Slug Day!!

Well, a day where we really didn't have anything to do!! Number 2 son had swim practice in the am and I had a hospitality meeting for church. The gourmet girl cooked an awesome quiche for us!! I had to have 2 slices!! Afterwards, picked up Number 2, made lunch, and did a few loads of laundry and then I curled up under the afghan on my bed and watched 27 Dresses. The boys had friends over and had a National Treasure Marathon!!

RB had his first play-off game. It was a nail biter, but they won!! Now, we play again today at 10am. Looks like my morning plans are shot!!

Number 1 son went to Swing Dancing last night at church. He and his friend went early to help set up and raise $ towards their camp trip. I didn't make it to watch, but he said he wasn't very good at it. I said it just takes practice. Who can swim the butterfly when they first try??!! Anyway, he did tell me he danced with someone with pink hair!! Interesting!! He wasn't discouraged and said he would go again. One of his friends he first met when we moved here was there. They had fun catching up. He used to go to our church so now we don't see him very often, plus he is home schooled. They bump into each other every now and then. Now SB is at swim practice (7:15am). He really hates that seeing as how he is sleeping until 9am or later. (Oh, for the days!!) But I am tired of hearing him complain so I threw out the "complain one more time and I am cancelling our trip to Southeasterns!!" Hopefully that will jostle him back into shape!! McSweetie was gracious to take him this am. He had to be over the bay to move into his new office!! Hopefully he will be home in time to watch the ballgame!!

1Chronicles 16:8-9 "Call upon his name; Sing to Him," He is so readily available to us!! We don't have to wait for the "God is in" sign. Remember the peanuts strip with Lucy as the psychiatrist??

Anyhow, can't believe May is about gone! May we start June with a song in our hearts!!

Yes, I do know how to play!!

Well, it took all week and an assortment of partners, but we won a match today!! Even had some fun after we were done & participated in the juniors camp for some conditioning drills!! Some of those kids are so awesome. I guess I would be too if I had started at the age of 6!! Afterwards my friend picked up the boys for me and we hung out poolside (enjoyed lunch that RB had made for all of us b/c his brother slept so late) while my other friend had an open house at the house. Annie surrived it I hope the agents did too!! I can't get her to call me back!! But she left some yummy pasta salad in my fridge!! I know what's for supper tonight!! Now it looks like rain which SB would love so he wouldn't have to go to swim practice and I would not have to teach my lesson. (which are starting to pick up!!) The weekend is almost here which means swing dancing & a bake sale for SB and baseball for RB and somewhere in there a little time down at PC. Maybe I'll even bust out the scrapbooking supplies and get organized for my retreat coming up!!

"Oh give thanks to the Lord!!" 2Chronicles 16:8 And boy do I!! May my thanks fill all the quiet spaces of my day!! And we do have lots to be thankful for!! Just when I think I have it all figured out something comes up. I don't know what God has in store for us but I look forward to finding out!

Top to Bottom

When we all put our minds to it, we can get the house clean in record time. I had some resistance from the troops in the beginning, but once we were in the groove, it was "what can I do now?" I love it!! So tomorrow we can just play poolside!!

My CM consultant emailed me her link for the DC storybook she put together for SB's gifted teacher. If you want the link email me and I will forward it to you!!

"'Surely I will heal you.'" 2Kings 20:8 Now we can cry tears of joy and wonder!! And I am so thankful for the healing He has brought to my friends battling cancer this year and for my dear friend W's mom who had the most awful vacation in HISTORY!! Not sure I ever want to go to Maui now!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Good Ol' Summertime

Cook-outs, family, friends and FUN!! We had a beach day today. We were able to see our friends that we met through our foster parenting classes. They have 4 BEAUTIFUL girls. And they (the girls) have gotten so big since the last we saw them. What a blessing their family is and to talk with them about what God is doing in their lives. I know that good things are happening for them this week!!! We had a swim social tonight for the summer league team. Fun to hang out with old friends and new ones. And now it is off to wash off the sand and get ready for a quiet evening. We look forward to a fun day again tomorrow. SB has a middle school social and RB has swim practice in the am. Then I think we will straighten up the house. Can't be all fun and games!!

