Cheap Mountain Bike

The Saturday before Christmas, my hubby and I decided that we didn't have enough presents for our boys.  They didn't ask for much, so there wasn't a lot under the tree.  Books and new sheet sets.  Kinda boring.  Of course there was plenty from the family, but hubby and I thought there should be a bit more from us.

I gathered my sons together and asked what they wanted.  (Now wishing I kept the list).

Noah:

• wooden chess set (most wanted)
• flashlight
• binoculars (last on list)
• multi-tool (but those are expensive, per son)
• Knife sharpening stone

Aden:

• Bike helmet
• Klutz book (The one he wanted was already under the tree)
• Pokeman DS game
• multi-tool (because his brother wanted one, I think)

There were a couple of other items, but I don't recall right now.

With this list in hand, hubby and I headed off to the store.  We decided on the right knife sharpening stone, the flashlight that hubby didn't use and the missing multi-tool of hubby's if he could find it.  Then we went to look at binoculars.  We settled on a pair that we really liked, but the store was out and only offered a 10% discount on floor model, even though it was missing box and all papers.  Of course we found a scope that we loved, but the price was $200.  We would have to check Amazon later.

Then to the helmet area to pick Aden's helmet.  After I decided on one, John and I walked by the bikes and we both knew what to get Aden, a new bike!  We found a neon green one that we knew would be a hit.  After purchasing, we took the bike home.  I had to distract Aden to get the bike into the shed without his knowledge.

The next day, he went with us to Sam's to go shopping.  On display were adult bikes in pastel colors.  I teased Aden about buying him one of those bikes.  Would you like that I asked?  He told us he really wanted a cheap mountain bike.  Cheap mountain bike?  How much is that we asked?  Oh, about $14 or $15 dollars he replied.  Oh, he is a hoot!

Christmas day arrived and he flew threw all his presents, including his new helmet. As Noah opened his 'big' one, Aden was about to have a fit, because he knew there had to be one more present for him.  We told him to cool his jets!  (Daddy was outside getting the bike).

There Aden sat, on the couch, with his new Star Wars book in hand, already reading.  John walked the bike in and Aden kept reading.  John coughed, Aden read.  John cleared his throat, Aden read.  Coco smelled the bike and John asked her what she was smelling, Aden kept reading.  Finally we convinced Aden to look up.  It took him about 2 minutes to realize what the green thing was.  He loved it!

Christmas dinner at Grandma and Papa's house and he rode all around.  The day after, he took it to Boy Scout Winter Camp.  While I was visiting, he rode that bike everywhere.  He rode it so much, that he was in bed and asleep before lights were out, two nights in a row.

So glad he enjoys that "cheap" mountain bike.  

The lone camel

One of the many Christmas Eve services my church offers is the Children's Impromptu Pageant.  The purpose is to share the Christmas story and let the children participate in the story.  Before service, each child in attendance gets to pick a costume: star, angel, shepherd or animal mask.

This year my ten year old decided that he is to old to be a shepherd.  So instead, he chose a camel mask.  (Of course, this leads to a whole other story... think Geico commercial).

Here is the camel, with unibrow (per son), and eyes looking away.

So the debate begun when parts were called.  Stars began the pageant, lighting the way for Mary, Joseph and the cutest baby Jesus.  Next was shepherds and animals.  I tried to convince the camel to go up with the shepherds (imagine 7 shepherds for every animal).  Camel and Grandma thought he should walk with the Three Wisemen.  I disagreed knowing that he would be the only animal at that time.  After all the shepherds were already on stage, my camel decided to walk up while the portion of the Christmas story was being read.

If you can, imagine this...  My son walked to the front of the filled church sanctuary and turned to face the audience, with camel mask in front of face.  Then he slowly side stepped his way to the steps, all while still wearing the mask.  I about lost it!  My in-laws, husband and friend were laughing so loud.

