Sunday, December 11, 2011

nina pea's birthday!

Today is Nina's (my mother's) birthday and she's 49 again! It freaks me out that I have two teenaged daughter peas, but my own mother has two teenaged *grand*daughter peas!

Last night, McKinney held their downtown Parade of Lights, which was so cool and homey. Abby Pea was in the Nutcracker float promoting the dance studio and recital next weekend. The reason I tell you all of this is because Abby Pea and I had a spat beforehand. A big spat.

Every time there is a big performance or big anything that has to do with dance, Abby Pea gets a little...testy. Yes, that's a nice way to put it. She likes to argue with me on a regular basis anyway, but when she's being "testy," there is no getting her to see anything in a different way.

For exampea-le, she had her full ballet costume on, shoes, bun, makeup...the works. She looked like she was about to go on stage. Which is exactly how Queen Pea thought she should look! I had made the most beautiful bun on her, quite a feat if you have ever tried to make a flat, perfect bun with long, thick hair. (You can be jealous of her hair; it's beautiful and I want it!)

Abby Pea wanted to take the awesome bun down and wear her goofy owl toboggan. Not the pea-rettiest with her lovely blue, velvet tutu. So, I have some really nifty earmuffs I wear when I run. (Haha, which is never anymore!) You can hardly see them and they fit perfectly without messing up the bun.

This was not in her plans, however! We seriously argued over earmuffs. Yes, earmuffs. How ridiculous! It made me remember how much I argued with my mom. I know I said and did horrible things when I was a teenager. Ugh! I was so mean! And I argued with her, not because she was wrong; just to argue with her! Like I told Abby Pea yesterday, "Even if Jesus agreed with me, you would still disagree!"

And then after the argument, I felt horrible! And I know that she is stubborn and strong-willed! Just like me, just like Nina, and just like Nonny. I told her how awful I was to my own mom. And I remember when my mom told me she argued with her mom and couldn't even stand her when she was a teenager. I thought, "Nonny?! My Nonny?! She's the most awesome woman on the planet!"

I hope Abby Pea thinks, "Nina?! My Nina?! She's the most awesome woman on the planet!" I never realized how much my mother loved me until I had Abby. I just pray that Abby will realize how much I love her when she has her own daughter pea. Many, many years from now! :)

Happy birthday, Nina Pea! I love you and hope you have a fabulous 49th year!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

dirty dogs

I think I want to humanely euthanize my dogs. Not really. If you know me at all, you know I am a sucker for dogs! I love them all, in every shape, size, and hair length! But my dogs got in T-R-O-U-B-L-E yesterday! After Anne Pea got in trouble first, however.

It all started on my way home from work....
(Doodly-doot, doodly-doot, doodly-doot)

How it was supposed to go:
Leave work at precisely 5:00 p.m.
Arrive in McKinney at 5:30.
Pick up Abby Pea at Claire's at 5:35.
Pick up Anne Pea at Hannah's at 5:45.
Get home to let dogs out and let Abby change by 5:50.
Leave house at 6:05 to take Abby to dance.
Arrive back home at 6:25 to Anne Pea supervising the dogs.
Begin dinner and live happily ever after (or at least until Abby must be picked up at 8:30).

