Girls Gone Wild - Spring Break 2010

They told me this would happen! I just didn't think it would happen so soon! My teenagers AND my 8 year old road in a DPS car our last night of our spring break vacation! UGH! Don't worry...it's not what you think. For those of you that have been following our blog for awhile, you know that the Schroeder's are the "Travelling Disabled." Personally, I think it only happens when Cactus is travelling with us (SHHHH...but don't tell him that!).

After my daughters' high school tennis team won the Texas state 3-A tennis championship, we loaded up my Escalade with 2 adults and 4 children, ranging from 8 to 16 years of age, and headed to Destin, Florida - 9 hours away. Could we see out of the back of the car? NO! Oh, did I mention that the only man was Cactus, so the other 5 people were girls; and everyone knows how girls pack. We decided to stop in Orange, Texas on the way and get up the next day and complete our journey.

We arrived in Destin late in on Sunday afternoon, unloaded the car and headed up to our condo. The weather in Destin was cold and windy. Our condo is on the 11th floor, so it is BRUTALLY cold pushing our overfilled buggy from the elevator to our door at the VERY END OF THE WALKWAY. The reason this is important is when we got to the door, my "keyless" code would not work. UGH! Apparently, our owner's code is changed every year and we were notified via e-mail of our new code. Well, we all know how good technology can be. I NEVER received the e-mail. We are standing on the walkway and I am trying without luck to get hold of my management company. I could not get to a LIVE person and after many attempts, I finally was able to leave a message. They returned my call quickly and we entered into the warmth of our condo. This did not go over well with Cactus. That's for another blog.

The next six days were FABULOUS! We went shopping, eating, walking, shopping, eating, walking...the girls laid on the beach - even though is never got over 75 degrees. On Wednesday, we all went deep sea fishing. Everyone had a great time and we caught a bunch fish. Most were catch and release, but we were able to bring home about 12. Our wonderful guide filleted the fish and put in baggies for easy transport.

We decided to make the 14 hour drive home all in one day, instead of breaking it up over two days. So Sunday morning, we closed up the condo, loaded up the car (still could not see out the back), and were on the road by 8:30. This would put us back in Abilene about 11:oo p.m. Not bad.

SCREEEEEECH!!!!! I knew things were going too good! Suddenly, the ABS light came on as did the stabilitrack light. This can't be good. I pulled out the car manual and read up on these two functions. Supposedly, as long as the BRAKE light does not come on, we should be okay. Still not convinced...I called Cadillac and talked to a technician. He reassured me that we should be okay. We just won't have as much control for quick stops and wet roads. Luckily, it was sunny. We were still 12 hours away.

We stopped in Arlington for dinner and this is when it all fell apart. The rumbling noise had been getting increasingly louder. When I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, I told Cactus that it felt like the steering was pulling. We finish eating and head on down I-20. Rumbling along. In Weatherford, the rumbling got so bad, that Cactus thought maybe we had a flat. He pulled over to check...no flat! That's one for the team. We headed out (slowly, because we couldn't get much speed), made it about 5 more miles and I decided to update my Facebook status with "I think I can...I think I can."

Suddenly, Cactus says he lost the power steering. We limped off of the highway and I called Cadillac roadside assistance. They called a wrecker, but the wrecker only had room for 2 people. Remember...we have 6! A DPS trooper stopped and said he would take 2 of us and another trooper buddy would take 2 and then the other 2 could ride in the wrecker.

Elle and I road with Trooper Jeff. He opened the front door for Elle and she told him, "I am not allowed to ride up front!" Good girl! He told her that it would be okay this time. She loved it! He let her shoot the radar. She "tagged" one going 90 mph and told Jeff to turn around and catch that car. Katie and Caroline road with Trooper Carson. He was telling the girls about the drug bust he did over spring break. Hopefully, it scared the pants off of them. Thanks, Carson!

We arrived at the hotel and the wrecker service was nice enough to bring my car, unload it, let us unload our stuff, load it back up and take it to the dealership. I had talked to our dealer in Abilene and he was nice enough to send a wrecker with a loaner car and pick up our car to be fixed at home. WHEW! That was a godsend. We are in the clear...or so I thought. The loaner car arrives on the wrecker, but the driver had left the key turned and the BATTERY DIED!!!! Then, he couldn't find the key to the tool box with the jumper cables. We finally went across the street and borrowed some from the Sears. Off we go!

Finally, we pull into our driveway at 3:15 on Monday afternoon. So...our 14 hour drive only took 30 hours! All I can say is...travelling with us is an adventure; just ask our "adopted" daughter Caroline. However, it did not scare her off too much...she wants to go back to Destin with us in May!

Keep Gabbin', Gigglin', Grinnin' and Limpin'!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

I was intending on blogging about the great news that my daughters' tennis team won the State 3-A tennis tournament...however...in the light of the news that I was given today, I do not think that is appropriate.

I am currently on spring break vacation with my husband and three girls. I returned from a day of shopping to find an IM from my old high school friend, Mary. I was tickled that she connected with me. Unfortunately, when I opened her message, she was asking me if I had heard about what had happened to another dear friend's daughter. Immediately, fear shot through my body. I looked to see if Mary was still on line and found out she was not. These questions NEVER bring good news. I thought I had her phone number, but found out I did not. I called a couple of other friends that I thought would know what had happened. One of the good things about growing up in a small town and maintaining those hometown relationships is that news travels fast - good or bad.

