HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today is my birthday. I turn 36 (shudder). SOooooo..what do I have to look forward to? Menopause? breaking a hip? Race was supposed to have a long weekend, and we were SO looking forward to it. But work called yesterday, and he had to leave today. So, all plans are off. We were so bummed yesterday, when he got the call. Then we were running the kids all over with their friends for different activities. So, when we got home it was 9 p.m. I still needed to do my PM workout, so I went to the basement for that, and he played/ talked with the kids. Soon after, everyone was in bed, and race and I were finishing up things that we each needed to do, tying up loose ends for the day. A little later, we end up in the kitchen, digging through the fridge. We ended up eating. Race pulled out a few pieces of hunks of gourmet cheese that I had left over, some good olives, crackers, and a bottle of champagne that had been in our fridge for about a year. *A gift from an Italian flight attendant on the way back from Rome. SHe had given us 2 bottles. We tried one, but didn't really care for it, but THIS one was incredible! * SO we sat and ate and talked......till it was my birthday. And you know it just helps me so much to talk (duh).

So I felt better, and today was O.K. after all. The kids made me the sweetest cards, and I got some birthday phone calls from friends and family, and of course my blog birthday wishers. Thanks! I ended up heading into our little small town, to the nursery that I love and picking up a few new perrennials. I got lambs ear, more summer phlox, and a pretty pink chrysanthimum. I am trying hard to create an english garden look around our little cape cod house. I LOVE to work outside, it is so relaxing to me. Oh- I also ordered my swimsuits for the beach Which you can see HERE
and HERE


I got periwinkle blue, and pink. I've still got the blonde thing going on, so I am hoping that these colors are good. Comments please. (Would you be caught dead in these?) And you know, of course, that now that you have seen these swim suits on the V.S. gals, you must NEVER actually see waht they look like on me...you know that, right?

I got the most encouraging email from Lynette this week. It was so great to touch base with them again. And, I got an email from Annette about how her inlaws are fairing after the hurricane. The kids (mostly Savannah) have put together a box for her niece that we will be getting out on Monday. Nothing special, but we hope that it brings a smile.

I'm still doing the 2 workouts a day, and it is cool enough to start running, but I just can't bring myself to run without Race here.

So, that's it. WHat's going on with y'all? I'm going to go check around the blog world a bit before I hit the old Fanny Lifter. And ladies.....take my advice. DO NOT let your fanny droop too far before doing something about it. This is the most excruciating thing to correct! And for as much pain as I have experienced in that area from these excercises....IT. SHOULD. BE. LIFTED by now! But alas, a backward glance in the mirror reveals to me that if it had been ignored much longer, my butt would have been hitting the back of my knees when I walked. So, once again, I shall climb the Fanny Lifter.....over, and over, and over. With clenched fist raised to the blackened sky, I shout, "As God as my witness, I SHALL lift my fanny!"

36.
ugh.

Thank-you, thank-you Laney, for getting what I meant about the "work sheet scholars". That's one of the things that I love about classical home schooling. No work sheets, no fill-in-the blanks, no multiple choice, no matching. Ya gotta write it out......... not copy it...write it out. Ya gotta discuss it. When you can write about it and discuss it.....it's YOURS. You learn to THINK. It is my opinion that the currently accepted U.S. educational method of fill the bucket, spit it back for the test, then forget it forever, is one of the greatest disservices that we push on students today. (Now, don't go emailing me, the kids HAVE done multiple choice before..)

Race had a Very Important Interview today. This something that we have been praying about for some time. It went very well. No idea what this will mean for us in the future, but it all looks positive.

We are looking forward to the weekend. Race got some time off! I'm not sure what we will do, if anything, but it will be great to be together for a bit. We were talking about camping, so maybe that will materialize. I MUST get some pictures!

That's it for me tonight. I'm beat.
Y'aal have a good weekend!
Melissa

So this is why you get married.

Sometimes I lose track of the big picture. We had a particularly stressful day, lesssons dragging along, oldest child remembers NOTHING of the the last 8 years of education, youngest child is sick in the bed ,and middle child........well... thank heaven for the middle child. A day when everytime that you walk into the room, that laundry pile has gotten BIGGER, and those floors STILL haven't been cleaned. So. It was that kind of day. The kind of day that Satan uses to pull the rug from beneath my feet. To cause me to focus on MY abilities (or lack thereof). The kind of day that makes you want to pull the covers back over your head. I am ashamed to see how easily that I am discouraged.

