Sunday, September 2, 2012

Will post more


I promise!   Here are the pictures I had to choose from.  We made our choice and I'm hoping you guess right.  What do you think?

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Sam got his own fish tank - for FREE

Stephanie works with a lady whose son just turned 18 and he told his mom that now that he was 18 that he didn't want to live by her rules and so he was going to move out.  She told him if he was going to move out that he couldn't take his car or his things that he didn't buy himself.  That included a FISH TANK!  Since Alex already has one (a big one), Stephanie and Alex got the little one (10 gallon) for Sam to have.  It already had all the stuff in it so all Sam has to buy is FISH.  Today Alex and Sam worked on the tank to clean it up for a few hours.  It looks great!  Alex had the stuff for Sam to use to make sure the water is the right mixture so the water is in the tank tonight.  Tomorrow we will go to the fish store and Sam will buy 3 fish.  He will use his own money and this will be his responsibility.  Since it is not a salt water tank, it will be easier.  Sam is just so excited.  The boys are suppose to be with their dad this weekend but they wan to stay here and play with their fish tanks. (Kinda weird if you ask me but "whatever").  I'm always happy to have them here so it will be great fun. 
The summer is going by fast so I am looking forward to every single day.  Sam put his tank by his bed and said he has a new nightlight.  This will keep him in his room for sure.  So that is what we are up to here in the world of Fletcher365.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Chase in Colorado

Here is what was posted today on the page for the church middle school retreat in Colorado.  Chase is easy to see.  He is the one sitting on the ground with the black shoes reading his bible.  So he looks like he is having fun.

Happy Birthday to Grandpa!!!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sharing is caring.

I'm thinking we have had a busy week. The boys are so busy with end of the year projects and we finally finished soccer and LAX season with the final tournament this past Saturday. I got to see Camille for a while and I also went out with Amber Saturday night. The boys were with their dad most of the weekend. Well, Alex was at the house most of the weekend. I read in church this morning. The boys weren't there because they were asleep when I went to get them at their dad's this morning like I do when they are there. Disappointing. Today's sermon was a good one the boys would have benefited from hearing. What wasn't disappointing is that Alex went to the gym to work out with me today. He has to get in shape to go to North Carolina in June. He was hesitant but I think he was shocked at what I could do and wanted to show me up. He even ran on the treadmill. Wonder if he will go with me at 6am tomorrow morning. Lucy and Sophie were glad to have all three boys here tonight. We had excitement today when I was watering out back. Baby bunnies are living under one of my flower pots. Six of them. I found that out when they ran when I watered the plant. Lucy had one in her mouth and I freaked out. She dropped it when I screamed. She is a hunter that Lucy. She was even after Sam's second dinner tonight. That's the update here at Fletcher365. We look forward to a better week. NO SOCCER OR LACROSSE PRACTICE AT NIGHT!! Yippeeee!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sunday night/Monday morning

We have just finished our Lacrosse season and our Soccer season. The boys have so much homework. I've been in town but working a lot. I just had to put $2,000.00 in my car for repairs after it didn't pass inspection. We went to church today. Sam stayed home. His allergies have been so bad after being on the Soccer and Lacrosse fields this week. When we got home from church, Alex laid down in his bed. I went to wake up Sam in his bed. I woke up 5 hours later. So for today, Alex, Sam and I, slept in the middle of the day. Chase, on the other hand, painted wood for a project we are doing while watching his new obsession, Dr. Who, on TV. He was so happy with the three of us out of his way. Needless to say, it is 1:20am and I am just now going to bed. We have been a houseful of sleeping beauties for sure here at Fletcher365.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Here fishy fishy....

Alex has always wanted a fish tank in his room.  I keep saying no.  He doesn't need anymore responsibility in my opinion.  But.....he has continued to talk about it, price it, and study about it online.  So he has his own money and we talked about how much he was saving and how he needed to be cautious with his money.

He went out and bought himself a tank yesterday.  He bought live rock (whatever that means) and sand from the fish store.  Okay, he is uber excited and it is nice to see.  He can't put fish in it for a month.  He did find some kind of snail in his live rock.