His antics didn't end there.  Not many people noticed, but as all the children were going back to the their seats, my camel kept hopping in front of our pastor (who adores the kids and vice versa).  The camel was trying to get Pastor to play along with him, but to no avail.  Back to sit beside me the camel went.

After service, my son chased down the pastor.  Pretty sure this is how the conversation went... "what day is it, what day is it?" "hump daaayyy!!"  And yes, today is Wednesday.

My husband encouraged this silliness. He couldn't control his "hump day" antics when my son announced that he would be a camel.

Life with boys, quite interesting.

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy 2015 to you and yours.

Three bottles

Every day I am more amazed at how different my two children are.  I have heard many other parents wonder the same thing, "How can two children be so different, even though they came from the same parents?"

So many differences, just in personalities alone.

This past weekend my boys attended a scout camp out.  As a driver, I went along for the weekend.  Saturday was scheduled around the Horsemanship Merit badge.  We spent most of the morning and early afternoon on a ranch in Ingleside, TX.  The sun was extremely hot and we had very limited shade.  All boys were required to take along a water bottle and encouraged to stay hydrated.  Adults also made sure to bring extras, as they were needed.

Thankfully, the boys stayed hydrated, which resulted in empty bottles laying around as they moved between activities.  After many years of scout training, "Leave No Trace" would not allow me to sit while these bottles were rolling around.

I picked three empty bottles up and called my thirteen year old over to me.  I tried to hand him the bottles, but he looked at me like I had three heads, not bottles.  "Take them to the truck" I told him.  Blank stare I received.  "Take the bottles to the truck" I said again.  My son looked at me like I told him to rob a bank.  "What? How am I suppose to hold 3 (EMPTY) bottles AND pick up my own bottle?"  My hands are still outstretched, containing the bottles, while my son is still stammering trying to get out of taking the bottles.  "Figure it out" I demanded!  He relented and grabbed the bottles.  I was flabbergasted! 

Later, as we prepared to leave, I tried this again.  Three bottles in hand, I called over my ten year old son.  "Take these to the truck" I said to him.  He walked over to me, took all three bottles and off he went.  

What in the world just happened?  Are these two children mine?  Are they related to me?  I can't believe just how different their personalities are.

By the way, I have a teenager for lease if anyone is interested.  I might be leasing another child in about three years.  Check back then.

Noah's story, part 1.5

Noah's story continued, part 1.5

Many of you reading this blog may be confused.  "I thought she was working on part 3?" Well, you are correct.  But my memory is not perfect, nor does it keep things in the right order.  Shocker!  The other day, I remembered an event that happened between Thanksgiving 2000 and January 2001.  So, back tracking I will go. (Be warned, this will probably happen a time or two more before the story is done.)

Christmas Eve 2000 was spent in San Antonio with my husband's family.  John and I went to SA a few days earlier to spend time with his sisters' family and parents.  (I will always remember my sister-in-law going out to run errands, then seeing a present for Baby McCain end up under the tree.)

We all spent the morning watching our toddler niece open her presents.  Late morning John and I packed up to head back to Corpus to spend the rest of Christmas day with my mom and rest of my family.

As always, John got behind the wheel to drive us home.  I settled in for the trip.  The highway was fairly empty, not many other vehicles around.  Since it was drizzling and raining, I was at ease due to the lack of other cars.

John and I were in conversation, then all of the sudden, the car was spinning! We were hydroplaning! I don't remember how many times we spun or how we stopped, but we did stop.  I do recall vehicles further behind us had stopped.  Thankfully we did not come in contact with them or anything else.  Timing was perfect and no one was harmed.  My nerves were shot and my bladder was screaming!

As shaken up as I was, I knew that He was ultimately in control.  And once again, He kept his promise.

