Printable Daily Planner Freebie

I wanted a planner, or daily organizer, that I could print out and keep right in front of me.  Of course, I still use my smart phone to create lists and reminders, but sometimes I really want something that is helpful, not only to me, but to the whole family.

So, I created this simple Printable Daily Planner:

Planner Preview

It's super simple and easy to use.  There is an area for any running around town that I need to do, important tasks that can't wait, an area for the days menu, and a little extra area for any miscellaneous reminders.  I can print off several to have for the whole week and date them ahead of time.  

I added Philippians 4:8 to keep my mind focused, as well.  

I wanted to share it with you all for free! It prints out on standard 8.5x11 paper and you can punch holes in it to add to a binder, if you like.  

Stay tuned to get all the free planner pages that are to come!

Thanks for visiting, and a Pin or a Tweet would be greatly appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PLANNER PAGE

Healthier Me-Migraine Management

I'm writing this post as a migraine sufferer. I am not a doctor, nor an expert of any kind on headaches or migraines.  I simply want to share my experiences and what I am doing to manage my pain. Always consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you. 

At least, I hope to be healthier.  Not that I have been an unhealthy person, at all! I just am making some changes to be healthi-er.

You've heard all about my autoimmune disorder, and I can't really change anything on that issue.  Just keep taking my meds and being as health conscious as possible.  My main focus, at this point, is migraines.

Whew.  That's a big one for me.  I have had migraines since I was a child.  7 years old to be exact.

I have been on countless prescribed medications, seen specialists, had MRI's, and been to the ER when it has been really bad.  Sometimes it has been a little scary.

There have actually been times, when I was afraid to go to sleep because I thought I might not wake up.

Scary.

Even though some of the medications I have been on have lessened the severity and frequency of the migraine attacks, the side effects were no fun, and I felt that I had a diminished quality of life, in general. Some of the side effects were a racing heart, sleeplessness, fatigue, and a somewhat flat affect.  For example, there were times that I knew I should be feeling really sad about something, and I just didn't. Or, even really happy or excited, and it wasn't happening.

I wanted emotions back.

They are good for you.  They are LIFE.

So, changes were in the tea leaves, so to speak.

I have read a ton on migraines over the years, but I really focused on my research with a mind toward diminishing the effects of my triggers (too bad I can't control the weather!).  Did you know that people who suffer from migraines are more sensitive to dehydration than the average bear? Sorta makes sense, doesn't it? So, it's really important to stay well hydrated at all times.

Often, I wake up with a migraine, after a good night's sleep.  I am now drinking an Advocare product called ReHydrate, to replenish electrolytes, and give a me a boost of Vitamin C and B-6, first thing in the morning.  I drink another one later in the day as I feel the need. The Fruit Punch flavor is my favorite.  Along with that, I take 2 caplet called 02 Gold that provides whey protein peptides in a portable form, as well as ingredients to help the body combat the effects of stress.

Later in the day, I have a drink called Oasis, that provides a really good boost of Vitamin B2, B6, and B12.

If I have to use any of my triptan medication (for when a migraine kicks in), I'll have another ReHydrate with it. That, for me, seems to cut down on the side effects of the triptan.  I get some body aches and start to feel really tired from the medication.

There are so many things that can be triggers for migraine sufferers; weather, too little sleep, too much sleep, dehydration, nutrition, alcohol, chocolate, cheese, allergies, low light, bright light, flickering light (sun coming through the trees as you are driving is a killer!)... in short...life.

I use lamps in my office at work, I try to stick to a pretty regular sleep schedule, but I love food. When I cook something, I want to eat it, but that may be coming to an end.  I am planning to start really regimenting my nutrition and boosting my protein intake. Studies are showing that if you have a higher protein intake, you may reduce the frequency of your migraines.

I feel that I have to make these changes for me and my family.  I am tired of spending my evenings in bed, while the family is together in another room. I am tired of missing out on fun times with friends because of being in too much pain.

I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Do you suffer from migraines? When did yours start and what are your triggers?

A Family Christmas Printable

Two weeks 'til the kids are out of school and I am off of work for Christmas!

I love this time of year and I am so looking forward to spending time with my family and friends.  That is the best part of the holiday season to me-making memories.