He put it on top of his dresser and it is what you see when you look in his room from the living room.  Okay.  I kinda like it so far and there are NO FISH in it yet.  I'm proud of him for doing his homework, managing it so it is not an impulse buy, and learning more about it.  I can't argue with that.  So now we have 2 dogs, 1 snail and the anticipation of some cool fish here at Fletcher365.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Seriously?

Every once in a while, Chase gets in a mood where he is calm, reflective, and attentive. We have to capture it when it happens. He and I have struck a deal. He needs to have his homework done by 8pm, in bed by 10pm. This boy waits until really late to start his homework and I typically go to bed before he does. He needs his sleep (to be in a better mood) and he needs more time to do his homework (so I am in a better mood). I'm confident the rest of the school year will be smooth. I am just so proud of him. He is so much more mature and so much more responsive to being given direction. He is a keeper....seriously.

Monday, April 23, 2012

We get by .......

I moved furniture around at the office and needed to take our coffee table from home to work.  Chase helped me paint the legs so we could hide the blue.  So easy.  We used our sponge brushes (I get them on sale - 20 for a dollar) and some brown acrylic paint I've had from another project.  The weather has been so beautiful so we did the whole thing today.  Chase even tightened one of the legs for me.  It will look so good in my office and every time I look at it, I will remember how Chase and I did this - with a little help from our friends who all make up Fletcher365.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

A new way to do Easter

I didn't get plastic eggs.  We didn't have an egg hunt.  There were no hard boiled eggs.  We didn't have a fancy dinner.  We DID have rain.  We DID have fun.  We DID go to church.  We DID feel like it was Easter......and there was candy.

This year, I decided to do it a little differently.  As the Easter Bunny, I get to decide don't I?  The boys are big enough that they kind of know what is going on.  But, they are not too old for something fun on Easter.

I bought this machine, that you put in the freezer, and you make popcycles, fudgecycles, and anything else you want to freeze in the shape of a popcycle.  Chase is having a ball with it. We looked up recipes on the web.  The recipe book in the store was $16.  We found some great, healthy recipes and we are trying them all.  It takes less than 10 minutes.  So much fun and so good to eat.  So glad the Easter Bunny thought of it.



Saturday, April 14, 2012

Downtime after LAXtime

We had a game 45 minutes away this morning at 8:30am.  Little boy is oh so tired.  When we got home, Chase was still asleep.  Alex was taking the ACT in Frisco.  Before the roar of the day begins again, I walked the dogs out of the neighborhood, up to Parker, past the hospital, and then back down Midway briskly.  Needless to say, they are tired now too.  A little later we are off to the Clines to have dinner and watch a movie at their house with the kids.  We are having a really great Saturday here just like most weekends at Fletcher365.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Marking their Baptism

Last night, Chase and Sam were Baptized.  There were 5 people being Baptized in the chapel.  We had the most guests with Patti and her boys, Corey (Nathan's mom), Buffy and her girls (Stephanie's family) and the boys' dad came with Ben.  My friends have been so supportive of my life with the boys and they know that their Baptism is a long time coming for me.  Still, it is a good thing that they are old enough to understand what it means.  I am proud of them.

The whole youth group for middle school was there and Sam and Chase have a few friends that were there.  I wish they could go every Wednesday night to youth group to be with their friends and make new friends, but that is the night with their dad.

We have talked quite a lot about Baptism, Communion, and the boys are developing a good relationship with Father Clint, Erik and Mike who are the leaders of the youth at church.  They are very likeable family men and I am glad the boys have them as role models. 

After the ceremony, the boys and I went to Corner Bakery with Buffy and her girls.  It was so nice.  Then we went home to plant this tree in the backyard.  It is a Red Maple to acknowledge the day of their Baptism.  I got it at Big Lots for $15 and it is taller than Alex!  Now that is tall.  We all helped dig the hole and put it in the ground.  I am excited to watch it grow.  What it means to me is that the kids are growing into great gentleman (okay, that is a stretch but it is my hope).  I want them to know that they are leaders and to not be afraid.  That is all about being a part of the family in Fletcher365.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

At least he is not on the computer

Alex loves to dabble with his car.  He loses track of time when he is tinkering with something.  Tonight, he went skate boarding with a friend and then came home after running to Target for me.  He started working on his car in the garage about 9:30pm.  Here it is 1:30am and I am finishing up some work, not by choice but by necessity.  I just realized he is still in the garage working on his car.  IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!  All others are tucked in their beds.  I gotta be proud of Alex but I'm thinking he should have started working on it earlier......

