The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm

I love that...

Luke can eat A piece of bread and call it "Toast" or a "Sandwish".

I love that he gives his "Light-ting Queen" a carwash WITH his sippy cup water ON the ottoman.

He's so fascinated with pumpkins. He told me his favorite one was the one he broke last night, which is now in the trash. Yeah, he's starting to throw them down on the floor and roll them w/his feet. Good thing we're visiting the Pumpkin Patch today to get another. Don't worry I'll get lots of pic's.

That's it for now! T.G.I.F.

Heather

Tea-making, brownie-making, orange-peeling, sippy-cup washing...Enough hypens for ya?

Here are a few things I've been pondering this morning...

Tea-making: Am I the only one out there that uses my coffee pot EXCLUSIVELY for making tea, not coffee?

Brownie-making: Does anyone pull out their big mixer just to whip up a box of brownies? I'm thinking my "fork-stirring" works just fine.

Orange-peeling: I love oranges, hate to peel them. I remember as a child my mom would put oranges in my sack lunch (had to switch to sacks because I left HER favorite Tupperware lunchbox at school--the last day of 5th grade) I think subconsiciously I did it on purpose because I hated to carry it. It was red plastic and everyone else's Strawberry Shortcake, Holly Hobby, Miss Piggy, Care Bear & My Little Pony lunchboxes were so much cuter than mine. Anyway...I digressed. Mom use to put a little "knife starting mark" on my oranges making it easier for me to peel. Well..just today I had this idea to cut my orange in quarters THEN peel. It worked great. Think about all that vitamin C I missed out on all those years as I boycotted peeling oranges. Maybe everyone else has been doing this for years. Sometimes, I'm a little slow on the uptake.

And finally....
Sippy Cup- washing: Tired of all those loose rubber sippy cup valves in your "cup washing basket"??? You know the one's regulate liquid flow to the sippy cup lid. Well...if you turn them over and slip the valve out of the "sockets" they fit snugly in between the two valve openings on the back of the lid. It makes it so much easier to wash. Evidently, it was designed to house the valve while dishwashing....Far be it from me to read the directions prior to using a sippy cup. I mean come on, how hard? Well...evidently it IS harder than I thought. It ONLY took me 3+ years to figure this one out. Don't be a loser mom like me. Read the directions. Thank you to my friend Jen K. for filling me in on this important fact. I was like, "that is so cool that you thought of that" she said, "Well...I just read it on the directions"...Duh!

I'm a dork, what can I say.

Heather

Irony....

Ok, I noticed a couple of things in my travels today. First, I was driving south on Hwy 75, Central Expressway otherwise known as Death Rd. (because of the atrocious way Dallas drivers...err DRIVE!) This thought popped into my head, right as I was passing Turrentine Funeral Home. The City of Allen & Turrentine's in a joint "revenue-ing" effort should erect a HUGE billboard out in front the funeral homes that says: "Slow Down, Or You'll End Up In Here". Aren't I philanthropic? Gosh, I should have been in advertising. Nothing like making a little dough off the dearly departed, right? Before you get all "Hints from Heloise" on me, know that I'm fully aware of how irreverant that would be, funny though (hey, you know you laughed) The Turrentine Funeral Home could bring in some extra fundage from the people NOT heeding the sign and City of Allen could get a little extra revenue by hiding under the underpass right before the exit to Turrentine. By the way, I hate Allen cops. When we lived in Allen they were always a day late and a dollar short when my druggie next door neighbor was dropping acid in the garage or making drug deals with the various people who'd stop by for a "visit" AT 3AM? And you wonder why we moved. I've heard that since our departure from Grassy Creek Dr. in 2006 that Mary Jane (yes that really IS her name--talk about IRONY) spent months in rehab. Maybe she's clean now. I hope for her 3 kids sake she is. Maybe CPS finally heeded MY warning.

In ironic news....I went up to visit my friend Allie (fellow bariatric patient w/complications) up at Baylor Hospital last night. I visited with her a couple hours rehashing our surgery war stories....I was such a great friend sneaking in contraband cheese crackers and tootsie rolls. I remember how comforting it was for Jason to sneak me in a Dr. Pepper when I was NPO (which means no food OR drink). You try to go 2 months w/o a Dr. Pepper. It can't be done.

