The Strickland 6 Blog

Been sick

2007-02-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

I came down with some kind of virus late Saturday. I don't think it was the flu, but it was worse than a typical cold. I ended up calling into work on Sunday night and just sat like a zombie in my recliner all day. I dozed off and on during the Daytona 500. In the end it didn't matter...none of our guys finished in at the top.

I made reservations for our anniversary trip today. We are going to Savannah, GA. I've never been there, but have ALWAYS wanted to. The historic district just looks so beautiful and romantic. We will be in there in May, so hopefully lots of pretty flowers will be blooming, too. As I browse the Savannah websites I don't think we will be able to fit everything into a mere long weekend. But, it is a start.

I'm going to lunch with a friend tomorrow. No kids, no spouses, just us girls. It will be nice to have a leisurely lunch and try to catch up on each other's lives.

Chelsea finished Driver's Ed on Saturday. In April, she can officially get her learner's permit. Wow. That scares me in more ways than I can possibly describe.

How many times can one child say, "MOM"?

2007-02-15T15:19:00.000-05:00

Holy cow! My kids came in from school yesterday and in less than one hour my youngest had said, "MOM", 25 times. What does that work out to be? About every other minute?

Then we took them to my parents for the evening, so Tim and I could go out on our date, and you start hearing, "Grandma..." every few seconds. HOLY COW.
So, TIm and I went on our date. Dinner was excellent...thank heavens for call ahead seating. I called an hour ahead of time and put our names on the list. By the time we arrived at an early 5:20, the wait was 2 hours. But, thanks to my intelligent decision to call ahead, we were seated immediatley.

The movie was very cute. We went to see Music and Lyric with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. No big surprises, but it was a sweet movie. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

When we got home, every time I left the room I heard Tim call, "Babe?" At one point I felt myself getting frustrated, but recognized it was just because of the kids calling me constantly earlier in the evening. Right before I got cranky, I caught myself and reminded myself how lucky I am to have a man that wants me beside him. Heck, some men don't even notice when their wives leave them room. ( my ex was one of them )

Well, it is time for the bus and the "MOMS" to begin. Ya'll stay warm out there.

Going on a date

2007-02-15T15:17:00.000-05:00

Tim and I are going on a date tonight. I have to work all weekend, so we thought we should take advantage of a night alone, especially since it is Valentine's Day.

We are going to dinner then to see that new chic flick, Music and Lyrics. We both like Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore, so even if it is a bit predictable, I think we will like it. I'm not sure where we are going to dinner yet, but I'm guessing it will be Texas Roadhouse. Not exactly the most romantic atmosphere, but we love the food and the service.

The new bedroom is coming together nicely. Our new bed is almost too comfortable. I didn't think that could be true....but it is so wonderful I never want to get out of bed. Then when I do, I just can't wait to get back into bed. I'll post some pictures when we get the room 100% done. All we have left to do is put up the border and finish the ceiling fan.

After much delay and consideration, I dropped out of school for this semester. It is just getting to be too much. Between working 12 hour shifts, everything the kids have going on, and the normal day to day stuff, I just wasn't getting my school work done. Since I started online courses, my school work fell in my list of priorities from somewhere near the top, to somewhere near the bottom. I'm going to have to figure out some other way...even if it means taking a semester or two off. What I am really thinking, is trying to get a job within my company in the office, so I would be working the normal 8-5 work day. Then I could go back to night classes 2 nights a week. But we will see.

I know most of you are under a ton of snow and ice. We hovered around 34 when it passed through, so we just ended up with a whole lot of rain. Today, the sun is out, but the wind is brutal. All the more reason to hurry home tonight and snuggle in the nice, warm, comfy bed. :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thankful day

2007-01-26T09:02:00.000-05:00

I have so many things to be thankful for this morning.

Yesterday was my baby's 8 year birthday. Happy Birthday Baby BRYCE! Ok, so he is not a baby anymore, but he has finally accepted that he will always be mama's baby. Even when he is a foot taller than me. We had a nice birthday dinner for him last night with my folks at O'Charleys. And I think he was pretty happy with his birthday gifts. I am just going to try not to blink....if I do I may find us celebrating his 16th birthday. The time just goes by so fast these days.

This is my 4 day weekend off. Double Hurray! We are heading to the beach....again. We were just down there 4 weeks ago, but we had so much fun. This time of year the rates are dirt cheap, and it is still warm enough to do everything but get in the ocean. We will eat good food, do some shopping, walk on the beach, and just enjoy a little quality time alone.

Our new WalMart has opened. While I know a lot of people protest WalMart, I personally LOVE the joint. As a family of 6, I truly appreciate saving a buck. We went to visit the new store Wednesday and we must have looked like a bunch of rednecks that never get out. The kids and I were both ohhhing and ahhhing over everything.

I am finally ordering our new bedroom suite next week. We've been married almost 6 years and have had an interesting mix of furniture the whole time. I am so excited about finally having a "real" room. We are going to paint, put up a new border, and get new everything.....furniture, lamps, rug, quilt, ceiling fan. A whole room make over.

Happy Friday everyone! Enjoy your weekend.

Chris Daughtry & Jon Bon Jovi

2007-01-20T22:50:00.000-05:00

Just a little bit up about 2 of my favorite singers...

I just bought Chris Daughtry's new CD. He was on American Idol this past season & happens to be a local guy. The CD is awesome. I am tickled to death with it. If you like Rock, give it a try.
You can hear some of the songs on his myspace page at.....http://www.myspace.com/daughtry

Also...my all time favorite famous dude has a photo layout in this month's Cosmo. I don't read that magazine, but a friend at work brought in her copy for me to see it. He's advertising a new cologne called RSVP. I think the pictures are awesome!

Stretched too thin

2007-01-16T17:44:00.000-05:00

Work for 12 hours

Sleep for 5

homework

homework

housework

laundy

dishes

more homework

more housework

Shower

MORE LAUNDRY

feed dogs

feed cat

clean litter box

Oh, yeah, more homework

Help kids with homework

Try to pay attention to children

Fix dinner

Pack my lunch for work tonight

Pack kid's lunches for school tomorrow

Pack husband's lunch for work tomorrow

Walk out the door to start it all over again.

I need some help! It is too much

Whew. Thanks for letting me vent.

I need patience

2007-01-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

Tim and I are redecorating our bedroom. We are painting and are getting new furniture, rug, sheets, pillows, quilts, curtains, and pictures. The problem is I want to get it all done today.

I've already bought several things. I've put them all in my closet but I am so impatient. I want to get everything done now. Not over the course of the next few weeks.

We are going to buy the bedroom suit on Saturday and that will take about 2 weeks to get delivered. So, in the meantime, we have some serious cleaning to do, then paint, put up a new border, and get everything ready. I suppose we will kinda be in limbo for a week or so. After we paint, I don't see any point in putting everything back together when the new furniture will be here in a few days.

Anybody bought anything from Rooms to Go? We've got it narrowed down to 2 furniture stores. One is a local store. The other is Rooms to Go. Just wondered if anyone had any comments to make on their products, service, & Delievery.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm going to go try to get some things done that have nothing to do with our bedroom.....washing dishes, wash clothes, wash the dogs, etc

2007-01-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Tim and I ended up going to the beach with the new Ragdoll kitten. I found a La Quinta adjacent to Broadway at the Beach that allowed cats. This kitten is such a doll. He is beautiful and so laid back. He loved riding in the car with us. I'll post some pictures of him in a day or two. :-)

Anyhow, we had a really nice weekend. And the New Year's Eve party at Broadway at the Beach was simply awesome. By the end of the night, I didn't even recongnize myself.

For those of you that don't know me personally, let me tell you that I do not dance. I have never danced, even when I had the body to do it. I am paranoid of doing ANYTHING when people are watching me. When I used to play piano, I would literally be sick before a concert or competition.

So, imagine my surprise, when my husband ( who also doesn't dance ) pulled me onto the dance floor shortly after midnight. At first, I was kinda irritated. But, after a song or two I started to have a blast. Perhaps it was being at the beach where no one knows us. But, we had SO much fun. We danced until they closed the club...and didn't want to leave then.

It was like I've seen on the movies and always swore that I would hate. The dance floor was packed. We were bumping into people left and right. But, it was SO much fun. We ignored everyone else. Tim and I just felt the music and danced.

However, considering I'm 35, overweight, and never danced before, I am SORE today. My hip hurts every time I take a step. Tim says I shook my bootie until I threw it out of wack.

Anyhow, I just had to share about my wild New Year's Eve. We are back home now and it is time for things to get back to normal.

I am so grateful we decided to take that weekend getaway. Instead of having a New Years Eve that will blend in with the rest, we had one that we will never forget.

Peace and calm

2006-12-27T08:25:00.000-05:00

At least I am hoping everything calms down for a while.

We had a very nice, although busy, Christmas. Everyone was finally well, so we were able to attend all of our get togethers as normal. Right now, my boys are playing one of their new video games while I eat breakfast. They got so much stuff they don't know what to do with it all. I'm going to have to take a few boxes of old toys to Goodwill, just to make room for the new.

Seems like a good way to start the New Year, doesn't it? Out with the old, in with the new.

In a little while, the boys and I are going to take down the Christmas decorations. I know a lot of people like to leave them up thru New Years. But, that is just the way I am. When it is over, it's over. I'm the same way with vacations. I look so forward to them, enjoy my time there, but when it is time to go home, I get up early, pack it up, and head to the house.

My best friend and I are going to pick up my kitten on Friday. It is a 3 hour drive each way, so she's going to keep me company. Then hubby wants to turn around on Saturday morning and go to the beach ( 4 hours away) for New Year's weekend. I just don't think I'm going to want to do that. It sounds like fun, and very romantic. But, I've waited 20 years to get a Ragdoll kitten. I don't want to get him, then leave for 3 days the very next morning. Oh well, we will see.

It is time for the fun to begin!

2006-12-21T23:05:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS LADIES!

Today began my two weeks off for the holidays. I am SOOOO excited. Everything just worked out wonderfully for me to be able to take some extra time off to be home until JANUARY 4th. HURRAY!

That said, I sure have been cranky today. You'd think I would have been just bubbly and full of joy. I guess it is a combination of things. Stress. PMS. Tim being home all week and me getting NO time alone in nearly 2 weeks. (sigh). I love my husband more than I can express, but I really do enjoy my alone time as well.

I will try to be better tomorrow. The kids and I have a lot to do. We are running some errands, meeting my mom for breakfast, and maybe catching an afternoon movie.

Saturday we are making a round trip to Georgia. (GASP!) It will be able 4 1/2 hours each way to my sister-in-laws. Originally we were going down tomorrow and spending the night with Tim's parents. However, with everyone on the mend from the flu, we thought we'd better not. My mother-in-law has leukemia and the chemo has greatly compromised her immune system. I realize if any of us are still carrying it ( I don't' think we are) she could catch it regardless of how long we stay, but I'm hoping the odds are less from just getting together for lunch and us actually staying in her house.

Christmas Eve we are having breakfast at my parents house, here in North Carolina. We will do our gifts with them then. At 1:00 we are dropping all the kids off at our ex's homes. We switch from year to year...who has them Christmas Eve night, and Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve evening, hubby and I are going to a candlelight worship service. I attend one every year. I just don't experience the joy and peace of Christmas until I sit down in a church and spend time focusing on the reason for our celebration. Hubby and I might go catch a movie Christmas Eve night. Perhaps even do something tacky like eat at a Chinese Buffet, since it will be just us.

We will get the kids back on Christmas day at 1:00. When they get home, they will open all their presents from us and Santa. ( Only the 7 year old still believes in Santa). Then we will load up the van and head to my aunt & uncles house for my extended family Christmas celebration.

WHEW! I think we should all get a lot of rest tomorrow. The next few days are going to be busy busy busy.

Oh, and next Friday...the 29th, my best friend and I are making the trip to pick up my Ragdoll kitten. He is my Christmas Present. Hubby will be thrilled for me to get the cat.....just so I will shut up about him. I put the deposit on him back in early September, before he was even born. I'll have to share some pictures as soon as I get him home.

Christmas party and THE FLU

2006-12-18T18:12:00.000-05:00

Saturday night was hubby's company Christmas party. It wasn't quite as wonderful as last year, but still very nice. First we all met at Jillian's...which is kinda like a Chuck E Cheese for adults. They have all kinds of video games, billards, bowling, sports bar, etc. After that we all went to a very classy Italian restaurant for a wonderful dinner.

Now, everyone in our house has the flu. Except for me. I got the flu shot about a month ago. I do have a naggy headache, but I think that is just the flu trying to get me. So, obviously I am the house nurse....taking care of all the sick ones. I just hope and pray everyone gets better by Thursday. All of our Christmas family get togethers start on Friday ( one every day thru Christmas) and I won't take them if they are sick. I hate for any of us to miss anything, but I hate it worst to make other people sick, especially the elderly.

I am almost done with our shopping. I opened a new checking account about 2 weeks ago, so this payday our checks were real, actual checks instead of being direct deposited. Because of it being a new account, they put a 5 day hold on hubby's. The money will not be available until Friday. I started to get really bent out of shape about it, but I figured there is nothing I can do about it. I was still able to get cash back out of my check at least. I will just have to kick it into high gear on Friday when I have access to his check too.

Always fun, dealing with banks.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I am going to do a blog later this week about all of our Christmas plans. I just love this time of year!!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2006-12-10T19:25:00.000-05:00

Everywhere you go.

And finally, the weather is complimenting the season as well. The weekend we put up our tree it was in the mid 70's. I made our usually candy cane hot cocoa while we decorated, but it just didn't seem right with it so warm outside.

But, last week, the Artic air moved in and it feels like winter. Everywhere I look I see beautiful decorations. I love everything about Christmas. The sights, the lights, the smells, the food, the family, the traveling, the music, the spirituality, the traditions.

Sadly, I have come discover that I am alone in this love of the holidays. At least within my immediate family. This weekend we attending an annual Moravian event called the Candle Tea. As a child I attended every year...and loved it. My husband and stepchildren didn't want to go at all. And in the end, I think me and my 9 year old were the only ones who enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday night I offered to take everyone riding around to look at Christmas lights. My 7 year old was the only one in a family of 6 that was interested in going with me. We still went, but it wasn't the same. I so want my family to enjoy the spirit of Christmas like I do.

I guess this is just part of life, though. Everyone is different, with different preferences and interests. I just have to psych myself up to enjoy everything just for the joy it gives me. If they want to miss out, then that is their loss. I hate it, I really do, but I cannot deny myself the pleasures that Christmas gives me because it does not have the same affect on the rest of my family.

From here on out, I will always offer to take my family with me to Christmas events and festivities. But, I will no longer take it personally when they do not wish to join me. I will do what is important to me, and be grateful when some or all my family chooses to join me.

Merry Christmas, everyone. God bless you all at this magical time of year.

What makes you...YOU?

2006-11-28T12:54:00.000-05:00

What are the things about you that make up who you are? The serious or the silly things? Not fads or things that may change from year to year, but the aspects that have been with you for most of your life and are unlikely to change.

So, again I ask, what makes you YOU?

Here are the things I can think of for me: ( in no certain order)

1. I love animals....both pets and wildlife.

2. I despise abuse against the innocent and helpless---the unborn, babies, children, the elderly, and even pets. Nothing can get me more riled up that abuse against someone who has no defenses.

3. I am a Jovi Girl....Bon Jovi, that is. I've loved him and the band since I was 15. I've seen them in concert 5 times now, and am sure there will be many more times in the future.

4. During the winter and early spring my life revolves around Wake Forest basketball. ( GO DEACS!)

5. I spent 6 years of my life dealing with infertility, so I will always consider my children, my miracles.

6. After accepting that I would never be a mother, I now have 2 boys and 2 stepchildren. When God finally blessed me with children, He did so in an abundance.

7. I am a Christian and feel that I am very spiritual. However, I have never attended church regularly for more than a few months at a time. This is something I feel guilty about nearly every day...moreso for my children than myself.

8. While my husband often drive me crazy, I love him with a passion and intensity that I previously never imagined.

9. I adore penguins. The recent movies ( March of the Penguins and now Happy Feet) seem to have been made just for me.

10. I love music....all kinds. Rock, contemporary Christian, classical, country, jazz, heavy metal, Christmas songs, etc. I have a radio or television playing music around me constantly. Without background noise I am bored.

