Ingle Nook

2011-03-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a test

Reuniting with a long lost friend...

2009-03-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to have reunited with a friend from a long time ago. Jerae and I grew up together "best friends" from the age of 12. Life happened and we went our separate ways. I started looking for her a couple of months ago and to my surprise she was married and expecting a baby. We reconnected and it was great seeing her again! I look forward to staying in touch.

Brayden...

2009-03-01T15:37:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday I got to watch sweet Brayden. He is now 1 and quite mobile. I had a great time with him. He liked Cammie cage!

A SNOW DAY in Georgia

2009-03-01T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well. It's been awhile since I have updated but today was worth a post. Yesterday it was 60 degrees in GA and I happened to watch the weather report. It said there was a chance of snow on Sunday (today). Yeah right...I thought! I woke up to rain and headed to church. As I left church...this is what it looked like at 10:30.

By 11:00 it really was snowing...in GA! It is 6:20 and it is still snowing...really and there is snow on the ground. School has officially been cancelled! Wow. Enjoy a few pics.

2009-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year...

2009-01-05T12:57:00.001-08:00

Well, I've spent the last 5 days contemplating resolutions. I've decided to go with goals instead of resolutions. Goals are something you work towards...resolutions are something I tend to break...so here are a few goals for 2009!

1. be healthier and intentionally do something active everyday. (doing this should help me drop the weight I've picked up over the last year or so)
2. spend quality time with my family (husband and kids--sitting in the same room with everyone doing their own thing doesn't count!)
3. play at least 1 game a week with the kids-maybe more! :) (or just Harrison...he is the one who likes to play)
4. intentionally get alone with God everyday!
5. make and work a plan to continue to reduce our debt
6. see people, circumstances, and things like Christ does (this is going to be hard!)
7. learn some new things! really!

The list could continue but for now...there is the record of my thoughts!

Happy New Year...I love fresh starts!

A Day in Atlanta

2009-01-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we made a trek to the Big City. Reid's mom, Phyllis, is in town and wanted to go to the World of Coke. It has been several years since we had been to the museum so we packed up to go. Luckily I had looked at the website and as we were trucking (or slugging - it was the Chick-fil-A Bowl, so there was much traffic?!?!) we realized that the World of Coke had moved to a new location. We found it and had a great time! We finished our walk through the musuem at the Tasting Station. We tasted Coke products from all over the world--yikes! There was a Mango Kiwi from Africia that was really good...but you can't beat a good ole fashioned ice cole COKE!

And what is a trip to Atlanta without a stop off at the Varsity! (It was also a bribe to get Reid to be willing to go to the World of Coke with us!)

15 years ago today...

2008-12-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

I can't even believe it! 15 years ago today...Harrison was born! That's right. Harrison's 15th Birthday is today! It is so hard to believe that 15 years have past...where has the time gone?

Today was a great day...if I can say so myself! We started early this morning for the LEARNER'S PERMIT...after some waiting and some nerves...He passed! That is correct. Harrison can legally drive.

After Harrison drove me home from getting his license...we got ready for our evening out. Instead of a birthday party...we went to Medieval Times. He had a great time and so did I. The King even wished him a happy birthday!

Finally...we concluded the night with his gift. He is upstairs now...playing his heart out!

It was a great day and I pray a memory he will remember a long time!

Priceless

2008-10-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Suit $90.00

Corsage $24.00

Dinner out $40.00

Dance lessons from mom $0.00

First Homecoming Experience...priceless!

growing up...

2008-10-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked another milestone in my son's life. Next weekend is Homecoming...so we went suit shopping. 1st of all, there is something to be said for going to a casual church and living at a time in history where the culture is casual as well. I had no idea how expensive suits really were! I was shocked. But we found a great one that he loves...now to order flowers!

Oh...I forgot!

2008-10-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

I did one more thing during fall break. I VOTED! Yep! I've already cast my vote for the November 4th Presidential Election (4th Tiff...not the 11th!) It was great. Not too long of a line and when I was already OFF of work! I thought it was awesome. The coolest part for me though was that they allowed Harrison to observe the voting process. I figure on the 4th, the lines and craziness of the polls would not allow for that opportunity, so it was neat to let him watch me vote! He even got a sticker!