Sunday, April 8, 2012

There is a reason why I haven't blogged in a while.  Life gets in the way. 

Here is the interview for Channel 33 from Friday night.  The cameraman came to my house to film me for the news that night.  Amber took this picture.  She was already dressed to kill.  As soon as Brian, the cameraman, was done, I changed clothes and then we were both dressed to kill.  My hair looks great doesn't it?  I did not do it myself.  Wish I could.

So as we get ready for school tomorrow, Sam tried to get back into the routine of getting ready for the next day.  He started the shower and then just forgot about it.  So that is why there is so much fog in my bathroom.  Sam doesn't make that mistake too often. It is usually Chase or me.  So we are thinking there is a science experiment in there somewhere. 

I promise to blog more frequently.  I don't travel for three weeks.  That makes it a lot easier to get things done at home and get through my "to do" list which includes blogging every day.   We have had a Happy Easter here at that is what it is like tonight at Fletcher365.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Getting ready for a crafty weekend

Tonight the boys and I went to Michael's, Home Depot, and Walmart.  Now that spells trouble.  When we did the final clean out of the garage we found things that had been purchased but never used.  We put them all in a bag and took them back to Home Depot and Walmart and got store credit for the items.  These things have just been sitting in our garage for 4 years!  With the money, we bought some wood, some paint (on sale for 77 cents), twine and a bunch of other things.  We have a few ideas cooking to make over the weekend.  The weather is great here and Sophie and Lucy just LOVE being in the backyard.  We are spending a lot of time back there.  It is all cleaned up and rearranged.  We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  Stay tuned because we have some things up our sleeves here at Fletcher 365.  Here is another sampling of what we will be doing tomorrow.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Time is ticking

I won't be one to say "I can't believe how fast my boys have grown up".  I know every day is precious.  I know they will all be on their own some day.  I know my job is to give them guidance to be adults I can be proud of.  We live in the moment when we are together and celebrate those things that make them independent.  They are embracing it and I'm proud. I'm proud now of the young men they show themselves to be.  As I get ready to take Alex on another college visit, it is so exciting to see the look in his eye that tells me he is scared and he is excited.  He has so many questions about what it will be like and how things will work.  He will discover so much when he is on his own.  He will be ready and so will I.  I look forward to knowing them as adults and they will still be a part of Fletcher365.

Baptism

http://christchurchplano.org/ It's official.  Chase and Sam are scheduled to be baptized on Wednesday, April 11th.  Wednesday night is the night they hold youth group at church and there are a few of the youth wanting to be baptized.  Just like with Alex, I'm going to invite the families in our lives who support our spiritual journey.  Last time, Alex was so moved by his friends being there for this great event.  It will be informal.  It will be personal.  It will be moving.  So happy to have them old enough to understand it and old enough to remember this step.  Unfortunately I travel a lot in April but it is fortunate that I am not traveling on this very important day.

Monday, March 19, 2012

We've got the fever

The boys came home yesterday from being with their dad and Chase seemed a little down.  It was pretty clear as yesterday continued, that he felt pretty bad.  Not sure what's going on here in our house but the boys and I sure have been sick this year.  Not just ill but pucky and yucky.  Here's Chase today at the Urgent Care Center.  Fever of 102.  Not the flu and not strep throat.  Kind of scary.  I had to take a half day off work today but that's okay.  With him is where I belong.  That's what we do here at Fletcher365.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Elvis is in the house

While the boys were gone, I did a lot of closet cleaning, back yard primping, talking with Alex and working.  It has been a very productive week.  The big event was going out with Patty and Will Cline to celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary.  They really did get married when they were 17.  We had such a good time and laughed so much.  During dinner, Sam sent me a text while he was with his friend Nathan in Panama City Beach to tell me about his week.  I kept answering even though I was at dinner.  Everyone in my life knows my kids come first and they tolerate this from me, and sometimes they enjoy it too.  Sam told me that Nathan's brother Eric got a tattoo.  I simply replied, "me too" and that is where it all started.  He BELIEVED me!  So at dinner we all tried to figure out how I could continue to trick him.  And since I really don't have a tattoo and really don't want one, we had to figure something out.  After dinner we went to Houlihan's for after dinner drinks and behold, our bartender was a girl with a dragon tattoo.  She also had an Elvis tattoo on her upper arm.  We took a picture of it and sent it to Sam.  Alex is going to play along too.  I can't wait to see how long it takes Sam before he figures this one out.  Does her really think I would get a tattoo?  If I did, does he really think it would be of Elvis?

