Ft. Worth Stock Show and EDICUT Student of the Year Award

Where to begin! I made it to Ft. Worth in one piece...yes that is I drove the entire time and followed my sisters directions. I must say its a boring drive but the drive to Ballinger was even worse...is hello field of nothing #1 and then hello field of nothing # 2 LOL! Its amazing how much goes into a stock show and how much money some people can spend. Sadly my nieces and nephews didn't make it to SALE...winning and sale are the goals of showing...I have decided however that is a rathe barbaric sport...who judges a cow based how "hmm...will he make good steak!" Thursday when we got there we saw Mark and Lauren show and then sadly we missed Andrew's showing on Friday because he was scheduled or anticipated to show at 11 am but ended up 2 hrs earlier and we were still getting ready...I had my dad with me the whole time and he really enjoyed it that my sister is actually thinking of taking him with her on their next run at Stock Showing in San Antonio and on to Houston if they don't win or sell by then. Below are some decent pictures in my mind of the kids. The funniest part of the show was watching the cows run around like crazy when people would lose them.

I got back into town around 6 ish and went straight to Erika's birthday party. We started off at the Beehive downtown and then ended at The Warehouse (Abilene's signature martini bar). I had lots of fun and it was nice to be around girls and just have some drinks and talk. This morning I woke up for my Student of the Year reception. I thought it was something for other students...umm well I was the only one chosen from McMurry (that is that I know of) so the whole thing was in my honor. That was very surprising. All my brothers came and my sister and dad. They made me speak in front of the whole group and that was WHOA...needless to say I cried because I told them Thank You and how much it was a blessing during this hard time in life. It was a bit embarassing to cry but all my teachers and family understood. I recieved a very nice pen and mail opener. I will get a plaque in March to go in my room and my name was already added to the plaque that hangs in the education building.

Getting my ducks in a row!!

Today is my last day of the week to get things ready and in order for my trip to Ft. Worth and before the weekend. I leave tomorrow at 7 am for the Stock shows. This trip should be interesting...I will be driving the whole way to Ft. Worth and pulling over to switch with my dad right before we hit traffic. I am really hoping to get together with Sharon while Im in the area..it'll be nice to see a friend and just TALK ABOUT LIFE!! I don't know sometimes what I would do without her...she's a wonderful listener. I am pushing to be back in town on Friday by at least 5 pm because my friend/cooperating teacher Erika is having her 30th birthday party at the Beehive downtown and I already owe her since I totally slept thru our lunch date today for her bday. Its certainly going to be an interesting party actually mingling with teachers that I have worked with on a social basis not school!! CRAZY!! So today has been kinda rough emotionally...somethings happen and you just have to push thru them and keep going. I've cleared away most of the flowers that Clara got because they were all dying. I am amazingly still keeping my GIGANTIC PLANT alive still along with the smaller Peace Lillie we recieved. I've been trying my best to keep the house in order ...I learned I can keep up with the laundry while the rest kinda falls off the deep end..so today I've picked up my deep end and Im getting it in order. I feel like all the work Im putting into cleaning is going to be a waste later as shipments of Davids car parts came in today and lord knows how much of a mess he's going to make with packaging and boxes. I've kinda sorta packed but I've got to finish. The only room I have left on my cleaning adventure is the kitchen. It amazes me how much 2 people can have...and our house is pretty small. Well I might get the chance to post pictures of DAVID'S CHRISTMAS as he calls it when car parts come in. I will probably try to do that before I go to bed tonight.

On a side note it has been a God send to have my nephew in town. He has certainly distracted us from life this week. Its crazy how you can stay up till 4 am and still function the next day.

Aside from having a birthday party to go to first thing when I get back on Friday I also have to get myself and my brothers & sisters ready for my reception Saturday morning for EDICUT STUDENT OF THE YEAR. Yes thats right I was chosen student of the year for McMurry's Education dept. Its a small brunch being held and I invited my brothers and sisters to attend. David was attending but opted to give his seat to Chavo so I will also have my nephew!!

Road Blocks!!

We woke up really late today actually at NOON...I guess its ok when you go to bed at 3 am right...My goal was to go to Denny's for the FREE GRAND SLAM but I didn't make it...Oscar & Norma went but said it was so so busy that they went to McDonalds instead. Once we woke up my intention was to go to the YMCA and work out but the road blocks were in the way...I thought really...the one time I wanna try to do a small workout I can't. The city is currently redoing our street and its alittle hard to try to manuever around the giant bulldozer. I thought I'd try to go later in the day...and I still might just go plop myself on my stationary bike but they decided to put down the tar or oil whatever that black stuff is so half or street is coned off. Thanks but no thanks I'd rather not get stuck in that crap. David had a lunch date today with an old friend so he was able to escape prior to all the mess. They are having a potluck at work today in a friends unit and David was invited to join so he picked up chips and salsa. I think its gone well...I did tell him if there wasn't any food he liked to just give me a call and I'd go get him something or take him something. My goal is to get out tomorrow bull dozer or no bull dozer. I know that I have to keep my workout pretty mild which doesn't really help me out when it comes time for Fit Camp because I am technically still lactating and cannot have any stimulation or harsh movements because it could trigger more production. HORRIBLE I TELL YOU!!

Some what on the same health note. I am looking into getting this book called Trying Again: A Guide to Pregnancy after Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Infant Loss so that I can figure out how I really need to prepare my body for our next pregnancy. Some probably think I am moving too fast but its not like Im wanting this to happen over night. Medically I was doing some searching and we could try again "healthy" in 3 months. But in my opinion that is too too soon. I know its possible as my niece is living proof of this but for me I don't think I could nor want too. I do want to at least wait the 6 months that Dr. Bass said was best for the body. I'd like to hopefully have my body in the best condition possible for the baby.

On the wedding plans note I designed our Save-the-Date stuff and will hopefully get those ready to mail later next week. I am trying to juggle planning, doing laundry, house cleaning and packing or getting stuff ready for my adventure to the FT. WORTH STOCK SHOW. My dad & I are meeting up with my oldest sister Lenore and her family in Ft. Worth on Thursday and staying until probably mid day on Friday. Ohhh what fun...lol...I have really no idea what to expect. All I was told is metal building = COLD!! I think I'll start looking into the weather because here in Abilene they are suppose to be nice days.