Walmart: Opelika, Alabama: December 23, 2008

When you walk into a Wal-mart location on December 23rd and there are only 10 buggies remaining to choose from, you should run fast and as far as you can. Well, that is what one should do, but that isn't what I actually did. The second red flag would be if the check-out lines are into the clothing section, RUN!! I stayed and looked for the items on my list. I know you may ask why I didn't go to another store. Well, it was one of those trips where I needed food items as well as things like rubbermaid (lowercase) containers and other various & sundries. December 23rd is NOT the day one should go to Walmart in Opelika. It just isn't a good idea. One of the items on my list couldn't be found at this store. So, I left there and went to Target here. Not nearly as bad as the first location, but it is December 23rd. I found said item and realized it was really not worth the $38.99 that I had just paid for it (I went back and returned it at 10:45 pm tonight). I left there and went to Tuesday Morning...wishful thinking...just hoping they would have this item for E. No luck. I called Mark. He made a call to Sam's, they don't have it either. I was in K-mart at this time.... There were a lot of buggies, no long lines, but remember it is December 23rd! Toys could be seen flying over shoppers shoulders, babies screaming and crying to go home; parents yelling and screaming at the babies to "shut they mouths" (I am not making fun, I am quoting a parent). So very sad. I had to leave very quickly when I realized that they were in the same category as the other stores I had just frequented. Off to the Auburn Wal-mart location. I knew from the look of the parking lot, this would be a much more tolerable experience. Unbelievable...I hate to even say this. There weren't that many people, no long lines, no one shouting at each other to move their buggie out of the way...maybe a crying baby or two, but I didn't hear a parent screaming at a child - at least. Not nearly the number of people that can be found in all other stores in Auburn/Opelika tonight. Is the Auburn W-M a secret? So, my observations from this evening have shown me that the Auburn walmart is much better shopping experience. That being said, I have to remind myself that most all of AU students have left the city. That makes a big difference. Just be warned, if you go to Walmart tomorrow and you live where I live, go to Auburn and not Opelika. It is just two totally different shopping experiences!!! And while you are out shopping on the last day before Christmas remember most stores will close at 6 pm (if not earlier) and to say "Merry Christmas" in your most cheerful voice and along with your sweetest smile. :)

Christmas Circus 2008

This is how I describe our Christmas trip to Mobile each year. It is like a circuit that we travel around. We always go to Mobile the weekend before Christmas. For several years now, we have celebrated with my dad's family on the Saturday evening before and then Sunday night we are with my mother's family. Mark's family is Sunday lunch. We arrived this year at lunch on Saturday and went straight to my dad's house. We had a light lunch on small appetizer plates (read into this) with my dad and his wife, Janice.

They have a Wii so as one could imagine, the kids had a great time (so did Mark and I) playing on that. Lots of fun. Then they opened their gifts from them. B got a racetrac and Battleship.

E got a CD/radio player and diamond/gold necklace from them. B also got a treasure chest handmade by a friend of my dad. They were both very excited. We left there to drop off Mark's car at his mom's house...

Next, Mom's house. Mom is my dad's mother. We have alwas called her Mom, her choice of grandmotherly name when my cousin's were born. At this gathering would be my dad & his wife, Janice; Mom, of course; my dad's brother Ronnie and his wife, Judy and their granddaughter - Carley; my dad's sister Aunt Trisher (yes, that is how we all say it) and her husband Dennis; and the four of us. This is a vibrant group - I am loud and my voice carries...let's just say this is how the ntire crew is there. This gathering is held at my grandmother's home. This is a one bedroom, one bath, small house that was built for her on my aunt's property. The kids get gifts there from the adults and then the adults play dirty Santa. It is always a lot of fun and lots of laughter. At this stop, B got a race trac and a game of stacking chairs. E got a rapping rodent (mouse that sings rap music and dances) and a 2-CD set of music which is great. The food was wonderful and the conversation quite colorful (not sure how to adequately describe it). One conversation was the result of a commercial on TV. There are these new Barak Obama coins that one could buy. Now, I don't really think that Obama (or any other elected official) would want a coin with their face on it that isn't even circulated currency/coin. This is a gimmick to get people's money. I digress...my dad's reply to this commercial is this:
"I have some 30-O6 shells at home that need to be used on something. I could use them on those coins. I could blow his head up with them." This is all in front of his grandchildren, my children. This is exactly what they need to hear and the example they need to learn from, right?

There was another conversation later in the evening about Mexicans and Chinese or other Asian decent citizens who work in Mobile. They should all know English as their first language. My dad and his brother should never have to deal with them...on and on and on.....just so very sad.

Let's see...OH - my brother and his wife Jenny and my sister and her fiance' Troy do not attend this event. They haven't spoken to my dad in quite some time and do not participate in the family gathering at Christmas or any other time with our paternal side of the family. As we were backing out of the driveway this year, I noticed I had a missed call on my phone from my sister. I called her back and she wanted to know if they were all still there. I told her yes and she told me that she & Troy were going to run by there. Very good. I know the family would be very happy to se them. She told me on Sunday night that she did go by there. I know that they were all thrilled to see her. Not sure how long it has been since she has seen Mom.

OK, up next....lunch at G & Paw Paw's house (Mark's parents). Prior to this, though, we had to finish shopping. We had not purchased a gift for our nephew Ryan yet. There is a new, really cool shopping area 'across the bay'. There is also a new and really cool Bass Pro Shop on that side of the bay. We knew could get him something there. We decided to get up early and head across the bay to finish up our shopping. We also had to finish shopping for Mark's mom. So, we would be able to get both of these done early on Sunday before lunch at her house. My brother and his wife live on the eastern side of the bay. I checked to see if they wanted to meet us for b'fast since we would be in their neck of the woods shopping. They did. So, we ate b'fast with them and then the Bass Pro was open. Ran there, then to JC Penney for G's gift. Then back to the west side of the bay. Straight to G's house...lunch, then gift chaos for the kids. Gifts, gifts and more gifts. A fun time with Aunt Angie, Ryan (Uncle Hunter was called into work) and G & Paw Paw. E played with her new swimming doll and was dressed in her new Cinderella dress. B was transformed into a Clone Trooper with the helmet he received. Fun times. Let's see...one more stop on the circuit.

Next was Memaw's house. We were to meet there at 6:00 to eat and give her gifts. She, in turn, ended up giving all of us something - which she wasn't supposed to do. But she wanted to get us something. This gathering involves the following characters: Memaw; Aunt Dee (my mom's sister) and Uncle Hugh; Uncle Eddie (my mom's brother) and his wife Denise, her daughters Carly & Amanda and her boyfriend Marcus (I love his hair, by the way); Christy & Todd, Meadow; Alison & Jeff, Lainey & Cole; Jarrod & Edith, Patrick & Paige;

Kim & Troy;

Kyle & Jenny; then the 4 of us. So many of us, and so much fun. This year, we were going to bake Christmas cookies and decorate them. We ran out of time and this didn't happen. Maybe next year. Maybe we should start earlier than 6:00...oh never, mind...B got Legos from Aunt Kim and a Star Wars Transformer from Uncle Kyle & Aunt Jenny as well as clothes from them. Oh and he got $$ from Memaw. E got Dora Scrabble from Aunt Kim and a Dora phone and clothes from Aunt Jenny & Uncle Kyle. Memaw gave her a case of make up. It has been interesting. She loves it. They both love their families and had a wonderful weekend in Mobile.

Thank you to all of our family for hosting us while we are in Mobile for so many wonderful meals and for the beds to rest in. Thank you from us to everyone for the gifts for our kids!!

So, the circus ended then. On Monday morning, the kids and I pulled away around 9:30 am and put the bird back down on the ground in Auburn around 12:30. One may ask why we didn't/don't stay longer. We are off from work for two weeks. Well, there is so much that goes into this...so much. The way I describe it is that there is a lot of baggage for both of us (me and Mark) in Mobile. I enjoy being at home, it is peaceful here. Things are under my control here. That isn't the case in Mobile. There is so much vulnerability there. I will use an example that a friend uses...it is like jello that will not form. You put it in the bowl or form, and it will not gel. It just runs through the cracks and crevices. I can't keep it all together and in place. It is easier at home, here. I am a basket case while there. Certain family gatherings specifically.

Now we are home. I have so much to clean up and put away. Laundry to be done...oh and a couple of things to buy for the kids.

Merry Christmas, my blog readers, I wish everyone a very merry and peaceful Christmas!!!!!

