I have been the worst blogger ever this year. In an attempt to maybe redeem myself a little, I’ve put together a “year in review” post for 2011… Enjoy!!

January

• Livie turned 5 and had a “Tangled” party

• I went back to school after a 10 year hiatus… being a mom. I took 13 hours at Texas Woman’s University- majoring in Family Studies.

February

• Seiuli was awarded OFFICER OF THE YEAR at his PD for 2010.
  

  He's mine.

  March

• Seiuli was in a major accident at work when he was t-boned by an unobservant driver. He was off work for 6 weeks…
  

  Wrapped around a pole

  

  He's alive!!

• Isabel’s basketball (coached by my dad) won 1st place for the season!! Isabel led her team in steals, points and assists.
  

  Winning!

  April

• Tristan turned 16 and got his driving permit…
  

  Driving on the road... gulp

• Isabel turned 12 and had a “Photo Scavenger Hunt” Party! So much fun!!
  

  Take a pic of entire group at a STOP sign

• Our family formed a team for the “WALK LIKE MADD” fundraiser. We earned over $1000 in honor of Kandi and Autumn, a mom and daughter killed by a drunk driver on Easter weekend 2010. Seiuli was a police officer on the scene and also testified in the murder trial.
  

  Our Walk Like MADD team minus Brad and Larissa...

  May

• I got my CHL (concealed handgun license) and a new Ruger LC9 mm. I named my gun “JET” after Jason Terry because it’s black and can shoot.
  

  JET

• The semester ended and I made straight As!!

• Tristan was in and out of the ER for over a week. The doctors finally decided he was fighting a virus. He eventually got completely better, but it was scary at the time.
  

  ER visit #2

• My Mavs WON THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! They swept the Lakers and killed the Heat!
  

  Dirk- MVP

  June

• I went to Houston with Nancy and Stacy to see NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK and BACKSTREET BOYS in concert!! It was so so so much fun!!!
  

  Well, hello Donnie...

• My siblings and I managed to plan and throw my parents a surprise 40th anniversary party! It went awesomely and they were so grateful.We even had relatives that came from Louisiana.
  

  My parents and the "candy bar."

  July

• We took a family vacation to Destin, Florida and had an amazing time!!
  

  My beautiful family

  August

• School started for the kids and me!!! I took 13 hours again.
• Tristan is a junior in high school.
• Alec is a freshman.
• Isabel is in 7th grade.
• Taj is in 2nd.
• LIV STARTED KINDERGARTEN!! I have NO kids at home during the day!! HUGE MILESTONE!!
  

  My big girl!!

September

• Taj turned 8 and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
  

  8 years old!! Baptism day

• Seiuli and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on Sept. 14. We are planning a trip to Hawaii in June to celebrate.   Sooo excited!! Sooo blessed!!!!

October

• Took Isabel, my sister Ali and her friend, Maddy, to the Taylor Swift concert at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. We had a blast!!!
  

  Taylor Swift, here we come!!!

• Had a great Halloween!!!! I went as Flo from Progressive. Liv was Rapunzel, Taj as Capt. America, Isabel as a dark fairy, Ali as a psych patient, my dad was a “spider man”, my mom Minnie Mouse and Idk wth Sei is… The older boys went out with friends… wearing white masks and dark hoodies.
  

  Trunk or Treat

  November

• Alec turned 15!!! He also made the freshman A-team in basketball. SO PROUD!!!
  

  Go Wildcats!!!

• Isabel made A team for 7th grade!!!!
   
  

  #00

• Tristan played with varsity in the playoffs at Cowboy stadium!!!
  

  They lost But doesn't he look cute???

• Me, Taj and Livie went to Kansas with my parents and Ali to spend Thanksgiving with my sister’s family. Sei had to work so he stayed behind and the 3 oldest were at the ex’s house…
• Taj started pre-team gymnastics and is doing great!!