To my dismay, this was bad news. It seems that my friend Tara Storch and her husband Todd had taken their three children on a spring break ski trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. On Sunday afternoon, their beautiful 13 year old daughter, Taylor was a new skier and was skiing an intermediate slope when she fell backwards and hit her head. She was wearing a helmet, but the blow must have been VERY hard. She was pronounced brain dead and her parents had to make the hardest decision of their lives - to take her off of life support. No parent EVER wants to make this decision or outlive their children. This is not a natural chain of events.

I have known Tara since we were in kindergarten; I only met Todd when they were married over 16 years ago. Tara was always smiling and happy. She was the "baby" sister to three brothers, who worshipped her and protected her. She never met a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. I am sure these are some of the many qualities that attracted Todd to her. I have only met their children a couple of times when they came back to Abilene and attended church. I could not pick them out of a crowd or tell you their names...what I can tell you is that knowing their parents, I am sure that all three are just as loving, caring and giving as their parents.

There have already been EIGHT facebook pages set up, with over 3,000 members, dedicated to Taylor. That says a great deal about the kind of person she was. I have read many of the posts on the sites, and they all are woven with a common thread. Great athlete, beautiful inside and out, happy and always smiling and willing to help others. The list goes on. Taylor will be missed by too many people to count.

Tara and Todd made a very unselfish decision to donate Taylor's organs. Again, this just goes to show what wonderful people they are. Could you be that unselfish? Honestly, I am not sure. I have heard that her organs have already gone to help save the lives of a 39 year old, a 1 year old and two people in Colorado. Amazing!

As I sit here composing this blog, I am in a total state of shock and disbelief. I DO NOT know how Tara & Todd feel at this point, nor will I pretend I do. All I can say to them is I ache for them and I am here to lend an ear, if they need one. I don't know how they will feel about this blog. I hope it will comfort them, in time. And to everyone reading this blog, hold your children close today and everyday. Count each day as a blessing.

Just simply,
Erin

When it rains...it POURS!

In my house...literally! Cactus & I built our house in 1993 when I was pregnant with our first daughter. It was very exciting. Pregnant...building a house...can you say "crazy"?! Will we survived! Then...eight years later, we decided to add on and do a little remodel while I was pregnant with our third daughter. I guess we thought if we did it once, we could do it again. Survival, again! Four years later, we decided to add a pool and outdoor kitchen...this time, I was NOT pregnant! This is the one that almost killed us!

So, after almost 17 years in this house, we are about to dive into the construction mode once again. This time, enlarging my kitchen. I have been waiting for this for about three years. About a year ago, we purchased the 2 acres behind our house, each with a house. Originally, we were going to fix up the houses and rent them. One was easy to fix up, the other one was NOT! So...we decided to sell the one house to someone that was willing to move it. Then, after the house was moved, Cactus was going to build his office on that lot and put in a tennis court for the girls. I know what you are thinking...isn't that a little too close for comfort? Yes! I love my husband, but I LIKE that he goes downtown to his office in the sky every morning. This will be an adjustment. We put the kitchen on hold until the office construction was going to start so that we could do it all at once.

Last Monday night, while doing the dishes, my sink became clogged. I got up the next morning, intending to call the plumber, only to discover that Cactus has tried to "fix" it. Let me just say, part of his charm is that he is neither technical nor mechanical. It was NOT good! I called the plumber and they said that they would be out after lunch, barring any emergency. Well, I suddenly became the emergency! I am sitting at the kitchen table working on the computer when I hear water dripping from somewhere around me. I look around and see it is pouring from the ceiling above me! This is coming from our master bath up on the second floor. I run up to see what the problem is. Cactus is mopping up water. I guess there is a place somewhere in the plumbing where the upstairs pipes meet up with the downstairs pipes. Since the downstairs was clogged, the water from the shower had nowhere to go but back up and then back down, via the ceiling! I called the plumber back and told them that I had suddenly became an emergency. Four hundred dollars later, no more rain in my house! The good thing about this is that I might get my new kitchen sooner. That was the second time we have had water overflow upstairs, which causes the sub-flooring to weaken and water stains on my ceiling. The bathroom floor will now have to be redone, so...we might as well do the kitchen, too...right? Right!

Keep your fingers crossed! Maybe I will have a bright, shiny, new kitchen by the time my birthday rolls around in September!

Keep Gabbin' Gigglin' Grinnin' and Moppin'
Gabbin' Gal Erin

Valentine...Smalentine!

That's what I use to think about Valentine's Day. I always had high expectations for that day (and don't all women?), and those expectations were never met. You might be asking, what did I expect? Not much, really. Nice romantic dinner that I DID NOT HAVE TO COOK OR CLEAN UP; a plan that I did not have to plan; and a sitter that I did not have to get. I was never into the "gift" aspect of Valentine's Day. I honestly feel that you should love and treat your significant other special every day. However, flowers are always nice. And they MUST be sent to the office, if your valentine works outside of the home. I remember one year when I worked outside of the house, Cactus sent me RED roses to my office. Well, my favorite roses are WHITE roses. I called to thank him for the RED roses and he got upset that they were suppose to be WHITE. He called the florist and they delivered the white roses. I set each dozen on my desk; one on each corner. I told everyone that the red ones were from my husband the the white ones were from my boyfriend, because HE knows what I like!

Sorry...I digress! Valentine's Day has become VERY commercial. The card, candy and floral industries have invented this holiday. I know this for a fact, because since 1999, I have owned a candy store and have had to be there at 4:30 a.m. on Valentines to dip strawberries in chocolate. I felt like the Dunkin' Donuts guy..."Time to dip the strawberries!" After a full day of dipping, I never wanted to go out to dinner and fight the crowds. Half the time, Cactus was out of town.