Not what a parent wants to hear...

"Kellie, this is Veronica (E's teacher), something is wrong. E will not walk since waking up from her nap. She is balling, very painful crying." I thought it was just asleep. No, that wasn't the case. To hear that your child will not put pressure/stand on their legs is very scary. There are many reasons that this could happen, not any that I wanted to consider with my own child. After x-rays (piece of cake) and blood work (worst thing I have ever experienced with either of my children). After 3 tries in the lab, we were sent to the pediatric floor. She was wrapped in a burrito (aka bed sheet - think swadled infant). Her hair was wet from sweat. Bruised arm....story about that, but I won't go into it.

The pediatrician feels quite sure that she has something that I can't remember the name of that happens after your body has had a virus. I don't remember a lot about it...other than she told me that she feels very sure that it is this and not anything else. The x-rays and blood work are to confirm this. We should get a call in the morning. This is as much as I can say about it tonight. I can't believe this happened this afternoon - all so fast and so scary. I will update the blog when I know more tomorrow.

She is perfectly fine unless she tries to walk. And, even that is better now. She will at least walk now. She didn't walk from about 2:30 until 7:00 pm tonight. So, we are already making progress.

Kidney Stones...

I haven't had to think about this for quite some time, I think a couple of years. I remember the last one was after I had met Mrs. B in Marion. That was an easy one. This current stone isn't quite so easy. I woke up early Sunday morning, the pain is one that once you have had it; there is no mistaking it. I knew immediately that I had a kidney stone. Painful morning...Thanks to some Rx from a friend (yes, I know this is wrong, oh well) I made it through Sunday morning. By the evening, I felt fine. I had swallowed enough water to be sick. We had our friends the Parish's over. We had dinner and Christmas cooking fun with the kids, still fine...no pain.... I left for work on Monday morning. All was well until around 10:00 am. I know when I have reached my threshold for pain, I think. When I can't breathe or talk, then I am done. I made it home, more borrowed Rx later and I slept the rest of the day. After a brief moment of pain this morning, I made it through the entire day. And now, it is 9:38 pm and still no pain. Who knows where this thing is at and how big it is. I just want to be done with it!!!!! I do NOT like pain medication and I do not like pain. So, I am in a fix. I have had enough water to float a cruise ship and no sign of the stone. We will see what happens in the days ahead. Anyone else want to discuss their functioning or non-functioning water system?

Rebel With A Cause

In case you haven't noticed on the right side panel of this blog, there is a camera. CLick on that to see what this other blogger is doing and how much money she has already raised for charities close to her.

Is that an Echo I hear?

I think so. It is so quiet around these parts...unless of course you count me. someone? anyone? no one has anything to say about my rambling ridiculous posts?

Things that Make Me Happy!

This may be a post that is edited many times along the way. I will list things that make me happy...so, this may be a list that grows and grows...at least, I hope it does. Think about the things that make you really happy! List them in a comment to this post if you would like...

-Drinking coffee and reading in a book store
-Reading a magazine
-My children's laughter - deep hearty laughter
-Spending time with my husband - doesn't happen very often without kids these days
-The smell of an infant
-Hearing a song I like and singing very loud along with it in the car
-Seeing/talking to a friend after some time has passed and it is as if no time at all
- Panera Hazelnut coffee...with 1/2 & 1/2 and two splenda packets (why splenda with the cream? Who knows?!)
- looking at "old" photos of our children - from birth up to now
- Christmas cards
- having friends in our home, a preparing a meal for them (as long as I don't worry about food quantity)

Still thinking...

Birthday Party Plans...

For what?, one might ask. Well, for E's 4th birthday. Yes it is two months away, but normally, I have some idea at this point what the party will be - theme at least. I just started to think about it today. Last year, it was warm enough in February to have an outside party, yet we were inside. I am banking on cold weather in Feb. this year...seems like we will have a cold winter. I haven't checked the farmer's almanac to verify this theory though.

She says princess party, I say lady bug/garden party kind of party. Who knows where we are going with this celebration, but I want to think more on it in the days to come. And between now and the party, there will be a new addition to our family. Baby Anna M is due to arrive mid-January. So, I need to think and plan.

I usually start soon after her birthday, planning B's birthday party that is in April. I think this year, his will be low-key. Yes, that is what I just said...low key. We will see how well that goes over when I really try to convince myself that is what we will do. Yes, I know I am speaking in 3rd person about me, myself and I. :)

It is getting late and I should go to bed...

A Week Has Passed...

and I should have a new post, yet, don't really have anything to post about. I am tired of seeing "baby shower weekend" at the top, so here is something to take up more space.

I did find a friend on facebook that is well worth mentioning. Friends of ours from our youth. ha ha Verr Dean was located on facebook, I was very glad to re-connect with her/them. It is sad how we lose contact with people. I do it all of the time. I get so busy in the day to day life that these things slip by. Time goes on and on and on, and the next thing I realize, it has been 3 years!

Christmas cards are addressed but not mailed. They are sitting on the kitchen counter. When I remember to put them in the car with me, I will take the to the PO and purchase postage to mail them.

A recent change for our family is that I have changed my work hours. I am now working 6:45 am - 2:45 pm. This is the first day of the 2nd week of this new schedule. Let's just say that I can't stay up late! The older I get, I am realizing that I need more sleep. To get up at 5:00 or 5:15, I need more sleep. So far, this new schedule is working well. Mark continues to take the kids in the morning; a friend brings B to my office after school; and we pick up E soon after. We are home by 3:15. I hope this continues to work!!

The Hanging of the Greens service was at our church last night and the children & youth choirs sang. It was a nice service. Both B & E had a fun time decorating the Chrismon trees in the sanctuary with the help of the youth group.

I will stop rambling now...more to post later...I really need to get to work, since I am here!!!

Baby Shower Weekend

After B's stomach bug, we (me & kids) loaded up in the van and headed to Mobile for my sister in law's (brother's wife, Jenny) baby shower. If I had not been able to make it to this shower, I would have been more than sad. I was looking so forward to it. Well, it worked out that no one else got sick and we were on our way. So far, no one else is sick from the bug.

We arrived on Friday and went with my other sister in law (Mark's sister, Angie) to find eggs to go on top of the cupcakes for the shower. The theme for the shower was "nesting". So, we used birds and nests to decorate with . We went to Fresh Market (my first time there and I LOVE that store.) and found the "eggs" to go on the cupcake nest. They were swirl cordials. Anyone know what that is? I found out. It has a candy coating, a layer of chocolate and the middle is a flavored syrup of some kind. I thought they were perfect for our idea of the cupcake bird nests (following an internet idea). That done, we headed home to decorate the cakes. That was done very quickly, we were proud and we headed to the store to shop a little.

Saturday morning arrived and we began to set up for the shower. Such fun and seeing my cousins & family was wonderful to me. I got to spend time with my cousin's little girl, M. SO SO cute and fun to be with. I can't believe she will be 2 in January!! Time really does fly by.

So, many of our family members from my mother's family were there and from Jenny's family. Jenny & Kyle recieved a lot of wonderful gifts - a lot of clothes.

The kids & I stayed until Sunday morning to drive home...hmmmmm....driving home on a Sunday of a holiday weekend is not a good idea. But we made it home, safe and sound.

Now, to wait on Anna's arrival. I am so anxious and can not wait for her to get here. I am very excited to see her and hold her.

Sorry for the play by play journaling blog. Not that I thought everyone would want to know weekend details, but wanted to write them down anyway.

Happy Thanksgiving

Our day began at 5:30 am. B woke up ill, very ill...this lasted for several hours. It finally subsided for him. Mark on the other hand has been in the bed all day long, nauseated, not feeling well. We were supposed to leave for Mobile this morning between 7 & 8 am. The plan was to arrive and eat lunch with Mark's family.

Mark's sister and I were going to get out very early in the morning to see if we could catch some good deals. The later part of tomorrow was going to be spent baking cupcakes for the baby shower that is planned for Saturday. This baby shower that I am so excited about, have planned for, and have looked so forward to. I really hope the bug is over in our house so that we can go tomorrow or at least make it very early on Saturday morning. I was/am really looking forward to this baby shower. I understand completely why E is sad and can't figure out why we aren't going. She cried herself to sleep in my lap earlier...not able to understand why we weren't getting in the car at 6 pm to go to Mobile.

Both kids are watching the Peanuts Thanksgiving show. I hope tomorrow is a better day in our house.