Do I have to go to work today?

2006-11-26T06:04:00.000-05:00

(YAWN)

As most everyone knows, I work 12 hour night shifts. Today, however, I am working 7AM to 7PM. Thanksgiving has everything shuffled up, and I volunteered to work days today so that I could spend more time with my family during the week.

But, holy cow! I am NOT used to being awake at 5:15 in the morning. Well, scratch that. I am used to being awake, but I am accustomed to it being the end of my work day, not the time I wake up. I feel like I am a walking zombie. I am even sick on my stomach, as if my body is rebelling.

It's all good. We had a great trip to Georgia. We came home late Friday, then yesterday bought and decorated our tree. (Inhales deeply) The tree smells so divine in here. I may just get into the holiday spirit yet.

For all the sports fans out there, I am thrilled beyond words to report that my beloved Wake Forest Demon Deacons are going to play in the ACC tournament next weekend. This is the first time since 1971, so we are more than a little excited. The dilemma is going to be....we have tickets to see Wake Forest play Georgia in basketball at 2:00 Saturday. The ACC tournament starts at 1:00 ON SATURDAY! !

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving ! ! Have a great week, all!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

2006-11-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

We are heading down to Georgia later today for the Thanksgiving holiday......heading back home on Saturday. I THINK we are going to go ahead and do our Christmas decorating when we get home. From here until New Year's things are going to be VERY hectic.

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Christmas Cards?

2006-11-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

How many of you still mail Christmas cards? It seems to be becoming more and more rare of a thing. I enjoy sending and receiving cards every year. I got ahead of the game this year and have already ordered our cards with a picture on them. They have already been shipped, so I should be getting them any day and hopefully get them in the mail the beginning of December.

Below is the picture that is going on our cards....I'm doing one of those flat, glossy cards with the picture framed by a Christmas border and a sweet message.

Happy Holiday everyone. It is upon us.

Awesome Weekend.

2006-11-05T17:55:00.000-05:00

Ever have one of those days that just seem perfect? A day that you just know you are going to hold in a very special place in your memories and go back to it when the going gets tough to help you smile?

That was our Saturday. Simply idyllic.

On Friday, we did the 3 hour drive down to Greenville, NC to pick out my kitten. His Royal Highness. It was more difficult than I thought to chose, but I finally picked the one with the most intense blue eyes, as their eyes is the thing I love most about Ragdolls.

After we picked him out & grabbed lunch, we headed on down to Wilmington, which was another 3 hours in the car. We checked in our hotel & did some driving around town. I went to college in Wilmington but that was 18 years ago. (18 years?!?!?!) So a lot has changed.

Saturday, though, was the golden day. We got up early and went out to breakfast. Then we went to visit Fort Fisher Historical Park. We are both Civil War buffs and love to tour old battlegrounds and forts. I had no idea how significant Fort Fisher was! It was a cold, but beautiful and sunny day to be wandering around the park.

After Fort Fisher, we headed to Quizno's for a quick, but very good, lunch on our way to Wrightsville Beach. It is a lovely beach, though a little too pricey for us at this time. It was very nice to walk along the beach, watch the surfers and fisherman, and just enjoy some quiet time together.

Finally, we ended up on the Historic Wilmington Riverwalk. ( see pictures below ). Despite how much time I've spent in Wilmington, I had no idea what a wonderful area the Riverwalk is. We strolled along, browsed a few shops, and did a lot of people watching.

We had dinner at a nice place overlooking the river, then met with the group to go on our Haunted Pub Tour. What a blast!!! Not only did we hear some pretty awesome, creepy stories, we learned a TON about the history of the Wilmington area. I really didn't realize what a rich and colorful history the North Carolina coast has. I mean, of course, I knew some of it, but I was surprised constantly.

Finally, on the way back to the room, we stopped by a sports bar to catch up on the scores for the day. My Wake Forest Deacons are 8-1. WOW. We usually have HORRIBLE football seasons. Right now, we are #18 in the country. That is so awesome!

Anyhow, we hung out there a few hours, then finally went back to the hotel and collapsed in bed. I cannot recall a single bad moment about the entire day. Not one.

One the way home today, about 1 hour out of Wilmington, I looked down at the radio and noticed it was on the same station as when we left home. We turned it down right outside of town and never turned it back on. To me, that really says a lot. I am a background noise kinda person. I have a radio in every room of the house & typically turn it on as soon as I enter a room. However, Tim & I managed to ride about 10 hours with no radio. Just us. Our conversations, and even our comfortable occasional silences.

It is the rare gem of a day like yesterday that makes like complete. If you haven't been away with that special love of your life recently, please do so soon. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive, just spend a day away alone together. I sold some old dolls on Ebay to pay for our hotel room on this journey. Find a way. Please. You won't regret it, and it just may be exactly what you need.

Heading out of town

2006-11-02T17:33:00.000-05:00

First of all, I have to say I am very disappointed nobody commented on my post about the Renaissance Festival. (pouting) I was so excited about it.

I guess nobody loves me anymore. LOL

ANYHOW, tomorrow hubby and I are heading towards the coast for a weekend away. The main purpose of our trip to it pick out my kitten. In case I haven't mentioned it, a couple of months ago I put a deposit down on a Ragdoll kitten. I have wanted one for over 20 years and he is going to be my "reward" for going back to work full time. I've been stupid excited about getting this kitten.

So, we decided since we were heading towards the beach anyway we'd just make a weekend of it. We are staying in Wilmington, which is a beautiful city on the Cape Fear River. Saturday night we have tickets to go on a "Haunted Pub Crawl". I think it sounds like it is going to be a hoot.

Otherwise, we don't have much really planned. It is just going to be a quiet weekend away for the two of us.

And we need it. I've been really stressed as of late. I found out on Monday that by transferring schools, which I had to do to go back to work, I have added a year or more before I graduate. I am supposed to be midway thru my junior year. Now, I'm back at barely a sophomore. I was SOOOO discouraged. But, I guess I will just keep on keeping on and know that sooner or later, I will be a college graduate. It will be worth it, right?

I suppose I should go pack while the boys are having fun with the Playstation 2. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

HAPPY AUTUMN!

Renaissance Festival

2006-10-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend we took the kids to the annual North Carolina renaissance Festival. It comes to Charlotte every fall for about 6 weeks, but we've never been able to make it before.

Anyhow, it was so awesome! It is an entire little town, exactly ( well almost ) the way things were during that time period. We saw a jousting match, toured a dungeon, watched some shows, enjoyed some music, and in general got a really big kick out of all the people. What we didn't know was that a lot of adults that come to the festival dress in period clothing.

We enjoyed it so much that we've decided over the next year we are going to buy renaissance clothing for us and wear it next year. Not costumes, mind you, but real hand made grabs. My husband has always thought those dresses and bustiers were incredibly sexy. I think it will be a blast.

This year I bought one of those floral halo head pieces with the little ribbons cascading down the back. Just wearing that made me feel so feminine and pretty. I can't wait to try wearing the entire ensemble. We aren't sure what to get hubby yet...probably a knight outfit.

Who knows.....we may have found a new hobby. I looked online and saw they have these festivals year round, all along the east coast. It may be fun to visit different ones as little weekend excursions.

Well, just wanted to share a little of what we've been up to. I've been really stressed lately and haven't taken much time to post. However....this Friday hubby and I are leaving for a weekend trip to Wilmington...just the two of us. On Saturday night we are going to take a haunted pub tour on the river front. It sounds like it is going to be a hoot!

Have a great week, all!

Earthquakes!!!

2006-10-18T07:38:00.000-05:00

I realize in some parts of the country earthquakes are practically a daily occurance. Here in North Carolina, they are mainly just something we read about happening in other places in the world.

Our very dark and rainy Tuesday proved to be a unique experience for residents in my local area. Thousands of people were awakened Tuesday morning to a loud boom followed by shaking of their homes. To me, it felt like a car had hit our house. A lot of residents felt the same way or reported they thought a plane had crashed.

Imagine my surprise when I later learned that morning we had experienced an earthquake. Very little damage was done, mainly just items knocked off shelves in the stores. A few people reported cracks in the foundation or walls of their homes. Throughout the day, smaller booms and tremors were felt, despite the fact that the U.S. Geological Survey said there would be no aftershocks.

At 7:55 last night, my husband and I were sitting here at the computer and felt another, smaller quake. Being fully awake and aware, this one was much more disconcerting. It was a very wild and uneasy, yet exciting feeling.

A little over an hour later, at 9:20, a much larger sonic boom was followed by a brief, but VERY noticable shake of our home. It made the hair stand up on the back of our necks. My husband, who was in Desert Storm, said it sounded exactly like artillary fire. His first instinct was to reach for his gas mask, which of course was not attached to his side. Old habits die hard, I suppose.

All in all, it was a very intresting day in the city of Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas. I can't help but wonder....it is over? And if we can experience these smaller quakes, does this mean we could be subject to the larger, more voilent ones?

Quiet Weekend on the Horizon

2006-10-13T16:08:00.000-05:00

Once every 6 weeks I have to work a 4 day weekend...which happens to be this week. So, my husband and the kids are going to Georgia to visit his family for the weekend. I figured there was no reason for them to try to be quiet half the weekend while I am sleeping during the day.

It will be weird waking up with noone here...and knowing noone is on their way home. But, I think it will be nice too. I'm hoping I will sleep a little longer than normal. When the family is here, after about 4 1/2 hours I wake up to spend some time with them before I go to work.

As winter approaches, the sun has gradually moved across the side of our house. The past week or so, about 9:00 it starts beaming thru one of the blinds in our bedroom. It honestly looks like a spotlight shining thru the window. I have no problem sleeping during the day, but EXTREME SUNLIGHT is a little too much. I woke up every 30 minutes today. So, hubby put a quilt over that window as a temporary measure. I'm going to buy some thicker curtains to help block out the light when we redecorate our bedroom after Christmas.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Enjoy this beautiful Autumn weather!!!

Rainy, dreary birthday

2006-10-08T20:04:00.000-05:00

But I had fun anyhow. The weather has turned very cool, and it has been cloudy and raining since Friday. It's been very good snuggle weather, which is Tim's & my favorite.

All of our plans seemed to have been dampened by the rain. Last night we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It poured...I mean torrential rains, and it was very foggy. Surprisingly, we still saw about 20 deer. I know we are unusual, because most people go to the mountains in October to see the leaves. We go at night year round to see all the animals that come out after dusk. There is quite a history with us and the Parkway, but I will share that another time.

Today we headed to Charlotte (about an hour away ) to Concord Mills Mall. There is a place there called Dave and Busters. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it like an arcade/sports bar for adults. They have all kinds of arcade games, bowling, billiards, bars, restaurants, and sports for adults. Anyhow.....I've been planning this for months. We are both big NASCAR fans, so what we'd wanted to do was drive down to Dave and Busters, enjoy a nice lunch while watching the race, then play some games.

Well....thanks to it being a cold and dreary day, the place was PACKED. It was hard to find a parking place anywhere in the mall. We walked around for a while, then went into Dave and Busters. Well, because the Carolina Panthers were on TV, all 35 tvs in the joint were on football. Despite the fact that Charlotte is the heart of NASCAR country, they weren't showing the race. IT was very hot and very crowded.

So, we ended up driving to Charlotte, pretty much to turn around and come back home. Despite that, we had a really good time. Tim and I spent all last night and today being very lovey dovey and remembering all the reasons we fell in love in the first place. When we got home, we had dinner at Texas Roadhouse, which was awesome. It is one of our favorite places.

Then, thanks to the weather, I got a migraine. I seem to get them whenever we have a major front move through and the weather changes drastically. Gee, great.

Well, we decided to come on home, but have had a nice evening all the same. I don't feel great, but I've had a wonderful past 2 days with my husband. I tend to not like it when things don't go as planned, but the older I get, the more flexible I become . What really matters is that we were together...and we had fun no matter what the circumstances.

And that was the best birthday present I could have asked for.

My furry babies enjoying an autumn afternoon

2006-10-04T19:26:00.000-05:00

This is Oscar the cat, Bailey the Shih Tzu, and Dakota the Chikingese. My babies. :-)

This decision STINKS

2006-10-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

Several months ago, my stepson's 2 pets died. They were degus, which is a little rodent similar to a rabbit/guinea pig cross. Anyhow, he was really sad. We waited a few months and finally last week he decided to get a ferret.

All the kids quickly became attached to the little ferret. She is a lot of fun. Anyhow, part of the purchase price included the initial vet check to make sure everything was fine and dandy.

Well, she is not. Basically, she has a grape sized cyst in her neck. The vet withdrew some of the fluid and he has never seen anything like it---and he is a ferret expert. The cyst is full of skin cells, which makes no sense. We have several different options, none of which are cheap to do. And it may turn out that she has cancer and won't live long.

So, I called the pet store & they have offered to exchange her for another ferret. They would then send her back to the company they purchased her from. We feel quite certain that they will put her to sleep. They will not help with any vet costs if we decide to pursue surgury, etc.

What would you do?

We could exchange her, but all the kids AND MY HUSBAND are so attached to her. And not knowing what becomes of her will be difficult. Then again, if we invest the money for surgery, she may end up dying anyhow. And that would break everyone's heart. But, then again, they may remove the cyst and then everything would be fine. We would just be out a few hundred bucks that we really can't afford.

We are going to talk to Cody tonight and let him help with the decision. After all it is his ferret. And then we will take it from there. Either way, something has to be decided tomorrow. Either she goes back to the store or we schedule surgery to have the cyst removed and biopsied.

Trying to hurt myself?

2006-10-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else get really clumsy when they have PMS? I always do, but this month has been an extreme.

Sunday morning when I got home from work I was putting everything in the crock pot to make a pot roast. Cutting the potatoes, I sliced a good chunk out of my thumb. It bled a lot and scared me pretty good. It is still VERY sore. I didn't realize how much you depend on your thumbs until I only had one good one to use.

At work Sunday night I crushed my hand between 2 steel reels. Let me tell you, that hurt!!! For about 5 minutes I was sure I had broken it, but in the end it is just a funny color of blue and tender.

Then, Monday afternoon when I got up, I fell in the shower. You know how it is, ladies. I was trying to shave, one leg propped up on the edge of the tube and the other foot slipped out from under me. OUCH! And I hit my thumb on the way down which made it start bleeding again.

Hopefully lastly, I reached up in the cabinet to get my favorite Hard Rock Cafe glass last night, and dropped it. Shattered all over the place. I really wish the tall people in our house wouldn't put stuff on the top shelves because I have a hard time reaching them. (sigh)

Anyhow....I told my husband I should just hunker down in the bedroom and not leave the house today. I might stay safe that way.

Well, I am getting ready to take Cody's new ferret to the vet for a check up. What an interesting little critter she is!! My husband ( who constantly complains about the dogs & cats ) just thinks she is the greatest thing ever.

Just a little bit of time for me

2006-09-28T08:04:00.000-05:00

As most all mom's can identify with, I have very little time alone. Between work, school, and the family I ususally feel as if I am spread much too thin.

I'm off work today and tomorrow. I have a lot of the normal stuff to do.....homework, catch up laundry, dishes, housework in general. But, I have decided to take just a little bit of time for me. I'm going to get a haircut and maybe spend a little bit of time reading a book. Next week I have 4 days off ( Mon- Thurs) and I am going to make a point to spend at least a little bit of time each day doing something for me.

I feel myself getting so stressed most of the time, and allow myself to feel guilty when I do make some down time for myself. But, then I realized, by not giving myself some time to rest and rejuvenate, I am hurting everyone. That is why I get irritatable. When a person doesn't allow time in their lives to even think, how can we expect to deal with the millions of day to day details that come in the life of being a wife and mother?

So, here I go to sit and acutally enjoy a cup of coffee before I start laundry. I may even watch my soap opera today without doing 5 other things at the same time. And I am going to TRY to put all the housework and stuff aside when my husband gets home from work so I get just enjoy spending some quiet time with him. I need that.....we need that.

So, fellow moms out there, take just a little bit of time for you today. Remember that to care for our families, we must also take care of ourselves.

Finally...a productive weekend

2006-09-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

On my work schedule, I am off for 3 weekends, then work for 3 weekends. This is my 3rd and final weekend off for a while.