Back to my story...as I was leaving the hospital I padded my way down the hall to the elevators. I stopped to laugh when I noticed this sign on the wall, "Please do not park ANY equipment/carts in front of this emergency shut-off valve"....You may ask, "Why is THAT so funny?"..Well, let me tell you. It was funny because in FRONT of the sign was parked a whole slew of medical equipment i.e. blood pressure taking machines. Yeah, IN FRONT of the emergency shut off valve. Anyway....I just got a kick outta Baylor. Always contradicting their own policies. Amazing.....

Allie is still awaiting a visit from the Dr. who hasn't come by since she was admitted on Wed. night. Her blood pressure is low and she's feeling lots of pain in her stomach. Luckily, the Fentanyl pain patch IS working, praise God. Please keep her in your prayers.

P.S. Why do I always get to ride on elevators with people who either smell like moth balls or cheap 1970's cologne. Tonight, I got the latter. Ugh! Followed by making the wrong turn down "pee pee" corridor, as I tried to locate Allie's hospital room. My senses are still feeling assaulted.

That's all the entertainment for now friends....

Heather

Tricycle parade....sans tricycle...

Luke & "Dorothy" (Joy)
Joy & Judah
Luke's Class, can't find him!

"Q"Dogg (Quinn), Matt & Brittany

He's our church youth pastor.

Cruse--in

Cruse "Drool Is Cool" Ross. Our pastor's grandson. He looks like a little mini- Pastor Randy, minus the pulpit.

Fire Chief Cade Ross...reporting for duty. I make McGruff look like a pansy.

Also, grandson to our pastor and bro to Cruse "Drool Is Cool".

Jarod, Shannon & Fire Chief Cade Ross.

Our pastor's daughter & hub's.

Mommy and Mickey Mouse. I'd like to come inside his clubhouse.

Cowboy & Cowgirl

Mickey Mouse...reporting for Grand Marshall duty.

Tate

Phoebe

Fire Chief Cade Ross

At least one little boy let him borrow his bike for a minute.

"Lucky" (Peggy) & "Patch" (Kelley)--Luke's Teacher's

Luke's Class

Fire Chief Cade Ross

Ok... let me first start off by saying I'm probably not going to win the "Mother Of The Year" award for this one. But, let me explain. I was pulling "single parent duty" this morning as Jason is in NY on business so, I wasn't able to load Luke's bicycle into the car on my own.

So, yes Luke was the only one in his class that didn't have a "vehicle" to ride on in his school's tricycle parade. So, shoot me! Heck, they gave him an even more important role of Grand Marshall since he was sans tricycle. He got to lead his class in to the gym to showcase their decorated bikes, trikes and scooters.

Let me remind you it was 50F degrees out, raining cats & dogs. I had to lug Luke, kid size Buzz Lightyear umbrella, napmat, my purse, the camera, Luke's backpack and Luke's lunch pail. All, while trying to get a 3 year old Mickey Mouse to stop splashing in the puddles (even though he was equipped w/rain boots). It was quite the feat let me tell ya. God, how did my mom do it as a single parent.

Anyway, the kids had a blast at their tricycle parade. The parents got some good laughs watching their little munchkins traipse around to and fro while completely dressed in Halloween attire. Beau sorry I missed seeing my cute little cowboy-clad nephew. Auntie, sorry I didn't get "the shots" of your little buckaroo. It was chaos in there.

I did however get lots of shots of Luke's class friends. These costumes and bikes were totally tricked out. One kid in his class came as a pirate and his bike was his "treasure chest". There were lots of Snow Whites, Supermen & various animals. Luke was Mickey Mouse. Can I get an M.I.C.K.E.Y. M.O.U.S.E. Love that boy! Enjoy the pic's.

What should I be for Halloween...

You know me, I always dress up for the big candy-eatting day. What should I be for Halloween this year? Need your suggestions.....

I'm about this close (squinching fingers together) to wearing a black ladies slip with a nametag that says, "Freudian" on it....I know Amber, you probably don't get it. But, for those of you who do...what do you think?

Have more ideas? Make your comments.

Heather

Lucky 13...

