three crabs and a dinner... Macy usually takes two 1 1/2 - 2-hour naps everyday. Yesterday she didn't. I think she slept about a half hour in the morning. And we didn't get out of the house, either, except for playing ball with Truman in the backyard. So needless to say, when 3:00 rolled around, Macy became very crabby. And try as I might, she would not take her nap. Every time I put her in to sleep, she would simply stand up and start playing in her crib. So we spent the two hours before daddy came home becoming increasingly crabby - both of us. When poor Mike came home and I suggested we go out to dinner, he, sensing our moods, didn't argue. And on the way to Chili's I found out he had a rough day, as well. Three crabs in one car.

But interestingly enough, all of our moods got better once we were seated in the restaurant. Macy was absolutly joyful just to be out amongst people. She would raise her hand to the waiter every time he passed and he would grab it every time, causing her to giggle, kick her feet, and give him that shy, flirty look she has become really, really good at. She also had fun in her attempts to get the attention of the people next to us. Mike was able to vent a little about his day and began to feel better, and I simply love a good night out, especially if there's food involved. But conversation wasn't all serious. We discussed more light hearted subjects, as well, like our feelings on the existences of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. We both think they're probably out there somewhere. (Did you know the most bigfoot sightings have been in eastern Oklahoma?)

So all was well when we returned home. Macy went to bed with no problems, I took my evening bath and read another couple chapters in my most recent literary conquest while Mike relaxed in bed channel surfing. Later, we watched Somebody's Watching , a silly scary movie on the Lifetime network staring Stephanie Powers. Because I think there is some federal law stating that Stephanie Powers must be in 80% of all movies shown on Lifetime. But it was actually quite suspenseful and I fought off sleep so I could see the end.

So begins another day today. But Macy is napping right now. I just finished my Pilates workout and shower and once Macy awakes, we'll be off to town for some pre-halloween shopping...

Happy 10-month birthday, Macy!!!!

sleepytime... I am very tired tonight. I've been very tired since 3:00 today. But I'm forcing myself to write because I'm afraid I'll get behind if I let this go one more day. Oh, I want to crawl into bed!

But first I'll recap... First of all, I've been in a really good mood for the last couple days. Today I even found myself dancing around my living room singing a Michael Jackson song, the title of which I can't remember right now. Macy sat on the floor watching with an almost bored face.

But I'm digressing... Yesterday we went to the Mall in the afternoon. Tyler's mall is somewhat disappointing, but nonetheless it has all the stores one would need if in a shopping mood, just nothing real fancy and the food court is seriously lacking! I guess I'm missing those days back home when I met my family at the mall for some reason and we spent most of our time at the food court. Anyway, I consoled myself by buying a couple pairs of cute lounge pants at Victoria's secret, and Macy got a pair of walking shoes and several pairs of pastel socks at Sears. And last night I went to a Bunco game at one of our neighbor's houses. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad they invited me. There are 12 ladies and about six of them live on Sandhill. They were a fun group and it was great to meet the neighbors and the others, too. Turns out all of them but 2 are stay-at-home moms. The age range was about 25 - 35 (I'm guessing. We'll continue to meet every third Monday of each month at rotating houses.

And today... Macy woke me up at 5:15 (no wonder I'm tired!) And after her morning nap, we ran a couple errands and took Mike's truck to get inspected and registered. This time, though, I asked around and found a much nicer place to get the inspection. So I guess we're officially Texas residents now. All I have to do is get my driver's license.

Ok, it is very apparent that I'm sleeping as I write. What an aweful attempt at a two day recap. But, mercifully for all, the time has finally come... I'm going to bed!

dead ants, dreams and dinner... We awoke yesterday morning with nothing to do. But somehow we were busy all day. Mike began working in the yard and, upon discovering he was lacking in yard tools and equipment, we were off to Home Depot for a weed wacker, lawn fertilizer and ant poison. After returning home and finishing in the yard, we hopped back into the car, heading to the grocery store in preparation for the dinner we were making the next day for the Schwartz'. We took a minor detour on the way to the store to check out Lake Tyler - Nice. After the groceries were gotten, we proceeded down Hwy. 155 towards Fat Dog for liquor (Smith County is a Dry County - can you believe I live here?)

Finally home, Mike set to work preparing a new recipe for the grill - bacon wrapped around chicken breasts wrapped around mozzarella and jalepenos. Yum...

You know, I just realized I remember all these things Mike did, but can't remember a thing that I did. Oh yeah, I did some home filing in the morning. And I made a pasta salad for dinner. Yep, that's about all I can remember. But I remember quite vividly the terrible dream that I had last night. I drempt that I drank a huge glass of salt. I actually awoke with the horrible tast of salt in my mouth. I rushed to the kitchen and snarfed down two cupcakes to get rid of the taste. And after returning to sleep, I drempt I was on the Drew Carey Show. My part was to help Kate find her shoes. What the hell does all this mean?!?!

Moving on.... I got up with Macy this morning at 6:45 (5:45 with the time change) and at about 7:30 we hopped in the car headed to Walmart for diapers and formula. Now I know what you're thinking. Why didn't we just get them yesterday at the grocery store. Well, as the fellow frugals may understand, things are much cheaper at Walmart. Yes, well worth that early morning drive in the rain.