Monday, March 12, 2012

Playing dress up

A while back, I took Sophie with me to pick Chase up at school.  We went to my office to pick something up.  Sophie is always welcome at the office because the boss is really nice there.  While Chase was waiting for me to do my thing, he dressed Sophie up in all sorts of costumes we had at the office.  I'll show more to you later.  For now, Sophie, Lucy, Alex and I are enjoying this photo while Chase and Sam are in Panama City with their dad.  We miss them but know they are having a fun time with Grammie.  While Sophie isn't too excited about being in a costume, she would let Chase and Sam do anything to her, except maybe put Lucy on her back.  Oh I have a picture of that too.  It will come in future blogs to show you what it is like here at Fletcher365.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Two to Panama City. Two on a Staycation in Plano.

Finally finished laundry, some dishes, and a gift for the boys to take to Panama City.  Chase and Sam are going with their dad to visit their Grammie and Granddaddy.  Alex is staying here to work at Chick-Fil-A so he can scoop up some money since he seems to be running through it pretty quickly.  I'm so pleased that Chase is going to be riding alone with his dad the whole way there since Sam is going to be riding with his friend Nathan whose family just happens to be going to Panama City at the same time.  Chase was concerned that their dad's girlfriend and daughter were going too.  While they like Renata and Mellany, they really were looking forward to this time just with family.  I'll be working this week (for the same reason as Alex) and Alex and I will hopefully have some evenings together.  It is so crazy that he is going to college in just a little over a year.  Where will he go?  It's still up in the air.  But I will take time with him anytime I can.  The rest of the world will just have to take a back seat for now.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Is this freaky or what?

Alex, Chase and Sam are favorite neighbors for Wesley and Tye.  They live across the street with their mom Amber.  Wesley turns three in the next month and Tye will be one soon.  This picture was taken soon after Tye was born and we were visiting to give Amber a break.  We love that Amber and her kids come over to hang out.  Chase is especially good with Wesley.  He makes her laugh.  Now when she is in a bad mood, Amber brings her over for Chase to get Wesley back to "normal".  It is scary to see Alex holding these babies.  What is even scarier is that Wesley was competing for Alex's attention so she suddenly took off all her clothes to get Alex's attention.  Under the blanket, she's naked!  Alex closed his eyes so he wouldn't see, just like a gentleman should.  We gave her the blanket to put over her so we could take a picture.  I have a feeling instead of making things easier for Amber, we just might be making it harder sometimes.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Alex is going to Outward Bound this summer!

I am so excited that I can get a scholarship for Alex to go on a 9 day trip for Outward Bound this summer.  He will go from June 18 to June 26th.  He will be in North Carolina.  When I went, I was in Colorado and Utah for 14 days.  Alex has a lot going on and wants to work a lot this summer to save money so 9 days was a good amount of time for a trip for him. 

This is his trip http://www.ncobs.org/course/40 and he will be one of 12 kids from ages 16 to 18.  He is very excited and so am I.  I want this experience for all three kids if I can.  This is perfect timing for Alex.  So I will continue to work my butt off to pay what isn't covered with a scholarship.  But I will do it because this is a priceless opportunity for Alex to learn what he is made of.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Living life.....

When Alex and I went to visit Texas A & M for a college visit, we stopped at a Cracker Barrel restaurant on our way home.  He and I talked about his goals, his ideas, and what inspires him.  It was a short conversation but we talked about the importance of living in the "now".  I can see that the boys understand that living in the present is important.  I don't want them to live in the past or the future at the expense of the present.  While Alex and I walked around the store after lunch, I found this picture with a saying that I read in a book.  It is perfect for what I want for my boys.  Alex seems to get it and now I'm trying to help Chase and Sam see it for themselves.  The picture hangs at the top of the stairs in our home where the boys can see it almost everyday.  It is called "Living Life" and it reads:  "Life is not a race - but indeed a journey.  Be honest.  Work hard.  Be choosy.  Say 'thank you', 'I love you', and 'great job' to someone each day.  Go to church, take time for prayer.  The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.  Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper.  Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can.  Dreaming does matter.  It allows you to become that which you aspire to be.  Laugh often.  Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them.  Some of the best things really are free.  Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming.  Forgive, it frees the soul.  Take time for yourself - plan for longevity.  Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know.  Live for today, enjoy the moment." (Bonnie L. Mohr)