The first weekend was rainy, and well, I was just exhausted so we were lazy all weekend. Last weekend, we were at the beach Friday thru Monday, so again, not a thing got accomplished. This weekend, we've been in full swing. Tim has installed 2 new storm doors on the house. I did some serious cleaning, planted mums, panies & Asters, and have been working on homework. While, I hope I do get at least some R & R before I go back to work, it is satisfying to see some things gets accomplished.

Today is officially the first day of fall, though as is typcial in North Carolina, you can't really tell it. It is 86 right now and the only sign of autumn is a strong breeze blowing. It is close though.....we've had several cool nights and days in the 70's. Only a few more weekend and fall should arrive in its full glory and color.

I think we are going out to eat for dinner tonight. I like eating out way too much. It just seems so much better than cooking, then having to clean up all the mess. In honor of fall, though, I am going to make the season's first meatloaf tomorrow. Then, I'll have yummy leftovers to take to work next week.

Happy Autumn!

Bomber Squirrel and Crazy Cat

2006-09-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful trip to the beach. The link at the bottom of the page will take you to some of our pictures. Just click on the pictures to see them bigger.

I've got 2 funny animal stories to share. First of all, we have a bomber squirrel in our neighborhood. In our yard in fact. This little rascal sits in a tree over our driveway, takes a few bites of an acorn, then throws it down on our van. He even hit my ex husband in the head one day when he was picking up the boys. ( Now that was funny!) The tree he sits in is enormous, but he chooses to sit in that one spot all the time. You can sit and watch him. I swear he doesn't just drop the acorn, he throws it down. You can see the little teeth marks in them where he takes just one or two bites, then hurtles it down below. Needless to say, I'm pulling my car further up the driveway now.

OK, and now about our cat. Oscar. He's proven many times before to be quite inventive. Yesterday afternoon, I was sitting here in the gameroom taking a test online and the back doorbell rang. It was POURING down rain and I just couldn't imagine who would be ringing the bell. Our tests have a time limit, so I ran to the backdoor, peeked thru the blinds and didn't see anyone. I was perplexed, but worried about my test so I went right back to it. A couple of minutes later the doorbell rang again. This time I went out the front door, and looked around the corner of the house.

Our cat, Oscar. was sitting at the back door, in the rain, obviously very distressed about the weather. He looked like he was patiently waiting for me to answer the door.

All we can figure is that the crazy cat was jumping up trying to hit the door handle and ringing the doorbell by accident. At least we hope so. None of us are excited about Oscar rining the doorbell at 2AM wanting to come in the house.

Hope you are all doing well. Watch out for those acorns!

http://community.webshots.com/album/554212609NPKcLA

Almost outta here

2006-09-15T07:36:00.000-05:00

I just got home from work and we are leaving for the beach in about 4 hours. I am going to lay down and try to sleep for at least a little bit. It's hard to sleep when you are excited!! The good news is, Tim is going to drive down there for a change, so I can sleep along the way. IF the kids will be quiet, that is.

Today is my Tim's birthday. The trip to the beach is his main present. I also got him tickets to see the Broadway musical Monty Python's Spamalot and a new pair of sunglasses. (the musical will be in Charlotte, not in NYC)

Also, today is the anniversary of the first time Tim told me that he loved me. 6 years ago today. We went to dinner for his birthday at Copeland's. Then, later in the evening, he just blurted it out. LOL It was so funny because I knew there was something he wanted to tell me but didn't know how. We've been wrapped up in each other ever since. :-)

I am SOOOO looking forward to spending time by the pool and in the ocean. Just RELAXING. The past 3 weeks have been really exhausting. I am just ready for a little break.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I'll think about ya while I'm dozing on the beach.

The Whirlwind

2006-09-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

There is a phenonmenon happening at our house, that perhaps has always occured and I am just now noticing. Or perhaps something has changed.

This school year, when my kids get off the bus, they come thru the front door and it is honestly like a hurricane blowing in. They are loud and hyper. They are excited and full of energy. I love their enthusiasm, but honestly they are grating on my nerves about 2 minutes after they get home.

I'm trying to figure out what is different. Have they changed or have I? Could it be that afternoon is now my morning? Because I work at night, to me 3:00 in the afternoon is like 8:00 in the morning to most people. Have I mentioned I am NOT a morning person? LOL

Or could they really be more excitable than they used to be? They love their new school. And they have a longer bus ride home. So maybe, they are excited about school, then are cooped up on the bus for an hour, so when they get home they are ready to explode.

Maybe I am just more tired in general, therefore more sensitive ( cranky ) when it comes to loudness.

Well...there is their bus. Time to brace myself for the storm....... :-)

The Word of the Lord is a light to guide you, a counsellor to counsel you, a comforter to comfort you, a staff to support you, a sword to defend you, and a physician to cure you. The Word is a mine to enrich you, a robe to clothe you, and a crown to crown you.
-- Brooks, Thomas

Football Season

2006-09-10T14:38:00.000-05:00

My husband LOVES college football. From September to January, he eats, sleeps, and breaths Georgia football. Try as I might, I cannot develop a passion for football. Growing up, I had season tickets to Wake Forest Football and Basketball. For whatever reason, the basketball stuck. Football flopped.

I can't really complain to him, because I know that I am every bit as exasperating when basketball season rolls around. But, gosh, already I am sick of football. This morning he listed all the games on today and all I could do was sigh. Which he found very amusing. ;o) And while Georgia is the only team he really cares about, he thinks he has to watch every game that is on TV.

In some ways, I try to take advantage of it. I am able to do more stuff on my own. I can get more things done, because he's glued to the television. I can play games on the computer without feeling guilty. I can take a little nap in the afternoon without him bugging me. Today I am washing 6 ( yes, 6) loads of laundry and browsing online for our ideas for our bedroom. We are redecorating this winter...new floor, walls, furniture, etc.

But at the same time, I get kinda bored. I love autumn. I want to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors without scheduling it around football games. ( Yes, I know, during the winter everything is planned around Wake Forest basketball games )

Well, I am off today, but work every night this week. Then we are leaving for the beach on Friday. I'm already doing some packing just so I don't have to worry about it later on. I've got a lot I need to get done tomorrow morning...we will see if I'm able to squeeze it all in. I need to take the dogs to the vet, get a hair cut, get a pedicure, get groceries for the entire week. Hmmmmm, that is not ALL going to fit in a 4 hour time frame tomorrow. Guess I will need to spread it out all week. I usually have about 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon between when I get up and the kids get off of the bus.

Life is rolling along

2006-09-06T11:35:00.000-05:00

Things are going pretty good here. We had a really fun Labor Day. We went to a cook out with all my mom's family. It was nice....good food and good company.

Though I have to admit there was a shadow cast on the day because of the death of Steve Irwin. Our family loves him. I don't think there is one episode of Croc Hunter that we haven't seen. It is just such an incredible tragedy...and his death a fluke. I would have expected a snake bite, or even a croc attack. But a sting ray? Even my parents have been swimming with sting rays.

Tim & I watched Larry King's show about him last night. Tim kept sniffing and had tears in his eyes. It really touched me that he has been so moved by Irwin's death.

I haven't cried yet, but I will. I was the same way after 9/11 and the death of Dale Earnhardt (yes I am a NASCAR fan). It's like after any public tragedy, I have to ponder it for a few days. I read lots of articles about it on the internet, watch it on TV. And in general, am just sad. Then, finally, something will trigger the tears (most likely a song played for rememberance) and I will bawl.

So, I know the tears are coming. They just haven't gotten here yet.

We are going to the beach for Tim's birthday on Sept 15th. WHOO HOO. I've let myself to get a little bit stressed because I work every night the week before we go. When am I going to wash clothes and pack? I guess I will sort clothes one afternoon next week & actually ask Tim to wash them while I am at work. He helps out around the house some, but never does laundry.

Oh well.......with me back to work everyone really needs to step up and help out more. I spend most of my days off doing laundry and cleaning house. YUCK.

I'm off to take a nap because I go back to work tonight.
Have a great rest of the week. Autumn is on the way!!!!!!!!

Fooey on Labor Day Weekend

2006-09-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

As most of the country prepares for a lazy weekend of cookouts and spending time with family, I am preparing to work the entire weekend. I guess it doesn't really matter one way or the other.....we wouldn't do a whole lot if I was off. We do have a huge family cook out planned for Monday afternoon. On my mom's side of the family there are 7 people with birthdays in September....my dad, my husband, my cousin, my grandma, a couple of aunts, my uncle.

So, for Labor Day every year we have a birthday celebration for them all. Those of us not born in September do not have our birthdays acknowledged. :-P At any rate, I am looking forward to it. We are expecting about 25 people to be there & the weather is supposed to be great.

Speaking of weather, Ernesto has now come and gone. We got tons of rain, but nothing really serious. There was some flooding, downed trees, etc, but nothing big on a large scale. That is, unless you are trying to get to Carolina Beach for the weekend. I understand Interstate 40 on the way to the coast is closed for flooding.

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL long weekend. Think about me while you are having your fun. ;o) I will either be sleeping or working between now and 1:00 Monday afternoon.

All's well that ends well

2006-08-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

Last week my computer crashed. I mean, dead. :-( Done. Finite. It happened one the day my 1st semester as a distance education student began. Great.

So, for days, I tried and tried to recover the computer. Tim tried for hours on end. No luck. I was irritated. Ticked off. Just in general not happy. Not only was I paniced about my classes, I MISSED my computer. Or the internet, I suppose. I couldn't access any of my emails or read any blogs. I couldn't do anything. Period.

So, in the end, yesterday we bought a new computer. We've been talking about it for months, but just weren't quite ready financially to buy one.

And now...I sure do love it. This thing is SOOOOO awesome. So, I guess in the end, my computer crashing was a good thing.

Now if I can just figure out how to recover some of the files off my old one, all will be right with the world.

Happy to have him home...or not

2006-08-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

This week I am off Mon-Thurs. It works out great because the children go back to school on Friday. We are spending the whole week saying goodbye to summer vacation and getting everything ready for the school year.

Usually, my husband works out of town quite a bit. He doesn't always have to spend the night out of town, but he is typcially on the road most of the day, every day. This week is a slow week for he & his partner. They've only had a couple of things to do, and all in town.

The result is that he's been home the majority of the day, every day this week. And will be again tomorrow. Part of me loves to have him home. I truly adore my husband and he is my very best friend. I miss him so much when I'm working that it's great to have some time together on my days off.

But, another part of me is becoming irritated. I have so much to do this week. And I guess the kids and I have a sort of routine for our week days during the summer. I was really looking forward to spending a lot of time alone with the kids this week. Him being home has just wrecked all my plans for the week. I have only gotten about 25% of what I wanted to get done accomplished so far. Tomorrow, we are going shopping for the last of the school supplies and shoes. With him tagging along it will take longer & be a little less fun. Does that make any sense?

He hates spending money, complains about every dollar. In the past, we didn't have hardly any money because we only had one income. When we bought back to school stuff, that meant little to no gas & grocery money for that week. But, now.....we still aren't rolling in dough, and truthfully are still trying to get caught up on everything we were behind on before I went back to work. But, still......the stuff has to be bought. The kids need shoes. They need haircuts. It is going to hurt our wallets, but it has to be done. No point in being grumpy about it.....won't change a thing.

Anyhow...I guess I was just getting cranky that he's been around all week, but feel guilty about it. Thinking about it now, I realize that I am a planner. I am organized and like to know what to expect. Perhaps, his surprise slow week at work just threw a monkey wrench in my "plans" and that bugs me.

Anyhow....off to fix dinner. And I'm going to give my beloved a great big hug. I really do adore him, even if I secretly wish he was working normal hours this week.

How does it happen?

2006-08-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

How do kids seem to grow up overnight

Chelsea starts HIGH SCHOOL this week. Wasn't it just last year she started middle school? It sure seems like it. She is at a freshman orientation for 1/2 day today. She's really nervous about getting lost in the school, but I told her it really isn't that big. She's going to the same high school I went to, more years ago than I care to think about.

My stepson is beginning his last year of elementary school. My oldest son only has 2 years left of elementary school. It just doesn't seem possible. When Tim & I got married all the boys were in preschool. Heck, Bryce was only 2 and now he is starting 2nd grade.

To make me feel even older, my best friend's daughter was DRIVING by our neighborhood yesterday and decided to stop to say hello. SHE WAS DRIVING. I mean, how can that sweet little girl be old enough to drive? It was really touching that she was in the area and thought of her "Aunt Andee." I had just woke up, so basically she just hugged me and said she wanted to stop and say hello. Wow. Sixteen and driving.

I guess today I am just really realizing how quickly they are all growing up. It seems like we get so busy in our lives that everything just start spinning so fast that we miss so much. Is there a way to slow it down? I'm afriad the next time I notice how much they've all grown, Chelsea will be going away to college.

Ahhh, memories....

My random quotes

2006-08-19T16:45:00.000-05:00

I visited the random quote generator suggested by PopTartMom and thought I would share my immediate favorites. I feel sure I will be returning to the site often.

God reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists

.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

The Creator gave man two ears and one mouth;there is a reason why He did so.

Thomas Barron

Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.

Sophia Loren (1934 - )

Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little

.
Edna Ferber (1887 - 1968)

Everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.

Leo Tolstoy

--------------------------------------------------------------
This morning we went hiking at Pilot Mountain. I'll include a picture of it for those of you who have never seen it. It is a very unique mountain.

Anyhow, I have to work tonight, so I really didn't want to go. Tim woke me up at 8:00 all excited. He and my step kids begged me to go with them. Finally, I decided that I am very blessed to have a family that wants to do things together and wants me included, so I dragged myself up and off we went. We had a picnic and went hiking. It really was nice. I took my little Shih Tzu, Bailey, and he was just thrilled to be out with his family. The silly dog was almost smiling.

After we got home, I took about a 3 hour nap, so I should be fine tonight. I just work 2 nights, then am off until Friday. It really works well, because the kids go back to school on Friday. I can spend all week with them & try to get everything ready for the school year.

Well, time to get ready for work. Think about me while ya'll are all snuggled in bed this weekend. :-D

Just a hint in the air...

2006-08-18T10:10:00.000-05:00

Here in North Carolina, summer usually hangs around until October. Often times, September is just as hot as August. And, as I have mentioned before, I am NOT a fan of summer. I hate heat. I hate humidity even more.

However, this morning, there is a hint of autumn in the air. It is hard to describe, and probably only temporary. But, there is a nice breeze blowing, at 11:00 it is only 73 degrees, and the air feels cleaner than normal. It has really put me in a good mood, even though I know it isn't REALLY autumn. I can pretend, right?

Speaking of Autumn...we have lots of exciting things coming up. The kids go back to school one week from today. HURRAY! Every single year, I am excited for them to get out for summer, and just as excited to see them go back. This year, especially so. With me working nights, I will sleep during the day while they are at school. I won't have to worry about waking up to get them lunch or just to entertain them. And they won't have to tip toe around the house trying not to wake me up.

On September 15th (my husband's birthday ) we are heading to the beach for a long weekend. The famous Pavillion at Myrtle Beach is closing at the end of the season forever. For hundreds of thousands of people, including us, the Pavillion is a symbol of our youth. So, we thought we would go enjoy a weekend at the beach and go to the Pavillion one last night. My in-law's and niece are coming as well. We have rented an ocean front condo for 3 nights & I think it's going to be a really nice time. It's neat to have something to look forward to, now that our vacation has come and gone.

October is my favorite month of the year. The Dixie Classic Fair is always the first 10 days of the month....and always here on my birthday. That is usually about the time the air cools off, the humidity dissipates, and the leaves finally start to change color. OH, how I love October!!!!

Well, I suppose the kids and I need to get motivated. We have new shoes....bookbags.....lunch boxes....and other assorted school supplies to buy.

Is it really over?

2006-08-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

I feel like throwing a temper tantrum. I don't want life to go back to normal today.

Tim is at work. I go back tonight. After a simply wonderful vacation...I am just not quite ready to return to the routine.

We are planning a weekend getaway to the beach with my inlaw's for hubby's birthday in September. So, I guess I will just keep looking forward to that.

Oh, listen to me. I should be thinking how blessed I am to have just spent this time with my family & to be able to come back to a great job. And instead I am pouting that I have to go back to work at all.

