Soccer MOM!!!

So for the past few years, I have revealed in the fact that I am not going to be a soccer mom. Needless to say, that stopped when my baby said she wanted to play soccer. Not wanting to deny such revelations, I signed her up hoping that this would be a passing fancy and I can go back to just being Mom. Yea right, now I have her sister enrolled in the soccer phenomenon as well. Thanks to Coach Kim who I adore more than anything in the world. UGH.

For the past few days, I have slowly been collecting the soccer stuff needed for said youngster. She has the shoes from a friend of mine who's daughter outgrew her soccer shoes. She has pink socks and pink/purple shin guards. She has a soccer ball with her name on it. She has one pair of soccer shorts. The girl is ready. I was able to leave a little bit early yesterday from work and race to the train. Granted, thinking I can leave a little early I can pick them up a little early I am OK. This is going to work. I can relax. So, not even! Train ahead of us breaks down and will take 5 minutes to fix. UGH! OK, that's OK I can drive like the wind to get to the school. The good news is that I got to the school and the girls had everything they needed and were ready to go. Got to the car and did the fastest change on Lizzie ever. I think it was three minutes and that's putting shin guards and soccer socks on her, which isn't easy. They had snacks that they munched on as well. OK, we are doing great time except I have never been to the park before and the directions were OK.

Got there just in the nick of time with the hurricane forced winds blowing. Watching little kids try to dribble a soccer ball while almost being blown over was humorous. Because Lizzie's team is short one player, Kim wondering if I minded if Cicely played as well. The only problem I had (OK two problems she was in her new clothes) is that this was supposed to be Lizzie's sport and not both of their sports. Watching Cicely play though, she is good. I mean real good. Kept the ball with her and was able to score a goal. I know Lizzie had fun, but I wonder if she feels bummed that now it is both of their sports. Talked to her about it and she says she's fine with it because she made some new friends.

So now I am a soccer mom, stage mom (ballet/tap) and a hopefully soon to be rodeo Queen mom. It's not that bad I guess.

Until then...

Consignment Sale

Those two words together can put fear in husband's wallets and giggles in a wife's step. I love consignment sales and think they are a blast. With two child en under the age of ten, it can get very expensive to clothe them so consignment sales and garage sales are a godsend. If done and priced right, I can break even on what I sell and what I buy.

Usually, I am the one going to the sale and getting bogged down in items for the kids. Today was very different. My friend and neighbor Heather does this consignment sale every year. Heather is hilarious though and is so much fun to work with. Heather's daughter, Megan, was born very premature at 1 lb, 9 oz and had the March of Dimes help with her. Because of this, Heather usually donates her time and energy to raise money for them and today she was selling books at half price for them. Also, she was gathering information from people who may be interested in Melaleuca. My job was to make sure she wasn't over-doing it because she is pregnant again and to help sell books and gather names for Work @ Home United. The best part was that being a vendor, we got to go in real early and see what was up for sale. I was able to pick up dance things for Cicely, soccer things for Lizzie, and other clothes for the girls. Plus, two pairs of roller skates as well. Most things are going to be put away for their birthday though, including the skates.

The sale was also fun to people watch. Most people who walked in, of course, were moms or soon to be moms. Some came with their spouses, their parents, and of course their kids. Lots and lots of kids. Some families came with little babies, toddlers, kids, and everything in between. Surprisingly, most families were watching their children with no problem at all, close at hand and eye, never leaving sight. We loved watching the babies going by with their families, sharing a story or two with the grandparents, helping with directions on where to place the larger toys for holds, and just people watching in general. This of course went along with the extreme cases of moms who really should not be moms at all. One woman had two children, a newborn and a three year old girl. This woman would leave her newborn baby in it's stroller with a blanket over the top, all alone for almost an hour while she was trying clothes on the three year old. The baby was crying hysterically and when one of the other women we were working with told this woman, she didn't really seem concerned. It was horrible! Then another mom with six children all close in age were waiting in line to check out and the woman was screaming at her children. UGH! Why have children?