Another piece of my Puzzle

I received a call from my dad tonight. I haven't heard from him and haven't called him in some time. E-mail is my main form of communication and he doesn't e-mail. Then again, if he did, I am not sure how much we would communicate. I have to admit that there are times e-mail communication would be much easier between me & him. Out of his 3 children, I am the only one who still speaks to him. So, as you can imagine, I am the one he finds out most things from - about the other two children. He always asks me how they are doing...I usually respond "as far as I know, all is well". I rarely talk to my sister (we used to e-mail or talk almost daily) and even less to my brother. It just isn't something we all do... Anyway, he asked me tonight how they all were, if Kyle's wife was still enjoying her job. He didn't know that she had changed jobs some time ago...I guess that never came up and I didn't tell him as I don't think about changes to everyone and what I should tell him. He also didn't know that my sister in law is pregnant. I didn't think he knew because I haven't received a phone call from him saying "Did you know J was pregnant? Why haven't you called to tell me?!" "I guess they just don't want me to be involved or to know this baby!" Well, as you can guess where this post is going, I was the bearer or good/bad news to him this evening. He called to check on us, ask about my recent trip to DC and other family issues. He was asking what all they were up to after finding out that she had changed her job and if Kyle was still at the same employer. I finally told him, look, you should know that J is pregnant. Silence...just silence..."what did you just say?" So, I repeated that she is pregnant, due in January and it is a little girl....Silence...Anyone notice the position I am in at this point? I have just dug the knife in deeper. Yes, there are so many things that I could bring up from my past. These might help you understand the veins and arteries that pump the life in and out of the feelings for him - from all 3 of us, but we don't have time. Even so, I am the one in the middle. I don't think either side - my siblings nor my dad - intend for this to be the case, but it just how things are. So, after commenting that he couldn't believe they didn't want him to know, didn't want him to be a part of this grandchild's life - through tears he told me that he had to get off of the phone. So, now I sit here on my couch in my den with a lamp on, the Christmas tree lights on, and my laptop. The hum of the heater and creaks in the house. These are the sounds I hear. I know that if I were sitting outside of his window right now, I would hear sobs of sadness and pain. No matter how much we can say he put himself in this position, it is sad to me to know that someone, anyone, is in this much pain and feels this kind of rejection. Again, thanks for letting me type this out. I have no idea if you have read it or not or will read it. But, I needed to put this on "paper".

I am so envious (yes, I know this is a sin) of those with normal families who are in the movies. You know the ones who get together and have a great time over the holidays and everyone looks like they love each other - if only for the photos - they still look like they do. Oh to have a normal family, whatever that is....

16 years ago...

Ever notice how many of my blog entries have a number in the title? I just noticed it....interesting isn't it?

Anyway, I have thought a lot about my mother lately. Not that she is ever completely out of my mind, just not at the front of or in all thoughts. It is also interesting how time really does make things easier and how some memories do not come as easily as others. I remember, on a night like tonight, sitting on the den floor watching TV. My back was propped up against the couch (very ugly couch). My mom had returned to Saraland from MD Anderson Hospital in Houston. She had been home for a few weeks at this time. She returned knowing that she was at the end of her journey here on earth. The doctors had told her that they could continue experimental drugs, but due to the damage already done, she would most likely not survive the additional rounds of treatment. She made the decision to come home to die there, surrounded by her family. She came home in the middle of October and for the following weeks, made preparations to die. She had us go through all of her things, bag up clothes for Goodwill/Salvation Army, things to give back to people who had given them to her...on and on. We helped her go through her things - her life. After the first couple of weeks, she began to sleep a lot. I would watch her breathe...like I watched my two children breathe as newborn babies. She would have such labored breathing. Little did I know that this wasn't labored at all. Sitting in my den here in Auburn tonight, somehow took me back to the den at 729 Dennis Drive 16 years ago. I was sitting there, back up against the couch, watching TV. Listening to her breathe...sometimes it was gone for a time...I would think, this must be it. Then it would begin again. She was sleeping on the ugly couch covered up on a green/multi-colored afgan. My brother has this afgan. One of his memories of her is being covered up in this blanket on the couch. One lamp was on and the TV, oh, and the Christmas tree lights. Just like in my den tonight - except the TV isn't on. She had us put the tree up early that year. We always put it up the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but not in 1992.

Thanksgiving was just around the corner....we had dinner at my unlce's house. Uncle Ronnie & his wife, Judy were hosting all of us that year. Me, my sister & brother went...I think my dad stayed at home with my mom and her family that day. It was the first time that I ate deep fried turkey. I remember that it was good. So many details of that day that I remember...interesting the things I remember. The weekend of Thanksgiving would be her last weekend with us.

She was rushed to the hospital in excruciating pain. We found out at the hospital that she was having mini strokes. I have never researched it, but I assume this happens when there are no more red blood cells in your blood - very little oxygen being carried throughout your body. That is jut my layman's interpretation of what I saw happening. What transpired over the next day was the most painful days of my life. Others have died since, but nothing as painful as what I watched happen. Before she went into a coma, she verbalized in deep sadness that she was leaving her baby. I have never felt that she wasn't acknowledging the fact she was leaving me (19) and my sister (22). It was so powerful her pain of leaving her 12 year old. I can not imagine knowing that is happening and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. That was a hard night. I honestly thought when I left the hospital room that night, I wouldn't see her alive again. He never saw her alive again. Kyle didn't make it to the hospital before she died. I think she wanted it that way...

She died the next day, November 30, 1992. After truly labored breathing, she went to sleep, very peaceful sleep. There are days I still can't believe she is gone - she doesn't know my children, she doesn't know me as a wife or mom; she left only knowing me as her daughter and sister to her other children. On days like today, when I sit in my den and it takes me back to my final days with her, I miss her terribly. I have to remember the days we had with her...I have to share her with my children. They are very interested in her and still try to figure out why she isn't here. Death is a hard thing to explain to a now 6 and 3 year old.

I didn't write this to make others sad...really, I didn't. I just needed to write this. So many more details that could be added to this story. Some years the anniversary of her death goes by and around December 10th, I realize that the 30th has passed and the 3rd too (the day we buried her). Other times, like this year, it feels a lot like it did 16 years ago...not sure why, but it is very real to me this year. Thanks for letting me share this part of me.

Life with a Six and a half (important) year old

I have to remind myself, on many occassions, that our son is only 6 years old. The half part of his age is very important to him. He counts his age in quarters. In January, he will be 6 and three fourths old. Crazy, I know. Many times, he is so grown up. The monster that we have created in him. It may be a disservice to him. We have always treated him as a person - maybe a grown up - when he should have been treated like a child, even an infant. I remember talking to him one day while buying groceries. A fellow shopper commented that she couldn't believe I was speaking to him about the things going into the buggy. She wanted me to know that an infant in a carrier couldn't understand what I was talking about. I just smiled (really, I did). All of this to say, I have to remind myself that he isn't an adult with a voice of reason completely formed at this age. He is, after all, only 6.

In his classroom, they have levels of behavior. As a student in this class, you can receive a smile, straight or frown face in your planner at the end of each day. As a parent, you sign that you have seen this reflection of the day. We have had smiles most of the year, a couple of straight faces and now two frowns. This doesn't settle well in our home. When confronted as to why he had a frown for last Friday, he quickly described another child hitting him in the head and how he told this other child to stop. This one infraction, under the supervision of a substitute, caused a frown? !?! I knew that there had to more to this story. It is interesting how being a mother gives us so many superpowers. It is like we can read the minds of our children. I knew he was lying. I couldn't imagine a substitute giving him a bad report for defending himself against the evil child who would strike my child in the head. Great story, but I wasn't buying it. I explained that I would e-mail his teacher to verify the said event and find out if there was anything else I needed to know. He cried a little harder (the crying began when he showed me the frown) and admitted it was a lie. OK, now I was really disappointed. Turns out, he was just talking and talking and talking and talking. Oh and disrupting and disturbing his friends who were trying to get their work done. He was one of 9 children listed as participating in the disruption on Friday.

As parents, we have to discipline our children, right? There are days that I really do not like the job of parenting. Once Mark arrived home from work, the two of them left to go somewhere to discuss the infractions. Once home, B had to write a note of apology to his teacher and to the substitute from Friday. For the next 7 days, he can not watch any TV or play his XBox, he can not go to a friends house, and has to be in bed by 7 pm each night. Also, for 30 minutes to an hour after homework is done, he is to do yardwork - we have a lot of leaves to be raked. So far, he doesn't seem to be much affected by the punishment and says it is ok to not have these privilges for the next 7 days. If there is a complaint about any of these rules/punishments he gets a day added to the 7. I think by the end of the 7 days he may wish that we didn't have trees in our yard, or even that he had different parents. Oh well, it isn't all fun and games. His teacher feels very confident that he will correct his behavior. She said that she only has to correct him once on anything for his behavior to change. Only if his parents were so lucky!

