH AND EVERY DAY. JUST REMEMBER, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BUT DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF AND DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOURSELF. SOMETIMES IF FEEL I'M MEETING MYSELF COMING AND GOING; BUT WHEN I LOOK IN THAT BACKSEAT AND THAT LITTLE GIRL TELLS ME "MOMMY, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH," I JUST THANK GOD I HAVE THIS SPECIAL LITTLE GIRL TO TAKE CARE OF.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING. ZOEY AND I HEADED TO MY FRIEND KK'S RANCH UP BY COLLEGE STATION FOR THE WEEKEND AND REALLY HAD A GREAT TIME. KK IS THE BEST HOSTESS EVER AND I THINK I GAINED A FEW EXTRA POUNDS. HER AND HER HUSBAND JOHN ARE CONSTANTLY COOKING AND MAKING SURE YOU'RE WELL FED. ZOEY MET A NEW LITTLE FRIEND AND ENJOYED FISHING ON THE LAKE AND RIDING SINCLAIR'S PONY BIG MACK. SATURDAY NIGHT WE WENT THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT EXHIBITION RIGHT OUTSIDE COLLEGE STATION. ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW!! OVER 3 MILLION LIGHTS AND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS EVER. JOHN CHAUFFEURED US THROUGH THIS MASTERPIECE IN THEIR SUV AS ZOEY AND HER FRIEND JACK STOOD IN THE MOONROOF GAZING IN AMAZEMENT. ALL I COULD HEAR FROM THEIR LITTLE MOUTHS WAS "OOOH" "AHHH".

AS WE DEPARTED THE RANCH ON SUNDAY, ZOEY INFORMED ME SHE FIGURES SHE'LL MOVE UP THERE FOR THE SUMMER SO HER AND HER FRIEND CAN PLAY AND GO FISHING. SHE'S DECIDED SHE'S AN AGGIE FOR LIFE. YOUTH IS SO INNOCENT. OF COURSE, I CAN'T BLAME HER. THERE'S NOT THAT MANY PLACES YOU CAN GO STAY IN BEAUTIFUL ACCOMMODATIONS, GO FISHING WITH FULLY STOCKED LAKES, RIDE PONIES, JUMP ON THE TRAMPOLINE, SWIM IN THE POOL, SOAK IN THE HOT TUB, PLAY ON THE COOL "SHIP" PLAYSET AND END THE DAY WITH SOME HOOPS. IT'S KID'S HEAVEN.

WHERE DID NOVEMBER GO?

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WOW, I DIDN'T REALIZE I HADN'T BLOGGED IN OVER A MONTH UNTIL MY FRIEND SENT ME AN
E-MAIL WONDERING WHY I WASN'T BLOGGING. I GUESS TIME JUST GOT AWAY FROM ME THIS MONTH SO I'M GOING TO CHEAT THIS TIME AND JUST LIST THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY MONTH: HERE WE GO:

I FIRST CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY ON NOVEMBER 6TH. 35 AND HOLDING! SOUNDS GOOD ANYWAY. I HAD A NICE BIRTHDAY WITH MY FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS AND THANKED MY BLESSINGS FOR ALL THE GREAT THINGS I HAVE IN LIFE.

I ACTUALLY NOW HAVE A FUNCTIONING KITCHEN IN MY HOUSE. WE'RE PROBABLY 85% COMPLETE ON THE BOTTOM STORY OF THIS OLD HOUSE AND IT'S COMING ALONG NICELY. SOMETIMES I AMAZE MYSELF HOW I'M NOT SCARED ONE BIT LIVING HERE EVEN AT NIGHT BY MYSELF. WHEN I HAVE THE FRONT FRENCH DOORS OPEN DURING THE DAY, OTHER DOORS IN THE HOUSE OPEN AND CLOSE ON THEIR OWN. IT'S THE WIND, RIGHT? THAT'S WHAT I KEEP TELLING MYSELF. THEN I HEAR THINGS UPSTAIRS RUNNING ACROSS THE ROOM. AT FIRST I FREAKED OUT UNTIL I REALIZED THE CHIHUAHUA FOUND OUT HOW TO GET UPSTAIRS ON HER OWN WHERE SHE FOUND A STASH OF RAWHIDE BONES WE HAD IN STORAGE. SHE GOES UPSTAIRS AT HER LEISURE AND HELPS HERSELF TO HER "TREATS" AND YOU CAN HEAR HERE RUMMAGING AROUND UP THERE.

