Bless me, Muddy Life Blog post, for I have sinned. It has been five months since I penned anything about my Muddy Life, so these are my, uh, FB status messages. Catholic confessional prayer if you don't get it. Also don't care if anyone reads this, other than my kids, when I'm six feet under. One thing is for sure. I write a helluva lot of FB posts!
At least I amuse myself. Here goes:
After spending all night awake on a ship with 50 Girl Scouts, I'm wondering if some day I'm going to evolve into one of those old people who doesn't like kids.
May 7, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you to Heaven and back.
May 8, 2011
Praying for Amy Morby, a sweet young lady who has Down Syndrome. Her mom, Pam, has been my mentor on the special needs mom road for more than 17 years. Amy has pneumonia and is in critical but stable condition; on a ventilator. Please send a prayer and good thoughts their way if you can...Thanks. (A photo of Amy and Pam is below.)
May 9, 2011 at 6:35 pm
Why do I keep getting Twitter messages from the Dalai Lama?
May 11, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Hard on a mom's heart: K told me about the cliquey "mean girls" in her class and I told her there will always be "mean girls," to have confidence and remember she's awesome. This, or I'll find those kids and cut off their pony tails.
May 13, 2011
Our Houston Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance Walkathon raised $70,000!!! Big, fat, slobbery smooches to all our friends and family who supported Mackenzie and others like her by donating to our cause. Love and hugs also to Betsy Trevino and Channel 11's Ron Trevino for making it out yesterday morning. We love you guys!
May 15, 2011
All I can say is Arnold Schwarzenegger is lucky he's not married to ME.
May 17, 2011
Sitting on a non-air conditioned school bus with 40 wild 5th graders, and I have to pee.
May 19, 2011
Watching Mama Mia with the girls and getting choked up over the song "Slipping Through My Fingers." Sentimental dork...but it WOULD be great to know how to make time stand still, wouldn't it?
May 21, 2011
30 minutes left until the end of the world! Drowning my sorrows in cupcakes and beer. You got a problem with that?
May 22, 2011
Why do some people in $100,000 sports cars insist on going 45 mph on the freeway?!!! One of these days I'll start bumping their rears with my lesser priced vehicle and scream "MOVE IT!" with a megaphone out my window. Just dare me...
May 24, 2011
Watching American Idol...in seventh heaven with Beyonce, Carrie Underwood AND YES, Lady Gaga, performing all in one night. Weeeee!
May 26, 2011
Wept like a kindergartener today while giving gifts to the staff at Barbara Bush Elementary. After next week, the classroom will close on 15 years of our daughters learning, playing and becoming young ladies there. Oh, how it sucks to be sentimental.
May 27, 2011
Thinking, with humble gratitude, of the men and women throughout history who sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom.
May 30, 2011
Second try at US Post Office, attempting to apply for our daughters' passports in preparation of summer trip. Employee just glanced at the girls and me, and walked away. Oy vey, our government at work.
May 31, 2011
Can't wait to join Rachel Parker, Karin Knapp, Tracy Torma, Denise Allen Zwicker, Karen McCullough, Joan Conway Buck and 30 other cool chicks tonight for the Ladies Night Out event of the month: "Rock of Ages," at the Hobby Center For the Performing Arts! The '80s live on!
June 1, 2011
When she didn't return home on time, we looked up and down the street and by the lake for Karenna. Hearts pounding until Juliette declared, "Hey Mom, I found her. She's sleeping on top of a pile of clothes on her bed." For the love of God!
June 3, 2011
Juliette's pool party/sleepover last night (40 teens) and Karenna's pool party/sleepover tonight (25 pre-teens) in celebration of the end of school year. Weeee! (I'll probably be reduced to thumb-sucking by the end of the weekend.)
June 4, 2011
2 large cans of generic shaving cream left over from the shaving cream fight at last night's end-of-school-year party. Any takers?
June 5, 2011
Praying for a dear friend who was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer...and again counting my blessings.