How it *REALLY* went:
Leave work at precisely 5:00 p.m.
Arrive in McKinney at 5:30.
Pick up Abby Pea at Claire's at 5:35.
Drive around Hannah's neighborhood for 20 minutes whilst calling Anne Pea 15 times, leaving one voice mail.
Pass Hannah's house six times without knowing it.
Lecture Abby Pea (she's the one in the car with me) about how this is the reason to answer the phone when Mom Pea calls. Always.
Leave Anne Pea to annoy Hannah's family for a while.
Arrive home at 5:55 and have ten minutes to let the dogs out and let Abby change. 
Actually watch both dogs do their duty, or doodie. This is important for later in the story. Meanwhile, receive call from Anne Pea explaining new phone is broken and no calls or texts can go in or out.
Leave house at 6:10 to drive like Danica Pea-atrick to the dance studio. 
Throw oldest pea out of the car (she rolls really well from a car moving at 45 mph) in the parking lot as not to be late to class.
Head back to pick up Anne Pea while realizing I'm running on fumes (driving around a neighborhood for an unplanned 20 minutes has ruined my plan to drive to work on fumes the next morning and get gas at lunch at the last possible minute; so I hate pumping gas, sue me).
Pick up Anne Pea.
Proceed to berate her all the way home for not thinking to call from another phone sooner (there's a 98% chance friend has a phone, too) and/or waiting outside friend pea's house. (Hello?!? I drove by there six times! I would have seen you!)
Arrive back at the house and walk into a garbage dump. Literally.
Dogs decided while I was gone for less than 20 minutes that it would be a terrific time to inspect the bottom of the garbage can. And everything in between them and the bottom of the can on the way down. 
Did I mention one of them pea-ooped in the floor? Icing on the garbage?
Yell, curse, and basically have a full on Tourette syndrome breakdown (flailing and kicking the air were optional but complimentary). 
Pick up garbage with Anne Pea while discussing the probability of humane euthanasia (I think I could pay our vet enough money; Teddy's lived quite a long, full life after all. Georgia, well, it was good while it lasted.)
Get a phone call from King Pea after calming down a bit. Explain entire story behind dogs' impending deaths. Get asked why all phone calls from me are negative and all include "bitching." (It's called venting, duh.)

As of today, I have reconsidered. The dogs have been spared. This time....


Our ragamuffin, Teddy. He needs a haircut! And a bath. (He's kind of stinky.)


Abby Pea and Georgia. Don't be fooled by that sweet, sad looking face. She's a brat! And so is Georgia! ;)

Monday, December 5, 2011

fifteen years and counting

King Pea and I are coming up on our 15th anniversary. I know, it gives me heart palpitations. I did learn from my Sweet Tina that the 15th anniversary's present is Metal Chicken. So, I now have less than nine days to find a big metal chicken! (Read the story of the chicken here. It made me laugh so hard I cried!)


He may not get a giant metal chicken, or anything for that matter. We don't usually celebrate our anniversary until February (tax refund!). We're pinching pennies this time of year! 


Wow. 15 years. I can't believe it! I was just telling Abby how we met and fell in love the other day. It seems like it was not that long ago! Yet, I feel like I've known him forever! And we still have our "young" moments. Why, just today I accidentally sent Anne a naughty text that was meant for him. Whoops! (She claims she didn't "get it!" Not buying it, however. It wasn't that naughty, I swear.)


Tonight, he made supper for the family. Chicken soft tacos (I ate black beans on mine instead of chicken. I'm a semi-vegetarian.). I think I'll keep him around for a while! 


Oh, we have our issues. We probably argue at least every other day. Don't think he's all that, ladies! 


Now, if he'll take Abby to dance tonight, pick me up some saline, and fill my car with gas, then he may just get some, à la text!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

thankfulness

I am so late with updating my blog! So much has happened in the last couple weeks! We've had ups and downs, and been all over the place! Well, at least the state of Texas!

Abby Pea has had a roller coaster ride lately. Her Christmas recital is coming up, which means "The Nutcracker." We all thought she was a shoe in for the Arabian solo! We even sent her home...on a plane...by herself...to get home in time for an audition! The Saturday after Thanksgiving! She had to cut her holiday short, AND...

...She didn't get the solo! It broke her heart and mine! She is however, in a great piece and will be beautiful and wonderful!

Now, Abby Pea just needs to get her Spanish grade in line! :)


Anne Pea has just been a terrible, rotten girl! Just kidding! She's as mellow and easy going as ever! She's making straight A's and she's just about pea-erfect! She gets a little sassy here and there, but I'm not complaining! She was a great passenger on our drive home from Hale Center. It was just the two of us and it was splendid! 


King Pea...he's been working his tail off, if peas had tails! He worked through the Thanksgiving holiday so that he can be off for Christmas! We peas missed him terribly. His Mom and G.G. missed him (even his mother-in-law missed him)! 