But that's why I have been given a partner in this adventure. This is when Race steps in and reminds me why we chose this route. He reminds me of the big picture. How when we started down this road it wasn't to produce -fill-in-the-worksheet scholars. We were aiming for the "whole child". To train their hearts as well as their minds. To teach them to THINK on their own. To prepare them to be used by God in whatever way that he sees fit. Because that is our responsibility. And ours alone. And THAT is a big job. And it is one that I am not able to do..... on my own. It is only through God's wonderful grace, and that alone, that success or fulfillment will come.

And Race reminds me that a 13 yr old squirming over theology.....isn't such a bad thing. That a boy who would rather play baseball than do algebra should bring a sigh of relief. And he reminds me that we have great kids. That as PEOPLE they are truly great. They LIKE to learn new things, they are funny and compassionate. They meet new challenges head on. They are well rounded. And they love the Lord.

So. Thank-you Race. Once again you have brought the perspective that helps keep this ship sailing. Thanks for reminding me that this is a marathon and not a sprint.

Savannah and I met Thom yesterday after I got my hair cut, (good cut, I'm happy). We got coffee and chatted for a bit. She is looking quite spiffy with her new found weight loss. Go Girl! We are at the 9 day count down till the beach. I am still doing my work outs. I realized last night that I have been working out close to 2 hrs each day! Abs in the morning, and then switching around at night with different tapes. That is TOTALLY a record for me. But I will be glad when it cools off a bit and I can start running. Sometimes it just seems so much easier to just throw your shoes on and get out the door, kwim? Now....if I can just keep at it, and not sputter out in a few weeks!

Have a great day!
While you're kissin on those babies, don't forget to kiss your spouse too!
Melissa

Allow me to make a few introductions of some of my frequent commenters. Anniesue is one of my college room mates. This poor gal had to put up with me for my entire freshman year of college. Poor, poor girl. (But we did have fun.) She is sweet and good natured, and has a lovely family.

Bridget is a friend from my private, ultra-oppressive ,independent Baptist high school. She escaped before I did, but she helped get me through the early years. We haven't been in touch much till now, but she seems like she is really making it all work with her husband and family. It's great to hear from her.

Lynnette, (waving here) is the wife of one of Race's college room mates. I have only met her once in person. But she is a hardworking gal who is full of personality (and who should be blogging nudge, nudge). She and her husband Greg have a beautiful family.

I have the funniest story to share as sort of a blast from the past. Race's roommate Greg and I dated very briefly. On Easter he had gotten me some roses and a chocolate bunny. Now. The funny thing was that I never knew anything about the chocolate bunny until after Race and I were married. You see, Greg had placed the bunny in the fridge in their dorm room; Race comes in, sees the bunny, and promptly bites off the head and places it back in the fridge. So.....I got the roses and was thrilled! But here's the kicker dear friends and readers........I married the guy that ate the head!!!!!! What does this say about me????? (Feel free to correct me on this story Lynette and Greg). And having lived with Race with for the last 15 years (o.k., at least PART of the last 15 years), I KNOW Greg must have been a saint!!!!!!

Nerf guns have once again invaded our home. We have nerf guns of every shape and size, including the behemoth, bazooka style one. I don't even notice anymore, when I walk throught the house with the laundry and accidently walk into the cross fire. Race gave the little one a few points on room entry, and he is nearly invincible. Last night as I was tucking everyone in, I heard myself say, "Put the guns DOWN, and get under your covers." It was then that I realized that I had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. I walked right into an ambush. Both boys pull out Nerf guns from under their beds. I sailed outta that room with about 30 darts nailing me all over. They ARE amazingly accurate. Not to worry though, eventually they will lose all the ammo. Savannah has learned to horde ammo in her room. The boys are then at her mercy as they try to outdo one another to be awarded the extra foam darts. Smart girl.

Well, I'd better get going today. I am painfully aware of almost every muscle in my body right now. OUCH! My body is rebelling against sculpting!

Have a great day!