This year was different! I asked Cactus a couple of weeks before what he wanted to do for Valentine's Day. He is ALWAYS very considerate about this. He said he would do whatever I wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to go to the ranch, cook dinner and spend the night...WITHOUT KIDS! He jumped at this. I had planned to cook something new and different; however, I had been out of town and did not have time to prepare. We did a very simple light menu. I arrived at the ranch and Cactus had a fire in the fireplace, the wine was chilled and no t.v...he had on Michael Buble! So far...so good!

I once read that couples should cook together. Now, we do this on a regular basis, but this night it was different. We weren't rushed to get dinner cooked, eaten, cleaned up and kids to bed. Our evening was VERY slow paced and not tense. LOVED IT! We cooked together, ate together (I usually sit down to the table as the first one is finishing up and taking their plate to the sink), and cleaned up together.

I will not go into the details of the rest of the night (LOL!). BUT...I no longer will call Valentine's Smalentine's. After 20 years together, I finally think that we got it right!

I guess the lesson here is that it's not about the celebration of the day, but the celebration of the people and the relationship.

Keep Gabbin', Gigglin', Grinnin' & Lovin'!
Erin

Strolling Down Memory Lane

My oldest daughter Katie, had to interview a person that lived during World War II. This meant that they had to be at least 70 years of age. Well...unfortunately, my girls do not have living grandparents. But...they do have adoptive grandparents. So, of course, we called Nan's parents and asked them if we could stop over to interview/video them for this project. Of course, they jumped at the chance. I don't think it was the interview, but the opportunity to see their "granddaughter". Much to Katie's surprise, when we arrived, they had lined up an interview with Mrs. Doris Grosvenor. Her husband, Bill, was stationed at Tye Air Force Base (now known as Dyess Air Force Base), as a pilot and had been shot down over Belgium, was taken a prisoner and lived to tell about it. WOW!!!!! Unfortunately, he passed away in March of 2009, but Doris told a delightful story about their lives. I am a history buff and I was totally fascinated. I wanted to ask a ton of questions, but was instructed to just "sit there and take video'.

I could tell by the look on Katie's face during the interview that she was totally amazed! I am hoping to be able to figure out how to download this interview so that everyone can view it. There is a DVD out about the life of Bill Grosvener called "Last Best Hope". How amazing is that? He is a true hero!

I think the lesson that was learned was how much our children have it made today. Mrs. Grosvenor mentioned that her favorite thing to do was to open up the doors of the car, turn up the radio and dance in the middle of the street. NOW...our children have $3,000 worth of electronics and are BORED!!!! What would they do back in 1941? Mrs. Grosvernor was so adorable, I wanted to pick her up, put her in my purse and take her to the school to talk to the students. I could have stayed there all night!

I love to hear stories about how couples met...especially those that met during war time. We could tell that she was sooo in love with her husband and so in favor of the war. She said that men lost there lives so that we could have freedom. How true is that? In today's terms...our men are losing their lives so that OTHER countries can have the freedom that we now enjoy! Please take the time to thank an American soldier whenever you see them...whether it is in the grocery store or the airport. They CHOOSE this career...are you that self-less?

Please remember all of those that have fought for this country, and other countries and have lost their lives for both!

God Bless and keep Gabbin' Gigglin and Grinnin!
Erin

House Projects & Maintenance Resolution

That's right...My main resolution this year is to do get some serious household projects and maintenance taken care of. Oh I can hear all your oohs and ahhs right now! Well if you are thinking it's a cool, fun remodel job then simmer down, cuz it's NOT!!! I did say projects and maintenance! THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE! It's just those projects that we homeowners need to do from time to time, and the ones I usually hate to spend my money on! However, I must! And to be perfectly honest, if we get a couple of them accomplished, I will not mind spending the cash! To hold myself accountable and to also have a place to go to in case I misplace the paper list (because I do misplace things...lots of things...keys, cell phones, keys...Did I say keys? You get the picture), I'm going to put the list at the bottom of this blog! Also, I'll let you know how it's going throughout the year and which ones get checked off. I'll even post before and after pics. Oh how exciting! I can hear all of your oohs and ahs all over again! HA! The main one is getting the outside of the house painted (trim only, not painting the brick) and in a different color!!! This is the one that I am most excited about. Currently, it's white and chipping horribly. I know my neighbors will be thankful and definitely oohing and aahing over that one. The rest will hopefully get done at some point. (It will all depend upon the all mighty dollar!) So we shall see. Stay tuned and here's the list below!

Outside of house painted!!
New Co2 alarms and replace smoke alarms
Shelving in front hallway closet
Built-in shelving in den
Built-in shelving and desk in office
Carpet in bedrooms professionally cleaned and/or replaced
Closet doors in son's room need to be redone
Electrician needed for outdoor lighting, bathroom lights, ceiling fans
New garage doors/openers
Tear down patio cover and repacing with something else
Kitchen island built
Window coverings in dining room and master bedroom (still debating what kind)
MAJOR tree trimming in backyard
GARAGE ORGANIZED!

This Gabbin' Gal has got to get goin' on this list! Gab at ya later.
Happy New Year and good luck on all of your resolutions!