46 years old

Virgil Starks, a fellow church member, died on Saturday. He was 46. He died of a heart attack - I think they paper stated "cardiac arrest". He leaves a wife and 3 daughters. Please pray for this family. They are preparing a daughter for radiation therapy for thyroid cancer. She is 13 (maybe 14, I could be wrong). Please pray for this family. I know what scripture tells us, yet I have to question how much more a family, a wife & mother, a daughter, a sister - can take. I pray for them and hope you will too. They will bury their husband & dad tomorrow. If you think of them, please pray for them.

Too Long

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post. What have I been doing? Many things, many, many things...

One of these many things included a trip to Washington DC. I arrived in DC on Saturday, Nov. 1st. This year, I was able to visit with the Ball family on Saturday and have lunch with Mrs. B on Monday in town. How fun it was. They took me to IKEA - my first time in an IKEA - on Saturday. I absolutely LOVE that store. There is one in Atlanta, and I hope to visit it sometime soon. Just a fun place - and so reasonably priced. Just right for a frugal girl like me. Their children, D & M are so wonderful! I enjoyed being with them too. The road to their church is amazingly beautiful. I can still see the rolling hills at the horse farms and the colorful trees along the way.

I also happened to be in DC on Tuesday, November 4th. I know that politics can be quite controversial, but I have to share my feelings about this election. I have watched this progress and was so excited about the election - and that I would be in DC when it all happened. The closing banquet of the conference was that evening. Tuesday morning started out with guest speakers, James Carville & Mary Matlin - how wonderful. It was so exciting. They are both very funny and so passionate about what they do. So, Tuesday rolls along, waiting on the darkness to fall and returns to be posted...we waited...we ate dinner...we danced...we ran to the election room...we watched the TV...we watched....we waited...we danced more...ate an ice cream sundae...waited...then it happened...CNN called the election. It was announced that Barak Obama had been elected the next president of the United States. I believed it b/c I felt strongly that it would happen, but then again, I couldn't believe it. I just stood there...just stood there. Celebrations all over the hotel. I fell asleep in a chair in the hotel - the conference participants were all watching televisions together. There was a crowd around every television in the Washington Hilton on Connecticut Ave. I woke up to John McCain speaking. I was impressed, he was gracious, said what he needed to say...and was done. Then we waited....found another television...waited...fell asleep in the chair again. I decided to walk across the street to my hotel to watch Barak Obama there. As I exited the elevator, I saw a small crowd in the lounge watching TV. There they were, walking out on stage. Wow... I watched in awe. Some readers of this blog are probably looking for a bag or trash can to puke into now. I know that some people will never be able to see what I see in this man - and I don't even know this man. I sat there listening. HE is our next president. wow. One tear fell, then another, then a couple more. Then the flood gate opened. I was sobbing as if I were at a funeral of a dear friend. As I sat there, a black man (or brown man as known in our home) walked over to get me napkins for the tears and running nose. I noticed he was crying. The older white man next to me, well he was crying too. I looked across the room - the hotel staff for the lounge had all come from the kitchen and bar to stand and watch - they were crying. When I first sat down, there was no one behind me and only 6 or 7 people in the lounge. Every time I turned around, the crowd grew. It was a very moving experience for me. There I was. A girl from Alabama - deep south. Raised in a home where blacks were mocked, not respected, and thought to not hold the same value as us - the whites. Yes, even in my home, this was the case. Somehow, along the way, I decided - realized - dreamed - something - that this wasn't normal. A person's value wasn't to be determined by their skin color. I am not sure how I formed that view in my own mind. I am thankful every day that I did. I am proud that we have elected a president who isn't caucasion. More than that, I am glad that we elected Barak Obama as our next president. It says something about us that we have moved to this place. History was made and I watched it. I remember my mom telling the story of JFK's assassination and how she had very vivid memories of that day. I think I know what that feels like now. I will never forget Tuesday, November 4, 2oo8. I look forward to explaining this day in more detail to our children as they get older.

So, after the speech, I walk over to my hotel. The sound of DC was amazing. Horns honking, screams, yells, celebrations - heard all over. I opened my window and packed my bags to the sounds of DC that night/morning. The celebrations and honking horns continued for some time. I finally fell asleep around 3:00 that morning. That was a good night.

I know I give too many details and go on and on. I am not a good story teller or writer. Mark doesn't like for me to tell him things - I give too many details. So, sorry to you all for going on this long.

Fall Recipes to Share

A Great Pumpkin Cheese Ball

8 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
10 oz. container sharp Cheddar cold-pack cheese spread
1/4 c. crumbled blue cheese
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t. celery salt
1/4 t. onion salt
1/2 c. walnuts, finely chopped
1 t. paprika
Garnish: 1 pretzel rod, broken in half, assorted crackers

Blend together cheese until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and onion salt, adding more to taste if desired. Shape into a ball and set on serving plate; cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours, until firm. If desired, score verticle lines with a knife to resemble a pumpkin. Toss walnuts with paprika; press into surface of the cheese ball. Break pretzel rod in top for stem. Arrange crackers around cheese ball. Makes 10-12 servings.

Pumpkin Latte'

4 c. milk
4 T. canned pumpkin
3 T. vanilla extract
1 t. cinnamon
2 c. strong, hot brewed coffee
Garnish: whipped cream, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon sticks

Stir together milk and pumpkin in a saucepan; heat over low heat until steaming. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon. (I also added Splenda to mine). With a hand-held blender or electric mixer, blend for 15 to 20 seconds (takes much longer than this) until thick and foamy. Pour into 4 to 6 mugs or tall glasses; pour in hot coffee. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle with spice and add cinnamon stick stirrers. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Farmhouse Apple Bread

3 eggs, beaten
2 C. sugar
1 C. oil
1 T. vanilla extract
3 C. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
3 to 4 apples, cored, peeled and chipped
1 C. chopped pecans

Combine eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla until well mixed; set aside. Combine four, baking soda and sinnamon in a separate bowl; stir into egg mixture. Fold in apples and pecans. Divide equally between 2 greased and floured 9"x5" loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour and 10 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.

Happy fall!

A Rambling Update...

We have a new Whirlpool washer, works great, lots of clean clothes.

I have another tooth ache. This is in a tooth that had a root canal in July of last year. - It could be a sinus infection (original diagnosis several weeks ago); a bacterial infection in the tooth that shouldn't be there; or a crack in the tooth that is there and the tooth will have to be pulled. So, I will most likely go pick up a z-pack on tomorrow or Friday, if it isn't better, I will be scheduling another root canal. All the while, I am hoping that there isn't a crack in the tooth under the crown in my mouth. If that is the case, I will need to have an implant put in once it is pulled. All I hear and see when that is mentioned is $$$$$$$.

Let's see, not much else to tell. Kids still the kids, work is still work, Mark is still very busy with work and travel.

I am hoping for fall weather and the holiday time of the year to arrive. I love the time of the year that is just around the corner. And to honor this time of the year...I will post some recipes that I prepared and shared with friends on Friday evening at the book party at our house. Thanks to all who came, it was a fun time.

Now, the Washing Machine

Is broken. Car repairs, now this. Not sure what will happen. I am sure by the end of the weekend, we will have a new washer.

E & I leave for Mobile early in the morning for a quick trip there. We will return on Sunday. So, Mark will have to do the washer shopping on his own. Oh well...

The Rest of the Story

So, it turns out that there was actually a tire that played a part in the stranded on 431 story. Earlier in the day, Mark ran over a truck tire that came off in the road and he had no where to go but straight - over the tire. This didn't come out until much later in the day yesterday. It turns out that he hit the tire and didn't realize that it would (did) do so much damage. The repair man said today that he has never seen anything like this.

So, the transmission is damanged, the starter is burned from the small fire, and the insurance adjuster will go to the repair shop tomorrow. If they decide that it is worth repairing, then we still have the white car with no A/C (which Mark has endured all summer). If they determine that it isn't worth the money they will have to put into it for a new transmission, starter, etc...then yes, that means we will be a 1 car family until we figure out what to do. In the meantime, Mark will have a rental car to drive.

