SHINGLES...you have got to be kidding me!

It was confirmed by my doctor this morning...I have shingles! How odd! Sunday afternoon I noticed these bumps coming up on my side. Anyone close to me knows over the past year I've had my share of weird bumps and rashes. These were not like any of those! Then they got to hurting. Not excruciating pain but uncomfortable. Almost like I'd exercised (yea...right) and made my obliques (fancy word for side abs!) sore. Monday night I decided to try the internet and figure it out. I thought maybe shingles but maybe not. Steve tried putting some lotion type medicine on them and I flinched when he touched my skin...it was very sensitive. I looked up pictures of shingles. Really...they need some new pics. My bumps look nothing like what they show! After talking to mom and hearing when she had them that hers didn't look that way either I thought well maybe they are! Yesterday afternoon I was pretty uncomfortable so I thought I'm just gonna go to the doctor. Made the appointment. Went this AM! Wasn't there five minutes for him to say "unfortunately, those are shingles!" He gave me a prescription for anti-viral or something. It might be a steroid and then a prescription for pain meds in case it gets worse and the ibuprofen doesn't help. Who knows how long I'll have this! Hopefully it doesn't get worse and is over soon! The doctor said things that bring on shingles are an illness (haven't been sick), being tired (that just started Monday w/school starting - this showed up Sunday!), and stress. I didn't feel stressed til Monday either. Mom seems to think that maybe its the stress and that I've been stressed and worried about Jacob for some time now and that's what could've brought it on! Who knows. Dr. Poquiz also said sometimes there isn't a trigger you just get them! GREAT to know! Even better news...you can get them more than once. Oh for joy...I'll be sure to look forward to that!

The last first day...

This was Jacob's last first day of elementary school! Today he started 6th grade! I can't believe he is in his last year at elementary school! It seems like just last week he was in Kindergarten. I'm excited to hear about his day too! He wore his Heely shoes to school...but did take the wheels out. I told him he can't wear those shoes w/the wheels for PE. Thats a sure way to get in trouble. He put the wheels in his pocket...he wants to put them in when school gets out. He also said..."I'm going to ask Mrs. Jordan if I can put them in at recess." I'm thinking to myself...at least he said he's going to ask first so, maybe he won't get in trouble! Thats progress if he thinks he needs to ask first...now if he just remembers to ask first!!!!

First day of high school...

Its official! Jerrad started his freshman year at Martin High School this morning. Nothing like going to a small school! lol (If you live in the area...you know Martin is far from small...more like a small town of its own!) I'm ready for him to come home (I know...its only 8:20 AM). I want to hear all about his day! I hope he really enjoys high school and makes the most of it!

Twas the night before school...

and my kids decided to swim! With the rain lately they hadn't been in the pool much until tonight. I guess they thought they'd better have one last evening of messin' around before it gets too hectic around here! Plus the fact that Jacob got TWO new water guns for his birthday...they had to try those out! What better place than the pool!

Heelys...

I KNOW! I honestly hate these shoes! I swore I would not buy these shoes...and really I didn't! We had Jacob's birthday party last night. He got money and a couple of gift cards. He immediately said I want to buy Heelys! GREAT! But the more I thought about it the more I talked myself into just letting him do it! Lots of stuff happens around her for Jerrad. Jerrad always is wanting or getting to do stuff. They are close enough in age I think sometimes it bothers Jacob but yet they are far enough apart and different enough its not always the right thing for Jake. Jerrad got a new guitar just a couple of weeks ago (he already has one!). Then he has asked to move his room (that will be a whole other post...construction...you know that freaks me out!). So, I thought all Jacob wants is these blasted shoes...I caved. What will it hurt? Really? I know I've heard all the stories about falls and breaks but really...are those any worse than the Ripstick thing he rides? Or the bike? Or the scooter....this could go on! Jacob is now the proud owner of these....

Speaking of scooter...this is the new thing...he got this for his birthday too! You don't have to actually use your foot...you pump it and go faster and faster...someone is bound to get hurt around here!

11 years ago today...

this little butterball was born! Jacob Stephen was born at 1:53 PM weighing 7 pounds 8 1/2 ounces and was only 18 1/2 inches long! Jacob was also early...but only about two weeks! He has been a handful since the day he was born!

Stuff we love about Jacob

...he is very loving.

...he has a good heart.

...is a total kid at heart (probably always will be).

...is funny.

...was my child that was into everything!

...had a mouth full of fillings and caps by the time he was 3 years old (yes, we brushed his teeth)

...never know what he might do or say!

...he did not sleep the first night we brought him home from the hospital! (No kidding...I was so tired I would write down when I fed him on a notepad...just so I could keep up!)

...didn't sleep through the night til he was probably 5 (NO! I'm not kidding!)

...his middle name is the same as his daddy's "Stephen".

...His daddy and I agreed on "Jacob" and not long after...Staci was engaged to a Jacob! (We have little Jacob and big Jacob!)

...Jacob is the 2nd grandchild on both sides of the family.

...Jacob had white blonde...curly...hair! (It never was the same texture after that first haircut!)