So...the reason I am here! To let you know what Queen Pea is thankful for!


my iPhone
fluffy towels
my stinky dogs
television
computers
mustard
grapefruits


Okay, seriously...I am so thankful and blessed beyond measure! My cup runneth over! I am so thankful for our friends and family, and my friends who are family, and my family who are friends! I have the pea-rettiest daughters who are so extremely different and talented in their own ways. I thank God he let me be their Momma Pea! I am thankful for my King Pea who doesn't have enough time with his girlie peas, who works so hard for us, who always puts himself last, who holds and/or purchases purses, flowers, tutus, bows, ipods, rubber bands, lipstick, tote bags, boxes of feminine products, nail polish, straighteners, panties, and bottles of wine! And he sometimes brings us free food! :) 


And I am most thankful to God for blessing me with all of this! I know where my gifts come from, and I could never thank Him enough! 



We spent Thanksgiving Day with Jon's mom and her husband, Gary. It was great to see them and visit our hometown (okay, not MY hometown, per se, but the rest of my Peas'!)

Saturday, November 19, 2011

time for the holidays!

I don't know if I'm excited or terrified! The holidays are basically here! I am working on our Christmas cards and they are turning out really cute! Today is our Christmas photo shoot! I am about to browse for some photo ideas. I have a couple rattling around up there in my head, but I could always use a little help.


I have so many ideas for many different things! Too bad they don't all stay in my head!


Now I just need a few gift ideas...like for everyone I need to buy a gift for! Yikes! The madness begins!



Monday, November 14, 2011

if you like lip balm...

...So, I realize winter is around the corner and if you're like me, you need lip balm with you at all times. This is from Walgreen's, by Walgreen's and is so wonderful! Not as strong as Burt's Bees, but perfectly strong enough and very soothing! It smells yummy, too!


And did I mention it's only $0.62?! Crazy, I know! Look for it in the pharmacy section (I knew there was a silver long to hanging out there with my pneumonic daughter! Is pneumonic a word?) 



Okay, yes, I took this pic with my phone in my car. Not my best work; I know!

Anyhow, I'm a sucker for a bargain and this one's too good not to share!

pea-neumonia!

November has been interesting, to say the least. Abby Pea is still working her tail off in dance. She has auditioned for parts in "The Nutcracker." Her first choice is to be the Sugar Plum Fairy. (Of course. She knows she's a star.) Her second choice is for Arabian (Mom Pea's favorite). We're praying for our pea-llerina!


Our sweet Anne Pea was diagnosed with pneumonia last week. She's taken it like a champ, even helping Momma Pea at the laundromat on Saturday. I am a slave driver! She feels so much better and was even excited to go to school today! She's missed her pea friends like crazy and now has a ton of homework to catch up on. Boo! 


King and Queen Pea have been working their behinds off and have been totally stressed out! Luckily, we have each other to take it out on! :) 


We definitely need a vacation or even just some time off from everything. King Pea has been a managing machine at the restaurant. Losing employees, firing employees...and he is picking up the slack like a trooper. I adore him and his work ethic, but even Kings need breaks!



Wednesday, November 2, 2011

how can it be november already?

November? When did this happen? My sweet Daddy Pea had a birthday yesterday. I don't know how old he is because I quit counting my birthdays at 24 (hee, hee).  


When people ask how old my peas are, I tell them how old they are. Then I have to explain how I was a child bride and was sold for some pigs. I was forced to have children when I was a wee pea. 


So, how did it get to be November already? Where has 2011 gone? It's almost over! I haven't even thought about Christmas gifts yet. What do I buy these peas anyway? I can't even read the 700 emails piling up in my inbox. Can I just get some more time? 


Just today, I'm driving home and my car warning light comes on. It says "Tire Maintenance." Then, not two minutes later, my gas light comes on. And I swear, five minutes from the house, my oil change light comes on. November is apparently the month that my car needs help! 