Gabbin' Gal Nan

Bad Things Happen in Three's

WOW! I REALLY hope that the saying that things come in three's is not true! A couple of Wednesday's ago, my 16-year-old, Katie, headed out to pick up a sandwich before church. She had not been gone 5 minutes, when my cell phone rang. I had Elle answer it, because I was visiting with her godparents. I could hear loud voices on the phone. Elle thrust the phone at me and I heard Katie saying that she had been involved in a wreck. I told my guests that their visit was over and escorted them to the door. Of course, I told them the reason. I drove to Katie's location. It appears that a car that was 2 cars ahead of her, stopped suddenly in the middle of the intersection, in the middle of the green light. The car in front of Katie had to stop suddenly, which meant that Katie had to stop suddenly. She was suddenly stopped by the rear end of the car in front of her! The first car fled the scene. By the time I got there, a police officer and ambulance had arrived. The couple in the car that Katie hit were very nice and made sure that she was okay and taken care of. I told Katie that I understood that it was not her fault, but since she was the last car, she would be receiving the ticket. This did not go over well with my "I'm gonna be a lawyer when I grow up" daughter. Look for this law to change in about 2020!

Luckily, no one was hurt. Ironically, Katie's church confirmation sponsor was right behind her and saw the whole thing and stopped to give a statement!
I will not go into detail, but the nice policeman ended up tearing up Katie's ticket, because the driver of the car she hit lied about who was driving! See...honesty pays off!

Then...that Saturday, Cactus calls me from Austin (he is there with Delaney at a tennis tourney...shocked..I think not!). He is asking me where the insurance card is for the Lexus. Why would he be asking for that, I wonder? Surely, he did not have a wreck in my beautiful, red sports car?! YEP...he did! Appears he was switching lanes and a gal hit him on the passenger rear door. His fault? NO! Hers. Does she have insurance? No! Who pays now? We do! (look for that law to change in about 2020, too!). I digress...Cactus could not find the insurance card. I told him it was in the glove box. No, it isn't. I tell him to have the police officer call State Farm and verify we have coverage. He is soooo mad at me! He thinks I lost the proof of insurance card. Turns out, after much thought, that HE LEFT IT AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN HE HAD THE CAR WORKED ON LAST! I am STILL waiting for my apology! Hmmmph! I am NOT the one that had the wreck. I am obviously the ONLY one in our house that is a competent driver!

Turns out, we are now responsible for fixing the cars involved in Katie's wreck and our car that was involved in Cactus' wreck. We have uninsured motorist coverage, thank goodness. However, we are still responsible for the $1,000 per incident deductible. January has started out to be VERY expensive!

We decided to pay for my car out of pocket, since we did not think that it would cost over $1,000. I take both cars to get estimates. I thought for sure that Katie's car would be more expensive than mine. As you can see from the pictures, the damage to my car looks minimal compared to hers. WRONG!!!!! Cactus thought that mine would cost about $600-$800. WRONG!!!! Any guesses...anyone? Try $2,100! WOW!!!! Guess we will be using our insurance on BOTH cars!

So that's our two...will there be a third? Let's hope not! Hope you all have had a wreck free, deductible making free start to 2010!

Keep Gabbin' Gigglin' and Grinnin'
Gabbin' Gal Erin

The SECOND Most Beautiful Day of the Year!

WOWWWW!!!! I am beat! My three beautiful daughters just returned to school after having been home for a little over two weeks, for the Christmas break. Now...I need a vacation. I love them dearly, but they still don't realize that I am NOT Julie McCoy, their cruise director (I think I just dated myself)!

We have hit the ground running. Cactus and I always sit down at the first of the year with our calendars and mark off events that we know are going on through out the year. Delaney's tennis schedule keeps us the most busy. She informed me that she does not have a free weekend until Easter weekend. Do you know what that means? I DON'T have a free weekend until Easter weekend. AND...even that weekend is not free, because it is Elle's 9th birthday. Birthday number two in my frantic 12 days of birthdays. All three of our girls were born in a twelve day time frame (in three different years). The reason? You can't have babies during hunting season, silly! I thought everyone knew that! You also can't get married during that time, either. I will save this story for another blog! I could go on now, but I need my beauty rest (obviously, if I am still working on the LOVE BOAT, after all these years!).

So, 2010 is off to a wonderfully, exciting, frantic start! And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Wishing you and yours a happy and SLOW 2010!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

New Year, New Decade!

Wow! Has it really been 10 years since we panicked over what Y2K might do to us? Hard to believe how fast time travels. And boy have we seen it move at the speed of light! More than I wanted it to. Hard to think that at the end of the next 10 years, I will be married 30 years and have two grown children. Yikes!

So in the meantime (which will be a blink of an eye) I plan to FOCUS on the positive side of life such as PEACE, LOVE, and HAPPINESS! And of course, a whole lot of Gabbin', Gigglin' and Grinnin'! I'm sure I'll fit a little bit of Groovin' in as well. This girl has always gotta dance! Click here and do just that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ixo5K2aTk


Wishing you and yours the very best in 2010!

Gab at ya in the new year!

Nan

It's NOT about the gifts...it's about the MEMORIES!

Can you believe that another Christmas has come and gone?! And what a beautiful white Christmas it was! I can't remember the last time that Texas has had a white Christmas.

Christmas morning was a complete blur in my house. Everyone knows the drill...you spend HOURS wrapping presents, only to have them ripped open in 7.3 seconds. I use to be up into the wee hours of Christmas morning wrapping gifts. A few years ago, I told myself to start wrapping the gifts as I buy them, so I would not be up late. This has worked out great! However, the destruction time is still the same, if not quicker.

This year, for the first time in a very long time, Cactus & I both had our siblings in for the holidays (minus his oldest sister). His youngest sister and her husband came in from D.C/New York; my sister, her husband and their two kids came in from the Metroplex. My brother and his family live here, so this made for a great time for all of us to spend time together.

