My Darling Mexico Joe's,
Your mouth-watering Cadillac Enchiladas -minus the guacamole, of course- have made the evening bliss. I do not mind scalding my poor little mouth with each savory bite of your delicious cheese-filled miracle. I don't mind waiting for 40 minutes with 3 very impatient children just to bask in your ambiance. I even do not mind your perky little waitress flirting with my husband, as long as she continues to deliver your two freshly-made red corn tortillas filled with melted cheese perfection. Thank you for your existence.
Yours Forever,
Nicole
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Interview with Cade
I saw this little questionnaire online. It is supposed to be a cute little interview with your child, so I decided to ask my little dude the questions...
1. What is something mom always says to you?
I love you whole bunches!
No playing on the top bunk!
2. What makes mom happy?
when I'm a good good gentleman
3. What makes mom sad?
mean people
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
tickling and funny jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child?
someone pushed you in a stroller and changed your stinky diapers
6. How old is your mom?
26
7. How tall is your mom?
as tall as 26 H's (???)
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
being with me!
9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
going to work and Miss Amy is babysitting the twins
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
You're not famous!
11. What is your mom really good at?
playing Mario Kart
12. What is your mom not very good at?
playing my DS
13. What does your mom do for her job?
you do lots of paperwork at your desk
14. What's your mom's favorite food?
broccoli
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
fixing my cds
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
a police girl
17. What do you and your mom do together?
do fun stuff and draw pictures and color
18. How are you and your mom the same?
you're 26 and I'm 6...both 6's!
19. How are you and your mom different?
you're the tallest and I'm the smallest
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
because you always say it, and I love you, too, to infinity and beyond! (isn't that the sweetest?)
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
to work and to the grocery store to buy me some little pizzas
22. What is your favorite place to go?
The toy store!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Someone should check the temperature in hell, because I do believe it has frozen over...
After growing up in Texas, moving to Oklahoma, and being constantly surrounded by miles and miles of farmland or thousands and thousands of cowboys, I tried on my first pair of boots and Wranglers. Don't be mistaken: it wasn't exactly my idea. In fact, as I type, I'm a little bit pouty thinking of wearing jeans, and black ones at that, that go over my belly button and footwear that doesn't lace up or have a pretty little heel. Don't get me wrong, I don't think this is bad for other people...it's just not my cup of tea. So, I will swallow my pride, pull on my annoyingly high-zippered jeans, slip on my boots, and know that if need be, I'll be able to kick a sex-offender in the shins if he feels the need to get fresh in the P. County Sheriff's Office.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Michael
Michelle,
As it is your birthday, too, I guess I should acknowledge that you are just a little important to me--just a little. I was reminiscing while writing my entry about Dad, and it made me think of how much fun we had when we were little.
First, I have to note that I never thought Mom and Dad could possibly be right when they said, "Be careful, Nicole. One of these days, he'll get you back." So, kudos on all the times you got me back for being such a bully of a big sister sometimes. Oh, and sorry I pulled the plug in your bath when you were a baby, with high hopes that you would go down the drain with the water. And sorry for the countless wedgies...and hanging you on the door knob by your underwear a few times. Oh yeah, and for shoving that piece of corn up your nose that you couldn't get out. And for telling you that you were adopted. And for telling you that that lump was breast cancer.
Okay, okay, before you start re-thinking our sibling relationship, just remember all the times that I told you Frog and Toad and The Three Billy Goats Gruff before we went to sleep. Those are still some of my fondest times with you. Although you were a brat during the day, when it was time to be calm and go to sleep, you really were a precious little boy. I remember tickling your back so long that my arm would hurt, but at least you fell asleep comfortably. You were kind enough to let me crash out in your room when I was too scared to sleep in my own. Oh, and thanks for covering for me on my more ornery teenage outings...
I could go on and on about our childhood, but just know one thing for certain: I treasure you, and you will always be my baby brother. I love you, and I hope you had a great birthday!
As it is your birthday, too, I guess I should acknowledge that you are just a little important to me--just a little. I was reminiscing while writing my entry about Dad, and it made me think of how much fun we had when we were little.
First, I have to note that I never thought Mom and Dad could possibly be right when they said, "Be careful, Nicole. One of these days, he'll get you back." So, kudos on all the times you got me back for being such a bully of a big sister sometimes. Oh, and sorry I pulled the plug in your bath when you were a baby, with high hopes that you would go down the drain with the water. And sorry for the countless wedgies...and hanging you on the door knob by your underwear a few times. Oh yeah, and for shoving that piece of corn up your nose that you couldn't get out. And for telling you that you were adopted. And for telling you that that lump was breast cancer.