Well...to all of you who know about the car troubles we've been having with our Expedition, you'll be happy to know we traded it in today. Not only are my days of shorted out spark plugs, and cylinder coils over, the gas-guzzling just went WAY DOWN too.

We bought a 2006 Honda Accord. I can hardly wait to get over 14 mpg. on a vehicle. We needed something with a warranty and this car is practically new, with only 16K miles on it. Wahoo!

So, as much as I hated to say goodbye to our faithful (until last week) Ford Expedition, I won't miss filling you up with gas. You were a faithful "road tripping" vehicle. You've made 2 trips to KY and one to CO. But, we had to let you go. You were breaking down and had 91K miles. We'll miss you, but you've been replaced.

Hopefully car #13 (that's how many we've bought since we've been together-for those of you counting) will be a bit more efficient than car #12 was. If it's not, I'm sure in a couple years we'll be on to car #14....do you see a pattern here?

Heather

I wanna be like mommy when I grow up...

This was a picture submitted for a
'What do I want to be contest' by young Amanda Marsh of Westview Elementary school in Reno, Nevada. If your full time job involves any type of pole, you might not want to explain to our kiddo's what mommy does for a living. It was too funny for me NOT to post on here!

We've got spirit how bout' you....Go Faux Hawks!

Ms. "Piggy", Lukey & Ms. Kelley (plus stray kid who we couldn't get to get outta the picture)

Side view of "the do"....I love you, you love me, we're all one big family....

Can you say, "proud of my faux-hawk"...

Crazy-haired cuzzin's unite!
The other half of the "Duke Boys"...look at those dimples and eyelashes! I don't even think Tom Wopat was this cute!

Today was Crazy Hair Spirit Day at Luke and Beau's school. It was because of Luke's coif that his class won the coveted "Spirit Bear", his teacher said. As you will see his "updo" was crafted by a very expensive, world-renowned stylist--ME. His color is a rich shade of emerald green with a few blonde highlights (compliments of the BIG MAN above). His faux-hawk, as we like to call it was a big hit with his classmates and teachers, Ms. Kelley & Ms. Peggy (Ms. Piggy as Luke calls her). Also, Beau had crazy hair too. As you can see the two little monkeys definitely win for the cute-ness factor. I hope you enjoy the photogs...make sure you get Luke's autograph next time you see him because he's destined for fame.

What's happening in "Hazard County" you ask?....

Just some good ole' boys...never meaning no harm
Heck, if they can fit through the windows of the General Lee...surely they can fit in the armoire.

Luke says, "Cuff Em' and Stuff Em' Beau"....

Crazy whirlwind...No warranty

The last couple of days have been crazy. I've been recruited for the Christmas play at church. Which I'm totally excited about, it's going to be a hoot. 50's diner theme, a complete ensemble of hilarioty. I'm not looking fwd. to all the practices, but it'll be well worth it in the end.

On to the torrential downpour we had Sun. night which produced 5 inches of rain (per father-in-laws rain gauge) and a wicked lightening storm that woke both Hubby and I up. Luke slept through the whole "event"...don't ask me how!

On to Monday....when my Expedition decided it was going to go on "sick leave". It's driveable, check engine light and all, but only when necessary. So, it should be interesting to see how long we can all share Hubby's mustang convertible....When we round up the dinero necessary to fix it, we'll fix it. No warranty left...isn't that Murphy's Law. That Murphy will get you every time. In the meantime, I'm praying that God will provide as only HE can do. I do have my craft show coming up in 2 wks., which I'm hoping will sell all of my fabulous necklaces that I've handmade. Can't wait to see how God comes through on this one. I feel like I'm being a good steward of the talents He's blessed me with. So, may ALL the glory go to HIM and HIM ALONE. I can already see him answering my prayers. He's always faithful.

