PICTURE PANDEMONIUM

The new Mac has now stored, "face-identified," and categorized over 12,000 pictures. Amazing technology, if you ask me. I wanted to see how easy it is to post pictures from there to here, so I've decided to post a few of my favorites. Except, I don't have a FEW favorites... I have about 300. In an effort to not bore y'all to tears, I had my girls narrow it down for me to 9. Maybe today will be the day I learn how to move the pictures after I upload them to the blog!! Or,maybe I will just be satisfied with having gotten them from place to place with no major technical difficulties. We will see.

Here is a favorite of Ross when he was 5. We went to Disneyworld for the first time, and he was fascinated by Buzz Lightyear and all things Toy Story! I am pretty sure we did the Buzz Lightyear ride 1,000 times that week!!

A shot of my two very favorite men!!!

In an effort to prove that Chloe DID, in fact, have a belly at one time,

and that she also did, in fact, love fruit, I had to post this one.

And, this is what happened when she started gymnastics.

No more belly, and no more love of fruit. It's all about the carbs now!!!

Chloe with Santa. Magical.

You think maybe we should have known we were in for it

after snapping this picture of Emmy?

Here's one of her being sweet. I love her in yellow!!!

The seesters.

Here is a "grandkid shot" from our family vacation to Hilton Head.

It isn't easy to get everyone to cooperate,

so Ginger & I were lucky to have 2 cameras

and at least 60% cooperation in most photos!!

DATE NIGHT!

When we lived in Dallas, Joe & I had a pretty big social network. Our weekends were busy with our kids and their million activities, dinners and cookouts and swimming with friends and family, church and all the fabulous offerings (non-monetary, I might add) there, and an occasional night for just Joe and me. When we moved, the social network was gone. So were the babysitters. In fact, Joe & I spent our 15th wedding anniversary at an Outback Steakhouse with the children where I sat and sobbed the entire meal. We had moved just 4 days earlier, and I was coming to the realization that life had changed permanently - well, at least for the foreseeable future.

And then. And then - I decided this time in new Jersey might just be a gift that I was deciding not to unwrap. I read in a book about a man arriving in Heaven and passing beautifully wrapped boxes. When he asked Jesus about them, He said, "These were all for you. You just never unwrapped them." WOW. So, I decided to unwrap my gift.

From July until December, Joe & I went out on 2 dates. One was a work-related function for Joe. The other was the Saturday after my mom was diagnosed with cancer, and a sweet friend knew I needed some time to emote (which I did, over lettuce wraps at PF Changs. Therapeutic, I tell you). The rest of the time, it was primarily our family of five, going out and having different experiences together, or staying in. We ate at a Japanese Steakhouse one night. We went skiing. We drove to Philadelphia. We went to Central Park. We stayed home, huddled around the fireplace, making s'mores, playing games and cards and watching TV. We rented movies. We WENT to movies. We saw the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary Poppins, Wicked, and the Natural History Museum. I must say, unwrapping the gift of family time was incredible. I learned so much about my children and the things they enjoy. I learned who is a homebody and who is a go-getter. I know who plays by the rules and who wins at ANY cost. I know what makes them laugh, cry, get angry, walk away, and pout. And I love that. But, do you know what else I love?

My husband.

And that is why, tonight, I am reintroducing the DATE NIGHT. It has been too long since we've had dinner at a place without a play yard. It has been too long since we went to a non-kid movie. Marriage isn't easy - you have to be intentional about carving out "couple time." Otherwise, as Tom Nelson says, you become a butler and a maid sharing a house and waiting on the minions. So, I decided to carve. Tonight, we are having a date.

I can't wait.

TECHNOLOGY LEARNING CURVE

I am officially old. Change is very difficult for me - always has been - but technology changes just send me right over the edge. Case in point: we just got an iMac. After rave reviews from my sister, who converted about a year ago (and practically everyone else I know who owns one), Joe & I were convinced to make the switch. So, a couple weeks ago, we dumped our old PC like a bad habit and upgraded. When I say upgraded, think gigantic screen. At 27", it is larger than my first television!!! But, I must admit, the photo booth feature makes the gigantic screen tons of fun.

This is where things got rocky. The data conversion on the computer left me hanging in cyberspace for several days. At the same time, I also upgraded the software in my cell phone to the newer, better, faster 4.0.1. This little switch led to an iPhone meltdown, in which I lost the ability to email, text, surf the web, use the navigation system, and listen to iTunes. Basically the only thing I could do on my CELL PHONE was make PHONE CALLS. The irony, I know.

We are finally 100% recovered and converted. I feel good. But I miss my PC like a bad boyfriend. I'd gotten very comfortable with it, and even though it was a bit unpredictable (like when it decided not to work at all), I knew what to expect and learned not to count on it. I am having trouble trusting this new, shiny, RELIABLE Mac. I hope he doesn't let me down.

So, this is my first attempt at importing pictures from my iPhone to my blog on the Mac. Let's see how it goes. I am hopeful there will be no weeping or gnashing of teeth. Below, you will (hopefully) find my favorite pictures of the summer, so far.

Well, folks, here she is, all dressed up and ready to go! Where, you ask? STOP & SHOP.