Okay, okay, before you start re-thinking our sibling relationship, just remember all the times that I told you Frog and Toad and The Three Billy Goats Gruff before we went to sleep. Those are still some of my fondest times with you. Although you were a brat during the day, when it was time to be calm and go to sleep, you really were a precious little boy. I remember tickling your back so long that my arm would hurt, but at least you fell asleep comfortably. You were kind enough to let me crash out in your room when I was too scared to sleep in my own. Oh, and thanks for covering for me on my more ornery teenage outings...
I could go on and on about our childhood, but just know one thing for certain: I treasure you, and you will always be my baby brother. I love you, and I hope you had a great birthday!
Daddy's Little Girl
Dad,
Happy birthday! I've been thinking about you all day, and all that you mean to me. Rather than getting sappy, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite or funniest memories with you up to this day.
My very earliest memory of my life is of going into the First State Bank with you and Mom when she was pregnant with Michael. I remember you holding my left hand and Mom holding my right hand. I was so excited, because you gave me one of those little boxes of mint gum that they used to give out. If I remember correctly, Mom got onto you, because I'd swallow it. I'm sure I did swallow it, or got it in my hair or on the car seat, but one thing is for sure...I always knew when I was little, I'd eventually get what I wanted with Daddy! *wink*
I think I have to give you a big thank you for my extraordinarily vast knowledge of classic rock music...well, you and Rick Dees. Case in point: I was driving to work today and didn't even realize my radio was on until the timeless lyrics, "Carry on my wayward so-o-o-on" started playing out of the blue. I excitedly shouted, "KANSAS!" and then looked around me to see if any passers-by noticed that I was talking to myself. Needless to say, I rocked out until the end of the song before I shut off my engine. Oh, and I still hold to my plea of innocence: I do NOT have your Outfield or Steve Miller Band CDs, and if you happen to notice your Aldo Nova, Boston, or Def Leppard music missing, it wasn't me...I swear.
Another favorite: Eating marraschino cherries on the swing set and howling at the moon. Despite what Mom says, marraschino cherries can in no way EVER make me sick, no matter how many I eat or even if I swig a little of the juice (love you Mom!) Also, I still think I may just be a little part werewolf.
A few other favs: Digging in your shirt pockets for bubblegum when you got home from work, jet skiing at Lake Fryer with lots and lots of Twizzlers, the smell of freshly cut wood when you were building something in the garage, you hugging me in the middle of the Metallica concert because I seriously had no idea what that nasty smell was around us...only to find out it was marijuana, our Friday night family camp-outs on the living room floor on pallets eating popcorn and pickles and watching Johnny Carson, learning to two-step to "Fishing in the Dark" in the living room, Alram and all those who worked there, and most of all, the memories in the making: watching you and Mom with my three babies, and seeing how much they love you--undeniably and unconditionally and nonstop. I love you, and I hope your day was fantastic!
Happy birthday! I've been thinking about you all day, and all that you mean to me. Rather than getting sappy, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite or funniest memories with you up to this day.
My very earliest memory of my life is of going into the First State Bank with you and Mom when she was pregnant with Michael. I remember you holding my left hand and Mom holding my right hand. I was so excited, because you gave me one of those little boxes of mint gum that they used to give out. If I remember correctly, Mom got onto you, because I'd swallow it. I'm sure I did swallow it, or got it in my hair or on the car seat, but one thing is for sure...I always knew when I was little, I'd eventually get what I wanted with Daddy! *wink*
I think I have to give you a big thank you for my extraordinarily vast knowledge of classic rock music...well, you and Rick Dees. Case in point: I was driving to work today and didn't even realize my radio was on until the timeless lyrics, "Carry on my wayward so-o-o-on" started playing out of the blue. I excitedly shouted, "KANSAS!" and then looked around me to see if any passers-by noticed that I was talking to myself. Needless to say, I rocked out until the end of the song before I shut off my engine. Oh, and I still hold to my plea of innocence: I do NOT have your Outfield or Steve Miller Band CDs, and if you happen to notice your Aldo Nova, Boston, or Def Leppard music missing, it wasn't me...I swear.
Another favorite: Eating marraschino cherries on the swing set and howling at the moon. Despite what Mom says, marraschino cherries can in no way EVER make me sick, no matter how many I eat or even if I swig a little of the juice (love you Mom!) Also, I still think I may just be a little part werewolf.
