Proud Moments - Part III

I have to admit, sometimes I felt like I was boring you to death with my baseball posts and pictures, but I have some friends and family that actually may've been interested in keeping up with Big Dan and our team's progress. And then, of course, there are others of you that I know have kids in competitive sports that can totally understand how these things can consume your life for a season. And there is no feeling in the world like the feeling you get watching your child excel.

If you kept up with my blog, you will know that our school is a small school. A 2A classification. It is the school I graduated from and although it is growing, we will always remain close knit and be oh so proud of our achievements. Our baseball coach actually graduated a year ahead of me, coached one year at the college level, and then came back home to his roots to take our little school to do great things where baseball is concerned. He is one of the best coaches in our state...and everybody knows it.

Not only is our team full of talented players (that sometimes works to a disadvantage when you have so many that can play so well)....(at least for Big Dan). That kind of meant less playing time when he had to share the spot for 1st base, and his competition was also a Senior and had a better batting average. Oh Well. Anyway, not only are they good athletes, but they have good attitudes. Our coach has led us to the State level for the past 3 years in a row taking home the title last year.

We made it to the Championship game this year as well....and I must say, I was proud.

Proud to be a citizen of our community. Proud to have a student at this school. Proud to have a talented athlete on this winning team. What an exciting day.

The game was crazy. We made a few errors, had a few bad calls, had a 30 minute rain delay, and ultimately lost the game by one point.

But Big Dan played. And he played hard.

And he cheered hard...for the last batter who would feel the pressure. Big Dan is on 3rd and one run would tie the game. Not to mention it was the last out. What a nail biting moment.

But it was a line drive to shortstop.

So the game would be over. I'll never forget those long faces and tears that ran down the black marked cheeks of those tough baseball guys. They wanted it so bad.

Runners up or not. They played their hearts out and I was so happy that Big Dan could be a part of something so memorable.

And Proud.

Proud: (adjective) Feeling or showing pride. Having self-esteem. Very pleased.

Photo taken on Kris' home town visit. Little Rock, Arkansas

And have I mentioned how proud I am to be from the great state of Arkansas today?

My Week of Proud Moments

I know I haven't blogged in almost a full 7 days. Shame on me. I was told by a reader recently that he (yes, I have a few male readers) get's tired of going to my page to find the same post as I'm sure others of you do as well. Oops! Maybe since summer is right around the corner, I will have more time to dedicate to the blog world again.

I have big plans for this summer. I hope to get lots of scrapbooking done, watch a little more baseball (American Legion), go on a mission trip and a couple of family outings, and of course attempt to be a more faithful blogger.

For the rest of this week, (if I can figure out how to get some video on here), I plan to share a few of my recent proud moments with you. It has been a crazy, emotional few weeks and I've got lots of things to tell you about.

Proud Moment number 1 - is yea for me...I just noticed that I have been blogging almost a year and I am posting number 207. Wow.. who would have thought I would have so much to say. haha.. (no need to comment on that, Pete)

I will be back with more proud moments (and I promise that was the only one regarding me!)

Oh yeah!! How could I forget? How about those Bachelors last night on "The Bachelorette"? I'm excited to get to blog about some reality tv again!!

Look Who I Happened Upon

Do you recognize this fella? If you watch American Idol, then you know it is Conway, Arkansas native...Kris Allen. He was home this past weekend for the hometown rally and I just so happened upon him. It's quite the coincidence and I think I'll tell you about it.

Friday was a crazy day. We started out with the funeral for Pete's mamaw and then Pete and I parted ways so I could come back home and finish packing for the weekend and run Little Ann to the school to take a test. Once we met back up, we traveled on into the big city for the burial and then actually drove on further North to meet my mother in law. She had volunteered to take Little Ann with her for the Mother's Day weekend at the lake. The get together that we would miss in order to root the baseball boys on at the State Championship game held at the University of Arkansas. WHEW!!! yeah..all that and the day was only half over.