December

• Finished the semester with 4 As and a B. My Earth Science class was ridiculously hard so I was thrilled with the B!
• Tristan got his drivers license. We had to wait until after football so he had time to go take the test. He did great!!
  
• Loving being a psycho sports spectator at my kiddos games!! We have 2-4 games a week!
  
• Seiuli has Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off for the 1st time in 3 years. YAY!!

I am soooo looking forward to 2012! How was your 2011??

 

Today’s post is about where I live. I live in Texas in a town about 30 miles north of Dallas. It’s not a very exciting town by any means, but it is in Texas which makes it about 200x cooler than anywhere else.

There’s 2 universities in my town and a community college as well. There’s 3 high schools, 4 middle schools and a ton of elementary schools. And kindergarten is FULL DAY here. (woot woot!)  Our high school has placed 2nd in state football 2 years in a row. And in Texas, Football=Life. Yeah, I don’t get it either… There’s not a ton to do here. There’s a mall and some movie theaters… Man, this sounds so lame. But again- I live in Texas, therefore it is cool. It’s not a small town or anything, but not a big city like Dallas. I love that. There’s not a ton of crime either.

Best thing I’ve heard someone say that totally reminded me “Yep- I’m in Texas…” was overheard at the gun range:

“I’ve taken my CHL class (concealed handgun license), but I’m not payin’ the state to carry a gun! That’s like payin’ to go to church.”

I LOVE it. (And yes, I carry a gun.)

I love that winter only lasts a couple of months. I love the heat. My husband and I (and the kids) lived in Utah for 7 years and I did not love the 6-8 month freakin’ long winters. But it is also hot as hell here… and I don’t mind it at all.

Worst thing about Texas: My ex lives here too.

As much as I love Texas, I’d rather live near a beach. But my parents and most of my siblings are here, so… :-/

How ironic that I almost FORGOT to write this post…

Wow… This could be a really deep, drawn out post, but instead I’ll just make a list…

I WISH I COULD FORGET:

• Seeing my dad tell my mom that my little sister died.
• Hearing my ex-husband answer my question, “What about the kids?” when he decided to leave and hearing him say, “I know I should care, but I don’t.”  WHO SAYS THAT!??!?!!? In fact, I’d like to forget All the stupid crap my ex does on a regular basis. It makes it really hard to forgive completely when he’s constantly giving me more crap I need to forgive him for. It wears me out.
• High school in general…
• The movie “Sleepers.” It disturbed me.
• Some of the things I said and did as a teen… Some of the things that happened to me as a teen…
• The feeling in my gut as I was walking into the hospital after my husband’s accident- not knowing what to expect. That feeling is horrible.
  

  Wrapped around a pole

Today’s challenge is “Your Biggest Insecurity & Something About Yourself You Are Proud Of.”   Hmm… I actually had to ask my husband what he thought my biggest insecurity is because I could think of a lot.  I have major trust issues. This would be stemming from being married to an a$$ who cheated on me and left me with 3 small children.  You would think finding an awesome man like my husband today– loving him in a way I never knew existed and having his constant love and support would squash that insecurity. I guess in some ways it does, because I honestly believe he would never hurt me like that. But then I get nervous because I know if he did the same things my ex did, it would kill me. If I think about something that devastating happening, I can’t even breathe.  I guess my insecurity would actually be the lack of belief that someone can love me enough to stay. That’s a little deep for this meme, but… yeah. I struggle.

I also hate my body. Haaaaaate my thighs, butt, stomach, and right now I even hate my toes because I hit my big toe on a door and half the nail fell off. LOL  And I type all that as I sit here eating Milk Duds… I was so thin 10 years ago and now… blech. I feel like crap. Moving on…

I am most proud of how I am raising my kiddos. They tell me all the time I’m a “cool mom,” but I’m not one of those moms that try to be a friend and not a parent. I try to draw on my experiences of being a “juvenile delinquent” and not jump to conclusions, LISTEN and remember sometimes kids are just dumb and they aren’t doing things to hurt ME- it’s rarely about me at all.  I may not parent the way books tell you to, or how my parents did or anything else, but my kids are respectful, stay out of trouble, and extremely beautiful, if I do say so myself… So I think I’m doin’ ok.