A few other favs: Digging in your shirt pockets for bubblegum when you got home from work, jet skiing at Lake Fryer with lots and lots of Twizzlers, the smell of freshly cut wood when you were building something in the garage, you hugging me in the middle of the Metallica concert because I seriously had no idea what that nasty smell was around us...only to find out it was marijuana, our Friday night family camp-outs on the living room floor on pallets eating popcorn and pickles and watching Johnny Carson, learning to two-step to "Fishing in the Dark" in the living room, Alram and all those who worked there, and most of all, the memories in the making: watching you and Mom with my three babies, and seeing how much they love you--undeniably and unconditionally and nonstop. I love you, and I hope your day was fantastic!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Holocaust
I was looking ahead in my calendar the other day and saw, in small grey letters, "Holocaust Remembrance Day" printed on April 21st. I was instantly ashamed of myself. I guess I never really knew when this day was. However, as far as I'm concerned, every day should be a remembrance of the Holocaust among other major historical events. Upon seeing this printed on my desk calendar, I instantly thought of an amazing gentleman I had the pleasure of meeting not too long ago.
I should begin by letting all two and a half of you that read this that last semester, one of my Secondary English Education courses focused on how to teach Holocaust literature to students in middle school and high school. I would be lying if I said that this course did not change my perspective on history, teaching, reading, and life altogether. In the middle of the semester, we were required to attend a workshop from 8-4 on a Saturday, to be bombarded with Holocaust information and resources for teachers. I don't mean to sound ungrateful or uninterested, but at the time, it wasn't exactly how I was looking forward to spending a Saturday. After our lunch, a small, almost frail-looking older gentleman was waiting in the conference room. He was introduced to us as Holocaust survivor, Bob Behr. As soon as Mr. Behr spoke, I realized that looks were definitely deceiving. He was not frail at all. He was quite energetic for an 86-year-old man and was very funny. The way he told his story was not how I'd expected. He did not have the room sobbing, as I would have imagined. He told everything that happened to him from more of a historical perspective, rather than how he was feeling at each and every moment. I was fascinated by his memory, in that he remembered countless dates, times, and even days of the week that certain events happened. A brief synopsis of his life (without emphasis of his time in the concentration camp) is given at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website: http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/survivoraffairs/meet/detail.php?content=behr
I do want to note that I have always been interested in the historical aspects of the Holocaust, but this particular class really made me want to look more deeply into all the events of World War II, as well as read more Holocaust literature. I also want to note that anyone who has the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., should definitely visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It is something that everyone should see in their lifetime. I truly treasure the fact that I had the opportunity to visit the Museum and to hear an actual survivor speak. Both experiences are ones that I will never forget.
My favorite pieces of Holocaust literature:
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (very good for young readers)
Night by Elie Wiesel (won the Nobel Prize)
The Diary of Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank (the play) by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Holocaust-themed movies that I love Love LOVE:
Life is Beautiful (A++++++++)
Schindler's List
The Freedom Writers
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
...and I cannot wait to see The Reader
I should begin by letting all two and a half of you that read this that last semester, one of my Secondary English Education courses focused on how to teach Holocaust literature to students in middle school and high school. I would be lying if I said that this course did not change my perspective on history, teaching, reading, and life altogether. In the middle of the semester, we were required to attend a workshop from 8-4 on a Saturday, to be bombarded with Holocaust information and resources for teachers. I don't mean to sound ungrateful or uninterested, but at the time, it wasn't exactly how I was looking forward to spending a Saturday. After our lunch, a small, almost frail-looking older gentleman was waiting in the conference room. He was introduced to us as Holocaust survivor, Bob Behr. As soon as Mr. Behr spoke, I realized that looks were definitely deceiving. He was not frail at all. He was quite energetic for an 86-year-old man and was very funny. The way he told his story was not how I'd expected. He did not have the room sobbing, as I would have imagined. He told everything that happened to him from more of a historical perspective, rather than how he was feeling at each and every moment. I was fascinated by his memory, in that he remembered countless dates, times, and even days of the week that certain events happened. A brief synopsis of his life (without emphasis of his time in the concentration camp) is given at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website: http://www.ushmm.org/remembrance/survivoraffairs/meet/detail.php?content=behr
I do want to note that I have always been interested in the historical aspects of the Holocaust, but this particular class really made me want to look more deeply into all the events of World War II, as well as read more Holocaust literature. I also want to note that anyone who has the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., should definitely visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It is something that everyone should see in their lifetime. I truly treasure the fact that I had the opportunity to visit the Museum and to hear an actual survivor speak. Both experiences are ones that I will never forget.
My favorite pieces of Holocaust literature:
The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (very good for young readers)
Night by Elie Wiesel (won the Nobel Prize)
The Diary of Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank (the play) by Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Holocaust-themed movies that I love Love LOVE:
Life is Beautiful (A++++++++)
Schindler's List
The Freedom Writers
The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)
...and I cannot wait to see The Reader
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