"'I have seen your tears;'" 2Kings 20:5 How often has He dried them for me??!

Just because...

I don't have anything profound to write (not that I write about much that is profound) . But I did want to share the verses in 2Kings 6:16-17
"'Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, and said , "Lord, I pray open his eyes that he may see.""
Thank you for teaching me so patiently to look with your eyes and for opening my eyes time after time. You are so gracious!!
Yesterday was a "beach" day. I say that b/c it rained as soon as we all got there so we headed to the indoor pool at the condo and the kids all had a blast. Even bumped into my BIL and nieces and nephew while we were there!! Then we went over to the Wharf and ate at Johnny Rockets, had Dippin Dots, shopped (finally found that summer bag I had been looking for, I know you can all rest easy now!!), went swimsuit shopping, and the kids played putt-putt (indoors, kinda lame but they enjoyed it!!) While McSweetie went to dinner with all our buds (that had been at the beach). It was a great "WAHOO DAY" as my friend calls the 1st day of summer vacation!!

Be safe in all your summer travels!! Gotta run and get ready for b'ball! Last game before the play-offs start next week!! Go Astros!!!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Wow!! What a change from the first of the year to now!! They have gotten so much bigger and more mature looking. I can't believe that I have a 7th and 5th grader!! Congratulations for a job well done this year!! Number 1 Son received 2 awards yesterday: Outstanding Band Student and Excellence in Social Studies. And RB achieved over 300 AR points this year!! All A's and 1 B for him and it looks like all A's for SB!! Now it's onto summer fun: swimming, camps, swimming, tennis, relaxing, visiting friends, relaxing, and did I mention swimming!! RB is swimming summer league here for the first time. It should be fun!!

HAGS!!!!

To the Parents of Number One Son:

You've got to love those envelopes when they come home. We have received 3 this year. (My previous post only listed 2, but it was brought to my attention, that we had received this one too, sorry SB) The first we received after he took his trip to Southeasterns this summer. He was asked to join the People to People Ambassador and travel to Denmark ( I think, can't remember and I have misplaced the letter). I talked to a friend of mine whose daughter is going this summer (the Eouropean tour) and she has friends that have traveled with the sports teams and said the academic trips are a better experience for the kids. I know these trips are quite expensive so we were just happy to get the letter. (I think I deserve a trip overseas before he does!! haha) Another letter was for the Junior National Young Leaders Conference to be held in Washington DC. (His math teacher nominated him for this award.) I wished we had gotten that one sooner. It was a hard decision to make but we decided that since he had already been to DC it was hard to justify going again during the summer. He also already had plans to attend camp. The third letter just came home. I know friends of mine had already gotten a "blue letter" last week. So I must confess that I was a little jealous that Number 1 son was not getting an award. But I was proud of my friends children. But yesterday, number 1 son came home with an envelope "To The Parents of ..."
So we can't wait til Wednesday am to see what he receives. Way to go Number 1!!!

WAHOO!!

Field day is O-V-E-R!!!! And it was a huge hit!! The parents all said it was the best field day E-V-E-R!! Organized, smoothly run, great activities, moved just fast enough!! The huge slip-n-slide the kids loved!! Having the moonwalk, tug of war, silly relays, fun obstacle course, water bombs, & egg toss (with raw eggs for the 6th graders). The kids loved the 6th grade vs teacher beach volleyball game. Yes, the teachers WON!!! And the pie throwing for those who raised $ for Jump Rope for Heart was a blast. I didn't mind taking a pie for the cause!! And best of all... No one got hurt!!!

So all that said, I think I can have a life again. And sleep through the night again!! (Not much is happening at 3am just in case you were wondering!!)

