Sums it up

If there ever were a picture that sums up my kids relationship - it's this one.

Cooper being the dare devil, taking a chance, wanting to be wild and free.  His smile proves it.

And then there's his Big Sister - my Olivia Grace.....wanting to help, protect, make sure her little "bother" doesn't get hurt....being a little mommy.  Her heart is good and her heart is big. 

There's no doubt they are two different human beings - they fight, they bicker, they annoy each other.  CONSTANTLY.  Yet, I always seem to find moments like these where they are actually *enjoying* each other's company. 

One week until.....

One week until my baby girl.....my first born turns......

NINE years old.

When did this happen?  If she goes to college at 18 years old, I'm already half way?  NO, NO, NO!!!! Olivia is awesome - she may be stubborn, loving on her own terms, and the biggest "little mommy" ever - she also has a heart of gold and is loyal to anyone she loves.  Yes, she takes after her Mommy in a lot of ways.  :) 

She's growing up.  And her brother is right behind her.  *sigh*

I know, I know

I know, I know......I said I was going to get better at blogging.  I really do apologize!

I signed Al and I (yes, you read that - I signed Al up) to coach Upward Soccer this year.  I thought it would be fun and really get us connected as a family.  I swear sometimes we are all plugged into some sort of iPod, iPad, iPhone and I'm just tired of it.  I know NOTHING.  And I mean NOTHING about soccer.  I do know you're supposed to kick the ball into the goal.  That's about it.  I was really hoping I'd get smaller kids, but we ended up with O's age group.  Which means, they keep score and I've got to try to teach these girls something about soccer and maybe, just maybe win a game or two.  I already hate the pressure.  Ha ha!  We are looking forward to it though and I hope this is an experience that Al and I will both enjoy.  If not, I'll never hear the end of it from him.  :)

On a more serious note - one of my oldest and dearest friends lost her brother over the weekend. Please say an extra prayer for the Lloyd family.  Casey was a son, brother, father and loved by many.  I remember him best as a young kid - he loved coming over to our house to see my dad.  Tommi Lynn and Becky were wonderful big sisters and always looked out for their little brother.  Prayers are needed to help the family through this difficult time and the days ahead when they must pick up the pieces and continue on.  

Washing clothes

Thank you Pinterest for another great recipe!

Homemade laundry detergent!!! Very simple, works great, and should last a LOT longer than the store bought stuff. And I'm hoping it'll help some with O's allergies. *crossing fingers*

Pinterest is making me all "Susie Homemaker" - have you noticed? :)

What a load of......

CRAP.

Sorry folks, there's no other way to say it.

http://www.texastribune.org/texas-dept-criminal-justice/death-penalty/death-row-inmates-case-about-more-innocence/

My cousin Barry was shot and killed while on duty in Houston, Texas in December of 2000.  The man who shot and killed him is on death row.

He may now have a chance to get a new trial because he supposedly was not defended properly.  What a load of crap.  So, you're first two lawyers weren't good enough to get a guilty man off so you have a right to find a lawyer who is?  Are you kidding me?

I'm by no means "Pro Death Penalty" but I'm not completely against it either.  I understand that there are innocent people put in jail all the time - but this man is far from innocent.  He's basically trying to place blame on the other guy simply because the other guy's father was also a cop.  He's trying to say he was framed so that the police community could protect one of their own.  Yeah right.  I was never for the death penalty until my cousin was murdered.  Such a sad circumstance to happen for me to realize that sometimes the death penalty isn't the wrong answer.  I simply believe that there are some crimes that should be punishable by death. 

Where were my cousin's rights when he was arresting this guy and he shot him?  All because he had a record and would likely do jail time.  It completely and utterly infuriates me.  I can't imagine what my Aunt and Uncle and all my cousins go through while dealing with this.  The victim and the lives of their family always seem to be the least of importance.  That's just wrong.  We spend so much time focusing on the rights of the criminal that we forget why they are a criminal to begin with.  I pray that "Will" doesn't get his new trial and all his efforts are exhausted.  I know that sounds cruel, but I'm not sorry.  I'm just not.

No bashing me for my opinions - it's my blog after all. 

Brooms

What is the deal with all the broom pictures? They are really annoying the hell out of me.

And even more annoying is the fact Al and I can't get ours to stand. Ugh.

What a stupid waste of time. (I would feel differently if we weren't LOSERS.)

Sinful dessert

Thanks to Pinterest, I've found a few yummy recipes to try out.

And then I found the most glorious recipe of all........

The cookie dough/Oreo/brownie dessert. I've seen it a few times on the site and finally decided to give it a try.

OMG....,it is delicious! Even Al, who normally doesn't go crazy for sweets, loved it. He told me not to take it all to work bc he wanted seconds. Score for me!!!

Happy birthday.......

Dr. Seuss!!!! And Jon Bon Jovi. :)