We had a great time today and our butt's are dragging.  John had big fun and is ready to go back.  He said he has a whole new respect for the driver's of NASCAR.  Here are a few pictures of the day. 

 Team Texas is a Nextel Cup Driving School that operates year-round at the Texas Motor Speedway. Team Texas is the only stock car driving school in the country that uses 2005 NEXTEL Cup cars and the current NASCAR Chevrolet SB2 racing engines.

Team Texas offers programs including a four-lap ride-along as well as 10, 20, 30, 60, or 80 lap programs. Students reach speeds of more than 150 miles per hour with the opportunity to pass fellow students. This experience provides the ultimate NASCAR fan the chance to be in the driver’s seat at the Great American Speedway!

Team Texas will customize programs for corporate outings and has several exciting team building exercises like Pit Stop Challenges and the exclusive “Peek-a-Boo” Racing.

Team Texas gift certificates are the most exciting gifts ever. Imagine how you would feel receiving a gift that puts you riding in — or driving — a real NEXTEL Cup racecar at the Texas Motor Speedway!

Team Texas High Performance Driving School
(940) 648-1043
www.teamtexas.com

Don't forget, my sweety get's the ride of his life tomorrow.  If you want to go we will be there no later than 11:30.  Below is the email with the information.  Hope to see you all there.

This is to confirm that you are scheduled on  February 24, 2008 at 12:00 PM .  You will want to go directly to the Texas Motor Speedway located at the intersection of I-35W and Hwy. 114.  If you are going down Highway 114, please take the second entrance after Highway 35 into the Texas Motor Speedway, and this will lead you directly down into the South Tunnel.  The Security Guard will sign you in and direct you to the pit row garages from there.  Please come to the white souvenir trailer on pit road to check in.  We have directions to the speedway on our website at www.teamtexas.com.  The class will be held in the garage area at your assigned time.

These classes are weather permitting.  If the weather is questionable the day of your school, call our office, as the voicemail message will indicate if any programs have been cancelled. The message will be updated as needed.  If there is not a cancellation message, you must attend your class.  Visitors are more than welcome to come and watch.  They will enter through the same tunnel and will be able to watch from pit road with everyone.  Alcohol and smoking are prohibited.  Coolers, chairs, and cameras are welcome.

Ok, this will probably be one of the longest posts, because I have several things I want to talk about and have not had the time to get on here and do it.  First was Valentines Day.  Have I told y'all how much I love my sweety?  Well, I do.  (Even though my name is on the picture below, obviously I did not take it.  I put it on there because of previous pictures ending up on others blog's like they were theirs.   DeEdra took this picture and it is one of my favorites)

I have never been big on Valentines Day.  When I was younger it was a big deal, then as time went on it just became annoying really.  That was until John.  I always tell him you should give a card or something special just because it is Thursday and not because "Hallmark" say's you should.  Well, John often surprises me with "just Thursday" gifts.  Once he sent me looking through our front yard to find a little black box from "Zales".  So now I like Valentines again.  I am sure it is only because of John.  John is very hard to buy for.  He has a wide variety of interests, and most are crazy expensive.  He is also addicted to Ebay.  Seriously, he is.  John is retired from the Navy and is very proud of the Navy traditions and his military career.  John has great admiration for the Navy divers and he went to Navy Dive School as well.  While training he had a pneumothorax embolism that ended his diving career which was a huge disappointment for him.  So...  back to Ebay.  John has been looking for a Mark V diving helmet.  (to learn about the helmet check out this site http://www.divingheritage.com/markvkern.htm) To get an authentic one is crazy expensive, but he did find a replica on Ebay, so when he bought it I told him "Happy Valentines Day"  The pictures are off of Ebay and not mine, so they are pretty small, but this is what it looks like.

John will polish it up and make a base for it.  When it is here and done, I will post it.  I did at least get him a gift card to Academy, so he can get what he wants for this years lake days.  I, on the other hand, am easy to buy for.  If it sparkles, I want it   I will say he did very good this year. 

I know this is late, but I hope that everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day.

Dog Pillows

We spoil our dogs something terrible.  If you are like us, you end up spending a lot of money here and there just to make them comfortable.  It was long past time to get them new pillows.  The size and kind we like usually cost between 80-90 dollars and with three dogs that really adds up.  So we heard about a guy who sells dog pillows at Second Monday or Bowie Days in Bowie.  All I can say is wow, these are fantastic, washable and prettier than the ones at the pet stores all for 25 bucks.  I love a good deal and Bones loves us!

Ashleigh is at twenty weeks

I am very excited about this week.  Thursday I will be headed to Ashleigh's Doctor's office to be there during her ultrasound.  Hopefully if the baby cooperates, we will know the sex.  Keep your fingers crossed.