On to the toilet.....not quite the "flushing" success I was hoping for. It overflowed into the bathroom floor yesterday after I flushed it. But I'm choosing to look at the positive side and say, "Hey it could've been 2 inches of water"...instead only 1 inch.....Whew (wiping brow). Plus, God has blessed us with an overabundance of bath towels that quickly did their job. I almost felt sorry for them, thinking about how well they've held up for us over the last 10 years....and what do we do, just toss em' on the floor....we're such mean towel owners. They even told me so....I heard them whispering as they were all heaped together on the floor, saying things like....10 years of loyal toweling off we've provided.... our lush fibers cushioning their skin and calming "out of the shower chills"....and THIS is the thanks we get. One of them even devised a plan to "fray"out at the seams, a little more then it already had. If they're not nice I might just replace them soon. Which brings me to this question. How long do you expect a nice set of towels to last you? These have definitely had 9 lives....By the way Peeps, I DO have new towels...but I wasn't going to toss them down in the pee pee.....ya dig!

Finally, my friend Allie at Baylor is still hanging on...I had a great conversation with her yesterday. It seems like her spirits were lifted a bit. Please continue to pray for wisdom for the Doctors to figure out why 5 ft. of her bowels have a white fiberous substance on them. So far, they haven't been able to figure it out. She's in a lot of pain though.

Speaking of Dr.'s., I found out some less than stellar information about a "certain" Dr. (not naming names here due to pending litigation) but basically, I can say is that his license has been revoked at a "certain" hospital due to operating under the influence of cocaine. I may not/MAY be talking about my Dr. (most likely the latter). I cannot reveal any sources, but let's just say it adds a lot more credence to my already valid lawsuit. Crazy huh! Guess it gives a little glimpse into why he jacked me up so badly, and others. I've never been a "sue-happy" person, by any means. Now, I consider myself the voice for all those who he's harmed, that may not be around anymore to have a voice. My mission continues for them....and to pay the $500K+ worth of medical bills I've accrued. Being hospitalized for 2 months and having 9 surgeries can run into some serious dough. I'm very thankful to have my life. God isn't finished with me yet.

I close with this: God is good all the time, all the time God is good! Have blessed day friends.

Heather

I knew it would not be in vain....

Seems that all I went through with all my surgery complications was not in vain.

I've made a new friend in the same boat as I was, only a whole different set of circumstances. She currently resides at Baylor University Medical Center on day 70 since her gastric bypass on April 23. She did NOT have my Dr. perform her procedure (THANK GOODNESS) However, she's in a fight for her life, with some less than stellar news rec'd today.

If you could please lift "Allie" up in your prayers. I know she would appreciate it greatly.

Thanks,
Heather

Pumpkins Galore...

My little pumpkin. Watching Barney in his blue bucket. The bucket usually reserved for train track pieces.

GranDee Pumpkin-carved by hand. Accessorized with a slighty psoriasis-ed carrot nose.

Pretty Pumpkin--decorated by Mommy with ribbon, marabou feathers and black tulle. Eat your heart out Martha Stewart.

Luke's School Pumpkin (hand-picked by him at the schools pumpkin patch yesterday. Also Angel Allie Pumpkin (Luke tore off her eyelashes, wings and halo-we were able to salvage her teeth..borrowed from Mr. Potato-Head...hey a veggie's gotta help a fellow veggie out...

Salsa (behind the ivy) & Plastic pumpkin GranDee bought

Wierd dream...

I have a tendency towards strange dreams lately...prolly cuz I'm reading a strange book right before hitting the sack.

Any way...last night's dream was this: I was transported back to my college days, where I was a drive-thru bank teller. Only this time, my teller partner was Owen Wilson. Yes, fresh from a suicide attempt, he moved back to Dallas to avoid the scrutiny of Hollywood.

Exposing his freshly scarred wrists (not covering them up with tennis wrist bands or long-sleeved shirts, like he did for The Enquirer). I praised him for getting out of L.A., I reiterated how proud I was of him for dealing with his "issues/demons". I kept telling him how impressed I was with his willingness to take a lesser paying job, so that he could get on with his life. I mean hey, it's not like he needs the money. Which is good because we only made $9/hr. as a teller. How I supported myself with a car payment and apt. rent on that salary is beyond me. I do know that I no longer have any type of affinity whatsoever to Ramen Noodles or Kool-Aid...hmmm..I wonder why?

Any way..I digress....back to Owen....Who is commonly referred to in our household as, "LighTING McQueen"....for his voice over roll in the Cars movie.

So, after my praises went out to Owen for his life rehabilitation, I did ask him one favor...

I said, "Owen, could you do me the honor and say KA-CHOW?" He obliged....