OK (deep breath, sholders back, sitting up straight). I am ready to face the world. I am refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvinated. ( I will just keep telling myself this until I believe it)

Home again, home again!!

2006-08-12T15:51:00.000-05:00

Whew. We got home from our vacation yesterday afternoon. I didn't want to come home...yet I did. I missed our puppies, I missed our bed....but we had SOOO much fun!

I fell in love with the log cabin the minute I walked in the door. You can see pictures of it & others from our trip:

http://community.webshots.com/album/552392638tJFbNF

Just click on the thumbnails to see the full size picture.

Anyhow, it was a wonderful time. We spent one entire day at WonderWorks. It is an awesome place. Imagaine the neatest hands on science museum you have ever been to, then mutiply it by 100. If you are curious about it, you can check out the website:

http://www.wonderworkstn.com

My favorite part of the vacation was horseback riding with my stepdaughter in the Great Smoky Mtn National Park. We saw a bear! It was so exciting!! And on horseback, we were able to get way away from main roads and really enjoy the beautiful, quiet, undisturbed forest. Spending time with nature can be so humbling.

I spent a lot of time in a huge rocker on the front porch of the cabin...reading, drinking coffee, taking in the view..... Hubby and I enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub, but not as much as I'd thought. It was so hot...even in the evening it was in the low 80's and humid.

We all went to the Comedy Barn one night. It was a hoot. It was good, clean fun for the whole family. We did a lot of walking in downtown Gatlinburg. My stepdaughter & I got henna (temporary) tatoos on our ankles. Would you believe I'm considering getting a real one?

Anyhow...I hope everyone is doing well. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's blogs and catching up.

Back to work on Monday

Dear Anonymous

2006-08-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your recent comment. I created this blog as a way to sort thru my feelings & vent my frustrations when needed. I invited some of my close friends & family to view it & encourage them to comment any time they want to. If you fall in this catagory, please feel free to continue to read, as well as comment. Please do have the courage to share your identity in the future, though.

If you are not a close friend or family member of mine, I respectfully request that you no longer read my personal blog.

And for the record...you are right. There are always 2 sides of every story. However, I have no reason to doubt that my stepchildren tell me the truth. And like any mother or stepmother, I will always take our children's side, will always want to protect and defend them. No one likes to see someone they love dearly get hurt, especially when it could have been easily avoided.

Hurray for me!!!

2006-08-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

As you know, I went back to work in May, working 12 hour night shifts as a quality assurance technician for a fiber optics manufacturer. I was hired thru a temp agency with the possibility of being hired permanent by the company. After I started, I was told that they planned to hire about 1/4 of the temps brought in, and that typcially they waited 5 months or more before offering positions.

Well, last night they offered me a permanent job. :-D I am so psyched. The offer came complete with a $3 an hour raise. HURRAY FOR ME! Finally, we may be able to stop living paycheck to paycheck and constantly being behind on bills.

A lot of people were concerned about me working nights....that it would be bad for Tim & me. But, honestly, it seems like it has been the best thing ever. When I was home, the constant stress of money worries hung over us. While, he never said it, I think Tim resented me for not helping make ends meet. Now, that burden is much lighter and there is hope that soon it will be lifted entirely. And, the nights apart have made us appreciate one another in a whole new way.

If it weren't so hot outside, I'd go treat myself to my 1st pedicure. But, I just got home from meeting my mom for lunch & at 99 degress, I think it's best to just stay inside for the next several hours.

Oh, yeah....and another bonus. I had planned on taking our vacation next week without pay. Now, I have vacation time. WHOO HOO! I'll actually get paid for the time we are gone. What wonderful timing.

God is good.

Fringe benefit :-)

2006-08-03T06:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I have to admit I was surprised to find an added benefit to working 12 hour night shifts. Last night hubby and I finally had a night home alone and WOW! Talk about putting the spark back into your love life. With me gone 4 nights a week & kids coming and going we've had very little time alone the past month or so.

We are leaving for our vacation on Sunday. I cannot tell you how excited I am about it. We've had numerous weekend getaways, but this will be our first real vacation. We have rented a log home in the Great Smoky Mountains. It looks really luxerious...yet cozy at the same time. We are planning to go hiking, fishing, perhaps visit Dollywood, swimming......

Oh, and there is a hot tub on the deck overlook the mountain view. That is going to be awesome....at least at night when the temps really drop off up there. Here at night it is still in the mid 80's and HUMID. But, I've noticed on the weather channel that in that area it drops to around 60 at night, even when the temps during the day were around 90.

Speaking of which...still supposed to be upper 90's to 100+ here today. Yesterday, I would get sick to my stomache whenever I went outside for more than 15-20 minutes. I don't see how people work outside in that heat. I honestly could not do it....wouldn't want to try!

Hope everyone is doing well. Silver....I've been thinking about ya! Jayana, I would love to hear from you.

It's insanity I tell ya!

2006-07-27T16:44:00.000-05:00

OK, so Cody * Chelsea are at the beach this week with their mom. Every year when they go to the beach, Tim worries the whole time they are gone. Their mom kinda lets them do their own things. (they are 10 & 14) She doesn't watch them in the ocean (and NC is FAMOUS for our ripcurrents and undertows). She let's them go to the ocean by themselves, go for walks alone, etc.

So, yesterday, we got a call that my stepson had been attacked by a Portugese Man O war. Apparently, it was pretty bad. One of the tentacles was wrapped around his leg. When he felt it, he reached down to pull it off, so he had multiple stings on his legs, hands, and arms. Poor kid was in agony!!!

Here's the crazy part:

We found out later that the lifegaurds had advised people to not go in the water. The current was bringing in a large schools of jelly fish & the man-o-war, so they were just advising people to stay out of the water yesterday.

And his mother IGNORED the warning. Well, she told them to only go in knee deep so they could see what was in the water.

WHAT?!?!?!?!?

Can any of you imagine hearing a warning like that and still letting your kids get into the ocean? I mean, they have a swimming pool at their condo. There is a million other things the could have chosen to done that day. Knowing there was a large increased risk of stings---why let your kids into that water?

I just want to ask her what she has planned for next summmer.....swimming with sharks?

Austin's Birthday Party

2006-07-25T20:55:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from my son's birthday party yesterday. We had a really great time. The "Mad Scientist" did lots of neat experiements, shot of rockets, had them make their own bouncy balls....etc

Strangers Passing in the Hall

2006-07-24T13:49:00.001-05:00

Ok, so that is an exaggeration. But, right now I almost feel like that.

I just got done working 5 nights in a row. I am off tonight & tomorrow night, but low and behold Tim had to go out of town for work. Just for tonight & tomorrow night. Then, when he gets home on Wednesday, I will be working until Saturday.

BUT wait.......Saturday is his company summer party. They rent a party boat and spend the day out on the lake that is about an hour & 1/2 away. Food, drinks, jet skis, swimming...all kinds of fun. I am not going this year because I will need to sleep. So, we won't see each other Saturday at all.

Then, on Sunday I volunteered to work overtime Sunday Day. (extra spending money for our vacation) After that, I start a 4 night stretch.

So, from now until we go on vacation ( August 5 ), basically Tim and I will literally just see each other in passing. It really makes me sad, although I know that is silly. It is only temporary, after all.

Last night when I called to check in with him, he kept saying how much he misses me. Well, at least our vacation should have a romantic current...even with 4 kids in tow.

Tonight is Austin's 9th birthday party. His actual birthday is tomorrow, but his dad & girlfriend wanted to have the party tonight. Sounds like it is going to be quite an event...about 20 people and The Mad Scientist will be on hand performing science tricks for the kids. I really hate that Tim is going to miss the party. In addition, my stepkids are at the beach with their mom, so they won't be their either. It is like 1/2 of our family is just missing this week.

Anyhow...I'm sure I will be posting pictures tomorrow from the party.

Summertime

2006-07-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

I am not a fan of summer. Yes, I admit I like some of the lazy days of summer. As long as I can stay INSIDE where the A/C is blasting.

I hate heat. I hate humidity even more. :-( Every time I walk outside these days, I feel my energy just being sapped away. I cannot even imagine working outdoors or someplace with no air conditioning this time of year. I would faint, I feel quite sure of it.

I am an autumn girl myself. I love the cooler days, chilly nights; the crisp, clean air and bright blue skies. No haze & no humidity. October was made for me. Really from October 1 to January 1 is perfect as far as I am concerned. I don't even mind the shorter days.

This is one of the reasons I was a fan of year round schools (which they have done away with in this area). I really enjoy being able to take a vacation sometime other than the summer. On the schedule our kids used to be on, they would go to school for 9 weeks, then have 3 weeks off. This meant they had a vacation period for every season.....the fall break in October being my favorite. And they still had 6 weeks out for the summer.

Now, they do not even get a full week off in the spring or fall. Summer is really the only time to go anywhere. We chose the Tennessee mountains this year, hoping that it would be a little cooler than the beach. We are going in 2 weeks & I cannot wait! It is going to be our first real family vacation.

Well, I am off to watch my soap in my nice cool bedroom. Air conditioning on, lights off, and fan on full blast. Later this afternoon, I am taking the kids to see a movie...also in a nice cool place. I'll be in hiding for at least another....two months or so.

Stay cool, folks!

4 days off..

2006-07-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

...and all I want to do is sleep. Still adjusting to the night schedule, I suppose. The heat may have something to do with it, too. When it is 90+ degrees and VERY humid it just seems to sap all of my energy.

We had breakfast with some friends this morning. The husband has been recalled to the Navy and they are being sent to Japan for 3 years. They were leaving today for a military base in Rhode Island, so we met them along the interstate. It was a little sad...knowing that best case scenario we won't see them again for over 3 years. But, what an adventure they are embarking on! They have 3 kids--10, 5, and 2 years old.

So, now we are back home for the day. I think we will just do a little housework and be lazy around the house. Perhaps tomorrow or Friday I can get motivated enough to actually take the kids to the pool.

Our vacation is a little over three weeks away now. I am so excited about it. This will be our first real family vacation---and we've been married 5 years now. We invited my inlaw's to stay a couple of days with us, and turns out they are going to stay the whole week. That aggrivates me a little bit, but for the most part we will be happy to have them. The only part that bothers me sounds really petty when I put it in writing. But, we are renting a 2 bedroom cabin in the tennessee mountains. There is the masterbedroom (with jacuzzi) on the mainlevel. The other bedroom (not as nice) is downstairs. My mother-in-law recently had a knee replacement, so she can't do stairs. So, in other words, we are paying to rent this house for a week, and WE will get to stay in the spare bedroom.

Petty, I know, but I can't help it. The kids will all have to sleep on sleeper sofas. We'd planned to let Chelsea, the oldest, have her own room and the boys all sleep in the gameroom.

Ok, I realize I've gone off on a rant, so I will hush about it now. I really am thankful they are going to be able to join us...their health has been declining so we are fortunate to spend any amount of time with them.

I'm off to take a nap now. LOL I just feel like if I get another hour or two of sleep I'll be all ready to tackle the rest of the day. Only one way to find out....

Rambling thoughts

2006-07-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

I have so many things on my mind right now, that I hardly know where to start......

Independence Day was a non-event for me. I worked that night & the night before so I slept most of the day. When I woke up, hubby has just walked in the door with a Frappicino from Starbucks. I wish I could wake up that way every day!! :-) I LOVE STARBUCKS!

Later in the day, I found myself washing dishes and just stopped. I had just worked 12 hours & was getting ready to go in for another 12. Hub & the kids had been off for 4 days...doing a whole lot of nothing. And I was the one doing dishes????

We are going to have to have a family meeting to discuss some changes that are going to have to take place now that mom is back at work.

My son's birthday is coming up soon, and my ex-husband's girlfriend has decided to throw him a party. I have VERY mixed feelings about this. On the logical hand, I am happy that she is interested in the kids and wants to be involved with them. But, on the emotional hand, they are MY kids. I can't help but feel like she is trying to be mom to them. Especially since she doesn't have kids of her own. And according to my son, she can't have kids. (which I didn't think I could either, come to think of it).

I don't know....I guess it is just my maternal instinct is feeling threatened. I hear little alarms going off in my head, that for now I suppose I will simply have to ignore. I will not allow myself to behave as my husband's ex did when I first entered the picture. And I do really believe that the more people my children have that love them, the better off they will be. I just better not hear them say, "We are supposed to call Christina, MOM, now...."

Another subject...

My husband was in the Army for 6 years...from 1989 to 1995. He was in a specialized unit in Army Intelligence. Since things have been heading up in Korea, he has been feeling the pull to reenlists. As with my kids and their dad's new girlfriend, I am not sure how I feel. I have so many conflicting emotions. One one hand, I feel like he's done his service for our country, and now it is time for other people to step up. On the other hand, I can understand his desire to contribute. He was very good at what he did and it is hard for him to just sit back and do nothing while there are so many potential threats out there. I know he thought about it after 9/11...but we'd only been married a few months at that point.

So, who knows. I finally agreed he should go talk to a recruiter and just see what they say. They may not take him at all because of his diabetes. (though I've read if you can show you can manage it thru diet & exercise alone they will let you in. And that is what he does---no meds). They may not be able to pay him enough for us to afford for him to be enlisted. From what I understand, he would have to take quite a pay cut.

Regardless, I will support whatever decision he makes.

Tomorrow I am taking the kids to Concord Mills Mall, near Charlotte. It is a big mall with a lot of neat stuff...Arcades, bass pro shops, movies, etc etc. I figured we'd just make a day of it. One day next week I want to take them to the pool, once it heats up again. Today it is only 76 and GLORIOUS. But, the heat will be back soon, I am sure.

God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.

Matthew Henry

Silly young 'ens

2006-07-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

I had this sketch made of Austin & Bryce on Friday at Adventure Landing. At first I was kinda aggrivated because Bryce wouldn't "do right", but after the picture was finished I realized it is much more him this way.

I'm Committed

2006-06-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

Or perhaps I should be committed. Not sure which.

At any rate, we bought a new car yesterday. Well, a minivan actually. With 4 kids I am locked into the minivan at least until they are all in college...probably beyond. It is a white Kia Sedona...and very very nice. My car that we traded was a 1994 Villager with over 220,000 miles. So this is a big step up indeed!!

And now we have 2 car payments. If I wasn't committed to the full time job before, I sure am now. From here on out, we will have to have 2 full time incomes to make ends meet.

But, that is OK. With every paycheck I can feel some of the money stress from the past 3 years letting up just a bit. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

HOT & HUMID here today. Guess I can't complain...it is nearly July in the South. Shouldn't expect anything else.

My stepkids have are in Georgia all week visiting their grandparents, so my boys have been staying with my mom ( nearby ) during the day while I sleep. Thank heavens for grandparents, huh? It has been a very quiet week so far. Quiet enough for me to sneak off to buy a new car.

Success

2006-06-23T14:12:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it thru my first week on the night shift. It actually wasn't as bad as I had anticipated. It helps that I am a night person by nature, so I can adapt to a night schedule better than a lot of folks.

Also....on a break last night I created a new budget for us. Holy Cow ! With me working full time we will change from being almost $500 in the hole every month to having nearly $1500 surplus. That was VERY exciting for me to discover. God has been so good to us.

It is also rather comforting considering that we are going to have to buy a new minivan in the next couple of weeks. Mine is a 1995 with nearly 225,000 miles. It needs a new transmission, both front CV joints, an overhaul on the A/C system, and several other more minor things replaced. It is time to bite the bullet and get something new or "nearly" new.

The heat and humidity have been UNBEARABLE this week. The temps have been nearly 100 every day with very high humidity. On my break everynight I step outside for 5-10 minutes just for the calmness and fresh air. Both an invigorating cold shock or a soothing summer breeze are good ways to wake up. Last night, however, at 2AM it was still 80 degrees and so muggy it felt like you were swimming to walk outdoors for even a moment. Just miserable.

Thankfully, the weather man is calling for a cold front to come thru tonight. It will only be lowering temps 10 degrees, but it will be a very welcome reprieve from the extreme heat.

We are making a quick trip to Georgia tomorrow...delivering my stepkids to their grandparents for a week. It is 4 hours each way, so we will be spending the better portion of the day in the car. We've just got so many things we need & want to do around home that we don't want to spend even one night. And I am really looking forward to sleeping in my bed, at night, with my husband.

