RUN LIKE HELL

5:07 a.m.:

ME: I thought you put Betty in her own bed last night.

JC: I did.

ME: Well then what's she doing in here?

JC: Hell, I don't know. Did you go get her?

ME: No. You didn't?

JC: No. She must have crawled out of her bed again.

ME: I didn't hear her.

JC: I didn't either.

ME: I bet that was a scary dart through the living room. I remember creeping across the living room.....

JC: Me too. That's where all the monsters were.

7:30 a.m.:

ME: Did you crawl out of your bed?

BETTY: Yes. I got scared in the middle of the night Momma.

ME: What were you scared of?

BETTY: Monsters, Momma.

As far as I'm concerned, she can sleep in our bed until she's 5. I mean what is the big deal exactly? Shall we address the elephant in the room? YOU CAN STILL HAVE SEX IF YOUR CHILD SLEEPS IN YOUR BED. Think nap time. Think...well think whatever you want to think. I vividly remember those monsters and the utter terror of running across the living room. Not that it was often. We slept in our parents' room on pallets way past 5. I love it. I love rolling over to see her sweet little face. I love feet in my ribs and face. Just remember someday we will be the monsters and they'll run like hell from us. Someday they will look at us with disgust and think we are the most stupid thing on the face of the planet. I'll take all the 2 year old snugglin I can get. It's a fleeting moment that will be gone way too soon......

I'M A BRAGGER. SO SUE ME.

Late Friday night Justin and I decided we would load Betty up Saturday morning and take her for a quick ski run in Taos. Here's an excerpt from her Ski School "Report Card".

During my play time, I was:

Really interested in playing with the dolls and looking out the window at all of the people. I had a great mini-elite lesson also.

During my mini-elite lesson I:

Betty and I had a blast today. We wanted to get right outside and had no problems putting on all of our ski stuff. Took us a little while to walk down the hall with our heavy boots. The sled ride downt the hallway made that a bit quicker. Betty had a great attitude and lots of questions. She slid all by herself 3 times down the green carpet. She had a good laugh the one time she fell. Awesome lil girl with a great attitude.

THE SCALE

I am a Libra. I am a balance seeker. Picture Goofy with the Goofy Angel on one shoulder and the Goofy Lucifer on the other. I weigh things out, ponder them, think of how they will affect others. Will it rock the boat? Will it hurt someone's feelings? Is it good or bad? Strong or weak? Selfish or selfless? There is a side of me that comes through each and every day saying, "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. PRAISE GOD. BE THANKFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE. And then there is the other side screaming, "LIFE IS TOUGH. WHY IS LIFE SO DANG TOUGH?"

I have spent the past few weeks doing my checks and balances for 2009. My overall consensus: THANK GOD IT'S ALMOST OVER.

Lucifer Grace:

It has been a damn hard year. I have spent more time at funerals than I would care to discuss and even more time on websites checking on people I love that are hurting or suffering. We have lost loved ones. My boss (mentor) was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and is currently going through chemo. A dear friend's Love collapsed after the Rock-n-Roll Marathon and is still in recovery. Justin's co-worker lost his young son while backpacking in Thailand. And it goes on and on........

The oil business tanked for a couple of months and I was damn near out of a job. We are still in the process of recovering from that financial bomb. The insurance business has been just as bad but for a lot longer. Enough said.

My car was totaled. It was not my fault. My insurance had to cover it.

Betty poops in her pants. A lot. Just potty training in general is tough

The thing is I could type 1,000 things but I refuse to let myself.

Angel Grace:

Although, we have witnessed some horrible accidents and mishaps this year. Nothing traumatic has happened to us. We have remained healthy and alive and somewhat sane. Our families have been healthy and our daughter continues to grow and learn and thrive. She is so incredibly special.

We have a roof over our heads, a warm bed and are still employed. Furthermore, I stood in my bathroom a couple of weeks ago and began to make a mental list of all the things I was thankful for in that room alone: towels, hot water, a closet full of clothes, a toothbrush, a working toilet, a warm fuzzy robe.

I have a car.

Betty is on the verge of being potty trained. No more diapers. No more pull-ups. NO MORE DIAPERS!

The point is this. It is so easy to get lost in the hard things especially after an off year such as 2009. It is so easy to forget the importance of the small things. It is so easy for your scale to get off kilter. To be weighed down by anger or sadness or confusion. You are not called to an easy life. You are called to a purposeful life. But in spite of difficulty look at the wall of blessings that surrounds us. Look at the millions of things we have to cherish and hold dear.

