Poor mistreated.....

Kitty and turtle, that would be Bob and Tucker. You see today as I was at school showing off my sweet nephew B another teacher wanted to see their dog. B loves Bailey dog so much that Bailey is one of the couple of words he knows. I then began the scrolling....scrolling....scrolling on Abby's blog to find a picture of Bailey. It was all the way to July I think of 2008 that I finally found a picture. Then the picture was not even really of Bailey but really B, he just happen to be in the background. Therefore after school I called Abby to ask her how she could mistreat my sweet nephew dog like that. How could she never put his picture up on the blog, I mean he was her "first" child. Then she BUSTED ME!!!

"Emily, where are the pictures of Bob and Tucker?" I mean after all you have had them longer than Winston. Oh and they are actually YOUR animals, not a shared one. MY HEART STOPPED!!! She was right, this whole time I have been mistreating them. What a horrible parent I am! How could I not tell of my sweet babies...and only talk about "that DOG" the one I SHARE!. To BOB and TUCKER.....MOMMY REALLY LOVES YOU!

Below I have added pictures of both my sweet babies. Okay for those who don't know Bob, she is the best cat ever. (Yes you read that right SHE) When I was working at JPS oh gosh 5 years ago, the schedule coordinator had this sweet cat. She and her daughter were moving to a new place that would not allow animals. I remember that she had asked me at least 4 times if I wanted a cat...I said NO, I am allergic...blah blah blah. You know all the excuses you use! Then it was about a day later and I asked her if she had found a home, she had not. She informed me that she was going to take her to the pound. I was heart broken, I think I even has talked it over with Abby and Brian. That is when I said I want her. I really knew nothing about her at the time, but I couldn't have asked for a better cat. She is perfect for me. When I picked her up that is when I learned why SHE was name BOB. She is a minx....that means she was born with no tail (a cute little stub). So her daughter called her bob because she kinda looked like a bob cat with a bobbed tail. Bob was only about a year or so old when I got her...it is great because she and E are always the same age! For E this was the only cat she ever knew of...she loved her and Bob always did great with E. It was funny the one time E saw a "real" cat (you know one with a tail) I think they were at a friends....she came running to Abby and said "Mommy mommy the cat has a tail like Bailey not like Bob!" That was when we had to explain to her that Bob was a special cat. Bob is wonderful. She keeps to her self yet loves to be close. For a person, such as my self, who is allergic her non cuddling is fine with me. Here she is:

Okay I know people think I am crazy, not only do I have a cat but a turtle! Well Tucker is special too. You see my mother has turtles at home (this is a whole other blog) and Tucker is one of the 1st babies. When Dad first found him it was late summer, I was worried that he wouldn't know how to eat like the adult turtles or hibernate. Mom told me I could take him home if I wanted. I loaded him up in a shoe box and we drove back to Fort Worth. I guess I have had Tucker for 4 years now, he started out about the size of a quarter. He is much larger than his brother who is still in Amarillo with mom. I think that is because he doesn't hibernate and lives inside. For people who have never been around turtles, come on over. You have to see his personality...yes I said personality. I know it seems weird but he has one. He gets made just like cats and dogs do. He turns his water bowl over and will carry around his cage when he want more. He is a riot..

The things we love.....

about WINSTON! I know I have not really put up a WINSTON post in some time, so here is the latest (maybe a little long, sorry). Winston has really come into his own little personality lately. He is now a happy 10 week old puppy with tons of energy. Winston is really a wonderful puppy, I don't think we could be happier with our little man. The best thing that I love is the potty training.....well I think for the most part he is doing AMAZING! The past week he has only had one accident (I am knocking on wood). Winston loves his schedule (as does his father). We found out the hard way last night that if he is off schedule it messes everything up. He loves to play. He is pretty good at fetching a ball, 3 out of 5 times he brings it back to you. He dislike plastic bottles. I have attached a video...it is a bit dark but you can see (or hear) how he hates them. If we place a plastic water bottle on the floor he goes crazy barking and circling it. It is the funniest thing ever. The other thing that makes me laugh is his night time snack. Okay so we heard that ice makes their puppy teeth feel better, so Chris gives him a night time snack. He puts some crushed ice in his water bowl. Winston picks out one by one a piece and runs around trying to eat it. They slip out of his mouth which drives him crazy, then he goes in for another. Yeah we end up with little water puddles around but it is at least 15 minutes of no biting.