I hope all you mom's have an excellent weekend.

The Night Shift

2006-06-21T13:10:00.000-05:00

So far, so good as far as the night shift goes. I do not like this particularly area of Q.A. as much as I did the previous, but it is good for me to be trained in as many areas as possible.

What did come as a surprise is how hard it is for me to pull out of the driveway at 6:15 in the evening. I knew I would miss my family. I knew it would be hard to be away from my husband. But, both nights so far, I have been teary eyed as I drove out of our neighborhood.

I know me working is a necessity. I'm going from bringing home $450 a MONTH to almost $600 a week. My contribution is finally going to get us out of the hole and hopefully stop the creditors from calling.

And I know nightshift is the best choice for our family right now. If I worked a typical Mon-Fri, 8-5, kinda job we would be paying full time day care for 3 kids all summer. And before/after school care during the school year. With this job, I sleep for 5 hours when I get home, then have the afternoon with the kids. And once I am totally done with training, I will have a lot of days of during the week to spend with them. I will be able to volunteer at their schools, go on field trips, and be here every day when they get off the bus.

But it is still hard to leave them.

Nervous

2006-06-19T11:46:00.000-05:00

I am going to night shifts tonight & I am surprised to find that I am really nervous about it. For numerous different reasons.

1. It is going to be an adjustment for me and my family for me to be gone 13 hours every nights.

2. I'm moving on to a new & more difficult phase of my training. Even though I whizzed thru the 1st phase, I worry that I won't cut it in this next step.

3. I know no one on nights. I know that is silly, but I'd gotten to know a lot of people on the day shift. I'm going to be a stranger again.

4. My 1st trainer really liked me a lot. He had nothing but good things to say about me. What if this new gal is different & doesn't care for me or my work?

Ok, enough of my paranoid worrying. Things will work themselves out, just as they always do.

I must say, having 2 incomes has really been nice. The bills are FINALLY almost all caught up. There is definatly something to be said for having a dual income...something we haven't had in over 3 years. I guess no matter what a family decides for Mom to do...stay at home, working part time, or working full time there are always pros and cons to each situation.

Good start to the summer

2006-06-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

Friday was the last day of school for our kids. On Saturday we went to a park not too far away that has everything you can imagine. A lake, paddleboats, fishing, gem mining, trains, a zoo, aquairum, hiking, minigolf, enormous playground etc etc

We ended up fishing for a while, toured the zoo, mined for gems, road the train, and let the kids play at the playground for a while. It was such a nice & relaxing day.

Today, we had some friends over and cooked out on the grill. They have 3 kids, so with our 4 we had kids EVERYWHERE. At some points it was hard to even think. But, it was fun.....a very nice summer afternoon.

Oh, and my husband has decided to let me get a Ragamuffin kitten which I have wanted my ENTIRE life. They have the most beautiful blue eyes that you have ever seen. I'll post a picture of a couple at the bottom for those of you who don't know what they are. My best friend & I went to look at some this afternoon & i just fell in love with them. I am SOOO excited. Hubby is too good to me.

2006-06-08T05:14:00.000-05:00

Friday is my kid's last day of school. They used to get out at the end of May, but the state of North Carolina voted in a wonderful (NOT!) new law that doesn't allow schools to start until August 25th. Therefore, they have less vacations during the year and get out later.

ANYHOW, my parents are going to keep my boys all next week since I am working 7AM-5PM. The following week (6/19) I will finally be going to the night shift. Now, this means technically, I will be home during the day. BUT, my ex-husband's mother has volunteered for the boys to go spend a week with her in Tennessee. That way, I will have at least one full week on nights without the kids to allow me to acclimate to the new schedule. I just think that it is so wonderful. Not only will I be able to take care of MYSELF for a little while, but the boys will be having a blast as well! COOL DEAL!

On another note, my stepdaugther "graduated" from middle school today. WOW. We have a high schooler in our family. Very scary, but exciting too. A whole new world awaits her in 2 1/2 short months.

My son's PeeWee baseball team is playing for the championship tonight. Win or loose they have had a great season & I am so proud of my son. To have ADHD, he's done a great job of being a part of a team, holding his own on the field, and following his coaches instructions. ( and we will just ignore the times he's been picking at the grass or staring at the sky while in the outfield) :-)

Go South Little League Braves!!!

It is making the rounds

2006-05-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday ( the 2nd week at my new job ) my 8 year old had a tummy virus. About 11:00 last night, my 7 year old came down with it. I knew I couldn't miss another day of work, so I ended up recruiting my best friend to keep him today. Then about 10:00 this morning, I started to feel a little queasy & dizzy.

It is my turn.

UGH! These viruses are relentless.

I left work after lunch. Thankfully, I was able to make it at least that long.

I learned this afternoon that I need to buy a bigger recliner. Not just to accomadate my big butt, but because all of my animals wanted to snuggle me as I napped. I had a cat, a Shih Tzu, a Chihuahua mix, and A BOXER all laying on me. Sweet, but boy was it ever crowded.

OK, I'm going to go lay back down and see if I can't kick this thing out of my system tonight. Thankfully, it only lasted about 8 hours in each of my boys. Perhaps that will be the course it takes in me as well.

Now I remember....

2006-05-28T20:31:00.000-05:00

I remember now how quickly the weekend flies by when you are working full time. How there never seems to be enough hours in the day. How exhausting life becomes.

But, that is Okay. I will adapt...just like millions of other working mothers.

We've had a really nice, yet busy, weekend. Yesterday, we did some work around the house, then I had to go work at the church for a little while. Last night we took the kids to the drive in movie theater to see Over the Hedge and Posiden. It was a lot of fun---they get such a kick out of the drive in.

Course, that meant we got to bed really late last night, so we all slept in today. Then, we had a house cleaning marathon. My husband just decided that he wanted the house spotless. And I admit...it really looks nice. I guess I didnt' realize just how much everything had piled up. (Including the dust bunnies)

Everything is all spotless now. I'm just curious as to how long it will last.

I have to work tomorrow, so we decided to have a cook out today instead. My stepdaughter had one of her "boy" friends over & it was really a nice night. We had hamburgers on the grill, pasta salad, baked beans, and grean beans. Oh, and a chocolate chip pie. YUMMY. Course, I ate too much. The kids filled empty 2 liter bottles wtih water & ran around spashing each other...then they continued to have battles with the bottles. LOL Oh well, it was cheap entertainment & they had a blast.

Well, it is Sunday evening...time for me to start thinking about heading to bed. I have to get up at 5:30 now & that sure takes some getting used to---especially for a night person. The good news is, I should be going to nights in 2-3 weeks and then I can sleep all day if I want. And I am sure I will need it.

Have a great week, all.

Sick young'en

2006-05-24T11:09:00.000-05:00

Here it is, my 2nd week of work and I had to call in today. My son has a tummy bug. Tim is in Chapel Hill, his dad is in Anderson, SC, and my mom is substituting for a maternity leave. So, there was no one left to call to stay home with him.

Thankfully, they are going to let me work on Friday to make up the time. But, it still really bothers me. This is no way to start a new job, especially when you are working thru a temp agency hoping to get hired on permanent thru the company.

Anyhow.....

I seem to be more used to the work this week. I am not nearly as exhausted at the end of the day & have more energy in the mornings. It all just takes time, I suppose.

Our boys are immersed in baseball tournaments right now. 2 of them have games tomorrow night. I will get off work & go straight to the ballfield for 4 hours. Whew! I guess we will be eating at the concession stand tomorrow night. I hate to do that, but sometimes it just is the only option.

I'm anxiously awaiting American Idol tonight. Since Chris went home, I haven't been as interested, but I really hope Taylor wins. I have just ever really cared much for Kat.

Happy Hump Day everyone. The long weekend is just around the corner.....

The Tooth Fairy and other matters of debate

2006-05-20T17:31:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had lunch with my 7 year old son. We had 3 members of his 1st grade class join us. At one point, one little girl was showing me her loose tooth. So, I asked if the tooth fairy comes to see her when she looses a tooth. She said that she does, and then all 4 children launched into a spirited debate on the exsistance of the tooth fairy.

In the end, they agreed that the tooth fairy sounds pretty silly. I just remained quiet while they decided it must be Mom or Dad.

A few minutes later, the same little girl got a concerned look on her face and said, "Well, then...what about Santa?" You could see none of the 4 had concerned the validity of Santa Claus before.

My son said, "Santa has to be real because there is no way Mommy & Tim could go do all that shopping and put everything under the tree while we are sleeping on Christmas Eve."

Sounds logical to me.

Spoiled Rotten

2006-05-19T12:34:00.000-05:00

I never realized how spoiled I was until I started this new job. I am used to sitting in front of a computer, on my butt all day. That has been the story for about 8 years now. But, this.........is a whole different story.

I am on my feet for about 10 hours a day, walking around, moving things, on the go constantly. Because it is in a factory, I have to wear heavy steel toed boots. While, I am in Quality Assuarance and not actually MAKING anything, I still have to observe all of the normal safety rules. And after I have tested the fiber optic cable, I have to put it where it goes. And let me tell you, that is no easy task.

Anyhow...I guess I never realized how good I had it before now. The good news it....surely I will loose weight doing all that moving all day. I've been drinking a lot more water & eating less, too. At work, I am just so busy and tired that I don't care about eating much.

I'm not complaining...really I am not. I am thankful to have been given the chance to do this job. It is just going to take some getting used to.

Well, today is our 5 year wedding anniversary. Still haven't completely decided what we are going to do tonight to celebrate, but I want it to be special. In 3 or 4 years I want to look back and remember this night....not strain to recall where we went or what we did.

Have a great weekend!

May 19, 2001

2006-05-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

On this day 5 years ago.........

Catching Up

2006-05-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day!!! My family made breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, then my stepdaughter took me to Starbuck's and treated me to one of my favorite sins in the world...White Chocolate Cafe Mocha. We had lunch with all of my family....aunts, uncles, grandma, my parents at a buffet, which was really nice. I was able to spend a little time with my grandma over the weekend, which I don't get to do nearly often enough.

My 8 year old son bought me a very unique handmade necklace...with his own money. He is very stingy with his cash, so this really touched me. The necklace isn't something I would normally choose, but because it is the first thing he ever bought me on his own, I will treasure it forever.

Hubby got me 2 hydrangeas, which is my favorite flower. We spent the afternoon planting them in the front yard and enjoying the gorgeous weather.

Then....Snap! Crackle! Pop! I was carrying a load clothes and somehow slipped and twisted my knee. I actually heard a loud pop. I am not one given to hysterics, but let me tell you I was howling. It hurt worse than I can even describe. I was gasping for air & almost hyperventilated. The whole time my beloved husband was sitting there with me trying to figure out what on earth happened, while I was carrying on like a lunetic.

Anyhow.....I was terrified because I knew I was starting my new job today. I was so sure I had broken my leg. But, in the end, just a pretty good sprain. I can walk on it with a little limp, but steps are a really big problem.

And...I was able to start my job today. HURRAY

Things went really well at work. I am in Quality Assurance....basically I make sure all the fiber optic cable works the way it should. I will be training Mon-Thurs, 10 hours a day for 4-6 weeks, then will start my night shift. It is quite a different environment & position for me, but I really think I am going to like it.

And I know I will like getting the paychecks.

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!!!!

Prayer for mothers

2006-05-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

Dear Heavenly Father,

We pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life. You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.

Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.

Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood.

Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.

It is in Jesus Precious Name that I ask it,

Amen.

Night shift here I come!

2006-05-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I just got the call that I for sure have the 12 hour, night shift job. After lots of fact figuring, we had decided that is the one I am going for. It is much more money than I have ever made, plus no day care.

The first 4 weeks ARE going to be difficult. I have to train during the day. So I will have to put my boys in before & after school care. But, I should finish training about the same week they finish school, so the timing works out well.

It also means I have to drop out of the summer session at college. Maybe even have to take a couple of semesters off. That makes me really sad, but you have to do what you have to do. We HAVE to have more income. If not, we will loose our house before much longer. We are currently living payday to payday....disconnect notice to disconnect notice. That is no way for a family to live. And at least, I have 2 years of college under my belt now. No one can take that away and it will be there when I can finish.

Bruins, I appreciate your comments about the difficulty of workign 3rd shift. I think we will be OK, because I will have 3 nights off one week and 4 the following. It cannot be more stressful than never having enough money to survive. And the cost of 3 in day care is just astronomical.

Look out, Corning Cable.....Here I come!

One of the most important responsibilities in the Christian life is to care about others, smile at them, and be a friend to the friendless.

James Dobson

Sea of faces

2006-05-10T15:24:00.000-05:00

Today as we were sitting at the middle school waiting to pick up my stepdaughter I decided to really pay attention to all of the students as they flowed out of the school. This may be my last week picking up the kids up at school (I'll explain more about that in a moment)

At the elementary school, you expect to see a wide variety of children. After all, they range from 4 to 11 years old. But the vast difference at the middle school is just astounding. Take the boys. There are some that look like they belong in 4th grade. They are tiny little fellows. At the same time, they are chatting with boys that look more like men. They are 6 feet tall, broad shouldered, and manly.

Then I paid attention to the girls. Some really are still girls. Small, thin, flat chested, and insecure. In other groups there were young ladies that could be mistaken for fashion models......along with the ones that WANTED to be fashion models. Big busted, curvy, and very womanly for 14 or younger.

It just amazed me the different in these "children" as I watched them. Many I would have never guessed went to the same school as my stepdaughter, much less in the same grade as her.

Now....the job situation. I have been waiting for 3 weeks for the process to be completed for me to go to work for a major employer in this area. If have passed all the tests, background checks, just waiting for my hair sample drug test to come back. They pay great, excellent benefits, and something totally new for me. The only catch: it is 12 hour night shifts. 3 days one week, then 4 days the following week.

I just had a call from a temp agency that I've interviewed with offering me my choice of 3 positions. One has to start on FRIDAY. Of this week. It is decent pay, Monday-Friday, 8-5. Another is the same days & hours, but better pay. However, it may or may not be permanent. And lastly, is a great part time position with a HUGE company working 15 hours a week. That one is a contract until December, which could be extended.

So, I'm at a loss as to what to do. The night job is what I'd had my hopes on...and I'm certain I will get it. They said they never send you for a drug test unless they plan to hire you. I have never done any illegal drugs, so that should not be a problem. With that, we would not need any child care at all. However, I would have to take a semester or two off of school. I would need to adjust to the hours & figure out what schedule would work best for classes. That makes me really sad. So this job is the best & worst choice.

The 2 full times job: Mon-Fri 8-5 seem to make the most sense. However, we would need before & after school care for 2 kids during the school year and FULL TIME day care for 3 kids over the summer. That is a lot of money. Almost seems to defeat the purpose of working.

And lastly...the 15 hour a week job.....that would be nice because I could still work at the church. It is for a cigarette company, so I'd have to be around smoke all 15 hours of work. That kinda sucks. And it is a contract position. So, in 6 months, we could be back in the same boat.

OK....I'm sure not many people read thru all that, but it helped me to sort some things out in my own mind. Thanks. I guess I need to go make a sheet of Pros & Cons to decide what I want to do.

There is little good in filling churches with people who go out exactly the same as they came in; the call of the Church is not to fill churches but to fill heaven.

Anonymous

Take me out to the ballgame...

2006-05-04T12:29:00.000-05:00

Baseball season keeps us very busy. Usually, we have 3 kids playing, but this season we only have 2. Still, this week we will be at the ballfield 5 days out of 7.

My friends all say it is crazy to spend so much time doing something "unnecessary", but you know, I think playing team sports is very important. Especially if it is something the kids want to do. It teaches them respect, accountability, responsibility, teamwork, etc etc

Last night, my 1st grader hit his first triple. I was so excited. And he was SOOO proud of himself. In that moment, all the hours spent at practice, batting cages, and driving back and forth were all worth it.

Tonight is our only "free" night this week. So, I plan to make a good dinner, kick back, and relax with our family.

And for those of you who watch Idol...were you surprised to see Paris go home? I'm still pulling for Chris....He's my boy ! ! !

Need Your Opinion

2006-05-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

Our 5 year anniversary is coming up in a few weeks. I listen and support a Christian radio station here in town. Part of that sponsorship is being able to sponsor a day of programming. I am supposed to write something I want them to read on the air every 45 minutes thruout the day....and of course I picked our anniversary to be the day of honor.