I never do resolutions. Mainly because I don't keep them. But this year I resolve to appreciate the scale. To realize how fortunate I am to posess the understanding that life must be measured and weighed. That it is a constant neverending process of give and take. Good and bad. Give and take. You are not called to an easy life. You are called to a purposeful life.

Merry Christmas and bring on 2010!

YESTERDAY?

MAN. I. MISS. THOSE. ROLLS. AND. THOSE. CHEEKS.

PIGTAILS IN THE WIND

Same park, same cement cylinder, same pose, same pigtails, same photographer, same heart, same soul. Love, love, love. Crazy love.

LOOK AT THE STARS. LOOK HOW THEY SHINE FOR YOU.

Last night RC and Acie came over for a little din din. Rebecca told us that her best friend's husband's parents had bought Adam a star (we realize you don't really own the star nor do you actually buy the star; it's named after you but I say if it's yours, it's yours), complete with a certificate and a map of exactly where it is in the night sky. One of the coolest things ever if you ask me. So now Adam Crownover has his very own star and Rebecca will soon be the owner of a new telescope I'm pretty sure. We discussed owning a star and the possibility your star could end up being a falling star. Then what? We wondered if China sees the same stars we see in Texas. We discussed the fact that we know nothing about astrology or astronomy or whatever it is. In fact, we weren't sure we could even find the Big or Little Dippers. So we stepped out into the back yard, heads cranked back and took a big look around. AND THEN, at the exact same moment, Rebecca and I saw a falling star shoot through the sky. We squealed and jumped up and down a little and Rebecca made a wish. And I thought to myself, "Thanks Adam. Thanks for the wink. We know you're up there watching over all of us."

WILD THINGS

Dinner conversation last night somehow led to the possibility of taking the two two year olds to see Where the Wild Things Are. And since RC has never read the book, I dug into my hope chest and found an old copy given to me December 23, 1997. My mom always gives us books for Christmas typically a children's book with an adult message. This was no different. After her bath, I sat with BB and turned the yellow pages. The first read:

Dearest Grace-
I walked into Barnes&Noble to find "Mattie's Hats" and walked straight to this book. As you read it, I know you will find the deeper meaning that is meant for you to know....and understand. As you search through life, I will be hear waiting...you are not mine, but I am yours forever.
All my love, Mom

And as tears welled up in my eyes, I couldn't help but think about how all of us have been to where the wild things are. And that someday BB will board her private boat and visit this place too. She will leave me as I left my mother in search of adventure and a life all her own. She will be king of the wild things and hopefully someday come back to me.

The deeper message is that we all "leave" one thing or another. Perhaps we separate from a friend for a while or go in search of a better job or move to another city. At some point in life, I think we all take a step out of our comfort zone, take a step towards the unknown, take a step towards change. We LET THE WILD RUMPUS START!

The beauty of this tale is in the end Max leaves the wild things and sails home. We all have that choice. We can all go into the depths of our hearts and search for what will make us "go home" which to me simply means letting go. Let go of the things that make you roar your terrible roars and gnash your terrible teeth. Let go of what holds you back. Step away from yourself and make a change. DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Call the friend you miss, forgive someone, take your neighbor an apple pie. It's the wild things inside of us that can make us better people. It's the quiet stir or loud voice shouting GIVE MORE. LOVE MORE. BE MORE. So put your wolf suit on, sail away from the You that won't budge or bend, AND GO TO WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE!!!!!!!!

THE GRIND

Over the summer I spent a lot of time working from home and even more time not working at all. Things were really slow in the o&g world and I spent my days cleaning house and taking BB to the library.

Things have picked back up and I am once again a full time stay at work mom. Last night when I got home it was dark. It was bath time. BB and I crawled into a warm tub and washed her baby's hair. I sat there for a moment and felt so sad. If I get home at 6 and she goes to bed in between 8 and 9, that's no more than 3 hours together each day. I am gone most mornings before she wakes up unless I take a quick minute to fix her hair.

Being a working mom is hard. It's really really hard. How much impact am I having on her life in 3 hours a day? Did I teach her the alphabet or did the sitter? And when I get home and want to unwind from a long day at work am I being the best mom I can possibly be? Shouldn't I read ONE MORE book before bed instead of 15minutes of Sesame Street?

Thank God up in Heaven for my job. I love my job. I love having freedom from her as well. I love it when the bills are paid and I can buy her new winter clothes. I am so very thankful I made it through those couple of rough months. I am grateful for all of the blessings in my life. I'm just sayin, being a working mom is hard.....