You are 20 Weeks Pregnant!

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOU

Congratulations -- you are halfway through your pregnancy! You're probably feeling wonderful now that you've regained your energy. Finally people are beginning to notice that you are indeed pregnant, as your uterus pushes your abdomen out at the belly button. The uterus now reaches the level of the umbilicus (plus or minus a fingersbreadth). Your care provider has probably been measuring the level of your fundus, or top of the uterus, with a tape measure. It should now be approximately 18 to 22 cm. if you are having one baby and your dates are accurate. Your abdomen may start to itch a bit as stretching occurs. Let your care provider know about this even if though it's probably perfectly normal. (Better to be safe ...)

It is now possible to hear your baby's heartbeat with a special stethoscope, called a Delee stethoscope. Some providers begin to use this type of listening device instead of a doppler. It may now be possible for your partner to hear your baby's heartbeat by placing his or her ear against your bare lower abdomen. If you can't hear it right away, try the other side. Listen every day and you will be rewarded with a tiny, fast, rhythmic beat.

You may be having some trouble taking deep breaths on occasion, particularly if you are short in stature, or overweight. Call your care provider if you exhibit signs of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing when you exhale, or difficulty breathing at any time, especially during, or following, a cold or respiratory tract infection. One in every 100 women suffers from asthma during pregnancy. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that women with a history of asthma, who are pregnant with girls, were more likely to experience an increase in symptoms, possibly due to hormonal differences. Asthma can be easily treated, and medications safe for use during pregnancy are a available. If you have asthma, it is very important to get a prompt diagnosis so you can avoid distress and complications.

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR BABY

This week, your baby weighs ten ounces and is 16 centimeters crown-to-rump. A white, waxy-looking substance called vernix now protects your baby's skin. If you are carrying a girl, she has six million eggs in her ovaries -- six times the number she will have at birth! Her uterus is now formed and she's beginning to develop a vagina.

EATING FOR TWO

You probably have heard that fish is very healthful and even contains nutrients that are known to reduce the risk of heart disease. So, why all the concern for fish consumption during pregnancy? Certain fish, such as swordfish, bluefish, striped bass or bluefin tuna, may contain high levels of mercury. Freshwater fish are also susceptible to pollutants in the water. It is best to check with your local department of natural resources to see if any warnings exist for fish in your area. Fish taken from the Great Lakes should probably be avoided during pregnancy.

FACT OF THE WEEK

Every month, you should have a blood pressure check. A blood pressure baseline reading gives your care provider a yardstick for a safe level for you, both during pregnancy as well as when you're in labor. Your practitioner will also be checking to make sure you don't experience a sudden elevation in blood pressure, which might mean you have developed a condition requiring close monitoring to avoid pregnancy complications. In general, blood pressure exceeding 140/90 is considered high.

Blog Stalkers

We all know that I blog stalk.  One of my favorites is Gary Fong.  I learn a lot from his blog.  Today he blogged a couple that is worth sharing. 

 http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2008/02/fast-track.html

Also check out the link 65roses4pattysue to make a dontation.  

Back in January I said Ashleigh was 19 weeks pregnant, well I was wrong!!!  This is officially her 19th week and she is doing great.  Oma and Opa bought the baby a crib and dressing table, sheets, bumper pads and mattress.  We opened it up today and giggled when we saw all the hardware that goes with it.  We decided it is a rite of passage that all parents must do, and that is assemble the furniture.    This is the crib and dressing table...

So as you can see, it is one for the baby to grow in to.  They have not seen it yet, but I know they will be thrilled when they get it to their house.  Next big milestone is the ultrasound on the 21st.  Maybe then we will know if we will be calling her Keleigh or him (still undecided).  Thanks Chrissy for help with the girls name.  Keleigh is Keith and Ashleigh together and we all love it.  Thanks Oma and Opa for the crib, I know they will love it. 

Ashleigh and Keith came to town this weekend and we got to spend some time together.  You really can't tell she is pregnant until she lifted her shirt.  

We also got to hear the heartbeat.  A friend of hers who just had a baby loaned her a heart monitor that allows her to listen to the heart beat anytime she wants.  They say girls generally have a heart beat faster than 140 beats a minute...  Could we be having a girl? 

Also, I was wrong on how many weeks along she is.  So officially, Friday she will be 18 weeks along. 

This picture of Sean is rockin'.  Love this....

So following in DeEdra’s footsteps, and Micki’s, Lauren Clark’s, and Jessica Claires…  here is everything you ever wanted to know about me….