Only 2 more days of work then... "schools out for summer!!"

See you at the beach!!

Favorite Hangouts!!

One of my FAVORITE places to eat is going to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Monday night @ 9:00, Panini Petes!! My friend's husband owns it!! Beignets are fabulous and the "grand fromage" burger is oh so YUMMY!!! Of course, the panini's are great too! I don't think I've ever had anything I didn't like. Eating outside in the French Quarter adds to the atmosphere. So, y'all tune in!!

Hello Noah, Can I borrow your boat??!!

WOW!!! The rain this am is CRAZY!!! I left early to take the boys to school and I am glad that I did. I have NEVER seen water on the roads like this!! In front of the Intermediate school the water must have been 4 inches over the road. I just kept praying Lord I am this close, surely I can make it!! But I must say I made an "illegal" left turn into the school, but I just couldn't see risking driving another 100 yards just to turn around!! And a big thank you to the person who let me turn left!! Then I went a different route to get Number 1 son to school and it wasn't as bad. But I called a friend on her cell and she said that an accident had just happened at the light I had just left.

So all that said, "Thank you Lord for getting all my ducks to school and me safely home!!" As my McSweetie said, "Next time just don't take them." I'm glad the boys didn't hear that!!

CRAZY: INSANE, DEMENTED, DISTRACTED, MAD, LUNATIC

You've got to love a Thesaurus!! How many different ways to say one word!! It's the way I am right now...

End of the school year is all that and more so b/c I am organizing Field Day for my students and I am about to pull my hair out!! But, if I can just make it through Monday w/o incident, life will be GREAT!!!!

The end of the year MS dance is this weekend, JA social Friday night, Neighbors Crawfish Boil Saturday, Open House Sunday, and Field Day Monday, Talent show Tuesday, Thursday last day of school and party for number 2 son, Friday last day of school for me (Awards Day) and then we have out of town company. Let the good times begin!!!

Hope all of you make it through the next few days.

I read my daily calendar verses the other day and thought nice. So I woke up this am (3:30 to be exact) feeling anxious (I wonder why??!!) and went back to read the context that the verses were talking about and this is what I read:

I Kings 19: 4-8 God encourages Elijah

But he (Elijah) went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "it is enough now, O Lord, take my life , for I am not better than my fathers." And he lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him," Arise, eat." Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the jourey is too great for you." So he arose and ate and drank , and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Now I am not at that point, just a little overwhelmed but knowing that my "food" these verses were sent to me at this time!! AMAZING LOVE!! I am FORTIFIED!!

50 Back + 50 Breast+ 200 IM +100 Back = Trip to Nashville

Way to go Number 1 son!! Two more cuts today at the meet!! It looks like we are Music City Bound in July!! He is close to having 2 more times. He says he is "set up" for 2 more cuts. I think he can make 3 if he really puts his mind to it!! Here's to a great meet!! I'm proud. It's what being a mom is all about!!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my Moms!! I think back to all the moms I have known. I'll start with my grandmother b/c without her I wouldn't have my Mom.

Gigi went to be with the Lord 2 years ago. We had her service on Mother's Day. It was hard but what better way to celebrate her and the love she had first to her Father, and the way she served Him while here on Earth and then to us her family and then those friends around her. Was she perfect??!! Heck no!! But her faith was not in her own abilities but in the abilities of Christ through her. And almost 2 years to the day one of her closest friends joined her in Heaven. What a reunion!! I know they are having a ball!! All ailments aside, in perect bodies and perfect relationship.

Then there is my Mom!! I could not have picked a better one. She loves me unconditionally. She taught me the importance of standing firm in my faith. She taught me how to serve. She taught me how to make people feel special about themselves. She taught me how to be a Mom by her actions. Is she perfect?! Yet again the answer is NO, she knows that her "life" is not dependant on how well SHE does but what Christ has already done for HER!!