Great news...we've got GAS!

2008-10-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

For those of you with a sick sense of humor...fuel! Over the last week or so getting gas has been a real trick. My sister sat in line last Sunday for over 2 hours--I would never have done that...but she did. Yesterday the lines have been down and more gas stations have gas. Not all or not even most stations but more have gas on a regular basis so I think people are done freaking out...for this week at least. For the 1st time in over a week...I pulled right up to a pump and filled up! The price was still ridiculous ($3.93/gallon)

Fall Break...

2008-10-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Fall Break is over. We had a great time doing very little. Thursday was our big day out. We went to Burt's Farm up in Dawsonville. Harrison and I have gone there every year since he was a little guy. I wish I could put my hands on some of those pictures! We had a picnic at Amnicola Falls and walked 425 (Harrison says there were more than that!) steps to the midway point of the falls. Then...we had to walk back up! Seems like an easy task...I know but it was a much bigger challenge than mom and I thought. I think we both need to hit the gym. Finally, we headed over the Dahlonega--panned for gold, bought some chocolate. It was a great day! Have I mentioned that I love GA in the Fall?~

Turn your head sideways to enjoy this. My first video...sorry! :)

FALL!!

2008-09-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

So much fun at the photo shoot we went back for a picnic! Enjoy the pics!

Family picture time!

2008-09-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

My husband and kids are awesome! Around this time each year "family portrait time" rolls in. They put on their matching clothes...that are usually purchased a day or so eariler (this year about 15 hours early) and smile to make "mama happy!" This year we took close to the whole family for picture day (mom, sister, her 3 kids, sister-in-love, her 2 kids, me, my husband, and our 3 kids--Reid is still trying to figure out how the other men got out of this adventure!) We went to a park that I have never been to (that I remember) called Yellow River Park off of Juhan Rd about 7 minutes from my parents. We walked a trail that looked like everyother Gwinnett County Park and then we veered off the path and walked into what looked like the North Ga. mountains complete with the babbling river with waterfalls! For those of you who don't know...the mountains are my favorite, so to enjoy this so close to home was awesome! The pictures took about 2 hours and we got some great shots. Below are just a few!

A big night!

2008-09-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

As posted earlier...Harrison is having a great time playing football at LCA. Not only is he having a good time...he is really playing well. And this past Friday he was rewarded for his effort. Each week the coaches picks 3 captains for the Friday night Varsity game. As you can assume, normally this honor goes to seniors. Well not this past Friday...the honor went to 2 seniors and a freshman--my Freshman! I was so proud of him.

My mom, sister, sister-in-love, and all there kids were part of the excitement! It was a great night.

Getting ready for baby Colin...

2008-09-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

Aren't baby showers so much fun! I am NOT a game player at showers. I never really liked those silly games but I know some people do...if you are one of those people you would hate the baby showers I throw...mine are all about fun invitations, decorations, food, and fellowship. Jill and Philip will be welcoming sweet baby Colin in a few weeks and the shower was today- We had a great time showering Jill with gifts and fellowship!

Mom and I spend a Saturday making the invitations...each one was different (we got bored using the same sample)! - We wanted Mandy to help but we got together on a whim and left her out...sorry Mandy!

We didn't leave her out when it came to chopping the veggies and making the sandwiches! :) (I think that having her picture on this blog is a violation of the NO MANDY PICS ON BLOGS declaration!) - sorry sis-in-love!

(PICTURE HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR MY SISTER IN LOVE!)

Brayden and Samuel helped too...

it's time for a post!

2008-09-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Well...I've taken lots of pictures specifically for this blog and well...never had time to blog. School started and I feel like I've been on a run away train! Busy, busy, busy! You know it's crazy but I think soon it won't be busy and I don't think I will know what to do with myself!

