He Measured, He Cut, He Glued, He Nailed, And.....

HE'S FINISHED!

I am so very proud of Byron's hard work and persistence with the making of the cabinets for our fishing trailer. It has been 2 years since he ripped the entire kitchen out of our retreat and began his very first woodworking adventure. And even though there was a learning curve, Byron taught himself everything he needed to know to complete this task on his own. I admit, I had my doubts, but Byron amazed me with his talent and tenacity to continue to move forward even when he didn't want to for whatever reason. I hope he is as proud of his work as I am. The cabinets are beautiful and our fishing retreat will be better than ever once we are through with the renovations!

AHH, renovations, yes! Byron and I are planning on redoing to entire place. It is a two bedroom, two bath trailer with a lot of potential of being a great fishing retreat for our family ~ once we get it like we like it, of course! When we take the cabinets up to our lovely retreat, we are going to continue to rip out the remaining bathroom cabinets, carpet, linoleum and removed all the old furniture that the place came with and start over! We will post pics as we go to show you our progress. It should be fun...or a DIY disaster! Hey, maybe we should apply for the show???

Lyndsey's Story - Bullying in School

I am telling my daughter's story because I have found that our schools do very little to protect of children from torment, harassment and just plain bullying. And the bad thing about Lyndsey's story is we, as Lyndsey's parents, were never notified that there was a problem at school - for TWO years. Now, thank goodness we have a very open and honest relationship with Lyndsey and she feels comfortable enough to come to us when she has problems, so we already knew everything, but when the issue arose again this year we finally had enough.

As most of you know the Houston area was hit hard by Hurricane Ike on September 13, 2008. Our schools were closed for approximately three (3) weeks due to damage. Up to this point Lyndsey had been growing her hair out to donate to Locks of Love (www.locksoflove.org). So, during her extended break from school we took the opportunity to have Lyndsey's hair cut and donated.








When Lyndsey returned to school with her short hair the rumors began to fly. All of a sudden she went from a "normal" girl to a lesbian and an "emo" girl (and for those of you who don't know like I didn't, an "emo" girl is one who is depressed and suicidal). Lyndsey was devastated! It really affected her self-confidence and self-esteem. She began to question herself and she said she had to watch every little thing she said because she didn't want people to take it the wrong way. This talk and torment went on for weeks until Lyndsey finally went to one of her PE coaches. Several girls were called in and it became a she said/I didn't said that war. Of course, we were NEVER notified by the coaches, principal or the counselor that any of this was going on (hmmm, wonder if the other girls parents were either?).

As time went on the rumors continued but in a more hush, hush form and Lyndsey learned to ignore it and just stayed among her good friends (and yes, she did lose some "friends" through all this). Once school was out Lyndsey had a few friends in which she hung out with during the summer and she got involved in swimming. Her self-esteem seemed to peek some but never back to where it once was.

Seventh grade begins. Lyndsey was nervous to go back to school in fear of what people might say about her. During the summer months she had refuse to cut her hair, even a trim, because she didn't want it too short. The year begins well. She falls back into a nice routine, makes some new friends and by Thanksgiving has her first "boyfriend," although Byron and I won't allow boyfriends yet so we called him her guy-friend. Anyway, they broke up a few months later, no big deal, until....she is now a bi-sexual and a lesbian. Now this is coming from boys and girls as she sits in class, walks down the hall, or is in PE. She turned in a group of kids, which one was sent to the office - again, we were NOT notified by school officials.

Lyndsey is a straight A student, a member of the Nations Junior Honor Society, a Lady Panther track team member and a all-around great girl who is being bullied for no apparent reason other than because these kids can. And what is so bad, us as parents aren't' being notified when our kids are having these types of issues at school. UNACCEPTABLE!!! I am going to work to change this problem. I am very proud of Lyndsey - she is a strong young lady who is doing things right is how she is handling her situation - but what about the kids who aren't' so strong? Whose parents aren't notified? What about the bully's? What about their parents, are they being notified of their children's actions? Are kids being taught tolerance of others? Are schools really paying attention to the issues at hand? Are parents doing their part? These are questions I want to work to answer and to help solve within our schools. No only for my daughter, but for all the kids affected by bullying!