When I get time, I'll be sure to figure all this out. I will also post some pics from Halloween. The peas were so cute! I'll do it...in time!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

even queens make mistakes

Queen Pea missed the Fall band concert that Anne Pea was in tonight! I feel terrible! I had a doctor's appointment right after work and traffic was ridiculous! Apparently, it's very difficult to drive in drizzle?!? I made it to the 6:00 concert at 6:25 and it was already over! I had a very upset pea on my hands. She was so sad (and mad)! And so was Momma Pea!


Drying tears from a thirteen year old is just as hard on momma as it is when she's two! I'm sorry, Anne Pea, and I will always strive to do better!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

this is what i get....

I am always trying to be funny. My peas inform me often that I am not. I have always wanted to be though! I love to laugh (I'm called Giggle Elf at work) and I frequently try to tell funny stories and jokes at work. They typically aren't terribly funny, but I have no problem laughing at my own material. 


Yes, I giggle, heartily, when I tell my own stories. I think that alone disqualifies me from ever being a real comedienne (I shall continue to live vicariously through Tina Fey and Amy Poehler). Darn.


So, today our Facilities Manager, Vaughn Bee, brought me a shipment I ordered the other day. As he was walking toward me with the box, I said, "Oh, those must be the mouse pads I ordered. You know, those little houses for mice?" 


Except right as he arrived at my desk, about the time I said "little houses," I rammed my bare knew straight into the corner of my desk drawer. Of course, I laughed. Not at my own joke this time, but to keep myself from crying and throwing up out of sheer pain. 


Vaughn Bee laughed. I'm still not sure if it's because of my joke or my clumsiness. That's what I get for trying to be funny!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

umm...excuse me?

Is it bad when one of my King Pea's employees calls me "Momma?"


Lordy, I think I'm considered old now.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

pea hairspray

I don't use much hairspray. Let's just say I like a more natural look. So, my peas don't really shop for, price, or buy hairspray. Anne Pea needs some for the morning, apparently it's curl-your-hair day at school tomorrow. 


She went into the store by herself and came out with a $13 bottle of hairspray. I think she was in the wrong section. When I informed her that there were cheaper, much cheaper, bottles we had a good laugh.


And then she remembered she used her own money. I think that's when she wanted to cry.

Monday, October 17, 2011

pea punishment

Even the best peas with the most honorable of intentions get into more than they can handle sometimes. Abby Pea just finished her first nine week period and the grades weren't pretty. Just to clarify, she is taking all GT classes and 13 dance classes per week after school. Yes, that's a 13 with a 1 and a 3. And, yes, we're mad! I actually think today is the first time we counted them up and we all thought no wonder she's having trouble keeping her grades up! 


Well, no more! We're down to a much more manageable six classes per week. It broke her heart, but King Pea and I decided it was best for the whole family. 


It's so hard to deny peas what they want, especially when they're the most beautiful dancer you've ever seen. Or best artist, or greatest texter. We have a couple of pretty awesome television watchers, too. Peas can't have everything they want. If they did, they'd be too exhausted for the responsible stuff. And, we of all pea-ple know how hard it is to say, "no" and take away privileges. 


We also had to point out that this was not so much punishment, as doing what's best for our pea. You think she bought that load? Yeah, neither did we.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

pea laundry!

It never ends! I think if we did a load of laundry a day, it still wouldn't be enough! At least when they're baby peas, the clothes are tiny! I did get to give away some clothes to a sweet pea who can, hopefully, enjoy them. Those clothes have been through two crazy peas, so I hope they still have some life left in them! One thing I can say, my girls have been blessed with plenty!


I've been in the giving mood lately, and with normal, stingy, teenage, girl peas, it's hard to give up anything. Time. Money. These things are always in short supply in our family. Every day I hear, "I want...I need...Can I have?" I was cornered just today by one of my peas begging for a certain item for Christmas. Already?!?


How do you teach your peas, especially at the ages mine are at, that it is better to give than to receive? I am still working on that one. Maybe with the approaching holiday season, we can get closer to that goal. I'll let you know if I come up with any unique ideas, and you can let me know if you come with some, too! See, we can already start giving!