Children are so special and so precious. To be put through what we saw today with the extreme cases makes me so scared for the children. When I did come home tonight, all I did was love my babies.

To change the topic, we saw The Blind Side last night. What a wonderful movie. So empowering and enjoyable. Laughed in some parts, cried or cringed in other parts, loved it. Sandra Bullock has always been one of my favorite actresses and am very happy to see this movie. Definitely recommended.

Slacker

OK, so I am slacking a bit. Yes, I admit it and should write more. Hey, maybe one day I'll be famous too. Ummmm, probably not. Anyway, the last time I wrote was a few days ago. Now granted, things around our house don't happen that are exciting enough to write down for future readers, but ya never know.

Shelby went up to her mom's for a few days. I didn't realize she was going until Wednesday. Greg said that since they were not going to Cortez this weekend for rodeo and she hasn't spent any time with her mom in months, that this would probably be the last free weekend for a while. So, off she went. Well, Greg dropped her off at the drop off point. The car she drives has a leak in it (so he says) and he doesn't want her driving that whole way. Eventually, he will let go and realize his baby girl is all grown up. Maybe not. I like having Shelby around, she does help out and does good work, but glad she spends time with her mom. I have never trusted her mom and never will, but she does need to spend time with her daughter and see what a great kid she is. And that horses are not the only thing she likes in life. So many things I could say right now, not gonna.

The last few days have been all work related and long. So wish that I was taken more seriously there. I know the users appreciate what I do for them, just with the rest of the department did. Oh well, can't change the minds of a few bad apples. Hoping something good will come soon that I can walk with my head held high and not be belittled every day.

This weekend is another busy one. With the blizzard that just blew through, makes it even more busy. Last night, the girls and I watched some TV and played around. Greg went to his meeting, so he was out until after 9:30. The snow was coming down pretty good and the winds were howling. I was worried about him driving around, but he did fine. And brought home three loaves of pound cake. YUM!!! Today is running around day. Once the winds died down, I was able to venture out. First stop was to my friend Heather's house to pick up clothes for a consignment sale in Parker tomorrow. I used all my hangers and she was kind enough to give me more and eggs! Then off to drop off all our clothes that we are consigning at The Wildlife Experience for the consignment sale. Spoke with the gal who is charge of the consignment sale and somehow got talked into volunteering before the show begins. Good for me! I get to look at what everything is being sold and pick out a few things for the girls. Lizzie needs soccer clothes and guards. Cicely needs ballet clothes and tap shoes. Both need twirly dresses.

It's nice to sit at home and o nothing, but I would rather be busy and get stuff done. With spring and summer coming, we will be outside doing the garden and working on the house. We have a vegetable garden that needs to go in, chickens that need to move into their home, horses to ride, dogs to walk, and just enjoying the beauty of Colorado. Sigh....wishing it would come soon.

Until then...

Snow, snow, and more snow.

Last night was an interesting night. We knew and heard about the storm coming in and knew that the snow was going to fall. What we didn't realize was that there was going to be lightning and thunder. Shelby made a comment that she was waiting for the tornado to come through. So at dinner, we had the lights flicker and go off for a second or two. One of the dogs was scared to death and stayed with someone the whole night. I knew that the chicks were fine in the barn because of their brooder so I wasn't that worried. Or so I thought. This morning, there was no power in the house. Greg stoked the fire all night, which kept the house nice and warm. I woke up with a start and darted outside to the barn to check the babies. Unfortunately, we lost two chicks. A buff and red did not make the cold. The other dozen and the ducklings were fine though. I brought all of them into the house to warm up and to keep and eye on them. I have two plastic toy boxes filled with hay that I have been rotating all day because the ducklings keep playing in their water dish. So cute!!

Of course, without power means without Internet. Without Internet means a husband who is a little impatient. OK, a lot impatient. He said that he is so close in finishing one of his big projects and wanted to get to the office. From what I read on the news, our main road was closed, but that didn't stop my hubby. Nor did the two foot snow drift around the truck. So, off he went to work to get his project done. I think he didn't want to be stuck at home with the girls. How to entertain a five year old, four year old, and a teenager. Hmmm.....Well Shelby figured out a way. The girls wanted to play dress up and Shelby "put on their make up". Ummmm....well, it is purple that's for sure. They have also been playing on the Wii with Shelby as well and watching movies. Overall, not too bad for them.