Jacob is growing up so fast! I can not believe he is 11 years old! He will always be my "baby". Although I do have to compete with his Meme...she has always been his favorite and it hasn't changed as he's gotten older! While Jake is still small for his age...only about ____ and 70 pounds...I think he will grow later! As long as he outgrows me I think he will be happy! I'm his goal right now! lol

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jacob....We love you very much!

Football has begun...

This is what Jake's clothes looked like last night after football practice...IN THE MUD! I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that they are pretty much ruined! I think he will wear these again tonight (after an attempted washing!) since it is STILL MUDDY!

Jerrad's New Toy...

Jerrad is quite the guitar player. He spends all day messing with it and learning new songs (he plays by ear). This is what he loves. On his birthday in May we had discouraged him from using ALL his birthday money to buy a new guitar. We finally had to tell him why. Steve has a painter that works for him that had parts to a guitar and they were going to build him this guitar and this guy was going to paint it. It probably would've been really neat. Well, for one reason or another it is just not happening. There is this other guy in the company that buys, collects, and sells different guitars. He and Steve were talking and he was going to sell one but wanted someone that really wanted it and would take care of it to buy it. Steve jumped all over. Its a high dollar guitar. Steve got the deal of the century on it (of course...he buys nothing without getting a deal!). Jerrad was surprised and really...really...likes it. Its got some fancy name that means something but you know I don't know what it is! lol

My Birthday!

So, Saturday was my birthday. We took the boys to Staci's to spend the afternoon and stay the night. Then Steve and I headed to the Gaylord Texan! It was really awesome. I love the inside of the hotel! I wish I could have all those color plants and greenery around my yard! I don't know where they get those or how in the world they keep them alive but I'd love to have them! You know I'd probably kill them if the outside Texas heat didn't!

Anyway, we got there and caught up with Bill and Chrisse (their son Colton is gone right now...so they were kid free too). We walked around the hotel a little! Out in the middle they had this clown with a monkey. Just as we walked up she asked if anyone was celebrating a birthday! You know I don't like attention or being in front of people! Well, Bill, Chrisse and Steve all point at me! So, the small crowd sings happy birthday while the monkey plays the bongo drums! That was ok...then the clown asks me to come up front. I really didn't want to do that. Ok...she is going to make the monkey kiss me! Well, it was no kiss! That monkey licked me! Grossed me out...totally! Me of all people...the one person that isn't an animal lover!

On our way out of the hotel there was this gold cowboy statue sitting on a bench. Chrisse wanted to take a picture with it. Well, before she sat down we noticed money in his pocket...well then I saw his eyes! HE WAS REAL! It was so cool. He looked faked...for real! Chrisse still wanted pic with him so I took one!

We had dinner at Uncle Julio's in Grapevine. It was so yummy. Their hot sauce is my favorite! I was sick by the time we left. After tons of chips, hot sauce and fajitas! And of course, we got dessert! YUMMY!

After dinner it was back to the hotel. We walked around some more. Hung out. Bill and Steve and then Steve and Chrisse played a game of pool! I think Steve won both games. Then the four of us played shuffle board! I had never played this! It was fun but I stink at it! I either sent that little puck thing too far or not far enough!

It started getting late so we headed back up to our room. Got comfy in the bed and watched What Happens In Vegas...it was pretty cute. Steve obviously wasn't impressed...he fell asleep! He says cause it was late! lol

So, Sunday afternoon when we got home I had a prize from Kristy! She had texted me on Saturday that she left it in the garage for me! She got me these neat tools and ink for my CRICUT (or the cricut I'm going to buy with my birthday money)! I can't wait to use the ink and see how that works!

Chrisse got me this purse. Its so cute. I love it! Its so nice having a smaller one and I can find everything in it. I've been carry such big ones lately that I can't find nothing in them!

Then I also got this camera. I'm considering it as my birthday from Steve and the boys (besides the night out at the Gaylord). If you saw my other post you know that my camera broke. I was glad I got a new one before our stay at the Gaylord...or I'd have had no pictures! That would have been awful!

High School...

Today was Warrior Welcome for 9th graders at Martin! I can not believe Jerrad is going to be starting high school a week from Monday! I think he is excited but a little overwhelmed by the size of the school. He seems to think he is going to get lost. I doubt he gets too lost...he'll be surprised by how fast he learns his way around! He has to spend the next 4 years there. His senior year he'll look back and think...what was I so worried about?!?!

He was telling me earlier he need school shirts. He was naming off the Martin stuff he wanted and different things. I said don't worry I'm sure you'll have a good selection of shirts by the time you get out in 4 years. Then he was trying to figure out all the clubs and what ones he might be interested in joining! OH MY GOODNESS! The madness of high school is just begining!

He is so funny. He says I'm going to all the pep rallys and I'm going to football games...I just said OK. Just have fun and enjoy high school BUT stay out of trouble! First sign of trouble or bad choices on his part and that kid will be on lock down so fast!

I really hope he has a good high school experience and enjoys it and does the best he can in all his classes!

Sad News...