Noah's story, part 2

Noah's story continued... part 2

I was nervous about miscarrying again, so I delayed my first OB-GYN appointment as long as I thought I could.  At 10 weeks, I finally went to the doctor.  If memory serves correctly, I was able to hear the heartbeat at that appointment.  That appointment was on a Friday.  At work on Monday, a co-worker had called and needed me to bring her some supplies.  The power to the building went out, so I decided that was the best time to drive the supplies to my co-worker.  I was driving our fairly new purple Dodge Neon.  I loved that car!  I headed down Leopard street.  Near the courthouse, my worst nightmare happened.  A teen driver thought he could turn in front of me, unfortunately, it resulted in me hitting his car and totaling mine.  I was so scared!  I got out of the car and walked to the corner.  I kept repeating "I'm pregnant!"  Luckily the teen and passenger were ok and they turned my car off and did whatever they needed to.  Paramedics arrived, and I repeated again "I'm pregnant".  At some point, I heard mention of "she's in shock".  I don't care what you label me at the moment, all I could think of was the baby.  Someone called my husband for me, then the paramedics duct taped my head to board and loaded me into the ambulance.  They took me to the hospital my mother worked at.  Soon my husband arrived and I requested that he call my boss.  (Later I was told the response from my boss, which solidified my desire to move on).  After doctor did a thorough examination on me,  then it was time to try to find the little heart beating within me. After what felt like forever, the doctor was able to find the heartbeat! God kept his promise!   As I finished with the doctor, he said I could return to work the next day, but I told him I didn't want to.  Instead, he gave me a medical excuse for a week away from work.  I was thankful for the extended week.  I was bruised all over. 

Since the accident was on Monday, I went back to my OB on Tuesday.  I still remember him coming in and saying "Why are you here, I just saw you?", in a very aggravated voice.  I should have been strong and followed my gut to find a new doctor after that.  So much (emotional) growing I still had to do.

There were blessings that came of the accident.  I saw a chiropractor just about daily throughout the pregnancy and for a while after.  I dug deep within and found a way to leave a job that was not a good fit for me.  I felt like this was God showing me the way out of a situation that was not emotionally safe for me or baby.  (2 months prior to this, I share with friends about waiting for "God to close the door and open a window")  It was the one time in my life that I didn't give a two-week notice.  I was professional, went to speak to the owner/boss and let boss know that I would not be returning once I was released from the doctor.  I went into my office, retrieved my sweater (only possession I had in my office) and departed.  The McCain's stayed on higher ground and did not sue or seek compensation from employment for loss, nor was it offered, even though I was on the clock at the time of the accident.  I would like to say that not a word has been spoken to that boss since then, but that particular person does cross my path on occasion.  I will always mind my manners and speak when spoken to, but that is it. 

*at the rate these "parts" are going, this very well could be a 30 part story... 

Noah's story, part 1

I begin this story well before it started, so that you might understand where it began.

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. In college, I began taking Early Childhood courses. Since I had to pay for some of my education, and I insisted on living independently, I found a teaching position at a local private school. The pay was minimal, but the life lessons and people far outweighed the financial difficulties.

I taught many grades, using a Bible based curriculum that had been provided for me. Daily I taught Bible stories and weekly I went to chapel.  During this time, I learned to listen for God's quiet word that he would share with me. It was always a single word, when I least expected it. Several years in a row, the word was a number during the summer time. As school time approached, I realized that number was for the amount of students I would be teaching.  First day of school, the number was always correct. I quickly realized that God keeps his promise. So, the story of Noah's ark, the rainbow, and God's promise became my favorite story and I began collecting Noah's ark stuff.

After teaching for 3 and a half years, I decided it was time for a change.  Little did I know that motherhood was on the horizon.  December 1999 was when John and I discovered that our family would be expanding.  I was so excited, even more so because my best friend was also expecting.  The excitement lasted until January, when I had a miscarriage.  I was so upset and devastated, until I heard that calm voice.  "November."  I knew that voice!  All my pain was gone, as was my emotional pain.  I would never wish this on any woman, but I was at peace in hearing HIS voice.