What she said:

Check out what Dy is saying over at Classic Adventures. She has articulated so well my own very scattered thoughts and murmmerings on most short term "missions". I would add that this flows over into a world view that is desperately lacking in many of our churches and missions groups today. Check it out!

Race left for the big city at o' dark thirty, and I am off and running this Monday morning....(or, trying to be).
Our Sunday was wonderful. Race really liked the church, (yay!), we ate a nice leisurely lunch out, and then later that evening, we all went to a baseball game. We had a blast. Nothing like a good game on a Sunday. I realized what an unusual (freakish) family we must be to onlookers. Let me explain: We really loathe most current country music. REALLY. And please note the word "current". I grew up on Waylon and Willy and my dad still likes to play Hank Sr. loudly at home. So, don't go emailin' me, I LOVE country.....but I HATE NEW COUNTRY. Anyway, at the baseball game they started playing the song "What I like about Sunday" by Latest Guy To Wear Cowboy Hat. This is just TOO much for my family. We try to ignore it at first, but it's just too much. Race starts making the new lyrics, the kids join in, and we were just howling in no time. Right there, in the front row on the first base line. I don't remember the finished product, but I am sure Jack will be singing it today, as it contained the words "cuttin'cheese" (thank-you, Race). On that same note, have you seen that new Fruit o' the Loom commercial that pokes fun at country music? Now THAT's funny!! So, I use that to comfort myself because there must be others out there who share our somewhat unique (yes, unique, that's it) sense of humor. Right?
The next two weeks are going to be quite busy. School lessons have kicked into high gear, and I am requiring much more out of the kids. I think (no, I know) that I had been guilty of letting them slide a bit without realizing it. I had lessened my demands out of sympathy for them because their dad had been gone so much (as it is a well known fact that I am NOT the fun parent). So, without realizing it, I was letting them slack................ and not doing them any favors. So we have raised the standards back to their appropriate place, and guess what? They work hard to achieve their new goals, and in return feel so good about their accomplishments. I learned a BIG lesson here.
In other news we only have 2 weeks till we converge on Emerald Isle, N.C. for a week of R &R on the beach with my family. I am currently trying to kill myself with The Firm work out tapes. Have y'all ever done these? These are so hard. I am doing an Abs tape each morning and then alternating the upper body, lower body and cardio each evening. I haven't been able to move in a natural manner for about 3 days. I don't need to lose pounds, I need to tone. We'll see how my desperate attempt to not-look-disgusting on the beach, goes.
I was lamenting my approaching birthday to Race last night, while he was busy getting all of his gear packed up (meaning, he was BUSY, he wasn't really wanting to listen to this) and the end of the conversation went like tins:

Me: Man, honey, I just feel SO OLD (whine).....
Race: (In rapid machine gun like manner, while moving about the room packing and making no eye contact) "O.K. , Hon- you're not old. You're hot. When we're old, you'll still be hot. Then we'll be hot together."(leaves the room with packed bag).

Hey- that's all I need (shrug). It's good to have him home *smile*.

Y'all have a great day!
Melissa

Yikes, that was fast!

WOW! Is it Friday already? Race got home, (turns out he got "Top Johnny Bad Ass"*gush*) and although the original plan was that he would have to go in for debriefing for the rest of the week, he ended up getting some extra time off. So, we have all been busy, busy.....just being a family. It has been a great week. Not one exciting thing has happened, and that's been just great!
Race and the kids are in the other room watching Savannah's favorite movie, "The Phantom of the Opera". And don't let him fool you, Race is a huge sucker for a good love story. I remember the first time that I had him watch the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice with me. At the end, I said, "Oh, (sigh) I want to marry Mr. Darcy", and he said, "What are you talkin' about? *I* want to marry Mr. Darcy!"
I have been bent over my big kitchen calendar trying to plot out all of the activities for the fall. Savannah is taking ballet and modern dance as well as a theatre class. Jack is taking martial arts and playing fall baseball. Austin is doing martial arts, jiu jitsu, and of course fall ball. It seems like a lot, but I don't feel like any of the kids are over committed. Jack is doing a bit more than I would prefer at 8, but he really seems to thrive on the activity. The other two just seem to have hit an age where trying out new skills and talents is what they are driven to do. I am thankful that we have the means to support it right now.
In other news in our home, Austin now has the book "Eldest" in his possession, and is reading feverishly. Savannah finished the latest book in the "warriors" series, and now must wait until 2006 for the next one. She is busying herself with good 'ole Nancy Drew for now. Good beach books.
Well, you can mark this phrase among the list of things that I never thought I'd hear myself say: "Hey...now.., wait-no. wait. No more snakes at the breakfast table." To which Jack replied, "But Mommmmm...he's Famileeeeee!" (sigh)
I will try to post a bit more, but I've gotta fight for the computer now that Race is home! Y'all have a great weekend!
Melissa

What a great weekend!

Because Mom and Dad’s house is filled to capacity with other family members, the kids, Thom, and I have been staying at the beach house, (they really had to twist our arms). Last night, Q came back with us to spend the night. This was his first big sleepover with his cousins. He was such a little trooper, and hung right in there with the big kids. There was screaming, and laughing, and running, and hiding. Then…(insert scary music here)…..it was bedtime. That’s when it got hard. When I went to bed at 11:30, Aunt Thomasina was on one end of the sofa reading, and little Q was snuggled under the covers on the other end, drawing pictures. He finally went out around 12:00. Not bad for your first time away!

Today, Mom, Dad, Uncle Roy, Em, and the boys all joined us at the beach house. They brought steamed crabs with them. We had such a nice day at the water. Jackson caught a jellyfish, which he is keeping until nightfall to see if it glows…(yeah, everyone has told him it’s not the glowing kind, but….what do we know?)My friend Janelle and her two girls came out and played as well. We had gorgeous weather, and the kids saw a bald eagle fly over, got to watch the osprey dive for fish, and in the middle of the day, 2 swans with half-grown signets came swimming right up to the beach and the kids got to feed them..(I for one, was SURE that Thom was going to be attacked by the gander when the bread ran out, and found that thought quite amusing, but alas, he decided not to take her on).

Tomorrow, we see RACE!!! His evaluation went incredibly well, and it seems that we have some new prospects on the horizon. We will visit with my family for a few hours, before heading back to our house to regroup, catch up, and…… I don’t know…. I guess just look at each other. We haven’t done that in awhile! We have a lot to discuss, and many decisions to make in a short period of time. We are all thrilled about him coming home for a bit (though we don’t know for how long). We pray for wisdom and guidance, and of course, safety.

Talk to you soon,
Melissa

Fish Fry

On Sunday, Uncle Roy and Uncle Donald were up at 4:00 am, and out the door , headed to the pond fishing. They caught a HUGE “mess of fish”, as we say in the south (which ended up to be about 40). They cleaned all the fish, and then Dad tried out his new, huge, heavy duty, mega, fish fryer. In no time at all 15 family members sat down to fried fish, cheese grits and coleslaw. My family KNOWS how to do a fish fry!

Happy Birthday Walker!

We got to W.’s birthday bash, and all I can say is the Big W. sure knows how to throw a party! The big pool was filled with kids big and small, and the kiddie pool was filled with babies and tots, and lots of adults were milling around eating and talking. W. thoroughly enjoyed himself, as did everyone else.

Happy Birthday W!

Some Pictures From The Road

pit stop.

Goofin' Off!

Stopping en route (literally) to take in the scenery. This was seconds before I realized the sound that I was hearing was the huge 18 wheeler that I had passed miles back, lumbering it's way up the road. Just after the picture was taken, I yelled, "Quick! It's the truck! Load up!"

The scenery

A heads up

I have been getting a ton of unwanted spam in my comments section lately, so rather than not accept annon. comments, (Mom, Aunt D.), I am trying the word verification thing. So, please just type in the the little word that it asks for, and *hopefully* this will put an end to my commenting woes! So, please, keep commenting!!

Those blasted cookies!

O.K., panic averted. I could not log in for 24 hrs, because *somehow* my computer settings had been changed, (Read: Kids had lap top in their hotel room for 2 days).


Hey! We’re back! But not for long……we’re not even unpacking the suburban! One load of wash, and all clothes go back into their respective backpacks by this evening. Gotta hit the road again in the morning, for the big birthday soirée’ for W.

I go away for 2 days, and Dy and Zorak just up and buy a house! Sheesh! Lol! Congratulations guys!!!

Anyway, about our trip. It was Sooooo worth it! The kids did lessons for their first half of the trip, but put away the books after lunch. We were in awe of the breathtaking scenery, and that more than made up for the extra hour of driving. When we arrived, the meaning of “small town” took on a whole new meaning. And I LIVE in a town with one stop light! We got settled into our adjoining rooms in the Middle of Nowhere Hotel (which was surprisingly nice, but had no internet access), and then headed out to the pool. About 1 hour later, a caravan of dusty, rental minivans (one curiously shot all to heck with simunitions paint!) came screeching into the parking lot. We watched as the doors flew open on each one and out piled what at first glance, looked like an army of Race’s.(And they were all looking at US, so we kept thinking we were seeing him!) Apparently Johnny Bad Ass School has it’s own unspoken uniform. The last van flew in and it was Race! We were all so excited to see him again! Race and the kids swam, then A. got out his glove and Race’s catchers mitt, and they threw the ball awhile. At dinner time, we went to eat at the, again, surprisingly upscale restaurant in the hotel. The other guys from J.B.A. school were all in the lounge. Race introduced me and we laughed and chit-chatted very briefly…and.. THAT. WAS. IT. Race spent the rest of the time making sure no one from J.B.A. school saw us for the rest of the visit. *Let me explain* You see all through the Military , the police stuff, the countless TEAMS over the years, Race has always lived by the familiar old adage, “You can trust em’ with your life, but ya can’t trust em’ with your wife!” (snort) He has always kept us sequestered away from these guys. Other military guys would ask him, “Hey, don’t you have a wife?” and he would answer, “Yeah, but YOU’LL never see her.” (And so it is among the males in the animal kingdom.) LoL! So, true to form, we spent all of the rest of our time with Race and Race alone, which was exactly the way that we wanted it. He is doing great, and he kept telling the kids how proud that he is of them. They got a chance to fill him in on the latest happenings in their lives. He was truly grateful that we had come, and it feels good knowing that we really are making this all work. I am very, very thankful.

We should be picking up Race next week some time, and what will happen from there is anybody’s guess. So we will all await the next chapter. We are looking forward to seeing the family this weekend. Uncle Roy is at Mom and Dad’s with his loud little dog. They got in from Louisiana last week, and we can’t wait to visit with them. Thanks so much for all of the well wishes and prayers.
And a HUGE “thanks” to Thom for offering to pick up pizza (for us, not her, she’s dieting) on her way out to our house this evening. Thank-you! Thank-you! from one tired sistah!

Melissa

What a busy day!

Well, we had a day! The day started off with errand type phone calls and lessons for the kids. (My two bright spots this morning were catching up with Dy and Andree'(Races' Mom)). Then we were off to have some fun. We rounded up Thom, and the kids friends and that equals one full suburban! We headed to Putt-Putt golf & games. They did it all: Golf, batting cages, go-karts, and of course GAMES!!! The poor gal working behind the counter had pity on me, and after we had spent XX$$ on tokens, I went to pay for their golf rounds, and she just waved us on, and said, "Wow. Just go play." We had a great day, and I don't think that I have ever been around a better group of kids. They were so fun. Everyone had a great time, and I only had to reprimand Thom once..."Let someone ELSE have a turn at Dance Dance Revolution. O.K.?" (snort, just kidding) I am so thankful that my kids have made such good friends.
The rest of the day was filled with Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu, and then Applebees for dinner. We finally got home at about 7:30 or 8:00, and saw that our AC man had come by, and left the bill on the table, and closed my upstairs windows so that they weren't rained in( He is so nice). Awesome..........except.....well, it's still not working correctly. Oh, I really don't want to have to call him again....
So, tomorrow we are off to visit Race. Can't wait! We are so excited. And guess what? The nice lady at the front desk of the hotel is giving us the same rate that Race's school is paying, so that's 2 rooms for 2 nights $200. That saved us about $100!! She's not supposed to do that, but we are Soooo glad that she did!
I am taking the lap top with us, because the kids do their Spanish on it, so maybe I will post from our location. Race will still be working during the day, so the kids and I will work on lessons throughout the morning. I am not sure what the afternoons will hold.
Oh, and before I forget, y'all have to go and read my OTHER sister Em's funny, funny post at

Me and The Guys

She cracks me up!