Anyway, I am an Idol fan. I've missed a lot of shows because of games, but I always try to see the performances online. I knew this was Kris' weekend to be home and as Pete and I traveled towards Fayetteville, it hit me we would be traveling through his hometown, Conway. I called the radio station to find out his schedule. Turned on the radio a few minutes later to hear my conversation with the dj on air. Gotta love that! Me and all my hick glory. Just a few more miles away and we would be arriving just as the parade would be starting.

I pleaded with Pete to let me get in on the action. He gave in although he thought I was nuts. The crowd was horrific and it was very humid and muggy. Not to mention the fact that they noted there was close to 20,000 people there.

It was so totally worth it.

After the parade, he put on a little mini concert. One things for sure...he's just as cute and sounds even better in person.


Since Pete just so happened to not have a train to catch, he let me crush a little and then we headed out to complete our mission at hand. We were traveling up the night before since the game started at 10 am on Saturday morning and we live 4 hours away.

Yes...I think Pete's wheels were turning. A hotel room, a king sized bed, no children.

...and I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

Interesting Find

I realize just an hour ago I posted my rant over tonights finale and after rose show, but in my denial, I've been lurking around on the net and happened across this article much to my dismay. Thought you fellow fans may be interested.

You Think I'm Obsessive?

I'm sorry. I know you guys are probably beginning to think by now I am truly obsessive compulsive. After days and hours spent working on this blog layout, I just can't get happy. I even purchased those tabs and header from the shabby shoppe and loved them, but without really knowing what I was doing, I couldn't use them without a white background which really bugged me.

I've got so much on my plate throughout the next month with 4 or more basball games per week, bible study, revival, a consignment sale in the big city, a spa party, Little Ann's birthday, a long overdue promised room makeover during Spring Break....and the list goes on. I guess I will just have to settle until I find some time to either learn how to compose my own or get someone to help me. Until then, just bear with me.

It is officially one hour until the big finale of The Bachelor!! We'll see how this pans out and I may be back later tonight for one last venting session. lol.

Sicklings

Well, the first day of March has come and almost gone and I've got nothing to show for it except a couple of sets of clean sheets and some left over homemade pizza. I didn't even get to go to church today because my Little Ann has been a sickling. I am guessing I will call the doctor tomorrow because she has been running fever since Thursday evening with flu like symptoms. I was looking forward to getting over this cough I've had lingering on for the past week myself, but sharing a bed and a lap with Little Ann may hinder that (not that I would have it any other way). We had a bad night. Despite my efforts to bring her 103 degree body back to normal by way of cold drinks, popsicles, and lukewarm baths, the fever was refusing to come down. She was miserable and even after she finally went to sleep in the wee hours, I seemed to worry myself to death for the rest of the night.

Big Dan will probably be bed ridden with pneumonia next after playing a tournament game in freezing temperatures and some snow last night. Friday's game got canceled because of the rain. This mom thinks it was absurd to play in conditions like last night brought, but who am I to second guess baseball coaches? And what a difference 24 hours makes. I never went out today, but my thermometer showed temps nearing 60 degrees. And so is weather in Arkansas.

So, who's ready for the big finale tomorrow night? If what I have been reading on the Hollywood gossip is true, I must say I have mixed feelings about it all. I just can't believe Jason would really do that. If he does, then I guess I had him pegged all wrong. I guess we'll find out tomorrow night.

I wish I had all kinds of excitement to write about tonight, but unfortunately I don't. Other than a little female surgery planned for Dixie (our momma dog) in the morning, things around here are..blah, blah, blah. Pete told Little Ann she and Dixie could go in to see the doctor together tomorrow, but she might not like the way they took her temperature.

Hope everyone has a good week.

I Just Can't Believe..

-that this week is already over and it went fast!

-that I haven't written a blog post since Monday....or read many, for that matter.

-that I only put my 2 cents worth in on a few comment sections instead of having my own vent session over "The Bachelor" episode this past week. Here's hoping Melissa is the last one standing (since he sent Jill home anyway).

-that my puppies are already 6 weeks old and counting, and would you believe I only have 2 left out of 10! God is good. Prayers answered there.