We have already been to one holiday party and will be going to more coming up in the next couple of weeks. Also, we have family traditions that we will be continuing this year.

Here is our list:

Every year we go out to dinner one night then drive around looking at lights, with a yummy peppermint and chocolate shake to keep us company. It's on the list.

Every year we take a trip to the Boardwalk in Shreveport, Louisiana, to have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, do a little shopping, and enjoy the activities they have going on.  This year they have free Santa photos at Bass Pro Shop, the Boardwalk Blizzard, and live music. It's on the list.

We WILL watch The Christmas Story every year on Christmas Day. OF course, it's on the list.  

I want to make a point to just have some quiet down time with the boys, so we will definitely have a Family Game Night.  We do this pretty regularly, but with all the busy-ness of the holidays, I want to be certain to make it happen. It's on the list. 

Visiting grandparents, baking, and everything else that is oh so important, is on the list. 

We will check off each one as we go.  

My list may be different from yours, so I created a blank one for you to download and add your own activities. 

I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

Click the image to download!

Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie

I used to hate Chicken Pot Pie. Now, it is one of my favorite cold weather meals-even though it wasn't cold here this weekend. 

I have a super quick and easy version that turns out great every single time. 

Here is what you will need:

2-3 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

1 small can carrots

1 small can green peas

1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped

2 Tbsp. melted butter

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder (optional)

Poultry seasoning (optional)

ready made pie crust dough

Ready made pie crust dough

Prepare your bottom crust according the directions on the package.  Make sure there isn't any air trapped beneath, but don't prick the crust to let it out. Simply readjust the dough to remove the air.

Combine the canned veggies (don't drain them), chopped onion cubed chicken, melted butter, and canned soup in a bowl and mix.

Next, add your spices to your own personal taste.  I use about 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper, each; 1/4 tsp of garlic powder; and, a couple of shakes of poultry seasoning.

Mix those together and pour into the pie crust.

Top with the other crust, pinch off the edges and trim the excess.

Bake in the oven according to the directions on the pie crust package.  Mine said to bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes, but it only took about 30 minutes, so be sure to watch and keep your nose in the air for the delicious aroma.  

This is what you should get. Flaky crust and juicy yumminess inside. 

Want a fork full?

The juices from the veggies combine with the juices from the chicken and soup to create a lovely flavor that the whole family will love! 

Enjoy!

Wrapping Up my Family Series

Being in bed for a week with the flu really messed up my schedule!

I am going to wrap up the Family series this week with two more posts.  

Today, I am introducing my other sister, Lisa.  She's the one we call Sis.  

She is the heart of our family.  If there is something to shed tears about she will be the first one.  At times you may hear, "Is Sis crying again?"

Yep, that's her.  Tenderhearted.

I grew up in a blended family and I was the "ours" of the bunch. I was showered with attention constantly. And, both my sisters were like extra moms that I got to have.  

If you remember, my oldest sister got married when I was 5 and she stuck her tongue out at me through the whole wedding. 

Well, that left me and Sis at home. We fought like crazy part of the time, and laughed, and then fought some more. 

She got married when I was 14, and I don't think I talked to her for a week.  I was so mad. 

She left me!

She will do anything for anyone that needs it, and she's always there when I need her. 

Here's my Sis.

In this fab '90's pic, Sis is on the left.

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Well, when Nan ask my to write something about family I thought where would I start. So I decided what better place to start than where I came from. Not literally where I came from but how I came to be me. You see I was born in March of 1963 but I remember very little about that time in my life.   I had a wonderful momma that loved me very much. A brother that would let me play with his model cars until I would break the steering wheel or pop a tire off. An older sister to whom played endless hours  of dolls, house and anything else she said (she's the bossy one).

My real life began in March of 1968 when I was "born" into my extended family. With my new family came two older brothers and the most amazing daddy. My daddy loved me unconditionally from the start. Why this man would be willing to take on four more mouths to feed is only by Gods amazing grace. My other two brothers were here with us a lot. One lived with us for quiet some time. 

My daddy was such a sweet gentle man. I'm sure it happened more then this but I only remember him getting on to me two times. Once because Lolo ( the bossy one ) and I would not stop laughing one night while trying to go to sleep. He simply said GIRLS and we knew he meant business. The other time I came home from Longview after dark in the rain one night and he let me know that wasn't the thing to do. Daddy loved me just the way I was. 