And, that is why we love her. She dresses up for mundane errands!!

Here she is, waiting patiently at the doctor's office before her 5 year old checkup. This was after I told her no shots at this appointment!

Chloe got the highest grades in the whole third grade this year! She saved $100 of her own money, and wanted to spend it on an iPod Touch. We went to the Apple store, and they were so impressed with Chloe's accomplishments that they GAVE HER THE CASE SHE WANTED!!!

We went to this great little restaurant in Hilton Head. They had live music, and Emmy could not WAIT to get on the dance floor and cut a rug with my dad!

Aaaahhhh.... is there anything else on Earth like a Texas sunset?

Things I Am Thankful For

I've been in quite a funk lately. Maybe it is because in a month I will turn 40. Maybe it is because every time I think winter is ending, we head into an onslaught of 40 degree temperatures. Maybe it's because I really miss Texas, especially all the wildflowers and "almost summer" activities that start this time of year. Or, maybe it's because of all of the above. I'm not sure. All I know is, this girl doesn't have time for a funk. So... today, I am writing a thankful post. Here we go:

1. I am thankful for JOE WIDNER. He is a hard worker, he loves Jesus, he loves his kiddos and me with all his heart, and he takes such good care of us. Joe is more than I could have thought about needing in a husband when I was just 24 years old, but God knew exactly the partner I would need. He challenges me, wants the best for me, and is supportive in ways that are unexpected and encouraging. So, he gets the number one spot on my thankful list. And in my heart.

2. I am thankful for my sister, GINGER LUCAS. There is only one person in the whole world who knows exactly what growing up in my house was like, and I am fortunate that Ginger is that person. We have shared joys, heartaches, sorrows, secrets (which will NOT be revealed here!), clothing, beds, strep throat and the stomach flu, hysterical laughter, inside jokes and tons and tons of memories. I hit the jackpot with a sister like Ginger, and I want to be just like her when I grow up.

3. I am thankful for friends. MELANIE HARMON, LESLIE MIDA & JEANETTE HOY - these gals have prayed me through and pulled me through this year. When we left Texas, I couldn't have imagined the obstacles we would face in New Jersey. Some had to do with our new location, others were personal, family crises, and they have stood by me through it all. They called, listened, sent me texts and emails, put messages all over my facebook wall, and most of all, when I felt invisible up here, they SAW me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am a better mom, sister, wife, and daughter because of you three.

4. I am thankful for my mom and dad, JOHN & ANN COONEY. I don't think I was a bad kid growing up, but I know my parents & I had our struggles. Now, I look at my own three kids and think about what I want my relationship with them to look like when they are adults. I think it would look a lot like the one I have with my parents. The kind of thing where at any time I can pick up the phone and ask a random cooking question, like, "can corn meal be substituted for corn starch?" (NO). Or, if something more serious is going on, I can count on them to be "fair and balanced" when we talk. I love that my dad sets up basketball brackets every year during March Madness. I love that my mom likes to teach my kids to cook and knit. I love that my parents, my sister's family, and we can vacation together and come back with GREAT stories. And, that when we come back, we're planning the next vacation. How many families can say that they really enjoy each other? Well, mine can. And, I am thankful for that.

5. I am thankful for ROSS, CHLOE, and EMMY. I have stories upon stories about how the three of them make me think, feel, and learn. Ross is wise beyond his 13 years. He is such a neat kid, has such a kind heart, and tries to always do the right thing. Chloe is my peacemaker. She gives up things that make her happy in order to restore order to our clan (even if she is winning a DSi game!). She is a hard worker and applies that principle to everything she does - academics, sports, friendship. You never get less than 100% from her. And Emmy... she is the sweetest little stinker you'd ever want to meet. High on the drama, high on the affection, high on the disdain...everything for her comes on just that one setting. It makes her a little bit of a wild card, but loveable just the same.

Here are a few more things I'm thankful for, without the commentary.

* oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
* Sonic.
* TIVO.
* seat warmers.
* hot glue guns.
* Tyler candles, particularly the Homecoming scent.
* Halloween in Houston.
* Kenny Chesney.
* self tanning lotion.
* mains & pedis with my girls.
* my blog friends.

I feel much better now that I've written this post. I am thankful for that, too!

TUESDAY'S RAMBLINGS

1. Ross & Chloe missed last Wednesday & Thursday of school because of Snowmageddon.

2. The afforementioned children had Friday & Monday off because of President's Day.

3. Emmy has not attended school since February 5. She had MRSA. Her school is out for "winter break" this week.

3. MRSA is pretty scary. Thankfully, an antibiotic worked to clear up the virus. Wash your hands, people!

4. The weatherman on channel 7 in NYC is Judge Judy's son, Lee Goldberg. They have the same hair.

5. Emmy went skiing for the first time Saturday. She wasn't crazy about her lesson, but thoroughly enjoyed skiing down a BLUE with her momma!!!

6. Upon seeing Joe fall and then try to get back up on his snowboard, Chloe commented, "I have some upper body exercises that might help dad next time we come skiing."