It is really neat. They have an announcer read it with music playing in the background & such. ANYHOW...could I please solistic your opinions on what I have written. Don't want to be too sappy.

"Things are temporary, relationships last forever. Nothing can
replace the time we spend investing in the life of another." -- Roy Lessin

Five years ago on this day two glorious changes occured. First, at 11AM, Tim and I were joined in holy matrimony, surrounded by those that we love. Second, together with our four children, a family was formed. Having a blended family created many challenges, but the rewards have far outweighed any trials.

Tim, I want you to know that I love you from the depths of my soul and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for our future together.

Chelsea, Cody, Austin, and Bryce I love you all dearly and I am so glad that we are a family.

Thanks to everyone in our family for your support while I am in college---I couldn't do it without you. You are all such an incredible blessing to me.

Happy 5 year Anniversary! "

Picture from the beach

2006-04-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of MOST of our clan from our recent beach trip. My boys were in Tennessee visiting their grandparents, so they weren't with us. :-(

And life goes on.

2006-04-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

I sent an email to the lady that I worked closest with asking her if she could shed some light on the situation. I explained that I wanted to make sure that I didn't make the same mistakes in any future positions I may have.

I got this email reply from one of the owners..... (who I recently found out is friends with my husband's ex wife)

Hi Andrea,

Jan received your e-mail and was concerned, so I thought I would reply on her behalf.

Your initiative, enthusiasm and verbal communication skills are definitely strengths that you have that will serve you well in your next job.

It is true that accuracy and neatness are very important to us, because what leaves this office is often times the only indication that our clients and our staff have of how well we are serving them. Since service is our business, we have to be very very picky about the accuracy of documents that we receive as well as the completeness and professional appearance of any documentation that we send out. That is primarily a reflection of the business ethics employed by John and myself and we do expect others in the office to adhere to that principle. That is also one of the reasons we explained to you in your interview that sometimes the nicest most competent folks just don't work in our environment. It is not a reflection on you as much as it is simply the way our business has to operate.

I'm sorry that you were not a fit for our environment. We all think highly of you and do wish you all the best in your professional endeavors.

Sincerely,
Diane

(rolling eyes) So, whatever. I had an interview yesterday as the claims administrator for a psychological practice and they had me come back in today for a 2nd interview. I have 2 different interviews scheduled for Thursday...one as an admin assistant at a non profit crises control minsitry and the other for a 3rd shift position at a factory. Quite a wide range of options, huh?

Last night I had to work in the consession stands at the ballfield. All parents have to work in there once per season. Anyhow, it made me glad I don't work in fast food or anything like that. It is hot, hard work, and just not my cup of tea.

Hoepfully, I'll have some good news to report about the job hunt very soon.

Lazy day, busy day, then bad day

2006-04-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Seems like my life often resembles a roller coaster ride.

Saturday turned out to be a lazy day. It was raining off and on, so all the ballgames were canceled. Tim & I spent almost the entire day in bed watching movies and just enjoying some down time together.

Sunday things got busier. We had church, then a make up baseball game. When we got home I planted about 2 flats of flowers in our yard. One of these days, I am going to wise up and plant all perennials, but I just love the splashes of color annuals make all summer long.

Then today. The new job. I've been there a week & 1/2. I've gotten lots of good feed back and felt really good about how things were going. When I arrived this morning the owner wanted to see me. He had several files on the desk which he showed me.

On Friday right as I was leaving, the office manager asked me to make some copies of an insurance document in a stack of employee files. Fine, no problem. In 2 of the folders, the document was stapled to the front. Being in a hurry, I gently pulled the documents off, copied them, then stapled them back in the folder. He pointed this out and said, "You obviously didn't take the time to use a stapler remover and that is just not the kind of work we do here. We think you are a wonderful person with a lot of potential, but it just isn't' going to work out here."

What????????????

So, that was that for this job.

When I got home, I quickly called a couple of people that had left messages last week wanting me to come in for interviews. I didn't call them back because I thought I already had a job. I have an interview at 11:00 today and another one on Thursday. Hopefully I will hear back from a few more.

So, the roller coaster continues. This morning I went hurtling through the double inverted loop. What is around the next curve?

What a morning!

2006-04-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

I'm back to working a real job, and back to the occasional horrid morning. I forgot how stressful some mornings can be.

I'm going to HAVE to start going to bed earlier, too. I'm used to sleeping until I have to get the kids up, running them to school, then coming home to get my shower and all. Now I have to get me up & ready before I wake up the kids and I am just not getting enough sleep.

I'm not complaining, though. no no no. I am just observing some adjustments that are going to have to be made.

OH.....it is officially less than 1 month until our 5 year anniversary. We've got reservations in Savannah, GA for the weekend, but I feel sure that money is going to be too tight for that trip. The room is very expensive (overlooking the Savannah river) and gas will cost almost as much as the room. I won't cancel the reservations until the last minute though.

BUT, does anyone have suggestions for an economical, yet still very special way for us to celebrate? We were both married before, but both divorced in our 4th year, so in some strange way the 5 year anniversary is an extra special mile stone for us.

Big Decisions on the Horizon

2006-04-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

As most everyone knows, I am a full time evening student majoring in Elementary Education and History. I've always said that I wanted to be a teacher, but I have to admit it isn't for any grand or glorious reasons. I love kids, want the summers and holiday at home with my family, and am aware that the retire benefits are outstanding.

When I started school in the summer of 2004 I knew that my senior year of college I would have to do my internship and student teaching. Basically, that I would be in the classroom all day every day, instead of attending classes at night. I recently learned that I actually will still have classes 3 nights a week my senior year, in addition to my student teaching. The school requires students to sign an agreement that they will not work during their senior year. Which is really pointless...when would we work?

Anyhow...we have recently learned that our family of 6 requires me to work at least 25-35 hours a week to make ends meet. This student teaching is now looming only one year away. I know there is NO WAY that I can go an entire year with no income.

In addition, this state require education majors to take an expensive test prior to beginning their student teaching, then a more advance one upon graduation. It has recently seemed to become very expensive and difficult...especially for a degree in which I will never make much more than I make now.

SO.......I've considered changing my major to Computer Information Systems. I know that this is a growing field and usually the pay is very good. But, there is not a lot of long term job security.

I just can't decide what to do. Because I've spent the first 2 year taking all my basic courses, changing at this point shouldn't delay my graduation. I've tried making the list of pro's and con's, but it didn't seem very helpful. I guess all I can do now is pray that God will lead me to the path He wants me to take.

Any advice?

Our Easter Weekend Trip

2006-04-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

Whew! We got home about an hour ago from a weekend at the beach. It was such a great weekend. The calendar may say that it is mid April, but the temperatures down there were more like August. It was 95 yesterday. But....with the wind blowing in from the ocean it was actually tolerable. I do not like heat....I am one of those people that just feels totally drained of energy when the temps and humidity go up during the summer. But, this weekend it really felt nice.

We stayed at a nice place on a harbor. I've never been to the beach and not stayed on the beach before. It was gorgeous. Tim and I spent a lot of time just wandering around the marina and drooling over the beautiful boats.

Last night we went to dinner with the whole family---my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, Cody, Chelsea, Tim & me. We went to one of those all you can eat seafood buffets and ate piles and piles of yummy crab legs. It was one of the best dinners I've had in a very long time.

Today, Tim and his dad took the older kids deep sea fishing. While they were gone, my sister-in-law and I took her daughter, Heather, out on the beach. Heather is 3 and just such a doll. I could have stayed out there forever.

I did take some time by myself to have my own private Easter Worship service. I found a good Christian radio station, same some songs, and read the Scriptures in Luke about Jesus's ressurection. It was an awesome way to start my day.

But, alas, we have to go to work in the morning, so we finally had to head home. Next week will be my first whole week at my new job & I am a little apprehensive about it. I've got several big things due at school, my kids are off spring break, and working 2 job as well. It's going to be an interesting week, to say the least.

I pray that everyone had as peaceful and beautiful Easter as we did. God Bless!!!!

John 3:16 For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I got it!!!!

2006-04-11T12:57:00.000-05:00

I had my job interview with the temp agency today and they just called to offer me the job! I am so excited. They seem like a great, tight knit company and I really think this is going to be an excellent opportunity for me.

I start TOMORROW!

WOW!

I am going to be working from 9:00-2:00 every day, which allows me to get off work in time to go pick up my step kids from school. After I learn everything, there is a very real possibility of me working at home some to get more hours.

This is just so awesome. When I left there today, I sat in my car and prayed. I just really felt like it was the right place for me. When she called me a few minutes ago, she said, "We were going to interview several other people, but after the short time we shared with you this morning, we just really feel like you are the right fit for our organization."

Yeah, for me!

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." ~Hudson Taylor

Job Opportunities!

2006-04-10T15:19:00.000-05:00

I actually have several things I'd like to blog about, but I don't have much time, so this one will be short.

I have a job interview tomorrow that I am so excited about. It is a local temporary agency, but this would be working in the actual temp agency. All the employees are part time working moms...they have found that works best for everyone. WHOPPPEE! It offers lots of flexibility, including the opportunity to work at home part of the time. AWESOME! The lady just sounded wonderful & I love the company's philosophy.

I also have an interview on Wednesday for a great job, but I'm not so excited about it. It is with a healthcare company doing customer service in their call center. I'm sure the pay is half way decent, but my heart tells me that as long as my children are young that I need to only work part time. But we will see. The bills have to get paid and right now...they are not.

I hope everyone is well. Perhaps I'll have time to write about the other things on my mind.

And time rolls on

2006-04-07T15:53:00.000-05:00

Life is rolling along. Nothing much new or exciting to report. Chelsea, my stepdaughter, turned 14 yesterday. I told my husband I resented him for making me deal with the teen years before it is my time. (My oldest child is 8.)

Speaking of my kids, they left today to spend their spring break in Tennessee with their grandparents. I always have mixed emotions when they head over there for an extended stay. On one hand, I admit, I like the quieter and more relaxing days. But, I miss them so much too. And as much as I hate it, I don't trust their grandparents to watch them closely enough.

Let me explain. My former in-law's live in a very remote log cabin in the Cherokee National Forest. While it is a very beautiful area, it can also be dangerous. One time while we were there our Alaskan Malamute was attacked by a bear. Now that is rustic. So, I just worry about their safety.

I'm really glad that it is Friday. It is hubby's and my weekend alone, though I just realized we will be alone next weekend also. My kids will still be in Tennessee and his kids are leaving on Good Friday to spend a few days with their grandparents at the beach. (can you tell we have a tradition of the kids visiting grandparents on spring break?) So, we are in for a couple of semi quiet weekends. Which really are needed.

I embarrassed myself today. I have worked at the church for about 9 months now. Today, for the first time, I felt inspired to play the piano in the sanctuary. Bear in mind, I took piano lessons for about 8 years and used to play in competitions when I was a teenager. But, I haven't played in years. I was all alone in the church and just fooled around with a few hymns....while I was getting paid to be working. Anyhow, when I finished, I heard the backdoor close. Apparently, the pastor came by to check the mail or something while I was playing. I don't guess he really would mind, but I was embarrassed all the same.

It did make me want a piano at home, though. After all those years of lessons, it seems a shame to never play. And who knows? Perhaps one of our kids has music ability...we just don't know it yet.

Oh,and I am still in shock that Mandisa was voted off of American Idol. I would not have guessed that in 100 years. I thought it was going to be Elliott. At least my favorite, Chris is still rocking on.

I pray everyone has a great weekend! Enjoy this gorgeous weather!

Life is short...Eternity isn't. ~GOD

The Job Fair

2006-04-04T15:46:00.000-05:00

Wow! This was the first time I ever visited a job fair. I was astounded at the amount of employers and job seekers there. When I arrived this morning, right after they opened, there must have been 5,000 people wandering around. Just goes to show how many people are looking for work these days.

I did make some really good contacts. One, in particular I am very excited about. I started talking to the company representative and she kinda cocked her head and asked, " Would you be interested in working about 30 hours a week while your kids are in school?" Of course I told her that was EXACTLY what I am looking for. Come to find out, this position they haven't even posted yet. But, she said she prayed before she left home this morning for God to send her the perfect person for the job. She was all smiles and happy for our paths to have crossed....and I was too!! The owner is supposed to call me tomorrow to set up a time for me to come to the office. I'm really excited!!

Spring break begins for my boys today....they are out of school until April 17th!!! They will be spending a couple of days with me (and my mom while I am at work) then they will be heading to Tennessee to spend a week with their other grandparents. It has become a spring break tradition of sorts.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

In preparation for Easter: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shalld not perish but have eternal life.

Blooming!

2006-04-03T21:21:00.000-05:00

Here in North Carolina, spring is in full swing. All the flowers are all so pretty...my current favorites are the Dogwoods and azaleas. Once summer arrives, I just adore the hydrangeas. I have 3 in our yard, but have not so subtly hinted that I'd like several more for Mother's Day. :-)

Weekend in Review

2006-04-02T18:47:00.000-05:00

After nearly a decade of debate, the lottery finally came to North Carolina. For years, every state surrounding us has had the lottery. The result was that hundreds of thousands of NC residents would drive across state lines to buy their tickets. Now, I am not a particular fan of nor a opponent against the lottery. However, I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out we are better off keeping those $$$ in our state.

In Georgia, where my husband is from, any student that maintains a B average and has decent SAT scores gets a free ride to a state college..supported by the lottery money. That is just awesome. I can't tell you how many time we've said we should move to Georgia for that reason alone. Putting 4 kids thru college is NOT going to be cheap.

Anyhow.....yesterday we had baseball games most of the day. The tempos were around 80, so it was DRASTICALLY different from a week ago when we were freezing. Both the boys lost their games, so that kinda stunk.

This morning we had church. It is so satisfying to finally have somewhere we can call our church home. We are supposed to be getting involved on several different levels within the next few weeks.

This afternoon, my mom and I took the kids to see CATS!. You know, the Broadway play. I have seen it 5 times, but I have loved it every single time. This was the first time for the kids and I think they really enjoyed it. Even Bryce, my 7 year old with ADHD, was for the most part quiet, and entranced the whole performance. Oh, and no it wasn't on Broadway, it performed locally.

Right now my stepdaughter is at Thrive. It is a teen program the church has started to give them time to fellowship, study, and have fun together. The couple leading Thrive are newlyweds that just graduated from Bible College themselves. I feel like they are young enough to really identify with the kids and be excellent role models for them. I am so glad Chelsea is wanting to be a part of it.

Tuesday I am going to a job fair. While I have a part time job, I only work about 12 hours a week and it is just not helping pay the bills. As much as I hate it, I have to either find an additional part time job or another job altogether. It is very important to me to be home when the kids get off the bus, and even more important to be able to spend some time with them this summer. So, say a prayer for me that the right job will come along.

Have a great weekend!!!

"Maturity doesn't come with age; it comes with acceptance of responsibility."~Ed Cole

Headaches

2006-03-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

On of my least favorite things in the world is to wake up with a headache. I get migranes and sinus headaches and sincerely dispise them both. UGH. Makes it very hard for me to get motivated.

Anyhow...we had a nice weekend. Baseball season kicked off on Saturday so we spend about 4 hours at the ballfield. For the most part, I love the days sitting outside, watching our children play ball. This early in the season though, it is downright cold sitting out there for hours on end. Saturday night I had on a heavy coat, wrapped up in a blanket and was STILL shivering. Doesn't make for a lot of fun.

Keep in mind....in another month I will probably be complaining about HOW HOT it is sitting out there for their games. Can't make me happy, I suppose.

Well, after years of hemming and hawing we have finally committed to a church. It is the one we've been visiting on and off for about a year now. After a good deal of prayer and thought, we felt led to call them our church home. I am really excited and can't wait to get more involved!

Which somehow reminds me......my stepdaughter, Chelsea, will be starting high school this fall. Friday, I just had this overwhelming feeling that she does not need to go to that school. Call it women's intuition or God speaking to me....I just KNOW it will be trouble. Part of it is the environment. In her 8th grade class they already have 4 girls pregnant..that we know about. I'm sure there is more. One girl just turned 14 and has already had 2 abortions. At the high school they have a special section for "the gays to go make out". They aren't allowed to even SAY the word Christmas.

