What is it about loading dishwashers that is difficult for some people? Please explain why people don’t see the obvious order of loading dishes. I have three plates in a row and just opened the dishwasher to find one loan plate just randomly stuck inside. WTF?! I’m too much of a control freak to let this go.

Here are two pictures of Chelsea before last week. As a BAMA student and part of the crazy SEC, she is celebrating this week. I hope you make it to class sometime! I still love you, Chelsea! I’m not speaking for Baby Hulk though…he might be worse than me with the grudges, plus you left town while he was sleeping! 🙂

Everyone knows the story by now…Colt McCoy was out by his 5th play of the game. True Freshman QB with essentially NO experience is running around trying to find his helmet so he can play. After a painful first half where the coaches didn’t let Gilbert pass the ball and continued to run it up the middle, the Longhorns were behind by 18. At half time, I turned to Lance and asked him if we could win this game. I didn’t really think we could, and he didn’t even try and make me feel better.

Then came hope. Bama failed to move the ball in the third quarter and Gilbert finally experienced some success. With a little more than three minutes to go in the game, the score was 24-21. I knew we could win, then Gilbert was sacked, fumbled the ball and all was lost. Bama immediately scored and our chances were gone.

My friend asked me what the fans were like during the game. In the first half, I don’t think the fans knew what to do. (Except for the one idiot girl who started crying. Really, crying????) They were just shocked that we got this far, to the National Championship Game, only to have McCoy go out within minutes. In the second half, most people around us came alive and we could all taste a win. Then we were just crushed.

I’m not one of those people who say…”we could have won with Colt” or that the “best team won tonight”. First, I think we could have won with a freshman. If we had scored on our first drive and Bama hadn’t scored right before the end of the half, we could or rather would have won. As for those who say Bama was better, well, let’s be real, Bama didn’t kill us until the last three minutes of the game and that was WITH the true freshman playing. They had no passing game, and no offense in the third quarter of the game. Sure, Texas hasn’t looked great the entire season, but neither has Bama. They just happened to have the game of their lives against Florida. Who knows if Colt would have played better. I don’t care, he wasn’t playing. I just know we had a chance and lost it. That is what sucks for me.

As for Bama, well, now I have a new school to hate. Sorry Chel and Alexis! You know I love you!

I just have one last thought…what the fuck is with the SEC schools? You win a National Championship and the first thing you chant is “SEC, SEC,…” Lance tried to explain to me how the SEC works and all I could hear was there aren’t any Pro teams, this is all they have except Nascar, but so what? No matter what, when my team wins their next championship, (and I will be there again,) I won’t be chanting BIG 12. Nor would I EVER in my life cheer for OU to win a championship. Who does that? Why would I ever want my most hated rival and recruiting rival to win? Did Auburn really root for Bama? Did LSU fans really forgive Saban and root for BAMA? If so, I don’t even want to understand it. It makes no sense. Here’s a thought, you win a national championship and start chanting your own school name.

So, I’m home and not going to the Bear Bryant Awards next week. I have a Bear Bryant hat that I sometimes wear for Lance. Gone. I hold a grudge, ask any ex.

Meanwhile, I am so proud of Baby Hulk, the first thing he told me when I walked in the door Friday morning was “I hate Bama, mom.” The kid is a freaking genius.

Maybe I’ll have grudge sex and have a baby anyway. Oh, Lance, where are you?

Lance just walked in with a card and dessert. I almost went straight for the dessert, but he made me read the card first. Turns out today is the anniversary of the first day we met! And he remembered! (I remembered too, just a few days early. But really, I have a lot on my mind right now! BCS, anyone?)

Lance had an appearance at BW3’s, and I went to meet him and John. (I might add that I was so late, I almost missed him.) I had no clue what he looked like, I just knew that he loved football, movies and that he didn’t really like the Longhorns. My then boyfriend introduced us, and Lance recognized my name from my emails. There weren’t too many “Nicoles” writing in at that time. I had no idea, but four different girls were hitting on Lance that night. I guess I was safe since I was with someone. Regardless, I sent him an email that night about concert tickets I was hoping he could get, and he responded when he got home that night. I spent the next day analyzing every line of his email, just like any OCD girl would.

Within the week, I had broken up with my boyfriend and went on the most amazing first date: two movies, dinner, cheesecake at Copeland’s and talking at the cars until midnight. It might not seem like a big deal, but this date started at 4 pm. Going on that date with Lance was the best decision I ever made.

Showing up at BW3’s was a lifesaver for me. And him.

For Today…January 5, 2010

Outside my window…the sun is shining, but it flipping cold outside. I love it! I’m not a huge fan of bringing all the plants inside, but that is a small price to pay for real winter weather. They say it will be in the 20’s by Thursday.

I am listening to…Boot Scootin Boogie by Brooks and Dunn. I am not a country fan, but the old DJ from New Year’s Eve played this. I can’t remember the last time I heard this song and who I was dating when it came out. Usually, I can date a song that way, but I have no real memories associated with this song, which I think must be a good thing! The funny thing about this song is that Lance played it for me last night to show me that he downloaded it for me, and Jessica was all “I love this song!” Okay, on to something new…The Thermals.