To the bunch we added a little sister. With her came endless hours of dressing Barbie's over and over and over. As we got older I learned to sew and crochet from my grandmother Aunt Birdie. I used my new found skills to make my baby sister some clothes. Halter tops was my specialty, and yes she actually wore them outside the house. 

Mom held it all together. From Saturday perms, making uniforms for three girls in Tiger Dolls, cooking meal after meal. She taught us to be good do right and remember where you came from.   Love is what we do. You will always hear us say I Love You even if we are only be gone for a minute. 

Family comes in many forms so no matter how you were "born" into yours they are still a blessing from God. I love you all and I love you Nan for reminding us what family is all about.

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Our family is very close. I know other families are, too. But, to me, we really have something special.

From, Mom and Daddy, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins that I know are reading this, and my own family at home,  I love you all. 

You have made me, ME!

A Fun and Spooky Halloween Gathering

The last few years we have made it a tradition to have friends over on Halloween.  

Our neighborhood is a great place for trick or treating and a big group of kids and adults will make their way from house to house, while some of us stay and pass out the candy to all the cute kiddos coming by. 

Usually, we just have a few snacks and drinks, while enjoying our time together. But, this year, I want to kick it up a notch and do something a little more special. 

Spooky Eyeball Punch-Happiness is Homemade

I really love this Spooky Eyeball Punch from Happiness is Homemade.  It is super easy and looks so fun.  Imagine a whole punch bowl full of those creepy eyeballs! 

The Graveyard Cupcakes that are in the same post as above, are too cute, and look pretty easy, as well. 

Dracula Dentures via PopSugar

These Dracula Dentures only take 4 ingredients and don't you know that the kids would love them! They are scarily cute!

No Halloween Party would be complete without a mummy or two.

Mummy Oreos from Queen Latifah

These Oreo Mummies just look tasty and don't look like they would take much time.  That's what I'm all about; quick and easy, but too cute. 

Funny Bones from Spoonful

I love the combination of sweet and salty and these Funny Bones use chocolate and pretzels, along with marshmallows.  Yes, please.

Of course, you can't just have sweets around. You need something else for all those who don't love chocolate and candy (although, personally, I think there is something wrong with those people). 

Mummy Dogs from licouponqueen

Pigs in a Blanket are one of my family's favorites, and these Mummy Dogs go right long with the spooky theme. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit. 

When everyone has had their fill of spooky fun, I want to send the kiddos home with an extra special treat.  These Hand Halloween Party Favors would top off the fun nicely!

Halloween Hand Party Favors

Even one or two of these fun treats would make the night special.  Being with friends and spending time together is what makes it so much fun.  

What treat are you looking forward to making for a spooky Halloween gathering?

I'm Back With 31 Days of Family

Hello, all!  

I am among the land of the living again. Thank goodness!

I sincerely hope that you don't suffer through the flu this season. It's really no fun, especially when it's followed up by Strep and then the mother of all migraines.  

Geez. Not a fun week. 

I quarantined myself to the bedroom and just waved to the kids from the bed. For a week!

Ah. Enough of that. 

I am going to carry on with my 31 Days of Family, even though I am woefully behind.

My mom is talking about the family today.  

And, leave it to her to come from the most unique angle of all.  

My sisters and I have always joked that the in-laws are her favorites. Who could blame her if they are, they are the best husbands and wives for her sons and daughters.

Here are a few of her feelings about them.

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When we are asked to talk about our family, the first that comes to mind is your children and grandchildren; and I do have a lot to say about mine; but with this writing I want to tell about the amazing men and women that  my children have married.

My daughter-in-law,Polly, has been part our family for so long (she was just a baby when she married my son, Mike).  She is the perfect wife for him, a wonderful homemaker and exceptional mom to Miranda and Michelle.  She has always treated me with the utmost kindness and respect.  I love her like my own.

Then there's Garry who takes care of my yard and worries whether I am eating right or not; he is kind and funny.  I appreciate him more and more as time goes by. He and Lori have raised beautiful children.

After some troubled times I know Ricky has found the love of his life, Connie. I don't  know her very well yet, that will come with time. I can say though, I know her to be very smart and funny. I like her a lot.