Monday, October 10, 2011

pea logo!

I got my business card made (not printed yet, but I'll get that accomplished soon). I also wanted a logo to put on my photos. Hope you like it!

there are peas in my pod!

King Pea is out of town hunting, or doing something manly that I could careless about. So, my sweet peas and I thought it would be nice and cuddly if they slept with me in my pod. I ended up a boiled pea and didn't sleep a wink! Just because your peas get older, doesn't mean you'll sleep through the night! I loved getting to cuddle and say prayers with my peas though. I guess a small lack of sleep was worth it.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

i'm official

I finally got my business card to look the way I want it. I think it turned out cute. Now, if I could just get my blog to look as cute, I would be 
hap-pea! It's a work in progress.


anne, my runner pea

Anne Pea has taken to cross country like a pea to a pod! She's run in a total of five meets so far, and has improved each time. Next week is her district, and last, meet. Her King and Queen Peas are so proud of her!

We're going to miss her meets, but we're really looking forward to sleeping in our pea pods a little later than 6 a.m. on Saturday mornings!


Anne Pea-first XC meet

This was at her very first XC meet! Cute and fast!

abby pea's first date!

Abby Pea-Homecoming 2011

Abby Pea and Jonathon Pea-Homecoming 2011

Yes, my pea went on her first official date to homecoming. I don't know whether I should be proud, terrified, or hysterical. So, I am a little of all of the above. On one hand, I am so blessed to see the pea she's become. On another hand, I am terrified of the whole dating thing that she's embarking on (I remember those days, which is exactly why I am terrified). On the other hand, I am clearly not old enough to have dating peas! These growing peas give me panic attacks and make me hypea-ventilate. I know that's too many hands, but I always needed at least one more any way!

She had a great time, and I must admit, Jonathon seems like a real sweetie pea. I didn't have a complete meltdown and we all survived. So I think it's a success!

these peas didn't come with instructions!

I have been out of college now for about a year and a half. I am one of the fortunate to be blessed with a good job with people I actually like. My job is pretty good. I don't moan every time I walk in the door, they have free coffee (albeit terrible coffee), and I'm generally content with being there. But lately I have been missing "something."

It may be more than one thing: A creative outlet, learning (I discovered in college I quite like learning things like history, who knew?), and especially having more time with family. Seeing as I have two teenage peas, my panic of their eventual adulthood has begun to set in.

Lacking time with them has been the most difficult transition from my college days to full time working momma pea by far. Something happens when your daughter pea hits about middle school. She becomes busy. Very busy. Things to do. Pea-ple to see. And guess who's driving these teenage peas everywhere? I have to say, ever since Abby Pea has decided four nights of dance classes per week would be awesome, I have been a glorified pea taxi driver.

I miss having itty bitty peas and thinking I was so busy with pea preschool and two dance classes a week, a baby pea on my hip, and supper to cook. I can remember wanting them to be 10 or 14 and thinking it would be so much easier if they were older. I would have time for "pea me" when they're teenagers. How silly. I now get "me" time a couple of days a week in the smelly gym (if I'm not too lazy to wake up at 5 a.m.). I am usually stinky and sweaty and would rather be in my pea pod fast asleep with King Pea. Enough of the pea-ty party.

Life with peas is crazy, busy, terrible and wonderful; no matter how old they are. When the peas become teenagers though, you begin to fret over every decision you've made, every thing you might have done wrong or right. Did you teach her well enough about God, school, relationships, pea boys, drugs, sex, manners, etc. The list is practically endless. If you're a momma pea, you will feel guilty about the things you could have done better. That's when all you can do is pray for God to fill in the gaps in the places you know you totally failed at.

Having two teenaged, girlie peas is challenging and fantastic. They are so much fun, yet terrifying. I know I won't do the best thing in each situation. But, I can try.

my peas


Abby Pea and Anne Pea. They make my life peas-ful and drama free. Ha!