WHITE MAN? I THINK NOT.

O.K. so you're blonde and fair complected and blue eyed.....Here are some indicators that your blood runs Choctaw Squaw:

Your Halloween costume is not from the Costume Castle. It's a hand beaded buckskin given to you by your Choctaw great-grandmother complete with moccasins and a leather pouch to put your arrowheads in.

Similar leather pouch is tucked away in your hope chest with the remnants of your umbilical cord to ward off evil spirits.

Your mother has presented her tribal card at a casino in Durant, OK aka "The Res" with hopes of getting a discount at the roulette table.

Your grandmother's official real name is not Gina or Poppy or Mom. Her REAL name is Red Bird.

Your mom has been known to run very very fast circles in the rain in the dark in her undies.

NORMAL CHAT BETWEEN MOMS? NOT REAL SURE.

RC: Going to workout @ 6:30 for weights class if you want to go.

Me: Ignore

RC: What the hell is up with my daughter?! She got naked in the backyard again and was peeing down the slide. Really????? That's real classy.

Me: HOLY CRAP. THAT'S HILARIOUS. Hmmmmm. She's just being comfortable in her own skin. I used to pee outside standing up like a boy all the time. Doubt that makes you feel better. ;)

RC: Well that gives me hope that she can still turn out good.

Me: I'm not working out by the way. CAUSE I SUCK AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT MY BEER GUT.

RC: U Suck!

Me: LOL. I have to figure out a way to motivate myself. After driving roundtrip to Ama and a full day at the office, I have no desire to go.

RC: Took ac to Burger King. I asked her if I could have a french fry....she said yes...gave it to me and said, "you pig mommy. you oink!" Can you believe that? She called me a pig! :(

Me: OH LORD. I AM DYING LAUGHING. We could have little bumps on a log. Our apples don't fall far from their father's trees. ;) At least she's not calling her sippy cup cold beer.

RC: True! What's crazy is I have no idea where she learned it! At least you know who taught BB cold beer! See if I ever ask for a french fry ever again!

COWBOYS VS. PANTHERS MONDAY NIGHT 2009

Let me tell you what people! This was truly the best Monday night I've ever had. I've been to some professional sporting events i.e. Cowboys games, Texan games, Ranger games, Oriole games, etc. But this? This was over the top BAD ASSSSSSSSK! Jerry Jones is one smart dude and the Cowboys better step it up if they want to live up to the stadium that houses them.

Most importantly: THANK YOU REBECCA! You are one fine friend. Thanks for making my
29th birthday unforgettable. When you said good seats you meant IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THIS SEATS. When you said shopping at the Pro Shop you meant shopping at the UNDERGROUND COWBOYS MALL. And when you said celebrate your b-day Rebecca style you meant celebrate your b-day like you never have before. Thanks, girl! GO COWBOYS!

PEAS IN A POD

If ever there were little soul sisters, these two would be it. I have not exactly pinpointed the bond between the blonde little angels but it is quite amazing. Almost every morning when I ask BB what she dreamt about the previous night she responds, "Acie". If they haven't seen one another in a while (a few days....maybe a week), they run to each other in slow mo squealing as if it had been years. Acie always has her mom pack an extra juice and snack (in an extra bag of course) for BB when she comes over.

Maybe it's their closeness in age. Acie was born in January and BB in August. Maybe it's the striking blonde hair. Maybe it's the similarities in their vocabulary and mannerisms. Maybe they frolicked around in Heaven for years before their journey here. Or maybe they are just connected in a way we cannot understand. Whatever the circumstance, it is truly a joy to watch them grow and learn and share and play. I'll admit. It makes me a tad bit nervous when I think about them going to high school.......

THIS WEEK'S PICKS

Texas Tech -24
Rice

Florida -34.5
Troy

Army +3
Duke

SOMETHING IN THE AIR

Growing up, the beginning of fall was marked by listening to the Spearman Lynx band practice from our front porch. It's something my heart yearned for while I was off flying around the country and I still miss it to this day. From any spot in our small little village you could hear the glorious beat of a worn out drum and know that summer was gone and autumn had begun. I feel enamored each and every September. Cool crisp evenings warmed by a big fire, soup bowls shaped like chariot pumpkins and the smell of a cab replacing a chardonnay. Of all the places I've lived and traveled the fall sunset in Texas is irreplaceable. Bright oranges and deep purples dip into an endless horizon. And although we don't have the brilliant colors of Manchester or Providence, there is always a whippoorwill of leaves dancing down our streets. Fall is such a sensual season: the colors, smells, brisk air. I feel most alive during these Indian Summer months and feel a great sense of renewal. It's almost as if, in an instant, change is in the air. So whether you are throwing garlic in a pot or drinking wine by the fire, enjoy someone you love and have a fabulous fall!

THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE

What am I listening to this very second?
The Scientist by Coldplay

What am I listening to in my car?
Bob Marley and The Wailers Greatest Hits

Concerts I have attended:
The Eagles
Fleetwood Mac
Aerosmith
ZZ Top
Merle Haggard
James Taylor
Jimmy Buffet
Willie Nelson
Live
Stone Temple Pilots

From my Itunes:
Counting Crows
Justin Timberlake
David Gray
Keith Gattis
Pat Green
Ray Charles

Favorite hymns:
Amazing Grace
Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty
This Is The Day

Pandora Station:
John Mayer

Loves:
James Taylor
John Mayer
Snoop


Dislikes:
TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYLOR FRICKIN' SWIFT
The Beatles
Hank Williams, III
Whoever sings that stupid brushin my teeth with Jack song

SOME DAYS ARE JUST..........

Alarm.

Crying?

No.

Snooze.

Alarm.

Crying?

No.

Coffee.

Shower.

Crying?

Yes.

Breakfast.

Bag.

Juice.

Outfit.

Laptop.

Kisses goodbye.

Drive.

Drive.

Drive.

Work.

Work.

Work.

Home.

Grocery store.

Mow.

Dinner.

Bath.

Lotion.

Powder.

Butt Paste.

Sesame Street.

Yogurt.

Kisses goodnight.

Bed.

Glass of wine.

Cigarette.

Bed.

Crying?

No.

Alarm.

Crying?

No........

FINALLY FREEDOM FOR HOLLY!!!

Please read the following entry posted on September 2, 2008:


Charles Hennessey aka Parks and Recreation Commission Chairman,

I think you have been drinking Hennessey to list "Zoo improvements to include the Big Cat and Concession facilities" as an accomplishment on the Amarillo Parks web site. I visited your Big Cat Improvement this past Sunday and it's a far cry from anything accomplished. How in the heck is the tiger's home smaller than the "mustangs"? In fact it's about the same size as the potbellied pig's excuse for a living space. That tiger needs room to run, climb, jump and pounce. I have never seen a creature so miserable. He paced, he cried, he looked up at me with those big green eyes and said, "GET ME THE HELL OUTTA HERE. THIS CAGE IS FRIGGIN TINY!" I swear to you Chuck, IF YOU DON'T SET THAT TIGER FREE, I WILL.

Grace Calvert


AND NOW THE ARTICLE I FOUND TODAY ON AMARILLO.COM:

A rapid health decline led to the death of the Amarillo Zoo’s Bengal tiger, Holly, over the weekend.

Consulting veterinarian Dr. Merton Pearson euthanized the 19-year-old tiger on Saturday after it was determined her condition would continue to worsen, Zoo Curator Rhonda Votino said.

“It was a very difficult decision, but her quality of life had deteriorated to a point where we felt it was the most humane alternative,” Votino said.

Zoo staff had taken the 225-pound cat off exhibit last week so her condition could be monitored after she began experiencing an onslaught of seizures.

Initial results of a necropsy included discovery of a possible thyroid tumor that may be unrelated to the cause of her seizures, which could have originated from problems in the brain, Votino said.

Exotic cats typically live 10 to 15 years in the wild and 15 to 20 years in captivity, Votino said.

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED THIS SUMMER

The empty field I wondered about all winter is milo. Welcome back, allergies of 6th grade! Good to sneeze you again.

The empty field I wondered about all winter is milo watered with sewage water. Nothin' like takin' a fresh breath of air when THAT sprinkler comes around.

My sister is an Aggie and I wish she was a Buff or even a Badger but she is most definitely an Aggie.

Little girls are the most amazing, fantastic, loving wonders of the world.

Murders happen in Dumas. Therefore, I am going to learn to shoot a pistol....and Taylor Swift's face is going to be my target practice.

Sibling Day can't come soon enough.

Charlie Pride is an African American. Charlie Pride is 71.

No wine will ever beat Mrs. Kim Crawford. Good try Marlborough, but Cupcake just didn't get 'er done.

The Dixie Chicken is almost as cool as the Golden Light Cantina.