David, we have known him and his family since he was about five.  He was raised in a Christian family just as Lisa was.  I know him to be a dedicated Christian, husband and dad who earnestly wants to be the very best he can be.  He looks after my house and car and does the "honey do" things I am not capable of.

Rex is a Godly man who adores Amy, spoils her and is and amazing Dad to their three boys.  He is always ready and willing to help me do chores that need to be done when they come for weekends. I know in my heart he genuinely loves our family and we love having him as part of us.

This may sound unusual but I cannot write about my in-law children without telling you about Roy.  Reason being, even though he is not married to us any longer he has been in our family since he was just a boy and I love him like my own. I know if I need him he is there.

These are my in-law children and I know how blessed I am to have them.

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My mom is the matriarch of our family, we all love gathering at her house and just spending time with one another. 

31 Days: Big Brothers Are The Best

Families come in all shapes and sizes.  My husband's family is small and my family is pretty large.  

I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters.  

When I came along, my brothers were already out of the house, so it was just us girls. In a tiny house with only one bathroom.  My poor Daddy! Ha!

So, I don't have the memories of bonding with my brothers. 

When I read the essay sent to me by another of my nieces, Hannah, it brought tears to my eyes! She and her big brother are so close, and I love that.  (I did, by the way, ask him to participate, but he is a pretty private guy!)

I call the big brother in question, "my first baby boy". It's probably because of him that I decided that I only ever wanted to have sons.  Since both of my sisters are older than I am, he was born when I was 16, and I loved on him all the time. He is the one who gave me my family nickname, "Nanny". 

Usually, that is a name reserved for a grandparent, but it stuck and I have been Nanny or Nan ever since. 

Hannah is a culinary student and loves to cook and create delicious desserts.  She has been baking since she was very young.  I am so proud of her!

Here is her view on what it is like to have a big brother.

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I’m notoriously clumsy, it’s probably safe to say that I have spent almost as much time on the ground from tripping on my own two feet as I have spent actually upright on my feet, I even fell at my high school graduation. And it’s not just falling that is the problem, one time in the eighth grade I ran into the metal door of the gym at school and knocked half my front tooth off, I know…who does that!?

It didn’t happen immediately, but about 2.5 seconds after realizing that half of my tooth was no longer attached I started bawling, like out of control, ugly, full on wailing. And it wasn’t that I was in pain, it was just that I knew I was going to be a half-toothed hick for the rest of my life, that’s all I could think about. I didn’t know what to do at the time, so I started walking inside the school, somewhat disoriented from the ridiculous emotional mess I was, and made my way to the high school library where I knew my older brother was, who was a senior at the time, and just stood outside the door. I didn’t want to actually go in because my blubbering was loud and I just knew the librarian would kick me out and I really didn’t want to embarrass my brother.  So I stood there not really knowing what to do until the door opened and one of my brothers friends came out, she took one look at me and I’m certain she wanted to run from the unstable mess that was standing there, but instead, she turned back in the door and said, “Colby, your sister is out here crying.” So much for not embarrassing him…but if he was embarrassed he didn’t show it. He came out in the hall, and let me know things were going to be okay, he’s always been good at that, not like he has any experience with dramatic girls after growing up in an almost all-girl family. Needless to say, he called my dad and I ended up getting my tooth fixed that day and only had to show four people my ‘half-tooth hick’ self.

Isn’t this is what family is about? When you’re down, your family is there to pick you up, help you dust your rhinestones off, and help you on get on your merry little way. Our family in particular has always been so very good about this, no matter what the case, family is always there to help you pick yourself up, and to laugh it off. That’s the biggest blessing about our family, no matter where we’ve been or what has happened in the time we were there, we are always able to pull each other up and bring joy back to each other’s lives, because after all, in the words of Princess Diana, family is the most important thing in life.

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We do pick each other up and do our best to keep each other up, too.

Yes, that is what family is all about.

31 Days: Gifts Come In All Varieties

I am so excited about today's post!