New Job for Anne - Final Thought

Well everyone - the job announcement was made and it was not in my favor. But, all things happen for a reason and I truly believe that there is something bigger and better out there for me to do (and I have a hunch I have discovered it already). Anyway, thanks for all of you who have weighed in with your thoughts - I really do appreciate it. So - off to the next project at hand....

Just Keep Peddling

Oh what a wonderful time we have been having....and a workout - at least for Byron! James now LOVES riding his big boy bike! Byron worked with him for about an hour one day while I was cooking and then here he is the next day at the park by our house showing off his skills! He picked up on bike riding rather quickly for a 4 year old I think and is loving every minute of it - even the spills! He thinks it is fun to crash (especially if Mom falls with him as she did the other day). We are looking forward to family bike rides once James gets a little more steady on his two wheels!

Byron Turned 45!!!

On April 10th we celebrated Byron's 45th birthday! Byron is not into big celebrations, so it was just a small family affair. As you can see, he was presented with a store bought German chocolate cake (after last years catastrophe) donned with as many candles as Lyndsey wanted to put on. Now, we had to be careful not to set off the smoke alarms (notice the slight haze in the picture to the right) so we didn't put all 45 on the cake! Anyway, it was a nice day with just our family. I hope he enjoyed it as much as the kids and I did.

Our Littlest Friend

Jaxton is our littlest friend that lives across the street. He is just a little over a year old and we were lucky enough to have him over the other morning for a little while. Of course we took advantage of our time with him right before Easter and put some rabbit ears on him and snapped a quick shot. How cute is he?

Bringing It Home

So last week I bragged about how well Lyndsey did at her track meet...this week, I am backing it up with video! That's right...I have proof at what a good runner she really! In the video above Lyndsey is in the 400m dash bringing in FIRST place for her team! I was so proud - again!

I also took video of Lyndsey doing the triple jump event (see below). This is very new to her so she is still learning. She scratched her first two jumps but her third was very good. I believe her jump length was 26.4' (but don't quote me on that). He coach is working with her every week to help her improve.

Cowboy Up!

 

James' class had a "western" day and he really got into the whole cowboy look. Since then, we went and got him his first pair of real cowboy boots and some cowboy shirts. Of course the weather is turning warmer and shorts and now in season so the cowboy look might have to be hung up for a while, but doesn't he look great?

New Job For Anne - Part II

Well, I completed all my interviews with the College of the Mainland and am one of three final candidates. The position was for Financial Aid Officer which is similiar to the position I held at the University of Central Arkansas. I feel I did well in my final interview but, as many people do, I have replayed my answers and wished I could say something different or give a completely different response. But, I did the best I could and I am hoping for the best. It has been nearly two weeks since the interview process ended and I thought I would hear something by now, but nothing. I am a bit worried but still trying to keep my hopes up. It has been so long since I have been through this process, I don't remember how long it takes. Keep your fingers crossed good news comes soon.

Easter 2010

Our family enjoyed a relaxing Easter Sunday together. We were thankful that Byron was off so we were able to spend the holiday together. We smoked a pork shoulder roast on Saturday to enjoy on Sunday, we had an egg hunt with the kids and just sorta took it easy. We are so blessed in our life and with our family and friends and thank God each day for what we have been given.

Sushi and His Easter Treat

We feel that every family memeber deserves an Easter treat....our dog included. So, this year we gave Sushi a bone to chew on. The only problem was getting it away from him. In the video below, you see Bryon attempting this daunting task. Too funny!