I am wearing…my longhorn fleece and black yoga pants.

I am thankful for…my friend Greg. I haven’t talked to Greg in a few months, but he truly is that type of friend that you just pick up where you left off. Plus, he is one of like three people who knows EVERYTHING about me, the good, the bad, the embarrassing, the stuff I wish I could forget and so on. I always say that when I die all of my friends will have to get together and share stories they know b/c none of them really know all of it. He knows it all and still loves me! Anyway, we finally had the chance to catch up this weekend and made plans for next week.

To be fit and happy…Trying to get back on track after over eating during the holidays. I’m so excited about the class schedule for the Spring. Now, if I could just get a flat tummy and stop being so tired all the time. Maybe some sleep is in order. And sit-ups.

From the kitchen…no plans yet, but I’m thinking soups or stews to go with this cold weather. I’d say healthy, but I can’t even pretend.

I am thinking…that I hate the boys being back at school. The big boys went back this morning and Baby Hulk and I were just devastated.

To live the liturgy…We celebrated the feast of the Epiphany at church on Sunday. We continued at home with several books to highlight the feast and a coloring page. We’ll start Super Saints next week. I need to make some plans for the rest of the year.

On keeping home…the Christmas decorations came down yesterday. The tree was dying and trash was coming today so everything but the nativity scenes have been put away. I am trying to convince myself to keep them out until January 6th, but am having a hard time. I figure if the church can celebrate the Epiphany early, then so can I and put everything away. I’m ready for one of my super cleans!

One of my favorite things…Snoopy and puzzles and Christmas. I bought the following puzzle last year and forgot about it. I took it out this year and left it on the desk for most of Christmas break so I wouldn’t forget about it. And then, I forgot about it, again. I finally started it two days ago. It was a simple puzzle, but I wanted to finish it so that I could put it away with the Christmas stuff last night. So as soon as I finished it, I took a picture, then promptly destroyed it. Lance just shook his head at me. What can I say, I’m a bit OCD about things.

I am praying…for a National Championship!!! I’ll be offering up everything this week for my plane trip and a win.

A few plans for the rest of the week…There is really just one plan and it’s the National Championship Game! Nothing else matters.

A picture thought I am sharing…

2010!

Ten years ago, I was praying for someone at midnight mass. This year at midnight, I was in the arms of that special someone. Okay, I’ve been in his arms for a while now, but I was reflecting on that since we’re starting a new decade. I am so happy to be starting another year with Lance. Happy New Year, Baby. I love you! Thanks for a great night. I think Frank and Bryan are bad influences on us!

The men and the women behind them

The oldest DJ in town

I wrote this really kick ass post, (in my opinion), about the past year. Mainly, I just like it because it’s freaking long, and I tell my former hairdresser to fuck off. Anyway, it goes a lot into the whole homeschooling bit and some of our vacations over the past year. I started it at the beginning of the month and finally posted it today since it is the end of the year. And for reasons unknown to me, it is showing up in the beginning of the month as an older post. I have no idea how to fix it, and Lance has no desire to fix it now. At midnight. Guess I should have worn the hat and asked him. So here it is. Read it. Nik

I was so happy today when Squirt ate the last of his cookies, and I didn’t have anything left to be tempted with except my skinny cow ice cream sandwiches. THEN….this arrived. I can only say that this is as good as everyone says it is. This is now my go to site for mail order gifts and anyone wanting to get in my good graces, please favorite this page and remember my b-day!

Thank you, Chris and Heather! You know how Lance and I roll. Something tells me there are a few more calories in one slice of cheesecake than a skinny cow, but you know what? It is so freaking worth it!

that or make me cry, something I NEVER do.

Today, Goose told me that we could have school at home since he didn’t have to go to his other school. He ran to my closet and found my school bag. (Empty since September). He waited patiently at the table for our lessons!

As usual, he was a model student for me! God, I love that kid.

And the season begins…

Advent…Although Advent is a season of its own, I haven’t blogged about it. We try and light the Advent wreath every night during Advent and sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. It is truly beautiful to listen to my boys sing this song. At 14, Squirt is hardly excited about this sort of thing, but he did sing loud and clear for me while I was recording them.

Goose is so like me and not always in the good ways. Once when we were singing, he pointed out that he didn’t hear everyone. I was just praying he wouldn’t call out Squirt whose voice couldn’t be heard at all.

On another night, one of Squirt’s friends was having dinner with us. I think he almost crapped his pants when we told his friend we were going to sing. I know he was thinking, “why me? You guys suck.” Thankfully, his friend sang along with us, and Squirt was saved from total embarrassment. (BTW, we told the parents that we would be lighting the wreath and singing before asking their child to join in with us. And some people may wonder why we talked to the parents first on something like this. Easy, I don’t ever want people teaching my children any type of religion without my permission….this is why I DON’T support prayer in school. I promise you, if you teach your kids to pray, they will pray without the school giving them permission. But, I digress, as usual.)

Crafts and Baking…Kobra joined in the fun this year. We made our usual Christmas plate. Squirt is now a fingerprint on the plate like me and Lance. The boys did tons of crafts that adorn our house. I can’t believe I have a wall dedicated to crafts in my home. (So not like me, but I love it.) Goose made the following poinsettia with my mom. I left them instructions, and my mom looked at me like I was crazy, but it turned out great. It also tied in nicely with one of our Tomie de Paola books.

The boys really enjoy helping me bake. Lance and I just like the end result. We made eight different kinds of sweets this year. Thankfully, everything but Squirt’s cookies are gone.

Celebrating Hanukkah with our sweet neighbor…I’ve talked about our neighbor before now. She is like a member of the family, the daughter I don’t have and a big sister to the boys. We love her to pieces. And she is Jewish. What better way to teach the children about Hanukkah than with one of their favorite people. Baby Hulk even found a Tomie book about Hanukkah. So on the third night of Hanukkah, we took a gift, our book and watched the candles. I also got my X-mas gift! A beautiful charm.

Snow Day at school…For all my complaining about school, it does have some cool stuff. The best part, no fundraisers! Snow Day would qualify as a close second. The PTO brings in snow, a petting zoo, a train and Santa. The kids had a blast throwing snowballs at each other. Hulk and Kobra got to join the fun too since I forgot to get a babysitter. Afterwards, the kids had movie day at school. Goose was so excited because he was able to bring Big Snoopy to school for the first time ever!

The $16 tree!

The Christmas Tree…The boys 3 and up are allowed to go with Lance to pick out the Christmas tree. I am not allowed to interfere with process. This year Baby Hulk joined in the “fun”. Although the tree was pretty tiny compared to others in the past and most of our ornaments didn’t fit on the tree this year, I loved it anyway. I really like that the boys get this special time that is just for them with their father.

Lance always puts the first ornament on the tree, our wedding ornament. I put on the ornament from the night we got engaged. The boys each put on their own special ornaments and then each year someone new puts on the star. This year was Goose’s turn.

Family Time in Houston…My dad is the oldest of ten kids. All but three live in Austin, so we miss a lot of the festivities. When I got married, my aunt and I decided to start having our own get together for our families in Houston. The kids get to see their cousins and there is tons of food and fun to be had. Since we missed our annual Santa party in Austin due to illness this year, this evening was a welcome one for all of us.

This is only two siblings and their two children each, plus five grand kids.

Christmas Eve with 1560…This party rocks. Every year at Klein’s Jewelry, rain or shine, you will find Lance and John. It is unbelievable how many listeners show up here. How can they not? It’s pure fun and a chance to hang with the guys they listen to each morning. There are eating contests, football drills and tailgate food. I got here super late this year because I had to bring the kids. Thankfully, they saved a plate of food for me. And yes, that entire tray was just for me. I also had a few guys tell me how much they enjoyed the blog, which I LOVE! Most of my friends don’t read my blog, so it’s nice to know that someone out there is reading it! 🙂

Great hat, Baby! I promise to wear it for you!

Dinner at Trulucks…We eat dinner at Trulucks every Christmas Eve. And the kids are so good while we are there! I’m glad to know we can dress them up and make them behave through the meal. I admit that we eat pretty fast. There is no savoring the meal with four kids around. I’m more concerned that nobody spills their drink or my wine! Squirt really looks forward to this meal and even orders his meal off the menu, some trout dish they removed from the menu. This year, the little ones got fancy and ordered Shirley Temples. Goose decided it was a little spicy, code for “I don’t like it”, and drank water instead.

My beautiful family

Christmas Eve pictures at home…I can’t say this is a fun tradition for anyone in this house. But I need my pictures.

Me and my Baby!

New Pjs, tracking Santa and cookies for Santa…

Baby Jesus…The first thing we do on Christmas morning is place Baby Jesus in the many nativity scenes throughout the house.

Church before presents…This probably makes me the meanest mom on the planet, although I am not alone in this decision. We go to Mass before the children open any gifts. The kids are just too young for Midnight Mass, and personally, I can’t stand the crowds of people at church at any of the masses on Christmas Eve. Going Christmas morning allows us to reflect on the meaning of Christmas while not having to be at church an hour early just to find a seat. Seriously, we got there ten minutes early and had our pick at the9:30 mass.

The church nativity

Drake has served every year at Christmas Mass since he was 9 except last year. When we were downtown, he always served for the Bishop. He doesn’t have that honor now that we have moved, but we are so proud of him. So proud that we wanted a picture of him.

Could he look more pissed?

Right after church. Still haven’t opened presents.

The outtake

The man who makes everything happen with me. You are the best, my love. You put up with me and love me and get me beautiful gifts! I love you! Thanks for taking so many freaking pictures with me!