So, now we wait on the adjuster's opinion of the damage.

Stranded

Mark called about an hour ago to tell me (he is on his way home from somewhere near Ft. Payne) that his car was acting funny, but he was going to try to make it home. He was in Gadsden at the time. So, he called back a very short time later to say the lady behind him (traveling with him in her car) called him to say there was smoke and "stuff" coming from the car. He called back soon after to say that he had decided to drive as far as he could, maybe to Oxford or Anniston. He called about 5 minutes later to say that the car stopped, just stopped. He called AAA, then called me again. To tell me that he was on the side of Hwy 431 and it was very dark, very very dark; he sent his traveling companion on home; and he was just sitting in the dark on the side of 431. He was going to get out of the car and go stand at the edge of the trees - no flashlight in dark woods in Alabama. She ended up coming back and they were going to drive home in her car and have the car towed by AAA to a garage there - south of Gadsden - wherever they are. So, AAA came. The guy said maybe adding some transmission fluid would help. Then he could drive it home. He just called again. The fluid didn't work, they were close to calling the fire department. He is being towed home by a AAA represented towing company at the price of $3 per mile. Yes, that would be close to $350 from where he is at right now. The guy told him that it will not be worth repairing this car. Did I just type that? Surely not. Are we about to be a one car family? Should I remind my readers that our old pick up truck exploded earlier this year? I am not sure how to process this information this evening. The car is possibly gone. Where does one find money to buy another vehicle? Get a loan? Oh wait, is anyone even loaning money for middle class workers who don't have cash on had to buy a car? HELP!!! I am not really freaking out yet, but I am sure that will come soon enough. Maybe I will begin walking to work after all. Maybe I can shower in the sink at the office. This makes me think all employers should provide showers for their walking employees. Deep breath, deep breath...

Another tooth, gone...

B was determined that one of his top teeth was ready to come out. I wasn't too sure. It is out, still not sure it should have come out. A friend told me that I wouldn't pull too hard. If it was ready to come out, it would come out. Well, it did. A lot and I mean a lot of blood later, he is finally in bed. Not asleep but in bed - at 8:45 he went to bed. 45 minutes late. Oh well.

He is talking funny and said he can't keep his tongue from going through the big gaping hole in the front of his mouth now. Funny boy. He looks funny, I guess all kids with holes in their mouths look funny though.

Yes, I should have taken a photo, but I didn't. Maybe in the morning.

And, so, we move on...

I am determined to have a better week this week. Friday was a culmination day for the week I had. Frustration at work was to a point that I am going to try very hard to forget and move past. At the end of the day, I did find a lot of humor in the frustration. So, we will move past that.

I made my lunch last night, made B's lunch last night, set the coffee pot on program to start at 6:00 am on its own, and thought we would start our week off on the right foot. That was all well and good, but if you sleep until 6:36 am on Monday morning, it isn't so good. I am not sure what my problem (and Mark's) is. At one time, I was actually getting up at 5:00 am, going to the gym and having a wonderful day. WHY CAN'T I WAKE UP!!???!!! Not really sure. I need to set my clock & put it in the kitchen. Then I will get up and walk in there to get it. Maybe then I would hear it and stay awake. Not sure, but I have to make up my mind that I will get up on time. Geeze.... All of that being said, we all made it to work and school. And although I am dressed rather casual again today, it isn't any more casual than a normal work day. I like my cool weather clothes much better than my warm weather clothes. So, I am anxiously awaiting much cooler weather. Maybe I won't be quite so casual at work.

Here's to a good week to our household and to all of my blog readers. I hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

The Raveling Seams...

This is my status on FB right now. K if you come here, you will find more detail, probably too much detail.

Today was a morning that started late. 6:32am I jump up, realizing the sun is up - it is no longer dark outside. Realization! We are running late. There are four of us that must get dressed for work/school/daycare in 28 minutes. Three of the four can manage pretty well by themselves -
on most days. On a day like today even the adults, me, can't get it all together. So, I throw on a pair of jeans, orange long sleeve top and black flops. I love flip flops and DO actually wear them in the winter - as long as I can. Lucky for me I am in the south. Anyway....b'fast is made (grits for the kids), clothes have been picked out, although E is crying. Why is she crying one might wonder. Well it is now FALL as was determined yesterday by the changing of tree color. So, in the FALL (she is saying fall very loudly with conviction each time she says it) time of year one wears long pants, and a jacket or sweater. OK, those of you who live in Alabama know that it isn't necessary to wear long pants and a jacket/sweater in September - even October for the most part. To get out the door, we let her wear long pants and a jacket.

Move on to 9:00. I have another appointment at the AU Medical Clinic (my new choice of med offices) to see our friend Ginny, who is a Physician's Assistant or aka my new medical professional. Anyway, I had a return visit there b/c I am continuing to have migraines and sinus pressure. I left the medical clinic and head home. I needed to get something out for dinner and well, change clothes. I was terribly casual. Even though this is somewhat accepted in our department, I was VERY casual. So, to feel a little better about myself/the day - I ran home. A crock pot of chili later and a change of shirt/shoes- I felt better. I have to say that I am sometimes amazed at one can accomplish running through their home when kids aren't there. I can get so much done. However, there was STILL a lot of work to be done at home, AND I needed to get back to work.

When I left home this morning, there were things all OVER the house. Dishes in the sink; clothing piling up in the corner of our room where all dirty clothes go in our house; clothes in both the washer and the dryer; no lunch packed for me (very common, I could do this the night before and never do); no breakfast (also very common for me); no exercise - what is that???; toys at the bottom of the stairs; hair things spread all over our room from E; ironing board/iron out; on and on and on. I get in the van...
the gas light comes on. Which isn't a big deal, but just another thing.

On days like today, I feel that I can't get things under control. I can't run a household, take care of kids, be a wife and be me at the same time some weeks. So, today I have felt like the threads holding the seams together are raveling. All too quickly. I like for there to be order in life/day to day living. I like for there to be calmness (my BP was 110/80 by the way - much lower than it has been since having E, 3 years ago - I know, I digress...) Today was a day that I could have and probably should have taken an mental health day off from work. I didn't and it is all ok. I came home with the kids this afternoon and got a lot done. As of this evening, 3 baskets of clean clothes have been put away upstairs in their rooms, our bed is made and has clean sheets on them.

SO, in the grand scheme of things and life in general, life is good. I am blessed and have so many things to be thankful for. But I can get so bogged down and weary (yes, Mrs. B weary- I can hear you say it) at times. When I get to the point that I could stay at home, not answer the phone, not check e-mail and just stay right here - that is when I know I need to slow down. Pull myself together and pay attention to the things that matter.

Starting QB

not sure what these two are doing here... lining up...playing on the line and not QB...he is in the middle of the photo looking ahead...

Yes, as if our B needed his head to be any larger than it already is?! His coach called to see if he would be at the first flag football game because B woud be starting quarterback.

I pass this information along to B in the van. His head immediately begins to swell. "QB, QB, shake your boot-ie!" I have no idea where he heard this! But wherever the origin, he continued to sing this to me in the car. Finally, I demanded that he stop saying it.

We had a conversation about humility and the talent of the other players on his team. Geeze...how do you get them to understand?

They had a great game against the Broncos - who actually won in the last 5 seconds of the game. The boys had a great time though. 5 more games to go!

MOMMY MOMMY!!!

What E? What is it?, I ask her. This is happening as we are all leaving home for work and school this morning. Her excitement, screams and pitter patter of her feet running back into the house was all due to a tree.

"The leaves have changed the color. It is red and orange now!!! Mommy, come look!! Doesn't that mean it is fall??!!!" It was so sweet. It was wonderful to see & hear her excitement over the leaves changing color. I will take a photo of this tree. It is across the street from our driveway. For the last two years that we have lived in this house, I have noticed this tree each day as I back out of the drive. I know the seasons are changing, if not by the weather, then by this tree. And today, E noticed it too!

Prayer, Church "work", & Cream Horns

So, I am lax in blogging again. It has been brought to my attention that I need another post. I can't imagine why anyone would not want to continually see the same photographs of my children over and over and over again as they pass by my blog. Just kidding, of course. It seems as though I have so many thoughts going through my head most days and would like to stop and "write" them down, and never make it to this point.