Harrison is in 9th grade playing on the JV and Varsity football team. I'll be honest...I didn't think he'd get much Varsity playing time but to my surprise he's been playing a decent amount. A few Friday's ago he went in on a play and I was standing along the fence with several students older than Harrison. We were watching the game and talking and the other team started to run the ball and #70 came out of no where and laid this guy out! The boys I was standing with looked at me and said, "Whoa! Who is #70?" Yep...you guessed it...Harrison is #70! I was so happy for him. Now, where I was standing I could see the coach. Harrison hopped up and the coach proceeded to hit him on the shoulder pad and yell in his face. I'll be honest...I was unsure of what was going on. It looked and sounded like a great hit to me. The game continued and I picked Harrison up at the school. I asked him about the hit--1st of all, I couldn't slap the smile off his face! I said...(this was after I called my husband, who was on the sideline and had confirmed that #70 did make a great tackle) so was coach mad or happy with your hit and what did he yell at you? Harrison, with an ear to ear grin said, "He was happy! He told me that that was what football was all about! (he yelled that several times!)" Each game an athlete gets the big block award--this is an award that would normally go to a senior, a starter--ell...that week it went to a freshman-my freshman!

A few random August pics

2008-08-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures to share from August...

Harrison and Mindy started school. Harrison is a freshman! Yikes.

Lindsey turned 18 and we had a family breakfast--you might have a hectic lifestyle if the only time to get together as a family to celebrate a birthday is at 10:30 in the morning. She loved her WAFFLE CAKE!

Am I old???

2008-08-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

School is back in session. We are on day three and I just realized something. I have 3 kids (this I already knew and it wasn't a surprise to me)--a middle schooler, a high schooler, and a colleger (I know that isn't a word but I was going with the -er) That just boggles my mind!

Those of you with little ones...enjoy them. Time really does fly! (fun or not)

Lindsey heads to COLLEGE!

2008-08-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today was the big day. Reid took Lindsey to school. She has a great dorm room...it is a brand new suite/apartment! Nice, huh! It makes my walk-in closet of a dorm room look pathetic! Lots of things have happened in our relationship with Lindsey over the last few years. It is amazing (that's the only word to use) the restoration that has taken place in order for Reid to take her to school today. We serve an awesome God...who really does see the bigger picture!

Enjoy the photos.

This is the grand entrance--Welcome to College!

This is Lindsey with her roommate.

Could she get anymore clothes in that closet? I don't think so!

Their kitchenette!

View from her room!

Home sweet home!

Brayden duty!

2008-07-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of hanging out with on of my nephews, sweet baby Bray! He got shots this morning so came to hang out with me for the day. Even full of vaccines, he is such a pleasant, happy, smiling baby. It was a great fun.

Am I really that old???

2008-07-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

After much avoidance (on my part) I succumbed to the realization that my son is growing up...Harrison shaved last night and what did I do? I took pictures. (I was made fun of by both he and my husband) But this is a special, momentous moment, right?

it's going to the dogs...

2008-07-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, what an interesting week. Cammie, our sweet dog, has had ear problems for as long as I can remember. She is only 20 months old (I don't just know that...I had to count on my fingers...no joke) and has had constant ear issues so finally...I took her to the vet. I actually was only taking her to the vet to get groomed (aka bathed!) for the low price of $20.00. In my world, totally worth it! Well, they didn't have an appointment on Thursday for that so I decided that she needed more medicine for her ears so we would go ahead and go. I get to the vet and the Dr. looks in her ears, asks some questions, etc. and says, "I think she has a food allergy, you need to begin a food trial today, she is probably allergic to wheat, which is what the normal brand dog foods are made out of...." All I heard was, "Her food is going to cost more than your normal weekly grocery bill!" And he continued, "...I really need to sedate her to clean her ears out, can you bring her back tomorrow?..." What I hear, "come back tomorrow and bring ALL your money!" Well, to cut a long story short...her ears are clean and healing, she is eating a 100% natural, wheat free dog food from Kroger (thank goodness that I could get it there and avoided the more costly pet store brands--a small bag for $6.79--luckily she is small!), she has her shots updated, and yes...she got her bath! My checkbook has been cleaned as well!- not quite the $20.00 I had hoped to spend.

Braves Blessing...

2008-07-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

This past Friday night we were blessed by a friend of ours, Rick Metcalf, with Braves tickets. But not just regular Braves tickets...we were blessed with the tickets that allow you (actually me, Reid and Harrison) to sit in an air-conditioned box, with a fully stocked FOOD bar (hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken nuggets, pizza, soft pretzels, and salted peanuts!), and walk out on your "deck" to great 3rd baseline seats. It was awesome. Oh, did I mention the parking pass. Yes...a great night out with the family (part of it at least) and baseball for the low, low price of ...$7.00! Harrison couldn't resist an ice cream. If we had paid for food, drinks, etc. I would have never...EVER paid $7.00 for ice cream but it was a ball park treat.

Enjoy the pics.

a few random posts...

2008-07-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we made a whirlwind trip to Mount Dora...left early Friday and home by Sunday afternoon. Why would we do that you ask? Well, my sweet nieces and nephew were all in the production of "The Wizard of Oz" so we decided to make the trip. Okley came too and he and Harrison rode in the back seat. Okley thinks he is a lap dog...he's not!

The kids did a great job and trip was worth it! We got there on Friday afternoon and my sister reminded me that it was Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A and well...as my mom and I joked, "with gas prices at more than $4.00 a gallon...we definately could use a free meal!" And a free meal is exactly what we got--along with another crazy memory!

Mindy got her braces on today! She looks as beautiful as ever...see the before and after pics. I never had braces but the list of what you can't eat while wearing braces could really help me in weight loss journey!

I just can't stop...

2008-07-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Tiffany (my sister) has sworn off all projects...she must have cast it my way. I am on a painting kick...so here's my latest creation. It was in my head and I had to let it out!

Happy 4th...weekend

2008-07-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July. The weekend festivities started with a play in the square. Mom and I had a great time watching "Crazy in Love" and the crazy people around us. It really was a relaxing time and great way to start the 4th of July celebrations.

On the 4th we made our way downtown...OK--it was downtown Loganville to our sweet little home town parade. My nephews Samuel and Brayden had a great time along with all the old folks...my 14 1/2 year old son included. Brayden had his 1st sucker! He loved it...Pop gave it to him...anyone surprised that Pop would supply the sweets?! Then we went to a pool party at a friends house and then out for fireworks in the evening. It was a great day and I think we are all thankful to be Americans.

Today was a lazy day of finishing projects. We were in Kansas 2 weeks ago and I wanted to send "Thank you" gifts and I finally finished them today. Enjoy!

"Finally"...I heard him sigh

2008-07-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well...I finally kept my word. That is something I really do struggle with--for example, let's play Sequence...get busy, never do; we'll get that later...later never comes. It is something I am really conscientiously trying to work on and today I did it! Well, actually started on Monday. Harrison has been asking for...years...to paint his room. I am a neurotic control freak about some (ok...lots of things) and my answer always went something like this...NO! or If I approve of the colors, or That will look ridiculous, then back to "maybe later" to which...see above--later never comes. Notice nothing nice, encouraging, etc. Several months ago I saw an interview with Randy Pausch. He is the professor that is dying of pancreatic cancer and has written a book called "The Last Lecture." In that interview and in his book he talks about his parents letting him paint his room...anyway he wanted it. He said it was such a big deal to him and he went on the tell parents, "let your kids paint their room, don't worry about resale value...it is a REALLY BIG deal to them!" Well that struck quite a note with me--I watched that interview on Spring Break this year and it has stuck with me. The next time he asked if he could paint his room my answer was a YES and that we would tackle it in the summer on a week when my step-daughter Mindy was at her mom's. This has been the 1st real week Mindy has been away...it is Thursday and the room was cleaned Monday (on a side note...GROSS!); Home Depot trip, primer, and a few coats on Tuesday; and Wednesday at 3:40 the project was complete! He loves it! and I think it REALLY was a BIG deal! (and I learned that keeping my word is a big deal too!)

We're not in Kansas anymore...

2008-06-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Not a lot of time but I needed to post something so...we had a great time in Kansas. Met lots of family, added a niece and a sister-in-law after a sweet wedding ceremony, DID NOT see a tornado but DID see some nasty storms in the distance (speaking of distance...Kansas is the flattest place I've ever seen. We could see towns that were more that 8 miles away...really!), played in a creek, rode a few horses, saw combines cutting fields of wheat, met REAL cowboys, and enjoyed the slower pace of life in the country. It was a great trip! Everyone...even our "city"fied kids had a ton of fun. Here is a picture of my kids on the plains of Kansas.

Just turn your chair around!

2008-06-14T06:21:00.001-07:00

I have a new motto..."just turn your chair around!" Wonder where it came from? Well...my friend and I were at her neighborhood pool on one of the 1st days of summer. My son, is 14 and her's is 12...but Harrison is much bigger than her little guy and for those of you who have younger kids the rough-housing in the pool can be extreme and loud! Well, this particular day...I couldn't take it and I kept say, "stop, leave him alone, don't splash him in the face, (you can add your own direct order that WILL NOT get followed here)" As the frustration was mounting...Beth very calmly said..."I think you need to turn your chair around!"

Well...it really stuck with me. Life is all about perspective, right? And sometimes we "just NEED to turn our chairs around." So today...when the stress is too much...just turn your chair around!"

Many blessings.

(pretend that there is a picture of a chair turned around on my deck and I am in it!)--I haven't figured out the picture posting yet!

What size do I wear?!?!?

2008-06-13T06:33:00.001-07:00

This morning while folding another load of laundry I came across a very small shirt. For many of you this is really no big deal because you have small kids...well, my kids are 17, 14, and 13 (and all past the 1/2 way point to the next age...which I'd rather not talk about!) So back to this little shirt. I begin folding this little shirt (have I said little yet?) and was really taken aback by the size...to the point that I went and got a tape measure--oh yes, and you should know that it was a size MEDIUM, a medium in the junior department not the kids! At the bust...the shirt measured 14"; at the narrowest part of the waist 12"; and from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the shirt a mere 20". If that is a MEDIUM...I don't think I want to know "what size I wear?!?" Just a thought!

PS- no wonder kids think that they are fat!

Get up out my grill...yo!

2008-06-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well...my more than monthly post. It has been almost 2 months and I was told for the 2 people that check this blog that it is annoying checking a blog that is never updated so...here you go.

This past Saturday my son, step-daughter, and I headed out to where...the ballfield of course for a tournament game. As we were leaving the neighborhood I noticed what looked like a pretty long snake in the road. I did what any good boy mom would do...I turned around to get a better look. We stopped the car...and of course kept the doors closed for safety but got nice and close to the 3-4 foot long black snake. (it wasn't poisious and I know because I got a nice close look at his head) Well...the snake began to slither under the car so I told Harrison to go back to his side and tell me when the snake came out the other side. I hate running over animals and the thought of snake guts in my tires freaks me out. Well...Mr. Snake never came out the other side...so I prepared myself for the squish and pulled forward to turn back around and head to the ball field. I even lifted my feet as I drove over him. We got turned around and there was no snake. I thought...man that is a fast snake and then I thought--OH NO! He's under my car. Which by the way, my dad said could never happen. So after screams from all of us and laughing we were on our way because I snake can't get stuck under your car, right. As we continue driving Harrison says, "wouldn't it be cool if the snake slithered up the windshield?" To which I answered, "NO! I would wreck the car." A few more miles...I finally shook the he-be-ge-bes! What should slither out of my grill onto the hood of my car---YEP! Snakes can get under your car and go for a ride. I started screaming, crying, laughing, kicking my feet, shaking my hands, and did I mention screaming. A black snake flapping/slithering in the wind on the hood of my car! Finally after lots of screams (and a few gags--really!) the g-force wind took Mr. Snake on the flight of his life. It was crazy...I still can't believe that it happened.

To make matters worse...I went to my mom's tonight and what was sitting by her car when I pulled up? You guessed it...another snake...this one, black and white--still with a skinny head. I still moved in close to look at him. Kind of like the horror films when the girl always goes outside when she hears something and the scary music starts. Yep...that was me with this snake. I watched him slither under my mom's car and we never saw him again. Maybe mom will experience the snake ride tomorrow?!? "Get up out her grill-yo!"

Now for the spiritual twist to the snake ride...obviously snakes in the bible are pictures of Satan, sin, etc. In life I am going to stumble upon sin. I'm human, it happens. I can be going on my normal path, doing the right things, and there it is. But I have a choice, I can pass it by or I can stop...stoop down...really get a nice good look...then leave. But the problem is...I spent too much time with the sin. I needed to flee and because I didn't flee...it will rear it's ugly head again. Just like the snake...and when it does--being level headed and making wise decisions definatley becomes blurred and emotions will get the best of you. So...watch for snakes in your road!

That really is what I thought as I praised the Lord when Mr. Snake went flying. Can you tell I minister to teenagers??

My monthyl post!

2008-04-11T06:25:00.001-07:00

I am not good at this! Time gets away and this is NOT my top priority?!? But today I am going to attempt to begin an every other week post. We'll see how well I do.

We just got back home from my sisters in Florida for Spring Break. I was a great week. Busy...but so fun. I enjoy being at her house, and in her town. It is such a simpler life. Still busy, but it seems simpler.

We made the rounds in Florida and got to do everything we planned. Well, almost. The only thing we missed out on was the fair. The rain put a halt to those plans. But Disney was visited (for 12 hours!); we spent some time with our feet in the ocean; had some delicious seafood; walked around the cute little town; had an ice cream; and even went ice skating. It was a great week. I really enjoyed spending time with my son.

As he has gotten older he spends more time in his room, with his friends, or with an ipod in his ears. We had some great conversation and quality time. I can't believe that next year...he can help with the driving?!?! Ugh! It was great getting away with my little man...who isn't so little anymore! He is such a blessing in my life! In all the hustle and bustle I think sometimes I forget to remember that!

Today will be a day of getting readjusted to Georgia life! We might even fit in some time at the gym or a walk at the park. We'll see.

Maybe my next post will include pictures?!?! Stay tuned!

Blast from the Past

2008-03-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

This week at school we are walking through an accreditation team visit. We do this every 5 years to make sure that everything is as it should be with our school. This visit is the final step in months of preparation. I am observed twice...which for someone that has a little ADD issue...is very stressful. The team consists of 7 or 8 administrators, teachers, etc. from other schools. Our Team Chairman is Scott Smith...my old youth pastor! Today, I was observed by him. He was so encouraging and I do think it was a proud moment for him. One more observation tomorrow, a few meetings on Thursday and then back to life as normal. I'm ready for Friday!

Babysitting..

2008-03-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Last night I got to keep my sweet nephew...baby Brayden. He is 5 weeks old today. I forgot how much work a little one is. There are so many things that it takes both hands to do. I had a great time with him...he is so sweet! But I sure am tired today. I am looking forward to the next time he spends the night!

Ball season has begun...

2008-03-02T17:50:00.000-08:00

Well ball season has begun...how do I know? Well, the car has been reloaded with chairs (one for the bleacher and one regular), an umbrella has been placed in a safe location, 2 blankets have been added (one think and one thin), a jacket, coat, and scarf have also been added to the mix. I've double checked that sunglasses are in place as well as ear warmers for cold nights...so you see-ball season has begun.

HT is playing on 2 teams, why you ask? Yeah, me too. There really is a good reason. The travel team has to have their rosters complete before January. School teams don't try out until the end of January or the beginning of February. Me, being the supportive mom that I am really thought as an 8th grader and with alot of new talent moving in...HT wouldn't make the team so I did what any sensible mom would do...I forked out hundreds of dollars to be on a travel team. Well! Low and behold HT made the school team! How exciting! So I decided to flush the $$ spent and quit the travel team---but, I failed to do my research. For a travel team to be in the travel league they must have 11 players on their roster...yep...HT makes #11. So here I am...stuck...ready for the fun to begin.

Don't misunderstand. I love baseball, watching him play, realizing that he only has a few more years to play, (unless he makes it to the majors--we'll see--that would definately make seasons like this worth it) and experiancing with him what he loves to do. But today I made a calendar to keep up with where he needs to be, where I need to be, and where my family memebers need to be...A full excel spreadsheet and 4 color codes later (I don't have any of LI or MI's stuff on the calendar) it's done!

I've realized now that the month of March is called March Madness for a reason (that's a basketball term, I know but I'm claiming it for my life!)

Well...I better get some rest for the excitment that is in store for this week. (6 days and 8 games?!?)

Oh yeah...and besides ball. I have a huge day long event at school that I plan, decorate, and facilitate; lower school grandparents day (Kidstuf will be performed 8 different times before 11:30 am); and Prom! The great news is...SPRING BREAK is on the horizon!

Too Busy!

2008-02-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

Well...It's been almost a week since I've blogged. It's been a pretty good week. Busy! I wonder if life is really supposed to be this busy? I'm working on a Beth Moore study and it is great...The Psalms of Ascent. Some of the questions really make you think...and I am realizing that I don't really think well! Lots of my personal questions answers are ??. I think it is because life is too busy. Do I really even know what food is my favorite anymore? Interesting.

H is playing on 2 teams...Why? You ask? Because I'm not busy enough. No really...I have a good excuse! See that's what happens we fill our lives with so much--with good excuses that we end up passing not only our family in the night but also ourselves! I really don't even know how to change it. When I slow down I sleep--it's a crazy cycle.

I've been thinking today...in a few years (like 4 or 5) all the kids will be grown in college or in life...will I even like myself then?

This post seems sad and morbid...it's not just thinking!

On an upbeat note...I walked this morning with Mom, M, and Fee. It was a great way to start the day and then I got to hold sweet baby Bray! He is so sweet. I'm thankful to have a little one so close (yes mom...I said close!--20 minutes) Went to the gym on Thursday and hope to get over there tomorrow too. The time has come to get this weight off! I'm done with it, Thanks!

Well...I guess that's it.

Oh yeah...my list making. I hade about 8 things on it today...nothing got done. So I added see Bray, walk, go to Pastor Sandy's party--now I feel like I've accomplished something! :)

Sunday slumber...

2008-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well I had a great/good weekend. We were off school on Friday! Which was awesome. I did very little and my sweet new nephew came and spent some time at my house. He is precious and snuggly and loves to be held! Harrison's baseball season is in full swing...so I'm putting lots of money in the gas tank. He played Friday night, practiced Saturday and today we had some time off. But tomorrow it starts again. No wonder Sunday's are a day of rest (aka sleeping so hard your eyes won't open when you really need to get up!)

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

Well...today was somewhat uneventful. I am the junior class sponsor at my school so we had candy grams to deliver. These are sweet little Valentine treats that are a fund raiser for the Prom. 2 years ago when I had this task it was a late night mass of confusion. I think myself, another teacher and 6 students taped candy and tied balloons until approximately 11:00 at night. This year...with lots of planning...things were very organized, all candy was taped and balloons were sorted before the bell rang at the end of the day! I was worried that I had missed something. I couldn't sleep and got to school and walked around re-checking because things had gone so smooth. Well...We delievered probably over 1000 candybars and 676 balloons in approximately 20 minutes! It was a record. Very few problems arose and many students went home with a sugar high and a balloon in hand. It was a great Valentine's Day.

I'll post pictures of all the balloons when I figure out how!

Day 2...

2008-02-11T19:18:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of blogging and I still don't know what to write...so I guess I will write about my obsession with lists. For some reason I can spend the whole day creating a list to the point that nothing on the list gets done. For example, today I started my weekly "TO DO" list. I always write it in my trusty spiral notebook which keeps all my information for life! (really it's scary) The first thing I do is transfer everything that didn't get done on the old list to the new list. (complete curriculum maps have been on my list for at least 4 weeks--I think they are really due this week--maybe I should highlight it on the list) Once everything has been moved over...I think of the things that I have already completed...neatly add those to the list and mark them off (here is the warped part...I change pens so it looks like I completed it a time other than the making of the list...who am I fooling anyway?) Then I finish the list making by adding anything else I can think of eat a snack, call a friend, etc. Once the list is complete...the day is over! But the list is made! Crazy, huh!

Here I go...

2008-02-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

I've never been a blogger but my sister is. She seems to have so much fun so I thought I would give it a try. OK...that was harder than I thought. I have no idea what to include on this crazy thing.