You have met Rex (the hubs), and my niece, Kaley, so far.  I wish I could introduce you to each and every person in my family, but that would take way more than a month. And, I would be a little nervous that you would like them better than you like me.....seriously....;)

Today I am introducing you to my big sister. She will probably have some comment about me calling her my "big" sister, but she IS my big sister.  She is the oldest of the 3 of us girls. I don't know what we would do without her to keep us all in line. And, I really mean that.  She keeps us focused on what needs to be accomplished and we get it done, in all situations from organizing a garage sale, to deciding what to have for dinner when we all randomly gather, to planning the funeral for my Daddy.

She's pretty awesome.

Just don't get on her bad side. 

I know I don't want to be there.  

Ha! Really.

This is my Lolo. 

Her given name is Lori, but since I mispronounced it as a little girl, Lolo has stuck. Everyone in the town that we grew up in, and where she still lives, calls her Lolo. Even some people that have never met her.  They will say, "Ohhhh! You're Lolo!" 

True story.

Here we are quite a few years ago.

From left to right it's my sister, Lisa, me in the middle, and Lolo.

I had some serious hair happening.  It was the early 90's, after all. 

We were laughing our heads off about something and then had to get all serious and hold still for the photo. I have no idea why we struck this pose. 

Now that you have been introduced, I'll let you get to know her!

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Is THIS my gift?

I know that the Lord gives every individual person a special gift, but for the majority of my 55 years I couldn’t define exactly what my gift was. I’m a good mother and good at my job, I can sew and craft and can make a comfortable home.  But when others talked about their gifts I would wonder, is this what I’m supposed to do? Is this my talent? Is THIS my gift?

I’m a good cook, not fancy and not trained but I know what tastes good and what makes my family happy. Large quantities and lots of variety for large family gatherings are my favorites. As our extended family plans a get together I generally will make the menu and assign the dishes to the ones who do them the best.  Whether it’s a control issue or the fact that I’m bossy, ( I can’t imagine why they say I’m bossy) but  I tend to take the majority of the menu on myself. One exception to that is that Mom always makes the Thanksgiving dressing. It can’t be beat. I like foods made from “scratch”. How can you stir in the memories and love if it comes from a box? But still I wonder, “Is THIS my gift?”

Several years ago while grocery shopping with a sister-in-law she made the statement that I was “feeding the whole world”. Of course, she had never shopped with anyone who bought more than one onion at a time or potatoes in a 5lb. bag.  Dinner that night was BBQ chicken from the grill, potato salad, cole slaw, deviled eggs, baked beans, rolls and dessert, for fifteen to twenty family members.  Days later I was pondering her statement. Maybe, just maybe she had hit upon something. Is THIS my gift?

It’s hard to explain the joy I feel when our family comes together. The occasion never matters.  Whether it’s Soup Tuesday, a wiener roast, softball game or holiday some of my greatest blessings come when we gather at the table and I hear/feel/see the happiness that my food brings.  Just last week hubby told me that he’s most happy when he sees me cooking. While some would find this a rather chauvinistic way of thinking, I took it as a compliment. My heart was singing! Hmmm. Is THIS my gift?

Mom, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, three children, one son-in-law, one grandchild, thirteen nieces and nephews, some married with children of their own. More to come. Family. My family. And someone is always hungry. So just maybe, possibly and even probably this in more ways than I can count is MY gift.   

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She really is gifted in being hospitable and showing love to her family.

When I was a little girl, she was my world.  She is 13 years older than I am, so she was kind of a second Mommy to me. She played Barbies with me (and put them away), put me up on the kitchen counter so I could hang my head in the sink while she washed my hair. I hated to get soap and water in my face.

I remember when I was in college and I got a box full of Morning Glory Muffins in the mail. I love those things! She told me to freeze them and pull one out and pop it in the microwave before heading out to class. It was awesome. 

When she got married, I was five years old.  I was the flower girl and cried through the whole wedding.  She kept sticking her tongue out at me to make me smile.  

Yep, she's a pretty awesome big sister. 

Love you, Lolo.

31 Days: Family Meals

Family meals are a really big deal for our family. We have dinner together at the table at least 4 nights a week.  It is such an important time for us because we can connect with all three of our children and they can connect with one another.  I try to keep meals interesting and satisfying.  I do get into ruts where I can't think of what to make and we end up with the same thing over and over, and I hate it! So does the family.  

We have a ritual where we ask them each to tell us something good that happened during the day. And, it can't be what they had for lunch! We find out about their day and learn about their relationships with friends and teachers. It's so important for kids to know that their parents want to know what's happening in their lives. 