One thing I have thought a lot, maybe extensively, about is prayer. For those of you who have ever been in a Sunday School class with me have heard me say that I am not all together sure about prayer. Whoa! Now that I have scared some of my readers off, they won't hear the rest of the story. It isn't that I don't believe in prayer, I think my lack of faith stems from not wanting to expect the unexpected. Rather not allowing what can happen to happen, maybe? As I ramble on, maybe this will make some sense. So, in thinking on prayer, I have begun to note things that I should pray about - daily - not just when it is time to pray out of fear, desperation, or crisis. But to pray without ceasing. That is huge for me - to think, much less type it out. One specifically that I should pray for are family - so many stories there. Others I won't name here. But, I do feel that prayer is real, important, necessary... I just need to get to the place that when I pray I truly feel that there is an answer to that prayer and I have to seek Him to know that answer. Right? Or am I wrong. Not to expect the answer that I want, but an answer. Right? That takes me to prayer in my life that hasn't had the end result that I would have wanted or even prayed for. Of course, I think of the death of my mother. At what point does any person get to where they are completely ok with asking God to take their mother? You do and I did. It was real to pray for her healing, knowing that would come in the form of death for her. But at the same time the pain that remains knowing this was the answer - and thankful for it - is unbearable. Then you find yourself on "this side" of the prayer and wonder how you made it this far with that being the answer. There are so many things that I should pray about. I think I may start a list and see where I get. What is my problem? I don't think this is hard and is very easy...my mind just has a hard time wrapping around this prayer "thing". If anyone is still reading, I have probably lost you at this point. Seriously, I need to get back to the place that prayer is a very real part of my life.

Getting tired yet?
On to church work. Mark and I are involved in several committees at our church. Enough said...

On to Cream Horns. These are like a drug to me, like raw cookie dough in college. After church meetings, bad days at work, with the kids, anytime. So, I have a partner in crime with these little celophane wrapped styrofoam tray treats. Mmmm....they are so awful for one to consume - like a drug. They can not be good for anyone to put in their body. However, let me say, they are the best, most fantastic treat at the end of "one of those days". Here's to you my cream horn friend - may you enjoy the wonderful taste of the bland pastry around the luscious cream inside!

So many more thoughts, I could post about today...but...I have to leave now to go pick up B from school just for him to tell me that he really wishes I worked all day again so that he could go to after-school. Joy Joy.

Posing for a photo before we leave for ballet/tumbling:
Just a smile....
Listening to her teacher...
Listening to the coach...
Running his first drill at flag football tryouts...

Can't Think of A Good Title....

It has been too long since my last post. I have just been busy and haven't taken the time to blog about our latest comings and goings.

Today has been a little busy. We came home and had math homework, handwriting homework and then reading. We did our reading early today - it's normally before bedtime. E began beginner ballet and tumbling with the Rec Department today at 4:45. B had flag football tryouts at 6:30 - with Chappy's dinner in between. I took photos as both events, of course. But by now, you all know that story - it is on a roll of film and not on my digital camera. I have three rolls to develop - maybe at the one hour tomorrow. She was really cute (I am not biased) and so excited about going. B is pretty excited too. At his "tryout" they ran drills and each coach had a clip board, making notes of the kids for their teams. Interesting to me for flag football. I was reminded, however, by a coach that I do live in Auburn. Need I say more? Especially as the SEC football season has started.

So, now the kids are in bed, and I ran to get our mail. Yes, in the dark b/c I love to see what is in the mail each day - unless it is a bill. There were 2 magazines and a Gooseberry Patch catalog. Well, one of the small things in life that makes me very happy is....a magazine. I have a weakness for magazines. I just love reading them. I now have a Kraft food & family magazine as well as the October issue of Wonder time. Guess what is on the front of the Wonder time? A pumpkin and "happy halloween". You all know how much I love a holiday, any time to celebrate and a party to say the very least! Fall has always been a favorite time to me and halloween is fun time...so...Needless to say, I am quite excited to read this and see what new ideas are in there for halloween this year.

As I type this, and put off reading these magazines, I am listening to Rudy Guilliani speak at the RNC. I am not impressed. He seems to be rambling to me. I am anxiously awaiting Sarah Palin. I know NOTHING about her and hope to learn something of her and what her views are.

Yes, I am once again rambling. I find that I do that a lot in my blogs...My thoughts are usually all over the place, so my blog entries usually speak to that.

What can you buy for $1.50?

Well, several of you have already heard the story of my new purse...yes, new, not used. Well, I have needed a new bag for quite some time. If you haven't already figured it out, I don't spend a lot of money - on me that is. I had rather spend it on the kids, I guess. Anyway, I went to K-mart - yes K-Mart is still open in Auburn, across the street from Sears - I digress. I went to purchase ziploc freezer bags. On my way to that section of the store, I passed the handbag area. I thought, what the heck, look and see what is here. They were 40% off, so why not. As I perused the shelves, I didn't see anything that jumped out at me. I had an idea in mind, but didn't see anything like it. So, as I left that area of the store, I saw this purse - marked $19.99. I thought it was cute so I wanted to see if it was on the 40% sale. I found one of those price looker upper things on the poles around the store. The screen said - "see customer service for price". I got the ziploc bags (Holly suggested that I use a ziploc for my wallet at one point!) and headed to the register. It wouldn't ring up there either, so they went to the customer service desk to look up something. Turns out the purse was on sale - I would say CLEARANCE - for $1.50. I originally thought it cost $2.50 on the register screen. I realized later when looking at the receipt that it actually cost me $1.50. The freezer bags were $2.50! I still do not have a lens for my camera so I can't take a photo of it. When I take a photo, this post will be more exciting to say the least when you, my readers, can see what $1.50 can buy! If I continue to find bargains like this, maybe I will save enough pennies to buy the camera lens!

Mornings...

I know that they are only 6 & 3, but really...

Each Day the following must happen:
-Clothes on
-Socks & shoes on
-teeth brushed
-hair preferably brushed, but not a necessity if you want to look like a bed head all day
-breakfast in our stomachs

This all needs to happen before we walk out the door for school. That is only 5 things, 4 if you don't brush your hair. I hate morning fights about things that are given and must be done. Do I have really high expectations of my children?

I guess I could let them go to school with stinky dog breath with overnight plaque feverishly growing and multiplying on their teeth; the don't have to match their clothes - if their friends make fun of them enough times, maybe they will think it is important to match; and if they don't eat maybe thier hunger pains would eventually lead them to want to eat b'fast.

Parenting

I feel so terribly challenged right now with parenting. B is so much like me, it isn't even funny. While talking with a friend last night, she reminded me that he has to experience and learn for himself. I would love to show him/teach him the things that I did that I don't want him to repeat, but he will have to learn this on his own. He is so headstrong, knows everything (of course, only thinks that he does), extremely independent....

No matter what I say to him, his reply is snappy and questioning. Why in the world would I, his mother, stop him and ask him anything...how was your day?, what do you want for lunch? No matter what it is, it is a smart remark or crinkled forehead reply. Did I mentioned he is extremely independent.

At times, I think I have really high expectations for my children - enter my dad. Growing up, we really couldn't be kids a lot of the time. No screaming, yelling - not even outside. If there was loud laughter outside that he could hear inside, we were in trouble. His view of kids was to see them but not hear them - most of the time. I don't really think I am that hard on B & E, however, I do expect them to control themselves and know when to explode with fun and emotion and when to reel it in and calm down. It doesn't help that memories of my childhood creep up when I criticize my own parenting. This just adds fuel to my fire burning up the small amount of confidence that I do have in being a parent.

These two little people are our responsibility and that just overwhelms me at times. I can't imagine them not "turning out 'right'" - whatever that is, not having friends because they (B) are overbearing and bossy, hating me for making the follow rules - b/c we know we have rules and a "boss" for the rest of our lives...

I am rambling. But, this is my only way to throw words on a computer screen to paint the picture of what I feel right now. Mark asked me this morning what color my world was, black I replied. I have no idea what color it is, but frustrated is a word to describe it. I wonder what color best represents frustration?

Quiet Weekend

We decided to have a low-key weekend. B had a rough week last week. Not so much at school, but when we got home. I think he was exhausted from his first week of school, so many emotions rolled up into one week. By Friday evening, he was crying about everything. So, it affirmed our change in plans to have a low-key weekend.