-that Big Dan has his very first Varsity Baseball game on Tuesday!! And this is the first sport I have been privileged to watch so far this year, (he didn't play football or basketball this year) so I must admit, I am PUMPED!! (But not ready to sit in the cold...thank goodness for my buddy heater!)

-that I have bombed my carb diet. What kind of diet is no carbs anyway? Who on this earth can survive without potatoes and chocolate milk? That doesn't even sound right. I'll have to figure out something else that'll enable me to include those 2. Weight Watchers maybe.

-that I got to spend some time with two wonderful college friends this week. And it was the bomb. I smiled so big and laughed the entire day. It's so funny remembering all our good times. Some blog friendly....some not so much. We had conversations that went something like this..."I hope my teenager doesn't do the things I did!" Sound familiar? Thought so.

This big hair photograph would be me and my 2 chickadees at my apartment exchanging gifts Christmas of 1989.

And this would be us...uh....20 years later.

We still got it!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

What She Said.

I was really into last nights Bachelor episode. It was an intense one although there was not near the drama as before. I tell ya. It is hard for me to pick which one I think will be around for the end, because there are still some great girls to choose from.

I read Girls post and wow, she just about summed it up in a nutshell...(much better than I ever could anyway), so I'm just linking in to her this week. I love reading her take on things, and this week, we just so happened to have exactly the same opinions. Go check it out...you won't be dissapointed.

Thanks Girl.
Enjoy!!

Another Monday....Another Night of Drama!!

I started watching The Bachelor just now, and judging from the previews in the beginning..it looks like we're in for another dramatic night. I decided to go ahead and blog during commericals again. I wouldn't want to miss anything!! lol.

The Singing Contest. Uh..I think they all had a lot to be desired in the singing department. No American Idols there for sure, but Stephanie. OMG is all I can say!!! (and not in a good way either)

Anybody else wondering what was going on in that tent???

General Hospital. How cool. I am a big fan and I guess you could say a pretty regular watcher up until our tower fell. I think it was for the best though and unfortunately there is no online viewing for daytime television. Anyway, waaaaaay too much kissing in that segment for me. And as far as Meghan...oh she sooo needs to go. Perfect for him? NOT!

OOOOkay. Did Lauren have a little too much to drink or was that conversation real? Yeah, that's the way to get a rose. Just tell Jason you're gonna have a temper tantrum (putting it nicely) if he doesn't give you one. And I just had to laugh when Shannon's kiss got rejected. I don't figure he's that much into snot.

Awww, poor Nikki. But, really, that girl had some issues. I think he made the right choice between the two, but I'm still going out on a limb to say that I don't think Stephanie is the one for him either.

Jason did good by not handing out that final rose. I could sense he wasn't in to any of those three and he knew it too. I'm glad he didn't draw it out another week. But Shannon..oh my. Does anybody else french kiss their puppy? Strange.

Let me know your take!
Scrapper Mom

Guess What I'm Doing?

I was just sitting here watching The Bachelor, when I decided I must start this blog. So many things catching my attention tonight, I just don't want to forget, so I'm going to BLOG during commercials!! lol.

How about Stephanie? Last week, I wrote that she really wasn't one of my favorites, because she seemed too barbie like. After seeing her with her daughter, my opinion of her has gone up somewhat. She really seems to have my kind of morals. That impressed me. But was the date all about the little girl?? I don't recall much "chemistry" between the two of them, unless it happened when I went to refill my tea glass.

Melissa, I really, really like you, but please don't talk about your breast reduction and saggy boobs during your precious alone time. Save it for later.

But she's so cute and I love her smile.

Nikki......"I loved it, I loved it, I loved it"....can you say corny? lol. Jason doesn't need a beauty queen, perfectionist. She's pretty though and I felt kind of sorry for her, because I remember those awkward moments with a guy when I really, really felt it, but was at a total loss for words. I have a history with open mouth, insert foot syndrome anyway.

Ok, but c' mon. She hasn't kissed anyone in 11 years?

Natalie. Boy he's got her pegged, huh? I swear I thought I would slap her if I had to see her flick that hair one more time. RUN, Jason, RUN! Good boy.