The snow finally stopped about an hour ago and now the meltdown begins. I love the fact that when it snows like this, we can stay home. OK, I can stay home with the girls. We are safe from the crazies (excluding my hubby) on the road, got a fridge full of food and Oreos, and I have Internet with the Blackberry. Bummer I have to go back to work tomorrow.

Until then....

Another storm?

I love living here in Colorado. The weather is so unpredictable that watching the weather people squirm is hilarious. One station says that it is going to snow about 1-2 inches. The other station says 1-2 feet. And another station is usually right in the middle. Currently, we are supposed to have snow hit us now and snow all day today and tonight. Looking out my window, I see sun. Lots and lots of sun and blue sky. Probably real cold, but it is gorgeous. Just waiting for that illusive snow to hit. And if it does, I am one of those people who prays for a ton of snow. Like in the feet range. I love staying home, cuddled up on the couch, reading a good book or playing on the computer. Hanging out with my kids playing dress-up. Come baby! Snow!!

My neighbor Heather and her friend Michelle are distributors for Melaleuca products. These are touted as being natural products and less expensive that what is bought in the store. I don't mind trying the products out to see if they are not only going to save me money when I do shop, but are better for the family. Heather gave me a sample of the lotion called Renew and I have to say that stuff is awesome! I have yet to find a lotion that helps fight the dry, dry skin I have come to know. Not only is our water considered hard because of the minerals in it, but the air itself is dry too. Living in California and Hawaii, my skin was always soft because of the sea air and I didn't have to rely on lotion unless I wanted to smell real nice. I have tried so many different lotions that my counter is covered. I am not a smelly lotion person anymore, but want something that makes my hands look better than they do.

Anyway, tangent, Heather and Michelle want me to be apart of their company Work @ Home United which is based out of our town. Michelle is the founder and owner of the company and is passionate about the products and selling. Heather loves the products too for different reasons, but sells them just as passionate. Me? I am not a seller. I am not a sales person at all. I did work retail, but that is when someone comes into the store to buy something from me, not me going to them. I do not feel comfortable going up to someone and saying "Hey! Give me your dollar and you can buy this stuff". Michelle and Heather are incredible at selling and I can see Michelle selling anything to anyone, laying on her deck. Me? Not a chance. I got my packet of magazines from the company today and just reading though it all I am starting to get turned off. UGH! Hate this feeling.

It's bad enough that I can't talk to Greg about this at all. He knows I am doing this, just not why. My reasoning are two fold. One to get out of where I work now. I hate coming downtown every day to a job that I don't feel I am contributing anything to. Yes, I help people out with their "issues", but I am so bored at what I do and so not liking the 2 hour commute. The second is I would like to have enough money to not only work from home, but also extra to help pay for Shelby's college. Even though she is not my biological daughter, I feel responsible for her and making sure she gets the best education possible. She is such a smart kid and needs to get out and do more. The girls are also getting into different things and I want to make sure they are able to pursue their passions as well. And of course, pay off bills. All the bills that we have paid off is great, but we have a ton more. So, I thought that this adventure would be great and easy. Yea, not so much. I don't have any extra "start-up" money to spend on this. I barely have enough money to spend on my family as it is. So frustrating.

So those are my two storms. One is the Mother Nature kind that I don't mind as long as I am not driving and the other one is another way to get closer to home.

Until then...

Sunny Sunday afternoon

Around here on the weekend, depending on the weather, we are either outside cleaning pens or inside cleaning the house. Of course there's about a million other things that happen as well, but that's the extent of the major things. Yesterday, I went through all of the girls' clothes to figure out what to sell at the consignment sale in Parker next weekend. So much fun going through clothes and remembering how they looked in them. Plus, my mother loves buying them things and they usually have three of everything so I am now able to give away things that other kids might need. And make some money at the same time. I hope I make enough for the BIG sale next month. Roper is a western clothing line that I love to wear and every six months they have a huge warehouse sale where they sell things for 60% to 80% off retail. So, I can buy a pair of boots for $20 or less!