THEN I GOT TO COMPETE IN THE BOOGER BARTER WORLD BARREL RACING FINALS IN WACO TEXAS. THIS WAS THE FIRST BIG RODEO MY HORSE "PLAYBOY" HAS PARTICIPATED IN AND I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE PLEASED WITH HIS PERFORMANCE. WE WERE 100THS OF A SECOND OUT OF THE MONEY. BUT THAT'S OKAY, IT WAS WORTH THE TRIP.

THEN MY DARLING ZOEY WON HER FIRST SADDLE IN A SERIES SHE'S BEEN PARTICIPATING IN ALL SUMMER. SHE WON THE ALL-AROUND SUB JUNIOR COWGIRL TITLE AND WALKED AWAY WITH A NEW SADDLE. SINCE THIS IS HER FIRST SADDLE I'M SURE OF MANY TO COME, IT WAS VERY SPECIAL AND WE WERE VERY EXCITED FOR HER. (just note the ex didn't bother coming to watch nor did he ever call her to congratulate her.)

THEN MY FABULOUS FRIEND AND HOUSTON SOCIALITE KK INVITED ME TO A LUNCHEON AT RIVER OAKS COUNTRY CLUB WHERE I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING AND VISITING WITH GOVENOR RICK PERRY WHO IS AS DOWN-TO-EARTH AS HE APPEARS AND HEARING MARCUS LUTTRELL SPEAK ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE OF BECOMING A NAVY SEALS AND FIGHTING IN THE WAR. I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT THE WHOLE TIME. THEN AFTERWARDS, I GOT TO MEET HIM AND HE WAS JUST AN ORDINARY PERSON LIKE YOU AND I, BUT THEN YOU WONDER THERE'S SOME KIND OF SUPER-HERO INSIDE THIS EXTRAORDINARY PERSON FOR HIM TO ENDURE AND SURVIVE ALL OF THE OBSTACLES HE FACED. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND HIS BOOK "LONE SURVIVOR" FOR ALL OF YOU AVID READERS.

GETTING READY TO GO EAT SOME TURKEY NOW AND THEN HEAD OUT FOR SOME SHOPPING TOMORROW AND HOPEFULLY HEAD TO MY FRIEND'S RANCH FOR THE WEEKEND. HOPE EVERYONE HAS A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING AND REMEMBER ON THIS DAY ALL YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR.

WE'RE IN!

WE OFFICIALLY SPENT OUR FIRST NIGHT IN OUR HOUSE LAST NIGHT. RENOVATIONS ARE STILL UNDERWAY, BUT WE WERE ABLE TO MOVE INTO THE DOWNSTAIRS. ZOEY AND I WERE SO EXCITED WE FINALLY GOT TO TAKE A LONG HOT BATH IN OUR HUGE GARDEN TUB. WE'VE ONLY HAD ACCESS TO A SHOWER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND US GIRLS JUST HAVE TO HAVE OUR BUBBLEBATHS. OUR KITCHEN ISN'T QUITE FINISHED BUT WE'RE MAKING DO WITH OUR TOASTER OVEN AND GAS GRILL. NOTHING LIKE GRILLED CHEESE COOKED OVER AN OPEN FLAME. BEING WITHOUT THE MODERN DAY CONVENIENCES HAS MADE ME REALIZE HOW SIMPLE LIFE CAN REALLY BE. WE DON'T NEED OR HAVE CABLE. WE USE THAT TIME TO READ BOOKS. WE SPEND OUR EVENINGS SITTING OUTSIDE ENJOYING THE SUNSET AND NOT GLUED TO THE TV. I COULDN'T TELL YOU WHEN THE LAST TIME I'VE ACTUALLY WATCHED A SITCOM OR EVEN WATCHED THE NEWS. THIS PICTURE IS OUR VIEW FROM OUR FRONT PORCH AND THESE ARE OUR OFFICIAL RANCH MASCOTS EMILY AND ELVIS THAT KEEP THE COYOTES AWAY AND ANY OTHER CRITTERS THAT MAY WANDER UP. I HAVE NO ONE TO TELL ME WHAT I CAN OR CANNOT DO, NO ARGUING WITH ANY SIGNIFICANT OTHER, I HAVE WONDERFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND A WONDERFUL DAUGHTER I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT. LIFE IS GOOD.