Saturday was rather un-eventful. B did go to a b'day party of a friend. After that, it was back home for more resting. I grilled some chicken on Saturday evening. It was the most peaceful time I have had in such a long while. I took my Parenting and Southern Living magazines out with me. I sat in a chair, reading the magazines while the chicken was cooking - it took a long time to cook. While sitting there, I noticed just how quiet it was in our neighborhood. Very quiet. Then I heard it....boom, boom, boom (that doesn't really describe it). Anyway, it was the AU marching band practicing on campus. I could hear the announcer and all...so, I started to think, fall is really just around the corner. I began to doze off in the chair and noticed I had chill bumps. Yes, you read that right, on a Saturday afternoon in August, I had chill bumps on me. The breeze blowing across our patio was actually cool. Again, I thought, fall is just around the corner. I watched leaves fall, acrobatic squirrels run along and down our fence. It was such a nice, peaceful time sitting there by myself. After dinner, there were more Olympics to be watched.

Sunday was as uneventful as the first part of the weekend. I even took a nap Sunday afternoon - a rare thing for me. I actually hate naps, and Mark will attest to the fact that I hate when others take naps too. I usually feel there are many other things to be done, rather than a nap. B had a friend over to play - not quite as uneventful as originally planned, but it went very well.

All in all, this was a very nice weekend. I am learning to not say yes to every invitation and to not plan every minute of our time with something to do. Now, just to figure out how Mark and I can do something fun sans kiddos. We haven't been out or done anything in a while now.

The Difference One Year Makes

Last year on the first day of Kindergarten:

The Tree has also grown...

Today, the first day of First Grade:

Nervous? Never!

I just knew that B would change his mind this morning and want me to walk him in. Maybe it was more wishful thinking on my part - if he needed me to walk him in, then he was a little nervous and still needed me to help, right? WRONG! This kid walks confidently into the new school building. As we were waiting in the drop off line, I asked him if he still wanted to get out and go alone, he of course, said YES! "Mom, this is great! I am at a big kid school. If I can't find it, I will ask everyone until they know where I need to go!" No fear of this. Surely there is a little apprehension somewhere, I am thinking in my mind, surely. As we approach the circle drive he says, "the only thing I am worried about is that I will have a big kid come up to me and give me a wedgie"!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good grief!!! So, this is the kind of thing he is worried about! I assured him that there is a no-bullying policy at the school (while stifling laughter) and that if that happens, it won't be on the first day.

I drive away knowing that he will be just fine in the first grade. Now if his teacher can just wrangle him in and make him focus on school and not on the things that he thinks on these days: making body noises with the palm of his hand and his armpit, wedgies, burping loudly (without saying excuse me or trying to be the least bit discreet about it), pretending to be every super hero ever created, imagining that he is really a character from Star Wars and other very "BOY" like things. I am not adjusting very well to boy things here of late. It is all obnoxious behavior to me. And, to top it off, he is teaching his sister these things. She wants to do all that he does and so she is following in his footsteps. Luckily, she still likes hair bows, head bands, princesses, and dress up clothes. Thank goodness.

I took her to a new class today at her daycare. She is now in the 3 year old class. She is a bit confused (I remember B was too at this age) that she is just now going into the 3 year old class when she has been 3 since February. I explained that you go into the classroom that matches your age in August. She exclaims to Mark, "Daddy, I am an August!" I have no idea what that meant, but it was ok with her that she was 3 in August, going into the 3 year old room, and would be 4 in February and would still be in the 3 year old room...until next August. Such hard things for little minds to understand! I thought she might be a little apprehensive to go into a new classroom - nope, not her either.

She went right into the room, gave Ms. Ronica a hug and asked to paint at the painting table that was already set up. Smock on, green paint on the small red paint brush and I was no longer in the picture. "Bye mom, have a good day" she said as she covered the paper in green paint. My babies aren't babies any longer. It still amazes me that they belong to me and that they are such amazing little people.

First Grade

Tomorrow is B's first day in the first grade and E's first day in the 3 year old room at daycare. I asked him today if he wanted me to walk him or if he wanted to be dropped off in the car line. Of course, my independent son (that I prayed for) said, "Just drop me off. If I can't find my way I will just stop and ask someone - 'do you know where Mrs. Dillard's class is?'" So, I think he will be just fine. E is very excited to be going into Ms. Ronica (Veronica)'s classroom tomorrow. It will be a day of firsts around here.

A New Wallet

Yes, it is true. I have finally bought a new wallet. I purchased it yesterday. It is a red leather wallet and is just perfect. With tax, I paid $8.63. So, if it lasts for another 11 years, that will be a cost of 75 cents per year! Talk about a savings!

All summer, I have dropped coins all over town. I have only stopped to pick up the silver ones. I know the sound of them falling to the ground now. ha ha I can tell when the copper hits, so I usually leave it for a bright eyed younster who sees the find as a treasure. It makes me smile to know I made a kid happy to find a penny.

I would show it off, but I still don't have a lens for my camera. I have to sell some things to buy a new one. I am going to the consignment store today. Maybe that will bring in some funds to buy a new lens.

On another note, I should have beach photos to share this evening. I used film, but have ordered a CD with the photos so that I can share them with those interested far and near.

Wish me luck at the consignment store. I hope they take it all, sell it all and give me a check in a month or two!

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My brother and SIL called me, their ultrasound was this morning. They are having a baby girl in January. Her name is Anna Montgomery Murray. Her first name is from Jenny's family and Montgomery is my mother's maiden name. I think it is a beautiful name and I can't wait to see her one day.

Now time to plan a baby shower!!!

The sound of Waves Crashing

This is what I hear right now. I am sitting on the balcony of the condo, drinking coffee (the kind Mrs. B makes - decaf though) and listening to the waves. It is absoloutely wonderful. We have had a great day - the kids have talked A LOT and they thought we would never get here. Put those two things together and imagine what we have heard today. We played in the sand, swam in the pool and cooked out for dinner. We plan to grill each night that we are here. Mmm....it was good. The condo is great, beautifully decorated.

The kids wish Aunt Angie were already here. We are only their transportation to the fun things in life. We aren't the fun in life. Slowly I am accepting this fact. ha ha

Well, I should get back inside and leave the waves for now. Finally, I am here...

Scary morning...

Mark called me today after he dropped the kids off. As he was driving to our friends' house to drop B off, he noticed sparks & smoke at the top of a power pole. He went through the intersection unharmed. Later he realized that a tree was falling into the intersection, pulling the power lines down with it. He commented that if he & the kids had been 5-10 seconds later, it would have most likely fallen on the car. I do not want to begin to think about what could have happened at that time. I am thankful I do not have to think on those things today. I am thankful that they were protected from harm during their morning routine.

Orange Beach

We leave in 6 days for a trip to the beach. I couldn't be more ready than I am now. I have so many things already together. The sand toys are in their mesh bag, draw string pulled tight, ready to go into the van. Beach/pool towels are stacked up in the closet and on our bedroom floor - ready to go. We have our menu prepared, although this may change a big. I hope to get most everything gathered together this weekend, food shopping done - may even join Sam's wholesale club - and have it all ready on Tuesday evening. Mark has a meeting on Wed. morning, but as soon as he is done there, I want the navy blue Odyssey to pull out of town on I-85. I can already smell and feel the air of Orange Beach. The extra heat of the sun that I feel as I am 3 hours closer to the equator than I am here at home; the peaceful sounds of the gulf slapping the sand - yes this slap is peaceful; the sand between our toes; the evening wind that blows as the sun sets; enjoying evenings with family; playing board games and card games with the kids; outlet shopping...all of these things fuel my excitement.

I hope to have a camera lens by the trip so that I can take photos of the kids end of summer trip. The middle chunk of the summer has been captured on our Pentax 35mm film camera. I now have 6 rolls of film that need to be developed...one day that will be done. My Nikon D40x is screaming for my attention from the chest in our bedroom. It sits on the top of the shelf with the lonely camera/lens cap covering the space that the lens would be....maybe this weekend I can go get a new lens. So, if not, there will be film photos from the beach. Either way, the memories will be in my mind - of the kids laughing and playing in the sand. E was 1 the last time we went to the beach. We didn't go last year - I don't think. I can't wait to see what she thinks about it. B is more than excited b/c he does remember going. So, again, I am rambling and need to get back to work to finish up some things before I leave here. My mind took me to Orange Beach as a co-worker just left my office on her way there today. I will not be jealous b/c I will be in her shoes next Wednesday.

répondez, s'il vous plaît

Otherwise known as RSVP. So many people do not heed this request when it is noted on an invitaiton. This is just an observation in life and a pet peeve of mine. It isn't that I just want to know who is coming to a gathering, it is the only way that I can prepare food and make sure that I have enough. That leads to another thing about me. When I am having anyone over to our home for a meal, I get anxious about the amount of food. Mark would tell you that I always over-prepare. I would say that I am adequately prepared. :) I can break out into a sweat as guests are moving past the buffet of food we have, or if the bowls are being passed around the table. I have a true fear that the amount of food prepared will not be enough. I would be mortified if anyone were ever at my house and didn't get enough or anything to eat. So many quirks about me...I know.