Greg got the carpets cleaned again, which makes the house smell so good and fresh in a way. With three dogs, two cats, three kids, and Greg the carpets start to smell. Especially this time of the year when we are stuck indoors a bunch. Shelby got her room cleaned up and the girls did too. I was able to get the kitchen done and sweep the floors. What the heck am I am in here blogging?

So, we brought the new chicks and ducks home yesterday. I picked up 8 buff orfingtons and 6 Rhode Island Reds. Our friend Chuck said the Buff's are a good breed that lasts and does very well in this climate. I like the Reds for their egg production as well so I wanted more of them. And the ducks, well the ducks were given to us. I wanted either two geese or two ducks to protect the chickens. When ducks and geese imprint on their chicken counterparts, they will try to attack anyone or anything that comes close to them. Because the neighbor's dog killed all my chickens the last time, I want something in there to at least help protect the chickens. The kid at the feed store gave me a discount because we are locals and I was nice to him, so the ducks were thrown in for free. Chuck also gave us his old brooder that is set up in the barn with a 60watt and 100watt bulbs to keep them warm. They won't be ready to go out to the coop for a while, which is why we have the brooder.

Looking outside now, Shelby is in the horse pen talking to her horse. Cicely is in her pink Barbie dress with pink cowboy boots and Lizzie is in jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots in the horse pen too. The dogs are playing in the snow and having a blast. Amazing live we have out here. Good for the soul and for the heart.

Until then....

Fridays are supposed to be fun

Today was the start of a huge spring storm. In Colorado, we can have 70 degree days one day and a foot of snow the next. It happens, ya get used to it. Unfortunately, we forget and the drive home after work is very, very long. Take this week for example. The last few days, the girls and I have been able to walk the dogs at night when we get home because of the beautiful weather. Last night, Cicely made the comment that it was getting cold and we need to turn around. The wind was blowing pretty good which usually means a storm is coming. When I woke up this morning, I checked outside and did not see any snow on the ground. Whew! Maybe it passed us by? Nope, not even close. By the time we left for work, we had about an inch on the ground with more to come.

The day itself was uneventful. One of my co-workers decided to quit her job and move home. Good for her, better for us. She hasn't been happy for a long time and needed to be closer to her family. As the day progressed, cake was served to celebrate her leaving the firm. Cake was good, but I would have rather gone home. At 4pm, an email went out stating that the firm was closing for the day. YeeHaw! We all piled out of the building and onto the freeways. So not YeeHaw. I got onto the train and was engrossed in my book for the 45 minute ride. When we got to my train station, I sighed and shrugged knowing that the commute home would be long. About two hours later, I arrived home. Thank goodness Greg picked up the girls and brought them home. Even more so, Shelby was home today for the start of spring break and didn't go anywhere. Here's the best part of the day, it's over. And even better? Tomorrow it is going to be 50 degrees. Got to love Colorado.

Until then...

Walking in the fields

For the last few days, it has been so warm at our house that the girls and I have been taking a walk with the dogs. The dogs are beyond thrilled and push each other out the door the minute we have our hand on the handle. Once outside, they shoot out like bullets and find, sniff, and pee on everything. You would think that they were stuck inside with no place to run. We walk to the back part of the pasture where there is a dry creek bed with lots of hills of dirt to climb around. The dogs find every type of smell from rabbit to coyote to fox and sniff away. It is so nice to be able to get out of the house and away from the TV, the dishes in the sink no one wants to touch, trying to figure out what to make for dinner, and just listen to the laughter of the girls. Of course, being Colorado and spring time, there's a big snow storm suppose to hit tonight that will end those wonderful evening walks for another few weeks. Come summertime though, the TV is off when we get home, dinner usually is served later in the evening, and the dishes are still forgotten.

