40 things to remember for 2009

I am totally stealing this from another site... But I am giving credit to Debbieday from www.sparkpeople.com She posted this on her blog there and I think they are great. I wanted to share!!!

ENJOY!
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. Get reAquainted with yourSELF!

3. Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year.

7. Always pray and make time to exercise.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of Six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let energy flow into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class .......but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't always fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:
'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything( or at least adds perspective). Give time time!

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.

32. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides, remember?!

34. The best is yet to come.

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

36. Do the right thing!

37. Call your family often.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
"I am thankful for __________."
"Today I accomplished _________."

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

Merry Christmas from the Hodges'

Hope everyone is having a fabulous day in whatever way you are celebrating. The boys are playing video games and Hollister is watching a new movie.

Mom is trying to sneak away from all the fun! (hee hee)

Tried to do a family photo last night, but all the sudden "height" is an issue in this household and no one can be serious! Check out Kendrick's toes!!!!

Oh well.... here's what we got! I finally stuck them on a couch!!!

The Gangs All Here

Our house is full again. Kendrick arrived this morning. So be prepared for a lot of blogging with him included. He's missed out on being in the posts!

So, we sent him off in August and thought nothing of it. He turned 17 in September and apparently into man some time after that. He is TALL, taller than me. He is at least 6ft. I have to say, that is kind of weird. I feel short, which doesn't happen often. And when he talked, OMG!!! He has a deep MAN voice!!!It is weird to see this transformation. I think even Trevor was a little taken aback from it. Now, they are playing video games and all seems normal.

Hollister was super shy at first, wouldn't even look at him at the airport. Now though, he is all about "his Nenick!" Kendrick told Hollister his Christmas present was in this bag. Hollister wouldn't look at him, but he did try picking up the bag. CJ is in hog heaven. He loves having a big brother and idolizes Kendrick.

Me, my house is full of men and boys. My laundry is not done and for the next 2 and a half weeks, never will be. My menu is made for the next 2 weeks and the cupboards are full. I am prepared, I hope my dishwasher is!

Life is full... of boys, and probably unmatched socks for the next few weeks but it is full! Who can complain about that?

Mickey Mania

We took Hollister to Disney Playhouse Live last night at the Frank Erwin Center. It was so much fun. He was absolutely thrilled. He was in awe of all the characters and music.

It included Mickey, the Little Einstein's, Tigger and Pooh, and Handy Manny. he did bring Minnie, Goofy and Donald Duck. Hollister asked, "Where Daisy?" Not sure why she wasn't there.

As parents we wish there had been more Mickey, but he truly enjoyed it. When they brought Minnie out, he smiled. Then he said, "Goofy?" He's a huge favorite. His face lit up when he saw him. It was totally worth every penny and even the $8 sno cone in a "rocket ship" and don't ask how much the guitar was, it would sicken you!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Class Pet?

This little guy was outside my portable today after school. I gotta say, I've lived in Texas my whole life (minus some Army stops before I was 3) and this is the closest I have ever been to an armadillo. Mostly I have seen them dead on the side of the road.

This one was digging up the grass, big time. I wonder where he came from. Our school is surrounded by a housing community, no land, nothing!!! And no, he will not be a class pet of any sort! I am hoping he is gone tomorrow. But, I do have to say, I'll take him over rats anyday. Yes, that means we have had those!!!

Only in Texas....

12 days before Christmas

Thoughts I am having on this, the 12th day before Christmas.....

12. We have ZERO presents bought, none for our family, children, each other, etc.. ZERO. what are we waiting for?

11. I have lost 11 pounds and I'd better not find them over this holiday season.

10. I have a few gifts I am making this year and have I started? NO!!!! again, what am I waiting for?

9. CJ splitting Christmas break between his parents. UGH! I don't get Christmas morning this year, after 9 years it never gets easy! WAH!

8. Kendrick comes in 8 days.

7. What am I going to get for my husband? Why are men so hard to buy for?

6. How will I entertain my children over Christmas break and not go broke? Be creative Elizabeth, be creative!

5. 5 more work days WOO HOO!

4. Will I still have to get up at 4:30 am to fit my workouts in? I certainly hope not.

3 HOLLISTER IS TURNING 3!!!!! 12 days after Christmas (oh that will have to be another post) and I have to plan his party!!! and if you know me, I am a party planner and I always go over board and trust me, a little thing like Christmas will not change that! But, I still panic about it.

2. the list of to-dos is getting longer and longer

1. Watch this video and imagine, 1 more body(Kendrick) involved in that and you'll see why I need Calgon. (Did I just show my age or what?)

Christmas Concert

CJ had his school Christmas concert last night. Check out my handsome son! I actually got him to smile.

I made a video of his singing, but also included this handsome picture for those who can't access the video..

ENJOY!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Sweet tooth

This weekend we hosted a dessert party for our neighbors and friends. This is our second neighborhood party since we moved in June.

First, I tried something I read on another blog. I heated red hots on the stove to make it smell like Christmas in the house and, IT WORKED!!! Water and red hots, boil, let simmer. It was awesome. It will burn though so don't leave it for a super long time.