Dinner went well. Mike smoked spare ribs and I made garden stuffed baked potatoes, baked beans and strawberry fluff. But, oddly, as everyone else sat back in their chairs and declared their fullness, I felt like I could keep eating for quite some time. And I still kinda feel like a meal of some sort wouldn't be so bad. Oh, and there's Bluebell ice cream in the freezer. But in the interest of my midsection, I'll try to abstain.

all alone on a friday night... And I say that like it's a bad thing... My husband is at his first official Texas poker night. I had a bit of company earlier (Lisa and four boisterous boys). But Macy kept her schedule nevertheless and was in crib by 8:00. After almost watching all of Monsters, Inc., Lisa and the Boys left about 9:00.

Otherwise, today was monumental only in that my Suzuki now is adorned with Texas license plates. It was quite the ordeal to accomplish this, though. First, I had to get the vehicle inspected. Not knowing exactly where to go for this, I looked up "inspections" in the yellow pages and found one on East Gentry Parkway that looked appropriate for what I was needing. I was proud of myself for finding Gentry, but somewhat dismayed when I realized I may just be in a shady part of town. I was looking for a place called A-1 Mufflers and, not seeing it, pulled into a service station of sorts to ask for directions. Once I saw the scruffy-looking men standing in the dusty driveway of what was apparently supposed to be a legitimate place of business, but what looked, in all actuality, like a place someone would be warned of, I just backed right back out onto the street. After turning around, I did manage to find A-1, but, sadly, it looked too much like the previous business I ran from. Nevertheless, I walked confidently into the office with my innocent little daughter in tow and stated firmly, "I need my car inspected, please...sir." All went well after giving the keys to the young apprentice while the older, and much huger man sat at his desk. He, of course, commented on how beautiful Macy's eyes were and proceded to reminisce about a girl he once dated from "Nebraska State." "You mean the University in Lincoln?" I asked. "Oh, yes." He said. "Twenty years ago." It was actually a nice little story until he began coughing uncontrollably and had to stop.

Once this task was completed and I obtained my official inspection "green slip", I was off to the DMV. Quite painless as the line was manageable. Since we were in the area, we stopped in at Mike's office to say hello. He had several people in his office but, as always, made time for us.

And my day is almost complete, lacking only a proper bubble bath before I crawl into bed and watch TV...

four women, four children...
Had lunch with the ladies at McAlister's Deli today. Macy was introduced to Gracie, who shares her exact birthday. Maybe someday they'll be great friends. It was otherwise full of typical mommy-conversation.

This evening we stopped in at The Laughing Dog Pizza Shop, which is very close to our house. We've been meaning to check the place out. I can't say I was overly impressed. I've come to realize we are definitely amongst the country folk down here. I sometimes get the feeling I'm in the bayou. But the funny thing is, if I drive a mere seven miles in the other direction, I'm back to civilization among those-who-can-spell. Alas.

yawn and yawn... First of all because it was just one of those boring, non-eventful days. And secondly, because I'm dead tired.

The highlight of my day was our visit to Target this morning and finding a great deal on some square frames that are perfect for my pottery barnesque feel I'm going for in my living room. I have four of them spaced evenly above my couch. (the blank wall was driving me nuts.) In them I framed various black & whites of departed family members. It looks nice. We're getting there.

Besides hanging pictures and placing various other odds and ends about my living room, I watched (among other things) back to back episodes of "A Baby Story" featuring quadruplet births. I cried as I watched one poor, bed-ridden, huge whale of a woman as she finally let her tears of frusteration go as they wheeled her into surgery at the end of her two week hospital stay to keep her contractions under control. I think the tears began after the doctor, sensing her extreme discomfort and in an attempt to make her feel better, said, "You'll be skinny again." I can imagine how utterly frusterating that must've been considering how during the last two months of my pregnancy I wept every time I went near the closet holding my "normal clothes." And I was mobile! I mean, you should have seen this poor woman. Four babies in there!!

And tonight we had omelettes and bacon...

june cleaverish... Macy and I started our day around noon today, right after her morning nap. Which, by the way, was three hours long thank you very much. We hopped in the car and, after filling up with gas, took Mike's shirts to the cleaners, dropped by the Flint post office (which has the sweetest employees), and picked up a few miscellaneous cards and gifts that need to be sent to various people for various special occasions. We even dropped in the "Only $1.00" store and, after spending only $2.00, left with a much-needed paper towel holder and a 12-pack of baby barrettes that I'm hoping Macy will be able to wear soon.

After returning home, I was feeling domestically ambititious and prepared a nice little supper of broiled bbq chicken and oriental broccoli. Strange combination but healthy, no? I actually had it sitting on the table for Mike. Oh my goodness, what is becoming of me? We were amused watching Macy eat. She seemed curiously intelligent enough to bypass the little bits of broccoli on her tray for the much tastier chicken and buttered bread. Funny. Cute.

a grown up weekend... I've skipped the white zin for tonight, but am just as relaxed after a nice hot bath.