Justin is the kindest, strongest, most wonderful person I know.

Cody and Leah Leifer are soul mates.

No matter what you do in life, you will always always always face some sort of obstacle or adversity or test.

Want a true reflection of yourself? Look deep into your child's eyes. Is she caring? Is she kind? Is she compassionate? Then you are these things too.

And finally as Kenney and Dave say:

So damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me I'd like to thank my lucky stars that
I'm alive and well

It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you've sat and watch go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me... I'm alive

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well
I'm alive and well

Stars are dancin' on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This motor's caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing can't you see
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Now I'm alive and well
Yeah I'm alive and well

ADAM

Two weeks ago today a man we loved and cared for was in an accident. And one week ago his soul went Home. The loss of Adam Joncay Crownover has rocked our community and tested my faith. I have watched my husband's heart break 1,000 times. I have never in all of our years seen him so broken, so lost and so sad. I still ask God 'Why?'. Why this man? Husband to Rebecca, brother to Justin, friend to many, and father to Acie.

Justin and Adam lived in the same neighborhood, were in the same grade, and played on the same football team. They ran the streets of Dumas and finally came home to raise their children. They are from the same mold, I believe. Hard on the outside but golden deep down where it truly matters. Tough attitudes and big hearts. Tellin' it like it is and unforgettable smiles.

I, however, was just getting to know Adam. He and his wife took us in when we moved here and somehow made this place bearable. Dinner, watching the girls play, road trippin' and more watching the girls play. I believed with every inch of my heart that he would come home. I believed we would be at yet another Demon football game this fall. I believed when the whole mess was over we would load the girls up and take them to the beach somewhere. I believed.

How do you go on when something like this happens? How do you remember to never forget? How do you release your anger? When do you quit wanting him back? The truth is, we all know, you don't. I believe that when someone you love dies a small part of your soul dies too. I believe Adam took a part of us with him.

This event has forever changed my life, my perspective and my faith.

At the closing of Adam's funeral, Rebecca stood in front of the church and said, " I will never truly understand why this happened, but I will not miss out on Christ's blessings because of it." And that is what I believe.

YOU MIGHT BE A REDNECK IF.....

You are standing in line at Walmart with the following items in your basket:

1 box of Marlboro Lights
2 fly traps
1 30 pack of Bud Light
1 box of very blonde Loreal hair dye

I'm just sayin'.

POTTY TRAINING IS FOR THE BIRDS

Dear Betty,

You tinkled in our bed last night and that ain't cool. I let you watch Sesame Street for approximately 7 minutes before going to Mommy's Beauty Shop and then to bed. In that 7 minutes you managed to dismantle your diaper and take a big ole whiz right in the middle of the bed. If you don't want to wear diapers you must learn to tee tee in the potty. I realize you aren't 2 yet but you are a very smart little girl. I've been trying really hard especially on the days the Farmer's Alamanac indicates will be most successful. I let you run around naked as a jay bird half the time. So far you have tinkled in the chair at the dinner table, pooped outside in the grass and now our bed. Nanny says I used to pee outside standing up like a boy in front of all of her church friends. Interesting.

Love,
Momma

JUST SOME PICS

@#$% CERTAINLY CAN HAPPEN

Um yes, hello. I'll take one On-Star with a side of child locks and six extra spare keys please.

I decided to take B to the pool on Friday so I had to make a stop at Satan's Den aka Wal-Mart for some baby sunscreen goodness. You can only imagine how much sunscreen it takes to keep a Calvert from roasting. THEY ARE PINK BEFORE EVER SEEING THE SUN. As usual, I picked up a bunch of crap I didn't need: a pair of very breakable $5 Faded Glory sunglasses, floaties and a big ass bottle of sunscreen. By the way, it was approximately 83 degrees on Friday here in the Big D. Sooooooo, anyway, I put BB in her car seat making sure to put my wallet, keys and phone in the front seat (NOT ON TOP OF MY CAR). I set the goods in the floorboard, strapped her in and shut the door. I was a split second from opening my door and I heard it lock. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!. I had no idea she could work the locks. #$#@^%&!!!! I didn't really panic at this point. Oh yes, it gets worse. I ran in and some very nice stranger let me use her cell phone. Justin called the locksmith and apparently there was no answer because a few minutes after I returned to the car, the DPD came screeching into the parking lot (later came the EMS). #@$%(@!!!

To make a long embarassing story short, my spare was in the console and Betty had most definitely locked the door. After approximately 17.5 minutes, I lost my cool. I had had enough and I wanted her out NOW!!!! The Sarge wasn't so anxious to bust out my window but I insisted. I was about 50% ok until she started to visibly sweat and then when she cried I began to cry also. And when the ambulances (yes, two) pulled in I almost fainted. Needless to say, there was nothing wrong with her. She most likely had a long time before it was absolutely necessary to bust out the window but I could have cared less. It's amazing. The freak mode mom's are equipped with is present whether you want it to be or not. Everyone is safe and I've certainly learned my lesson: BE PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING!

CHARLES SQUIRREL AND MATILDA ROBIN

Today I am especially thankful for my brother and sister. I'm not real sure how a normal sibling relationship is supposed to work but I consider our's a diamond in the rough. The three of us are very different people. We have different views and opinions and like different kinds of food. Mattie is a beer girl, Charles likes a good ole Salty Dog, and I am definitely a wine person. We have led very different lives and have been away from one another often. Charles lived in Mexico for a while, me in Baltimore and Mattie is in College Station. We have been through a lot. Anything and everything hard has only made us stronger.

Now we talk every single day. Every single day. We talk about happy things in our lives. We call each other when we are down or angry or scared. We talk about BB and all of her amazing accomplishments. We talk about our relationships with other people, recipes and winning the lottery. We spend the night at each other's houses and stay up late laughing or crying or yelling. We listen. We listen. We listen. They are my very best friends and two people I can always count on. They do not judge me and love me for who I am. I cannot imagine my life without them. I feel so incredibly blessed to have their support and friendship. It is one of life's greatest treasures...this thing called unconditional love. And although we are quite different, we are mostly the same.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN

I had to go out of town last week for work and Justin was on Betty Duty. This means he was 100% responsible for morning tasks such as feeding and clothing. Mother's Day Out was closed (Thank God, I would later say under my breath) and so Justin met my mom half way and B spent the day at Poppy's house. I picked BB up that afternoon and was totally dismayed at her appearance.

The conversation between Justin and I later that evening:

Me: So what was up with BB's outfit today?
Justin: What do you mean?
Me: Her shirt was a belly shirt. It was in the too small box for a reason. She wore that shirt when she was 18 months old. She's dang near 2.
Justin: (laughing) I thought it was cute.
Me: AAAAAAAND. Her pants didn't match. AAAAAAAND her shoes didn't match.
Justin: (more laughing)
Me: (laughing) And my mom said she had like 10 baby clips all over head in random places.
Justin: You took your brush with you.
Me: There's a couple of combs here.
Justin: Where?
Me: Did you look?
Justin: I couldn't find the brush so I just used my fingers as a comb.
Me: (laughing) So what about all the clips?
Justin: I couldn't get her hair to stay down so I just put water and clips in it.
Me: (under my breath) Thank God Mother's Day Out was closed.

CALVERT UPDATE

What's been going on with the Calverts? Well, let's see. We had a bbq cookoff two weeks ago in Dumas. Seventeen teams entered and we had a great time. Tomorrow we leave for Salado, TX to witness the two most wonderful people unite in marriage. Cody and Leah Leifer could not be more perfect for one another and we are so excited for them. We are planning a Preakness Party to root for Mine That Bird as my brother and Justin picked him to win last Saturday. Charles and I both know he picked the horse but J was lucky enough to ride the 50 to 1 gravy train. Sunday we went golfing with friends. BB and Acie had their own little clubs and ran all over the place. It was really a lot of fun. Justin has been super busy with insurance and corn seed and being a great dad. I have been working really hard on the online newspaper and spending as much time with BB as possible. I made my very own pizza dough recently. It was quite delicious I must admit.

Oh, and speaking of the smallest little Calvert. What has she been up to? Let's just say I'm calling it the 'don't turn your back stage'. She can turn on water and climb in chairs and twist off lids these days. She is speaking in full sentences now and can pretty much say anything: BB's applejuice, Where'd it go, I scared, It's broken, and I love you to name a few. She picks out want she wants to wear and tells me what she wants to eat. She can take off in a full run and is literally all over the place. She loves ladybugs and being outside and taking baths. She can count to three in order and knows her numbers to ten. She says prayers before we eat and can put on her own shoes. She loves tea parties and reading books. We dance a lot and watch Sesame Street in the morning. She calls my brother Uncle and Justin's brother Daddy. She is an absolute joy. An absolute challenge. An absolute blessing. We haven't had the swine flu yet and other than BB putting my camera in the bathtub, I'd say life is pretty dang good.