How many Flags?

Six Flags! Yes, that is an annoying commercial. But that is where we went yesterday. We were planning to go to Gant Lake with our friends Mart & Mary Gray, but that didn't come to be. On Friday Mark asked if I wanted to go to Six Flags. So, on Friday night, I packed our swimsuits, towels & sunscreen in the back pack and put the towels in the bottom of E's stroller. We got up at 5:30 am and were on the interstate a little after 6 am. We got a great parking spot and had a wonderful time!!! The log ride seemed to be the family favorite - both kids & mom/dad enjoyed it each time we rode it. This was my favorite ride as a child and my mom would ride it over and over with me. The lines were long for many of the rides. Since they were closing early at 5 pm yesterday (Microsoft rented the park from 7 pm - 1am), we didn't spend too much time waiting in lines. Mark and B did ride the mind bender, but I think that is the only "big" roller coaster they rode yesterday. We had a picnic lunch outside of the park that I packed that morning. The picnic table was sitting on a hill at a slant that felt as though it would slide into the retaining or run off ditch in the parking lot. The kids kept saying that they knew snakes were in there. Everytime they heard the wind rustle the trees or something on the ground, their eyes would get big and panic would show! They were afraid it was a snake! Poor kids

After Six Flags we spent the evening at home. Church this morning and then this evening...

We had friends over - the Lee's & the Parish's. We had a great time playing Mexican Train dominos with them!!! We hope to do it again sometime soon.

B will start 1st grade 3 weeks from tomorrow. I have no idea how 9 weeks have already passed us by this summer! It doesn't seem right! We will go on Tuesday of this week for a brown bag lunch session with the team of 1st grade teachers...I am looking forward to that and I think B is too. He has spent two weeks at his new school this summer in summer camp.

So, I am rambling tonight and am quite tired, so I should go to bed...Hope all is well with everyone!!!

Another funny from E

When I picked her up at school today, her teachers said that they needed to tell me what E said at lunch today. Of course, the dread of "oh no, do I want to even hear this" came over me. They assured me it wasn't bad.

One of her friends was talking about going to see her dr., Dr. Smalley. Several of the other children around the table commented that Dr. Smalley was their doctor too. She said it started to calm down when E piped up to add her comments to the conversation: "My doctor isn't Dr. Smalley, my doctor is Dr. Pepper!"

The two teachers said that they laughed and laughed and took a bit to recover. Our little comedian...

Fall?

This morning the weather felt just like fall/autumn. It was so nice. The air was so light, no humidity. A breeze. It felt like the Saturday morning of an Auburn football game. I guess it is just around the corner, but I know that shorts & short sleeves are in order until October. That is usually the case.

It's done

I have touch up paint to do, shower curtain to hang, find a wall something to go over the toilet - picture, decoration kind of thing, caulk between the panels and walls and that is it.

I am going to change out the light fixture as well, but that can be done with the kids in town. No rush on that. So, that is where the project is. Finished for the most part. I have photos on my phone, but my camera is still caput, so now digital ones to upload. Once I get a lens or a camera I will put up photos.

From the mouth of E

Mark's sister, Angie, sent me an e-mail last night to tell me some of the funny things E has been saying this week. Here are some of them for your reading enjoyment.

"Quotes from your precious baby girl…..
She said, where’s ryan? I said he’s at our house. what’s he doing? He’s out riding his bike. Why does he do that? Because he likes to ride bikes with his friends. She said, Oh, is that safe? HAHAHAH

Last night mark said that they were going to go somewhere. She said she didn’t want to go. She wanted to stay there and “wiggle her body”.

I told her that I was happy she came to Mobile this week. She said yeah me too…I had too. I said why? She crinkled up her face and said, my house is dirty, dirty!!! HAHAHAH

We got her swimsuit on, completely sunscreened up. the hair part and all. Then I had to put mine on. Then we had to find towels. Then we went outside. Soon as we got out there it started thundering. She said, Come on we have to go!!! She ran like lightening into the house! I said where you going? She said, it’s stormy stormy out there and we can’t go. We finally did get to go. It never stormed. We stayed about 15 minutes because the water was cold. It had just came out of the faucet and the sun wasn’t out. We’ll try again tomorrow. She got a kick out of me and G getting in with her.

She’s let me brush her hair every day. I said your hair has a cow lick just like mine and it’s curly just like mine. She said, yeah we’re pretty girls!!!"

One quote from B this week:
"He went to ride his skateboard. I said, how’d it go? He said, well I about broke my bottom bone off!! He’s tired though. They have played hard outside in the heat."

Have I already said that I miss the three of them?

Day 3

Well, I don't feel like as much progress has been made today. More of the bottom paper layer off in the study. All bathroom walls are spackled and now primed with two coats of kilz primer. SO, now I am waiting on a little spackling to dry and the primer to dry.

I decided this afternoon that I was going to use wainscoating or bead board on the bottom part of the walls. This saves time - I think. I purchased the white gloss pre-painted boards - they are like paneling. Just not like the kind in my house growing up in the 70's. I will put it up once the blue paint is on the top of the walls. Boards up, base boards back on bottom, trim at the top of the wainscoating. I have borrowed a nail gun and their van to go get the boards. THANKS! Geeze, I just wanted to take paper down and paint.

If you have any thought of putting wall paper up in your house, DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! Unless you plan to live where you are now for the rest of your life an no one will ever come behind you in the house and want to change it. For their sake, have compassion and DO NOT put up wall paper in your house.

Mark and the kids are having a fabulous time in Mobile. Let's see, this is all that they have done:

Sunday - cleaned out the goldfish pond at G's (Mark's mom) house & cut limbs

Monday-went to the Exploreum in Mobile to see the frog exhibit, back to G's pulled limbs to the road, had dinner w/Aunt Kim, Aunt Jenny & Uncle Kyle, Memaw Montgomery, Alison, Lainey, Cole & Aunt Dee at Memaw's (my mother's mother) house.

Today - Went to the Battleship Park toured the battleship & planes, Mark took B to a skateboard park to ride his skateboard. Mark told me that B's board is too short for him and only one foot will fit on it now. I find this very funny. Both kids took a nap today - this rarely happens. Then they picked up my dad & they went to his mother's house to play and have dinner.

Tomorrow their plan is to go see a movie (what I have no idea). Thursday they are going to Pensacola to the Naval Air Museum, a founder's village, lunch at a restaurant on the beach (Flounder's), and watch the Blue Angels practice for their Saturday air show. Friday they will have lunch with my grandmother and sister in law. Saturday they will come home! I am so glad that they are having such a good time!!

Day 2

Today is the second day that Mark and the kids are gone. I hear them in the background while he is talking to me. Such sweet voices. I haven't talked to them yet, he is afraid they will cry for me.

Today was another busy work day at the house. After work today, I came home to begin working upstairs again. All of the wallpaper is down in the kids bathroom, I have put puddy in the holes, and have sanded the walls. I then took the paper down in the study/office room. It is only one wall of paper and the other walls are a calamine lotion color. So, I want to paint that room too. I figure as long as I have the steamer from my friend, I will get the paper down. I hope to prime the bathroom tomorrow. Then I will move onto the color. It is now 12:25 am on Tuesday morning. I never go to bed early/at a decent hour when Mark is out of town. Oh well....

At the end of the day

I have done a couple of things that I wanted to get done this week. I took back some shorts that I had bought for Mark, pulled out and got things for e-bay/consignment/thrift store together, and last but not least...the wall paper in the upstairs bathroom is down. Now, it is 12:40 am on Monday at this point and it is still quite a MESS up there. Paper all over the floor. just a complete mess. It was much easier than I thought it would be. The walls had been primed which helped, but I also borrowed a steamer from a friend and it helped A LOT! Thanks Helen! Some sanding, primer and a coat of paint, it will be a new room!! I can't wait to get off of work tomorrow and come back home to get more of it done.

I hate that I don't have a camera or I would be taking before, during and after shots. I will post after shots once I get a camera again...

Holiday weekend photos...

A few photos from our fun-filled weekend: