Patterned Pants

Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T12:54:00.000-05:00

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving around here. My parents and Grandmother arrive tomorrow, so all rooms are being cleaned and the rest of the house is being straightened. I have most of the cooking done - thanks to a quiet weekend. I know Thursday will still be crazy because throwing it all together always takes a LOT of coordinating. Caroline will help with the table today and Cole is going to make turkey place cards/napkin holders.

Our menu includes turkey, sweet potatoes, 3 bean casserole, cranberries, rosemary rolls, roasted brussel sprouts and we will have chocolate and pumpkin pie. Hopefully we will have something for everyone!

We don't have too many plans. We will head to Cowboy Stadium on Saturday to watch the Carroll Dragons and see Caroline in the band. They do a great playoff show called "LIDS". The drumline plays on trashcans while the rest of the band, cheerleaders, and Emerald Belles dance a little jig.

I am also hoping to get our Christmas decorating finished by Sunday. We are all excited to get into the holiday season. Heck! We might even start decorating today!

Fall 2009

2009-12-21T17:17:00.001-05:00

Wow! It's already been 2 months since my last post. I don't know exactly what I've been doing with my life. I have been painting quite a few rooms... the kitchen, family and breakfast rooms, the gameroom, hallway, and Caro's room. I'm not posting any after pics because my house is a wreck! I have 2 sick boys and they are strewn across the family room furniture.

We've been up to our eyeballs in sports and activities...

Cole's baseball team was undefeated this fall. He hasn't stopped talking about "run-ruling" several of the teams. Here he is after their crazy sock scrimmage at the end of his season. I really think his coach wanted them to wear crazy socks as a silent message to the other coach - "just in case we lose, this is just a scrimmage. we are already undefeated for the season!" Yes, his coach was quite serious about the wins.

Brooks played as a Green Dragon this fall. He really enjoys playing on his new team. He also played flag football this fall. He is blowing everyone away on the trumpet since he's 2 years ahead of the other kids down here.

Reed is playing soccer for the DFW Tornadoes this year. We've had lots of fun watching his team progress as they are developing their foot skills and their communication skills! This weekend was the coldest of the season. We played 3 games in 40° weather. It was COLD!

In August, we rode the lite rail to Dallas. We stood in line for a few HOT hours to see the Disney Christmas Carol Train.

Early this fall, Reed, Brooks and I ran in the "Run in the Dark" 5k race. It was really exciting to run in my first race and for it to be dark! I told the kids that I was completely discombobulated at the beginning of the race. You hear the gun go off and everyone starts running. You have to run fast enough to stay in front of those behind you and run slow enough that you don't run over those in front. A few minutes into it, your body realizes that you really need to find your own pace, and by that time the people were spreading out. Brooks and I stuck together through most of the race. However, as the finish line came closer, his competitive streak took over and he turned on the speed to try to beat a few of his friends. It was a great night full of great accomplishments!

We had some special visitors over Columbus Day. Our friends Joy, Hannah, Jennifer, and Borden came for the weekend. We shopped and experienced a Texas Rodeo. We had lots of fun exploring the Ft. Worth Stock Yards for the first time.

Caroline's Halloween costume was my favorite this year. She created an Oompa Loompa costume on her own! She looked really cute and had lots of fun both on Halloween and at the band's Masquerade Ball.

... and now the holidays are upon us!

We spent Thanksgiving in Union City this year with Tim's parents. It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend. The kids watched lots of movies, read several books, and played Canasta. I read Shanghai Girls and Pinstripes and Pearls, and slept in every day!

The weekend we got back, Caroline and I were thrilled to host a Christmas Tea for many of my sorority sisters. We had a great time watching the sweet little girls eat all of the yummy treats and open a new ornament. I especially enjoyed meeting all of the "mini-me's" - the daughters of my sisters. Here they all are with their new ornaments.

Life in Southlake is finally feeling familiar. We are settled into our new home - so settled that I put out all of our Christmas decorations! The boxes are long gone and the furniture is in place. The rooms are mostly in order and almost all of them are a new color. We love the weather down here.

It has been cold for 3 weeks (even a day of snow), but today it was 72° and tomorrow it will be 70°! The sun is here for and entire week and I am LOVING IT! There is something about cloudy days that makes me want to stay in bed all day long.

Oh, I forgot to mention that my friend, Amy, and I have been on the tracks of a few well-knowns (at least they are well-known by us)! In November we spent the evening listening to Donald Miller speak while on his book tour. If you haven't read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, you really should. I love his idea of "life as a story" and I am in the process of changing everyday of my own life. I want to happen to my own life rather than letting life happen to me!

The first night of December, Amy and I drove to Dallas, through torrential rain and slowly creeping traffic, to see Pioneer Woman. We've been reading her blog for, oh, 3 years (before she had advertisements), and we wanted to see her/meet her in real life. So, we spent 3 hours sitting 15 feet from her, watching people bring her gifts and take their pictures with her. We were a little slow to the party and we ended up as approximately #750 and #751 in line. We never met her, but we did get a few up close shots of her and we got our PW t-shirt. You might think we are crazy, but we saw more of PW than those who got her signature! They were wrapped around the store in line for hours. The ladies who had the same color bracelet as we did got their book signed around 1:00 am. I even found some proof that we had the best seat in the house on Everyday Blessings. If you scroll down and look closely, you'll see Amy and I smack dab in front of PW. I am putting on my coat to leave in another shot. We had fun just being part of the whole experience!

We had so much fun taking Christmas pictures this year. We drove over to the Ft. Worth Stockyards to visit a western-wear store. We found fancy shirts, hats, and boots and set up our tripod in the boot section. It was an hour of fun as we sorted through our choices. The store had beautiful clothing - I left feeling like I'd like to buy me some duds and head out to the nearest Country&Western dance hall for some boot-scootin' fun. In fact, that is on our list for next year - we need to re-learn the art of kicker dancing. I'll let you know how it goes!

Merry Christmas, Y'all! I'll see ya next year.

Through the Fence

2009-10-05T11:17:00.004-04:00

It's a bit unnerving for me to find myself in the stands while he is on the field. It's been raining and it's chilly. The mud stains won't be easy to erase from the white fabric, but the uniform is sharp with the white and green. He doesn't look cold. In fact, the pitcher continuously sheds his hat to wipe his brow. The field must rev the adrenaline to heat our boys.

He's ready for anything. I'm wondering when his dad will arrive. There's a runner on 2nd and now one walks to first. Time is called and the 2nd visit to the mound occurs. Suddenly I hear his name called from the bucket. He's up and so is my blood pressure. He heads to the mound to take the heat from another. I find that the heat in the field is spreading to the stands.

He is a novice pitcher. He is an aspiring pitcher. He practiced with our pitch-back almost every day last week. He was working on a change-up which continues to evade his hand. It is frustrating, but he won't let that stop him. We continually remind him that you have to work at everything in order to be successful. and he knows it. God gave him natural talent, but he still must refine his abilities by repeatedly throwing, swinging and catching.

Calls are being made from all sides of the field. Those on base listen to their respective coaches. Demands are made from the bucket. and from the dugout. Signs come from the plate. He pulls his leg high, reaches out and launches the ball while leaning toward the front of the mound. He's nervous but confident - I can tell because I've known him his entire life. I read the determination and optimism on his face.

Slowly his face undergoes a slight change. I watch as he releases the ball too early, or too late. "Blue" holds the range tight. Each sling must be perfectly placed along the beltline today for a favorable call. Another player makes it to first. Now the three bases are full. That face that I have kissed a million times continues to show determination but his confidence is waning. The catcher brings the ball to my boy, patting him on the back and reminding him that he can do it. Encouraging words from his friend bring back a glimmer of confidence.

I remain in the bleachers. He seems so far, but we are just 50 feet from each other. I know he can do it. Throwing strikes is the goal, but doubt has taken over and the ball hits the dirt. Another meeting with the catcher. The bucket is getting louder, with encouragement, and LOTS of instructions. He glances at me on the way back to the mound. He suddenly stops and focuses only on me. It is all I can do not to race toward him. "You can do it," I say. But he is not sure. Doubt, frustration, overload - they are there to stay.

Relief arrives as he returns to his comfort zone - just to the left of 2nd base. I know that boy. I can read the frustration and desperation as they sit on his shoulders. I know he could have done it. He was just an out away from the end of the inning. Once again, I am reminded, he is only 12. Experience tells me he will make it through the next time.

I will be ready for him after the game. Ready to tell him that we are proud of him. Ready to remind him that of greatest importance, he is who God says he is. Ready to wrap him in my arms with a hug that will fill him again with hope. Yet, for now, I am overcome with helplessness as I observe it all through the fence.

Over the Hump

2009-08-13T19:20:00.008-04:00

The weather man just reported that he thinks "we are over the hump with the worst of the summer weather...." He quickly showed the weather map with an incoming cold front; however, he went on to say that a high pressure system will prevent it from getting all the way to our area. The good news is that there was not one day with a forecast over 97° - what a relief!

I have exactly 11 minutes to write a quick update on life. Reed and Tim have gone to soccer practice and I will soon have to get on with the grilled chicken. Our tomato tart and 3-bean casserole are in the oven. After firing up the grill I am going to secretly make an easy dessert - crescent rolls with chocolate hidden inside. My people will be SO happy with me in just an hour or so. Life is Good!

Brooks made a new friend on the baseball team he played with in July. Matthew is a spunky 11 year old trumpet playing catcher who lives behind the local longhorns. No, not the University of TX type, but the cow type. Did you know that longhorns only have one row of teeth, if the leader of the pack isn't eating the rest don't eat either, and they have the longest tongues you have ever seen?

here's the boss...

Brooks feeding one...

That's Reed's arm, not the longhorn's tongue, by the way. and below is Brownie - our favorite of all.

This was a bit of Texas I never imagined that we would experience.

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Academy. For those of you who aren't from Texas, Academy is a very large sports store with a little bit of everything. We were purchasing a new tennis racket for Brooks, along with some tennis clothes for him. Cole was bent out of shape because I warned him that we would be only buying for Brooks. As he usually does, he ignored my warnings and found a few things he was interested in...

His daddy just couldn't resist that face and soon he was doing a real sales job on us...

Happily, he left the store sporting goods from the Rangers and the Cowboys. I don't think he's gone a day without that hat. Of course, down here, one needs a hat all day long.

Dinner has now ended and I will wrap up the weekly summary:

I am now proud to announce that I have gone 10 entire days without a sip of Diet Coke. He doesn't know it, but one day I sipped about 1/2 of Tim's Coke Zero, but I'm not counting that. I drink mostly water and tea. I also found St. Croix in Lemon flavor which I like pretty well. I am also trying my best to cut high fructose corn syrup out of my diet - and that is no small feat. That stuff is in everything!

I am headed to Boot Camp in the morning at 5:30 a.m. My usual time is 7:15, but the kids have had activities the past 2 mornings. I am loving Boot Camp, too. It's hard (although not as hard as I expected). The worst is getting up in the morning - but that's nothing new. I have struggled with early morning rising for at least the past 30 years.

Ok, I have to head to bed. It's been a good week and we are all adapting well. School is just around the corner and we are all excited. We do miss Tennessee and the friends we left behind. In fact, these pictures brought tears to my eyes tonight. I am so sorry I missed watching this event in person.

Congratulations, Audrey and Grace!

5 Days

2009-08-08T23:29:00.002-04:00

I just have to report on the latest happening of my life. I have lived 5 entire days without drinking Diet Coke! I set it as a goal on Day 2 of Boot Camp - and am shocked that I haven't really craved it - well... until Tim offered me one this morning. He knew the goal was through the end of the week (which I had already confirmed the ending date was Friday). It's the carbonation that I crave and I'm pretty happy to be off the aspartame. LaCroix Lemon is my new drink of choice. Thank goodness for Central Market! It's just 5 minutes away and they carry LaCroix in every flavor.

Yippee!

I'll have to tell you more about Boot Camp, the endless summer days, and my new life. I am trying to get back into a regular pattern - but it's hard when life is full of chaos - and lots of new places to explore!

We have 16 days till school starts and it can't come soon enough. The kids are ready to make new friends and I am ready to have a few hours of time to think! and do laundry. and paint. and organize all closets. and plan meals. and take naps. and relax in the pool. and go to the grocery store. and play a bit of tennis. and make a few new friends of my own. and play more tennis. This week we need to go shopping for new shorts. I heard tonight that we'll be wearing them through November.

That's ok... I am officially EMBRACING THE HEAT! I think that's my new motto.

Texas

2009-07-10T22:58:00.003-04:00

I just signed in to post and realized that my last post was exactly a month ago today. That surprises me - it really seems like months since I've taken the time to sit and reflect on what is going on. I'm relieved that I have a chance to sit. I feel like I've been on my feet dealing with boxes for the past 3 months straight. That really is the darn truth. The past 2 months I loaded boxes and last week I began unloading them. I could reflect on how overwhelming it is to pack a box one day and 3 days later, in a different state, you have to unload the same box and find a place to put the stuff. BUT I'd rather report on all of the fun things we have seen and experienced these past 2 weeks.

We left Oak Ridge on Friday morning the 26th - after a quick trip to Asheville to pick up Caroline at camp. We ran by the house to pick up the last few things still there (and the dog) and then we headed to Union City for a few nights with Tim's parents. It was great to visit with them. We slept and ate and relaxed. It was exactly what I needed as I was at the brink of exhaustion.

Sunday we got up early to drive approximately 540 miles. As the miles increased on our odometer, the mercury on the thermometer also increased. By the time we arrived in Dallas, it was 104°. We saw 5 grass fires on the side of the highway within about 20 minutes. Our breaks with Sassafras were brief since it was so hot. She was a fabulous traveller, by the way. I think she loved her own private place in the back of the Yukon XL.

The movers were here when we arrived. They were quite hot. Kenny kept reminding me that he had lived in Dallas for 4 months and that was as long as he could take it. Lucky for them, the next 2 days were cloudy and cool, so it wasn't as unbearable as that first day. It hasn't rained yet since we've been here. One day we might have had a few drops, but not much at all. The kids don't mind, though. As long as it's sunny and hot, they can enjoy the pool as long as they can stand it.

I feel lost in the gigantic grocery stores here. The first trip I took was quite overwhelming and I stuck to the basics - milk, bread, tortillas, butter, eggs, etc. Later that day I decided to stop in at the Central Market. It was so amazing that I had to call Tim in the middle just to tell him how unbelievably unbelievable it was/is. It is most similar to Freshfields? in Kiawah and also similar to Fresh Market - but more like Fresh Market on steriods.

I am doing quite well getting around. If I drive out of my neighborhood and to the right, I can find most anything if I look around enough - and it's all within 7 minutes. Amazing. Time saving. Wallet threatening. HOT.

I think I'll close this post with my neighbor's statement today. He tells his Canadian family that he survives the summers here with 3 things - air conditioning, pools, and frozen margaritas. Yep. That's life in Southlake in a nutshell. Constantly seeking cool air - occasionally floating in the pool - and concocting any frozen beverage to sip before it melts in this extreme heat! I have a feeling my rarely used blender is going to be a permanent fixture on my counter!

A Picture That Says It All

2009-06-10T07:44:00.004-04:00

One last journal entry from Cole in his 1st grade class:

An Unusual Fortune

2009-05-04T10:51:00.006-04:00

I spent the weekend in Destin. It was sunny and warm - not a cloud in the sky. Well, there were a few on Saturday, but the sun was still out! I had the fun of surprising my friend Toni for her birthday. Her husband flew her in on Thursday night and we were waiting for her in the hotel lobby when she walked in.

I had so much fun with 3 girls who I hadn't seen in almost 5 years! We stayed up late, late, late and slept till we woke up. Since I was on Eastern Time, I was up earlier, so I read on the balcony overlooking the pool.

Friday we spent the day at the pool. We all had books, but I don't think any of us read a single word because we talked non-stop. Friday night we went to see "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" followed by dinner at PF Changs.

We were eating late, but couldn't pass up the Great Wall of Chocolate for Toni's birthday. I think we left exactly 1/2 a layer on the plate because we were already so full. My new favorite is the Dynomite Shrimp. It is delish!

As we left, we all got our usual fortune cookies. My fortune said "you will soon move into a wonderful new home"! What a stunning truth!

Saturday we coaxed our friend Debra to the beach. She really hates the sand and I think she spent most of the morning cleaning it out of her fingernails.

BUT we were thrilled to have her along in spite of the grit. Can you believe, out of the 4 of us, I was the only one to dip my toes in the water!? It was extremely cold, but there were quite a few brave souls out there in the surf!

We were on the beach for 6 hours non-stop. It was breezy and warm. I put my sunscreen to the test and continued to reapply.

It worked quite well, as I am only red in the spots that I missed. Unfortunately for Beth and Toni, they were both a bit lobster-ish yesterday.

Saturday night we enjoyed dinner at Commander's Palace on the patio. We had a great waiter to keep us entertained.

My favorite was the bread pudding souffle' which Toni and I each enjoyed. Beth had the 3-day Cheesecake, which was yummy!

My final day was eventful in the airport as we boarded and deplaned a few times while trying to work around tornadoes. I was a bit delayed, but got home before midnight. My wonderful husband greeted me with a smile at the door. It was a terrific getaway that I will always remember with great fondness. I think Toni was truly surprised to see me, which was fun.

Cole bounded out of bed this morning to tell me how excited he was yesterday because I was coming home. I think they all had a great time with their dad. On the way to school, Cole said it was one of the greatest weekends of his life. I think it was one of mine, too!

Ramsey Cascades

2009-05-04T10:02:00.009-04:00

My friend Laurel invited me to join her on a Wildflower Hike to Ramsey Cascades in April.

Below is part of the path bordered by Dwarf Crested Iris...

We joined a group for the day and made our way along the "strenuous" path to the 90 ft. waterfall. The scenery was wonderful.

We crossed several footbridges over the river and climbed from 2400 ft. to 4200 ft. Half way up we came to a clearing with 3 gigantic Tulip Poplars. They are over 7 ft. in diameter. I look tiny compared to those trees!

We were amazed by the roots protruding from the ground in the Old Forest. There were all sorts of ferns, columbine, violets, iris, and moss along the path.

The path was steep and rocky in some places - especially as we made our ascent to the top.

The last 1.5 miles were very steep and the final 200 ft. required us to climb large boulders to the rock ledge. It was well worth it! The view was amazing!

The hike down was a bit easier (after we got past the boulders). The birds kept us company all day. Plus, we saw one small chipmunk and a snake!

Aside from the falls, my favorite discovery was a tree that had fallen on it's side.

Where the roots had pulled up from the ground, wildflowers began to grow. It's hard to see the flowers, but when looking straight on, it was a wall of flowers.

We had an enjoyable "1-day" vacation from our daily routine. We were home by 4:00 - it was quite a workout! 8 miles in 4 hours, climbing almost 2000 ft. Whew! I was tired by the end of the trip but it was one I will never forget! Oh, and by the way, I captured a few sights and sounds for you while I was there....

The New House

2009-04-20T21:54:00.006-04:00

Here are some pics from our new house in Southlake!

the study....

living room (you walk into this room from foyer)...

the kitchen....

cool vegetable bins...

family room/keeping room ...

hammered copper sink in gameroom...

bathroom downstairs - trying to figure out who will deal best with this sink!...

master bedroom...

pool....

back patio...

cute and faithful friend who assisted in the picture taking!!

I'm desperate for blogging material, can you tell?

Hiking to the Chimneys

2009-04-13T11:46:00.008-04:00

We had the most beautiful day yesterday! Usually Easter in East Tennessee is rainy and cold, but this year we had a sunny day that was somewhat warm! Yippee!

We went to an early church service and hurried home to change clothes for a day in the mountains. We drove about 90 minutes and ate a quick lunch.

Then we set off for a journey up the mountain to find the Chimney Tops! It's been about 14 years since we hiked it last.

and last time I was hungry and grumpy. It was more difficult than I remembered - even on a full stomach!

Cole was a trooper - he offered several times to sit on a log and wait for us to go up and come back down. However, when Tim told him that we didn't want to leave him in case a black bear came along, he decided to hop up off his stoop and climb some more.

and some more....

Finally, we got to the top.

Evidently the trail to the very, very top was closed, so the only option was to climb the shear face of rocks to the summit.

I remember those rocks from the past and decided (like I thought back then) that those people were crazy! So we didn't get all the way up - but we did see most of the scenery.

It took about 1-1/2 hours to get to the top, and a little over an hour to get back down.

The boys practically ran down.

There were many bridges over the river and water falls galore!

The sounds were wonderful as we could hear the water most of the way up and down.

On the way out of the park, we were even treated to a rare black bear sighting! There was a mama and her cub just down from "A Quiet Walkway" where the road is up on a bluff looking down on a wooded area.

These were the first bears we have seen in the Smokies!

It was a wonderful finish to an adventurous day!

April Fools Dinner

2009-04-13T11:29:00.005-04:00

We had a delectable dinner on April Fools this year! Thanks to my friend, Nancy, who recommended this very appetizing dinner - Octopus Soup!

I hurried home from Bible Study to throw the broth together - carrots, onions, asparagus, Old Bay Seasoning and water. I let it simmer for a few hours to help the flavors and aroma tease us into thinking that we were having a tasty soup! Just before serving, I added octopus and squid. As you can see, the kids were not too sure about it.

Brooks' look says it all!

Caroline wouldn't even look at it...Cole was hoping we were just kidding...

This was the most fun I've had in a long time!

and no, we didn't eat it!

Spring Break

2009-03-26T15:17:00.009-04:00

We had our Spring Break last week. It began as a very, very rainy vacation but ended with warm weather. I love Spring because the sun arrives after a very long absence. The gray days of January and February blow on by and we can bask in the sunshine.

Tim and I decided that we would stay close to home this year. There were lots of places we had yet to take the kids and our time in this area is drawing to a close. Our first stop was the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Caroline had been before at the age of 16 months and Brooks was a mere ball in my tummy. March was not a beautiful time to visit, as the flowers were not yet in bloom, but we were still awed by the mansion. We took an audio tour which lasted approximately 2 hours. Our favorite rooms were: the bedroom of Edith Dresser Vanderbilt, the bowling alley, the winter garden, and the library. We even got to spend time in the rarely shown personal library of George Vanderbilt. He had over 23,000 books in his collection.

We also travelled into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Cataloochee area where we could see the Elk. The Park began re-introducing Elk into the area in February, 2001. We took an extremely rustic, winding road through the junk yards of North Carolina before we reached our destination. However, the ride was rewarded by the viewing of over 30 live Elk - some within 50 feet of our car. The largest rack we found had 11 points!

Sunday we travelled to Sevierville to stay at the Wilderness Lodge Water Park Resort. We had a good time - especially the boys. They rode all of the slides over and over, and played in the wave pool. The 2nd morning, Caroline and I detoured to the outlet mall. Amazingly enough, I am no longer much of a water park girl. Guess it's because I am now 40 (gasp)!

Our next stop was Abingdon, VA. We ate at a local pizzeria - Cole was astonished that you could go to a restaurant where they only made pizza. It was a relatively long wait, but the pizza was perfect on a chilly, rainy night and we all had a good time.

The next morning we got up to ride down the Virginia Creeper Trail. We travelled to a local bike shop in Damascus, VA to rent our bikes. The shop then took us by van to the end of the trail and dropped us off.

The Creeper is a 17 mile bike trip down a gradual slope. We coasted most of the trail (descending 1800 ft.) - the last 4 miles are flat. The scenery was beautiful and the trees were beginning to sprout new leaves. We crossed 30 bridges and enjoyed the sounds of the river most of the way down. The last several miles were a laugh a minute as we all lamented our numb bums! Tim even negotiated a deal with Cole. If Cole would quit whining and complaining on the trail, Tim guaranteed that we would not have lunch at Subway. Cole took him up on that (he hates Subway) and didn't utter one more gripe for the last 20 minutes. Gotta love a creative dad!

We travelled back home Tuesday night for Tim to be back at work on Wednesday. While cooped up in the hotel rooms, the kids discovered "Jon and Kate Plus 8" - they wanted to watch every single episode! We even offered to rent a movie, but they all declined and opted to watch that family's craziness! Craziness indeed - we only have 4 and our life is hectic enough!

The Results... (drumroll, please!)

2009-03-12T11:41:00.013-04:00

Let me start my day by saying THANK YOU to my faithful friends who have encouraged, prodded, and inquired about my progress on the goals I set for myself last April. I especially want to thank my wonderful husband who has orchestrated many of the events - ensuring that I would accomplish a few of the lofty goals I dreamily jotted down.

No, I can't check them all off today. I took the liberty to revise a few. I am excited to show you all I have done in the past 365 days....

Ok, here's the nitty gritty:

Accomplishments.....

1. I did 40 miles. Didn't run them all, walked a bunch of them with friends, some were done in step class, I think I ran over half - and the rest were on foot but slower with chatting.

2. Climbed Mt. LeConte and LOVED it! My favorite goal of all. The only way up is on foot, and the only way down, too. We had the prettiest 2 days for hiking - blue skies all around. We even hiked through snow at the top.

3. I read 40 books. If you want to see what I read, become my friend on goodreads.com. They are dated with some reviews I wrote. I'd love to be your friend and see what you read, too!

4. I know a bit more about graphic art. Enough to know how to design a page and describe it to the one coding for me!

5. No piano lessons in this town. I would like to pick it up again in the next few years. Our unexpected move put a crimp in this goal.

6. Tim learned to add ringtones to my phone - and I'd do it this week - but I washed the darn iphone on Monday and it is no longer in service. AGHHHHHH!

7. I think my kids would still say I need to play more games. But I am the only one who has beaten Cole at Go Fish!

8. I painted 2 bathrooms in the house - after taking down the wallpaper!

9. I can now read enough HTML to edit my entries. I'd still like to be able to know more.

10. I had 2 formal parties and served dinner to an extra family of 4 almost every Thursday last summer while their kitchen was being revamped. I'm checking this one off!

11. I understand "travelling" in basketball a little better; although I still think it's hard to see.

12. I will be taking up tennis once I am living in Texas. I'm hoping to join a bi-weekly group already in progress! Yippee!!!

13. My freezer is loaded with meals and I've been making some fresh ones, too. I think I am in control - just in time for baseball season (back to sandwiches again)!

14. My dear friend Shanda and I had a garage sale last June. It was great fun. The kids sold lemonade while her husband Tom acted as a tremendous salesmen. We sold a ton and had the best time together. My Aunt Marilyn even helped me set up the night before! (Tim was carting boys to and from the ball field).

15. I took pictures of Caroline's bedding to sell on Ebay - then we decided to stick with what she had and her room looks so cute!

16. Cole is a super reader! He loves Junie B and Magic Tree House. He's also into reading the funnies in the paper - just like his older brother, Brooks!

17. Last fall I sat with my friend Vina and scored a whole baseball game - and it was the official score book! Quite an accomplishment. (I only lost track once!)

18. Tonight I am watching the end of The Bourne Ultimatum. I have enjoyed all 3!

19. This one is interesting. All boxes are unpacked from our move into this house. We have already packed a few boxes in anticipation of our upcoming move to Texas. I am overwhelmed with the thought of packing it all up again!

20. The chocolate chip pancakes were gone in minutes at the Pancake Pantry. Yummy as always!

21. Ok, I didn't take yoga, but I did start BodyFlow which is similar and I love it!

22. Caroline's friends loved the Chocolate Fountain Birthday Party!

23. Did not take a cooking class, but I did watch two entire seasons of Top Chef - does that count? My favorite was this past season and Carla was my favorite competitor!

24. Reed and I took a short jaunt along the Appalachian Trail on his field trip to Clingman's Dome.

25. Tim and I really did go skinny dipping in St. Maarten for all of 5 minutes - in rough surf! Gotta love the sign in the parking lot (which we saw after we returned to the car) - specifically the "nudity is prohibited" part:

26. I am still contemplating a 5k in May.

27. I took all 4 kids on a cub scout overnight camping trip (while Tim was in Nashville). Caroline and Brooks assembled the tent. I had a great time and I decided Hobo packs tasted pretty good. I was freezing the whole night, even though I had the "warmest" sleeping bag!

Reed participated in a ceremony to retire old flags on this campout. He retired one that his grandfather had flown on their flagpole. It was my first time to witness this type of ceremony, too!

28. My mom bought me a belly dancing kit for our cruise. I actually tried the sport and determined that I am not very good. Vina assures me that if you work the muscles, your stomach really will roll. I must just need more practice. Oh, and my parents brought back a belly dancing sarong from Egypt for me - with dangles and all. No, I don't have any pictures to share.

29. Our basement has been vacuumed twice and is clean!

30. I have enjoyed participating in the BodyJam classes, but I don't go often enough!

31. I am stuck in April from last year in my "read the Bible through in a year" book.

32. We had the best ski trip to Snowshoe, WV, over MLK weekend. All of us had the fun of skiing a few blacks!

33. I'm an inch away from the splits. I forgot this was one of my goals, so I am going to keep stretching until I get there again.

34. 10 new foods I tried: blood sausage, fungi, pompano, yucca, alligator - fried & jerky, plantains at The Parrot Club, brussel sprouts, Temptation Melon, sail fish, and persimmons from my backyard - YUCK!

35. I have had more questions from salespeople when I spout off my credit card number - having it memorized makes ordering via the internet so much easier!

36. The kids and I have had several occasions to do new things this year. We've camped, travelled to see friends in Alabama, ridden bikes, hiked, and more! They are such a blessing to me!

37. I think I could identify a copperhead - right before running in the opposite direction. Next I need to refresh my recognition of rattlers and cottonmouths!

38. I am not very good at Guitar Hero, although I can get to the medium level on "Hit Me With Your Best Shot"!

39. Ok, so rowing again was not a possibility. They didn't offer any other classes this year.

40. I'm leaving the 1/2 marathon for another year. If it is any consolation, I did hike 14 miles round trip to Mt. LeConte and back. Plus, my friend Deanna, invited me to do the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk next year - it's 60 miles total. I'd better get to training for that one!

It's been a busy year just trying to check off all 40 of these goals! I am planning to continue with my goal setting; however, I don't plan to have 40 every year. Our move to Texas will bring a new level of excitement and stress as I attempt to adjust to another new city - and as I help 4 children adapt to their new environment. I may just need to consider "our adjustment" to be all 41 goals for next year.

WooHoo! That's 40 goals (most with a check) and I'm off to my day of celebration! 'Cause I'm 40 and doing my best to embrace it! :)

Look Out Wisdom, Here I Come!

2009-03-12T09:24:00.002-04:00

I've been a little behind in my Bible study homework lately. My trip to Texas and an illness the week before precluded me from working as diligently as I usual. In the past several years, at this point in my studies, I have usually already quit doing the homework. So, I was extra proud of myself for making up my work before the video started yesterday morning.

I'm in the middle of Beth Moore's study of Esther. It has been wonderful so far. I loved the third week when I learned that many, many other women feel "it's tough being a woman in a mean world"! I was absolutely and completely relieved that some other women find living difficult! The next week we talked about how "it's tough being a woman when beauty is a treatment" - well, I would agree back then that those treatments were probably a bit different from today. I do enjoy a little special treatment now and again, and again, and again.

Anyway, as I was "catching up" yesterday I found a sentence that was unexpectedly applicable to my current situation. "In my opinion, a woman only grows lovelier the first four decades of her life. Then, as they say, she grows wise. (Wise enough to pick the right hair color, I hope)." Thank you very much, Beth Moore.

So, here I am on the eve of my 40th birthday. I guess you could say this is my very last day to become any lovelier. It's my last 18 hours and 50 minutes to increase in beautifulness, deliciousness, delicateness, pleasantness, adorableness, stunningness, scrumptiousness, and pulchritudinousness - thanks to the Thesaurus. Today I will avoid (for one more day) becoming awful, disagreeable, drab, homely, ugly, and unsightly. Lucky for me - and for you!

I really don't know what to think about this news. I mean, really, it makes me want to just crawl back into bed and give up. Although, I do think there is some good to becoming wise. I can count many occasions when I've thought back on comments I've made and thought, "hmm, that wasn't a wise thing to say". I know plenty of women who are older than me (and since I'll be 40 tomorrow, that means they have already ended their first 4 decades). I certainly esteem them for their wisdom. I look to them for advice. I look to them for parenting pearls. I look to them for coping strategies, to determine which wrinkle cream really works, and what to eat to avoid the pot belly. I even look to them for beauty suggestions - like whether I should go gray, or not. Guess what!?! I never noticed that they were no longer lovely!!!

Lovely, as defined by the Free Online Dictionary, means: "full of love; inspiring love or affection; beauty that appeals to the emotions as well as the eye; enjoyable; delightful; a beautiful person, especially a woman". Ok, so the end of my 4th decade is arriving at 4:29 am tomorrow morning. I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT! and no, I'm not pregnant.

I am planning to use all of the NEW wisdom I will be gaining to figure out how to stay LOVELY for the rest of my life!

Thirteen

2009-03-11T16:36:00.012-04:00

How on earth did I ever become the mother of a 13 year old? Well, obviously, I know how I became a mother, but how has my daughter already lived for 13 years? I'll tell you how she's lived. Sweetly, harmoniously, and nurturingly.

She takes care of her brothers. She takes care of herself. She takes care of friends. She'd prefer not to take care of the gekko. She's not caring for the crickets and she avoids feeding the dog... but she will pet Sassafras, especially when it's bedtime. She even takes care of me occasionally. Last week she made a cake for her grandfather on his 80th birthday!

She is quite agreeable to joining in most activities. She loves to play games, especially with her cousins. She is astonished by the conniving and cruelty this age can bring. She is independent and enjoys time to herself. She loves to text and is happy to now be a member of Facebook.

Since the age of, ummm, 17 months, she's been nurturing. Brooks was born 3 days before she was 17 months old. She has always been happy to care for her brothers, from the birth of the very first one! She's observant and inquisitive. She's responsible and dependable.

We're moving to Texas and she is excited. She loves to make new friends and is always happy for a new adventure. Of course, the promise of nearby shopping is also exciting. (here she is meeting Amy, James, Teresa, and Sydney for the first time!)

and meeting Deanna....

Here she is meeting Elisabeth, Eppy, Amy A, with Sharalynn at E's baby shower... (don't look at my hair - I think it was in haircut shock!)

She loved her camp experience at Hollymont last year. She's a Choctaw by tribe (camping tribe, that is) - just like her mom. She can't wait to repeat the trip again this year.

We surprised her with two special presents this year. First, we are planning a trip to New York City to stay with a very special friend of mine, Sharalynn. We are hoping to go this summer after we move. (here she is meeting Sharalynn and Tim for the first time!)

Secondly, I bought an amethyst ring in Austria when I was fourteen years old. I wore that ring on my left hand until Tim replaced it with an engagement ring! I had the stones re-set in white gold for Caroline and was thrilled to present it to her - after all - the amethyst is her birthstone!

This year her birthday fell on Friday. It was the same night as the 7th/8th grade semi-formal. We had a dinner party for 7 of her closest friends - complete with stuffed shells and the chocolate fountain. They had a great time together. I'm quite sure it was a night she will never forget.

Thirteen years ago that night, I was experiencing an evening I'll never forget, either. February 20, 1996, was my first night to discover the excitement and wonder that the birth of a new baby daughter would bring.

Ah, the memories!

Update

2009-03-07T07:09:00.002-05:00

I haven't given up - really! I have debated putting the old blog down for good, but I can't bear to do it. Thanks to my 6 or 7 faithful readers. I have a meter on my page to gauge the reading activity. I thought it was so much fun last year to see the cities represented as people visited. I've had many from cities I had never heard from. Believe it or not, there have been tons of hits from far-away countries. Don't worry, I can't tell WHO is reading... only WHERE you are reading from. The saddest and most alarming fact is that those reading from other countries were only interested in "The Naked Girl at the Slumber Party" post. I'm sure they were disappointed upon finding my post. Nothing but good, clean fun on this site!

So, this short note serves 2 purposes. First, to tell you I am planning to revive the old blog. Second, to erase "Torture" from the top of the blog. My friends are advising that I really should take down my post entitled "Torture" with a picture of Tim and I . Evidently it's bad PR.

Hang in there, my friends! This is a big week for me and I have lots to report!

Torture

2009-01-30T21:06:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure how I did it, but I managed to marry a man (or should I say boy since we were barely 22??) whose birthday is on Christmas Eve. He claims that the date has always been great for him. As the baby of 5 children, with the others quite a bit older, he loved a birthday near Christmas since his sisters and brothers always made it home to celebrate with him. However, as his wife and the mother of 4, I find his birthday overwhelming. In fact, I vow every year to celebrate his day in June. His "halvy birthday" if you will, just to give myself a break as I try to rack my brain for the perfect gift.

This year Tim assured me that he really didn't need anything. He'd just made a few major purchases and I didn't need to give him much. I was really going along with the whole plan, until December 23rd when the Guilt began to come over me. He is the ultimate gift giver and he manages to surprise me in some fashion every darn year. Are you beginning to get an idea of the pressure I endure at Christmastime? I manage gifts for the kids AND I really need to find some sort of treat for my man, as well. I decided to trek over to Knoxville for one last gift for Reed and while listening to the radio, I had a brainstorm. We needed Satellite Radio. I've attempted to give it to him before, but he always nips the idea before it has time to fully blossom in my mind. This year, however, I hadn't mentioned it. Therefore, the gift was really right there among my (not) lengthy list of gift choices.

He opened the carefully wrapped brochures and produced his wonderfully warm smile. I really think he liked it! I was thrilled that I had come up with yet another last minute surprise for him. Well, a few weeks later, our satellite is hooked up and working and we are loving the variety it adds to our MANY car rides to Knoxville. In fact, on our trip home from dinner the other night, all 6 of us sang "Livin' On A Prayer" in unison. Thanks to Guitar Hero, our children know the lyrics, and Tim and I remember them from 20 years ago.

Variety, sing-alongs, laughs, and torture. Yep. That is what satellite radio really brings to this mama. I have 2 children who are now old enough to join me in the front seat. Caroline and I have very similar tastes in music. She seems to be pretty agreeable to any choice I make and it's the same for me. The torture rears it's ugly head when 11 year old Brooks is my passenger. First of all, he likes to surf. He finds a song he likes and continues to search for the next best choice. Fiddling is distracting and annoying for this almost 40 year old. Plus, he has a few friends who like what I consider to be "heavy rock"; therefore, Brooks is fully entranced with the sounds of the drums and yelling rather than singing.

My patience is thin. My ears are sensitive. My heart is light. I don't need head-banging in my life. Tonight I reached my limit. Some song was on that was popular when I was in high school came on the station he picked. I didn't like it then and I certainly don't like it now. I just had to tell it like it was... we are NOT listening to Boneyard while I am driving. In fact, it was all I could do to refrain from switching right over to the elevator channel. After all, that's what my parents did when I was a teenager. They pretended to like elevator music everytime I was in the car. I remember asking my dad if he really liked it or if he was just trying to make me suffer. He said he did, but I suspect that my parents just needed the smooth tunes to keep their sanity. Saving sanity... now that's a subject I am just beginning to understand. Maybe Satellite has a channel that can help me save mine.

Doing the Math

2009-01-27T10:16:00.006-05:00

This is a big year for us. Well, I guess you could consider Tim's big year as 2008, if we focus on the year he turned 40. It hasn't been long, though. Today he is 40 years, 1 month, and 3 days. Our kids like to count their ages down to the minute - especially Reed, our numbers boy.

January, February, and the first 12 days of March are my favorites. These are the few days when I am noticeably younger than my husband. I tend to rub it in as his days continue to add up. However, as we get closer to my birthday, my gloating subsides and I prepare myself for age equality. Yes, my 40th is looming and my list is not yet finished. I still have quite a lot of running to do. I am not optimistic that all will be completed. I am optimistic; however, that I will hit the big 40 very soon - God willing!

The other day Cole was eating lunch while I was cleaning the kitchen. He was rambling on and on about various topics and I was polishing the cabinets (I don't usually clean this diligently, but I am about to put the house on the market). Somehow his conversation topic turned to math and he wanted me to listen to his addition facts! He had come to the realization that all 6 of us are really 40. Cole added all of the kids' ages and came up with an amazing fact. Add Caroline's 12 years to Brooks' 11 years, plus Reed's 10 years and Cole's 7 - guess what!?! They are 40! and so is Tim. He was lumping me in to the "40" crowd....

Ha ha ha!!! I'm not 40 yet! I still have 45 days. I'd better head to the gym. I promised 40 miles this year and I think I've only run 5. Yikes! Surely I can check this off before I do hit the grand old age of my husband!

Pizza Stuff

2009-01-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a recipe for you to try. It is fairly easy to prepare... you just have to plan ahead. Pizza Stuff is Reed's all-time favorite dinner. I make it for our monthly church lunch, too, and it disappears in no time. One of our friends calls it Pizza Sandwich. It really doesn't matter what you call it - but you'd better make a double batch - or you might not get any!

2 loaves of Rhodes frozen bread

1 pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese

15 slices hard salami

1 pound ground hot sausage, cooked

banana peppers

Pizza Sauce

Remove frozen bread and place on 2 cookie sheets. Rub each loaf with butter and lay waxed paper on top. Leave the bread to thaw for several hours. Ideally, the bread will be thawed and not too cold when you begin to work with it. If you leave it out all day, it will work, but it will begin to rise and you will have to punch it down before rolling.

Once thawed, roll the bread out with a rolling pin to the size of the cookie sheet. Do the same with the second loaf. Cover one rolled loaf with salami. You can overlap the pieces, or spread them out, depending on how much you want. Next spread the sausage on top of the salami. Spread 1/3 of the cheese on top of the sausage to hold the inside together, then top with banana peppers. Spread the remaining cheese on top. Take the other rolled loaf and fold it in half. Lift it off of the cookie sheet and place on top of the other loaf and filling. Unfold and pull the entire top layer to cover the bottom layer. Pinch the edges all the way around.

Bake at 350° until the top is brown (approximately 20 minutes). I move it to the bottom rack for the last 7 minutes to ensure that the bottom crust is crispy. Cut it with a pizza cutter and serve with pizza sauce for dipping!

Other options: I occasionally add fresh mushrooms, jalapeno peppers for the adults!

By the way, the above pictures show a batch that was cooked a little too long. It should be light brown on top to avoid dryness!

Freezing Fun

2009-01-21T15:16:00.003-05:00

We had a great weekend skiing in Snowshoe. We arrived as weary travelers on Friday night around 10:30 pm. The drive is 5 hours on the interstate, plus about 2 through the mountains on dark switchbacks. I really hate the drive. I feel like we are on the road to nowhere - it's always dark when we are headed up the mountain and it seems to take forever! Having a GPS did help this year, at least I could look down at the map to see how many more miles we had to go. We recently subscribed to satellite radio, which added to our listening enjoyment. But it was still arduous as we climbed up and around.

We went to bed in -8° weather. We woke up to ski in temps near 0°. The resort was pretty crowded Saturday morning, so ski rental lines were extra long. Tim and I started skiing 5 years ago with the kids. It has always amazed me to realize just how long it can take to get 6 people dressed in 15 layers each. It takes an extra measure of patience, because as you layer up, you begin to sweat while dressing others AND it is a constant struggle to keep little hands out of the snow before we set out for the day. You see, if little hands start out in wet gloves, then the mouth of said little hands will soon be complaining about 1/2 way down the very first slope! So, add in long rental lines, and we weren't ready to set out until just before lunch. It wouldn't be long before those little mouths were starving!

Anyway, we finally made it down the mountain with a few snowboard crashes, but none as scary as Reed's dive off the mountain last year. The high on Saturday was 12°. It was vedy, vedy, chilly. Caroline and I seem to be the only ones that suffer from "cold hands and feet syndrome", so our day was especially cold. We did enjoy the chance to ski in the afternoon while Reed and Cole took private lessons. We even traversed a black slope - yep! - that's another check off for my 40 list! Yahoo!!!

Sunday began with a loud yelp and a tremendous amount of decision making on the part of these parents. As so often happens, Cole and Reed had a small skirmish over an "I Spy" card, Reed's elbow hit Cole's chin, which in turn, hit Cole's chipped but repaired tooth and knocked the darn repairing stuff off! We had to dig the car out of the freshly fallen snow, scrape the windows down without an ice scraper (now, who would go skiing without one???), and drive to a place where we had cell coverage. We called Dr. Pete for a consultation and agreed that we would head home to once again repair and protect that darn tooth. Well, we decided after breakfast to rebel against our better judgement and stay for the day, then we would head home at first light on Monday.

Once we got out on the slopes, the day was great. The slopes were crowded, but the kids were just flying down the mountain. I don't even think we had any wipeouts! It was warmer and the snow was perfect. Cole kept telling us how great he was feeling. He really didn't want to have to go home early. I especially enjoyed watching the kids go down the mountain. I strategically place myself at the end of the Ragsdale gang, so if someone crashes, I can help gather skiis and poles (I am also slower than the rest, so it's a good excuse). My favorite part this year was watching Cole follow Tim down the mountain. Cole stayed about a ski's length behind all the way down. I felt better with Cole behind him - that ensured that Cole's speed was controlled. Otherwise, he just chooses to go straight down, never paying much attention to prospective obstacles like incoming traffic and firmly planted trees!

Sunday night we ate dinner at a hot dog bar while watching the Cardinals beat the Eagles. The kids enjoyed the chance to create their own dog with toppings. They always enjoy a swim at the Split Rock Pools. There is a fun slide indoors with 3 hot tubs and a large pool outside. It was freezing outside, but the cold didn't bother them. Brooks organized a "how big a man are ya?" contest. They started out in the big pool, climbed out and followed a path around the pool till they got to a snow-covered lounge chair. They had to lie down in the chair, then walk as slowly as they could to the slide, and take a quick trip down the slide into the pool. Reed took a pass on the lounge chair part saying, "no way am I getting in that chair"! Brooks created it, so of course, he completed it. Cole is always quick to join in the fun. He laughed all the way through the course. Boys, boys, boys. They are a bunch of fun! Caroline was lost in her book the whole time. Have I mentioned that she turns 13 next month?

Monday we got up and packed the car. The snow was falling fast and the car was once again covered! After loading the car, we skiied out from our condo and spent the morning enjoying the fresh powder. This was a grand finale to our Snowshoe trips. We will most likely not ski here again, so having the best snow of all 5 of our trips was wonderful. The slopes were no longer crowded and we could ski all of the trails to our hearts' content. We even took 2 black slopes as a family - it was a fabulous day!

We have many happy memories in Snowshoe, WV. Once you get up there, it's like living in another world. I have always enjoyed the escape this vacation provides for our very busy family of 6. Tim and all of the kids learned to ski up there. We will never forget our family fun in West Virginia!

Ten

2009-01-15T11:46:00.008-05:00

With the stroke of midnight, our third child happily entered into the realm of "double digits". On Sunday, Reed excitedly announced his own personal countdown to the exact minute when he would move out of the "single digits" of his life. In fact this morning, he reported that he was "exactly 5 hours, 37 minutes old. I suggested that he add 10 years to that number. Make that 10 years, 5 hours, and 37 minutes!

There is so much to love about this boy. First of all, he has his daddy's grin.

He loves to laugh and joke, which brings about the biggest smile. Just like his dad. He is a number lover. He's always been quick with math problems. He especially likes mind benders and word problems that take deep thought and concentration. He can whip out an answer in his head in no time. Memorizing is easy for Reed. He memorizes every piano piece he plays. Charlie Brown, 007, and Carol of the Bells are his most recent favorites. He likes songs that are fast and loud and I frequently hear him humming as he plays his songs. He is planning to take up the saxophone just as soon as he can. He would also like to play the drums and the guitar. He is full of musical talent and rhythm.

This year has brought about some firsts. Reed adopted soccer as his sport of choice. He learned the lingo and technique needed to help him develop into a very successful player. He's aggressive yet gentle, competitive, and very serious about the game. When we told him we were moving, the very first question he asked was, "what about my soccer?"

Homework is now a routine. He comes home from school and heads straight up to finish it all as quickly as possible. He always makes his bed and straightens his room. Hmmm, you must have a few of your mom's genes! However, unlike your mom, you are obsessive about arriving on time. You know exactly how long it takes to get to school in the morning, whether we make all of the lights or not. It's all about numbers and watching the clock - let the count down begin - no matter where we go.

I would say this year you also developed a love for books. The Hatchet series really caught your interest, or was it the movie you accidentally started at the Lester's house??

Reed was an usher in Cousin Adam's wedding this summer.

He had a good time, but once it was all over, he wasn't too wild about the tuxedo! His favorite part was filling up at the candy bar!

Reed continues to love football - especially Manning football. The Colts are his fave, although the Giants are a close second. This year the Cowboys are also getting a serious look, but they didn't even make the playoffs! After last week's playoff disappointments, I'm not exactly sure who gets his vote, but be assured, he'll be glued to the games with serious attention.

He's an enthusiastic Webelo Scout. This week he crafted a pocket knife holster. He stripped his own walking stick and has the blisters to prove it! Campouts and bonfires are definitely his thing.

As his mom, I treasure the daily hugs he shares. He is always helpful and has a happy, willing heart. He memorized his 2 favorite Bible verses recently. He found them on his own and committed them to memory right away.

If I were to report on his favorite food this year? It would be a tie between Pizza Stuff and chocolate. He loves anything chocolate - bagels, candy, cakes, cookies, and muffins. He won't eat banana bread unless I add chocolate chips. He loves chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate ice cream. He used to eat anthing with ketchup on it (eggs, mac & cheese, peanut butter & jelly), but now it's chocolate. Lace it with chocolate and he'll gobble it right up!

The funniest things you did this year? You counted the assembled pieces in the 1000 piece puzzle Dad was working and reported that he only had 763 more to go. We all got a good laugh out of that one! Happy Birthday, Reed Hollis! I am proud of you and I love you bunches!

Change

2009-01-15T11:07:00.003-05:00

It's freezing here today. Literally! I think the high is around 25°. I suggested that Cole wear his warm jeans today (they are lined with flannel) but he said he was saving them for tomorrow - cause it's only going to be 9°! I assured him that he could wear them both days, because it was super cold today, too! It was only 11° when got up today. BRRRR.

I am stranded in the house because we are having the house painted. Well, not completely painted, but today they are repainting basement walls. Next week they will be painting the master bath, and last week they painted part of the kitchen and the bonus room. All of this preparation just to move out within the next 6 months. I actually think we are going to re-tile the kitchen, too. What a mess it will make.

We are starting to slowly move in the southwesterly direction. Tim finally submitted all of his Texas licensing requirements. The new office manager will soon begin hospital credentialing and insurance approval. Transferring this time seems a bit more complicated than 5 years ago, but only because Texas has such cumbersome licensing requirements!

Once we list the house, I will again become the crazy, anally cleaning mom. I am trying to prepare myself for reasonableness, but it's hard to not clean, straighten, vaccuum, dust, etc., when you know people will be looking through every cabinet and closet! I've given up the idea of cleaning out - we just moved a 18 months ago - so there just isn't much to get rid of around here!

Our plan is to move sometime at the end of June (after baseball and camp is over) and then we will journey across the state of Tennessee, down through Arkansas, to our new home in the DFW area. It is always exciting to dream of a new house, new friends, new church, new schools. But we are all experiencing the truth of how painful it will be to leave our beloved friends in Tennessee. What has been the ordinary for 5 years, will no longer be our life. The friends we planned to "grow up with" will grow and change, and we will be limited to Christmas cards, emails, and phone calls. Leaving the people is going to be the saddest for all of us. I am sure we will be able to replace most of what makes us happy in Oak Ridge, but we won't find the same people. Yes, there will be new friends, but as we found as we left Mississippi, we will never find anyone to replace those who have touched our hearts during our years in this town.

The sadness has been prevalent in the past few months. I would throw our plans out the window, if I didn't truly see God's plan for us in this change. No matter how I look at it, I fully believe that His hand has been prompting us to move. What began on July 22 as a seemingly abrupt thought, has shown itself to be a complete change of direction for our future. We will no longer hear Rocky Top at every sporting event, the four seasons will not be as obvious, we will be surrounded by tumbleweed rather than rhododendrons, and we will revert back to beef bbq. Our children will most likely attend Texas camps and colleges. All of that is good, though. Texas has so much to offer and the people are full of hospitality.

I am dreading our good-byes, and overwhelmed at the thought of packing up (again) and starting over (again), but I am waiting in great expectation for the adventure He has planned in the great state of Texas!

The Worst Day

2008-12-08T09:07:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we experienced a little bit of trauma in our family. We had a great morning at church which was followed by a quick lunch at Panera - our kids' favorite place to have soup in a breadbowl. We headed home to tidy up before the rest of the day began.

I was in the laundry room folding clothes, when I heard a scream from Cole that made me want to dash up the stairs to find him. Evidently Tim read the scream the way I did because he was already half way there by the time I got moving. Since he was on his way, I slowed down and continued up to see what had happened. My heart quickened once again when I heard Tim saying, "go get your mom, go get your mom"! Of course by then, I was in full panic mode as I tried to imagine what would constitute my need to be there, when Tim (who is always calm and objective) was there already. So, you can only imagine my apprehension as I rounded the corner and got to the top of the stairs. I could see Tim and Cole standing in the bathroom and I was looking all over for signs of blood. The floor and carpet were still white, but Tim's face was not looking good and Cole was hysterical. As he turned to see me, with tears streaming down his face, I noticed that he was missing something. He had broken one of his permanent front teeth - it now looked like a triangle, rather than the beautiful white rectangle that had been there just minutes before.

I picked the poor baby up and took him away from the mirror as I tried to settle him down, and Tim went off to find the remnants of his tooth. I held him as tight as I could, and he cried, "this is the worst day of my entire life"! I wanted to burst into tears for him. A broken tooth in the very front will be there for the rest of his life. How insightful for him to realize what a sad event he'd just endured. I don't know if you've even broken a tooth, but when it happens, your tongue just keeps messing with the deformity. I don't know why - it is wierd - but it's like the brain just keeps sending the tongue to see if the tooth is repaired yet.

Tim went downstairs to call Dr. Pete, a good friend of our family. He asked a few questions and then told Tim to bring him to the office and he would fix our Cole up! Cole was settling down and we began to get him ready to go. Reed came in and saw the damage and his first comment was, "Cole, if you could just break the other one off, you'd look like a vampire"! I didn't think that was very funny, but Cole sure did. I think he even contemplated it for a second. Brooks came in and sat with him for a few minutes and told him some facts about Mars. Caroline was close by, too, helping him with her hugs and compassionate comments.

Dr. Pete was terrific. He checked the situation out and molded some bonding material to the broken tooth. He was his usual happy and encouraging self - cracking jokes and talking 90 miles a minute. Cole was a trooper. He didn't cry anymore after the initial accident. He was so still in Pete's chair and was patient through the entire procedure. I wasn't feeling quite as calm, but he was calm, cool, and collected.

As the day went on, I was able to rehash the entire afternoon. I think our children helped Cole in their reaction just as much or more than Tim and I did. Reed brought humor to the situation - and everyone who is familiar with our little Cole knows how much he loves to laugh. Brooks and Caroline didn't hesitate to rush in with a hug and an encouraging word. Who thinks to talk about Mars at a time like that? Caroline immediately revamped her afternoon plans with a friend to allow both Tim and I to go to Pete's office. The 3 older kids helped Cole, Tim, and I by making things feel less serious and complicated.

A horrible thing happened today, yet as I think about it in relation to the rest of his life, I hope he's right. If a broken front tooth is the worst thing that will ever happen to him in his life, then I'll take it.

Seven

2008-12-01T10:01:00.002-05:00

a post that's just a month late!!

He's SEVEN today. Our little Cole Franklin. I have to be careful - he won't be "little"much longer, although I have to say that I think he loves being the youngest in our family. This boy is full of fire - everyday, all day long. He's been that way since he was in my belly. The day he arrived was a celebration for all. It ended my life as a pregnant woman - huge as I was (51 lbs heavier than normal)!

Seven years of fun began on this 24th day. He was due on Halloween, but I convinced the doctor that I really wanted to be home from delivering long before the 31st! Caro, Brooks and Reed couldn't wait to meet our "boo baby". What would he look like and when would he be able to walk and talk?

Cole, you are a blast! People always say you talk with your eyes and you laugh all of the time.

I watched those eyes change from blue to green as yellow streaks emerged around the age of 1. I thought for sure you would join your sister as a blue eyed child, but at the last minute, you surprised us all and now your eyes are green. Yes, you have filled our lives with surprises.

Cole, you might be my fourth child, but you have provided many firsts. You were the first to insist (with incessant crying) that I drive around in the middle of the night until you fell asleep. I always said "I'll never do that!". You were the first to refuse all baby food. How could you eat real food when you had no teeth and were less than 1?? You surprised me and mashed everything with those little gums. You were the first to write on my walls with a Sharpie marker and the first to play in the dishwasher detergent. Maybe I should say you were the only one. You were just trying to help at the age of 18 months - dumping the gel in the dispenser, right were it belongs. 'Cause "I can do it BY MYSELF"! You were the youngest to jump off the high dive in Houston and the youngest to jump from the 2-story deck at the Robinson's lake house. I thought for sure that jump would end your bravery, but no, you came up out of the water announcing that you were going to do it again! You did a flip off our diving board at 2-1/2 - your water wings flew off and you began to sink. Once your dad pulled you out, you just giggled and hurried off to do it again!

You never like to be alone. You are absolutely attached and in love with your brothers and sister.

Any day they are gone you ask me multiple times when they will be home. You coined the phrase "BrooksReed" - "when will BrooksReed be home?"

You are the master at keeping up. You can ride your bike as far and as fast as they can. You can discuss movies and play games as well as those big brothers. Your memory is like your sister's. You can still remember details from life in Mississippi - and we moved away when you were 2-1/2.

Cole, you are a loving, silly, smart, fearless, delightful little boy.

You bring joy to my life. I love to snuggle with you in the mornings and I love to hold you on my lap. I wish I could bottle you up and keep you at the age of seven forever and ever, but then I wouldn't have the chance to watch you grow into a man.

My heart swells when you say, "Mommy, I really missed you!" or "Mommy, I really love you!" It thrills me to hear you read and to watch you smack that baseball.

You've had a lot of firsts this year. You lost your first tooth, in fact you lost 6! You completed Kindergarten, and learned to read. Math is fun for you - especially counting money and telling time. You also began taking piano lessons. I love to hear you playing "Spooky Halloween" and "Jingle Bells"! You are a Tiger Cub although you've already been camping with the scouts for 4 years! This year is exciting because your best friend, Nate, is a scout, too!

You are the light of my life and I am so thankful to have a boy named Cole Franklin to call my very own.

Pancakes and Icicles

2008-11-28T11:22:00.014-05:00

We finally made it to The Pancake Pantry for my long-awaited pancakes. I am happy to report that I can check one more item off my list. I skipped the chocolate chip pancakes and picked pecan instead, but Reed and Caroline ordered them so I had a few bites.

They were as yummy as I remember. Cole ordered M&M pancakes with peanut butter syrup (he could only handle about 3 bites, then switched to his dad's omelette) and Brooks ordered parisienne pancakes.

We waited about 15 minutes in 30° weather just to get a table. The wait was twice as long by the time we left!

After breakfast, we dropped by the Sugarlands Visitor Center to plan our hike for the day. Tim and I were optimistic that we could still get to the Chimneys despite the cold weather. However, the ranger discouraged us. She said it had been down to 1° that night, so about a mile into the hike it would be treacherous. Since we had our fearless Cole along for the hike, we decided we should revise our plan.

We headed up to Newfound Gap, the place where FDR dedicated the Smoky Mountain National Park in 1934.

We stood on the North Carolina/Tennessee border and had a snowball fight!

Mt. LeConte had over 7" the night before - glad we got to hike it a few weeks ago!

After our making a mini-snowman for the car, we drove down the mountain a bit to play with the GIANT icicles! Cole was in heaven, running from ledge to ledge, collecting as much ice as he could.

Brooks and Reed had a blast making it snow - they just forgot how cold it can be when the snow goes down your shirt!

Our hike on the Appalachian Trail never came to fruition, but that's ok.

We had a great time in the snow, and a warm and cozy afternoon watching movies and playing games in the cabin. We watched The Christmas Story for the very first time. It was great! We've been quoting lines from it all week.

On our way out of town on Sunday, we stopped by WonderWorks for a little more fun. It was 3 hours of action - much better than I ever expected! I'm not a museum girl, but this one was well worth our time.

Caroline and I tried the piano...

They were ready to experience an earthquake...

and we all had fun lying on a bed of nails...

Funny, the kids all laughed and said the nails "didn't even hurt"! I personally thought the bed was quite prickly. I'll take my comfy bed over this one any day!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T20:25:00.006-05:00

My parents are coming to town tomorrow night. We are excited to have them this year for Thanksgiving. Last year we were in Hilton Head with my parents and my sister's family. I was sick as a dog with a respiratory virus and shingles, so this year I have great hopes of a healthy Turkey Day.

Of course healthy at this time of the year is nearly impossible. So, when Brooks woke up with a stomachache, I was not too surprised. I actually handled it quite well and began to make my

"To Do" list in my head. I had a whole house to clean and a few things to cook for Thursday. I'd just been waiting for a good excuse to stay home all day.

The weather is rainy - and it is chilly. I think the high is 47° today. Actually, that's warm compared to the weekend. November has been exceptionally cold this year. Hopefully it will be unusually warm in January and February. I'm just hoping............

In order to check one item off of my list, I had to make 3 trips to the grocery store today! Oh the things I will do just to please my husband. I kept forgetting little items that can't be left out of Tim's very favorite holiday breakfast, mincemeat pies. I think I enjoy making them as much as he enjoys eating them. It's the only thing I've ever made that involves chopping oranges and lemons, peel and all.

I got my recipe from Tim's mom. She got it from her mother-in-law, Tim's grandmother. The two of us are continuing a tradition passed down from Nenaw's family. They were frugal, rural people who killed hogs in the wintertime using the head for mincement which was canned for pies. By the time Billie (my mother-in-law) joined the family in 1953, Nenaw had switched to purchasing pork roasts. Thank goodness!

It took me a mere 10 years to decide I would try a mincemeat pie. There was just something about eating a pie with meat in it that turned me away. However, at some point, I started to love them. I think part of it is that I finally acquired a taste for the mixture and the other is my love for those in this family. I always love traditions!

Here is our version of a mincemeat pie:

Cook a 4 pound pork butt roast till tender. Shred it in a food processor. Save the broth.

While pork is cooking, chop by hand or in a food processor: 3 oranges, 2 lemons, and 5 unpeeled apples.

Add meat and fruit to a 6 quart pot with the following:

2 lbs. raisins, 3 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon,

1 tablespoon of each: cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, salt.

2 cups of each: apple juice, orange juice, pork broth

1 cup of cider vinegar.

The mixture will be very soupy. Simmer on top of stove for about an hour until flavors have blended and fruit rinds are tender. Most of the liquid should cook out but do not allow it to become too dry. If more liquid is needed during cooking, add more of the above liquids. Stir frequently, being careful not to let it stick.

A crock pot is worry free (cook several hours on HIGH). I always use a crock pot.

This makes approximately 12 pints which I put in freezer containers and freeze after it has cooled.

A pint will fill a double crusted 9" pie. Prick the top crust and bake at 400° until the crust is done.

Our family makes an individual pie. A double pie recipe with 1 pint of mincemeat will make 8 pies.

You should try it sometime. It's a Ragsdale Family Tradition!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Just In Case You Need to Know

2008-11-17T06:55:00.002-05:00

I'd like to dedicate this article to my fearless dad. When you live in Houston you need to know such things. No matter how immaculate your house is (and ours was quite clean) and no matter how efficient your bug guy is... you will still have issues with the dreaded cockroach.

I have to say, it is one of the few bugs that will truly make me shriek. My dad always wanted me to kill the little varmits, but I just couldn't take the "crunch". So when I would scream, MOST of the time, my dad would come from across the house to remove it for me (and for my sister).

That's how I knew that he really loved me!!! and he still does.

I love you, too, Dad.

I'm Confused

2008-11-16T08:42:00.007-05:00

While we are on the topic of shopping, I figure I will confess to you my complete confusion on why anyone would want to shop at Abercrombie or Abercrombie & Fitch, or Hollister.

Caroline and I took a little shopping trip with our friends in Montgomery this summer. Caroline and Borden really wanted to shop for a few hours (ok, it was really me wanting to take a trip to Harolds, but it included shopping for the girls, too). So, we set out to a great outdoor mall near their house. After I bought the dress I'd wear to Adam's wedding (at Harold's), we began our search for clothes for the girls. They wanted twin t-shirts. Justice let us down and the store next door did, too. So we headed into Hollister - you know - the store with no name on the outside??? Please enlighten me on that one. In the past few years I've walked by multiple times just trying to find the name of the dadgum place. So, I usually just call it "the store with no name".

Anyway, we venture into this dark room with BLASTING music and some sort of hidden cologne misting dispenser that continuously pours out the odor of the day. The girls are drawn to cute little cami's and scoop-necked t's which looked horrible on, not to mention the fact that they were overpriced and inappropriate for our 12 year old girls. Our down and discouraged daughters then ventured to the t's with "HOLLISTER" written on them. They weren't wild about them, but they acquiesed and decided that they'd better agree or we'd be leaving for the day empty-handed. So, Jennifer and I shelled out an amazing amount of money for a simple t-shirt with a store logo on it. They look cute, though, don't they?

In addition to the scavenger-like search our daughters took us on, I haven't even mentioned the affect of the environment on these almost 40 year old moms. I felt like I was going blind! That store was so dark and the mirrors had a haze on them. It was impossible to get a true picture of the image in the mirror - hint number one that they are trying to encourage poor buying decisions from the dressing room. Plus, the four of us were completely disabled from all communication. The music was so loud - I couldn't think - much less talk to anyone without yelling at the top of my lungs.

I was seriously hoarse by the time I left. and I had a headache from the overstimulization of my olfactory senses. I could smell that blasted store for hours after our visit.

Yesterday Caroline and I sauntered into an Abercrombie and I began to recollect our summertime experience. Once again, the store was dark and overly scented, with music blasting at decibels beyond one's hearing health. I hope they have a good worker's compensation package for the young employees. I predict imminent hearing loss for them all.

What is so great about these stores? They have no variety... just shirts and jackets with the logo, jeans that have been ripped to shreds in the making and a high price tag, to boot! I know, I am showing my age and my practical tendencies (does that picture make you laugh, Mom?). Obviously I just don't get it. I recently asked Brooks and his friend what it is about one girl in their class who seems to be passed around by the boys - they both just said - "you know, she wears those cool clothes from Abercrombie and Hollister". I was shocked - it had nothing to do with her figure, her hair, or her personality. Her attraction for the 5th grade boys was her mother's ability to withstand the torturous experience of pouring out mucho dinero for tight fitting, colorful, logo-ridden clothing.

I think I need to go take a shower. Just writing about these experiences are bringing the odor misting experience back to reality. I can't handle another assault on my senses this weekend!

Farewell to an Old Friend

2008-11-14T21:30:00.010-05:00

It's been a week now and I am still feeling desperate and sad. You might think I am trying to be funny, or that I am absolutely ridiculous, but I am seriously in need of counseling. My days of perusing classic, stylish clothes, all while drinking an ice cold bottle of Diet Coke have ended. Harold's (Harold Powell in Houston) filed for bankruptcy one week ago today. My friend, Amy, called to give me the bad news. The last time I was at Harold's was approximately 3 weeks ago. I was there with her and we had a marvelous time. She was a little bit sick and I was soon to contract the same virus, but we still had a great time. I always had fun at Harold's.

I've been a customer of Harold's for the past 14 years. Amy and I were together in the Germantown, TN, store for my very first experience at their Midnight Madness Sale - it was around Halloween in 1994. We walked in a bit intimidated by their rich, dark paneled, expensive store. We were the wives of two students on a limited budget, so we were hoping to find some bargains. There were bargains galore in that place! So many bargains that I took home a mint's worth of clothes. I modeled them for Tim and took back what he didn't like (and what I really didn't need). I don't think her husband ever recovered from my antics. We'll just say that I established quite a reputation with her husband, Bill. Yes, he gave out warnings to any other female who planned to shop with me. I spent a ton, and claimed to take a ton back, so the husbands needed to be warned. I might rub off on their wives! I think it was that shopping trip where I coined my motto for every sale: "The more you buy, the more you save"!

Harold's had some great sales. Midnight Madness was not to be missed. Just after our shopping expedition in Memphis, we moved to Harold's home state, Oklahoma. We lived within 45 minutes of their original store. Every Halloween, Tim treated me to a trip to Harold's. That first Halloween in OKC, I was pregnant and barely showing with Caroline. I managed to find a great deal on a sweater that would work for a little while longer before my belly would bust forth. I do believe I shopped again about 6 weeks after Caroline's birth. We made many, many trips to those stores. The clerks were always helpful and eager to tell you just how marvelous you looked in a particular outfit. They could also drum up 15 outfit options to wear with one skirt - amazing! Occasionally I have to admit that we would stop in just because we were parched. Within minutes we were refreshed with a Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, or a simple bottle of cold water.

Moving away from Oklahoma was exciting but sad. We were moving out of the school mode into REAL life, but we had to bid good-bye to Harold's. The saddest was giving up the bi-annual Warehouse Sale. This pilgrimmage involved waking nice and early and driving to the Convention Center. I would dress in tight-fitting apparel so that I could try on the bargains (there were no dressing rooms and all sales were final). Harold's would gather all clothes from their stores and slash the prices. What was originally $118 would appear at the Warehouse Sale for a mere $29.90. Then, there would be an additional discount which would quite often reduce the price by another 30% - 40%. Amazing. I couldn't begin to count the number of items I brought home that had been just $4.99. Talk about buying more and ringing up the savings!!!!! This sale was awesome. It was a crazy environment, though. Women would be in the aisles, stripping down to near nothing and trying things on. I swear there were men along just for gazing. They were undercover as husbands/boyfriends but their heads were turning from side to side just observing the sights!

Once we moved to Mississippi, our trips to Harold's were reduced greatly. We frequented the Houston and Baton Rouge stores as we travelled back and forth to my parents'. We also shopped in Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN. I once ran into a friend from high school in the Jackson store. Talk about a small world!

We went to the Memphis store a few years ago while celebrating our anniversary. That particular store's employees were quite inattentive. They never even offered me a Diet Coke - or a dressing room. I waltzed right out of there without a purchase and sent a letter to let them know that their customer service was compromised in that location. Within a week, I received an apology/thank you letter and a $25 gift card. Can you imagine???

I could always count on Harold's. That store always had whatever I needed. Once for a meeting I needed a long, straight denim skirt - found it at Harold's in 1996. Another night I needed a simple black dress - found it at Harold's in 2000. I found shorts at the perfect length in 2002, then cute suede mules with bling in 2004! Denim jackets, sweater sets, cute dresses and short skirts for 14 years. And, of course, the best PATTERNED PANTS you could ever find. All at Harold's.

One of my roomies from college sent out an email today. Here is what it said:

Hey everyone! Well, as you may or may not know, Harolds is my FAVORITE store in the whole wide world and I am heartbroken that they are going out of business. There is not a store anywhere in Florida and the closest store is 5 hours away in Atlanta. Needless to say, I have even looked into flights to GA for a last minute one day shopping spree but the flights are outrageous.

I have gone through my email address list and all of you live in cities where there is a Harolds location. Anyways, in my absence, please feel free to go shopping at Harolds. I will feel so much better knowing that you all have enjoyed drinking a Dr Pepper there for me while you shop and enjoy the great deals. If they have a catalog, would you please pick one up for me and mail it to me? I don't know if they are even taking catalog/phone orders but I'd like to see their catalog one last time.

I know this sounds ridiculous but I truly am a Harolds fan (as you can tell). Take care and please email me back with details about your farewell shopping experience at Harolds.

I'm telling you the truth. The closing of this store is a travesty. Where will I shop? I have no idea. What will I miss the most? Hmmm, probably the nice people who worked there - always eager to help you with whatever you needed. I'll for sure miss the sales (and I'm so mad I am missing the biggest sale ever as they liquidate their inventory).

Good-bye old friend. You were with me before kids, celebrating with me as I got the baby weight off, and through these "approaching 40" years. Thanks for the memories and for the unforgettable fashion! I'll miss you immensely....

Facebook or Not?

2008-11-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago Tim's brother sent an email informing him that he really should join facebook. His email stated that both of Tim's brothers have an account as well as a few of his sisters-in-law. Peer pressure! All of our nieces and nephews on Tim's side have accounts, so what better way to keep up with all 11 of them? I didn't even consider joining, but a few nights later Tim had his very own page.

I had no idea what was involved. All I knew was that my computer had once again been highjacked and that we were suddenly inundated with emails informing us that many of his fraternity brothers and high school friends immediately wanted to be his friend (again). I have to admit, it was fun to see their names. I could even name their hometowns - one of the many things you have to commit to memory as a pledge. Why I have Tim's frat brothers' hometowns stuck in my head, I don't know, but I do. I could also spout off all phone numbers for every place we've lived - and those of most of our friends - but I will spare you the boredom. I began to wonder how many old girlfriends he would hear from... evidently he was quite a casanova. I felt confirmed in my suspicions when our nephew, Adam, emailed to congratulate Tim on his new status as "married". Evidently everytime you change your status, pictures, or profile, everyone on your friends list is notified. Talk about having a public!!! So, Tim had enrolled in facebook but didn't complete all profile options, so when he updated his marital status a few days later, that sent red flags around the world.

So, as I sit here watching the Top Chef Season Premiere, I am contemplating a page of my own. I just don't know if I want to open myself up for all eyes to see every move that I make! Strange, I know. Here I am blogging away and I am apprehensive about friends seeing my "wall" and what is said about anything and everything. It can be impersonal or personal, I guess. Somehow you can monitor the privacy levels. However, I do suppose it is a good place to get started as my kids approach their teen years. By the time they are allowed to have a page, it will be old hat for me. Maybe I will even show them around the site and educate them on all of the ins and outs of their own Facebook page.

I have been impressed to see how many of our friends have pages. It would be fun to link up with them again - and it seems much easier than a blog to maintain. Obviously my curiosity is peaked and I am on the verge of caving in - maybe by the end of the weekend. But I'll have to keep blogging for my sanity! Winter is fast approaching and the dreary gray days are here. I will soon begin my hibernation by the fire with my friendly laptop close for my fingers to blog (and facebook???) away.

Mt. LeConte

2008-11-06T20:07:00.010-05:00

Tim and I took the most fabulous trip last weekend! We met up with a group from the Smoky Mountain Field School and trekked up Mt. LeConte, to the third highest point in the Smokies. We began our journey as strangers at 9:00 am Saturday morning. The temperature was about 35 when we started and the projected high at the top was 48 (the low was 12!).

The leaves are beautiful right now. Everywhere you look there is a combination of the evergreens mixed with lighter green, turning to yellow, orange, and red. David Morris, our fearless and enthusiastic guide, stopped periodically to give a brief history lesson along with details of the natural sights we were taking in all around us.

We were required to wear hiking boots and at this time of the year you really need to dress in layers. I was bundled up and freezing at the start (not to mention a little nervous and apprehensive). Once we started hiking, I was toasty warm within about 15 minutes!

The trail followed a creek for the first 2 miles. We could hear the rushing water although we couldn't always see it. We took the Rainbow Falls Trail to the top. The trail is 6.7 miles total. You reach the falls at mile 2, then it's 4.7 miles straight up. Unfortunately, the falls were low on water, but there was some water and one of our pictures captures the "rainbow effect".

I was quite surprised to find 3 different specimens of bear droppings. At one point, our guide presented it as "fresh"! I was relieved to clarify that "fresh" meant sometime in the past 24 hours, not the past 30 minutes! We also found one spot in the snow with a perfect bear print. Amazing!

The last .6 miles of the trail was covered in ice and snow. It was a bit treacherous.

I was happy to reach the lodge where we indulged in steaming hot chocolate while taking in the beautiful view of life 4,000 feet below us! I am not a fan of hot chocolate, but after a day of hiking and with the cold temps, it tasted good enough for me to drink 2 cups.

We had a great dinner and went out to the cliff tops to watch the sun go down. Again, we had to cautiously hike through the snow, but once we got to the ledge, the view was incredible!

We stayed in cabins with double bunk beds and kerosene heaters. The beds were really cozy. Actually, by about 3:00 am they were rather toasty. Tim and I were on the top and I was burning up!

Sunday morning, we skipped sunrise. The icy trails deterred us. I was a little afraid I would injure myself and have to go down (4,000 feet) in pain. Llamas bring in the weekly supplies 3 times a week, so the only way in and out is on foot.

The sunrise was beautiful from our porch, so I don't feel that I missed it all.

We met for a huge breakfast (pancakes, eggs, canadian bacon, biscuits, grits, coffee, and tea) around 8. By 9:15 we were headed back down the icy slope.

Overall, the trip down took about 4 hours. You don't really think about it, but going down is even harder than going up. It is especially hard on your knees. The views were spectacular and the fall color at its peak.

I added this trip to my list just to say I did it. I really didn't anticipate the experience being anything more than just hiking a mountain.

However, the people we met along the way were so interesting and the sights were indescribable. I can't wait to do it all again, only this time we will take an alternate trail up and back (there are 5 routes total). Anyone want to join me?

Never Say Never

2008-10-27T11:27:00.009-04:00

I've done it again. I swore I would never do it and I am having to eat my words.

Two summers ago, we took care of a friends' gecko for a night or two. Actually, I think it was for one night and I happened to be out of town that night. I was scared to death of that thing. The owners were ominous with their warnings - don't put your hand in there - it might bite. Now, I didn't know a thing about geckos but if it had potential to bite, I wasn't going anywhere near it! I was never so glad to hand the biting reptile off to our friends with toads. Yes, they have a multitude of toads living at their house (as pets), so feeding hopping things a meal of crickets and playing with slimy, wart-causing animals was nothing new. Don't worry, they don't allow toads in the kitchen, so all is safe over there.

They didn't know it, but when my friend (the mom of the gecko owner) and the other friend (mom of the toad owner) discussed purchasing crickets, I sighed a huge relief that I would never have to purchase crickets. or feed toads. or lizards. or snakes. or anything else that might bite or be slimy or wartish. I will also reveal that I had great admiration for them. They fell into the "real mom" category in my book. Yes, I have birthed 4 children and raised them to the healthy ages of 12, 11, 9 and 7, BUT I was not willing to go out of my comfort zone for my beloved offspring. These "real moms" had ventured from comfort into the adventurous zone and they will reap great rewards for it in the future, I am sure. But back then, I really didn't care.

This summer we travelled to Dallas for a few days. We were visiting with friends who have 2 boys and a girl. One afternoon I went up to check on their daughter, Kate (6), and Cole (6). I found them playing quite contentedly with blankets and boxes. They looked to be playing house. I asked what they were doing and they said, "making a maze for Duchess!" As I processed the whole maze thing and the dainty name, I began to search for the cute kitten that was buried under the blankets. Imagine my surprise when I found a bumpy, leopard-type red lizard staring up at me from a box. I tried to hide my surprise as I slowly backed up to get away from the lizard that had biting potential! I headed right downstairs to find my friend (the non-pet-loving girl that she is). I really was quite miffed! She had entered the "real mom" state and had not clued me in (or warned me that there was a biting reptile in the house)!!!!!!

As my astonishment set in, I complimented Amy on her accomplishment - I was so impressed that she had agreed to raise a lizard. She assured me that the Leopard-Spotted Gecko (the rock star of all geckos) is actually the easiest pet you could have. You throw in a few crickets a few times a week, try to keep water in its bowl, and you have earned the title of "real mom". I took her word for it and tried to stay as far away from that thing as possible. Cole and Kate toted that thing around for 3 days straight. They covered it up with blankets, talked to it, cajoled it through their maze, and put it to bed at night. I have to admit, by the time we left, I was buying into the "easiest pet" claim.

Cole continued to talk about Duchess after we left Kate's house. It was absolutely the calmest, coolest looking lizard I had ever seen, for sure! The oldest boys were sold on it, and Caroline? Well, she didn't get too close to it. I couldn't blame her. When I was a little younger than 10, I picked up lizards all of the time. But once, I must have startled a big green chameleon that was on the swingset and it chomped down on my hand as if it were lunch. That bite hurt and scared me to death and I haven't had any desire to touch a lizard since!

Yesterday we took a family trip to Fins N' Skins. It's the local shop selling reptiles and fish. Cole celebrated his birthday on Friday and guess what he got!?!

Meet Sahara, our rock star Gecko, who now resides in our home. She/he is really quite cute and watching her snatch up crickets captured this family's attention last night. It makes me happy to watch all 4 children (and my husband) roll out of bed in the morning and walk straight to the kitchen - to see how our yellow-stripey lizard is faring.

Just one more thing to add to my resume' - I'm a REAL MOM!

Can't Wait to Get to Heaven

2008-10-08T15:58:00.004-04:00

The deadline to complete "40 things" is looming ever closer as the days in 2008 fade away. Therefore, I've been trying to keep my nose in a book every chance I get. I have just 30 left to go... now you can see why I must read, read, read!

Anyway, the past few weeks have been filled with difficult decisions, distressing news, instability in the financial world, an upcoming election that is slinging mud all over the place, and it is raining today! This morning I went to a funeral and learned that a boy from last year's baseball team died, too. Bad news seems to be all over the place.

Books have always been an escape for me. With times like these, Fannie Flagg has been just the prescription I've needed. I'm reading Can't Wait to Get to Heaven. It's a hilarious tale giving a first hand description of heaven after an elderly woman is stung by a bunch of wasps and falls off a ladder.

If you like to read and haven't already subscribed, check out www.goodreads.com. This site provides an easy way to record all of the books you've read. You can link up with friends' book lists, recommend books, read reviews and search for books - all in one location. You can even keep track of books you are planning to read. Caroline

Yesterday I was a ball of stress. Today I feel lighter and more optimistic in light of the bad news. Thank goodness for the escape I can find in a good novel.

Adolescent Aromas

2008-10-03T10:19:00.004-04:00

I know what you are thinking after reading today's title. You can barely stomach the thoughts of "adolescent odors". Me too! Believe me, I can not tolerate the waft that comes my way from sweaty, dirty tween-age boys. Fortunately, I have maintained my level of (shall we say) "power" over my 3 males, and they will still shower nightly.

A few years ago, one of my good friends in Mississippi gave me some invaluable advice. She recommended that I start my boys in the habit of wearing deoderant around 2nd grade. I know, it seems crazy! Boys who are 8 absolutely do not need to worry about B.O.. They certainly sweat when it is hot and while exerting themselves in the competitive way that they do, but there are minimal lingering odors that would cause pain to adults. However, just a few years later, that is no longer true. Joy said if we start when they are young, they will already be in the habit and you can TRY to prevent the assault on the senses.

I took Joy's advice to heart. Upon their 8th Christmas, every child in my family received one travel-size stick of deoderant for their wearing pleasure (and for mine in the future). I purchased the unscented variety for my kiddos. I figured they didn't need to carry the smell of musk or baby powder around with them all day. I'm sure it won't surprise you when I reveal that Cole has actually had his since his 5th Christmas. He refuses to accept that he is not as old as everyone else.

Brooks came home one day last year from school with a request. Could I buy him some deoderant with a "smell"? He had noticed in gym that all of his friends had different deoderants and he wanted a new kind. I'm always up for shopping, so I promised him a quick deoderant-sniffing trip to Walgreens. Off we went to locate the scent that would soon define him via my nasal cavity. He had a ball trying them all out. There are sticks, sprays, gels, etc. - all with either a "clean" smell or a "cologne" smell. I had a headache by the time we had narrowed the selection to three. I hastened him to "just pick one!" and out I could go to the fresh outdoors! Brooks picked the Cool Rush version of Ultra Dry Degree.

This summer, Brooks talked so favorably about his new scent that Reed decided that it was his turn. We just happened to be in Kmart one day and both boys ended up on the deoderant aisle. Brooks was there to guide Reed to the "best smell for him". Sure enough, within minutes, Reed had selected Gillette's gel edition with the Cool Wave scent. He couldn't wait to apply his new purchase, so once in the car, he whipped that gel out and applied it to his apparently sweaty underarms.

A few days later, Reed and I were on our way to soccer practice. I pulled up to a red light and heard Reed inhale with a gasp. I whipped around to see what was wrong, but he was just grinning. I asked if there was a problem (you know me, I thought he was about to throw up) but he said "no! I was smelling my deoderant! It just smells so good!"

Who would have thought a scent could bring such a change to two boys. Reed applied his deoderant 3 times a day the first few weeks he had it. I suspect that Brooks did, too. I guess I don't really care as long as it prevents me from suffering through the upcoming sweaty, hormonal odors that will soon abound!

Benefits of Cooking Ahead

2008-09-14T15:31:00.004-04:00

I used this system a few weeks ago, before we left on our vacation. I know how busy our weekly schedule is, so I didn't want my mom to have to stress over cooking as she juggled the many activities after school.

Two weeks before I left (the first week of school), I took advantage of the long, quiet days, and cooked ahead. I cooked chicken enchiladas, spaghetti, tacos, stuffed shells, bbq chuck roast (crockpot), banana bread, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, chicken heroes, and pizza stuff ALL IN ONE DAY!! The best part of that day was our dinner. We ate lasagna with friends in their new, beautiful kitchen! I think I mentioned it before, but when I cook something all day, I can never bring myself to eat it that night. It's too far into my nasal cavity to contemplate tasting it, too. I know, I'm wierd, that is a fact. So, our weekly dinner with this family (at their house) fit in just perfectly.

If you want to see perfect (and beautiful), check out their kitchen on the brick floor website! The lasagna was terrific, too, and not only because it was cooked by someone other than me!

Once I returned home from our week dodging hurricanes, I still had several items in the freezer. Using my pre-cooked dinners, I had 4 entrees this week - 2 went with us to scouts and we ate 2 at home. It was so nice to have them available right after returning from a vacation. I could concentrate on laundry, cleaning, and spending time with the kids rather than cooking dinner every night.

As we approach fall, I will add soups to my list. I try to have soup night on Mondays. We have so many activities that night, it is easy to keep hot soup in the crock pot and serve it in a custom time frame, according to each family member's schedule.

If you have any good freezer-safe recipes, I'd love to have them. I am always looking for a new addition to my "cook ahead" repertiore.

A Month of Meals

2008-09-14T15:10:00.002-04:00

While on vacation in Texas, I received some great feedback on my blog. I really enjoyed hearing what you think about my topics and what your favorites have been. A few weeks ago, I received an email from one of my readers who was inquiring exactly how I accomplished my “organized cooking phase” and how I incorporated the slow cooker into my routine. Rather than responding only to her, I figured some of you might be interested in hearing more, too, so let me explain.

I’ve talked to many friends who have organized their own rendition of monthly cooking. My favorite was a neighbor in Oklahoma. They had 4 families in a “group”. Each family was assigned a week – during their week the cooking family was responsible for cooking the main course for their family and the other 3. They delivered the food everyday at a certain time. The non-cooking family prepared their own vegetables and sides and received a home-cooked meal 4 nights a week for 3 weeks. However, with our family size, and the fact that we have moved around so much, I was never able to find 3 other families with whom we could collaborate.

Instead, I decided to record a list of meals our family liked well enough to eat on a regular basis. The list I remember included: tacos, spaghetti, lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, chicken enchiladas, hamburgers, pork chops (couldn’t leave those out, 18f!), and ham. In addition, I listed vegetables and sides that would complement our meals. I actually cooked the entrées and some of the vegetables in one cooking session. At the end of one month, I would plan the grocery list for the upcoming month.

Here's how my system works: I spent 2 days (usually) preparing the main courses. I would begin by boiling, enough chicken for the enchiladas and tetrazzini. While it was cooking, I also browned enough ground beef to cover the tacos, spaghetti, and lasagna. While all meats were on the stove, I made patties from ground round and froze them individually in freezer bags. Once the beef had been cooked, I separated the taco meat and seasoned it accordingly. I then added the spaghetti sauce (either canned, or what I had also cooked on the stove). Now I was ready to divide the meat sauce for spaghetti and lasagna. I cooked the spaghetti noodles while I assembled the lasagna. Once the lasagna was ready, the spaghetti could be mixed and placed in a pan. I used all of my casserole dishes and reused Sister Schubert’s round aluminum tins to hold all of my prepared dishes.

The enchiladas and tetrazzini were also made in tandem. As the tetrazzini ingredients melded on the stove, I assembled the enchiladas. Once it was all said and done, I would have a total of 4 to 6 pans of tetrazzini (my recipe makes a ton), 2 pans of lasagna (8x8), 2 Sister-sized pans of spaghetti, hamburgers, 2 batches of taco meat, and 3 pans of enchiladas. Once it was all done, I had at least 17 day’s worth of food for us to eat (and share when someone needed dinner due to a new baby). We still had sandwiches and grilled various meals, so really, I had more than enough to cover a month or two! Looking back on those days, the task seems daunting, but it didn’t take too long. After all, I had 3 kids 5 and under plus a newborn! The hardest part was planning it all and being disciplined enough to spend that much continuous time in the kitchen.

I get tired of food on a regular basis, so I can’t serve something more than once in a week. If we have left-overs, I will reheat and serve it, but I try to make the portions small enough that we don’t have to eat it more than twice in a week.

This plan really cuts out excess grocery trips during the week. I found that I could go once a week to replenish milk, bread, and produce, thus reducing the excess that I pick up when I am there everyday!

St. Thomas

2008-09-06T20:57:00.000-04:00

I have to say, St. Thomas was my favorite island. It was the cleanest. The views were the best from both sides. The people were very friendly and respectable. The food was pretty good. It was very easy to get around. I have never seen so many taxi vans!

We started out the day shopping in town. The stores were very nice. Most of the stores were selling jewelry. We had lunch at a local restaurant called Cuzzins. Tim had bbq chicken, sweet potatoes, and fungi. When he ordered the fungi, I could just picture a big green blob on the plate, straight off a tree. Fortunately for him, it was really a mix of cornmeal and okra. Strange, but fairly good. I had a fish sandwich with french fries (much safer and rather tasty).

After lunch we ventured across the island to Magen's Bay. Magen's Bay is listed as a top 10 beach in National Geographic. It was really pretty. The waters were calm and clear. The beach was quite crowded, but we enjoyed a couple of hours in the sun and sand.

We finished our day in St. Thomas at KMart. Of all things, we had to buy another suitcase. We really didn't buy that much, but we were so close to the limit (50 lbs.), that we had to spread our stuff out.

Once we pulled out of port, we headed to our last dinner with our new friends. Then the packing began and the vacation was almost over. We woke up Sunday morning to rain in Puerto Rico. Hurricane Ike had just passed through. We flew through some turbulence for about an hour and then the flight was smooth. You know we are always desperate for mexican food, right? On our way home, we picked up Pappasitos to go. We had tacos al carbon, guacamole, chips, and fresh tortillas while we rehashed the whole trip en route to see our children and my mom at home in Tennessee!!!

#25 - St. Marten/St. Maarten

2008-09-05T19:11:00.002-04:00

Today we docked in St. Marten. I couldn't believe it - waking up morning after morning to beautiful ports with the same crystal blue water. After growing up in Galveston with murky, green water and small dots of oil on the surface, I am still excited by the thought of seeing my toes in the ocean.

Tim had great plans for adventure today. He was my travel guide. He read about every single island before we left - he knew what restaurants we should try, which beaches were the best and safest, and other noteworthy sights throughout the whole trip. I, on the other hand, had to ready the house and schedule for grandparents! I really wanted the whole "taking care of 4 children" deal to be as easy as possible and that takes A LOT of organization. I'm sure you can understand my need to take a tour book with me rather than reading it ahead of time. We are such a good pair - he reads and I organize.

So, back to the adventure. Since the cars drive on the same side of the road as we do in the United States, today was our opportunity to rent a car and explore. I am sorry to say, this is the only picture of our day in the blue jeep. Here is a glimpse of Tim as we traversed the very narrow streets of the island (just picture me beside him in my bikini and shorts). You would think we were 20 again! Don't you love the "10 and 2" position and the clenched jaw!

After hopping in the jeep and figuring out the right direction, we headed out to begin our circle around the island. Our first goal was to find some of the less crowded beaches. The roads wind around the coastline and in between the small towns there are various beaches. It is rather difficult to find access to many of them, but we did find that Rouge Baie was easy to see. We parked in the small lot and ventured out with towels. Unfortunately, there were several men at the entrance trying to convince us to rent beach chairs from them. There were also some bikini-clad models in the middle of a photo shoot. Once we walked out onto the beach, it really was secluded. We were early, so it may have filled up, but for our purpose, it was perfect!

The water was rather rough. The waves were breaking violently, but once you got past the break, it was much better. This might shock you, but I did have one grand purpose for this beach. I had to strip down real quick, run to the water, swim for 5 minutes and hop back out as fast as I could. Time is ticking away and I have to check things off of my "40" list! Oh yes I did!!! YAHOO! (I was not alone in this venture I'll let you know).

We didn't read the sign until we were driving off - oops!!

Back on the road again, we wandered on around to Orient Bay. We spent 3 hours on Bikini Beach. This is supposed to be one of the top beaches in the world. It really was beautiful. We walked the length of the beach, beginning with chairs and fully clad swimmers, and ending with a beach full of nude bathers. We cut that walk short - too much information for me!

Once we'd had enough sun, we jumped back in the jeep and drove back to the port. St. Marten wasn't my favorite although the ride in the jeep was fun. I'll just record it as our most adventurous day!

Antigua

2008-09-04T16:11:00.001-04:00

My favorite day!

I had the roughest start this morning. I was feeling rather motion sick. We travelled from St. Lucia several hundred miles to Antigua at a rapid clip, plus the ocean had large swells due to the hurricanes that were in the vicinity. I was worried that our day on a smaller boat would make me feel worse, but I felt fine once we disembarked from our ship.

We met our tour at the nearby dock. The tour picked up 7 of us (including Tim and I) and we headed over to Sandals Resort to pick up 8 other passengers. Once on board, the crew introduced themselves and they outlined the itinerary for the day. We didn't think they were serious, but one of the crew was named "One Love". The others were Tony and Surge. Characters they were, and they were great hosts!

Our first stop was about 100 yards off shore from Long Island. Ken Follett has a house there, along with many other multi-millionaires. We could see starfish all over the bottom of the sea while we were anchored. We didn't swim, because along with the starfish, there were lots and lots of jellyfish.

We travelled through the Caribbean around various islands where we learned about sea turtles, baby fish, and sharks. We pulled up to the shore on Bird Island and hiked to the top of the hill. We could see for miles. We swam in the water near the boat, and ate lunch on the island.

After lunch, we continued on our journey through the sea to "Hell's Gates". This is a natural island with a bridge/tunnel that has been carved out by the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Some of the passengers hopped out into the choppy water to snorkel. Tim and I followed Tony through the water to the bridge. We walked up to the opening and then climbed up the cliffs where we could walk over the bridge. I have to admit, I was a little nervous swimming in the rough waters, but it was definitely worth the risk. In the picture, the Atlantic is on the far side of the bridge. The water looks calm in this shot, but when the water washed into the cove it was scary!

While I was climbing up, I found a cute little crab which I took back to the boat for a while. It was in it's shell just hanging out.

After our adventure on the bridge, they took us out to the middle of the Caribbean and stopped near a reef. We hopped into our snorkel gear and jumped out of the boat. Surge guided us through the reef where we could see all sorts of sea life. Toward the end, I nearly collided with a jellyfish. Fortunately, I saw it in time and squirmed out of the way.

We had a great day! Here I am with my new shirt (One Love is beside me). I decided I needed something to commemorate my walk on top of Hell's Gates!

Here's our ship as it waited for us to return...

St. Lucia

2008-09-03T15:52:00.001-04:00

The next morning we woke up docked in St. Lucia. Talk about amazing beauty! Just look at the view we saw from our balcony!

We spent the day at the Rendezvous Resort on this island. We purchased a half-day pass and had access to their private beaches, lunch and beverages all day long. It was so relaxing and quiet. The beach was protected by a natural rock jetty, so the waves were very small. The temperature of the water was perfect. I could stay in as long as I wanted without getting too cold, and since you could see your feet, I never got the panicked feeling as I wondered what was about to sting or pinch me!

This resort had 2 lovely pools, 2 beaches, a small marina for sailboats, and a spa. We enjoyed a side-by-side massage in a screened hut. The hut was so close to the ocean that we could hear the waves hitting the shore the whole time. They served a huge buffet lunch on the veranda. What a day!

Once we returned to the ship, we hung out on the top deck to watch latecomers return to the ship. If you are not on the ship on time, you run the risk of being left behind. Evidently, watching latecomers is ship entertainment. Everyone already on the ship stands on the dock-side of the ship and cheers for the stragglers as they run to the ramps. Today the last 2 on board were a bride and groom. They had just gotten married, so they had to run in their wedding duds. I have a feeling the captain knew they would be late, but they ran anyway.

Puerto Rico and Barbados

2008-09-02T14:30:00.000-04:00

Whew! I'm exhausted! This is only my 2nd day back from the Caribbean and I am indeed tuckered out. I think it must be a shock to the system - from lying in a beach chair straight back into the rigors of motherhood. I hope I adapt quickly. While I rest, I will update you on the details of our trip.

We started our trip in Puerto Rico. It was really beautiful with the crystal clear waters and palm trees dotting the coastline. Our hotel (The Hilton Caribe) had an open-air lobby with a great view of the ocean. We spent Saturday touring Old San Juan. It was hot and humid! We experienced a short rain shower which was timely - it arrived right before I melted.

Once we were finished with our walking tour, we decided to walk back to the hotel. It was an interesting 2 mile walk. and painful. I finished with 3 major blisters and Tim had 2. These pics show some of the houses right on the shoreline. The neighborhood was poverty-stricken, but they have spirit, don't you think? Who needs a fancy house when you can have a zebra/tiger striped roof?

Poverty-stricken, maybe. TV starved? Not a chance. Direct TV must have been running a special. I'll bet the inhabitants all have cell phones, too.

We had the very best dinner at The Parrot Club on Friday night. We ate ceviche, tostones, and chorizo crusted snapper. My mouth is watering just writing about it. We also had our worst dinner in Puerto Rico. We ate at an Argentinian restaurant and had a sampler grill featuring tenderloin, short ribs, chorizo, chicken, blood sausage, and sweet breads. I listed the worst last - they were muy terrible!

We spent Sunday morning by the pool/ocean. Then, we packed up and embarked on the Adventure of the Seas.

Sunday night, we met our dinner companions in the dining room. When we booked the trip, we had planned to eat at a table with 8 to 10 other travellers, but we wound up at a table with just 6. It's kind of strange to sit down to a group of people who you've never met. We were the last ones there and I didn't know what to expect. The other 2 couples were very friendly and they were very young. We were the oldest by about 10 years. Being the oldest is still a strange phenomenon for me. We were the youngest married couple for so long (since we married when we were 22) - in Sunday School, in Tim's family, in medical school, at work, etc. Evidently that phenomenon has ended. It rarely happens anymore.

Anyway, we introduced ourselves and became well-acquainted throughout the week with a West Point graduate and his wife (they have a 14-month old), and a couple from Virginia who had just discovered that they were expecting twins. When they announced that fact, I had to exert all energy to maintaining a straight face. I can only imagine the joy and challenge they will be faced with in the next 12 months! Here we all are with our waiters:

Monday morning we sailed all day long. We just happened to wake up at 5:45 am, so we both sat out on the balcony to watch the sunrise. It was beautiful. Since we were on vacation, we headed back in after we took a picture and went back to bed!!

The water was fairly smooth considering the fact that there were a few hurricanes swirling around. Tuesday morning we docked in Barbados. We walked through town and found a local beach where we could swim and sunbathe. I've never seen such clear water.

We had the beach to ourselves for a few hours. It was quiet and peaceful. By mid-morning, the beach started to fill up with cruisers who had slept late. We had the best time just people watching. The funniest people we saw were 2 couples (travelling together). The girls didn't have their bathing suits on, so they put their bikinis on over their clothes and very carefully pulled their clothes off from under the bikini. Now, I used to do that at camp or at a sleepover, but on a beach with a bikini? I haven't done that....

Once we'd had enough of the beach, we headed out to find a flying fish sandwich - evidently in Barbados it is legendary. It was good - and the bajan hot sauce is definitely hot.

At the end of the day, we headed back to the ship to get ready for our first formal dinner. It was a fun day!

Top 20

2008-09-01T20:46:00.002-04:00

The 20 best things about our vacation – other than the fact that I don’t have to be responsible for anyone or anything – no meals, no laundry, no cleaning, no taxi driving.

1. I can sleep as late as I want to for 9 days straight.

2. Dinner at the Parrot Club in Puerto Rico.

3. Listening to the waves lap against the shore at the Hilton in Puerto Rico.

4. Watching the very talented honeymooning girls arrive at the beach in Barbados as they change into their bathing suits on the beach – putting bathing suits on top and removing the clothing underneath bit by bit.

5. The water is the clearest I’ve ever seen. It is absolutely beautiful – blue all the way to my toes.

6. Our day at the Rendezvous Resort in St. Lucia. The island was beautiful and the food was yummy, too.

7. Meeting 2 other fun couples at dinner. We’ve had so much fun getting to know them.

8. Taking an Eco-Tour around the island of Antigua. We hiked to the top of Bird Island and walked on top of Hell’s Gates. We swam in the Caribbean Sea and in the Atlantic where the two merged together. The water was really rough with the hurricanes nearby.

9. Snorkeling in the Caribbean and successfully avoiding a jellyfish. I squealed so loud, they heard me in the boat.

10. Meeting “One Love”, “Surge”, and “Tony” – our Eco-Tour hosts and captain.

11. Enjoying our Romantic package. Tim ordered a package for us which included flowers, a luxurious breakfast, canapés, after dinner sweets and champagne too!

12. Riding through St. Martin/St. Maarten in a blue jeep.

13. Visiting a secluded beach on the Caribbean side.

14. Enjoying the afternoon at Orient Beach – watching people all day long.

15. Indulging in multiple desserts every night. I don’t feel too bad, though. Our table mates have been ordering 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts everynight!

16. Spending 8 days straight with Tim and wishing it wasn’t almost over.

17. Lobster night in the dining room tonight – it was yummy – and it did not end up in my lap like it did on our honeymoon. I feel so accomplished!

18. Experiencing a beautiful sunrise from our stateroom balcony. We took pics – we are pretty sure it is the first we’ve ever seen together. You know, we are NOT early risers.

19. Managing to dodge 3 major hurricanes while on our vacation. Now if we can just manage to stay between Ike and Josephine.

20. Finishing 4 books and checking off a few more items from my “40” list!!! Oh yes, I did. More details later.

Deja' Vu

2008-08-29T20:47:00.002-04:00

I don’t know how many of you know this, but Tim and I are headed to Puerto Rico today on a 9 day vacation. We will be in PR for 1-1/2 days and then we will go on a cruise for 7 days. I have to admit, I have been looking forward to this trip all of my life.

Last night, as Tim was going to bed, he mentioned that he had a sore throat, and I nearly fell out of bed. I had already packed the medicine (motion meds plus stomach b/c that’s most important) and he was telling me that he had a sore throat. Well, that’s groovy. The second vacation we’ve taken in our life, and both consisted of a sore throat. Lawdy mercy. What are we doing wrong???

I had to laugh on the airplane trip to Puerto Rico. After boarding the plane, we were offered Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. We do really like it, and we wouldn’t necessarily indulge, but it has been almost17 years since I’ve eaten it (you do know I’m partial to Blue Bell, right??)! Yes, 17 years. Since our honeymoon. You see, I woke up in the middle of the night on night 1 of our honeymoon – and I had a very bad sore throat. It was heart-breaking. I mean, who on earth gets sick on her honeymoon?? I mean, other than me, that is. Yes I was sick from day one through day 4, when I began to feel better. Right after that, Tim felt ill. He got the same cold. Imagine that. His only comment that I remember, “I didn’t know you felt that bad! “

One night, between the two of us, we ate 2 pints of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Not because we needed a diversion, but because ice cream was the only dinner we could imagine on our very sore throats! It is a fun memory, absolutely a blast, but we were feeling pretty darn bad. Who gets sick on their honeymoon? I ask???? I guess the same people who get sick on their first carefree vacation in 17 years??? That would be us. Fortunately, Tim is feeling much better, and we are headed to Barbados tonight for some time in the sun and in the Caribbean Sea.

Bon Voyage!

Summer Blessings

2008-08-05T22:38:00.002-04:00

About 6 weeks ago, Brooks and Tim headed off to a scout meeting. Little did I know, Tim had a plan and he was headed to explore the possibility of accompanying Brooks on his first scout trip 30 hours away. They both came home as 2 very happy boys - there was an opening and Tim was headed to Minnesota.

Once I realized they would both be gone for the 4th of July, I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to visit some friends who lived in Ocean Springs, MS with us. Our girls were in preschool together and it had been a few years since we had been able to visit. Imagine my amazement when I called to inquire about their plans and found them to be in town and available!

So, the first Wednesday in July, we hopped in the car for a ride to Alabama. It was quite the reunion for Caroline, Borden and Hannah. They hadn't been together since Caroline's 10th birthday party. The girls just picked right up where they left off last time - they stayed up late and had a blast at the lake. Cole and Reed hung out with Jack, fishing for minnows and catfish while pestering their sisters at the same time.

Of course, all of those kids did need chaperones and a driver for the waverunner. I can't decide who had more fun - the girls or the moms. We spent our days reminiscing and catching up on what has happened since we separated to 3 different cities. We definitely had the "good ole days" discussion and the "thank goodness the kids aren't quite so little" discussion. We laughed and laughed at stories we remember about each other. I even reviewed the real purpose in washing the undies in their very own load. I still haven't come up with a good enough reason to separate them all out - but I did clarify - the undies, undershirts, and socks all go together and are washed on "warm". I guess that ensures extra cleanliness although if one were really concerned, shouldn't it all be put through the "sanitary" cycle? Jennifer is still apalled that I throw caution to the wind and wash all whites together. She was a little worried about sitting next to me - she didn't say as much - I could just tell. (just kidding, kind of). I do feel more confident in my habits since Joy is like me and "tosses it all together" - but she has 6 loads rather than my 3. She sorts reds, and specials for their own wash.

I will attribute a major discovery to my laundry loving friend, Jennifer. Her sheets are folded neater than I have ever seen in my entire life (sorry, mom). I have finally discovered the secret to folding fitted sheets - I unfolded a few at the lake to figure out how it was done. Her sheets were folded perfectly without any bulk, and they were tied with a ribbon - can you believe??? I tried to copy her folding at home tonight and it was a flop - guess I'll have to try again tomorrow. All the way home I contemplated the task of refolding all of my fitted sheets and having a neat and tidy linen closet to give me the title of Ms. Domesticity! I guess that will have to come another day. There's my clean and neat obsession taking over again.

We stayed up till midnight every single night (1:00 am my time). I haven't done that in years. I even tried to get them to join me in crossing off #25 on my "40" list. Too bad for me, they didn't go for the idea. I thought it would be a great memory maker - but they disagreed, and I wasn't about to do it alone!

Joy and I maintained the patriotic tradition of wearing red, white and blue on the 4th. Jennifer continued the tradition of appearing put together at all times and looking adorable - just like a true Southern Girl. We got home from the lake and she disappeared to "throw on" the cutest little sundress - leaving me to look like this groom's cake Joy saw that afternoon at a wedding.

Can't you see the resemblance??

Saying good-bye is always hard. But reunions can't happen without the reality of an end, can they? We took lots of pictures and made plans for another weekend. The girls will continue to grow and change and yet, they will always be our sweet 5 year olds who looked like the 4th of July just a few years ago. and the moms? Well, you won't find any pics of us in patriotic leotards, but we have all of the memories and fun of those early years with our families together in Mississippi.

A Quick Note

2008-08-02T10:18:00.007-04:00

We are headed off to St. Augustine today. Just thought I'd let you know that I've posted a few additional blogs in chronological order, so you will have to scroll back to see them. I have more pics from our summer trips which I'll post again soon. Plus, I have a few drafts written and if we really get to relax on the beach (or in the condo) I will edit them, too.

I especially need to publish the blog that tells you all about the dirtiest kid in Minnesota... here's a glimpse of his legs.

I really am trying to get the blog up and going again!

Texas Fun

2008-07-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

We arrived in Dallas yesterday afternoon. Let me just tell you. It is hot here. Texas hot. When we moved to Mississippi, it was like a sauna – very steamy, and that was “Africa hot” (as Matthew Broderick described in Biloxi Blues). Today it is 102° - very sunny, very hot. Texas HOT! Who cares! We’ve been to the pool and we are having the best time.

We were greeted at the airport by 2 of my very best friends. Deanna was a sorority pledge sister and Amy was my best friend in Memphis (husbands were students and we had lots of free time on our hands). 7 years ago Amy moved close to Deanna and I matched the two up! Two friends within 10 minutes of each other makes a vacation very easy to plan! Last night we had dinner at Deanna's. Tomorrow we will be at Amy's. Deanna and family are headed out on a college search trip. Eppy and A came out to Southlake to visit today. We roomed together in college in apartment 18F at The Centre. 18F was our identity the whole year of 1990-1991. We parted as graduates and I was a future bride. Now, between the 3, of us we have 8 kids. They brought their girls for lunch. It’s been 4 years since we’ve seen them, but it feels like just yesterday. All of the kids were taller, some with more teeth, some with less. Caroline has braces. Haley lost a tooth on her way to the pool today. We cover almost all years between 6 and 12. It’s fun to look back over our visits and the stages we’ve been through.

Tim and I moved to Memphis while the rest of 18F moved to Dallas. The summer of 1990, I had also planned to move to "The Big D". However, when Tim decided to end the Big Break-up and he realized just how much he really needed me in his life, he convinced me to change my future and join him in Memphis. Luckily for him, I did.

2 of our 4 roomies are still in Dallas. The 4th is in Houston. She's the one I chose to spotlight a few months ago. She's about to move to NYC 'cause her husband is a mover and a shaker. So, the rest of the 18F'ers are planning a big 40th trip to see her in her new and amazing digs sometime later this year.Anyway, we had lots of fun seeing my old friends. Dallas is just as great as I remember from my college days when we used to head up I-35 for some shopping and fun. I can't wait to see what else the week brings!

The Wedding

2008-07-22T15:26:00.000-04:00

We spent last weekend celebrating with nephew Adam and new wife Sampy in their beautiful wedding. Caroline was a Jr. Bridesmaid. Her description? The dream job in her dream shoes. She looked so pretty and I think she had a fabulous time.

Brooks and Reed were ushers. Brooks had the honor of walking his Grandmother to his seat. Both boys were great at their jobs - once they mastered which side was which (bride's or groom's). The wedding coordinator even had a little trouble with that concept. Reed's comment when asked how he liked it? "those tuxedos were HOT!" He looked great, though.

Cole was the "Ring Bear" (in his own words). The weekend began with his determined little mind saying "no, I am not holding the flower girl's hand" but fortunately, he acquiesced and they were adorable. Of course, that is after he had the tux de-linted twice from crawling under pews and after a fairly long session on his DS while waiting for pictures to be taken. He stood pretty still and only gave us a "thumbs up" once during the ceremony. The reception was especially fun for him - he got to dance with all cousins and a few aunts!

Overall the weekend was lots of fun. It is always fun to see what personal touches couples add to their very own ceremony. Adam's groom cake was a King Cake and Sampy had chosen words to a Jack Johnson song for hers. She even had banana pancakes for breakfast that day.

Congratulations, Adam and Sampy! We hope you had a great time in San Francisco!

Eleven

2008-07-16T22:03:00.007-04:00

The 17th of July always brings back the very best memories. It's the day my very first son was born in Edmond, OK. I was induced, so there wasn't much surprise, but there was nothing better than the excitement of meeting that sweet baby boy who came out with the cutest little smile.

We named him Timothy Brooks. Timothy is for his dad and Brooks was a name we always liked. We decided on his name in March as I sat under our big tree in the backyard while his dad was doing yard work. Caroline was taking a nap and I was petting the dog - I was in quite fragile shape since I was expecting! We decided to call him Brooks so there would be no confusion as he grew older - and I really didn't like "Timmy". Now he also answers when he is called "Broo-oo-ks" by his brothers or "Brooksie" by his baseball coach. He is #5 on the team like Brooks Robinson who used to play for the Orioles (our Brooks played for the Orioles for 2 years, too).

Our Brooks has a great sense of humor. He is the magician and jokester of the family. He laughs out loud on a daily basis and loves to read the comics. He really likes to read most anything. His favorite authors are Horowitz and Lupica. He likes Sports Illustrated for Kids - reads it cover to cover the day it arrives.

His favorite sport is baseball. He's our 2nd baseman. He made his first double play this year - one was unassisted. He knows how to "take one for the team". He even had his first broken finger this season.

He's a snowboarder. He still likes to ski. He can flip and dive at the pool. His tricks make my stomach lurch with nervousness! He's pretty good on a rip-stick. He can do whatever he sets his mind to do. It's an amazing thing to watch.

He took a week-long canoeing trip to Minnesota with the scouts. He caught 3 Small Mouth Bass. He got dirtier than ever before - and had more mosquito bites than all the previous years put together. He discovered that dried meals in a bag aren't too bad when you add hot water. He also remembered how tasty home-cooked meals can be.

Let's see, what doesn't he like? corn on the cob, homework, vacuuming, and losing to his brother.

He's entering the land of eleven. I wonder what this year will bring... girlfriends? new friends? new likes and dislikes. hopefully less homework and more time to hang out. new milestones and accomplishments....

Happy Birthday, Brooks. We are so proud of you and we love you more than you will ever know!

Before 40 Update

2008-07-13T14:59:00.001-04:00

I realized today that my 365 days are quickly ticking away! I am very slowly checking items off of my “to do” list. A few weekends ago I had my garage sale. You woldn’t believe how empty the basement and garage are! What a great feeling!

I have 35 books to go – that is crazy! I just can’t find the time or attention span to read anymore. Vacations will begin in about 3 weeks. Maybe I can get some read by then.

I think I’ve run 3 miles. Ahem. What about the 5k and ½ marathon? We got a fantastic treadmill this weekend, so maybe I can put a few more miles under my feet.

I have painted 2 bathrooms. One looks great, the other looks horrible. It looks so bad, I think Tim is going to sand it down and repair the wall (again) and repaint while I am in Texas. But I still get to cross out # 8!

Brooks and I played Guitar Hero about a month ago. He is better than I am, but I refuse to start on easy. I have to say, my musical abilities are still with me and I was playin’ some tunes that didn’t sound too bad. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is by far my best song. Check off #38!

Since I had the garage sale, the basement is fairly clean. It really needs to be vacuumed, but it is hard to convince oneself to clean a concrete floor. Good-bye #29.

I almost wrote #28 into the record books last weekend, but my friends wouldn’t go for it. I think I need more adventurous friends, don’t you?

I LOVE BodyJam – it is lots of fun. Takes me back to Spartanaire days. I don’t think I will be a regular, though, till school is back in session.

The gym discontinued our Belly Dancing classes. BUT, a friend from our baseball team is a Real Live Belly Dancer, costumes and all! I am going to get her to give me a private lesson. You never know, maybe I will join her troupe and travel around East Tennessee shaking my mid-section. I’ll let you know on that one.

I guess I’d better get to stretching. Who knows how long it will be before I get into the splits again… maybe that could go along with Belly Dancing.

I did memorize the credit card and boy is it easy to shop on-line, now. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.

I still have lots to go. Stay tuned, I’ll keep y’all abreast of my latest accomplishments.

As of today, there are exactly 243 days left for me to finish my goals and then, we must have a PARTY, don’t you think????

Almost Vacation

2008-07-13T13:44:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe... summer is half over. I have been home for the entire first half although 3 of our 4 kids have taken short jaunts out of town. I can't say it's been relaxing. I haven't slept in much and I haven't had anytime to sit around and watch tv. Sleeping in and spending hours upon hours perusing the channels used to be my idea of relaxation. Those ideas went out with the bath water about 12-1/2 years ago, when I had a child - and then another - and another - in less than 35 months. I remember summer during my teen years as days when I would go to swim practice, come home to eat lunch, watch tv and listen to the locusts in the trees on the HOT Houston afternoons. Eventually I would end up back at the pool, or at the movies with friends. Hmmm. The good ole days.

I don't hear as many locusts these days. I'm not sure if we even have them all the way up here in the mountains of Tennessee. But we do have the heat (although this year it has been quite cool and pleasant), and the sound of kids diving into the pool. I love to take all 4 swimming. I sit in the chair with my eyes closed (for a second) and listen to the sounds of the laughter and splashing in the water. It takes me back to my childhood summers filled with fun - biking, eating Blue Bell ice cream, and sleeping till noon. But my daydreaming is always cut short with a little voice saying "mom?" and I snap back to reality and the fact that I am already 39 and the kids are getting older and older with each second that passes.

This summer for our family has been a little different. We have had at least one child gone every single week. The dynamics have been interesting as I have observed the challenge of doing without a sibling. We even took a trip where we could all fit into one hotel room. Usually we have to get 2 rooms, or a suite.

Caroline missed the state baseball tournament. We ate sushi while Reed was at camp ('cause he isn't too crazy about it). We drove to Alabama to see friends while Brooks and Tim were at Scout Camp. We did "big kid" things while Cole was at camp. I've enjoyed the variety.

The middle of this week brings us to the beginning of a vacation. We are headed to Nashville for a wedding. Our nephew Adam is marrying the cutest girl named Sampy. Caroline will be a jr. bridesmaid, Brooks and Reed will be ushers, and Cole will be the "ring bear". Sunday we are headed to Dallas to spend the week with friends. Then we'll fly to Houston to spend the last week with my parents. Unfortunately, Tim will be at home to work and take care of Sassafras. His vacation was at Scouts this year. August 2, we are going to take a quick trip to the beach, reuniting all 6 of us before school begins again.

Long live summer!! I've so enjoyed the lack of routine and homework!

At Last, Atlanta!

2008-07-09T14:03:00.005-04:00

We’ve been looking forward to this trip all year – those of us following Thunder Baseball, anyway. Brooks’ team entered a Wood Bat Tournament which was planned for Memorial Day, 2008. Caroline and I traveled to Atlanta with some friends for a day of shopping first. After all, we have to take the opportunity when it presents itself. The males all followed in a later car – after school was out and after the dads got off work.

Our 2 families met up again outside of Turner Field. We endured a bit of rain before we went in, but our spirits were up and we were ready to see our boys on the field! The baseball team wore their uniform shirts for a parade around the field. They looked great on the jumbotron. They are even cuter when they are giant-size! See - those 2 bigger guys are the coaches - aren't they cute???

Unfortunately, Brooks is nowhere to be seen...

Here are a few pics from our eats. The dads pigged out on delectable hot dogs – fancy style. - everything on it to completely grossed me out. Once off the field, the boys ate a few dogs, cotton candy, dots, pretzels, plus cokes.

Saturday morning we began our tournament. We lost a few games that weekend, but we all need to lose a few, right? Well, we won’t reflect on our losses. No, we will reflect back on the fun we had eating, swimming, and SHOPPING with friends till we were so tired we fell into bed.

Sunday after we were booted right out of the tournament, we caravanned up to PAPPASITAS for the best TexMex you can find this side of Houston. If you’ve been there, I’m sure descriptions aren’t necessary. We just love the fajitas and tamales. and chips, salsa, cheese, and handmade tortillas. oh, and the mariachi band is always a great addition - my favorite song to request is "One Ton Tomato" (I don't know the real name, but the chorus sounds just like my lyrics). Our Tennessee friends were quite satisfied as we rolled back to the hotel and into the pool.

So the beginning of our summer was terrific. The wood bats added a new flair to our base-running game. The boys showed their personalities on a giant screen – funny faces and all. I have to say the losses gave us character and a little perspective on the typical teams we face in our area in Tennessee!

The Big Dig

2008-07-07T09:22:00.002-04:00

Wow! My week is starting out right! I opened my email to find a guest contributor for the blog today - right as I am off to hit my new treadmill! I have a new post almost ready for publication, plus 2 in the works, but none are ready for Monday.

I have to agree with my dear friend, Dee. Nothing is more satisfying than bunches of black bags filled with weeds and clean, beautiful flower beds just outside the window. I am adding a huge grin to my face as I anticipate gazing on her lovely beds (in person) 2 WEEKS from yesterday! In the meantime, though, I have to laugh. She's right, you know, for I am well acquainted with all 4 characters in the story and she has described them to a T!!

THE BIG DIG

I declared Saturday, July 5 to be the Big Dig Weed Picking Day. I hate digging weeds. Yet I love the end result of the weed digging. No one in my family likes digging weeds. It hurts. It is no fun. I'm praying my children do so well in life that they can hire yard help so they will be able to choose whether or not they want to dig their own weeds as adults.

The event was actually born out of a Boy Scout project. The seventeen year old has yet to complete all requirements to get the Eagle Award, so this fit into the Family Life project. Perfect. An excuse to make everyone pull weeds disguised as a worthy cause. Of course I capitalized on the idea.

I was the first out to weed at 8:30 a.m. (It's July in Texas; must be done by noon to avoid heat stroke.) Shortly after came my 11 year old daughter. She is the biggest weed whiner of them all, so I was shocked to see her. Hubby came next, then the seventeen year old, who had some distraction inside. Hubby started in quickly with offering to start mowing. No dice, Honey, we're weeding. Then he offered to "weedeat" the weeds. I explained that the last time he did that they were back in the beds in 10 days. That simply lops off the tops. (His other m.o. is to get out the Roundup and squirt.) We need to all actually DIG weeds today, not just ME digging the weeds. The mowing and weedeating would follow, time permitting. Next, the eleven year old talked up a storm while gingerly stabbing at some weeds. Par for the course. The seventeen year old, my firstborn and cut from my mold, worked hard.

After a while I saw Hubby and Eleven in the very back bed in the shade, sitting in beach chairs, chatting and digging, because life is a party for those two. Meanwhile, Seventeen and I made it around to the other three sides of the yard in full sun, sweating and digging, climbing, squatting, bending, killing ourselves. When we finished, we headed to the back bed, and the other two were so proud of themselves for their work. I pointed out that it was a good thing someone had been bagging leaves in that back bed, or there would be many many more! Oh? You've bagged leaves in the past 3 years? Hard to tell. Thank you, Darling!

By 10:45 Hubby and Eleven were off to the golf course for an appointment to fit her for a driver. The rest of the work remained for Seventeen and me. My back hurt, I was drenched with sweat, and I was ready to be done. But we rallied and bagged three more bags of leaves and clippings, even when he thought it was good enough. I must instill a work ethic in these children! We hit the showers at noon.

Tonight, there are 9 black bags at my curb; seven came from the back yard. My fingers tips are still sore, and I feel like I've been at a session of boot camp. I think the original purpose of the boy-led project was somewhat lost; however, Mama is happy.

WFMW - Movie Treats

2008-06-04T00:17:00.006-04:00

It won't be long before the excitement of "freedom" wears off and we all begin to search high and low for something to keep us busy on the steamy days of summer. My gang is always up for a movie, but the theater is usually a pricey option for all 6 of us. Our local movie theater has a Wednesday morning special where they play older movies for just $1. So, with my snack tip below, there may be hope for us yet!

We are a family of 6 and we love popcorn. Well, let me start over.... We are a family of 6 and we love popcorn - except for my husband - he thinks it smells like old shoes. So our dog, Sassafras, can fill in for him and be the 6th - she could live and die by popcorn. Of course, we do limit her intake, death by popcorn would be the worst and would most certainly change our craving for the crunchy snack.

When we go to the movies, we just have to have a bowl full of hot, buttery popcorn - and a coke (or juice), too. 'Cause popcorn tends to make one extremely thirsty. Unfortunately, the acquiring of said treats could quite possibly cost a large family an entire arm and leg. So, I developed my "movies for cheapskates" solution....

I bring 4 disposable bowls and 4 disposable cups in a large purse every time we go to the movies. I purchase the largest, refillable popcorn receptacle that is available - and the same with a drink. Tim and I will share an additional drink - and I ("because I am the mom") get to eat out of the popcorn bucket. I divide the large, refillable drink into the 4 cups from home. I do the same with the popcorn and bowls. We take turns going to the counter to refill the popcorn and the drink. This tactic seems reasonable - I still purchase their snacks - I just don't have to go home absolutely and completely broke!

As for the theaters that don't offer refills on their gigundous options? I avoid them like the plague.

A New Day

2008-06-03T21:40:00.006-04:00

Who ever heard of a mother of 4 feeling free after school is out? Suddenly, I have the daunting task of entertaining a quiver of kids for almost 3 months and I am experiencing a feeling of elation. I've kissed our busy routine good-bye and am embracing a life of new activities - none of which involve homework, tests, or obligations.

Saturday was the start of this new life. Here are 10 things I've done that would have been absolutely impossible in the past 60 days:

1. Let's begin with sleep. I've gotten out of bed without the help of an alarm clock. Yes, I still wake up early, but there has not been the "jump out of bed and hurry" feeling - 4 days in a row.

2. I've been to the gym 2 days in a row. I even tried a new class yesterday - body jam. It was great! Lots of shimmying and shakin' like I used to do as a Spartanaire 20+ years ago.

4. I went to 2 movies within 24 hours. I saw 2 movies the weekend they opened. Last time I made an opening weekend? I don't have any idea.

5. I went out with friends - at night - for dinner - and saw a movie. We had a great time and I loved "Sex and the City" - I can't wait to see it again! and I got a free ticket for another movie because we had such a bizarre movie experience, so my 2nd movie of the weekend was FREE!

6. I walked through my yard inspecting the landscaping. Everything has grown and it's just beautiful. We've had something blooming over here continually since the week before Spring Break. Right now we are blessed with massive Oak Leaf Hydrangeas, a Cousa Dogwood, a Fuschia hanging basket, and blue irises in the pond.

7. I bought a file cabinet and put all of our files in it! Why is this a big deal? I don't know, but I am already feeling incredibly organized.

8. I ordered 4 books from Amazon and a box of vacuum bags from the internet. I know, it's not exciting, but there was NO TIME until now and boxes from UPS always make me happy - even if they do have bags with a future of dust and dog hair in them.

9. I played Guitar Hero for the very first time. Reed has gone to soccer camp for 4 days, Caroline is in Charleston, and Cole was at a friend's, so Brooks initiated me into the fun life. I am too impatient for easy and medium is pretty hard. My best score was on Hit Me With Your Best Shot - because I knew the tune and rhythym so well!

10. Finally, I baked a pie. I've had this recipe from my mom for years, but I just never get it all together to cook it. Plus it has red hots in it and I've had the hardest time finding them. Luckily I located a box at Walgreens recently. The pie was good (although very runny), so we'll just call it Red Hot Cherry Drizzle.

Caroline gets home tonight, so the laundry will begin again. Who cares! It's summer! Yahoo!

Summer

2008-05-31T21:47:00.006-04:00

Ahhhhh the sounds of summer have begun. I have this sudden feeling of freedom. I can't really pinpoint what I am free from, but I feel light, happy, and relaxed. I actually noticed myself taking deep breaths three times today. Can you believe it? I had enough time to do something that was not already scheduled on my calendar! I heard the baseball hit the bat today, the sounds of splashing children in the swimming pool, and I endured the heat through it all. Like I said... summer is certainly here.

The beginning of summer is always bittersweet for me. It's a little bit of a shock to have the full responsibility of entertaining 4 children who have strong opinions on what we should do next. I love to have them home all day - we can sleep late, have lunch together (at whatever time we want), and just take in the afternoon in whatever fashion hits us first. But as summer begins, we have to bid our teachers good-bye. This year Cole was a part of his Kindergarten teacher's very first classroom. Reed spent the year with a teacher who we knew well. Brooks was in her class 2 years ago. I knew what to expect, yet it was even better than I remembered. Brooks loved his first year of middle school. Caroline's year brought great success.

I am so thankful for our teachers and for their willingness to help my children through each stage of their education. I always wanted to be a teacher growing up. I played school for hours in my room with the door closed. I had my very own back-scratcher and I dreamed of the beautiful wedge heels that my 3rd grade teacher had. How the shoes relate to school teaching, I don't know, but I thought every teacher had a pair. I also couldn't wait to have my very own blackboard along with a chalk-holder. But somewhere along the way my sense of reason left me and I entered the world of business. Don't get me wrong, I loved my days in Human Resources. I helped plenty of people and learned all kinds of things. But I am just amazed at how a teacher shapes a child's day. When I volunteer in classes, I constantly re-evaluate how I could go back to school and become a teacher. Isn't that crazy?

I guess it has to do with the fact that my mind is beginning to wonder what one does when the kids are all gone. Yes, I know, I have 12 years till my nest will be empty - but it seems like it was 19 years not too long ago and now 7 of those years are gone. I am constantly evaluating what I want to do in my 3rd career. I think I might try something entirely new.

Didn't I tell you I was feeling free? I am actually free to daydream. Today I was free to water the flowers and move a few pots around. We hoisted some junk to the dump and hung the towel bars in the bathroom I painted back in April. I feel like I've been to the spa. Oh yeah, it was just the humidity in the air as I breathed in the heat from the first days of summer. Before our routine begins again.

Forgive Me

2008-05-20T09:39:00.004-04:00

Here's a quick update on how my life is going. May is particularly busy around here. This past weekend we had 6 baseball games, 2 baseball practices, 1 soccer game, and 4 Sound Company performances. My parents were here, so they were able to see first hand just how crazy life is. We had a great time and everything went quite smoothly - which is great considering I had some type of mild stomach ailment on Friday and Saturday.

Monday morning the kids whooshed off to school despite the exhaustion and mess. Amazingly, I was able to overlook the chaos and make 4 lunches in record time. You see, I have a messy kitchen phobia. I really need to have all dishes in the dishwasher before serving breakfast and before making lunches. Why? I really don't know. Tim discovered my phobia long ago and adjusted our Sunday morning schedule. We used to be late to church every week because I was insistent on having the dishwasher cleaned out and refilled before we left. So, he simply took over kitchen duty. He brings me my breakfast while I dry my hair and we are now on time for church again.

All that said, we loaded the dishwasher yesterday before we left for the day's activities. Somehow between yesterday morning and this morning, I felt for sure that those dishes had been washed. I opened the dishwasher this morning to grab some cups for orange juice. I filled those puppies up with very pure, delicious orange juice and placed them proudly in front of Reed and Cole. Right after that, I proceeded to grab the silverware in order to put it back in the drawer. Suddenly I discovered a horrible truth. Just as I looked over to see both boys gulping down the last of their drinks, I realized that I had just served their juice in dirty cups. Reed even commented on how quickly I had run the dishwasher today. Evidently he had already discovered the dirty dishes and had pulled from the cabinet instead.

I just didn't have the heart to admit my mistake. I mean, what do you say? "Oops! I just gave you dirty cups?" I was going to stop them before they started drinking, but upon looking up I realized it was just too late. Oh, and remember that stomach ailment I had last weekend? I had the horrible realization that one of those cups had been used for water to wash down my medicine. There is just really nothing to say. I just grimaced, gave them kisses, and put those cups right back where they had been. In the dirty dishwasher.

Just imagine my relief when I went back up to brush my teeth and I found the glass I used on Saturday - still dirty - right beside the sink where I'd left it.

14 Hands

2008-05-05T21:31:00.005-04:00

One of my friends, who also happens to be an up and coming wine connoisseur, gave me the low down on this great wine - 14 Hands. Unfortunately, when recommending it to others, I got a little mixed up and referred them to 14 Husbands. It really isn't surprising that I would make such an error. I can hardly remember my own name these days - it's May and WE ARE BUSY.

I'm sure you have noticed that my daily blogs have taken a backseat to everything else in life. Such is the difference in January and May. January brings the type of weather that allows for sitting by the fire and conjuring up topics on which I can expound. May, on the other hand, shoves our schedule into high gear and there is hardly time to sit on the toilet.

I was thinking about it today and I think I could really use 14 hands. No thank you on the 14 husbands - I already have enough mouths to feed. But 14 hands? or 7 of me. I could do well with one brain on 7 bodies to coordinate all of the activities of these 4 kids. We would need 7 cars and that would require enough shoes for 14 feet - and that would be expensive on my very narrow feet. But 14 hands could get those 8 little feet where they need to go - and we wouldn't have to settle for missing anything.

But, since there is just 1 of me and 1 husband (who works a lot), I will settle for doing the best that I can until the lazy mornings of June come around to take the craziness out of life. Hang with me, I'll post when I can - probably late at night when the house is silent as I try to organize my thoughts of exactly how I will manage tomorrow.

Here's my countdown:

19 days of school left

21 baseball games

12 baseball practices

12 soccer games & practices

8 Sound Company practices

4 Sound Company shows

5 piano lessons

3 doctor appointments

2 trips out of town

3 field trips

6 scout meetings

525,600 white socks to match

at least 20 loads of laundry

80 lunches to pack

I don't even want to think of the dinners.

1 more hour till I'm going to bed.