 

I love the summer. I love the heat. I love the laziness. I love vacation bible school. I love eating pineapples on a daily basis– I crave those when it’s hot. It has definitely been hot here. This week alone it’s been 100+ degrees everyday. I LOVE IT!! We go to the pool usually 4 or more times a week. It’s nice because Livie swims like a fish (as well as all her siblings) so I can relax a little at the pool.

Tristan, Alec and Isabel have been back and forth to the ex’s– which is my least favorite part of summer. And apparently, according to Alec, the least favorite part of summer to them too. Alec and Tristan were able to go on a varsity scout trip to Independence, Missouri and Nauvoo, Illinois, to learn more about the LDS church history.  They were gone for a week. Isabel went to our church girl’s camp that same week. I’m glad they had those opportunities, but it sucks because that week was one of “my” weeks for the summer.

Anyway, during the week they were gone, Taj and Liv attended a vacation bible school at a Baptist church here. I actually used to attend the same vbs when I was little. They had a good time and I think Liv really loved learning the songs. I heard her singing some this morning. That was in the morning and we’d swim in the afternoon. The next week they attended another vbs at a Methodist church and really enjoyed it. This week, Mon. thru Wed. only they attended one that was in the evening– and served dinner. It was awesome! Sei and I had dinner out together 3 nights in a row.

I am taking one class this summer. It’s “Crisis in the American Family.” I actually only attend it 5 times, for 4 hours each time. 1/2 of it is online. My last week is next week. It’s worth 3 hours so that’s pretty cool. I’ve enjoyed it other than classmates who insist on telling a story about everything or over-analyzing every thing. I think that’s part of the problem with our society- over-analyzation. But that’s another post…

Sei has been busy working his police job on weekend nights and then his part time job during the week with a contracting company. He really likes the people he works with at his part time job, but I know he gets worn out working 6 days a week. The extra income is nice and has relieved so much stress. I just wish it didn’t take 2 jobs to do that.

Today Taj and Liv and I did some fun 4th of July crafts that we saw on Not So Average Mama. My grandma’s birthday is July 4, so we were working hard on making her a bouquet  of coffee filter flowers.

We also worked on bracelets and necklaces.

We are still working on the bouquet. We plan to decorate my grandma’s wheelchair with them. We are also going to do some other fun crafts.

June has had 2 other BIG events that happened. 1- My parent’s surprise 40th Anniversary party. 2- My short roadtrip to Houston to see NKOTBSB. I will post about those later.

What have you been doing this summer?

It’s been kind of crazy, hectic around here. Although today I’ve just been lying in my bed, watching “I Shouldn’t Be Alive.” I’m not even wearin’ a bra.

I think I’m done with all the shopping. The 3 oldest are at the ex’s house but will be home on the 26th. Sei has the 25th and 26th off so I am excited for that!! I miss my kiddos… And Taj and Liv pretty much drive me to drinking… a lot of Diet DP. If I was a drinker I’d be a total lush after spending 24/7 with them…

Taj, Liv and I have been hanging out at home, shopping and doing whatever we can to entertain ourselves. That would translate in to: A LOT of Webkinz playing. We also made Gingerbread people:

Liv said Tristan was “the fat one.” Sorry Tristan. lol

We also went to watch our high school play for state in Cowboy stadium. We lost 24-21, but it was a great, great game. Tristan is on JV, so he’s been working out with the varsity as they moved up further and further. So, I like to say that Tristan got them to state.