Heather

P.S. I just remembered another part of my dream. Instead of people sending their deposit slips up through the tube, they would forego the tube altogether and just "shoot" their laundry up instead of checks and cash. What did they think we were the NationsBankomat?

Confessions of a Panera "addict"...

As I sit blogging tonight my taste buds are craving a cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese. I want one RIGHT NOW!

Guess I'll have to wait until I drop Luke off at school tomorrow before I can partake of my "guiltly pleasure".

Another confession...is it wrong to drop your kid off in the play-land at IKEA while you eat breakfast in their cafe'? That's exactly what I did last week. Luke LOVED playing in the "balls"....I heard him say, "Ready guys" before he jumped in to the ball "pool".

Another random thing...this morning I realized Luke had gone to bed with his car that "talks"....How do I know you might ask??? Well...at 7am on the monitor I heard, "Burn Rubber Boys" emanating from the car.

One more thing I've been wondering about and it's about as random as it gets. But...if you have a dog that's blind do you get em' a seeing-eye person?

I went to a CAbi (Carol Anderson By Invitation) clothes party tonight at my friend Jennifer's house. It was so fun. We got to try on lots of outfits. Now if I can just talk my hubby into letting me pay $88 for a shirt....I might have to Ebay my kidney or something....it would be worth though, don't you think?

We've officially got about 5 pumpkins living in Rice-A-Roni-Ville....I'll have to take the pic's tomorrow to post. Luke LOVES pumpkins. Love's not the word. Obsession might be a more accurate description. He even sleeps with the plastic one GranDee bought him this weekend. I couldn't figure out why he had these orange spots on his cheek and inner arm. I figured it out...pumpkin paint had rubbed off.

Auntie--You feeling any better?
Tammy--Started that book yet?
Trina-Pearson should be getting a special little gift from Luke by week's end. Mailed it today.

Ah...that's about it for now...gotta go read the latest book I'm into titled, "Running With Sissors"...you might have seen the movie....Very interesting to say the least.

Later friends.

Heather

BIG NEWS.....no I'm NOT pregnant!!!

MY LONG LOST BUDDY "FRANKIE" OF FRANKIELIVE.COM

I'M SO GLAD WE RECONNECTED GIRLIE. CALL ME WHEN YOU RETURN FROM L.A.

THE WHOLE "CREW"

STACY'S FIRST TIME TO HOLD A BABY AND WE CAUGHT IT ON FILM. (THANK YOU LAURIE JANE FOR MODELING) YOU'RE A NATURAL...DON'T YOU HAVE LUNCH/DINNER PLANS ON OCTOBER 15th? HMMM....

"LOVE-BIRDS" +1 (SCOTT'S SWEET SIS STACY)

THE "LOVE-BIRDS" SCOTT & JENNY OUR NEIGHBORS TURNED BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND. YEP, THEY MET ON OUR PORCH, AHHH HOW SWEET! WE BETTER BE INVITED TO THE WEDDING. LUKE ALWAYS PICKS FLOWERS FOR "AUNT" JENNY AND TAKES WALKS W/"UNCLE" SCOTT. UNCLE SCOTT LOVED THE MARGARITA'S....ALL 11 OF THEM HE DRANK!

HOW DO YOU LIKE MY DECORATING?

MARGARITAS, SALT & LIME

WADE & JANNA-OUR LONG TIME FRIEND'S, PARENT'S OF LAURIE JANE (AND ROBERT)

RICHARD (UT ALUM) AND SHERI WISER-MORE FRIENDS

JASON ENJOYING THE FOOD

LUKE'S "HOOK EM' HORNS" POSE (WORLD'S CUTEST LIL' LONGHORN FAN)

My little niece is a "celebrity"...Hop on over to my sister, Brooke's blog and see the feature article the Kentucky newspaper did on my sweet niece Emery Kate today (she was born 14 wks. premature, Sept 22, 2006). She's a miracle, but we already knew that! I'm so proud of you sweet Emery baby, I wish I was there to kiss those sweet little cheeks of yours.

In other news....Our LONGHORNS didn't fair too well yesterday in the Red River Shootout. Oh well...there's always next week. We had fun anyway. Had lots of friends over, margarita machine, lots of food. I also go to reconnect with one friend I hadn't seen in a couple years. Her name is Frankie and she's an accomplished model and professional singer. Her second cd is being released by year-end. Drop on by her website Frankielive.com and listen to a snippet of her title track.