Viral Interpretations

2008-05-01T09:22:00.007-04:00

We had a rather sickly winter this year. All four kids missed school at least one day for some sort of virus. Cole has been the grand prize winner - 3 stomach viruses and one stubborn fever. I was beginning to think that I needed to have a deep cleaning of our house in order to clear the house of our germs. Thankfully, with the warmer weather, things are looking up. I haven't had a kid home sick in 2 entire weeks. But when they are sick and mention a sore throat, I will no doubt load them up in the car and take them to their daddy's office for a quick, gagging swab. They hate it. I feel sorry for them. But I want to catch it early if they have the dreaded Strep Throat!

Reed brought home a small journal entry today. He will kill me for this, but I can't resist. I think it is great - and it explains his impression of an illness he's never had...

Now I know why he fears Strep Throat! Evidently it leads to death in dogs.

Amber actually died due to a stroke, but Reed's little mind conjured up another diagnosis.

$32

2008-04-20T07:11:00.003-04:00

Do you ever feel as if you are just going through the motions of life - not really making a big difference?

Head over to Shlog and look at WHAT A DIFFERENCE $32 CAN MAKE!

You will find it amazing....

Empty and Beautiful

2008-04-19T18:34:00.005-04:00

I received a free CD in the mail last week. I first heard about Matt Maher through Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. She wrote about Matt's new album - Empty and Beautiful - and how the lyrics had influenced her during the first week she listened to it. I flipped on over to his site and signed myself right up - and what do you know? A few days later I was inserting my very own CD into the car as I drove out of the driveway, like I do every afternoon to cart the kids all over tarnation.

I can't tell you how much I love it! It is upbeat and positive. The lyrics are full of depth. My favorite song is the first, "Your Grace is Enough". We sing it at church on occasion - even Reed knows the words. Caroline was talking about how she likes this version better than the one we usually sing because of the inflections he adds to the chorus. I love it because it reminds me that Jesus shares his grace with me every single day. and it is enough - it's just as much as I need. Believe me, I need a ton of grace to make it through each and every day.

You can have this music, too. It's on sale for just $8.97. I think you will find it to be an encouragement to you as you listen. I can't wait to add it to my playlist as I run my 40 miles to get ready for Houston in January and my big birthday next March!

Thanks Matt for brightening my week with such a happy and uplifting album. Now, when are you coming to East Tennessee for a concert?

Stating the Obvious, or Not

2008-04-15T17:43:00.007-04:00

How often do you notice something about someone - maybe it's new - maybe it's not. Should you say something, or should you just go on pretending that everything is just as it has always been?

I'm not really talking about spinach in your friend's teeth or an errant zipper that needs to be "xyz pdq'd" (examine your zipper pretty darn quick). You absolutely should comment and save that soul from embarrassing themselves in front of who knows how many that day. Nor am I talking about wondering whether an aquaintance is expecting a baby, or if they have gained a bit of weight around the middle. Surely we all know by now that we should never ask about a due date until it has been announced personally by the one with the larger middle.

With that being said, when you see a friend or a "frainquence" (a friend that is really more on the side of an acquaintance) - not to be confused with a frenemy (that would be a friend that treats you like an enemy) - you should comment when said friend who used to look like this....

suddenly appears looking like this:

Otherwise you will look like this:

as you try to carry on a normal conversation, suffering through an abrupt halt in your line of thought as you try to ignore the monkey in the room.

Slumber Parties

2008-04-12T08:11:00.004-04:00

Cole went to a slumber party at his best buddy's house last night. The occasion was to celebrate his 6th birthday - which occurred amidst great sickness at their house - in February. Due to many different schedules (and continued sickness), the party is a few months late. However, when you are 6, the delays are not easily understood. Cole has been talking about this sleepover for months. Every week, at least once or twice, he would remind me that he still hadn't gotten to go to Nate's. When was the sleepover going to be? Why can't it be now? But we said it was going to be a long time ago! How come...?

It's hard to see beyond yourself - when you are 6. and 30 something. I continued to explain that it would eventually work out. But that didn't help him much in the anticipation department. Monday Cole came home with a fever. He still had it on Wednesday morning. Again, I was beginning to think that the sleepover would have to be way-laid due to sickness.

Happily, Friday rolled around, and Cole was well enough to go. He was packed before school started. He wore his overnight backpack around the house for hours. After school, he counted down the minutes until we would leave. The car was filled with elation and great expectations during the 5 minute drive to his house.

I checked on him around 9:30 - or really - I was checking on his parents - to make sure they were still surviving the 4 little scoundrels. (maybe I was really trying to see if the scoundrels had survived). They were all tucked in bed. Quiet. Hopefully they would all go to sleep soon.

Suddenly the phone rang around 11:00. A phone call that late can never be good. Sure enough, it was AJ calling to say that Cole was fully dressed and ready to head home for the night. What?? This has been a night of great anticipation! Why would he be ready to come home? He never wants to come home. He would gladly trade all 5 of us in just to live in peace, love and harmony with Nate and his family. His mom is the world's best cook (he had also been discussing the possibilities for breakfast). His dad is the "funnest" - he chases them all over the house. His sister is the cutest little thing you've ever seen. Plus he has an adorable kitty named "Lucky".

Hubs went to pick him up while I put his brothers and their friends to bed. He waltzed in, bright as could be. Evidently, he and Mack had never been to sleep. I haven't tapped in to what exactly they had been doing while the other 2 slept - but believe me - we will discuss it in full today. Both Cole and Mack ended up in their own beds last night.

You know me, I am just sad for the party boy. Poor Nate was asleep when they left and would be waking up to find that his best friends had bailed on his party. Sure, I know there will be many other nights for sleepovers, but with all of the waiting and planning, I am sure he will be sad to be breakfasting without his 2 pals.

We're sorry, Nate! Somehow the sleepover monster swooped in and busted up the plans.

The Chimneys

2008-04-10T19:37:00.008-04:00

I have a new story to tell. I think I am ready to tell you about one of the longest hikes I have ever taken.

Let’s go back to the Fall of 1994. Hubs and I decided we would go to the UT/Alabama football game with 2 other couples from medical school. One pair were UT fans and the other poor souls pulled for Alabama. We borrowed a mini-van from our generous Sunday School teachers and headed across the state. Our drive took a good 6 to 7 hours, but it passed quickly as conversation was plentiful. There’s always a lot to say at the beginning of a trip, isn’t there? Our plan was to stay in a cabin in Gatlinburg, go to the UT game, and leave after breakfast on Sunday. Let’s just sit and focus on the word “breakfast”. I do believe that word is defined by the eating of food. You eat breakfast in the morning. It is the key to a successful day. At least that is what my mom and dad always taught.

Maybe this would be the best time to describe my favorite 1994 breakfast food. In Gatlinburg, there is a restaurant called The Pancake Pantry. They serve pancakes (amidst eggs, blintzes, waffles, bacon, sausage). You get the idea. Well, they also serve Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes. This was hands down my 1994, 1993, 1992 favorite. In fact, chocolate chip pancakes were my favorite since way back when I was 8 or 9. But the Swiss ones were tops – and only found in Gatlinburg. So, you can understand how much I was looking forward to breakfast on Sunday morning. Have I mentioned that we had been planning to have breakfast before we left the mountains?

So, we arrived at our cabin. Slept. Awoke. Headed out to the game. The game was a bust for the Alabama fans. That was no tragedy. We had a blast as a part of Big Orange Saturday. We usually were trapped in our houses watching the games on our 26” televisions. It is certainly more fun to be a part of the 90,000 people in orange. Even though it is deafening. After the game, we celebrated our victory and rubbed in their loss at some burger joint on the strip. We then traveled back to Gatlinburg along with all 85,000 other Big Orange Fans. Meaning: the trip took forever on those traffic stricken curvy roads.

The next morning we arose slowly. We ventured out to the living room. I was imagining those fluffy chocolate chips melting in my mouth. I was ready to shower and head out. After all, there is always a long wait at The Pantry. However, the rest of the crowd had a new idea. They were “tossing around” the idea of hiking to The Chimneys. Ummm, excuse me. What about my pancakes? No one seemed to care too much about my dream to indulge in pancakes. The really didn’t care that I was not a big football fan and had agreed to the trip thinking that pancakes would be mighty tasty on Sunday. I felt invisible. My needs were absolutely and completely ignored.

In fact, 3 grown men were fully agreeable to skipping breakfast and hiking up a mountain just to see The Chimneys. Because I am such a cooperative team player, I agreed to accompany them on their jaunt. But I was steaming mad. Mad as a hornet. My feelings were hurt. I was hungry. And I am stubborn. That is why, when everyone else fixed themselves pb & j sandwiches, I did not. No, I was furious. I was not cooperating with them. No way, no how was I going to let them think I was happy with this ridiculous idea. To be clear – all 3 men had class the next day in Memphis. 7 hours away. And at 10 am, they were deciding to hike all day and then drive back across the state of TN.

Off we went. Parked the car. Up the mountain. In our discussions, everyone else failed to mention to me that this hike would be straight up. It was no leisurely hike. No, it was level: impossible. Especially impossible on an empty stomach. It was a climb that took us 1350 feet up one side of the mountain and I have to say that I complained most of the way. I looked for hope in the eyes of the hikers whom we passed. I just wanted to see a promise of the trail easing up. I needed them to tell me that I would make it. I wasn’t sure. Had I not been with these impossible men, I most certainly would have given way to tears. But I was stubborn. And foolish.

After about 2 hours of climbing, we did indeed reach the top. Whoop-dee-do. We were at the top of some mountain. Gazing at I don’t know what – the chimneys. At the top, most people sit down and have a picnic as they gaze at natural beauty. Well, those with food do anyway…. Unfortunately for me, I had nothing. No lunch. No breakfast. No restaurants anywhere in sight. I had to stand strong. I am stubborn and to acknowledge that I needed food would have been weak.

I realized an amazing truth that day. I mean, I knew it was true in words, but not in times of great sacrifice. The truth? I married a super guy and he really, really loved me. He took his sandwich, broke it in two, and gave it to me. Please note that I did not ask. He didn’t ridicule me for being stubborn. He didn’t embarrass me in front of our friends. He very quietly and kindly, gave half of this squished pb &j sandwich to one very starving and humbled 24 year old girl.

I guess I learned a few things that day. Food does make one feel better. Stubbornness doesn’t get you anywhere when you are hungry. The Pancake Pantry had been there for 40-somethin’ years and it would be there when I came back. And most important of all: I experienced how much he loved me. He told me all of the time. I just didn’t really see it until he had to sacrifice his own comfort for me. Finally, I learned that he makes a really good peanut butter sandwich!

40 Before 40

2008-04-08T06:00:00.005-04:00

40 things I will do (or at least attempt) before I turn 40...

1. Run 40 miles. No, not at one time. Just 40 miles. I wouldn't want to put myself into shock.

2. Climb Mt. LeConte

3. Read 40 books.

4. Learn something about graphic art - at least enough to understand my blog header.

5. Start taking piano lessons

6. Learn to change/add ringtones on my cell phone.

7. Play more games

8. Paint at least one room in my house.

9. Understand/code HTML - that goes along with #4

10. Have 4 dinner parties

11. Learn to identify "travelling" in a basketball game. After all of these years, you would think I would have it mastered by now.

12. Decide whether to take up tennis again.

13. Get our meals back under control. Interpreted: quit being lazy and use my brain. I used to be so good at organizing!

14. Have my 2nd and very, very last garage sale. After this year, I'm all done.

15. Sell something on Ebay.

16. Watch/help my youngest child learn to read.

17. Score a complete baseball game (without losing track when something exciting happens).

18. Watch all Bourne movies without falling asleep. I've slept through 2 of 3....

19. Get all of our boxes unpacked and moved out of the house. Some are still packed from our move to Mississippi 8 years ago.

20. Eat chocolate chip pancakes at the Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg. Oh my, they are the very best.

21. Take a yoga class

22. Host a chocolate fountain party

23. Take a cooking class

24. Hike (part of) the Appalachian Trail

25. Should I really go skinny dipping? that would be a first....

26. Run a 5k race.

27. Go on an overnight camping trip. Ohhh, don't know if I should have put that in writing.

28. Learn to belly dance.

29. Clean out the basement.

30. Take up BodyJam

31. Read the Bible through from cover to cover

32. Ski down a black slope

33. Get back into the splits again. Notice I did not promise to repeat a high kick routine, or anything outlandish like that!

34. Try 10 new foods. I've already tried rattlesnake. I'm sure I can find a few other gross delicacies for me to partake of....

35. Memorize my most commonly used credit card. I'm tired of looking it up!

36. Take each of my 4 children on a special outing.

37. Learn to identify a Copperhead!

38. Play Guitar Hero

39. Row again.

40. Run and WALK the Houston 1/2 Marathon on January 18, 2009. Anyone want to join me?

326 more days till Friday, March 13, 2009! Surely I'll be prepared for the new decade once I've lived through all of these adventures....

I have just one question for you... How many people do you know who have their 40th birthday on Friday the 13th? Bet I'm the only one!

Pattern and Color!

2008-04-07T22:58:00.001-04:00

How do you like my new look? Same girl with a little more spunk!

Thanks to Jennisa and Theresa for your creativity and graphic skills. I think it's terrific!

About a month ago, I set out on a quest for a new face for my blog and I began selecting a few goals for the upcoming year.

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to name 40 goals? and besides naming them, I'm sure applying them will be a challenge, too.

I promise to be ready to bid the 30's good-bye when the time rolls around next March the 13th. I figure if 50 is the new 40, 40 must be the new 30 - without birthing children and changing diapers. Halleluia!

Again

2008-04-03T15:34:00.003-04:00

I actually composed the post below on Monday. I was being completely sarcastic when I pondered which kid would like to be sick.

Guess what. 2 kids home from school today. Fever and stomachache.

Tell somebody I was KIDDING!

But I am enjoying the excuse to watch a little more Gilmore.

A New Favorite

2008-04-03T14:52:00.000-04:00

I have a new favorite show. Well, it's new to me. Old to everyone else. I just happen to work that way. There are very few shows that I watch from pilot to finale. In fact, I can't say I've followed any for that length of time. Unless you want to count Little House on the Prairie. I am sure I have seen every episode. about 5 times. I love it. I will watch reruns whenever they are on - and when I have an excuse to sit down and watch. which is never.

I guess I have also seen most Designing Women episodes, lots of The Waltons, and Friends. I don't know what it is about re-runs that catch my attention. Sometimes I just settle for the familiar. Plus they remind me of happy stages of my life. Well, not Friends, that was on during med school when I spent oodles of time alone. But some nights we watched with our friends, Amy and Bill. We had some great Seinfeld/Friends watching parties on Thursday nights.

Anyway, my niece, Meredith, introduced me to The Gilmore Girls in January. It was quite timely. Just in time for the longest ongoing throw-up episode in the history of our family. So I had lots of time to sit and watch. I started with episode 1, season 1 and watched all 9 disks. I grew very attached to the characters during that week. We ordered pizza on the nights Rorie and Loralei ordered pizza. It felt like it was snowing outside as they traipsed through a blizzard. (it was cold and raining here, but snow was more fun). I am intrigued by the mom/daughter relationship and the townspeople are quirky enough to add a fair amount of humor. The sarcasm is palpable - similar to the amount we must have in everyday life. After all, sarcasm is a great mechanism for dealing with life's difficult moments without being scarred. The mother and daughter have a rare form of authenticity as they both experience life at their own levels. They are honest and open with each other. They tell it like it really is rather than holding back in order to "protect" the other from obvious reality.

Once I finished season 1, I had withdrawals. I couldn't settle for the reruns on t.v.. I don't want to see Season 6 before 2, 3, 4, and 5! Blockbuster doesn't carry them and Meredith's are at home, so I've been Gilmoreless. I haven't even seen them at Target. Hubs did find them at WalMart, but he also found them on Netflicks. So, guess what!?! Yes! I signed up for Netflicks yesterday and Season 2 and 3 should arrived on Tuesday.

I wonder who I can convince to be sick. Now I need another good excuse to cuddle up on the couch for about 18 to 36 hours.....

April Fools

2008-04-01T21:30:00.004-04:00

It’s been a fun day full of pranks at our house. After I initiated my first two children in 2007, they have been just waiting for April 1^st to come back around. Last year the 1^st was on a Sunday – a beautiful day – prime for sitting on the deck and drinking some good ‘ole iced tea. I brewed a big batch for those two and invited them to sit and chat on the deck over a glass of unsweetened tea. They had the biggest grins on their faces, not really understanding the occasion for such generosity from their mom. I presented the tea with sliced lemons and a bowl full of sugar, which they liberally sprinkled into their glasses. Strangely enough, the tea just didn’t take on the sweetness one would expect with a teaspoon of the granules. And two teaspoons really grossed them out. But they were diligent. They tried again. While hubs and I watched through the French doors…. It was “alarious” as Cole likes to say. Unfortunately for them, tea will never taste sweet when you are pouring in salt by the spoonful.

So, now you can see just why they have been so intent on revenge. This morning my alarm clock went off at 5:30 am rather than 6:30. Hubs even asked, “why is your alarm going off, and mine isn’t?” He is the one who rises at such a dark hour on Tuesdays. I quickly hit snooze and realized that my hooligans had started the day out a little early. Caroline also greeted me with a smile on her face and some crazy get-up on. She was dressed in quite a concoction of clothing when she greeted this morning. I thought she had suddenly lost her mind. The last trick I saw today was the swapping of cereal bags. I began to prepare my bowl this morning when I realized that it was Raisin Bran rather than Honey Bunches of Oats ( yes, I still eat this most every morning – since college). Oh, and the one that got the most attention, was Reed's trip downstairs to ask, "uh, mom? What do you do when the toilet overflows?" Now that got my attention.

I’ll have to plan better next year. I am sure with every year that passes, their pranks will evolve. I'll make sure mine do, too. But for now, I am having fun introducing them to the oldest tricks in the book. They are stand-bys for some, but for the young, they are just “alarious”.

Tonight will be fun. I made Cole and Reed’s beds backwards and for Brooks and Caroline, they will find climbing into the sheets a bit difficult. I spent the afternoon short-sheeting their beds. Ahh the fun of being the most experienced and having some tricks up my sleeve.

The Blame

2008-03-31T16:38:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in my posts. We've had quite a lot going on around here.

First of all, my computer has been completely dominated by 2 males in this house. They have been encumbered by the world of baseball and the Fantasy League they are competing in with Brooks' baseball team. Evidently they had to build a roster, go through the draft, pick up extras from the free agent list, and just scan the stats over and over for what type of season they are going to have. RBI's, K's, Disabled's - all have been studied. This is mind boggling for me. Just tell me who is winning and that will be enough for me. Today we are not winning.

Second of all (and really first in importance) was the occurrence of illness. Hubs' dad had a heart attack followed by quadruple bypass on Friday. Hubs left Thursday night for Memphis. He came home Saturday night after the surgery. His dad is doing well. They are going home this week. This came as quite a shock and I am still trying to recover. More on that later.

Thirdly, we were covered up in sports events this weekend. Most were rained out, but you have to be available until the very last minute. Dressed and ready. Snacks and drinks in hand. Extra uniforms (preferably lodged in ziploc bags to prevent corruption by moisture) in the car... in case the manager gets confused and advises you incorrectly. ahem. ahem. cough. cough. 'Scuse me, the allergies around here are very, very bad.

So now you know what is up with me - although hubs promises a challenge to excuse number 1. Really, it is baseball's fault. and I am lovin' every minute of it!