Is Shannon even wearing makeup at this last party? OMG...and did she just puke? I'm totally cracking up now.

And what do I say about Meghan? Does anybody like her? I can't believe he chose her over Kari. But I'm not seeing her around til the end for sure.

Poor Jason. There is way too much drama in the house. Why on earth do I watch this stuff? And don't think for a minute I'm gonna pass up a chance to write about it! hee. hee.

I Shall Deliver

I am loving this season of The Bachelor. I don't know what is wrong with me though for waiting so long to put my 2 cents worth in. It's so not like me to not let my opinion be known. Although the day is almost over..I shall deliver. This is my take so far..for what it's worth.

It's no secret I think Jason is just adorable. I think I like him so much because he seems to be more real than some of the other bachelors that have been on the show. I love his smile and the way he seems to be so happy go lucky. I like happy people. They make me happy. I was distraught last season when Deanna didn't pick him. My heart just ached for him because I had gotten so used to seeing that smile and I couldn't stand to see it turned upside down.

I have my own opinion about a few of these girls so far, but I am having difficulty putting the names with faces just yet. It may have something to do with having to watch the show through fuzz. Luckily Pete turned my antenna enough to get our ABC where it's viewable, but still not the greatest.

I know some of you may like Shannon, but I just don't. I hated the bucky teeth on the first night. I was embarrassed for her when she started spouting off facts about Jason and his family, and I couldn't believe she was throwing ice on the balcony when he was up there with another girl. I think she is an attention hog and too immature to be a mommy at this point. I hope she goes soon.

I'm a little torn on Stephanie. She seems sweet and I know she is probably lonely and ready to marry again since the death of her husband, but something about her seems "old" and "plastic barbie" like. Maybe it's because she is so southern and everything she does and says is sooooo slooooow. (Not that I have anything against southerners, ya'll...I'm from Arkansas). But, I don't know. I have mixed feelings about her.

I do however really like Melissa and Jillian. I thought they were both so pretty when they got out of the limo. Melissa seems so upbeat and normal and seems to be a good match. Jillian is a good pick too, but mommy material, I'm not sure. Nikki made a good impression on me too, but I wish she wouldn't be so whiny about the kissing and talk so much about the other girls.

And let's talk kissing.....wowza, I can't believe he is kissing so much so soon..and in plain sight too! That was surprising to me. He seemed like more of a private intimate person. I guess when the girl comes up to you and wants to show you her hidden talent, what man is going to turn that down, audience or not?? lol.

I'm glad he sent the two home that he did. That Raquel girl was just a little over the top, huh? She definitely caught him off guard in the limo and was a little attitudal too, in my opinion. That other girl was just a little too plain.....and she resigned her job?

I'm getting into this season fo sur!! I can't wait to find out just what. is. up. with Deanna!!

A Hopeless Romantic

I don't want to get into all my opinions about Jason's choices tonight. I'll save that for tomorrows post, but I just want to say there is nothing like a little "Bachelor" and "Momma's Boys" to warm my heart and make me grin. I needed a little pick me up. What can I say? I'm just a hopeless romantic.

I'm Blue...da ba dee, da ba die

Anybody think I'm crazy? Don't answer that.

I know my title is kind of wacky. I'm just feeling a little blue and this stupid song just popped in my head.

And you're probably wondering why it's Wednesday and I haven't blogged about my reality TV. I even got a comment from my friend asking me why I haven't written about The Bachelor's season premier. Well, let me do that right now and then I'll tell you why I'm bummed out.

If you are my facebook friend, you knew that my ABC channel wasn't cooperating the night of the premier. I was so frustrated because I couldn't watch, but I did get to watch Momma's Boys because it is on sister channel NBC which actually does work. I am so appalled by JoJo's mom and all her quirks, but then I can totally see myself doing something so stalkish like getting in a helicopter and spying on Big Dan while he's making out in a hot tub. Letting your baby boys grow up and detach from us momma's is so hard. This is my first one, but I almost feel it will be easier with my girl. My heart went out to her when she saw her son doing the ultimate no no in her opinion because so many times I see the big picture when Big Dan doesn't, and no amount of talking can get through his thick teenage skull. I know she only wants what's best for JoJo even though she has a very tacky way of showing it.