Luke spent the night with GranDee last night and he had a blast. They (well SHE carved) a pumpkin. Luke would have nothing to do with pumpkin "guts" because they were "too dirty" he said. He did love the carrot nose and battery powered tealight candles that flickered inside Mr. Pumpkin. He always loves to spend the night w/GranDee because as he say's it's, "Pun"(fun).
Thanks Mom for watching our boy so we could have an adult party w/o kiddos.

In other news Fall Break at Luke's school is tomorrow so he'll have one day off this week from big boy school. When he returns on Wed. they're having a pumpkin hunt, he's gonna have a blast. This boy LOVES pumpkins. Just wait until I take him back to the pumpkin farm in a few weeks.

That's about it. I've posted some pic's for your viewing pleasure. For all you who didn't make it to the TX/OU party, we missed ya. To those of you who were sick we hope you are feeling better. For that one, down right "slacker" who said they'd be there but never showed up (you know who you are) You better watch your back (wink).

Heather

HOOK EM' HORNS!

Yeah it's Friday..

Which means tomorrow it's Sat. Our big TX/OU party at our house. We're having lots of friends over, we've rented a margarita machine. It'll be a fun time. Hook Em' Horns! I just have to get the last minute cleaning items done.

In other news...I touched base with an old friend yest. She is on the kidney transplant list in Houston so if you'll remember her in your prayers. She's been through more than any human being I know. This will be her 3rd transplant, as the previous donor's organs failed. We're excited to see her in a few weeks.

Last night we (Sun. School girls) had our girl's night out at Petra Essence of Mexico restaurant...New place in McKinney with authentic Mexican food. I know the owners, it's just awesome. Their chorizo-queso ROCKS!

Not too much else going on...oh, yes there is. Heather and Amber are both under the weather. Sore throats, achy, fever's and all. Please pray for them too. And I have a friend that had lapband surgery on Wed., she's in pain right now which is to be expeced, but pray for her healing and adjustment to her new "lifestyle"-I speak from experience it is a totally new way of thinking and living post-op.

That's about it for now...time to start the day. I have to run to IKEA to get some new curtain rods to replace the one's Luke ripped down, when he pulled the curtains down.

Later taters.
Heather

Wednesday's agenda...

School for Lukey
Mommy has her token cinnamon crunch bagel w/hazelnut cream cheese at Panera's. My treat to myself on day's Luke's in school.
Mommy cleaning house
Mommy taking Lukey to get an ice cream cone w/Beau and Auntie after school.
Luke throws tantrum at "Feel-A-Chick" (Chik-fil-a) we go home.
Naps (Luke sleeps for 3 hours) YEAH, so does mommy. Guess we were both tired.
Hair cut at 6:30PM for Mommy (it has been 6 wks.)
Drive thru dinner at McD's for Luke at 6:25PM
Sucker for Luke for being a good boy while mommy got a hair cut. He ate all his chicken nuggets. Amazing how that works when you withhold the choc. milk until the end.
Home to bed
Well..bloggin' then bed!

Fun day huh!

Heather

I hope it's not..

Is peeing in the parking lot of a US Postal Office punishable by law?

I hope not....because that's exactly what I instructed Luke to do today.

The set up: Standing in line to mail Ebay pkg. I was next in line when I hear, "Mommy, I need to go tee tee". The man and women behind me laughed and said, "Hold on buddy, you're almost through". When Luke persisted, holding himself and squatting I decided to do what the 2 people behind me said which was, "just take him out beside the building, he's a boy--let er' rip".

Up until now, Luke has never peed anywhere other than a toilet, a diaper, a pull-up or underwear. Welcome to the big leagues son. The people even saved my place in line for me. Two birds with one stone...

Heather

What is the wierdest item you're holding on to...

Ok, I was inspired by another blogger on this one.

What is the wierdest thing you're holding on to?

ME: Luke's umbilical cord "stump"....I put it in his scrapbook.

How bout YOU??? Be honest...I know you've got SOMETHING wierd stashed somewhere.

Heather