Friday, March 2, 2012

When they are down....they are down

Sam didn't go to school today.  He had his choir concert last night and was so tired when we came home.  Amber and I took Alex out to dinner to talk more about colleges while Chase and Sam stayed home.  When we got back to the house at 9:15pm, Sam was already in his bed asleep.  So it was then that I knew things weren't normal.  Luckily (or maybe it was unlucky) that I was attending a conference today in downtown Dallas.  I came home at lunch time and stayed home the rest of the day with Sam.  We just laid around together.  We watched TV.  We sat quietly.  I kept him company.  That is the best part of being a mom.  The worst part is seeing one of them sick.  When Sam is down....he is down and that is what it has been like today in Fletcher365.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Why so quiet this week?


I've been in Phoenix for two days working. The boys have been with their dad with the typical activities at night. I was gone just for 24 hours overnight. The kind of trip I like the best. I don't want to be away from home very long. I'm proud of the boys for handling themselves well while I am gone. Here is a picture of what I was doing out of town. I'm on FOX so much that when I have a chance with another network, I'm taking it. I am averaging one appearance a week. That's pretty good. And no, I'm not shaking my finger at her. I'm just talking with my hands.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Sam made the honor roll!

Report cards came out last Friday.  Sam did really well and got this pass today.  He gets to leave one minute early for lunch five times.  It's a BIG deal.  Good job Sam!  Now that's a great way to be in Fletcher365.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Twas the night before school, and all through the house.....

This year the homework is much greater for all three kids.  Alex works on his laptop in his bedroom.  Chase works on his laptop in front of the TV (too much of the time), and Sam does his homework at school so he can get on MineCraft when he gets home.  The kids have their priorities straight most of the time.  That makes me proud.  It also makes me proud that they are so accepting of the purposeful direction I give with obvious influence.  In our home, we laugh loudly, we make mistakes, we say I'm sorry, we are patient, we cherish friends, we honor family, we are grateful, we share, we love deeply to celebrate Fletcher 365.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

New things

I've been trying to introduce the boys to new things, new places, and new people so they don't get in a rut.  Some of the time, they tell me the choices are thumbs down.  Yesterday, Chase and I waited until Sam got home from school and we went out to get some chicken wings.  Alex was with his friends long-boarding and rock climbing.  We ordered wings at TGI Fridays and we ordered them "mild".  So now we know that "mild" means "mild Tabasco sauce" at TGI Fridays.  The boys were so hungry that they each ate one before we got a new order that didn't put our mouths on fire.  Sam thought that as long as he drank his sprite after taking a bite that he would be okay.  NOT!!!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Chase and What Makes Him Smile

Chase loves his school.  They get out an hour earlier on Fridays.  That is the time that Chase and I protect for us to do something together before Sam and Alex get home from school.  Lots of times we go have lunch or we run a few errands.  The spontaneous conversation is priceless!  Today Chase and I talked about a few sensitive subjects and I am always amazed at his maturity and wisdom.  He doesn't always show those two things to his brothers.  Their loss.  Today Chase was allowed to bring home his tile that he made in his art class.  I went to his school last week to see the Art Gallery presentation that his art teacher scheduled.  There were about 10 parents there for 10 people in his art class.  I sat up front (which Chase usually doesn't love).  This painting of a bird is one of the pieces that Chase showed.  He is very proud of it and gave me permission to put it in my office.  It makes me smile because it makes him smile.  Lucy loves it too.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

There is always something going on

The boys and I have had some serious talks.  I took Alex for a college visit to Texas A&M last week and then I was in Orlando for a few days for work.  I miss Florida so bad and the boys know it.  I'm committed to being here as the boys continue to make their memories and I'll make memories too.  I'm not sure where Alex will end up once he graduates but I can keep you posted here about Alex and college and all the other stuff that we do daily.  It's crazy busy and this is Fletcher365.