That’s about all that’s been going on around here that I can think of off the top of my head. I was thinking about my blog and how I used to love, love, love to write each day. I’d used to live my life thru “blogger eyes” meaning everything I saw was either “blog worthy” or not. I’m not like that anymore and I’m sad because I know there have been things that have happened that I didn’t blog and will forget. I am so thankful for the 2-3 years I was a strong blogger so I can look back and be reminded of awesome past events, like this one. (clickety!!) It’s rad.

I haven’t posted in quite a while! It’s been a fun, busy summer so far. We’ve gone to the pool at least 4 times a week. Taj and Liv have gone to 2 different Vacation Bible Schools. I’ve been couponing. The older kids have been at the ex’s for 2 weeks.  I’ve been playing basketball twice a week.  Sei’s been working. And working some more.

Tristan, Alec and Isabel come home today. They will be home for a week and then go back to the ex’s for a week. Then come home for 2 weeks, then go back for 2 weeks… It sucks. And what sucks more is that they come home tonite, but Tristan and Alec leave for Boy Scout camp early in the morning. Thankfully we’re picking them up early on Thursday because Sei’s cousin is getting married in Oklahoma. So, at least I’ll get to see the boys for 3 days before they leave again… And it is better than them being gone 6 weeks in a row. They are only gone 5 total. Taj and Liv hate it though. Kelsea and Karlea won’t be coming this summer. That’s a long story… Can I just say that some people are the most selfish, miserable, sorry excuse for a human being? Misery really does love company. Well Misery, we aren’t hangin’ with you anymore.

Indy the dog is doing good, but she’s a punk. She’s mellow for the most part, but for some reason likes to eat my leg. Hard. I have 3 bruises from her biting me this week. BIG bruises that hurt. We’re working on that… And for some reason it’s only me she likes to eat. Boo! I have news for you Indy, if it wasn’t for me you would starve in a yard full of poop. Just sayin’…. She also ate 2 of my shoes, 1 of Liv’s and 1 of Taj’s. We took Livie to get new church shoes since she only had one left. It was so funny watching her try on shoes. She’d put them on, spin on one foot, and then tell me if they were “good s’finners.” (spinners)  She tried one on and said, “No, this isn’t good. It doesn’t s’fin.” She’s so entertaining. She’s also a pretty good swimmer now! And Taj is a fish. It’s nice to have all my kids potty trained and swimming!  

We had Father’s Day early for Sei since he had to work and the older kids would not be home either. He got a George Foreman grill, some goggles (lol!) and a massager thingy that goes in his carseat. The kids also all picked their own card to give him and wrote him really sweet things. He’s a lucky guy!

Oh! I forgot. I have lost OVER 20 pounds in 33 days. Yes- in 33 days. I’m on hcg drops and it’s been awesome. I fit in all my shorts. I bought a new swim suit. I feel healthy. I have energy. I am stoked. And Sei says I’m hot. You can read more about my hcg journey at: www.mattressbutt.blogspot.com . It’s truly been a lifesaver and I am DETERMINED to keep it off!!! I am exercising and I have learned to eat better. I can do this!!

We go on vacation to Utah soon. I am stoked to see Sei’s family and to see old friends!!! I miss Utah. A lot. I haven’t found my place here like I felt like I had there. I think we’re just now getting a chance to catch our breath here after all the court crap, so hopefully things will get better and this will seem like “home” again.

Thank you everyone for the emails or comments or texts… regarding mediation on Tuesday. The outcome wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for, but I feel it’s the best I could do under the circumstances. I’ve emailed some about it and posted it on my private blog. If you have not been able to read it I also have it posted on this blog, but it is password protected. If you’d like to read it please email me for the password. I am having to protect some of my posts because apparently my ex reads my blog. I don’t care really because everything I have ever written about him is true and he knows it. But I don’t want him to keep saying I am alienating him from “his” kids because I’m not. He does that himself. The kids don’t read my blog anyway!! But whatever…

Thank you again everyone. I have awesome friends.

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password: