Happy Birthday Shamel!

When one of my kids was little, I think it was Sophie, she could not say Michelle. She called my sister, her aunt, Shamel. And the name stuck. We still call her Shamel.

My little sister is 21 today - I guess she is legal now. She is in her 3rd year at BYU getting her degree in Sports Training and has to take anatomy and other gross hard classes. She does it well and gets better grades than I did - jeesh.

Michelle is getting married on December 27 - two months from today! Her beloved is Brady. I love these pics of her, so I posted one that had them both. Isn't she beautiful? Yet another thing to hate her for. Smart, skinny and cute - why can't that be me?

I am proud of Michelle. She has worked hard to overcome many obstacles in her life - she has issues with her ears. That just means she has to work harder, and she does.

Happy Birthday Shamel - and for goodness sakes don't study tonight and do something fun!!!

I Am Bad Sore

When you embark on a workout, there are two types of sore you can encounter. The good - you feel where you have worked out, but can still function. And the bad - you can't roll over in bed, walk, go to the bathroom. I am the bad.

I have been wanting to add pilates back into my regimen. I know the benefits. I know how it makes me feel. I know I run better when I am doing it. Time is not my friend, but I got myself to class on Friday. It is at 11:45 and we all know that time is horrible, but I did it anyway.

I knew I had to run 8 miles on Saturday, so I did not even PUSH myself to my breaking point. But I obviously, did push myself.

Saturday am I was sore, but thought I would run in off. By mile 7 I wanted to die and it was sheer will that got me in and done. I then spent 4 hours on the couch/in bed/in bath. Working out is supposed to give you MORE energy, not less. Another sign of bad sore.

So now it is Sunday morning. I still can hardly move. I HATE TO BE THIS OUT OF SHAPE! So, we begin another week. I will run my miles. I will even torture myself in pilates again this week - lets just hope I can walk next weekend...

I think I Am Pulling Out of It

My PTSD that is. This morning was one of those rare wonderful mornings where everything is clicking and you are just happy to be alive. It got cool here, 57 at run time, which is dang nice, fall is in the air and life is just moving along. Eric and I even sat down and had breakfast with the twins - something we never do. It was just a great morning.

So, enjoy your day. Hug your kids, and find something to be happy about!

Why BYU Sucks

The title is really erroneous since I don't have any answers. Just the knowledge that the wheels are falling off there!

We were true blue fans and drove up to the TCU vs BYU game on Thursday. We left at 1:00 PM and made it home at 2:30 AM. It was a long day, made longer by their poor performance on the field.

We did get to see some family. Melissa and Chris were there. We sat by Grandpa, Josh, Matt and Julie. The twins had a great time with their cousin, so I guess it was not all a loss.

This is Allie's note.

She made it for the team, and held up up like it was a sign.

In case you don't read Allie, it says Go BYU Cougars. Do not be a scardy cat. Be the cougar. DO it for hte cheletters. (cheerleaders) Go teme (team) lits go. You can bow (do) it. You gotta love Allie.

Kelsey ran in her district cross country meet on Friday and ran her best time. Ryan had a football game, and Kelsey performed in the 1/2 show. I was a lame parent and drove to the meet (all the way in Conroe I might add) and then did not go to the game. I had driven the last 1.5 hours of the trip the night before and I was tired. So, Eric was on football/1/2 time show duty. THS lost the game, but we are looking forward to this week.

I am bound and determined to break out of my PTSD this week, so lets hope I can make it happen!

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

While having lunch today with my two of my smartest friends, Dr. Kennington and soon to be Dr. Jones I commented that I have not really been back on track since the hurricane and that I must have some form of PTSD. Being the nice folks they are, they just agreed with me as opposed to telling me why it was not really traumatic. I just really have not been firing on all cylinders, and have been in a funk. So, that is my excuse for lack of posting PTSD - and so DAMN much I have been doing I don't have a free second!

I did fly to Utah last weekend to celebrate sisterhood with the sisters who love me - this becuase one of my sisters chose not to participate. As Megan says, she is dead to us now. This quote really seems to sum it up:

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child. ~Linda Sunshine

We had a grand time, doing some of our sister traditions (don't you just love how after two times it can be deemed a tradition and therefore, must be done each time?) This includes The Brick Oven and a BYU football game.