7. An "equal opportunity commentator," When in Victoria's Secret with me yesterday, Chloe observed me picking up a pair of panties. She quickly remarked, "Aren't those a little SMALL?"

8. For Valentine's Day, my husband bought a bottle of champagne and a 6" gateau chocolate cake for us to share. Delicious. And, the reason I need bigger panties!!! :)

9. We are a fmaily obsessed with the Olympics. Our favorites? Alpine skiing, moguls skiing, and speed skating.

10. Joe finally got to see Avatar. He really enjoyed it, but is pretty sure I wouldn't.

A Tale of Two Cities

SOMEWHERE IN BERGEN COUNTY, NJ...

Yesterday, Emmy was home sick (again). We had a 10:30 doctor's appointment, and I promised her that if she was a very good girl, we could go get McDonald's and have a ride on the carousel at a local mall. She held up her end of the bargain, and off we went. Parking, for some reason, was hard to come by at said mall, so we ended up at a different entrance than I expected. We walked by one of my favorite stores, and there was a sale. Of course, you KNOW we got sucked right into the kids area, and $85 later, I had a warm-up and matching shirt for Emmy, 2 pairs of pants and 2 long sleeved, collared shirts for Ross, and a pair of leggings, matching skirt, and velour hoodie for Chloe (See? It really WAS a sale!!) On we went to McDonalds, where Emmy enjoyed her chicken nugget Happy Meal, complete with the most annoying toy ever, a penguin that kind-of yells at you when it detects your presence. When the sister was finished with her lunch, I hit the ATM to get cash for tokens for the carousel. Everything is a process, y'all. We hopped on the last ride before the sweet lady took her lunch break, stopped in the Apple store to price a gadget, and headed directly to the car so I could hit Target before picking the big kids up from school.

Exactly halfway back to the car, I realized I left my bag of purchases somewhere. Emmy and I backtracked to McDonalds, the carousel, the concierge desk, the ATM machine, the Apple store, and asked if anyone had turned in the bag. Nobody had. My receipt was inside the bag, so the person who "has" it can return to the store, get a credit, and purchase what they need/want. I truly believe whomever took a bag with $85 worth of clothing must have needed it more than I did. I am fine with that. And, I hope they enjoyed the $85 credit.

I spoke with my sister this morning and recounted my tale of woe about my missing bag of clothes, and she told me THIS story:

SOMEWHERE IN LAMAR COUNTY, TX:

Last week, she went to the gym. I hate her for that, too. :) She was in a hurry to get her son into his child care room and make her class, so she stuffed everything - coats, etc. - into a locker and went on her way. When she came back an hour later, she realized she left her purse wide open and sitting on the bench. That would cause a sense of panic in anyone, and as she looked through her wallet, she realized that nothing was missing!!! It sat wide open in a locker room at a busy gym for an hour and no one touched it.

Of course, I realize our stories could be reversed, and she would have lost a lot more than $85 worth of clothing. Here's the thing: I want to believe that anyone would return what doesn't belong to them. I want to believe that ALL parents teach their children the SAME values. I want to believe that my children will not be influenced by children who are thinking about making a bad decision. It just isn't the truth.

The truth is, it is much more difficult to do the right thing. It is even more difficult to do the right thing when others are trying to persuade you otherwise. Phrases like, "they'll never know" or "you won't get caught" or "I won't be your friend if you..." or "it's not THAT bad" are ones our children are innundated with. It is up to parents to teach them how to stand up for right in the midst of the wrong that goes on around them.

It really isn't about the missing bag of clothes. It is about the character of the person who now has it. I wonder if there is any guilt, or fear, or shame that comes with the choice that was made. I wonder if the lines between right and wrong are so blurred to this person that he/she just can't see that difference any more. And, I wonder if this is the beginning of a season of bad decisions that may lead this person down a destructive road.

I will probably never know. But, I never thought an $85 bag of clothing would get me to think about such things. And, I hope the person who now has it (or the credit) feels a bit of guilt every time he/she wears an item that is truly not theirs.

ASSORTED VARIETY OF RANDOM

1. It is 20* outside.

2. I am currently obsessed with the color turquoise.

3. My favorite jeans are no longer tight, thanks to the no carb diet and detox.

4. I plan to eat some carbs tonight.

5. I am so proud of the Texas Longhorns!

6. The Cowboys BETTER win tonight. Or else they get no love from this fan.

7. Emmy does not enjoy footsie pajamas. And she told me so at 7:00 this morning.

8. Ross enjoys playing his drums at 7:00 on Saturday morning.

9. It is best NOT to speak to Chloe until after 12:00 on Saturday afternoon. EVER.

10. I have zero desire to see Avatar.

11. Modern Family is so worth the 30 minutes of your Wednesday.

12. It takes 2 "no flushes" to clog the first floor bathroom.

13. It takes a plumber to unclog the first floor bathroom. Plungers don't work. Snakes do.

13. There was a plastic frog on the sofa today and it looked so real I made my 4 year old touch it first.

14. The GLEE soundtrack is amazing.

15. The new BUBBLE WRAP app for iphone is addictive.

16. The living room is surprisingly bare without the Christmas tree. I think I'll but something turquoise to go where it was.