The doctor gave us the 'go ahead' to try again.  I was really disappointed when I wasn't pregnant again within the next few months.  I didn't understand.  Wasn't I supposed to have a baby in November?

Fast forward to November 2000.  It was closing in on the 4th Thursday of the month, so my family was gathering at my grandparents house for the big meal.  Luckily we were staying in a room with an attached bathroom, as my monthly cycle was expected to start that morning.  As I woke up that Thanksgiving day, I headed to the bathroom to do as girls do.  Things were different this time, and I knew instantly I was pregnant!  Of course, we are staying with family, so there is not an easy way to verify this fact.  I spent much time that day in the bathroom checking for spotting.  Nothing.  After dinner we packed up and moved on to the next family event.  We stayed the weekend with my father.  I will always remember going to the horse track where children were playing in the grass.  My father commented that someday his grandchildren would play over there as well.  I felt like I was keeping this huge secret, but I had to wait to confirm.  After we returned from our travels, I confirmed that I was pregnant.  God kept his promise!


Stay tuned!  I will break this up into many pieces in order to share it all.  I think it will end up being novel length by the end.

I reached a new level...

I received a small package in the mail today.  It was addressed to me, from doTERRA.  It looked like a photo, so I was intrigued and opened it quickly. It was a small certificate to congratulate me for achieving DIRECTOR status.  I had to chuckle, as I thought it was funny.  Read on to find out how I advanced to Director.

What is doTERRA you ask?  doTERRA is a company that sells 100% pure therapeutic-grade essential oils.  A couple of years ago, a friend introduced me to the Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils of doTERRA.  I had previous used essential oils for cleaning and other health purposes, but after my high-school friend told me about how pure these oils were, I was hooked. 

I purchased a couple of oils prior to a trip to Vegas and was impressed.  As soon as I could, I signed up to be an Independent Product Consultant (IPC) just so that I could receive a discount for the products and order in my time frame.  In those two years I have healed owies, had many wonderful nights of sleep, fought infections, soothed sore muscles, tamed tummy troubles, soothed sunburns, disinfect and deodorized at every turn, calmed nerves, ease depression, fight mosquitoes and many other things.

I feel so strongly about the essential oils and how they help our body heal and eliminate many chemicals in my home.  I share with friends and family as often as I can.  I know my friends often laugh at me and my "hippy oils", until they have the opportunity to experience them for themselves. My family has suffered with me applying oils to my nephews and been amazed by Serenity, bringing on sleep for parents of small children.

My brother surprised his wife with a Physicians Kit for their anniversary, as well as a signing her up for the discount.  A few weeks later at our family vacation, my mom and aunt decided to join doTERRA.  So, in the last few weeks, three family members signed up as IPC's.  Due to this, the doTERRA promoted me to Director status.  I am more tickled that my family is taking care of their health on their own with less chemicals. I wish them all the best on becoming "Dr. Moms".

The Stalking Files

Today began like every normal day. I no sooner got out of bed and the daily stalking started once again. Call the police you say? It's not quite that easy. Besides, they would just laugh at me. You see, my stalker has four legs, a long tail and her nose likes to flip my covers off me if I don't get up soon enough for the stalking to begin.

John and I are the proud owners of a German shedder, I mean Shepherd. Coco is about 2 and a half. She was a gift from my mother. My brother has Coco's litter mate sister. And Coco was born on my sister's birthday. Our puppy is very much a daddy's girl, very attached to him. She is Noah's best friend. Aden loves her, but would much rather have a small dog or cat. And I am the morning treat giver and belly rubber. I also make sure she has been fed in the evening when I get home from work.

Today began as most days do. I wanted to sleep in, but Coco didn't like that idea. She walked over to my side of the bed and stuck her nose under the cover, but I held on tight. So the nose went under my pillow on search of my hand.   My wiggling away from wet nose resulted in John telling her to go away.   That lasted until John got up. Then she was back to get me up. Fine I say, and get up. My morning walk to the bathroom consist of a large dog following me. The stalking has begun....