It must be a Williams trait not to do dishes for some reason. Greg's going to be changing his tune soon though when Shelby goes off to college. Things are going to have to change in our house.

Oh, and the best news is that Shelby is going to try out to be the royalty queen for the Elizabeth Stampede. The woman in charge of the whole thing sat her down and explained why this would be a great idea and it would not interfere with her barrel racing for the HS rodeo circuit. I am excited because it will be an experience she so needs. She has been isolated to the world around her and to be able to go out and say I am an ambassador to the town of Elizabeth and to the Elizabeth HS Rodeo team will be an amazing opportunity.

Last, I am excited about starting a new business adventure with my neighbor Heather. I am so hoping this is a success and that I will be able to make enough to work from home and still help financially as well as have more to be able to have fun. I won't know all the specifics about what is going to happen until either tomorrow night or this weekend. Praying for positive energy surrounding this though. I really do love where I live and want to stay where we are. This will hopefully pan out that not only can we stay where we are, but add on to our existing lifestyle. Working and living on the ranch that we have is wonderful and so rewarding.

Car conversation with a four year old

Happened over the weekend.

Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I love you!
Me: I love you too, baby.

(2 minutes pass)

Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I am not a baby.
Me: I still love you.
Lizzie: Love you too Mommy

(2 minutes pass)

Lizze: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: Yes?
Lizzie: Mom!
Me: WHAT!
Lizzie: I forgot

Sigh.....

Wet, cold, muddy Sunday

Well, the weekend is finally done and boy-howdy I am ready to go back to work. Wait....did I just say that? Maybe not. Today was a crazy busy day, but I had so much fun. With the time shifting forward, everything kinda felt off which is normal. Cicely came downstairs around 2am or so saying that she had a nightmare. She is the kicker and the cover stealer so between the snores from the hubby and no covers, it was cold. She told me this morning though that she thought she heard gun shots or booms of some sort. It could have been the Air Force fighter jets that fly over sometimes at night doing maneuvers. Anyway, it was the start of the day.

Got up and breakfast started. Sundays are reserved for Big Breakfast Sundays. Yes, they have to be in capital letters. Very important day because we eat a lot. I make scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes usually. Sometimes add in or change to bacon, waffles, cinnamon rolls depending on who comes over or whose hungry. Usually, Greg and I are good until dinner. The girls can eat again around noon for lunch. After breakfast was done, I started on The Best Dang Sheet Cake which is a chocolate upon chocolate cake that is incredibly good. Just smelling it I gain about 10 pounds. Very easy to make too and you frost it when it comes right out of the oven.

Once that was done, the girls had a shower because they stunk, laundry done, dishes done, I got about 45 minutes to sit down. Of course, didn't feel natural so I did some other things. I guess it was because I was so excited about being a volunteer for the Elizabeth Stampede Royalty. Today was a clinic for girls interested in trying out to be a Queen or Attendant. I made Shelby go for a few reasons. One being that it would be an amazing experience and if she won Queen, she would get scholarship money. The second being she is on the board for the Elizabeth High School rodeo and would be a great representative for them as well. The girls who did show up for the clinic were so diverse. From a girl who is raised on a cattle farm to a couple princesses from other rodeos to other rodeo contestants. Great turn out, even for being small, and really fun. When all was said and done, Shelby said she has to think about it since it is a big commitment of time. I am bummed in a way that she is not jazzed up like I am, but I understand that it is a big commitment and it does last a full year. No matter what, I enjoyed it.

Afterwards it was off to Monkey Bizness. If you have never gone, bring ear plugs. Very loud place for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to run around for about 2 hours. Cicely and Lizzie's classmate Noah was celebrating his fifth birthday and everyone was invited. The girls had a great time running around, going down slides, squealing, and just enjoying themselves.

So now it is home again to rest up for tomorrow.

Until then....

Saturday is over? Really?