When I find a good recipe or a product to help me prepare a meal I get really excited.  

That's where Kraft Recipe Makers come in.

You find a huge selection of Kraft Recipe Makers on the pasta aisle in your local grocery store.  The price is really great considering that you get everything that you need for meal prep except for 1-2 ingredients.  There are recipes to create in the skillet, oven, or slow cooker, so they've got ya covered not matter what.

I chose the Verde Chicken Enchilada package.  I have prepared it before and it was a huge hit with the whole family.  We are a Mexican food loving family so I was initially quite skeptical that any product from a box could live up to our standards. I was oh so wrong!

I saw the Velveeta Toppers next to the Recipe Makers, and I thought it seemed like a good combination.  I top the enchiladas with grated cheese and I thought that the addition of the smooth melty cheese would be perfect.

This is everything that I used to create the whole meal! Oops, except I added avocados to the enchiladas. I didn't go by the recipe on the box , exactly, I tried to create something a little different.  And, it was yummy!

One onion

12 corn tortillas

one avocado

1 lb. chicken breast

Kraft Recipe Makers Verde Chicken Enchilada Mix

Velveeta Toppers Queso Blanco

I boiled my chicken and then chopped it up with half an onion and an avocado. Then, I sauteed it all in a little butter.

After I sauteed the mixture, I added in the Filling Sauce that's included in the package.

It already looked and smelled delicious!

Then, I filled the warmed corn tortillas. 

I filled them, rolled the tortillas, then placed them rolled side down in the dish.

I ended up with a little of the filling left over and I certainly didn't want to waste it. So, I tucked it into a corner....

Sweet.

I topped them with the grated cheese and popped them into the oven.

During the last 5 minutes of baking, I topped them off with the Velveeta Toppers Queso Blanco. I'm a sucker for the white cheese!

Here's the yumminess hot out of the oven!

I completed the meal with the Spanish Rice and black beans and a jar of Peach Iced Tea.

It was a big hit!

The Littlest had not been feeling well, but he even gave it two thumbs up.

And, this guy had two helpings!

This is seriously good and I really can't wait to try another variety.

The onion really filled out the enchiladas and the avocado added some creaminess. And, avocados are so good for you and I try to sneak in extra veggies any time that I can.

Follow Kraft Foods on Facebook for more great recipes to try out.

Have you tried Kraft Recipe Makers yet? Which one is your favorite?

31 Days: Silly Songs, Amazing In-Laws, and Charlie Parker

I may be crazy.

I'm pretty sure that I am.  

I am giving the hubs access to the blog. The ability to say anything he wants to the world.

I have a little case of the nerves over this.

Nah, not really.  We're all crazy and weird, why not share it with the world, right?

As we continue 31 Days of Family, I had to include him.  He has a unique perspective because he comes from a very small family, and his first encounters with my large and noisy family didn't discourage him.

I'm going to make a shameless request here...  If you're reading my 31 Days Series, I would love it if you would leave a comment. I love hearing from you and I know you're out there, I see you in my blog stats! (Ok, end of shameless plug...)

Don't forget to catch up on the past posts HERE.

And, don't forget to get your most pinnable posts linked up to THE Pin It Party while there is still time.

Now, without further adieu, meet Rex, otherwise known affectionately as The Hubs!

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“Do you know anyone named Charlie Parker?”  This was the funniest, most embarrassing, and perhaps scariest question I’ve ever been asked…but I’ll get to that.

I grew up in the most conservative of homes.  Vanilla was a daring flavor.  Conservative.  Mom and Dad were amazing parents, and I wouldn’t trade my upbringing for anything…it’s my story after all; however, to say I was sheltered would be a colossal understatement.  My family was quiet, calm, and predictable.