My sweet hubby makes me breakfast. I sit in my rocking chair, eating breakfast while Coco stares at me, sometimes barks and whines. This results in me rubbing her neck and chest with my foot while I eat. I am multi talented, in case you weren't aware. On good mornings, she waits till I finish eating to request my foot rubs.

After breakfast I head back to my room to get dressed. Coco comes and sits at my feet, but she is so excited that she can't sit still. If course this usually results in dog hair all over my pants.

Next is my maneuvers around her to get to the bathroom. She has given up laying in front of the bathroom door. Now she lays in the middle of the kitchen floor to remind me that she needs her treat.

Sometimes I can sneak out of the bathroom and return to my room for shoes. Other days I am not so lucky and she is back on my heels or trying to get me to follow her back to the kitchen cabinet where her treats reside.

FINALLY, the treat is given. She gently takes it from me and runs into Noah's room to eat it. His room is best for eating, per Coco's opinion.

After treat, she walks me to the front door in hopes that I will take her with me.   Very rarely does that happen. Of course, I have told my boss that if he would allow me to bring her to work, she would provide free security service. Maybe some day.

Until then, she will be waiting when I get home from work to start stalking me again. She tries to convince me she hasn't been fed.

Stay tuned for more Coco stories, I have plenty.

And this is what happened

I know several people are awaiting the stories I mentioned on Facebook, so here goes.

A few months ago, a man came into my office, obviously off the street.  He asked to use my office phone.  I explained that I was answering phones and could not lend my phone to him.  He complained that our office does not have a public phone and that pay phones don't exist anymore.  He requested my cell phone.  I politely refused to share my phone.  All of this made him very mad.  As he walked away, he spouted off about how rude I was and compared me to Hitler.

A lady called requesting to speak to someone about help with her prescription she needed.  I told that the lady was not in office that day, but she could leave her a message and she would get back to her.  The lady became very irate because she claimed the county gave her this number to provide her with a prescription.  If we weren't going to help her, then why would the county give her the number.  She needed the prescription NOW!  I explained how the prescription assistance program worked, and it could take up to 6 weeks to receive the prescription if she qualified. She was angry with me and told me if XYZ happened to her because I didn't get the prescription for her, then it would be my fault.

Yesterday a couple came into the office requesting money to purchase food and diapers for their toddler and newborn (no children with them).  My co-worker explained that we are not able to help at this time.  After much back and forth, the couple left.  As they walked out, the man said something to the effect that he would have to go rob a bank because we wouldn't help him.

The latest was the man who is going to take my boss, co-worker and myself on a world cruise.  This man is currently not in the area, because he has a warrant out for his arrest.  He needs my co-worker to take care of his legal needs, which he will send money for.  After his legal needs are cleared up, he is planning on winning a lawsuit he has out for $2 million.  Once his money comes in, it will be cruise time.  I think I will pass on this one.

These are just a few of my work stories.  I am sure some of these people have mental health issue or might have really been in need.  My heart does hurt that I am unable to help, but I also have to be safe and smart.  It is a tough world we live in today.

Welcome to my blog.

Well, I am starting a blog today.  I am not sure where this will go, but it is always worth a try.  Starting this blog reminds me of a party I attended as a child or youth.  It was at a BBQ restaurant on IH 37, with a statue of a pink pig out front.  (One would think that since I pass this place occasionally, I would know the name, but no, I don't!)  Entertainment was provided for us kids, including a palm reader and handwriting expert.  One of those two told me that I would grow up to be a writer, because I was a very emotional person.  Silly that I have always remembered that.  Wonder how accurate my memory is?

As a parent of a teen and pre-teen, I am encouraged by other parents to write down my funny stories of my boys.  As a new Independent Product Consultant for doTERRA essential oils, I want to share my essential oil journey.  Of course, I am sure there will be plenty of other types of stories as well.  So stay tuned, as I am sure the stories will be interesting.