Travel was crazy for them, however. My sister-in-law was lucky to arrive. Anyone that lives in Abilene, knows that if it rains here, the airport shuts down. So...when the snow arrived, we just knew that Ann and Jim probably would not make it into Abilene. Surprise, surprise...they made it! They were five hours late...but they made it! Every flight into Abilene was cancelled, EXCEPT the one that they were coming in on. Luckily, my sister and her family were not scheduled to arrive until Saturday morning. However, her husband's family had scheduled to get together Christmas day. Unfortunately, his mother was snowed in in Wichita Falls, and could not make it to their house. I am telling you, not only does our town shut down in snowy weather, but the whole state. People were stuck on I-20 for up to 9 hours; even sleeping in their cars. I think I would have chewed my arm off!

Everyone made it safely. Christmas day we spent with Cactus' sister and husband; enjoying the looks on our children's faces as they opened their gifts (that which we could see through the tornado of wrapping paper!). Saturday was the day for my family to get together. We chose to meet for lunch. This was the first time in over 8 years that we have all three gotten together. We had a great time! This just proved that the spirit of the season is alive and well. It was not about the gifts, but the time spent together talking about "old times"; like how my sister and brother use to gang up on me! The "baby" of the family!

The past few days were fast and furious, but also very rewarding. I witnessed my children getting along (and isn't that the best gift of all?); new marriages flourishing; siblings reconnecting and extended family members getting to know each other better. I am totally drained, but totally blessed! I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and wish you a happy new year!

Keep on Gabbin', Gigglin' and Grinnin'!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

It Was the BEST of Times...It Was the WORST of Times!

Charles Dickens wrote that many years ago in "A Tale of Two Cities". I think I now know what he meant! The past five days have been the best for me and the worst. (In all honesty, I have a great life...can't complain...just want to add some effect!).

Last Thursday, the Schroeder clan was scheduled to travel 14 hours to Telluride, Colorado, for our annual skiing trip. We usually take this trip with our friends the Nelson's, but they had just spent 3 weeks in London and did not feel they could make this trip (I am CRYING for them!). I was not as excited about this trip as I have been in the past, for several reasons. One...the Nelson's would not be there...two...we had to drive...three...we would not return home until the 22nd of December...four...we had to drive...five...we had to drive!

So, much to my surprise, Cactus had chartered a plane from Abilene Aero to fly us to and from Telluride! YEAH!!!! He was trying to surprise (and make happy) all of the women in his life. We had done this many times before, but we all thought this was not possible this year with the bad shape that the economy was in and the down turn in the oil business. Did everyone hear the screams coming from the car when we pulled into the airport? I am just now regaining my hearing from this! I know I complain about Cactus (as we all do about our spouses), but he REALLY is a great man. He knew that I was stressed about this trip; what with shopping, cooking and not just my family visiting this year, but his, too. That is why he decided to fly instead of drive. That knocked 12 HOURS OFF OF OUR TRIP!!!! We were not suppose to be in Telluride until Friday at about noon...we arrived there at about 4 p.m. on THURSDAY!

We get to our hotel (which we have stayed in 3 times before), and they only have us for ONE room on Thursday, not the TWO that we had booked. I show my confirmation e-mail and the front desk manager goes to the "back to see what she can do." She returns and tells us that since they are at fault, we are being upgraded to a penthouse suite, with full kitchen for about HALF of what we were going to spend on the two rooms that we have already booked. AND...would we be interested?! REALLY?! NO...we will all just cram into the king room that you had us in! DUH! Isn't life grand?

SCREEEEECH! Now for the worst of times! As I am standing dealing with the room issue, my 16 year old comes up to me and tells me that Elle is in the bathroom throwing up. I will not go into details at this time, BUT...it is not good! I go check on her and see that...well, never mind. Housekeeping is called. She says that she feels better and goes downstairs with her dad to get her skis, while I meet the bellman in the room. While I was unpacking, Delaney, my 14 year old, runs into the room and tells me that Elle threw up in the middle of the hallway; I grab the first thing I can (a small bowl) and head out to the hall...again...housekeeping is called. I will now give you the Reader's Digest version...I stayed in that night...Cactus took the two older ones to eat...this went on until about 4 o'clock Friday morning...I slept on the couch!

I am sure that it was just altitude sickness, but just in case, Elle and I stayed in the room on Friday, while Cactus took the other two skiing (which is NOT such a bad thing). Cable, DVD, and wine...what more could a girl want? This had never happened to her before, but I think all of the excitement, plus the thin air got the best of her. Thank goodness we arrived a day early!

The rest of the trip was WONDERFUL! All of our girls are amazing skiers; but Elle is FEARLESS! She just points her skis down and meets you at the bottom! At one point, she got off the lift skiing BACKWARDS!

The advantage to a private plane is that you can come and go at your own schedule; the disadvantage, is that when you are in an area like we were in, you have to constantly check the weather. So...Sunday afternoon, our pilot, Greg (he is the BEST!), called and said that we would need to head home on Monday afternoon, instead of Tuesday morning. At first, we were all disappointed, but then, we realized that we had been able to ski the same amount of days we would have if we had driven. Crises diverted! The good news is, I was able to get home a day early...complete my Christmas shopping without a great deal of stress (groceries, too)...and Gab with Nan tomorrow at 1 p.m. CST (tune into www.highvoltageradio.com)!

I had a great time with my family. All three of the girls got along...MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!...we rested...ate good food...and enjoyed our time together. Trust me...time is VERY valuable right now. I realized on this trip, that Katie will be leaving for college (probably NOT in Texas), in a year and a half! So, please take this time to hug your children, your spouse, your significant other, your parents, grandparents and all of your family members. Don't just hug them now...but everyday, because...It's a Wonderful Life! I know... I live it every day!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

P.S. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Brittany Murphy at this time!

DON'T MESS WITH WEST TEXAS WOMEN!!!

That's right boys and girls....Don't mess with us West Texas Women! Heck, don't mess with ANY women...Right Tiger? Okay enough about Tiger!


Dear 'Ol Abilene High in Abilene, Texas has made it all the way to the state finals and play this once in a lifetime game this Saturday. Not only are the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, yada yada yada attending the game, but I do believe this whole town will shutdown and head to the Alamodome in San Antonio. It's been a long drought since we've made it this far...50+ years! To say the least we are darn tootin' proud of these boys!!! And we are not gonna miss it! Especially not a mom of a senior on this team! Well, believe it or not, that almost happened. Her employer was not going to let her have this day off to attend this grand event! YES, you heard me right!!! She even offered to work 1/2 the day and then drive down to San Antonio. OH NO they said! You will work or you won't have a job! REALLY??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Oh yea...left out the most important part....this precious, proud momma has worked for them for 28 years...28 YEARS!!! Give me a freakin' break!


WELL, little did this employer know... the word got out about this and it was GAME ON! Be very aware of the social media world we are living in...right Tiger? (sorry just had to say it again) because all it took was for a very dear friend to post this little known event on FB and well.....the company she worked for got calls, their corporate office got calls, local radio & tv got calls and yes yours truly gabbed about it from the minute the story broke on our GLOBAL internet radio show and well you get the picture. Like the title of this blog says...DON'T MESS WITH WEST TEXAS WOMEN! We are truly a force to be reckoned with, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this group! NEVER EVER underestimate the power of women because it WORKED! The company reinstated her, she goes back to work tomorrow, and has Saturday off for the BIG GAME!


Alright boys...we won our game...it's your turn now! Go make your mommas proud and WIN THAT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE!!!

GO EAGLES! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

Gabbin' Gal Nan

Santa's Gonna Need a Bigger Sleigh!

First, good job Wylie Bulldogs! Second, good luck Abilene Eagles!

Now, on to the sleigh issue. I was out doing some Christmas shopping this past weekend, with all three of my girls wish lists in hand. It's amazing how differently they handle the process of preparing a list. Three different personalities, three different lists. Katie, my 16 year old, merely took a scratch piece of paper and wrote out her list. She had a total of nine items on her list. What could she possible need? She has a computer, an iPhone, TV, car, and every other electronic device. Her list consists of shoes, books, money and we can't forget the DVR for her room. I guess she doesn't have every electronic device.

Delaney is 14, and her list shows her creative side. You have to see it to believe it; but I will try to describe it to you. Her list is two pages. WOW! BUT...there are only seven items on it. She took pictures of the things she wants off of the internet and pasted the images into a Word document and then printed it off for me. It even has a title - "Delaney's Parent/Santa Wish List for Christmas '09." I know...you are dying to know what is on her list. For those of you who know Delaney, you know that there is a purse on her list. However, what you don't know is there are THREE purses on her list (and they ain't cheap!). She says she does not want them all (WHATEVER!); she is just making suggestions. She gets her love of the purse from her mom, and I am not ashamed to admit I have a problem. Hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step! The other items on her list are the typical shoes, jewelry and gift cards. Oh...and an iPhone!

I have saved the best for last. My eight year old, Elle Belly! Her list also has a title - "Elle's Christmas List 2009." I think her big sister helped her with that title. Her list is hand written on a piece of notebook paper. Here is where the bigger sleigh comes into play. SHE HAS 24 ITEMS ON HER LIST!!!! She is eight! What could she possibly need? I will not take the time to list them all here...I will just give you a few highlights.
1. Betty razor scooter or the other scooter
2. computer
3. phone (really?)
5. volleyball net for the pool (because we are going to swim on Christmas day)
7. camo walkie talkies
8. puppy (I guess the three in the back yard don't count)
12. American Girl clothes and all the other stuff
14. iPode tutch (her spelling)
16. bike (the one on the patio that she has NEVER ridden is not good enough)
18. chair
24. clothes

I would love to get her everything on this list and I am sure Santa would, too. However, what would she put on her birthday list in four months?

While shopping, I ran into a couple of friends that asked to see the lists. I can still hear their laughter after seeing Elle's. They of course, know her, and would not expect anything less of her. God love her! So, I am off to help Santa buy a new sleigh. I wonder if he will get a 2010 model or if the 2009 models are on sale? Hey, even Santa likes a bargain!

Happy shopping!
Gabbin' Gal Erin

Crazy World We Are Living In!

I watched a bit of Barbara Walter's "Most Fascinating People of 2009", and I have to say I was a bit unimpressed by the list of peeps. But the criteria to make that list are not the criteria that defines fascinating for me. I can't believe Tiger Woods didn't make "the cut" (get it, used a golf term there), but then again I'm sure BW had already taped this wasted hour of tv before Mr. Woods had his "fascinating" meltdown. Wow, it's quite a world we are living in, isn't it?

Fascinating people to me are the people who live right here under my roof (believe me they can fascinate me in ways I could never dream of! I'm sure you've got some of your own fascinating little peeps in your household). My dear friends and complete strangers fascinate me when I hear and/or see the awesome deeds they do that go completely unnoticed and without fanfare! It goes without saying but of course I will...Our military completely fascinates me!!! But the most fascinating being of them all is the good Lord above who knocks my socks off every single day! So be on the lookout on how the simplest of things that your loved ones, friends and even strangers will do that fascinate you. And definitely be watching for what God will do because fascination is what he does daily and HE far outweighs any person on any list Barbara Wa Wa can come up with!

Done Preachin' and Goin' Snoozin'!
Gabbin' Gal Nan

Traditions

This is the time of the year when traditions start and continue. Everybody has traditions. Some people stay in bed on Saturday mornings while watching cartoons with their children. Others cook the same meal full of family favorites for Christmas each year. Still other families have a weekly family game night (THIS I would recommend!). One of the many traditions that my husband Cactus and I have is our annual trip to the National Finals Rodeo and the Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas. This year, is the third year for this tradition. We go on this trip with two other couples; one from Atlanta and one from Ojai, California. However, you would be surprised how many other people that we know attend this event. Our agenda includes one night at the rodeo, eating, a day EACH at the three HUGE convention centers full of shopping, eating, a day at the outlet mall in Primm, eating, a show or two, eating, oh...and we do gamble! Did I mention that we eat?! This year was the first year that we attended the opening night of the rodeo. It was AMAZING! Elvis was there performing...at least I think it was Elvis. Too hard to tell from up in the nosebleed section. Now I know why we wait until the second week to go.

The next night we decided to lay low and go to dinner at one of my favorite Italian food restaurants, Ferraro's. One of the things that I like best about this restaurant, is the fact that it is a local favorite OFF the strip. Which translates into great food. Cactus says that the Osso Bucco is ALMOST as good as mine. The atmosphere reminds me of an old Dean Martin movie, right down to a Mafia feel and the "family" table. There is also a piano bar that serves the most delicious martini's. You can even dance or sing along with the band.

Night three was a blast to the past for me. We went to see Donny & Marie! I was sooo hoping to get to meet them, especially Donny. I need to get some pointers from him on how to win Dancing with the Abilene Stars. Hey, if you want to win, you must learn from the best! What a great performance! Marie looked great...Donny looked HOT...they both danced amazing and were so funny! I honestly was surprised at how much energy they both had. They performed for about an hour and a half, and then had a SECOND show! I wish I could have so much energy.

Last, but certainly not least...we went to see Brooks & Dunn. Talk about energy! WOW! We thought we were attending the beginning of their farewell tour, but actually, it was the last night of their current tour! That was almost as special. It was their last night to EVER perform at the Las Vegas Hilton. You know, Ronnie Dunn attended both Abilene Christian and Hardin-Simmons, right here in Abilene, Texas, USA. He was asked to leave ACU or stop performing in the honky tonks. Good thing he gave up his education! Kix Brooks is the energy and Ronnie is the straight man. Both have wonderful voices. It was truly an unforgettable experience!

I am now home, but just barely. Of course, if you have read my previous blogs, you know that if it is going to happen while travelling, it will happen to the Schroeder's. I truly believe that Cactus is the problem. Here's why...Cactus had to go to New Guinea before this trip, so he met me in Las Vegas. I arrived without a delay, turbulence, screaming kid, hot plane, or any other travelling disaster. We travelled back to Abilene, together. Guess what?! Our flight from LV to DFW was delayed about 30 minutes and then our flight from DFW to Abilene was cancelled. Luckily, there was ONE LAST flight into Abilene. We got on it and were getting ready to board, when the gate agent advised us to say a prayer we get to leave. UGH! I prayed and my prayer was answered, thank goodness! So...home sweet home!

I can't wait to see what this tradition brings us next year! I am just glad we have good friends and good traditions, which make great memories that last a lifetime! Take the time to think about your own traditions or maybe it is time to start a new one!

Making memories!

Gabbin' Gal Erin

OOPS!

It's 11:30pm and almost forgot to blog.

Erin and I made a promise that she would blog on Mondays and I would on Thursdays so we would be held more accountable to doing this. And Erin even gave me last Thursday off from blogging due to it being Turkey Day. So there really is no excuse for letting today go by. Just got busy, busy, busy!

However, I really had every intention on blogging last Thursday, but I was out of town at a swanky resort spa that my in-laws took us to and the dang place was going to charge to hook up to the internet! REALLY!!! I'm sorry, but I do believe that should be included in the room rate... the outrageous room rate I might add (eventhough I had nothing to do with paying, because I have awesome in -laws)! Anyway... not that the daily internet hook-up charge cost an exhorbitant amount, it's just the principle. I think those little things should be included! Don't you? It's kind of right up there with all the airlines charging for extra bags! Oh the insanity of it all. But not Southwest Airlines...Don't you just love their new ad campaign? Ok got off track there...kind of like my life right now. I'm running in 24 directions and trying to find the time to fit it all in. However, I do know of one thing I must fit in and that is SLEEP! I've been lacking in that department and must fit more of it in. I promise a better blog next Thursday. Lots has happened...in fact...funny, silly, goofy stuff...you'll just have to stay tuned. Speaking of staying tuned in....be sure and catch us on our internet radio show on Tues & Thurs 1-2pm CST. Just go to www.highvoltageradio.com on those days and see what we are gabbin' about. But for now, this gal is off to snoozin'.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Gabbin' Gal Nan

Don't be Jealous...He's ALL Mine!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, but the turkey lingers! Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. There's shopping, eating, shopping, cards to get out, eating, shopping, wrapping, parties, eating, family; oh...did I mention shopping and eating? It's a vicious cycle. Thousand of people headed out EARLY on Black Friday to see if they could take advantage of the awesome deals that retailers were offering. My children even left the coziness of their beds at 7:30 AM to brave the crowds. Me? I slept in. Cactus? He went hunting. Don't worry...Cactus and I did venture out to help stimulate the economy. He bought my Christmas present early. I know! What man buys their wife their present a month before Christmas? A cheap, (I mean thrifty) one does. I have been asking for a new washer and dryer for about 3 years. I have asked for mother's day, valentine's day, my birthday, anniversary and Christmas. I even asked for them on Cactus' favorite holiday...the first day of hunting season. NOTHING! They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. That is wrong. It's his wallet. Cactus saw an ad for 50 percent off of a washer and dryer set. I can see the wheels in his mind turning. If he purchases these, not only will he be finished with his shopping, but I will get off of his back about buying a new washer and dryer. It's a WIN-WIN! So, purchase we did.

But wait! It does not stop there. Cactus thought I needed something besides the washer and dryer. He is such a giver. You might want to sit down for this one, if you aren't already. He also bought me...TIRES! I know! You are green with envy! I don't know how he will top this next year. Maybe I will get that kitchen remodel I have been asking for. Patience paid off with the washer and dryer. Stranger things have been known to happen.

Happy Shopping (and eating and shopping and eating)!

Erin

Desk Building 101

For those of you who know my husband Cactus, you know that he is one of the smartest men around. He owns a successful oil and gas company along with raising exotic deer. He has a wonderful sense of humor, is great at grilling and loves to spend time with our three daughters, along with many other talents. However, every person has a thing or two that they are NOT good at. One of those things for him is technology. I lovingly refer to him as "technotarded". The other activity that he is not good at is building things. I did not realize this until one Christmas when Katie was almost two. We had purchased a Little Tykes car that needed assembly. He informed me that he does not put things together. YIKES! What to do? I started to put it together and suddenly could not figure out the next step. Luckily, I am surrounded by friends who are willing to help, or just feel sorry for me! So, a friend came over and Viola! the car was built. Cactus was happy he did not have to build it and Katie was happy she had wheels!

Through the course of the next 14 years, I have built patio furniture, bookcases, basketball goals, and the list goes on and on. This past weekend, I decided it was time to put the little white student desk together that I had bought for Elle weeks ago. Did I ask Cactus to help? Noooooo. Delaney offered to help. So, Saturday afternoon, the build began. First, we had to decide where the desk was going to go in her room. Finally, after rearranging twice, we decided on a layout. We excitedly dove into the building process! We laid out all the pieces in the order that they were to be used; made sure we had all the parts and got all the tools we needed. Piece C is joined to piece B by pieces G and H. CHECK! Next, on piece A, place this screw thing into this plastic thing and slip in the wood thing. WHAT?!!!! There is no plastic thing and the diagram is so small, I could not even tell what I was suppose to do. Delaney and I ponder our next step. We can go back to the store where I purchased the desk and ask them to replace the "broken" part, ask Cactus to help (we had a weak moment), trash the whole project and find a desk already put together, or...call Nester to help. Needless to say, we go with option #4. Nester is a handy man that has worked for us for years. He fixes things at the ranch, at our house, and at our rental properties. And...he BUILDS! Nester to the rescue! I do ask Cactus to make the phone call to Nester, which he willingly does. So, I guess the moral to this story is...I don't have to build everything, I just have to call Nester to build everything. Gotta go! Someone is at my front door! I bet it's Nester.

Happy Building!

Erin

I'm back. It was Nester. It took him only about 20 minutes to complete the desk. I have included a picture of Elle with her new desk. See how happy she is?

Thankful Thursday

Okay, I said that I would be the one that would blog on Thursdays so here it is. However, next Thursday being Turkey Day, I am asking for time off to be with the family. Hope that is okay with everyone.

Therefore, that is why I am calling this Thursday ... Thankful Thursday...in honor of Thanksgiving. I have loads to be thankful for...such as family, friends, job, husband's job, etc. etc. Please let me know what you are thankful for. I would so love to hear. Even the smallest of details...i.e. the kids took out the trash. Right? Man on Man am I ever thankful for that especially when I don't have to keep asking over and over for that certain kid whose chore that is to take the trash out! Ha! Please let me know. It's the small things that I am truly thankful for. Please share yours!!! I probably will share them on our radio show next Tuesday so be sure and tune in! Happy Thursday and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Gabbin' Gal Nan

Gabbin' with the Girls is Back on AIR!!! And we are GLOBAL!

Yes it's true! The GIRLS are BACK!!!

Had our first show TODAY! And it felt just like puttin' on your favorite, old, comfy blue jeans!!! Felt like HOME! However, we've moved from local talk radio to the internet radio so we can be heard EVERYWHERE!!! Been quite a process, but our dear producer Dave from our original show started his own radio internet station and as they say...the rest is history! We just want you to come along for the ride and to tell all your friends!!! I'm attaching the ad that will be on the back of our next Abilene Woman Issue, because it tells you how to listen to us!!! Also, be sure to join our Facebook Fan Page which is Gabbin' with the Girls with Nan & Erin.

One more thing, Erin and I have set up days of when we will be blogging on a more consistent basis!!! She plans on blogging on Mondays and I will blog on Thursdays! Hope we stick to it!!! HA!

Seriously, we will do our best! We've got lots of great things happening and we will want to share so stay tuned!!! Until next time....keep gabbin', gigglin' & grinnin'!

Gabbin' Gal Nan