Today was a standard busy Saturday. Ok, maybe not standard, but it felt like it. Cicely has a ballet/tap class every Saturday at The Turning Pointe here in Elizabeth. It is run by a no-nonsense woman by the name of Ms. Michelle. The first class Cicely took with her, Cicely wouldn't let me leave. I didn't mind sticking around and was so impressed how everything went. Cicely is a very social little girl and makes friends so easily. I don't think I have ever seen her not make a friend or go up to a little kid and make friends. This time though, she felt like the outsider. Ms. Michelle would see none of that. By the end of the dance class, not only did Cicely learn some dancing steps, but she made friends. The second class, Cicely turns to me and says "Mama, you don't have to stay. I will be fine". Ms. Michelle hid her smile and winked. Today was her fourth class and she has now excelled in the Charleston. There is a big recital in May and all the kids have some sort of performance they are doing. Cicely is not sure what a recital is yet, but I know she will do great.

While Cicely is dancing the morning away, Lizzie and I do our errands. Usually, it consists of WalMart and racing back to get Cicely from class. Lizzie is such a great help by marking off what is on the list and then trying her best to get a toy. Always fun shopping with a four year old.

This afternoon, Greg and I ventured out to do our own errands. We went by Bass Pro Shop which is mecca to the hunting and fishing expert or novice. Today, we were there to look around and spend quality time with each other. Shelby was kind enough (ok, she had no choice) to babysit the girls. At Bass Pro, it was fishing day. All kinds of booths were set up with hooks, lures, and tons of other fishing type stuff. I like to fish, but not fly. I learned how to deep sea fish from my Uncle Ted in Florida who also taught me how to sail and the love of the water. It was pretty neat looking at the booths though.

Tonight I made Chicken Fried Steak from The Pioneer Woman's cookbook. If you have never heard of The Pioneer Woman, you definitely need to check out her site(www.thepioneerwoman.com). She is my inspiration on how to write and try to cook. The only thing I do have a problem with is her obsession with butter. Otherwise, I have made a few things from her site and they have all been very tasty.

Until then....

It's Friday and the last Show and Tell

My daughters are five and four and live for Fridays. Ok, so we all live for Fridays, but this is a very special day when you are five and four. This is the day you bring in to school your favorite toy and show it off. Found out yesterday afternoon when we were picking them up from school that today is the last day of Show and Tell or Sharing. Why? Something that little kids look forward too is being taken away. When I called their teacher to find out what is going on, she says the person above decided that Sharing is to be no more. Hmmm....try telling that to little kids.

So, onto other subjects. I love to read and I do read a lot. I finished a book called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It is about three women, different in so many ways, that are writing a book. One of the women is a white woman who was raised by a black maid. The other two women are black maids. One older and wiser, raised seventeen white children on her own and the other one a younger one who gets in trouble for speaking out against her employeers. It takes place in the 60's in Mississippi, during the Rosa Park/Martin Luther King era. Amazing book, hard to read in some places, laughter in others. Highly recommended.

This weekend is a weekend of busy. Tomorrow is ballet for the five year old (Mama, you can leave now and come back later to pick me up. Maybe at the end of the day), errands with the four year old (Mama, I need a toy since I am a bigger helper than C), off to see a friend of mine to start a new side business and a website, and somewhere in there make dinner. Sunday is filled with a royalty clinic for the Stampede and how girls should act and be if they want to be a rodeo queen and a birthday party for a five year old at Monkey Bizness.

Until then....

So, I am going to try this

Decided to try this whole blogging. Seems like everyone is posting what they think, feel, react, see. Well, I am going to do a little bit of that and more. Living on a ranch for the past seven or so years, being a city girl, I have learned a ton. My commute is very long from said ranch, so I read a ton. Raising three girls (a teenager and two younger ones), I have learned a ton. Raising a husband, well that's something totally different. I enjoy reading blog sites and have my favorites that I check every day or every other day. Most are opinions on a reality show that I watch, but there are a few that are unique. One is becoming extremely popular and a couple are hilarious. So, what I thought I would do is write about what is going on, what books I have read and like/dislike, what my kids are up to, commuting back and forth, ranch life, and gosh knows whatever else.

So, here we go. As the days and weeks go on, I'll try to post more things and more pictures.