My MIL. She is generous as the day is long!! I remember housesitting while still dating and she would let me have free usage of her car (wow what crazy person gives a teenager free use of her car) and all that I needed. Once the grandkids came she would babysit even though Number 1 son would scream at the top of his lungs when he was a baby & she was around. (He doesn't do that now!!) She raised a son who is so sensitive to my needs and the needs of his family. How did I get so lucky??!! My friends tell me all the time how much Mark "adores" me. I am a lucky girl!! Now as Presbyterians, I know we don't believe in luck but God did give me a great husband!! And I do feel "lucky"!!!

The moms of my friends, there have been many. Those that walked around the house in bra and panties, how laid back was she??! The moms who worked full time jobs yet still had time for all the other things mom's have to do. I only work part time and cannot imagine how chaotic our house would be if I was gone 40 hours a week. The moms that had stricter curfews than mine. I know now they only had our best interests at heart. The moms who would make homemade breakfasts when sleepovers happened (and still do make homemade breakfasts when sleepovers happen!!). The moms that let us spread the Barbie stuff all over the house. (mine said we had to keep it in my room) The moms that took us shopping and let us pick out outfits that they would not be caught dead in!! Moms that took us to church, VBS, swim meets, movies, beach, camping... I could go on and on!

I honor all of you today!! May we all be the Proverbs 31 woman/mom: verses25-29

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, saying "many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."

Got Game??!

Yeah, I got game!!

That would be Number 1 son at the meet this weekend. WOW!! He had already qualified for the 50 back to go to Southeasterns in July but he even dropped that time by 3 seconds and is .23 seconds away in his 5o Fly and this is the BIG DROP... 22 seconds on his 200m IM. He quailified by 2 seconds!! Way to go!! Tomorrow we had back to the meet to swim the 50 breast, 50 free, 100 back and 100 fly!!

http://www.seswim.org/docs/ses_meetings/2007%20fall%20meeting/2008_long-course_time-standards.pdf

The Bug Has Bitten

As most of you know we had an old historical home b4 we moved here. And I loved it, tiny house yet all the charm I love and a HUGE yard!! Well, we have our house on the market and yesterday some girlfriends and I went house hunting. (It's one of my favorite things to do!!) Anyway, I went to the first house and LOVED it. The yard was just like home, the house was so similar to my old house, except my old house didn't have "glitter popcorn ceiling". I just love it!! Now it needs ALOT of work but I have it all laid out in my head. Now we just need ours to sell!! Now the drawback to this house is right now it only has 2, yes I said 2, bedrooms. But it can work. It does have 2 bathrooms so that's a plus!! I know my friend KM may think I am looney but I think she has learned it's my passion and love, old houses. And Unlce John's is by far my FAVORITE!!!!!
So, we will see if God grants me my desire to have an old house to fix up again!!

The best part of yesterday was having lunch with the girls!! I loved our conversation and all of our words of encouragement for each other in the different circumstances we find ourselves in. We always have each other but better than that we have our Savior. And I trust is his infinite goodness: I Kings 8:27 "' Heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you!!

So thank you girls, you know who you are, for a great day!!! Oh, and I thank round 1 of girls who saved the table for group 2 to use!!

Spring Music Concert

The band and choral department had their Spring Concert last night! It is amazing to see how far these kids have come since the first of the year. At the Christmas Concert, all the begginer band students started tapping their foot to be on beat then began to play. Last night the band director raised her baton; they raised their instruments and began playing! It was great. We really loved the jazz band. I hope Number 1 son will want to do that. I'm just glad that the instrument that we bought this year will be used again next year!!!

I don't have a picture to post b/c said Number 1 son was posing with friends! But he did look handsome and sat proudly in first chair. (All Year)

PS Someone brought it to my attention that I did not say which instrument, trombone. And on a wow what a coincidence note, one of his best friends from back home plays the same instrument and sat first chair most of the year.

"Loaded" question

This morning my McSweetie asks me, "Are you going to be around today?" Code: You need to be around b/c "x" needs to be done.