My camera broke! Tuesday was a sad night! It literally made me sick to my stomach and want to throw up! Steve laughed at me! He said it was no big deal. Not the end of the world! Yes it was...at that moment anyway! All I could think was no camera...no pictures...nothing to scrapbook...what if I need it??? What if there is a moment that needs to captured??? The camera had been in my purse and I don't know if I've dropped my purse or if its fallen off something but that has to be how it broke. It was in a case but nothing thick. It was thin...more cute than protective! My advice...don't keep it in your purse!

Good News...

Jerrad was baptized at church Sunday morning. We are thrilled with the decision he has made!

My baby is home...

Jacob made it home this morning. Of course he was on the last bus to unload! I never saw the kids get off the last bus so there was a little hunting and a little bit of panic going on! I am so glad he is home. I really missed him. I don't remember missing him quite as much in the past couple of years! Maybe its cause he acts like its no big thing to go away! That makes you realize that they are growing up. He has been really quiet since we got home. I think he is pretty tired. He must've done lots of hollering and having a good time cause he is hoarse...hardly any voice! I don't know what it is about camp and their voices. All 4 years Jerrad went he came home on Friday hoarse. So, far every year Jake has gone he has been the same way!

I'm glad he had fun and now I'm glad he is home. We don't have much summer left til school starts! UGH!!!!!

Breaking Dawn...

I AM FINISHED! I loved this book! I am so sad that it is the end of the series (from Bella's perspective). Stephenie Meyer did a great job of tying up all the loose ends to end the book. I am thrilled that she didn't do something off the wall! She actually ended the book with a "happily ever after"! I guess its back to counting down...the days til the movie opens!!! 12-12-08!! I'll be there!

MercyMe and the Texas Rangers...

Saturday night we went to see MercyMe before the Rangers game! They (MercyMe) were awesome. They sounded so good live! I have to tell you it was a scorcher! I think the temperature when we got there was 105! Yes, this is summer in Texas! I loved listening to MercyMe but I have to say I did also enjoy finally getting to our seats...in the SHADE! It did offer some much needed relief! I love the picture of the three boys (Jacob, Drew, Hunter) underneath the umbrella just lying there! This is what they were doing at the beginning of MercyMe. I don't think they were much into it...they just wanted shade!

Team World...Childrens Camp 2008

Alan, Noah and Jacob

Its that time of year again. Jake left for Children's Camp. I am excited for the time at home but sending him off always make me nervous! If you have the privilege of knowing my Jacob then you probably understand why. Not only for those reasons but he is my baby! I tend to worry more about him more. Both my boys are wonderful. I just feel like Jerrad has a really good head on his shoulders and makes smart choices and Jacob is just a kid at heart...through and through! He is all about the fun stuff...so I am sure he is having a blast at camp. Although I really do miss him!

Its finally here...

Breaking Dawn! I can not wait to start reading! I am so excited I didn't know whether to come straight home and read or blog about the night. I opted for blogging and then reading! It was crazy tonight! Lots of teens at the Barnes and Noble. I felt like I was back in high school!

Kristy and I had been planning on this night for a month now! At dinner tonight I was telling Chrisse about it and she wanted to go. She is crazy...she would've dressed up for the prom night theme if she'd known sooner. How crazy is Chrisse? Watch her video...yes she got out there and danced with all the others! (Chrisse is in the pink shorts!)

The three of us even had a picture made. Had we known there were pictures being done you know we are so OCD we would've planned for our outfits to have been red, black and white! They are suppose to e-mail those. Of course, I don't have them yet. I'm sure that wasn't their priority to get them done tonight! Obviously not as excited as we are.

Side note...Chrisse went with us...never having read any of these books! She was totally along for the party!

This is how crazy the teeny boppers where...of course it was a Jonas Brothers song!

We actually got there a little after 9 PM. The book could not be sold until 12:01 AM! We walked around, sat and looked at books, people watched, stood in line for 45 minutes for water and a coffee! We later realized there were people lined up outside! Chrisse said she was going to go outside and smoke...before I knew it she was back. She said forget that! They told her if she went out she had to get in the line that was wrapping the outside of the building to get back in! She got back inside real quick! Then we realized thats why they had been at the door counting people in...occupancy limit! They only let people in as others left! Boy were we glad we got there early!

Chrisse got tired of carrying her purse, water and magazines she wanted to look at...so she found herself a basket!

The end result...

WE GOT OUR BOOK!

Oh, I almost forgot..when there wasn't a DJ the Bella Cullen Project(http://thebellacullenproject.com/index.cfm) was there singing their songs that were inspired by the book. They are quite catchy tunes about vampires and werewolves!

Fun Times at the Pool...

So, yesterday Kristy and I braved the scorching heat. The only way to stay cool in Texas is to be in the water. Yesterday was the same as the last week...triple digits! Just down right hot! Kristy had two extra kids yesterday, Abby and Ethan (see Kristy's blog http://www.the-gile-family.blogspot.com/). All the kids had fun. Jacob and Carson were off together. Kamry and Abby were off together. It took both Kristy and I to keep up with Ethan. We hung around the smaller pool keeping an eye on him. He is the cutest little thing. He would crack me up cause he'd come up to us telling us something and turn around and walk away just talking...like we could hear him! It was really cute!