I was the second baby born at the new Darnell Hospital in Ft. Hood, Texas.  My parents received nothing for their effort…  (other than me of course)  I am the youngest and only girl my parents had….  It was a good place to be   I was a tom boy….  I still feel like a tom boy until I do defensive tactics or try to box, then I feel very girly.  I sang in the choir, played sports and was not very good.  School was not easy.  I was a teenage parent. I was a teenage wife.  I grew up with my children.  I cry when I am happy.  I cannot sing happy birthday to my kids because it makes me cry.  No one cries or throws up alone in my presence.  I have married my best friend twice.  My first husband was my best friend and I was too young to appreciate it.  My second husband made me realize how important friendship is.  My sweety is my best friend and I am old enough to appreciate the friendship and him.  I love food.  Not just to sustain life, but to enjoy the experience of a great meal.  Gum should come in roast beef flavor.  My first job was at Polar Bear Ice Cream.  I was a Phlebotomist, if you don’t know what that is, then I will make that your word of the day, go look it up.  I have never broken a bone.  “To Kill a Mockingbird” is my favorite book.  “Gone With the Wind” favorite movie.  My Dad still makes me feel like a Princess.  I have gray hair (yikes). When I was a freshman in high school I took a photography class because I wanted to be a photographer.  Only took 20 years to get to do that.  I am a hostage negotiator.  I love to bowl.  I am supposed to be rich…  spending money comes too easy for me not to be.  Still working on it.  My daughter looks just like me, I look just like my mother, my mother looks just like her mother, I know what I will look at 60.  I set the DVR to record “Day’s of Our Lives” everyday.  I have never watched the “Biggest Loser” or “Extreme Home Makeover” without crying.  I have never seen a James Bond movie or an episode of Star Trek.  I have a girl crush on Jennifer Aniston.  My husband has the same crush.  I love the Pittsburgh Steelers.  According to my husband, I make men cry.  My mother is my hero.  I sing one Christmas song all year long, kinda like when you hear It’s a small world after all and you cannot get it out of your head.  I never really lose the Sleigh Ride song and sing it out loud at least once a day.  I love to laugh.  I think I am funny.  Sometimes I am not.  I am a loyal friend.  I have a short temper.   My best girlfriend and I have matching tattoos.  It was not a plan, but it happened.   I want to learn how to play the piano.  I worry about my kids every single day.  I am afraid of heights and mice.  I cannot do one push up.  I was going to work for the prison system for 2 years.  I have been there 20.  I lived in Germany, New York, Texas and Georgia.  I was married in Goose Creek, South Carolina.  My greatest joy….my kids, my greatest heartache……my kids.  Did I say that I still worry about them everyday, well I do.  I am excited to be a Grandmother.  Jerry Seinfeld is a freaking genius.  Bee’s are fascinating.  Democrats scare me.  I like chick flicks.  I have 3 bonus kids and 2 bonus grandkids.  They are all amazing and I love them like my own.  I pray while driving to work.  I believe that God listens to all my prayers.  I believe in miracles.  I believe that the men and women who serve in our military are the greatest Americans and real life heroes.  I believe God should be allowed in school.  I believe the snooze button is one of the greatest inventions of our time.  Athletes are over paid.  Military, all law enforcement, fireman and teachers are grossly underpaid.  I am supposed to be rich.  I have the uncanny ability to spend 80 dollars every time I go to Wal-Mart.  I think a skunk and puppy breath smells exactly the same.  Unlike Micki, I have pretty feet.  I also blog stalk, I look at DeEdra’s, Micki’s, Dixi’s, Carla’s, Jessica Claire, Mellisa Carl-Fong, Gary Fong, Fancy Pants Photography, Pepper Nix (she rocks by the way), Brooks Whittington, Scott Robert, and Lauren Clarks.  I check my blog everyday to see if I got any comments.  I am excited when I get comments.  I hate to clean, I love a clean house.  I believe in ghost, I think there is one in my house. I miss my sweety, even when he is in the next room.  I am excited about the future.  Smartest thing done recently was the purchase of insurance for our central heat and air conditioning unit.  We are getting a new unit next week. It is cold in my living room.  I have bad luck.  I have a lot of good luck mixed in with the bad.  Elvis, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Waylon Jennings, Marvin Gay and Patsy Cline all died too young. I worry about my kids every single day.  I am supposed to be rich. 

My friend and boss (mostly friend) always amazes me.  She had the courage to follow her passion and is one of the few people I know who truly loves her job.  She really has grown with her business and the studio was just the next step.  Check out her blog about the night at www.xanga.com/fotobydeedra , also if you have not been to her website, you should check that out too at www.photographybydeedra.com .  Way to go girl, so proud to call you my friend.