It was COLD. Like 24 degree cold. Snow flurries cold, so I was dressed as Nanook of the North for the football game, but you will be glad to know each and every layer was BYU gear. I did not get many pictures because I was lame and my PTSD really kicked in.

I did get to experiece a J Dawg, which I hear is what all the kids are doing these days. A hot dog to the "old" people out there. It came in a blue bun, which once you got over thinking it was mold, was pretty good.

We FINALLY made it up to Music and the Spoken Word. I had never done that, and I loved it. It was pretty cool to be at the taping and feel the history of the tabernacle.

We had a family dinner Sunday night with Megan and Blake, Michelle and Brady, and Melissa and I - even though Melissa kept disappearing to the other room to talk to Chris (we will let that go this time). We played a mean game of Taboo (marrieds vs non-marrieds and the marrieds kicked some serious booty). Most important, I introduced all the next generation to the Julie's chocolate chip cookies, so now they can be pleasantly plump like me.

This was our only photo op since the pics taken outside the Tabernacle disappeared, and remember I have PTSD. I like to call this the little sister's revenge. Michelle looks like she is having WAY to much fun up there!

This is our rapper pose to embarass my kids. There was some discussion by the "boyfriends" as to what was appropriate dress for Sunday dinner. Uh we are Linfords - sweats is dressing up! You can see three of us understood that...

As always, at the end of the weekend I realized how blessed I am to have four sisters who I love dearly, and one sister-in-law who, even though she bailed on us this time, is pretty amazing herself! To quote Margaret Mead, "Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship." Amen to that sista!

It's Always Fun for Everyone

When grandpa (and grandma) comes! We had my parents here this weekend. It was the usual whirlwind, but it was so nice to see them. They were able to see Kelsey's cross country meet, Ryan's football game, Sophie's soccer game - and grandma took the twins shopping! They were sporting their new "Halloween" clothes to school today! I also put grandma to work on some accessories for the house. I can NOT do that stuff, and she can. Kelsey has now asked her to come and do the whole house.... Pictures to follow.

It was crazier than usual because as I dropped Sophie off to her birthday party on Friday night and was en-route to Kelsey's meet, Allie threw up all over the car. It was gross. We had to go home right then, and I missed the meet. I hear she did great! Eric then came home and missed Ryan's football game, they lost, so he could be with the twins and I could go to the game. Since BYU was on TV, I am not sure Eric was so sad to miss Ryan's game...

It was homecoming for Ryan, and I was at Sophie's soccer game (all the way in Friendswood), so I missed the big departure. I did not get to see his date, Kelsey. He promises me some pics - we will see.

This is one Kelsey (mine not the date) took. Do you notice the hat? There must be some Linford in him. Both of my brothers Patrick and Steven sported looks like this - as a matter of fact this is Steven's hat. He wisely did not take it to Brazil with him. Crazy boys!

Below are the twins individual pictures from this morning. They asked me if I could please take pictures of them by themselves, not just together. I guess we are working on our individuality.

Allie funny for the weekend. The adults went out to dinner on Saturday night. Eric had just showered and came out into the family room. He was wearing his tasseled loafers which embarrass the girls - they think they are so "old man". So Allie says, "Dad I hate to say it but those shoes make you look like an old man." She then turns and sees grandpa and tries to backpedal with - "not old like you grandpa!" She turned red, and everyone laughed. That one is a character!

In other unrelated family news, Megan and Black finished the St. George marathon on Saturday! Way to go guys. Anyone who can do a full marathon is my hero - or nuts one of the two.

Off to another fun filled week of real life...

Getting Ready For School

With power is so much better than without! Can I just say? I feel like MAYBE we are getting back to normal - or at least as normal as the Pearson clan can be. Maria is coming tomorrow, I LOVE her, and I think I will feel in control once more.

We had a soccer game in Friendswood on Saturday (we lost), and a football game on Saturday night (we won). THS was a 35 point underdog and we won by 1. It was fun and exciting - just what HS football should be.

We are fully back in the swing now. Kelsey will have her first Cross Country meet on Friday, Ryan has homecoming on Friday night, and we are back in Friendswood for a soccer game on Saturday. Grandma and Grandpa are coming the weekend, so the kids are excited. And TV church - what could be better?

Bliss

After 14 days, we have power!!! It doesn't get any better than that!

Happy Birthday Kelsey

Kelsey is 14! I can't believe it. When my kids were little, people with older kids would tell me that I should appreciate this time because it would be gone before I knew it. I did not buy it, not one bit.

I buy it now. My little ones are getting so big - and I am really liking the older kids. Sure the hormones can be a little much, but it is so fun to see these big kid personalities come out.

But I digress, this is supposed to be about Kelsey not me (but as we all know it is always about me). As I think of what to say about Kelsey, I wonder if I will be parroting back what I have said about her the last few birthdays. So, I am going to chronicle her favorites right now (at least the ones I know).

Food: Chick-Fil-A.

Symbol: The peace sign - you know from the 70's.

Color: Still pink I think.

Drink from Sonic: (very important if you are a Pearson) Cherry Sprite.

Posses ion: Her cell phone (don't know if she would say that, but it is a permanent fixture by her side).

Class: English - she loves to write and is a pretty dang good writer. She also loves choir.

Person: Me. Well maybe not, but lets go with that.

Kelsey is a happy fun girl. She was the best baby I had. She would just sit next to me while I worked and never made a sound. She makes up for that now (the sound making). She is a typical teenager who loves her friends, and is embarrassed of her dad (but not her mom since her mom is so cool). I am so glad she is my oldest girl, and that she is in our family. I love you Kelsey Belsey.

For anyone keeping track, we still don't have power. For Kelsey's birthday Eric "sprung" for a hotel. How he found a room I am not sure - still not sure. We stayed here last night and we are staying tonight. After that, we are back to pioneer living. Here is to hoping we have power soon!

For anyone keeping track this is the second time a hurricane has affected Kelsey's birthday. I guess that is what a September birthday on the gulf coast will get you!

And The Verdict Is

Still no power. School is supposed to start on Tuesday, although two of the schools my children attend still have no power.

I have to be here on Tuesday for a demo. So, I think I will drive the kids home early tomorrow, fly back up here and work, fly home on Tuesday (jealous anyone?)

In the meantime, they will be home with dad supervising. He might have to take Tuesday off to be with the twins. Still no power and heat will not be fun, but the older kids are freaking out about getting back to school and football practice, etc. Kelsey is sure if she is not there the first day back she will be SO behind she won't catch up.

So, I am guessing I will have to slow down my blogging due to no power. Although I do have the next couple of days. Work will be interesting - I only have so much battery on the laptop.

The latest estimate for power is Thursday. So, here is to hoping we get it by then. Getting kids ready for school with no power should be fun... Trying to keep everyone fed with no power should be fun... Maybe I should rethink this...

And The Verdict Is...

Still no power. We are thinking MAYBE by tonight... UUGH!

On a positive note.

We have Farmer's Insurance. We have a rockin agent (Big Al's Farmer's Insurance). My agent, who also happens to be my current host, did some research and let me know that we had something in our policy that allows for the replacement, up to $500, of the food you have lost due to power outage. Oh - and no deductible.

I called, filed a claim. The guy talked to me and told me I should be getting my check in the next 5-10 days. How is that for service? Now, I will let you know when it really does come.

Insurance companies can be real SOB's. Really. But it is nice to know that when I lost the entire contents of two refrigerators, I will be able to replace them. And how is that for service?

Here is to hoping we have power back tonight and can go home this weekend...

Not To Be A Broken Record

but still no power. I guess Centerpoint has posted this map outlining when people will get power (maybe).

http://www.centerpointenergy.com/staticfiles/CNP/Common/SiteAssets/doc/Est.%20Restore%209.17%202pm.pdf


Here is the problem. I am map challenged. They don't have 249 on the map, and certainly don't show Louetta so here is the question. Are we on the scheduled for Friday, or don't hold your breath forever (OK after Monday) area? I think we are on the line, but if we are not don't judge me. Any help in decoding the map would be appreciated.

I am very grateful that we have a great place to stay. My kids have loved playing with cousins, and Kelsey and Sophie got to spend the night with Aunt Julie (in case you are wondering she is WAY more fun than mom). But, I am a little bit of a planner. I kind of want to know when we can get back to normal. Is there going to be a normal again?

Eric is a trooper. He is working, getting a jump on his insurance claim for his job, and going home to the non-electrified house each night. He has a much better attitude than I do - that is a shocker I know.

So, we should not complain but.... I just can't help it.

Update to Still No Power

I just looked at the website for when the power will come on. As of last night 85% of the 77375 (Tomball proper) zipcode and 50% of the 77377 (our zipcode) is still powerless! It might be a while........

Still No Power

Thank you for everyone who has contacted us and given your support! We appreciate it.

There is still no power at home. Eric is still hanging in there. He is working, even though his company has closed the offices. He has cleaned out both fridges and freezers (thank you) and has cleaned up our yard and helped some neighbors. The weather has been cool, so he is surviving the nights.

School is cancelled now until Monday. At this point, we are in Dallas until the weekend - or later if we don't get power! Thanks to my parents for their hospitality. We are just living day to day waiting for power. And lets be real, we are not suffering at all in Dallas. I think some in Houston have it harder. Here is to hoping we get power soon!

Ike: Yikes!

Well, after so many "didn't" happen hurricanes, one hit and hit hard. Ike came in on Saturday morning and Houston is still bruised from the beating!

I was out of town in KY (via W VA - a place I never wanted to be and after having been there I still don't ever want to be there). I was supposed to go on to Ohio to a show, but listened to a wise husband and my boss who wanted me home and not stranded (had I not listened, I would have been stuck not being able to get home). I made it home Thursday afternoon. School was cancelled on Friday, and we battened down the hatches getting ready for Ike (what was Eric doing to prepare for the hurricane? skimming the pool - I kid you not!)

We lost power at 2:30 am on Saturday morning. Still don't have it now. There was rain, and crazy wind. We finally started venturing out Saturday around 11:00 am. If you just looked around our little neighborhood you would think, not so bad. Lots of tree limbs down. No real property damage. One or two big trees down.

Then we ventured out of Villaggio into our old neighborhood (1/2 mile away). This is what we saw:

This is our old house. You can't really tell from this picture, but there is a tree on the roof - really through the roof. It put two holes in the master bedroom, which put a lot of water in the master, and the water seeped down the the bottom floor which has a couple of inches of water. I think the weight of the water might crash through the master. Our neighbor told us we are lucky we are out of there. Luckily, no one was hurt!

Here are some pics from Lakewood Forest:

The pavilion at our church:

Mind you, this is all 60 plus miles inland, on the "clean" side of the storm.

Now, let me just say, pioneer woman I am not. But, we did manage to make bacon and eggs on the bbq grill. It was still raining, so I was ever so grateful for our port-e-cache. We pretended it was a big camping trip - one that never ends with heat and mosquitoes.

The kids and I had enough and have evacuated to Dallas. We are now basking in the hospitality of Chez Linford. There is no school until at least Thursday. Still no power for us. Still not much gas to be found in Houston. This one will take a while to dig out from.

Through it all we have felt very blessed. We are all safe and healthy. No major damage to our house. Our biggest loss is the fridge and freezer contents. Big deal. Thanks for everyone who was worried about us. We appreciate your thoughts and calls.

Last Weekend

I know, I know. It is Wednesday. Why are we talking about last weekend? Because I have not done it, and above all else, this is my journal. So, if this bores you, click away.

Last weekend was Senior Parent's Night for football. Eric was gone to WA for the BYU game, so all the rest of us went to the game. Kelsey and Sophie did not want to go, but in the end LOVED being there. It the place to be on a Friday night if you are in Intermediate or Junior HS.

It was a great game - Tomball played well and only lost at the last minute. Ryan and I had our picture taken on the field, and then Kelsey took this one. The coaches had the boys write letters to their parents, and Ryan's made me teary.

I am really enjoying him right now. A friend reminded me that this is a blessing and I need to view it as that and be grateful. Not all senior-in-high-school-boys and their moms get along so well. Thanks for the reminder.

Ryan and Kevin. The Wilkinson's lived across the street from us in Lakewood Grove. They moved in the same time we did when the boys were starting 4th grade. They have been friends ever since. I really think Kevin gave Ryan the encouragement to stick with football. Thanks Kevin!

Saturday was soccer, Sophie's team won, and going to James Avery so Kelsey could show me what she wants for her birthday. We also managed to watch the BYU game, and I ran with my group in the am. Fun was had by all (especially Eric since he was there for a BYU win!)

I Miss My Mornings

I have not always been a morning person, but kids and age have created one. During the summer I could get up and have hours alone in my quiet house. I LOVED it.

Now, not so much. I am still up early, but with 5 kids leaving at 4 different times, I always have a friend with me (I don't mind so much because it does give me some one-on-one time with the older kids).

I leave early on Saturdays for running group and come home to a house of awake kids.

But Sunday, sweet Sunday, is my early morning alone in my house time. I woke this am at 5 (see what I mean) and lounged in bed until 6. I then proceeded to "dink" around until 8:15 and made us late for church (dinking + clothing crisis = late for church). I did not want to wake the huddled masses and have them invade my quiet time. Selfish I know, but it was SO nice.

I will now have to keep moving forward until next Sunday when I will again be presented with some early morning alone time. I don't know what it is I love so much - maybe the peace. It is so still in those early morning hours before the chaos takes over. Who would have thought I would crave the ability to get up at 6:00 am and be alone. See, having 5 kids really does make you crazy!

Congrats Michelle and Brady!

My baby sister is getting married! Brady, also known as FHE boy to some of us, proposed on Lover's Leap at Philmont Scout Ranch in NM. Luckily no leaps were taken literally, just figuratively.

They are getting married December 27, 2008 in the Dallas Texas temple where ALL the Linford gals have gotten hitched. I guess that makes it a tradition.

So, congrats! The girls are excited about another wedding - Kelsey wants to know what her dress will look like?

And What A Weekend It Was

We spent the whole weekend running around to our kids activities! I am pooped. Ryan had his first football game on Friday night. Lets just not talk about it.

We then drove to Autin for the Austin Labor Day Cup soccer tournament. Four games over two days in the HEAT! We brought all the girls - Ryan had to stay behind because he had practice.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites and they had two swans in the center Atruium. You will notice we also had Mr. T Allie's class teddy bear with us for the weekend!

Sophie's team did well, made it to the semi-finals, and then lost at the last second. Sophie did great, but she has her battle scars.

Black eye!

Bruised arms.

Bruised legs.

I always thought soccer was a nice non-contact sport! Maybe not!

This is the funny pic from the weekend. Eric washed his clothes in the sink and then dried them on top of the car while we ate lunch. Environmentalist or cheap - you decide!

The First Day of School

Can you hear the silence? The only sound is the dryer and the dishwasher. And I started those. I have picked up the kitchen, and it will stay clean all day!!!!! Yeah!!!

Ryan was a trooper and let me take his picture - in front of his new car. Yes, we are now purchasing cast offs from the Linford fleet. This was Steven's car, and it is a GREAT deal for us. He is thrilled to have a car, and I am thrilled to not share my car with him.

Kelsey is going for the grungy rocker girl this year. I really liked it better when she would get all dressed up and accessorized, but if I suggest it she won't do it to spite me. She was up, had herself all ready and no problems this am! Lets hope that continues this year.

Notice her new shoes - they seem a little ugly to me, but I am just old.

And then there was Sophie.

You will notice Sophie is not in jeans and a soccer t-shirt!!!! My big accomplishment. I am hoping she will continue this mode of dress, but I am sure we will return to soccer shirts and jeans real soon.

My babies are in second grade! It is so weird to think they are the babies. I appreciate they went with a coordinated look this year - really that is what each one wanted so it worked for me!

Allie went for the plaid shorts. She was so excited for school this year - she will be exhausted tonight, but oh well. This is why I like only a 1/2 week of school the first week! But, who asked me.

My studious little Caroline. At least, the glasses make her look studious.

Now I just need to prepare for the 20 million forms which will come home tonight... Have we ever heard of one recrord per family at the district? Clearly not.