BITING....grrr to this, but no worries we have a solution I HOPE! Today was a very big day for Mr. Winston, we signed up for PUPPY SCHOOL! That's right he will begin classes on February 25th, I am so excited. The down fall, he is still car sick. The trainer that we will be seeing for his puppy school suggested we take small trips in the car. She said it may help him get use to the car "feeling" and be less likely to get sick. Chris and I have taken this suggestion and tried it out. Chris the BRAVE father....and one who doesn't FOLLOW rules, took Winston last week to PetSmart for a car ride. He lets Winston sit in his lap while driving (which I am totally against, I think he needs to be in his kennel or bag for safety). Did Winston get sick? NO!!! Chris claims this is because he could see out the window...I think it was pure luck. I who have taken Winston the past 2 nights to PetSmart got to endure the car sick dog he is. Last night he made it there fine, then on the way home not so good. Today we made it there with no problems.....then we made it home. As I opened the door to the car and was telling Winston good job, he looked at me and puked. I think we may need a miracle here people. Next SATURDAY we have the horrid drive again.....to 635 and Preston for his last shot and microchip!! YIKES! Okay as you can see I could go on and on and on about our little guy. We love him so much and he is growing so fast! Any tips please send them on, we love to try new ideas!

Look at his sweet face

Winston's favorite spot

The smartest girl I know....

Sweet LITTLE BEAR is the smartest girl I know. Okay so maybe since she is my niece I think this more than others but really she is. As most know Little Bear attends a preschool in her home town...this is her 2nd year there and next year she will go on to Kindergarten. Therefore her teachers have begun pushing sight words and reading. Well if there is on thing E loves to do it is read. She has loved to read from birth. I believe that this is because she had an AMAZING AUNTIE reading with her pretty much daily (Okay her mom likes to read too). I think it was at about 1 1/2 when she could pretty much read Goodnight Moon on her own. Now when I say on her own, I mean she like most kids who are learning to read memorize their favorite books. She knew this book inside and out; and even added a few lines of her own. Good night bears sitting in their chairs, with no table (she always added the with no table).

Okay so I shall get to the point here, right! E's teachers sent home about 56 sight words (sight words are words you just have to know...they can't be sounded out like the, should, cinch etc). They had broken them up into list that were to be memorized. Well the teachers wanted the kids to try and learn the sight words by the end of the year....E has done it she had learned all 56 words already! Yes that is right, she is BRILLIANT. Since she completed the list she is now on to BOOKS!!! Rock on LITTLE BEAR! (for the complete story by Abby click here....she has better details) I couldn't pass up a moment to brag on the smartest little 5 year old I know!

I LOVE YOU E!!!!

My least favorite holiday

I dread this week....you know the week that Valentine's Day falls on. Why? How could you? Well you see I have always dislike Valentine's Day. No it is not because I don't have a boyfriend, I just think it is ridicules. (Come to think of it I have had a boyfriend on this "blessed" day for majority of the years). However, that is not the point. The point is that I believe that if some one cares for you they should show you daily...not on this one specific day of the year. Since I now work in a place of MANY women.....you can imagine the chatter about Valentine's Day. I for one am pretty happy that it falls on Saturday this year. I think this may decrease the amount of flowers and candies delivered to school.

The worse part about disliking V-day is I have to "act" as if I enjoy it for my children's sake. It is funny to me that FWISD will only allow us to have so many parties (3), and Valentine's Day is one. My poor kids, they have no idea how I feel about this day. I think their parents may realize it tonight as they read my note home. I am happy for my kiddos to exchange cards, but a reason to pig out on candy....I think NOT. This is how our little party will go: Exchanging of cards; followed by a cookie and juice provided by Miss Mudroch. YES that is it, really do they need anything else?

Okay I can see how this sounds, but.......I am not a total scrooge on Valentine's Day. Yes, I have already sent Little Bear and Little Monkey; Riley (Chris' little sister) all their goodies; and cards to the grandparents. However, that is where I draw the line. I just believe as adults Valentine's Day is ridicules. You may be asking yourself...then just what will I be doing this weekend? The thing I love the most....TENNIS!! I will be playing in the Jack Frost Tournament...and hopefully winning! All you love saps enjoy your ONE DAY of love!!

Good Times

My dear friend Katie has come to town this weekend. We kicked off our weekend with a quick happy hour of course. Then we headed out to the Stars game. It was a great game the Stars played just amazing. We had some super seats and tons of fun. The rest of the weekend...nails, movies, and more! I love girl weekends!!!

Here are a few pics that we took at the game.

Katie and I

Sweet Chris...

On and look how big Winston is getting!


His sweater fits perfect now.

Life's Plan...