I reply, "Yes, what do you need?"
"Well, I am on my emergency underwear."

My response, "I would love to do the laundry today."
Now keep in mind it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS outside and the last thing I want to be doing is laundry. So I IMMEDIATELY start a load and get the ball rolling. Now to his credit he had no way to wash last week and I am remiss in doing the laundry over the weekend. So, his request was valid!!


So, in between meetings and a luncheon I have caught up on the laundry!! Only for it to reappear again tonight!! But hey, we all know what it's like having to wear our emergency underwear!!

Haircuts!!!!

Notice the Hair coming out of the batting helmet!!

It's time for the gang to all get summer haircuts. It started with Annie who got shaved before Easter. And as most of you know both the boys like to have their hair "long" (it's just one of those battles that I have given in to)but it was a little out of control especially for #2 son so they both got haircuts. Number 1 son you can't really tell, it's just so wavy but #2, it's the first thing all of his friends said, "R, you got a haircut." Well for all of you that know #2 son he HATES to have ANY attention drawn to him. So, he was having a hard time. But I must say it is refreshing to not see his hair hanging out from under his batting helmet. Although at our game last Thursday night, one of the players on the other team had a boy whose hair must have been to the upper part of his back. Beautiful and blonde, but boy did he have an arm for pitching.

All my Ducks are home now!!

Yea!!! Everyone is now back under one roof! I know for a fact that I am NOT cut out for single parenthood. But, as mom's, we do what we have to do. I even put on my cute new apron and cooked supper, pork chops (which were a little "crispy" on the bottom), fried okra, brown rice and fresh carrots and broccoli. And made milkshakes for dessert.

I am attaching a link for the flip flop test. I think the pair I picked got my personality right. Can you guess which flops I picked??!!
http://www.blogthings.com/theflipfloptest/

Hope everyone is having a good weekend and didn't get washed away with all the rain!!

And thanks Mom for your words of encouragment!! I'm glad you approve :)

TAGGED

My sweet blogger friend EC tagged me so I am supposed to "follow her format" and write some things about me you may not know.

What was I doing 10 years ago:
I was juggling life with a newborn and a 2 year old!! I had just gotten my suburban that I loved!! But boy am I glad I don't have that thing now!! I'd have to walk everywhere!! And 10 years ago this day I am sure I was reflecting on my first date with my hubby!! We have been together 21 years today!! Here's to us!! I am so glad that he didn't let the "hamburglar dress" turn him off or that fact that I had a 'dingy" voice. "But she is really smart" said the friend who introduced us.

5 Snacks I enjoy:
Sams Club Tropical Trail Mix... I love the dried pineapples
anything chocolate
On the border chips and bean dip
Graham Crackers with Marshmallow cream in the middle
Oh, and did I mention chocolate

5 Things on today's to do list:
Organize Field day for school... check
organize checkbook... check
Number 1 son carpool arranged for tonight...check
Quiet time... the day is not over
Exercise... the day is over!!

5 things I would do if I was a Billionaire:
Own a house "ON" the Bay
Sponsor a missionary
Treat all my girlfriends to the "ULTIMATE" girls trip to New York or Paris
Travel
Quit my day job!!

5 BAd Habits:
Yikes, do I really have to name them... Let's see,
I spend too much time on the computer
I'm not good about putting my receipts in the checkbook ledger in a timely fashion
I have become somewhat of a procrastinator
I don't close my dresser drawers, but at least it is in my closet
I'm not good about writing thank you notes. I'm not proud about that and I'm trying to do better!

5 Places I've lived:
Fort Walton Beach
St. Petersburg
Birmingham
Tuscaloosa
Trussville

5 Jobs I've had:
Lifeguard
Swim Coach
Nanny
Boutique
PE Coach

So there you have it! I guess I am supposed to "tag" someone else, so I tag my sewing friend back home and my favorite Tastefully Simple consultant!!