I did finally get to watch The Bachelor online Tuesday. It was great. I don't have a lot to say about it right now other than I think he did a good job narrowing it down the first time. There were a couple of girls that were nutso in my opinion. Those previews of Deanna. OMG! What is up with that? I can't wait til next Monday!!

Last night we skipped out on the last few minutes of Girl Scouts (I know I'm a bad, bad mommy) to get home for the season premier of The Biggest Loser. Well, that and the fact that Little Ann had just taken Benadryl. Too many puppies around for a little girl with allergies...especially one that just can't keep her hands off of them. The show was super, but I wish they wouldn't have sent those 9 people home after the first week. Getting them motivated to work alone is good in theory, but maybe a little further down the road when they've built their confidence. I'm pumped for that one too! Could you believe that 460 something pound dude? Oh. My. He'll do great because he seems really motivated and you know the more you have to lose the easier it comes off.

Sorry I didn't link into any of these shows tonight. I didn't have the energy. If you would like to visit any of them, you can go here and I think I had linked to all of the shows italicized.

I got news today that Pete may have to move from where he currently stands at work to a different position. It's not that detrimental for us right now financially, but it will require some changes on both our parts. Not only that, but it's a little scary because I don't like change for one... and to me, this is only the first step in another negative direction. This economy is getting scary.

Which leads me to why I'm blue.

Broken promises to myself.
Defiant children.
Jeans that are too tight.
Pimples.
And...
I just figured up what I owe versus what I have and it aint purty, people. So, I guess dish network will continue to be a dream until I can see a light at this long, dark tunnel. I volunteered to get a different job other than substitute teaching, but he doesn't want me to just yet.

I think I'm going to visit Dave Ramsey.

An Inquiring Mind Wants to Know

Ok, I just don't know how much longer I can stand it.

One year ago Jan. 11, our ABC channel (which is KATV 7) went completely out when our local tower fell. It was completely out for months, but then it decided it would come and go. I used to be a big soap fan..mostly GH and OLTL but when the tower fell, I used it as my sign from God that I was spending way too much time in front of the TV and not enough doing things I should be. Although nothing major has happened to my computer or internet service, if I don't get a handle on this addiction, I'm afraid I may be getting knocked down again very soon. As a matter of fact, I spent most of the last year watching the things I couldn't live without on the full episode viewer online.

To make a long story short, we've never had satellite television. Believe me, my kids have begged and begged, feeling sooo deprived and very mistreated like they were the only kids in the world who couldn't watch multiple episodes of Sponge Bob Squarepants or every game that came on ESPN. But as a very protective parent, I just looked at it as one more thing for them to argue over, one more thing to pay for, one more thing to take up our time, and the biggie....one more thing to have to monitor. I just wasn't up for the challenge.

I realize that in one month everything will be digital and without the converter box, we won't be watching anything. I've been doing some thinking that since Big Dan is almost out (maybe he won't take it personal) and Little Ann is older, maybe I am up for the challenge. (Or maybe it's all the reality TV coming on ABC this season that I AM MISSING on the big screen!!!)

So tell me...what's better? Dish Network or Direct TV?

The Good, The Bad and The (Definitely Not) Ugly

I guess this will be a hodge podge post, because I've got several things tossing to and fro in my brain just awaiting to get out. Here's some good:

Tonight my parent's came over for dinner and to return my little lost orphan (that I missed tremendously by the way)...not that I didn't enjoy my time alone, but 2 full days became almost more than I could bear. After our meal, I challenged my dad in a game of Wii bowling. It was too funny. I guess you would just have to know my sweet little daddy. I won't use the terms "he doesn't get out much", because that's the farthest thing from the truth. As a matter of fact, he is always on the go, but it's always to drink coffee at the nearest coffee shop, to a cow sale, or to buy an old junk car somewhere. That is the life for him and he loves every minute of it. So to see him playing video games was quite comical. Oh, and for those who I know will notice my Christmas tree is still up...I'm working on it. Really, I am, but I refused to do it when I had my weekend to myself, ya know?

Before long, we had talked my mom into joining in the fun. She admitted she had never been bowling before in real life. She held her own..actually leading on my dad for several frames, but he ended up getting 2 strikes in the 10th frame for a tie. It was probably for the best. It'll keep peace tonight. haha.

Some more good I don't think I've shared with you:
Last Sunday and Monday, Little Ann and I traveled up to visit our besties again a few hours away. Our mutual friend from China was also in visiting and brought his girlfriend for us to meet. I mentioned how he was their exchange student several years ago here. They are currently living in Boston.

We had a great time exchanging some gifts and catching up with each other. We watched "The Bucket List" and did some shopping. My friendgirl was very disappointed in my shopping though. Christmas had wore me out and I just didn't have much energy for shopping at all. I tried to hang, really, I did, and was good until my high heeled boots had gotten the best of me. (I know what you're thinking....self-inflicted).

The Bad:

Even though this happened the day after Christmas, I've chosen not to bring it to the blog yet. There were so many other happy subjects to blog about like presents and babies and New Year's resolutions. Besides, I can't say this has been the most popular thing for discussion in the house lately. In fact, it made for a pretty crappy "post Christmas" weekend.

Yes, this is Big Dan's car and once again, it wasn't his fault. Some guy in his senior class rear ended him last Friday when they went to hit in the batting cages. If I got my story right, it had something to do with a pretty girl driving by and a certain senior with his head somewhere it shouldn't be. Big Dan just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time (yeah, like in front of him). Yet again, all I can say is...this poor car. This poor boy. Oh yeah, and I almost forgot to even mention that Santa brought him a brand new spoiler for this car that we can't even put on now until it gets out of the shop again. Poor, poor boy or rather poor momma. Anybody got any xanax?

Ok, enough about the bad...let's get down to the definitely NOT ugly:

If you noticed my blog change, surely you've noticed by now that with that change, I added a little Jason to my sidebar. I can't hardly wait until the new season of "The Bachelor". It premiers Monday night. Like, as in, day after tomorrow's Monday! One thing I have noticed from watching little snippits so far (besides how sweet and adorable Jason is), and it really makes me wonder..what exactly is up with the mucho boobage on these girls? I mean, seriously?

Put them away, please.

Anyway, I will definitely be watching, and looking forward to those bloggers who will join hands with me in comparing notes! lol. I am also hyped up for the new season of "The Biggest Loser" which begins Tuesday night, and I guess I'm going to have to watch "Momma's Boys" online, because I'm thinking it will be on the same time as "The Bachelor". Help Me!! Too much reality TV!

Let's Talk TV

Wow, I haven't talked TV since the big finale of The Bachelorette. And I guess you've heard that Deanna broke off the engagement with Jesse? I'm not surprised, but I really hate it. That girl needs to figure out what she wants.

Anyway, I am a fan of most shows on ABC, but here lately I've gotten into several on NBC. Like The Biggest Loser for one. I love that show and I know I've talked about it before. There is just something that is so inspiring about watching those people go through body transformations. I love it, and I used to be a big, big fan of Extreme Makeover when it was on. So, what did everyone think of the big winner? GO MICHELLE!! Didn't Ed look nice too? Wow. I couldn't believe it.

But what about Momma's Boys? I was just laughing trying to imagine myself on that show (as a momma, of course). What if I really could pick the ideal girl for Big Dan? What kind of girl would I pick? Naturally, he'd pick the exact opposite of what I picked...I might have to resort to that reverse psychology thing in order to get my way. Hmmmm......I'm afraid that's what the guys on that show are going to do. Those girls just better watch out. Ain't nothing worse than a momma protecting her boy. I KNOW!!! lol.

But, really, what was UP with that crazy lady? Jo Jo's mom? I couldn't believe all the stipulations she was putting on those girls. Even I'm not THAT bad? (am I?....grin)

If you didn't watch, you've got to. It will start coming on on Monday's as of next week.