We all have our own "plan" for life, but recently I have seen that our plan is not always the way. This past week I have truly seen God work in amazing ways. One of my good friends experienced a sudden death in the family. This person was taken at such a young age with so much life left to live. As most deaths are it was (and still is) very hard for her family. I have been thinking about why God puts us (people) in these positions, but I know it is his plan. This was their only sibling, which made things even more painful for the family. As they are spending this weekend mourning the loved on they have just lost; they are also rejoicing. She found out today that they are having a sweet baby girl. This was in God's plan...even if we think things are out of control and we can't handle it, he has a way of making you see the brighter side. Many blessings to you my dear friend. I am praying for you, your family, and that sweet baby girl!

Louis Buzek Blood Drives

I know a lot of people head to this site and then to Uncle Louie's...so here are the current blood drive dates and times (in case you didn't see them on his side bar). If you live in the El Campo area and want to donate the information is below. Thanks for your help.

Thursday, February 5, 8 a.m. till ?
Shoppa's Farm Supply
1010 Hwy 59 W
El Campo, Texas
979-543-8363

Friday, February 6, 12 - 7 p.m.
El Campo Fire Department Training Room
220 Merchant
El Campo, Texas
979-332-2103

Another surgery for Louis Buzek

Louis Buzek has now had another surgery. His most recent surgery was to help clean up and fix his bowel they were unable to do previously. While he is now out recovering the Buzek family waits to hear from the doctors. Although the doctors had originally wanted to take him in on Sunday morning due to his liver; he was postponed and then postponed again. I believe his turn in line for the OR has many reasons behind it. I know it was in God's plan to have him wait til this afternoon, but it is also very hard on the family. Thank you to everyone who is praying for the Buzek's and Greg. I know that your prayers and thoughts are what helps each of them make it till the next day, hour, or even moment. I have added to my side bar (the right side of the blog page) a donation address. If you feel compelled to donate to the Louis Buzek Medical Fund you can do it at that address. By no means do you need to feel obligated, your prayers and thoughts are more than enough. I have had many people ask if they could donate, since they were unable to donate blood. Remember you can check Uncle Louie's (Louise Buzek) progress on his blog too, by clicking here.

Super Bowl Fun....

Chris and I hosted a Super Bowl party on Sunday. He had a bunch of his guys from the office over; and I had my teacher friends. We had a great time. There was plenty of fun to go around as you will see from our pictures. Winston did pretty good for our first party. He enjoyed having the puppy gate opened! This means he got to explore the kitchen and living room (a lot in his big/small world). Other than that not much to say....here are some pics!

P.S....I think everyone should go around with 3D glasses on! Note all our 3D pics!

Winston pre-party...he was very nervous because we moved so much stuff

Whitney (Chris' sister) and Hunter
The Pooler's
Alison and I
What a wonderful pic!!

Power of Prayer

At church the past 2 Sundays we have begun studying prayer.  Today's sermon could not have been more perfect for what Uncle Louie is needing and what many of us are going through.  Our sermon was about the "press of life."  The "press of life" he spoke of was anytime you are rejected, betrayed, lonely, loss, fearful, have pain, or despair.  It is the time when we need prayer the most, but we are unsure how to.  There were 6 main points that Teddy spoke on: 

1. Never go into the place of suffering alone-ask those who love you to pray for you.
2. Find a special place to humble yourself and be alone with God.  
3. Tell the Father your heartfelt needs and desires.
4. Always remember to pray, "THY WILL BE DONE."
5. Pray often and a lot to get your will aligned with God's will.
6. Don't stop praying until you can face the matter with faith and trust in God's sovereignty. 

There were two points that spoke the most to me.  Number 4....that even if we pray and pray for something, end the end it is what God wants that will be done.  I say this with a heavy heart, in that I want more than anything Uncle Louie to pull through all this; however if God needs him to move on....that is what will happen.  After reading the last up date on his liver I am worrisome that his will is coming.  I just hope that God will give Louie the strength to make it in for that bowel surgery.  The other point that really came to me (number 6) was that we must pray on this until we can face it with faith and trust.  It is often that one will pray until they feel it is enough...but really it is not until you are able to face in with faith and trust that it will be time to stop praying.  

The first point speaks the most to me with Louis Buzek (Uncle Louie) in mind.  It is hard for one person to pray and pray and pray.  However, when you know others are surrounding you and praying with you, you are more capable.  I know that everyone is praying together for Uncle Louie and Greg, which is what helps give you more strength to continue.  I am thankful to be praying with you all.  

I have really been enjoying this sermon series over pray.  I also loved the ending quote Teddy left us with.  "It's okay to be sad, emotional and anxious when you're in "the press."  Sometimes God gets us out of the "the press," but most often He gets us through it!"