Amy and I started dating in 2002.  We had both been previously married.  My divorce was the most traumatic thing that my ultra-conservative family had ever faced.  I’m sure they were nervous when I began to date again.  Amy’s family was like nothing I’d ever known.  Her family is HUGE (by my standards anyway).  The first time I met her family in July, 2002, was interesting to say the least.  We drove to her parent’s house in Mt Pleasant, TX, for the Fourth of July weekend.  When we pulled up I was greeted by her parents, who were standing on the back porch looking like the farmer and his wife from the iconic painting “American Gothic”.  All my future father-in-law needed was a pitchfork.  We entered the house and I met a sister and her husband and two of their daughters, a brother and his wife and one of their daughters; and within 5 minutes the group of 11 were whisked off to a local restaurant.  This group was LOUD!  This group had BIG personality.  Despite my conservative upbringing I fell in love with this group and my soon wife-to-be even more (I met another sister, brother-in-law, and 3 more nieces/nephews –to-be by the end of that weekend).  This group of people did a lot to bring me out of my shell.  They taught me to loosen up and have fun.  They allowed me to truly be myself.  They may have created a monster!

Amy and I each brought a son into our marriage.  Matt and Christian became best friends while we were dating…over 10 years later this hasn’t changed.   My new-found sense of family (fostered by Amy’s family) led me to interesting father-son interactions.  The conservative guy was gone.  I made up tons of silly songs about the boys…so many that the boys to this day don’t know the difference from songs I made up to actual nursery-rhyme songs (they’re a little warped in that regard).  Matt (now 15) and Christian (now 13) still sing many of these songs to this day.  These two boys grew accustomed to my silliness; sometimes they weren’t sure when I was being goofy or needed to be taken seriously.  This caused many hilarious moments over the years.  I built a fort in our back yard when Matt and Christian were 6 and 4 years old, respectively.  Our back yard was not completely fenced in at that time (across the back only).  One fall day the two boys were playing on the fort where they’d been pouring buckets of water on each other’s heads.  I stuck my head out at one point and hollered for them to strip down buck-naked on the back porch before they came inside (so they wouldn’t get the house filthy with muddy clothes and shoes)…and I went back inside without further supervision or explanation.  I mean, that was straight forward enough for a 6 and 4 year old, right?  What could go wrong?  I got busy and actually forgot about them (Dad of the Year!!).  About 45 minutes later I hear Amy laughing hysterically.  Matt and Christian had stripped down and continued to play on the fort.  Our back yard backs up to a busy road that feeds multiple subdivisions, and this fort was designed like a tree house (several feet off the ground)…so lots of folks could see these two kiddos playing buck-naked like a couple of Aborigines.

Just doing as they were told. 

Caleb came along in 2005; now we had a truly blended family.  He grew up on silly songs just like his brothers.  Now, every family with small children uses some simple non-offensive term for a child’s private part(s).  Boys for instance, often are taught to refer to their business as a tee-tee.  Harmless, innocent, simple…but not very original, right?  And that’s where the aforementioned Mr Parker comes in.  When Caleb would get out of the bathtub as a little boy I would sing one of my silly songs (that had been sung to Matt and Christian when they were little)…the song “We Wraps Him Up Like an Eskimo” was a big hit at our house.  One night I told Caleb to get his PJ’s on…he preferred to run around naked laughing hysterically (don’t all little boys…why is that?!).  I made the comment, “You better get your Charlie Parker covered up buddy”.  And the name stuck.  His boy-business was Charlie Parker from then on.  I know…it’s awesome! (I mean shameful…this IS my wife’s blog after all…shameful indeed).  One day when Caleb was 5 years old I was picking him up from daycare after work (Church daycare, mind you).  Caleb’s teacher said he’d had a good day, but asked if we knew anyone named (you guessed it)  Charlie Parker!!  I stammered and said, “no”, and got out of the daycare with my child as quickly as possible (before the Church deacons and possible Child Protective Services swooped in).  A little family discussion that night settled the matter; but it remains a funny memory for our family. 

We know how to laugh at ourselves.  That’s important.  My family is my rock.  They will always be the people I most want to be with.  My extended family took this vanilla conservative guy and showed him it was ok to be silly.  They loved me unconditionally, and in the process made me a better man.  I’ll cherish the silly songs, and I’m sure I’ll come up with a few more in the years to come. 

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AWW!

Isn't he sweet?

I really am surprised that we didn't scare him off.  

What he doesn't mention, is that once we got past my parents on the porch, we entered the house to see my family lined up in a receiving line to meet him.  They all had huge grins on their faces, and he literally had to go down the line and shake hands or get a hug.  I was slightly mortified.

And, I don't think that we had to do much to show him that was okay to be silly.  He was already pretty good at that on his own!