A Father's Intuition

Byron is such a great father. James has has the sniffles, as we all have with the pollen around here, so I haven't given it a second thought. Byron got home from a trip late Thursday night (early Friday morning) and when he got up Friday he noticed James' left ear was really red and stated that he thought James had an ear infection. Me, I was a bit skeptical. I would have known this already, right? Anyway, he asked James, "Does your ear hurt?" James responds, "Yes sir." And so it began. A little while later James was crying and we were making a doctors appointment. Turns out, in the doctor words, James has a "roaring ear infection in his left ear" and the begin of a sinus infection. Byron's father's intuition was right on...good going Dad!

When You Wish You Had Your Camera....

As you all know, Lyndsey is on the track team. Her track meets have begun and I brought my camera to the first meet but it was raining and windy so I was unable to get any pictures or video. Wednesday she had her second meet and realized as I pulled into the parking lot - and hour late - I realized I did not have my camera with me! Since I was so late I couldn't turn around and go back home and get it. I I figured what was the harm, I probably wouldn't be able to get a good shot anyway, right? Boy was I wrong!!! Lyndsey was amazing and I could have gotten some amazing pictures and videos.

Lyndsey's first competition was the triple jump. I had never seen this event but it is similar to the long jump with a hop to it. Lyndsey did really well, but I don't believe that she placed. Her next event was the 2 X 400 relay and she was the final leg of her team. The first runner had a rough start which put their team in last place....in a big way. One the baton reached Lyndsey I felt sorry for her. I was like, she is going to have to run the final stretch in front of everyone, dead last. Again, I was wrong. The runner before Lyndsey passes the baton to her and Lyndsey takes off...all you see are her long, slender legs moving like the speed of like. And slowly she closes the gap between her the the team in front of her. Some how Lyndsey brings her team from dead last to THIRD place at the finish line. It was a photo finish between Lyndsey and one other girl and Lyndsey won out. I was yelling, along with her entire team and coaches. I was so proud. I had never seen such determination and focus on her face in the 13 years of her life. What an amazing thing to see as a parent.

Her last event was the 400m dash. She placed third is that event, which made me very proud as well. She wasn't happy with her time and is striving to do better. I think she is pushing herself for first. I can't wait to see how she does next week. And I promise not to forget my camera!!!

A Family Weekend

Our family has a place along the Trinity River in a small town north of Houston. It is a quiet place we like to go where we can fish and spend time together and with some friends that Byron made through work, the Beridon's. In the picture, we were roasting marshmellows and making smores over the fire pit at Leon's place. James had never made smores and it didn't take him long to finish his off! Lyndsey became to official marshmellow roaster since she seemed serve to perfect marshmellow to your liking. Byron and I just enjoyed sitting close and watching the children laugh with joy in their eyes with no worries or stress. It was a wonderful day.

A New Job in Anne's Future?

Ok....so I have been looking for a job here and there and applying for ones that I think I would like or that I know I would succeed in. I applied for one at the College of the Mainland in Financial Aid in January. I finally heard something in March and had a phone interview last Thursday. This afternoon I received a call informing me that I was one of the final three candidates for the position! YEAH! I cannot believe it. I thought I did well during the phone interview but it was really hard to tell. Guess I did well, huh? I will have an on campus interview after Spring Break (which is next week). Wish me luck!!!

My Other Blog

Hey you guys...anyone wanting to following this mess with my health, check out my other blog. I will be updating it - mainly for myself just to write about what is going on - as things progress, appointments are made, and tests are performed. Just look to the left and you will see my other blog, just click on About Anne and read away. And thank you for all of those who have emailed me or left comments...I appreciate your thoughts, prayers and support. XO ~ Anne

Up and Coming Track Star

Lyndsey has now made the Victory Lakes Lady Panthers Track team. She had three days of tryouts and made the team after all her hard work and early mornings. Now she has practive every morning at 7:00 am and will begin meets in two weeks. One of her coaches said she was a natural at the triple jump which really booster her confidence. So far she is really enjoying herself and has been - for a teenager - willingly and without force getting up and going to practice so early. I cannot wait to see her in action at her first meet and post pictures! Stay tuned......