Trevor and I made a lot of chocolate dipped treats. I also made a trail mix. Each person was asked to bring a treat to share.

I made sugar cookies for the kids and had things for them to decorate with. We didn't have very many kids, but the ones we had lived it up. I told Trevor next year, no sprinkles! They were everywhere!



















This is Tony, eating his yummy creations.



























This is Mia, Tony's sister. She loved decorating more than eating the cookies.



















Hollister had a great time playing with Mia. She is 4. She is a new friend!


We anticipated people staying about 2 hours or so, just dessert, wine and coffee.
What happened was talking, talking and more talking. Except the kids, little desserts were eaten. I made everyone take a "doggie bag". No way are we leaving that stuff in this house with a woman on a diet. I even made CJ a plate for when he returns tomorrow night.

anyway, we just sat around and chatted and before we knew it, it was 10pm. Then it was midnight!!!!















It was really fun. We don't get to visit much with each other often. I mean, everyone has busy lives, so this was a nice get together. It's our goal to have block parties about 4 times a year. This one was smaller than the last, but we got to meet a new family from two doors down. YEA!


And this is what the down side from a sugar high looks like. What a sweet boy.

Hollister Todd Hodges BOOTS

I have been trying to film Hollister saying his name for our NM family. I will tell you this has NOT been an easy task. As most 2 year olds are, he is super distractable and I made the mistake of showing him some cards from the new Shrek movie he just got today. This is actually our 4th take and he has already gone through many of the character cards. This time he is into Donkey and Boots as you will see. He is totally focused on these stinking cards, but hopefully you get the point.

Enjoy!

Turkey Day Run

Well, I did it! I ran in the Turkey Trot downtown yesterday morning, 5 miles to be exact! It was really fun. There were over 12,000 people there. It was insane! At first I was worried that Trevor would be frustrated with so many people and that we wouldn't find each other. I ended up getting out of the car at the start area while they went and parked. As the race got closer and closer there was no way to find them and I didn't have a phone. I was a little panicked.

The race started, finally.... and off I went. Little did I know, my family was right there the whole time. They had found a spot near the start and were waiting for me. This race was great because at every mile marker there was a time clock. I was able to keep a steady pace the whole time. I have officially taken a minute off my mile. I run slow, but I am getting faster.

The course was downtown and there were some serious hills. Those were really tough. I was stunned with all the strollers and thought, no way could I push Hollister up these hills. I would die!
Then near the end I turn my head and see the capitol. I am running right past it. It was pretty cool. I took it in and then pushed on towards the end. One more steep hill and then finally when I made the last turn I saw the finish and TREVOR!!! what was he doing? Talking on the phone!!!! I was kind of hoping he'd have the camera ready. I saw the time and had about 8 seconds to get there in exactly 55 minutes so I booked it. That was my time, 5 miles, 55 minutes. I know, a slow 11 minute mile, but I don't care, I DID IT!!!

I was also happy to hear that Trevor was not bothered by the crowds and he said, "we should all do this next year!" CJ said he'd opt for the 1 mile run. Later in the day Trevor said he was proud of me for my run and that made it sooo worth it! I'm looking forward to next year and the continuation of my running journey.

This is me right after the race. I crossed the finish line and went straight to the boys. CJ said, and I quote. "you look like crap Mom" I think he is right. But who cares? I just ran 5 freaking miles!







































This is actually the backside of the capitol on the way to the car. I thought it was a pretty picture and I had to have a memory of running past the capitol building. At the top of that hill with all the people, is the start! I was up there somewhere, I swear! The other is a quick picture of the crowd in the park after the race. It doesn't do justice to how many people were there. It was crazy!

I'm thankful for...

I debated about making a list of all I am thankful for, but it just seemed too cliche'. So, instead, I thought you all might enjoy this! I think this is hysterical!





She'll survive with us, we are eating steak and baked potatoes. Why? Just cuz we can!

Have a great day with whomever you spend it with!
The Hodges Family....

One is smart enough to be a Dr. and one IS a doctor!

My boys!!!! 
CJ made all A's for the 2nd 6 weeks this year! WAY TO GO SON!!!!









Trevor got hurt at work today, pretty badly I might add. Don't worry Tammy, he is fine.

he had the help of Dr. H.T. Hodges to care for his injuries.

Trevor was cleaning his wound and Hollister was "helping". Then he had his own sympathy cut and cleaned that. He has such a good bedside manner.























He even helped Daddy with the cleaning. I know Dr.'s who have nurses do the "dirty work" Not my professional. He's a real hands on Doc! 

Ladies Night

This weekend, I did something I rarely do... went out to a Ladies Night party!!! It was a Murder Mystery Dinner. We were given "roles" to play and instructed to dress up like our character. It was with some ladies I work with. We all brought food and our best acting abilities to find who killed poor Pepi Roni... an Italian restuarant owner from New York City.











The characters:
Mama Rosa... widow of the late Pepi. Chris did a FANTASTIC job as the grieving widow.















Tara Misu.. finance' of Rocco, Pepi's identical twin. She's quite a looker.

Father Alfredo: Italain Priest and long time family friend of the Roni's. He was a little taken aback by our outfits

julie was also the host, THANKS JULIE!!! What fun!

Angel Roni: daughter of Pepi and Mama Rosa, 21 year old HOT thing!!! hee hee it was fun to play that role! Trevor was also taken back by how I was dressed!



Angel and her love interest, Bo Jalais. A frechman whom Pepi did NOT approve of.


















Rocco, pepi's identical twin. They had a falling out in Italy 25 years ago. Rocco was in NY to make peace... or get even? and of course, Tara Misu. A PERFECT match!

















Marco Roni, Pepi's son. Marco wants to be a professinal soccer player. Pepi wanted him to run the family business.

Clair Voyant, Mama's close friend and astrology advisor.

Tara Misu is quite the camera hog. hee hee













The party is centered around dinner at the family restaurant. During the dinner lots of accusations fly and surprises come out. The whole time you are trying to prove your own innocence and find the true killer.


















At different points there are even challenges to be completed. This is Mama Rosa showing that she doesn't even know how to hold a gun, how could she kill her beloved Pepi.
















The whole night was a blast. There were many twists and turns throughout the game. We all had motive, but in the end it was discovered that Bo Jalias killed Pepi, by accident! He thought it was Rocco. He wanted Rocco dead to take his business from him in Italy!!!

I definitely recommend this type of party. It was something different and unique. Trevor and I can't wait to have our own soon. All we need is some couple friends to invite. :)

Does this kid look sick to you?

Of course he doesn't. He is playing and eating and pooping (thank God!). But, he woke us up 2 times last night vomiting!!!! He was in our bed already which actually made it better. The first time he woke up choking. What a scary sound. It was pretty bad. He did make it to the toilet before an even bigger mess was made. it was 1:45am by the way. He was given a bath, sheets and comforter put in the washer and we were all back in bed fast asleep.

At 3:45am, he woke up again and was trying to vomit. He had nothing in his system though, only some water that he had after the first episode. This was much less dramatic. But, now he had a fever. So, after cleaning up and taking some Motrin, we were back in bed. He wanted to watch Mickey of course. He made it through about 5 minutes before he was back fast asleep. He slept until 8:30!!! Poor kid.

We all slept late. CJ woke up at 6:45 freaking out! He is normally woke up at 6:15. He was smart though. He got up, dressed and got his backpack ready. Then he quietly walked in to our bedroom, shook me awake and said, "Mom, what is going on?" I let him know Hollister was sick and that I'd take him to school. He was thrilled not to ride the bus!

So, Hollister and I home together today. He has no fever right now and is extremely playful, as you can tell by the photos with "Dog and Mickey" Maybe it is just a small something or other. Who knows? Just one request Hollister, no vomiting, especially while Daddy is gone. Not sure I can do it on my own!

HAPPY HUMP DAY!

Are you ready for some football?

Hollister is!

Fall Choir

CJ had a fall choir concert on Monday. Elgin is a small district so the choir director works at the middle school half day AND the high school the other half of the day. Because of this, the choir concerts are combined. I have a few pictures, but some of them may be blurry. I apologize for that, I don't know why I can't take good pictures at his choir events. I'll work on it before the Christmas concert in Dec. The one with all the kids in ALL kids 6th-12th in choir. CJ is on the front row, far right, 2nd from the end. The others are just of the 6th graders. There were about 15 of them, only 3 boys though. They sang two songs on their own, with choreography too. CJ hated that part, but he did very well.
ENJOY my little songbird!

Familes that work together stay together

So, its Saturday and we decided to put the kids to work. Trevor is demolishing a building within a strip mall and needed some "clean-up" help. We woke up early, ate breakfast at McDonald's and then off to work!
We do not believe in child labor laws!
Trevor had torn down several walls. Our job was to pick up all the pieces and put them in the dumpster.



After the initial cleaning, Daddy thought it would be fun to let the boys actually demo. They LOVED it. They took the whole wall down. I was a bad mom and forgot to take an after picture, sorry. Trust me, that crazy purple wall is GONE! CJ had an exceptionally good time with the sledge hammer. He actually told Trevor, "I had fun today" If you don't know, THAT IS HUGE! CJ HATES when we take him to work. He'd rather eat nails I think. But give him a sledge hammer and it's "cool".

Now, do not be fooled. We do "pay" our kids when they work. We went to opening night of Madagascar 2. We decided to go before they actually "earned" it because we wanted one day to veg at home and not wake up early. We choose to do that Sunday. The movie was super cute and yes, CJ went too, but its not cool for an 11 year old to take a picture at the movies. :) Ready with his kids pack!
He is set, candy, popcorn and even a diet coke! He loved the movie too, he watched the entire thing with only 1 potty break.

The rest of our weekend will consist of college football, professional football, grilling steaks, laundry and cleaning toilets. Hey, it can't all be glamorous!