June 9, 2011
June 9: Posted Things Aren't Always What They Seem
"Hey Mama! Remember when I told you that Dr Tabakman at West Houston Orthodontics plans to take my braces off during mid-July, while we're in Paris? You said that you would ask him if it's at all possible for him to take them off before we leave. This is just a friendly reminder to make sure you don't forget! Because I want these things OFF. Thanks!! Juliette" (sent via text)
June 11, 2011
June 12, 2011: Posted article on Arizona Congresswoman and shooting victim Gabby Giffords. "Go Gabby, Go!"
Mother/daughter day and night with Mackenzie. Per her request: "Rio" movie at Katy Mills, Rainforest Cafe for a bite, a little shopping, two rounds of bowling (I'll need the bumper lanes...for ME!), then check in at a nearby hotel for snacks, snuggling and an in-room flick. See you tomorrow!
June 12, 2011
Okay, friends: What are the best documentaries or movies to educate an 11 and 14 year old on the history/sites of Paris and Normandy? It's important to us, especially regarding Normandy, that our girls understand the history before we visit in July. If movies, nothing too off color (sexy) or horrific (i.e., Saving Private Ryan). They're still a bit young... Any ideas?
June 14, 2011
My prayers are with my dear friend, Ann Cuneio Earnest, one of the strongest, most courageous and faith-filled people I know, who undergoes ovarian cancer surgery at 2 p.m. today. Please join me if you can.
June 15, 2011
Muddy mania: One lone [huge, fast, slimy] tree roach got into the house at 11 last night and five teens screamed like the apocalypse was upon us. Special thanks to Amy Lapp Dukes husband John, who was nearby and thus hauled into the house by said teens to kill the roach--he moved furniture to go after the vile thing...but alas, it got away. Wearing ear plugs today.
June 17, 2011
100 degrees outside; 107 with humidity index. With turning another year older tomorrow, I can't figure out from minute to minute if I'm having a hot flash or if it's just hot!
June 18, 2011
(Father's Day and Birthday) Missing my father, who held newborn me in his arms 51 years ago today. Love you to Heaven and back, Dad! June 19, 2011
Can you believe our pooch Rochelle (aka canine Olympic swimmer) sat on my lap like this for over an hour today? (Photo not included here!) Guess she wanted to be sure I was having a happy b-day...unless she was gunning for a sip of that beer. Woof! June 20, 2011
Overwhelmed by the wonderful birthday wishes. Thank you so much, my dear family and friends! :)
June 20, 2011
1,380 e-mails. I guess I'm behind a bit. June 21, 2011
Why so much TV coverage of the Casey Anthony murder trial? Annoying!
June 22, 2011
Excited for date night tonight with my honey. Where should we go?
June 24, 2011 (He surprised me with Jerry Seinfeld tickets and we belly-laughed for 90 minutes straight!)
My honey. After 20 years, still the hottest date in town. :)
June 25, 2011 (Imagine cute blonde guy photo here)
West Briar moms know how to have fun! (Brio at City Centre)
July 2, 2011
FAMILY TRIP TO PARIS, NORMANDY, BRUSSELS...close your eyes and imagine Muddy mania at all these awesome places:
Mudd clan at the Seine. Where's Chris?
July 11, 2011
L'amour at the Tuileries Gardens.
July 11, 2011
At the top of the Arc de Triomphe!
July 11, 2011
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower...
July 11, 2011
Let them eat cake! (Guess where?)
July 13, 2011
The reason the French don't like American tourists.
July 13, 2011
Spectacular: The display of fireworks over Paris in celebration of Bastille Day. Odd: They used the song "New York, New York" for the firework finale. Vive le Big Apple!
July 14, 2011
MaryJane checked in at Normandy American Cemetery.
"These endured all and gave all, that justice among nations might prevail and that mankind might enjoy freedom and inherit peace." --Quote on Cemetery Chapel.
July 14, 2011
Back to Paris after two days in Normandy, visiting all of the D-Day beaches. Incredibly humbling. Even went into underground bunkers used by German soldiers...the enormity of it all is amazing.