Off to the doctor tomorrow.....

Well, tomorrow is the big day to hopefully get some help. I have all my medical records ready, paperwork filled out and my list of things to cover! Now if I can only find his office. I am not very familiar with the Medical Center in Houston so this should be interesting. And to top things off, I am driving Byron's car, not mine, so I won't be real comfortable in the driver's seat! I have praying hard that Dr. Arem can give me some long awaited answers and results that me..and my family, are in desperate need of. After suffering from Hoshimoto's Disease for the past several years with little to no relief, I feel it is time to get some real help! I'll keep those of you reading posted!

A Bright and Shining Star

We are so proud of Lyndsey becoming a member of the National Junior Honor Society. She was inducted Thursday, February 26, 2010 at Victory Lakes Intermediate. She, along with many of her classmates, received their certificates in front of a large cheering crowd of family, friends and teachers. Lyndsey is definitely a bright and talented young lady that we are lucky to have as our daughter. We love you Lyndsey! XOXO ~ Mom and Dad

The Road to Recovery....I Hope and Pray

I don't know if many of you know but I have been suffering many different symptoms associated with hypothyroidism for over 5 years now. I have been on medication for years without relief. Finally, with the some information from a complete stranger, I have hopefully found my saving grace in a world-renowned doctor in Houston, Dr. Ridha Arem. He specializes in thryoid imbalances and all the complications that go along with such a problem - and believe me, there are many! My family has suffered through so much and I have so much guilt inside for it that I pray that Dr. Arem can help stabalize my levels and return me to me. The cycle has been difficult and painful, both physical and emotional, and my hope is that I can become Anne again and enjoy my life once again. My wonderful husband and my beautiful children deserve a loving and caring wife and mother. So please, keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you updated... XOXO ~ Anne

Houston....we now have a teenager in the house!

Yes, the day has finally arrived...Lyndsey is offically a TEENAGER! On February 20th she turned 13! She had a wonderful day of community service and then a party with some friends ~ and one whom also turned 13 this past week, Katelyn. Here the two new teenagers pose for a picture before blowing out candles on the cake.

Mardi Gras Time!

Since Fat Tuesday just passed and Mardi Gras has begun, Lyndsey's social studies class was learning the traditions of the celebration. So for a project each student was to make their own Mardi Gras mask. Of course Lyndsey dove right into this project being the artistic one in the family and did an absolutely fantastic job!

I am a Working Man!

I love my husband dearly, but he has been working extremely TOO much. Not only has he been flying around the country for work, but when he is home he has been in the garage working endlessly trying to finish the cabinets for our fishing camp. He is doing a remarkable job and I couldn't be more proud but seriously, he needs to take some time off and relax!

Oh My...40 is Quickly Approaching!

Well, this year I turned 37 and I admit I do not like getting closer to 40. It seems each year as my birthday approaches I get grumpy and hard to deal with ~ per my husband who has to deal with me! Anyway, this year Byron was wonderful. Since Lyndsey had school, James and Byron hungout with me all day just relaxing and doing a lot of laughing. The two of them got haircuts but them took me to the mall for some retail therapy. Now if you don't know me very well I am a terrible shopper. I never find anything I want and if I do I don't want to spend the money. So, basically we walked the mall and just looked. After that Byron stopped and bought me these beautiful flowers (I LOVE FLOWERS) and a cake ~ my favorite, a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. After Lyndsey got out of school we went to eat at Ichiban Japanese Hibachi restaurant! Ahhh ~ wonderful food. James was amazed at the guy cooking in front of us but loved it. Of course we stuffed ourselves silly then came back home and dug into the cake. Yummy. It was a great day with a wonderful family. I am blessed!