Tim and I looked online at a lot of private schools in our area. And I think there are several worth looking into. However, the cost is a big factor. And convincing Chelsea's mother is another huge undertaking. For her...in is all about convenience. And having to pay for Chelsea to go to another school and have to go out of her way to drop her off every day would be a very large inconvenience.

Nothing is ever simple, is it?

Hodgepodge of stuff

2006-03-22T18:54:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my stepdaughter brought home the "think it over" baby. For those of you not familiar with this teen program, it is a doll with an interactive computer. The doll cries to be fed, rocked, changed, or burped and random intervals during the day. The student has 2 minutes to respond to the crying. And boy did it cry. From 3:30 Friday afternoon to 7:30 Monday morning it cried 87 times. I told her the only thing that would have made it more realistic would be for it to spit up, actually have DIRTY diapers, and to cry for 4 hours straight once a day.

I think it was a great experience for her, and I have NO DOUBT that she wants to wait a very long time to become a mother. My only complaint was that they are doing this project in 8th grade...I think it would be more valuable in maybe 10th.

Anyhow......the sun is back out here today. It still doesn't feel like spring, but at least it isn't rainy and dreary anymore. And all the rain will helped to wash away some of the pollen, which is a bonus for those of us with allergies.

I decided on Monday that my dog is truly the most loyal friend I have ever had. We actually have 3 dogs. One is a 6 month old Boxer that is the "family dog". Another is a Chihuahua/Pekingese mix...weighs 5 pounds, and he is supposed to be my stepdaughter's dog. Truth be told, he likes everyone and I don't think he is particularly attached to one family member over another.

Then there is my dog. He is a Shih Tzu and he loves his mama. On Monday I was washing sheets, blankets etc. Our house is a split level, so 3 of the bedrooms are on the top floor, and the laundry room is on the bottom floor. I was running up and down the stairs, stopping to check email, just moving constantly. And my poor Bailey followed me every step of the way. He never left my side the whole morning....even when he was so tired I would see him swaying and falling asleep while he was sitting watching me. LOL Meanwhile, the other 2 dogs were downstairs on the couch, snoring away.

I love my Bailey!!

And he always wants to go for rides with me. Every time he hears my keys, he runs to the back door. If I tell him, "Bailey, stay," he drops his head and actually looks disappointed. But, if I don't say anything he is off like a shot as soon as I open the door...waiting to hop in the van with me.

Ok, enough about my dog already.

School is going OK this semester. We are finally winding down and I am very excited about that. I had a group presentation last night in my Edu 203 class about a book that we read: Lies My Teacher Told Me--everything your American history textbook got wrong. It was a great book. As a future teacher and a history major I really enjoyed it. The amount of history we teach our kids that is incomplete or just plain erroneous is amazing.

I hope everyone is having a good week. Happy Hump Day, Moms!!!

We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp,
some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and
all are different colors.... but they all have to learn to live in
the same box.

Our boys

2006-03-21T08:10:00.000-05:00

Here are our boys "spring" pictures from school.

The first one is my oldest, Austin...he is 8. The next one is my baby, Bryce, who is 7. And the last one is my stepson, Cody, who is almost 10

I'm a horrible mom & the rest of my week

2006-03-17T09:33:00.001-05:00

Whew! I sure am glad it is Friday. I really need to get some rest & unwind a bit.

OK, so Wednesday morning as I was waiting in line to drop my boys off at their school my son asked if they could be car riders that afternoon. I thought about it, and figured that wouldn't be a problem. Normally, they ride the bus home because I have to pick up my step kids in another school district. But, I can pick them up when I need to...it just really makes time tight in the afternoon.

Anyhow, I wrote them both a note that they would be car riders that afternoon. No Big Deal. I went on to work for 4 hours, met a friend for lunch, ran some errands, then went to pick up my step kids at their schools. Bear in mind this is a 90 minute process...getting the two of them from the elementary & middle school.

On the way home I stopped at the grocery store. Then thought to myself, Austin & Bryce get off the bus in about 20 minutes...we need to hurry home.

AUSTIN AND BRYCE

Car Riders.

Holy crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we FLY all the way to my kid's school. When we got there all the car riders had been picked up. Except my 2 boys. Oh my gosh....I felt SOOOOO horrible. I had to pick them up at the office. And of course, they were asking a million questions. I told them I had run into complications & I'd talk to them about it when we got home.

So, we all piled back into the Blazer and started home. Before we were even out of the parking lot, I heard my stepson lean over and whisper to my children, "Your mom forgot all about you."

Well, ladies, I now know why stepmothers are considered evil and wicked. It is because they have stepsons that drive them crazy!!!! I was furious....and I did over react.

When we got home, I grabbed my stepson by the ear and told him (OK, no I yelled at him) that he had NO RIGHT to say anything like that to my kids and that if he ever stuck his nose in where it didn't belong again that he would loose things that he wanted to keep.......

I had to go for a walk to cool off before I even went in the house. I know that I over reacted...and I assume it was because I was already upset that, yes, well, I did forget about my kids. I am SUCH a creature of habit that when I have a change in schedule I have to have flashing neon lights to remind me of it.

So, I was a bad mom & stepmom on Wednesday. Go ahead and hand me the award.

I was a bad wife yesterday. (sigh) I won't bore you with the whole story, but let's just say I was a complete Bit** about something...when there really was no reason to be. Once again, I lost my temper, but this time over really nothing.

It seems like every time I experience spiritual growth, I seem to go backwards in another area. Almost like I am being challenged. One step forward, two steps back, as they say.

Well, enough of my boring week. I hope all of you have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!! Enjoy, be safe, and God Bless!

"If you are strangers to prayers you are strangers to power." ~ Billy Sunday

I'm a horrible mom & the rest of my week

2006-03-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

Little things we take for granted

2006-03-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

Sometimes little things happen to remind us just how blessed we are.

Last night my husband was in the front yard pitching baseball with our boys. He stuck his head in to tell me the lady across the street locked herself out of the house & he was going to go help her get in.

Fine, no problem.

A few minutes later, he showed up with who turned out to be our neighbor’s babysitter who moved here from Russia about a year ago. She was taking the 3 year old daughter for a walk and accidentally locked them out of the house. She speaks very little English, and what she does speak is difficult to understand.

After a failed attempt to unlock the house, hubby brought the sitter and little girl to our house for them to use the phone. However, she could not remember any of the parent’s phone numbers.

She kept repeating Hanes Mall, so we guessed the parents must have gone shopping there. We only live about 2 miles from the mall so I offered to drive her there. I have to be honest and admit, I was getting a little bit irritate. I had literally just finished dinner, so my plate was on the table waiting for me. And I was having a great deal of difficulty understanding a word this lady was saying. But, we obviously couldn’t just leave her and the 3 year old sitting in the driveway until the parents got home.

So, without a car seat, we loaded up the sitter & the little one and headed to the mall. Keep in mind that Hanes Mall is the largest mall in the Southeast. It is enormous. Between home and the mall, I was able to figure out that the mom was at school and the dad worked at night at the mall. But, she didn’t know where. She kept saying, “Near Belk.”

Ok, so we parked at Belk and went into the mall. As we wandered around Belk, she became very animated at a “Fur Salon” section and I was able to deduce that the dad worked at a hair salon. NOW we were getting somewhere.

Belk doesn’t have a hair salon, but JC Penny does. This, of course, was the opposite direction. Fine, we walked down to JC Penny. The sitter went into the salon and just started wandering around looking for the dad. All the hair stylist were looking at her like she was some kind of freak. I approached the front desk and asked for their help. The sitter said she was looking for “Temodee”..which I finally figured out was Tim or Timothy. Of course, no one worked there by that name. They did tell me where all the other salons were in the mall, so we set off on an adventure to find Temodee.

We walked all thru the mall, with the 3 year old happily trudging along with us, until we came to the very last salon on the far end of the mall. Yes, a Tim works there! But, he didn’t come in that night. But, thank the Lord; the manager had his cell phone number. He called the dad; sitter spoke with him, and ALAS! We had a winner. Dad said he’d be at the mall in just a few minutes to pick them up and take them home.

I offered to stay until Dad arrived, but the sitter insisted I go on home…he was only a mile away and should be there soon. She thanked me profusely and I finally went home to my dinner.

We’ve all been in situations like that. Locked ourselves out of the house, locked our keys in the car, had a flat tire. Situations where we really have to rely on the kindness of strangers. But, at least we can communicate our needs to other people. We are familiar with the area and how to resolve the problem. This poor lady had never stepped foot in the mall and couldn’t clearly communicate who she was nor who she was looking for. I can not even imagine how frustrating the whole experience must have been for her.

As I lay in bed last night I thought about how blessed I really am.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves

Let the fun begin!

2006-03-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

I am so happy next week is Spring Break. I still have some assignments that are due the day we go back, but at least I will be home every night next week and can work on school work at my “leisure”.

On Spring, Winter, and Summer break, I treat myself to one book “for pleasure”. I am so used to HAVING to read things for school, it is a real joy to pick a book I just want to read. This time I am reading Ted Dekker’s “Obession”. I have read a few other of his books and really liked them.

Tomorrow we are heading to Raleigh to see Casting Crowns and Nichole Nordman in concert. I am really excited about it. It will be my stepson’s first concert, so it will be neat to see what he thinks about the whole experience. Chelsea and I saw Casting Crowns with Steven Curtis Chapman last April and just loved them. They are so awesome! It should be a night to remember.

I started a new Beth Moore Bible Study yesterday with the church we may be joining. I think I am really going to enjoy it. The study itself is fascinating, but the fellowship with other ladies is wonderful, too. I am the only person in the class from NC…everyone else if from out of state, which I thought was unusual. I am also the only one the does not either have preschoolers or grown children. I guess most moms available on Thursday mornings are either Stay at home or retirees.

Have a blessed weekend everyone! I hope the weekend is restful, relaxing, and full of wonderful surprises!

Artist: Casting crowns
Song: Who am I lyrics

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Spring has Sprung!

2006-03-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

Alright, so it is a Pseudo-Spring, but I am still enjoying it immensely. Old Man Winter will probably rear his ugly head again, but for now it is so beautiful outside. It is supposed to be 75 today and 80 tomorrow. At the beginning of March!!! Yesterday, on my commute to and from school I had the sun roof open, radio blaring, and just singing praises at the top of my lungs. What an awesome feeling!

The Cherry trees, Bradford pears, daffodils, and Phlox are all blooming. They are a beautiful site!

My husband and his partner just decided to take the afternoon off to go play golf. He stopped by my office and was down right giddy. They are like school boys who just snuck away from school to go fishing for the afternoon.

Ahhhh, all is right in the world.

As most of you know, our family has been searching for a church home for quite a while. There is one church in particular that we have been visiting on and off for about a year now. We will decide to keep looking, but end up going back there. Must be a reason for that, right? A few nights ago my husband (who is searching for his own spirituality) suggested we make an appointment with the pastor to sit down and chat with him for a bit.

There are several issues we feel strongly about and want to know the church’s stance on them before we become more involved. We also want to get a feel for the pastor to see if he fits the needs of our family as a spiritual leader. I am really excited though. Despite the fact that I have been a Christian since I was 18, I have never been a part of a church family. I need that fellowship so badly. And so do our children. I have often said the biggest mistake my parents made raising me was not having me in a church family. And here I am making the same mistake.

But, that is going to change very soon. HURRAY!

Stress Level Rising

2006-02-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

I should have known after having such a relaxing weekend that my week would have a rough start. After all, what goes up, must come down.

At one point yesterday, I was so stressed that I had to just go sit down in our room and take deep breaths for a few minutes. I could feel my temper flaring and my irritation was at an all time peak.

It wasn't just one particular incident. I had an appointment with my son's teacher yesterday morning. He's having difficulty focusing and staying on task. He is in 3rd grade and I have heard this from every teacher about this time of year. I suppose he starts to get bored or something. His brother is ADHD, so it is possible he has a component of ADD. I don't know. I made an appt with the Peditrician and we will talk to her about it.

Then, I left the school to go to work to pick up my check. It wasn't there. I needed to call the payroll person and her number is on my computer at work. However, there was a man from the church sitting at my desk, talking on my phone, and holding up the whole works. I had to wait about 20 minutes for him to finally decide to get off the phone so I could get to the computer. This was about 11:15. The payroll lady said she was dropping by the church around 12:30 to drop off my check. Ok, fine. I decided to work until she arrived, even though it was my day off. Without my check I couldn't do any of the errands I had planned to anyhow.

So, I finally got my check, went to the bank, and ran some errands. No big deal.

I picked up my stepkids at school. Chelsea had a prescription she was supposed to start over the weekend. Her mom dropped it off at the pharmacy on Friday, but of course didn't pick it back up. FINE. We stopped, waited in line for 15 minutes and found out that the insurance they had on file had expired. Of course it had. We haven't had anything filled at that pharmacy in 3 years. I have no idea why her mom took it there. So, I gave them our insurance, waited another 10 minutes. Great. That medication was a non-preferred med for our pharmacy plan...so basically they wouldn't pay for any of it. So, I left the medicine there and called the mom to ask her to go by the pharmacy and give them her insurance info.....which she should have done in the first place. Our kids our covered under 3 different insurance plans and each one has things that are better and worse than the other. We use hers for prescriptions.

So, we get home and I checked the email. I had a message from one of Chelsea's teachers:

Chelsea has a 92 (B) right now but she is missing a very important assignment, her literature packet. We worked on it for a month and I still have not gotten it. I omitted the grade for her progress report because it was worth so much. Without the packet her grade as of right now would plummet to a 74. She can still turn it in for a late grade. Her attitude and behavior have been excellent. I have definitely noticed a change. Something must be working!

What? This packet was due in JANUARY and this is the first we heard of her not turning it in...from the teacher or Chelsea.

Then, my boys got home. One forgot his homework. The other was being hyper. Then I realized that my son had baseball practice and all of his gear was at his dad's house....who happened to have left to go out of town for the week yesterday morning. ARRRRRGGGGHHHH!

When my beloved husband got home, he lost his mind with Chelsea. It wasn't so much the fact that she lost her packet of work, it was the fact that she didn't do anything to try to rectify the situation. She didn't go to her teacher to see if she could do it again. She didn't come to us or her mother to ask for help. As she said, "I figured there wasn't anything I could do about it, so why worry about it." After everything else that had been going on with her, this was not a good move on her part.

Oh yeah, and our new Boxer opened the gate to the backyard. She didn't run away, but our two other dogs did. So, Tim and I spent nearly an hour roaming the neighborhood calling them. Finally, a neighbor a couple of streets over called and said they were in her yard.

SO, by the time everything calmed down, it was time for Bryce's practice and no one had dinner. I decided it was 7:00 on a school night in FEBRUARY and that he could just miss practice. I ordered a pizza and was done with it.

I think I need another vacation. :oD

Something to ponder:

Faith sees the invisable, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible--Corrie Ten Boom

Our mountain getaway

2006-02-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend getaway. We stayed in Sparta, NC which is only a little over an hour away from our home…but yet it feels like a whole different world. Friday night we sat out on the porch of the house for a little while, marveling at the sound of….no sound. No traffic. No horns. No kids. All you could hear was the occasional cow mooing and dog barking in the distance.

And the stars! Oh my! The sky was so clear and the star so bright it was hard to believe it was the same night sky that we look at from our own backyard. It was an amazing sight. It was very humbling to look upon the sky and know that God created every single star for a purpose…and then to contemplate the same for myself. I have a purpose here on this earth, every single day that I live. It encouraged me to seek His will for my life in a new and more driven fashion.

Saturday we took a long drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We stopped to hike for a while, and boy was that frustrating. My fat little round self had a very difficult time going up the inclines. If that wasn’t motivation for me to get into better shape, I don’t know what is.

The views were still outstanding…out of breath or not. As you will saw in the picture above, there is a reason they call them, “The Blue Ridge Mountains.” Being an early morning in February, we didn’t see another soul the whole time we were up there.

Saturday night we just hung out at the house…watching movies curled up in front of the fire. It was as near perfect of a weekend as it gets.

The best part is my husband and I were able to spend a good deal of time talking about our spiritual lives. We had several long discussions on what we wanted spiritually in our lives, our marriage, in a church, and for our children. It was a very enlightening and emotional time for us both and I have no doubt that we understand each other better now than ever.