Last night's dinner party was so much fun. I instantly liked our hosts, the Gustafsons, and felt so comfortable in their cozy home. They had the most amazing back yard, Mike called it "Man Land" - a multi-level deck complete with an open fire pit, grill, smoker, a TV in the corner for those who were interested in the World Series, an an undergound swimming pool and a very large swing set for the kids. So as the kids ran around and played, the women sat in the kitchen, eating and talking and drinking margarita after margarita, and the men hung out in Man Land and everyone was happy. Once dinner was ready we were seated at the most beautifully set table in their red dining room. It was nice to spend the evening with other couples with kids. As it turned out, we were all transplants to Tyler; two Iowans, one Minnesotan, three Nebraskans, one Nevadan and one Texan originally from Dallas. I also spent a lot of time in our hosts' daughter's room talking to her and her friend. They were eight and we had the most interesting conversations about life and the second grade.

Our host from last night also is a representative of Southern Living and I was invited to a party today. So after a morning spent beginning to organize our office, I went to the party with Lisa while Mike and Ron babysat. I spent a little too much money, but it's justified by the fact that I did purchase a couple Christmas gifts in the process. Afterwards we grilled out at the Schwartz' and ended the evening watching Luke (their youngest) in his continued attempts at learning to ride his bike. Once home, after some playtime on the floor, I rocked my beautiful daughter to sleep. I love watching her face as she drifts off. She's such a good girl. Life is peaceful and good.

Cajunfun... Last night it was two glasses of white zin. And they weren't drunk here at my typing desk like usual, but at a place called Dudley's Cajun Cafe in Longview. Mike and I shared two entrees - Zydeco Gumbo and Blackened Catfish. Excellent. We accompanied three other couples there for dinner. It was a great time and I laughed a lot. Mike has actually found some working companions that rival his sense of humor. After dinner we went to a place called the Butcher's Block. It was similar to what I've always known as Village Inn. There we had dessert. Me a big hunk of chocolate/strawberry cake and Mike a slice of key lime pie. Macy stayed with the 20-year-old daughter of one of the couples and her boyfried... and Ron & Lisa's three boys. She had a good time and was asleep when we picked her up. She is a social little thing and really does need to be around kids once in awhile.

Today our new living room furniture arrived. I absolutely love it and already see visions of how I want the rest of the decor to look. It shouldn't take long. We also made a trip to Home Depot for a few garage-organizing supplies.

And so here I sit in my towel after a shower. Macy is down for her nap and Mike is watching TV in his great big papa bear chair. I believe the Huskers beat some Texas team today so that's good. There is a bet at Mike's office and the losers (Texans) now have to drink out of husker coffee mugs until next years game. Anyway, we are just waiting to get ready for a dinner party we've been invited to. Maybe I'll post the details later tonight, but a better bet would be tomorrow.

loopy... Tyler has what is called "the loop." It is, actually, highway 323, and it forms a comlete loop around Tyler. It really is a nifty little way to get around town. Highway 69 (amongst others) juts off from it and it is this such highway that would lead one to our new home. Anyway, my point. Macy and I took a drive around the entire loop today and determined that it was, in fact, exactly 20 miles long. We also shopped Home Depot for tiles that I hope to one day place as a border around my kitchen; and lastly we stopped in at the Goodwill Super Center (I really am turning into my mother) where we purchased $20 worth of size 12-18 month clothes for Macy. Yes, they're mostly pink. You can always count on the Goodwill if you're into people-watching. Macy though, bless her little friendly heart, tried her best to make friends with anyone and everyone we passed. She'd look them directly in the eye and say "eh!" I think that means, "Hi, how are you?!"

And for some reason I was exhausted by the time Mike returned from work. At approximately the same time he walked in, the phone rang and it was my brother, Luke. I felt so much better after talking to him and his wife, Melissa. I hope I succeeded in enticing them to Tyler for a visit. "It's only a twelve hour drive!!" I coaxed. "Really, it's not that bad! Oh, it's so pretty here!!!!!"

Later we dined on broiled walleye, baked potato and a glass of the finest of boxed white zinfandale (Mike had beer). And even later still, after Macy fell fast asleep, my husband and I christened our living room in true husband-and-wife style. And so goes my most recent tale.

In the spirit of my new life, I'm back online. Off onto the adventure of stay-at-home-mommying (for now) I have many thoughts at the end of the day that I should put in writing as not to risk damaging my poor young child by laying them on her. Oh, some day she'll appreciate all this, but for now it's for me.

In lieu of morning coffee, I seem to have begun a habit of beginning all of my days with a Coke, poured nicely into a foam cup on ice. And I've also begun the ritual of ending my days with a glass (or two) of white zinfandale. What that says about my personality, one may never know. All I know is I'm completely happy, albeit in the midst of adapting to an entirely new life life here in east Texas after spending the first season+ of my life in Nebraska. I think interesting things may happen. And if not interesting to you, worth writing about for me.

But this is enough for today, my first blog. My husband is showering and I hear a nice, warm, soft, white bed calling my name.