July 15, 2011
Chris and Jeff flew home but us Mudd girls are continuing our European vacation in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, compliments of our wonderful neighbors Inge Huyghebaert and Robert Vermeer. Dutch hospitality in a lovely seaside home--we're loving it!
July 17, 2011
My idea of Heaven: Belgian sugar waffles from Liege, on our last day in beautiful Belgium.
July 19, 2011
There's no place like home.....even if the entire kitchen and den have been ripped apart by contractors, we don't have a washer or dryer, and face masks are needed for the dust--it's still home! :)
July 20, 2011
Facing down the 3-mile track at Memorial Park--day one of trying to undo damage caused by French and Belgium bread, cheese and wine. Oy!
July 21, 2011
Today's e-mail spam spectacular starts with: "Hello My Dear. Though this letter may come to you as a surprise, since you don’t know me personally before, but please kindly open your mind to help me and treat me like your own blood relation." Uh, sure. DELETE! July 22, 2011
Mudd gang is heading out to Brenda Anglin Moore 's Tiki Island home for a fun 'n sun weekend with her family and Sheryl Reynaud 's. Weeee!
July 23, 2011
Mine. (Photo of my big, bodacious diamond ring. Got 27 "likes" and about 30 comments. I guess I'm not the only materialistic person around.)
July 25, 2011
Praying for dear friend Ann Cuneio Earnest, who is anxious about starting chemotherapy today to beat ovarian cancer. Asking if praying friends might join me.
July 25, 2011
Thank God for nice nurses with lollipops. (Photo of Mackenzie with bandaids on face, sucking a lollipop. TSC sucks.)
July 26, 2011
Pretty stressful morning. Is it bad that I'm looking forward to the nitrous oxide I'll be getting at the dentist's office this afternoon?
July 26, 2011
Photo just sent via text from K Mudd, who has found a paying gig "dog sitting" the neighbor's pooch. (Translation: Neighbor is being nice and allowing K to watch her dog for a few bucks, per K's earnest, multiple requests.) So now our house is overrun by contractors, kids, friends of kids, a sitter, three of our own canines, two cats, a bird--and now, Shadow the dog. It's for the best that I'm downtown right now.
July 27, 2011
Just finished book club pick "Hotel On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," by Jamie Ford; historical fiction about the internment of American Japanese citizens during WWII. So-so writing, but a great story.
July 28, 2011
Natural Science Museum with Juliette's HS Engineering group today; Katy Perry concert with Karenna and friends tonight. One extreme to the other!
July 29, 2011
California Gurls!!! Katy has us dancing!!! Fantabulous concert!
July 30, 2011
I'm ready to work out now!
July 31 (Photo of cutie-pie pooch Rochelle on mini trampoline)
Signed up for women's boot camp fitness training; first class is tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. That should give me enough time to digest the Mexican food and margaritas I just consumed.
August 1, 2011
Working out at Memorial Park and just saw a group of people run by carrying a wooden plank as part of their exercise routine. Weirdos.
August 3, 2011
Decisions, decisions.
August 5, 2011
Embarking upon week three of co-existing in the dining and living rooms while contractors work on the kitchen and den. Mudds on top of Mudds--it's not pretty.
August 7, 2011
Came face to face with a rabbit after "scaling" over (more like falling over) a wall in pitch blackness during today's 5:30 a.m. boot camp. We both looked at each other like, "Don't you have something better to do right now?" Indeed.
August 8, 2011
Reminded recently that mean girls exist at EVERY stage of life. Time to ramp up the self respect and do some house cleaning.
August 11, 2011
"Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" is playing on TCM. Love Jimmy Stewart! I wonder what idealist Jefferson Smith would say about our political climate today...
August 13, 2011
My baby sounds like an angel, thanks to wonderful voice coach @Annette Pappas, and God. (Video clip of Karenna singing.)
August 15, 2011
I'm reposting this [A Silent Love] in honor of our Mackenzie Joy, who turns 19 today. If someone had told me all those years ago that our child would have special needs, I'd have gone running. Now, I can fully understand what a privilege it is (and, dare I say, never dull or boring), to be her mom. Happy birthday, sweetheart! (This one got 64 "likes." So glad I could touch people with Mackenzie's story!)
August 16, 2011
Have decided to remove myself from the interview process of a major downtown firm where I was the primary candidate. Agonizing decision for a career lover like me, but consulting is the best thing for this season of my life. Onward and upward! (Anyone need a good PR/Marketing consultant?) :)
August 18, 2011
I cleared my calendar tomorrow to be there for the kids on their first day of school; I was especially excited about taking Juliette to her first day of high school. Well, she just declared that she will be driven to school tomorrow a.m. by her best friend's mother because she wants to be with her friends. A sobering reminder that I have now entered the thankless dimension of life otherwise known as "raising a teenager."
August 22, 2011
Thanks to AMA Houston members Nicole Tarner (graphic designer and marketer extraordinaire) and Kerry Fellers (data compiler and project manager extraordinaire), as well as some other wonderful AMA Houston folks, we are nearing the final stretch of a big, huge, beast of a marketing association project. Hang in there, ladies--champagne will be uncorked soon!
August 24, 2011
Rain, glorious rain! (After a summer of drought)
August 25, 2011
I was a little embarrassed last night when I posted birthday greetings on the FB page of Tracye Ford Sellers, a dear friend lost to cancer in 2009. But upon checking her page today, I see I have been joined by scores of others. Such was the character, joyful spirit and courage of one woman; someone I hope I can emulate in my own life. Miss you, friend.
August 25, 2011
I am LOVING our new red leather family room furniture. Red is my color, baby, red is my color!
August 27, 2011
H-Town is 175 years old today! Happy birthday to the city I moved to in 1988 for a "one year" career assignment--before meeting my husband, getting married, and having our girls here. Yeeehaw! (But really...the 109 degree temps and fire ants. What's up with that?)
August 28, 2011
Standing on my high heels at Apple's Genius Bar for what seems like an eternity. Must remind K tonight that she CANNOT cannon ball into the backyard pool with her phone in her pocket!
August 29, 2011
Nancy Grace on Dancing With the Stars. I guess crazier things have happened.
August 30, 2011
New, black business dress: Check. Pearls: Check. Red heels: Check. Red leather purse: Check. Unlock and get into car parked outside due to house renovations: Check. Arrive at business lunch soaked with sweat staining front and back of dress, flat hair and melting makeup, compliments of Houston's 114 degree heat: Oh so classy.
August 31, 2011
Husband asked me numerous times to post a photo of our 13 year old gas cooktop on my FB page to see if anyone wanted it, but I gave it away instead. Gimme a break, I'm NOT eBay! (Although I'm eyeballing a few unused lipsticks that could go to the highest bidder...hmm.)
September 2, 2011
Houston friends: Houston Family Magazine has just published Mackenzie's article, "A Silent Love." Weee! Please, if you see any copies around town, pick one up for me. I don't have any yet. Thanks!
September 3, 2011
Per Mackenzie's request, we bought a second parakeet, named Rio, to give her other parakeet, Nicky, a friend. So far, Rio and Nicky are pecking the living daylights out of each other. Meanwhile, Rochelle the dog is barking at the fake ceramic cat we placed near the bird cage while Sasha, the REAL cat, looks on. A maniacal Muddy zoo.
September 7, 2011
Praying for those in Texas affected by the wildfires, as well as the firefighters and other emergency responders who are protecting them.
September 8, 2011
Mackenzie clipped her own fingernails today-- the first time in her 19 years of life. Bravo, Mackenzie!
September 10, 2011
Clip: "First responders are not invited to the 9/11 National Memorial for the upcoming 10th anniversary ceremony, in what many people are calling a slap in the face to those who risked their lives to save others from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon."
September 10, 2011
Juliette is showing her Westside High PRIDE! (Cutest photo...)
September 10, 2011
Still heartbroken, 10 years later.
September 11, 2011
Who gets to say they're going to lunch today with the person who changed their life? I do! Can't wait to see Dr. Hope Northrup, tuberous sclerosis complex expert and internationally renowned geneticist, joined by Jackie Callies of the Memorial Hermann Foundation. Puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. :)
September 13, 2011
Running from classroom to classroom at high school "day in the life" open house. Weee!
(Westside High School)
September 15, 2011
Big, fat, weepy hugs to two of the most incredible people I know: Sheryl Reynaud and Brenda Anglin Moore, who led Troop 12025 with limitless dedication for over a decade. Although the group must come to an end due to busy schedules, rest assured you have greatly impacted the lives of Juliette Mudd, Michelle Moore, Danielle Reynaud and so many others. We love you!
September 15, 2011
76 degrees in Houston this morning. Heavenly! Now if we could just get some rain...
September 16, 2011
Date night! About to see "Contagion"...oh so romantic.
(Studio Movie Grill CityCentre)
September 18, 2011
"I learned this by watching 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' " - said Juliette, while using a fork earlier today to make pretty marks around her apple pie. Hmmph! I bet that Disney chick wouldn't throw pool parties for 50 teens, dance on tables at Halloween parties or wear blue wigs to Katy Perry concerts. Take THAT, you pale-faced, over-rouged doofus of a cartoon character...and your seven weird little male friends, too.
September 19, 2011
My beloved SUV with 90,000 miles has to undergo an expensive nip and tuck today. First the Volvo....then me! (Or will a little extra wax do...for us both?!)
September 21, 2011
I married the love of my life, Chris Mudd, 21 years ago today. Happy Anniversary, hon!
September 22, 2011 (54 "likes." Deserved!)
Just snuggled into bed at Camp Cho-Yeh hotel room, bone tired after all day Leadership Houston business retreat, and the smoke alarm has just started beeping because it needs a battery change. Pillow over my head! (No phones in these rooms, or front desk people. Argh!)
September 24, 2011
Facebook apparently believes the only person I want to receive news updates from is Lady GaGa. Yes, I did "like" her FB page, but there's only so much GaGa a person can take. Fortunately, FB has selected Chris, too. So there you have it: My husband and Lady GaGa. All the news that's fit to print!
September 25, 2011
While dragging myself along the 3-mile track in nearly 90 degree heat, an elderly Indian lady jogged right by me, wearing a pretti sari (sp?) and carrying a sun umbrella. Call me inspired!
(Memorial Park)
September 26,
Just watched the finale of The Big C while packing for the airport. What an inspiring, funny, incredibly moving show. Love that Laura Linney!
September 27, 2011
Overlooking Lake Monono after a great day at client site. (Sardine, in Madison, WI)
September 29, 2011
Walked in the door from a business trip a few minutes ago, excited to see the kids since they have the day off. No one looked up, and Juliette isn't even here. On the other hand, the dogs jumped all over me, the cats came out from their hiding places and rubbed against my legs, and even the parakeets started chirping. This may be why I've turned into the crazy pet lady--unconditional love!
September 29, 2011
Honey just left for Europe--again. :(
September 30, 2011
I cannot stop thinking about the passing of Esther Hobbs. Please pray for her family, especially her mentally challenged adult sister, Darla, to whom she devoted her life.
(Link to article:Esther Hobbs, a well-known Houston public relations executive and founder of a school for handicapped children, was found dead on Thursday.)
October 1, 2011
On a more upbeat note than my previous post, KUDOS, HUGS AND BIGGER HUGS to the thousands of people who walked Houston's Komen Houston Race for the Cure® this morning. May we find a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime!
October 1, 2011
Juliette and little sis Karenna at the "Dance with Pride" game (photo exhibiting supreme cuteness)
October 2, 2011
Saturday night baking: Halloween cupcakes -- boo!
October 2, 2011
No work, too much work. No work, too much work. The life of a consultant!
October 4, 2011
The tuberous sclerosis community lost a true hero today. You will always hold a place in our hearts, Dr. Mausner.
(Link to post: Dr. Mark Mausner, a reknowned plastic surgeon who worked with hundreds of people with TSC from around the world, passed away the morning of Tuesday, October 4, 2011. As one former TS Alliance board chair wrote, "Dr. Mausner was an amazing man who opened his heart to so many people.")
October 4, 2011
Heading off to book club dinner. For discussion tonight: "Sunflowers," about Vincent van Gogh. Spoiler alert: He cuts off his ear! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
October 6, 2011
Although this is not a surprise, it is surely a loss. One of the greatest inventors in history.
(Link to post: Steve Jobs Died 'Peacefully,' Family Says The family of former Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said that he died "peacefully" on Wednesday, surrounded by his family. A memorial Web site will be posted.)
October 6, 2011
iSad.
October 6, 2011
A worried, stressed out man with sweat trickling down his forehead just ran up to our security line and begged to go to the front since his flight leaves in 20 minutes. I said "Sure," and then the guy in front of me bit my head off and yelled to the sweaty man "We're ALL LATE!!" Speak for yourself, oh tightly wound one. It's amazing we don't have daily uprisings at airports.
October 7, 2011
"Do we have to? Why don't you just look at it on your iPad and be done with it?" --Husband's response when I said I wanted to head out to see the St. Louis Arch. (He wants to stay at the hotel and watch the Texas game.)
October 8, 2011
Had to deplane itty-bitty aircraft in torrential rain. Positioned now-soaked torso over carry-on bag holding MacBook Pro, iPhone and iPad, not caring if I had to fall down itty-bitty stairs in the process. Husband rolled his eyes, but alas, he's a PC/Blackberry user.
October 9, 2011
Curses! It's NOT "Me and Susie," it's "Susie and me," or "Susie and I," depending upon the situation. And it's not "I'm going to not do that," it's "I'm not going to do that!" I correct the kids, but everyone seems to be speaking this way these days. Sister Mary Joseph, my elementary school English teacher, is probably rolling in her grave.
October 10, 2011
Going to three Halloween parties this year, and I haven't given a second of thought to my costume. Any ideas?
October 11, 2011 (Decision: Social Butterfly!)
Just got back from the airport, and the house is crawling with teens (early dismissal today) playing loud music of unknown origin while I'm writing a PR proposal. Muddy mania once again!
October 12, 2011
Juliette and friends LOVE early dismissal day!
October 12, 2011
I personally blame Angela Scott Sheets and Barbara Beeman Cobb for making me lose sleep last night! If they had not recommended the riveting, thought-provoking, incredibly moving page-turner "Sarah's Key," I could have been nestled in my bed nice and early. But alas, I couldn't stop reading until the book was finished--1 a.m.-- and then laid there, staring at the ceiling, until who knows when. I'll get you for this, ladies!
October 13, 2011
Mackenzie was begging to carve pumpkins, so Chris Mudd, otherwise known as cool dad, just put her in his car and off they went to Kroger to buy a few. They'll be carving well into the night. Yes, I'm married to good guy.
October 14, 2011
Chaperone at 6th Grade Dance. I got to hold the limbo stick!
(Westbriar middle school)
October 15, 2011
"Why don't you stand there and pretend to be a big mango?" says husband, as I wander through the kitchen attempting to catch fruit flies with a baggie. (Must do this for exterminator to determine origin of annoying, buzzing insects, and then trace the source. Mackenzie has taken to dining in the back yard, to get away from indoor flies. Oh, the irony!)
October 15, 2011
Getting pedicures with Mackenzie. Me, dark red. Mackenzie, Sponge Bob yellow.
(Tulipo Nails and Spa)
October 15, 2011
How cool is it that Sandie Mullins-Meyers and Charlie Moger met and fell in love after tremendous personal hardship? How much cooler is it that they're getting married today and combining their big crew to form the Moger Bunch?! Blessings, friends. We're thrilled for you!
October 16, 2011
And there you have it. The end.
For now...
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