We ended up coming home very late Saturday night, instead of Sunday morning. No matter how silly I knew it was, I missed our dogs and our bed. I loved the little house we were staying in, but wanted my own house. So around midnight, we packed everything up and headed home. Which was nice. There wasn’t much traffic and we had a lot of fun on the drive. We both felt like we were being devious…like teenagers sneaking out in the middle of the night.

It was a wonderful, much needed weekend free of stress and worry. Next time, we will have to take the kids with us for a whole different experience.

Getting the heck outta Dodge

2006-02-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well, our plans for another beach trip fell thru, but Hubby and I are getting ready to head to the mountains for a couple of nights. There is a darling little house right off the Blue Ridge Parkway that we've rented several times in the past that just happened to be available on short notice this weekend.

There isn't a whole lot do to up there expect enjoy the gorgeous views, take long drives, kick back, and R E L A X. Oh, yes, and of course listen to our book on CD.

As of next weekend, we will have baseball games & practices every weekend through the end of June, so I intend to enjoy every quiet minute of this weekend.

I hopw you have a wonderful weekend.

This time I didn't cry

2006-02-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

The way I tend to usually hand stressful or painful situations is to put on a brave face and appear to be handling things wonderfully….then breaking down into tears at the first private moment I have.

Take for instance the time my husband and I went white water rafting about 2 years ago. It was something I had always wanted to do and that he has a lot of experience in. We rented a ducky, which amounts to an inflatable canoe that just the 2 of us took down the river.

Before we started, an instructor gave us directions on how to negotiate the rapids and what to do if you overturned at any point of the journey.

It started very peacefully. The views were beautiful, the splashes from the river were cold and refreshing, and I was very relaxed. Even our first few Class II rapids we got through with no difficulty. We were having a VERY nice time together.

At the end of the route is a Class III rapid. Being a roller coaster fanatic, I was really looking forward to experiencing a little more intense of a rapid. I was very nervous, too. Mother Nature is MUCH more unpredictable than any manmade coaster.

As we approached the rapid we saw a group of Asians on large rafts blocking ½ of the river. Apparently, one of their rafts had become ensnared in some brush along the riverbank and as their companions came along they all grabbed hold of one another to try to help out their friends. There were about four 8 person rafts right in front of us.

By my husband’s choice of words, I knew this wasn’t a good thing. We gently bumped into them and he tried to guide us around their rafts. Then, in an effort to help, one of the guys stuck in their raft gave us a little push. And that is when we caught in the wild water and flipped end over end right at the top of the rapids.

I went over my first Class III rapids out of the boat. I tried to remember everything the guide told us. Turn backwards. Keep your feet up to avoid them being wedged between rocks. The water was so cold that I barely felt my body being banged against rocks over and over.

Once we were over the biggest part of the rapid, my husband grabbed a hold of me. All I could think was hold on tight. And he never let go, despite the fact that apparently I kept causing him to go under.

Finally, after what seemed like years, he pulled me ashore. Several people applauded and complimented him on the excellent job he did of helping me. I was very quiet, chilled to the bone, and just ready to climb onto the bus for our ride back to the rafting center.

As soon as we sat on the bus, I snuggled up beside my husband and started bawling. He was alarmed at first. “What hurts?” he asked. All I could do was shake my head. And to this day, my best explanation is that in the heat of the moment, I kept my wits together. But the moment I knew we were safe and sound, all that adrenaline just released in a dam of tears.

I’ve found in life I am that way about any circumstances that cause physical or emotional pain as well. I just don’t think about them ahead of time. After all, if there is nothing that can be done to avoid it, then why waste time worrying about it. Things like being in labor, my divorce, surgery, and funerals. The pain is going to be there, so I just deal with it when the time arises. And deal with it well in front of other people.

Yesterday, I had my third cervical biopsy in 4 years. I keep having abnormal pap smears, which leads them to do a Colposcopy and each time they do a biopsy at the same time. It hurts and is somehow violating.

The first two times I did great at the doctor’s office. I even read in my medical chart that the doctor wrote that I “tolerated the procedure remarkably well”. Good for me! However, as soon as I got in my car, I cried. And for 2 days was just moody and emotional. I think because I do not allow myself to deal with the emotions prior to the procedure I get overwhelmed after the fact. The pain, the worry of what the lab results would be, and the feeling of being out of control were unfamiliar and I didn’t handle them very well.

But, yesterday, I didn’t cry. I didn’t get upset. It hurt, yes. And hurt the rest of the day and night. Perhaps it is because the past 2 times the lab results didn’t show cancer I am not as nervous as before. Maybe I am getting better at handling these types of emotions.

At any rate, I was expecting to be out of sorts yesterday, but once I left the Dr’s office everything rolled along just like any other day.

It begins today

2006-02-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

It is time for me to get into shape. Not only for vanity reasons of looking better, but so I will have more energy and feel better in general. Almost everyone in my family has diabetes, so in addition, being overweight almost guarantees that I will become diabetic in the very near future.

I've tried diets. They don't work for me. The fact is, I love food. When I deny myself eating my favorite things, it only lasts a week or two, then I cave and stop the whole "diet".

I got a book on Friday that I will start today. It is called, "Thin Within" and is a 30 day weight loss and exercise guide with a biblical approach. After all, gluttony IS a sin. So, by overeating (which I do ever day) and not taking care of my body, I am knowingly sinning every day. I have been blessed with a very healthy body, and by overeating I am creating health problems that otherwise wouldn't exist. That is just irresponsible and wrong.

So, say a pray for me. The change begins today.

Proverbs 23:20-21 warns us, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 28:7 declares, "He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." Proverbs 23:2 proclaims, "put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony."

Am I 13?

2006-02-17T09:57:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned that I got a new Cell phone for Valentine's Day. Not really a big deal, right? I've had cell phones before. But, I am as bad as my 13 year old stepdaughter with this thing.

And it is all because of ringtones. Now, I've downloaded ringtones before and thought they were pretty cute. You know, the polyphonic ones.....Ding Ding Bing Bong Boom. Cute little sounds that resemble the songs they are supposed to be.

But, this cell phone can download ringtones that are the actual song. Now when my phone rings I hear Bon Jovi's, "Welcome to WhereEver You Are" Or "Wanted Dead or Alive." I have a really cute little ring that says, "Hey. This is Jon Bon Jovi. See how easy it is to pick me up? I'm in your pocket!"

I have 2 songs by Casting Crowns ( a contemporary Christian Band): "If We are the Body" and "I'll Praise You in This Storm"

And for game day I even have the actual marching band playing the Wake Forest Fight Song.

I just think it is so cool! My stepdaughter has as much fun with my new phone as I do. Of course, her cell phone only does those BORING polyphonic ring tones. :-)

Yes, yes, I know. I probably need to get a life.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Spring is just around the corner.

Silly Somethings...

2006-02-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

I'll admit that I adore white chocolate. Something about the richness & smoothness just captivates me.

For Christmas Tim got me a cappuchino maker, which I love. Last night he gave me some white chocolate sauce to use in my mochas. Wow....it is good! I have looked every where for it and he finally found some at World Market.

But, the best thing is he also found O'Reilly's White Chocolate Irish Cream. Oh my word! This stuff is sinful...it has to be. It is so good that after a sip I just have to sit there with my eyes closed for a minute. Hubby laughed saying he wished he could still have that affect on me. LOL

You have got to try this stuff! Obviously, it must be drank in moderation because I cannot even imagine how many calories & carbs and in the stuff. But, a small indulgence from time to time is worth it!

Also, I have an even sillier story....

Last year for Valentine's Day, one of my gifts was a Nicholas Sparks book on CD. If you aren't familar with him, he wrote books that became movies such as A Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and most famously, The Notebook. He is from the NC coast and I just LOVE his books. They are all sappy, usually sad, but always about inspiring love.

So, it was was a surprise Tim bought it on CD because that meant macho man had to listen to it, too.

We went to the beach the weekend after Valentine's and listened to the book all the way down & back home. We BOTH loved it. The book is called, "True Believer" and it is excellent.

So, one of my gifts this year was the sequel, "At First Sight" on CD. We are now seriously considering making a quick trip to the beach next weekend, mainly just so we can listen to the book again. Rates this time of year are really cheap ($35-$60 a night for ocean front). And let's face, we adore fresh seafood.

It just seems really silly to drive several hundred miles in 2 days, mainly to listen to an audio book.

But a little romantic, too, don't you think?

Another woman....

2006-02-14T10:07:00.000-05:00

Alright...that is being a little melodramatic. But, I'm still having funny feelings about it.

My ex is in his first serious relationship since we separated about 6 years ago. I have NO PROBLEM whatsoever with that in itself. I think it is great. What is causing my "odd" feelings is the role this new person will be playing in the lives of my children.

Usually, on his days, their dad comes to pick up my kids not long after they get off the bus. The past few times he has brought her with him. No big deal. She's much younger than him, probably by 10 years, but she seems very nice. My kids have asked me several times if I like her. I have told them I really don't know her well enough to say and all that is important to me is that she is good to them.

The other day she showed up by herself to pick them up. She stopped by our house to make sure they weren't already off the bus. I told her she was about 2 minutes early & they should be along any minute. She then drove down the street to pick them up at the bus stop so I wasn't able to see them at all.

Now, I know this isn't a big deal and I'm sure it wasn't a grand conspiracy to keep me from seeing my kids. But, all the same, I didn't like it. It felt so strange to see my kids climbing into some woman's car that I hardly know.

I'm also a little anxious about how this will affect our lives. Things have rolled along more or less smoothly for 6 years. Will anything change now? I know from personal experience that when a woman enters a man's live things do tend to change. She will want to have input on things with my children. And I guess it is just going to take a little time to get used to that.

I will admit, I am doing MUCH better than my husband's exwife did when I entered the picture. She wasn't used to sharing ANY PART of their kids with someone else. She was really quite horrible for a while. But, I guess as with most things in life she adapted.

ON to a happier subject.....HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Anybody get any goodies? My hubby is paying for me to get prescription sunglasses (not very romantic but something I really want), got me candy, a new cell phone, and a Nicholas Sparks book on CD for us to listen to on our next trip. He's a very macho guy, so for him to buy me emotional and sentimental books that he will listen to with me is a very sweet thing.

We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles-President Jimmy Carter.

What to do with her?

2006-02-08T12:25:00.001-05:00

As many of you already know, I have a 13 year old stepdaughter, Chelsea. She will be 14 in April. She's been really doing poorly in algebra I this year. We have been taking her to a tutor at the church where I work 2 times a week, but still she only passed by 2 points. And for this new semester, she is flunking big time. Her teacher emailed us requesting a conference, so Monday we met with the algebra teacher, plus her Science & English teachers.

We expected to hear she wasn't trying, etc etc. And we did. The teacher said she's capable of doing very well, she just doesn't seem to care about it. Then came the more surprising part. All 3 teachers agreed that Chelsea's mood, attitude, and work all depend on how things are going with boys. They said she's obsessed with boys. Matter of fact, they caught her making out with a boy in the hallway last week. AT 13! IN Middle School. And the guy is not the guy that she's been telling us is her boyfriend. She also lied to us about after school tutoring that is offered by her Algebra teacher.

So, it is hard to know how to proceed. Her dad, being an overprotective dad, lost his mind. I'll give him credit, he didn't yell at her. But, he took everything out of her room but the bed & desk. No stereo, no TV, no phone, no computer, no DVD player. He stated in no uncertain terms that he will not have a "Fluzie" for a daughter.

We have talked about enrolling her in a private Christian school. Not as a punishment, but as a new opportunity. What she has done at the point isn't that bad....what worries me is what will come when she starts high school next year. It is obvious the girl who lives with us is not the same girl that we drop off at school every day. She's done a good job of keeping us snowed. But, that won't happen again.

To make matters worse, her mom isn't very supportive. She feels like kids will be kids...there isn't much we can do about it. I believe that attitude will land you with a pregnant 15 year old daughter. She also thinks there is a conspiracy against her, because no one told her about the meeting with the teachers. Actually, when the teacher emailed me the date & time she said, "WE have set up a conference". I thought the we was the teacher and Chelsea's mom. (sigh)

Anyhow....any advice would be appreciated. Chelsea is a very bright and pretty young lady. I am terrified of the choices she will be making over the next few years.

I do know that we've been neglecting going to church. We've tried many, but haven't found one we all feel comfortable with. So, we end up not going more often than going. But, that is going to change. We are going to pick a church and get involved. I do not expect church to make everything all better, however I do think having the positive influence in all of their lives will be beneficial. It certainly can't hurt.

The beach trip

2006-02-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have 2 things to write about, so I am going to do them as separate blogs. For some reason, I don't want one to taint the other.

Our trip to the beach was very nice. The weather didn't cooperate like I had hoped it would, but we had fun all the same. The kids had a blast playing in the indoor pool. We shopped, ate delicious and stupidly expensive food, walked on the beach, and had a lot of fun.

On Saturday night, Tim took the kids out for a walk on the beach and left me at the room to relax and read for a little while. I love reading for pleasure ( as opposed to my school work ) and do not often have the apparently to do it anymore. I sat out on the balcony and watched them on the beach together. Sometimes, it's hard for me to believe the life we've made together. I watched our four children chasing seagulls, laughing together and being silly, and just have this overwhelming feeling of peace. As if we were all exactly where God intended for us to be.

And let me explain the chasing of the seagulls. About a block down from our hotel at least one thousand seagulls sleep on the beach. Don't ask me why. So, for the kids, it is GREAT fun to quietly walk down the beach, then as they approach the flocks of seagulls to break into a full run and watch them all lift up in unison. It really was amazing to watch, even from the hotel balcony. They would all swarm up and fly in a huge circle, then settle back down a little further down the beach. Being an animal lover, I felt kinda bad for the poor seagulls trying to sleep, but it was really neat to watch.

On the way home, we stopped and adopted our new Boxer puppy. Her name is Lexie & she is 3 1/2 months old. We are all just crazy about her. She is such a sweetheart....even if she does pee everywhere every time she gets excited.

All in all, it was a really nice weekend. We had so much fun, I just bit the bullet and made reservations for us to rent a cabin in Gatlinburg Tennessee for vacation this summer. In the 6 years we've been together, we have yet to take a real vacation together as a family. I think it is about time we did.

Beachbound

2006-02-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

It may be February, but we are heading to the beach this weekend anyhow. I love the coast in the off season. The temps are mild, no crowds, and the rates are awesome. We are getting an ocean front 2 bedroom efficiency for $51 a night.

As some of you may remember, hubby and I were down that way for New Years. We decided then that we wanted to come back with the kids before baseball season gets into full swing. Once practices start, we won't have another free weekend until the end of June. (sigh)

The place we are staying has an indoor pool & indoor lazy river, so the kids will have a blast with that. We are going to take them to play miniature golf, to Ripley's aquarium, and to something called Magiquest. Might catch an IMAX movie too, if time allows. And of course, my favorite thing is all the cool places to eat!!

On the way home we are going to meet a lady and adopt a Boxer puppy. Her name is Lexie. She was rescued from a negligent breeder at 3 weeks of age. She was very underweight, but has made an awesome comeback. She is now 16 weeks & about to be our newest "baby". Honestly, I am worried about the two little dogs we already have. They are small & used to being the center of attention. ( they are SPOILED ROTTEN). But, with Lexie being a puppy, I am hoping they will all just learn to be buddies.

Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I'll tell you all about our trip when we get back!

Household Chores

2006-01-31T12:23:00.000-05:00

Just out of curiosity, why is that a mom is rarely thanked for all they do? However, when a husband or child actually does something, they expected to be praised for hours on end?

On a daily basis, I do the normal mom stuff. Run kids all around, work a few hours, do my own homework, do laundry, dishes, fix breakfast, make lunches, cook dinner, clean dishes again, sweep, pick up kids, help with homework, etc etc.

Yesterday my beloved husband cleaned the kitchen. I noticed, I said thanks, then hours later he had to point out again what all he did in the kitchen. I was polite (don't want to discourage him) but I'm thinking....what do you want? a parade?
applause? No one ever thanks me for the things I am constantly doing.

OK...just had to get that off of my chest.

"Beware of reasoning about God's Word--obey it" Oswald Chamber