Very Proud Parents

We would like to announce that our daughter, Lyndsey, has been accepted into the National Junior Honor Society. After being invited to apply because of the superior grades throughout the year, we received the official acceptance letter yesterday! We are very proud of her and her hard work throughout her academic years. She will have her official induction February 23rd with Mom and Dad, James, Grandpa Hale and one of her favorite teacher from 4th grade (we hope), Mrs. Travino, cheering her on! I will post pics from this very special night!

Missing the Super Bowl

Well, now that I have updated my blog and missed the 3rd quarter of Super Bowl 44, which looks like it is turning into a close game, I will logoff now and post more later. I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead and a very Happy Valetines Day!

Thinking.....

My dear, dear husband has been working feverishly on his days off trying to get the cabinets done for our "fishing camp" that we have in Trinity, TX. So before he could actually get to the wood working portion of his project he had to get the measurements down to a tee. Here he is one night working, or should I say thinking hard?! I give him credit, he has done an absolutely tremendous job and I am very proud of him. I can't wait to post an updated picture of where he is now. Two thumbs up honey! I love you ~ XOXO.

Me and My Mom

I love my Mom so very much and it is rare that there is a photo taken of the two of us so I had to share this picture that Lyndsey took. It is not the most flattering but it is still special to me. I know Mom reads my blog so I will take the time to thank her for all that she has done for me throughout my life. Mom, you are a remarkable woman. You have taught me how accept life as it is, even when it may not be too kind, and to learn from each experience, even though I may not understand the lesson at that moment. I am the woman I am today because of your strength, understanding, compassion, and mostly your love. I love you ~ XOXO.

Happy 4th Birthday James!

Wow! I cannot believe that my little boy is already 4 years old. It stills seems like yesterday that we found out that we were pregnant. Where does the time go? Anyway, James turned 4 on December 26th and we celebrated with Mimi and Papa still here, along with Gpa Hale! We had cake and ice cream and, of course, lots of presents (like he needed anymore after Christmas)! But, I have vowed that even though his birthday is the day after Christmas I will still make sure he feels every bit as special as he is! So, this year is was an Incredible Hulk birthday with everything green (plates, napkins, balloons)...just take a look!

Christmas 2009

Ok, Ok, Ok....it has been almost two months since Christmas and I am just now posting my pics. Sad I know, but I just haven't taken the time to get my blog updated. But, during the Super Bowl half-time I thought would be the perfect time since James is watching one of his shows, Lyndsey is in her room doing only God knows what, and Byron is off flying the friendly skies. So, here I sit updating the blog....I hope you guys enjoy our new photos.

This Christmas was little different since Kurt was unable to join in the festivities, which he was dearly missed. But, Mom and Dad were here and we loved having them as always. The kids managed to hold their excitement until about 6:30 but all bets were off after that. It was a wonderful morning with lots of laughs and surprises.



This years Lyndsey has really gotten into giraffes, so giraffe print was the main theme behind her Christmas gifts. In this photo is a giraffe head wall hanging, or mask as Lyndsey is using it, that Lyndsey received from Santa. She also got several giraffe figures, a light switch plate (thank you Uncle Craig and Aunt Dora), a giraffe print purse that she was told she would under no circumstances be getting becuase I couldn't find one, and a giraffe print pillow made personally by me with lots of love!



James, on the other hand, is SO easy to buy for.....any thing that shots, drives, or makes lots of noise. In other words, anything that is ALL BOY! Uncle Craig and Aunt Dora really pick a good one this year....for both Byron and James it seems. You can see what I mean in the pics!
I guess it is like the saying goes...."Like Father, Like Son." Or in this case, "Like Son, Like Father." I have to admit, it was super cute, and super funny to watch Byron try on James toy. I don't think I laughed that hard in quite some time!




Well, like I said, Mom and Dad were here to enjoy the festivities with us again this year so I got a quick snapshot of the two of them. Dad was barely awake but you take what you can get.




Last, but not least, I figured I would add one last photo of me....the woman behind the camera. Byron took this picture just to show that I really am at all these events. And, of course, I have my handy dandy sidekick helping me get everything just right!