AHHH! CHIHUAHUA

Last Friday night, Zoey and me had a "Girls' night out" and spent some one-on-one time. We started off by going to the mall and hitting Build-A-Bear for the latest bear and matching Halloween costume. Then we headed off the Carrabba's for dinner and then our finale, the movies to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. This was the cutest show I have seen in a long, long time. Zoey and I laughed, cried and cheered as this little "Princess Chloe" chihuahua made her way across Mexico trying to get back to Beverly Hills and all the friends she made along the way. If you've read my blog any, you'll know we have our own "Princess Tiara" chihuahua who looks exactly like Chloe in the movie. Their characteristics were so much alike, Zoey and I couldn't believe it wasn't our own "princess" in the movie. I would give this movie five stars and suggest to take your daughter or son to see it. Be ware, though, you might just be searching for your chihuahua after seeing this movie. And, Moms, the hot landscaper dude in the movie with his Spanish accent might do a little something for you also. Zoey also attended my niece's birthday party at Sweet & Sassy in Sugar Land. The girls got to ride in a pink limo and strut their stuff on the catwalk.

WE SURVIVED IKE

Well, the power is on and we only lost a few shingles on our house, a few trees down in the pasture but all is good on the ranch. We've been busy cleaning up debris and trying to get back into life. The storm put a halt on the restoration of my house but they think they can finish it and get Zoey and I in it by the start of next week. We are very excited to get somewhere "solid" and get on with our lives.

We hit the rodeo circuit pretty hard this weekend. We had back-to-back rodeos and began with our youth rodeo in Smithville Friday night and then had to be in Wharton Saturday. Zoey rode hard and was a real trooper despite we were all pretty tired by Saturday. She's still sitting in first place for a saddle in the series we went to Saturday with only two more rodeos to go. I'll keep you posted.

Nothing much else to report besides having to answer a million questions from Zoey about why her dad isn't with us and how she wishes she could see him every day. This is probably the hardest part of a divorce and me being the primary parent and having to explain everything on her level. I think this is probably normal for kids going through this, but I explained to her she needs to express her feelings to her dad and he needs to know how she feels and maybe we can arrange for her to spend more time with him in the upcoming months. It's really heartbreaking.

Evacuation Madness

We left out Weds night @ 2 in the morning and decided to begin our journey to East Texas to evacuate Hurricane Ike. About a fourth of the way there, members of our "caravan" and myself pulled over for a break and decided we were just too tired to continue and since we were only 20 minutes away from College Station and we knew they had stalls for our horses, we decided to go there instead. I knew A&M had their act together but I was overly impressed with their facility set up for our Equine friends. We arrived @ 4 in the morning and were greeted by a whole staff of Texas A&M veterinarians and technicians. As we checked each animal in, the techs checked every horse's temperature and heartrate and did a brief exam of each animal to make sure they were not stressed. Each horse then received a painted hip identification number and were assigned a stall inside their coliseum. Their hospitality couldn't have been better. The vets, themselves, and the technicians also helped bring in all of our supplies and helped us get set up. Go Texas A&M!! I now have two nephews, a niece and my daughter who vow to be Aggies!! If you ever need to evacuate your animals, that is definitely the place to go to. They actually had people walk by each stall every 30 minutes or so and check on the horses and replenish their water.

We then realized the storm was heading straight for College Station and they expected to be out of electricity for a few days and were expecting winds up to 80mph. We then made the decision we might want to re-locate since we were not sure our RVs would sustain those type winds and decided to head over to Sequin to their equine facility. Our TAMU friends helped us load up our herd and we parted ways. I can honestly say these people probably saw me at my worst as I made my way to feed each morning with no makeup and in my pj's.

As I was loading the last horse into my trailer, I had a chance encounter with one hottie cowboy. We exchanged brief hellos and where we were from and as he tipped his hat to me, I drove off to my next destination. I had to hurriedly text the other members of my crew and jokingly told them I'll have one of him to go and that I decided to stay behind and ride out the storm with my new found friend.

We made our trek to Sequin and I realized everywhere we stopped, people would stop and talk about where they were from and about the storm. I must say I met quite a few strangers that I otherwise would not have met. Ike seemed to bring strangers together. In Seguin, we didn't even so much encounter a drop of rain. The kids filled up huge tubs of water and splashed around and played "show" dog with our dogs. The seemed to enjoy our "camping" trip. We'll be headed back tomorrow hoping we have electricity by then. God Bless all the people who were less fortunate and lost their lives to this viscious storm.

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?

As with probably many of you, Ike has totally put a kink in daily life. Being all proud of myself that I actually had a "plan," I soon realized this storm has such a broad span and possibly affecting so many people, it seems nowhere is safe. The original plan was for me and my immediate family and close friends to evacuate to Gonzales, Texas, to the coliseum since they have over 200 stalls and RV hookups. I called to confirm my reservation and was informed that they are going to meet tomorrow and may have mandatory evacuation there since the adjoining county of Cuero had already evacuated. Scratch that plan. Then we were headed to Bellville to a stable there. Now they say Ike may come in at Matagorda and curve upwards and drench Bellville. Scratch that plan. Then we decided to go to Texas A&M since they have stalls available and are setting up panels in the coliseum, but since we have these campers and horse trailers with living quarters that we'll be staying in, we have to be away from any high wind. Scratch that plan. Then we decided maybe to a friend's ranch in San Saba up by Austin but the threat of torrential flooding up there could have us stranded there for days. OMG is there anywhere to get away from this beast? Everyone says they'll know for sure by Thursday where this monster is headed, but by then, traveling with five rigs and 15 horses, you pretty much have to be where you're going by tomorrow. Final plan as of 10:00 tonight: East Texas. If Ike takes an even sharper turn and follows us up there, that's it, I'm staying put next time. All of this "storm running" has worn me out and I haven't even left my place yet. Hope everyone finds a safe place and please, please everyone drive safely to your destination. And if you do choose to just stay put, hold on tight because Ike is on his way!!

WINDING UP SUMMER VACATION

Zoey and I are winding up our summer vacation and getting ready for the new school year. We've been busy this summer and our last venture was our trip to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Waller, Texas. We try to frequent this park at least twice a year. It's within 2 hours' drive from home and Zoey loves the water park and slides and riding her bike. They had these cool three-wheel bikes to rent. Of course, now Zoey has put one on her list to Santa. They also have fishing and arts & crafts, and at the end of the day, they have an outdoor theatre where everyone gathers on the ground and watches a movie. There's cute little cabins to rent, RV sites or you can pitch a tent (not). After five days swimming and enjoying the sun, it's time to get back to reality. Zoey will start a brand new private school this year in first grade where she'll get to make lots of new friends and memories.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My Darling Delight Zoey turned 7 years old on Friday August 1st. We were out of town for her celebration at the Texas Youth Rodeo Finals in Gonzales, Texas. It was hotter than the Sahara but we managed to stay cool swimming in the local Elk's Lodge pool where we celebrated with yet a third birthday party. One word of advice, don't wait to buy a cake in Gonzales, Texas. The local HEB only had four cakes and they were all chocolate. Zoey was convinced that if she didn't have a white cake with "Happy Birthday, Zoey" inscribed on it, she wouldn't turn 7 and would have to stay 6 yet another year. The closest "white" birthday cake I could find was 45 minutes away. After much debate with my little birthday girl, she agreed we could take 7 cupcakes and form them in the shape of a 7 and put candles on them. After all the hoopla about the cake, it turned out great and she forgot about the much needed birthday cake with all the excitement of her presents. After all, this would be her third cake so far.

My 9 year old niece who we were attending the finals for, took home two first place awards and won the title of TYRA State Champion pole bender for the year and toted home two beautiful handmade Tod Slone saddles, of which she gave one to Zoey. Zoey is all fired up and says to look for her next year at the finals. Since we've been home, I haven't been able to pry her off her horse. She says she's practiting up for next year.

Birthday Countdown

We started Zoey's birthday countdown on Sunday. We began the day with going to the circus at Reliant Stadium. It was quite a show. After that, we proceeded to the Galleria for some ice skating and shopping and Zoey decided to get her ears pierced. Then we topped it off with a giant birthday cookie. Just six more days and Zoey turns the Big 7. It just seems like the other day she was just barely 18 inches long and 5 pounds.

1880s Cowgirl Weekend

I was going through my things as I put them in storage today and found my picture CD from my 1880s Cowgirl Weekend competition. I was lucky enough to get to participate in this cowgirl adventure this past year. It was held in Bastrop, Texas, and 20 cowgirls participated from all over Texas. We had to live like in the 1880s for three days, including sleeping on the ground under the stars. Over the 3-day period, we participated in various ranching competitions and had to pen 100 head of cattle that were turned loose out on a 500-acre ranch. For those of you not into this, I know it sounds corny. And believe me, the attire I have on in these pictures is not my norm, but we had to dress as authentic as we could to replicate the Old West days. I had so much fun meeting all of these other cowgirls and especially just spending time with my ranch horse Cuatro who is shown in these pictures. We also had to draw straws and every three hours throughout the night, we had to change shifts which consisted of three to four cowgirls and ride the entire time under the full moon around the cattle grazing out on the open prairie watching out for looters or what "staged" event might happen. I'm not one much for "roughing" it, but I really enjoyed this and look forward to it again this next year. It reminded me of a simpler life with no cell phones, computers and modern technology and just surviving on good old Mother Nature.

IT'S OFFICIAL!

It's official, Princess Tiara is now a part of our family. Her and Zoey bonded immediately and the first night together, Tiara layed snuggled around Zoey's neck. She is only 10 weeks old and Zoey taught her to lead the first day and she follows Zoey around faithfully. I've never seen my child so devoted to anything. She won't leave this puppy alone for even 30 minutes. I can't blame her. She's quite the cool little dog. I've never been a Chihuahua fan, but these little critters are totally devoted to their owners. I own Border Collies and Minuature Australian
Shepherds and I would highly recommend a Chihuahua to anyone seeking true companionship.

One thing I thought was a little comical. The breeder informed Zoey to always be careful when letting Tiara outside alone that she's had cases where hawks have actually flown down and snatched a puppy right up. Zoey won't let Tiara outside without her retractable leash on in case a hawk comes, she'll have one end of the leash and can rescue Tiara. It really made an impression on her.

Introducing Princess Tiara

Just got back from vacation from Concan. The river was a little low but the company made up for it. I arrived early with my family and hung out with Mom and Dad and Sister and Brother-in-law and some kin from Louisiana for two days. We floated the good old Frio river and had a blast. Then my extended family came in and I moved into their cabin with them. Zoey and I toggled between the two places making sure we were able to visit everyone we needed to. I must say, this trip to Garner out of all the years I've been going there was definitely different. I met knew friends and realized how lucky I am for the old ones. Kristi and John were the best hosts and for anyone who reads Kristi's blog, her life is truly a fairy tale and she really is married to Prince Charming and she really does have a princess for a daughter. If God has blessed you with actually knowing her and her family, you know what I mean. Their upbeat attitudes and warmth and love just rolled right off onto anyone around them. I came back a better person and with a much more positive attitude. I think I'm going to be okay. God, time and my wonderful family and these great friends have just moved me right along to a place where I need to be. One thing I did find out, though, Sinclair, who is only 2, knows exactly what a Hummer is and she was so cute saying "want white Hummer" I bet Daddy John might have to get that princess her own white Hummer. Now, my beautiful princess has decided she wants a Chihuahua for her birthday. I was dead set against it, but now I'm looking into it. Here is a picture of a possible candidate I'm looking into purchasing. She's wanted one since she was 5 and I would tell her "you have to wait until you're 7" hoping the phase would pass. Well, now 7 is almost here and she's ready for her Chihuahua. Heck, as of yesterday, I couldn't even spell Chihuahua much less think I would have one as part of our family.

The day I began my new life

Okay. I am a total novice at all this blog stuff; so bear with me as I go.
I had such an inspiration at Lakewood Church last night, I can finally start my new life. I've been letting myself be haunted by all the horrible thoughts and emotions one experiences when they find out their husband of 11 years has had multiple affairs over the course of our marriage and we haven't even been separated a month and he's "shacked up" with the town you know what. It's just been so humiliating. The saying "the wife is always the last to know" is TOTALLY true. I think you know in your head, but won't accept it in your heart, especially when you think you've met your soul mate. I guess I just wasn't trashy enough for him. I've been letting all of that negative energy consume my life and I was letting myself make my life about him. I can now move on and realize God was only weeding my life of the bad. I will now make my life about me and Zoey and what wonderful future God has in store for us. I know this will only make us stronger, we just had to get through the storm. It's now time for some sunshine. Anyone who has been through this experience knows what I've been going through, and I've found out it's a lot. This is a reality check for yourself that your life really wasn't what you fantasized it was. I can now look at my life and realize I have so much more to offer. Zoey and I are moving forward and are moving to a new town, she's starting a new wonderful private Christian school. I will admit, though, being out in the middle of 500 acres with the coyotes and what else may lurk is a little scary. But my Dad always taught me that I could do anything, and I can. I have to thank God, my wonderful family, my friends Kim and Kristi, and a great therapist to help me get through this. I NEVER could have gotten through this without y'all. Kim and Kristi were always so positive and always had words of encouragement and always encouraged me to only focus on the positive and on the wonderful little girl God has blessed me with.