Have a great day!
Melissa
P.S. The kids have decided that Aunt Thom's indian name will be Laughing Snail. (if you know her, this is a perfect fit!)

Well, it turns out that the AC upstairs actually is broken. It worked for a few days, and last night, it just quit cooling. This is our upstairs unit, where the kids bedrooms and bath are. So, I meekly called the AC repairman AGAIN, and he will be out this evening, or in the morning. Seeing as it is after dinner now, I don't hold out much hope for this evening. So, the kids will be camping out down here on our main level AGAIN. The repairman, is one that we have used for about 14 years, and he is getting up in years, and recently lost his wife very unexpectedly. So, we'll wait.
Our school lessons went beautifully today. Everyone's attitude was great, and I crossed out everything on my lesson plan. And it wasn't even too overbearing, because each of the kids took short breaks throughout the day to swim, or jump on the trampoline, whatever. We will see how it goes this week as we take this show on the road. I just made a list of the books, workbooks, CD's, DVD's that we'll take with us(I believe that I shall use the basket method). I will throw in my handy dandy lesson planner, and we just might do this. We have taken school on the road many times before, but as the kids get older, it gets harder, because of the amount of stuff that you have to take. I would love to be one of those flexible mom's who can get it all done just sort of flying along looking at the big picture, but alas, that entire philosophy escapes me. It's beautiful in action, but I am not one that has ever been able to pull it off.
So, unless there is an unforeseen kink, we will leave on Wednesday and travel to meet Race. He will still be in training during the day, but hey, we'll have the evenings. We will come home on Friday in time for the boys to go to Martial Arts, and then we will leave again on Saturday morning to get to W's birthday party. I can't believe that my littlest nephew is turning 2! We will also get to see from family from LA. While we are there, which is always a treat. I am not sure when we will return, as we are hoping that Races training will be ending, and MAYBE he can ride home with us that week!
Well, hey, tomorrow should be fun! After abbreviated lessons, I am piling my 3 kids + 1 friend each, into the suburban for a day at Putt-Putt and the batting cages before Martial Arts. (We were supposed to do this last week, but it worked out better for everyone to put it off till today). Anyway, the kids are really looking forward to it, and me? Well, I am desperately trying to talk Thom into going with me!
So, all is well here. Not exciting, but well. And that's just fine with me.

Good night y'all,
Melissa

Church was great today. I am wondering how Race will like this church. The kids LOVE it. Everyone was so super nice and friendly after the service, and I already knew several of the members. The boys were whisked off immediately and Thom, Savannah and I found them in the gym with the other boys playing soccer. We let them play for a bit, while we got to visit with some of the ladies. After church, we hit Starbucks. The kids all got a treat, and Thom and I got drinks (that iced caramel machiatto really hit the spot). Then we headed over to the quaint little small town hardware store to look at the flowers for sale. I can't pass up a nursery these days! I didn't see any flowers that I needed, but I picked up a bag of Rose tone for which my roses will surely thank me.

The rest of the day has been pretty relaxing. I have done all of my lesson plans for the week, and have everything pulled together. I am waiting to talk to Race, so we can see about coming to meet him. It would be about a 4+hr drive, and the kids would take their lessons with them. We would probably stay 2 nights(2 rooms). Ugh. It adds up quick. But we will probably go anyway.

I am still really sore, and would actually rather run this evening than do that workout again. But it is SOOooo hot. I know, I know, people run in weather like this, but I think that I would surely die. But I'll get some sort of workout in tonight.

We are going to have a busy week this week. But I have found that we all function better when we are on task. So, in my thirst for balance, I have begun making lists again. I am good at following lists. It's the only way that I seem to accomplish the things that need to get done. If it isn't staring up at me from a piece of paper, begging to be checked off, well then, it's all too easy for me to let it slide. Some of the first things to go on any given day would be my Bible reading, my workout, the kids Spanish lesson, etc, etc. You get the picture. I am a calmer Mom when I can just "do the next thing". It brings a bit of perspective. So, we shall see how it goes this week.

I've got to go and run off some math work sheets, and dread my work -out for a little while!
Have a good night,
Melissa

Today was a good day. It was so hot out, that we just had to work outside in small spurts, but the front yard looks great, and the flower bed is weeded out. Other than the work that the kids had to help with, it was a Lego- athon at our home today. The Legos came out at about 9 am, and were in use until 9pm. We had to do a little shopping late this afternoon to get Jack some new church shoes. After that we decided to eat at the new 5 Guys that just opened up in town. Great burgers and fries! (Sorry Thom)

We read from "Adam and His Kin" again tonight. Am I being too much of a purist about this book? Why does it irk me a bit with some of the liberties that she takes in the story? Sometimes it just seems a little strained, or something. I don't know, but the kids like it. Jackson interrupts my reading often, with a little hand raised by his face. I stop and ask what he would like. He usually has some off the wall question. Tonight he asked, "Mom, who was the first person that God created that learned to swim?" Now, the older two get quite a kick out of my apparent facial expressions to such questions, and I always see them snickering to themselves. Tonight, Austin chimed in pretty quickly that it was "probably Adam". So, we continued on with the story.

After clean up, and the story, everyone got off to bed.
I am supposed to be accountable to my sister Thom about working out. I really need to work out. I have zero muscle and tone, and I am hanging on to those few pounds that used to effortlessly melt away. SO. I need to work out, cuz you KNOW I'm not gonna stop eating! So anyway, I did the FIRM workout tonight. 45 minutes of excruciating total body work-out. Proving to myself once again how completely out of shape I am. This should make for an interesting experience at church tomorrow, seeing as how I almost fell (seriously) down my steps tonight after the work out. How can muscle hurt THAT bad! Let's hope there aren't a lot of hymns tomorrow....all that up and down...YIKES!
Austin is still awake upstairs reading a Beckett baseball magazine, and looking at his card collection (last count over 6,000). Savannah is awake reading. Jack is going down fast. All in all it was a good day. I talked to Race tonight, and we might get to go and meet him again. Have to weigh out the $$$ though, so we'll see. Tomorrow, we meet Thom at church, and then I will spend the better part of the day relaxing with the kids and doing my lesson plans for the week. Have a wonderful Sunday,
Melissa

P.S. Thanks for the prayers Anniesue. They are so appreciated. I really am feeling better today.

What is your Indian name?

Tonight I am feeling unbelievably sorry for myself. We really miss Race.

I fixed round steaks with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and biscuits for dinner. After we did our "high-low", Someone started talking about Indians. Somehow, this led me to ask, "So, if you had an Indian name, what would it be?". I was dubbed "Yelling Owl" or "Voice That Carries", Austin was "Running Hare", and Savannah was "Silver Stream" or "Moon Flower", while little "Falling Poop" shall remain nameless. This of course reminds me of "Dy of the Many Chins", which totally cracks me up. Then I thought of the story of a gal that Janelle and Thom and I saw one night. She was appropriately dubbed "Long in the Ti**y". Now, don't go emailing me, we weren't just being mean, she deserved this title, and it's a long, long story, but man this still makes me fall out of my chair laughing. I swear, I can't even type it without laughing!

I have been reading the book "Adam and His Kin", by Ruth Beechick, aloud to the kids at night. They really like it so far. I will let you know what I think when we are done. Have y'all read this book? What do you think?
Oh- hey, guess what? I am almost finished with Don Quixote! Can you believe it? WHy was this book so difficult to get through? I actually found the story quite amusing. Sancho Panza has my kind of sense of humor! But still, I got bogged down. Anyway, I should be finished before the end of the week. Yay me!

Gotta go read!
Melissa

"Please Be Seated, Melissa. You have not spelled the word correctly."

Guffaw!! Hey, way to embarrass oneself on the World Wide Web! So, apparently, ALSO in The World of Melissa, one should NOT post (or spell) after 12 a.m. (see post below).

I thought about trying to redeem myself with lies of a misprint in my dictionary, or my growing brain tumor, but I figured that I will undoubtedly humiliate myself way-more than this soon, so I'd better just save those.

And, oh yeah, did you see below that Cribchick asked me to email her??? Now, assuming that she wasn't emailing to say something like, "Use a dictionary, for pete's sake!", well, then I am just really excited to get to know her. She's got mail!

Bye!
Melissa

O.K., well, it seems that in the World of Melissa, if you don't know how to spell a word, (let's say, the word 'Vacuume" you just keep trying different spellings, without ever going back to correct yourself. Good grief, what am I?- The blog for "This-is-why-parents-can't- educate-their-children"?

I swear I used to be able to spell. What happened? Maybe it's the wine..........yes, that's it. It's the wine...
Oh, well, if I can't spell, I can at least look things up in the dictionary (clearing of throat):
V A C U U M E. "vacuume"

WE MISS RACE SO MUCH!!!!!!!

I got a new vaccume cleaner the other day. Now, I am not one to go and spend a lot of money on a vaccuume, and I didn't. It's a Hoover. It's on the mid to low price end. I've been using it the past 2 days. I will try to remain calm as I tell you that it is a wonder that the authorities have not come and taken these children away, due to the absolute filth that we have apparently been living in. I mean, what was the use of the other vaccuume???? What was that about? Excercise? Why even SELL something like that, if it was leaving all the dirt on the floor???? I would try to vaccuume , and then empty the dust cup quickly before the older children could see. I would avoid eye contact, so as not to see the surprised look on their faces as they glanced at the dirt, and then at me........ But, hey....the floors are clean now.....aren't they? Right? Makes one wonder what the high-end price vaccuumes can do. Anyone care to comment?

In other riveting, house keeping news, our a.c. unit for the upstairs had gone out yesterday. It was running, but not cooling. So, I called our repairman. He would be out the next day. This unit only heats/cools the upstairs of our cape cod home, so last night the kids slept downstairs, as it was just too hot. This morning, in preparing for the repairman to come, I checked the filter. Hey, that looks really dirty! I changed the filter. Air works!
Yeah. O.K., apparently, you're supposed to change those things once in awhile. (slapping forehead!)

School was so-so today. No major light bulb moments. It could've gone better, but we all managed.
I am planning on using the Omnibus II OMNIBUS
with Austin this year. I wanted to go ahead and get him started on reading Eusebius; The History of the Church , so I picked up the Dover addition at B&N. I kept looking at that book thinking, "There is NO WAY! Definitely not 100 pages a week!!" AHHhhhhhhhh!!!!! I cannot tell you how relieved that I was to realize that there is another translation of this book that Veritas uses!!! Whew! So, I have the other translation on order. Major panic induced meltdown averted. We will see how the next one looks.

Oh. before I forget. If you haven't checked out my sister's blog, to see the pic's that she just posted, please do. You see, her current model just happens to be my daughter! Check it out, they are really cool looking. Thom's blog

Have a great night,
Melissa
P.S. We miss Race, Oh-have I already mentioned that?

Boring......but good

We had a good day today! Wednesday is our day to stay at home. I got some house cleaning done first, while the kids all played outside and then on to lessons. Everyone was great, although that youngest one still has an attention span that is simply non-existent, and apparently....a bladder the size of a pea (LOTS of bathroom breaks today, at the most inoportune times!) The older two were nowhere NEAR as fidgety as he is at this age. Savannah is going to be using the writing program called "Writing Strands" this year. She is an excellent writer, and this curriculum seems to be a perfect fit for just giving the basics without messing with the writers style. She likes it. Woo-Hoo!!! We ended lessons with a very cool experiment on Density in Nature. A. thought that it was interesting that the ancient Greek scientists used experiments like these to explain the existence of things like atoms and density. Things that could not be seen, and yet they knew that they were there. Cool! A. is working hard on learning proper lab techniques, and keeping a proper lab notebook-(The "not-so-fun" part of science!).

We are trying to stay busy these days. We are really missing Race, and he is really missing us. And you know, it just gets plain lonely!

We are planning to take my crew + 1 friend each out to Putt-Putt tomorrow afternoon for awhile before martial arts. The kids should all have a great time. The boys are best friends with 2 brothers of the same age (very convenient) that go to a classical school in our area, and Savannah is friends with a little girl from her dance class who goes to another private school in our town. They are all good kids, from good families and they all have a good time together. It will be a long day though!
Bye,
Melissa

Well, just stop right here. Go and readA Day In The Life. (oooo.. look at me..posting a link!) My goodness that sister of mine is funny! Actually, they are both funny. A sense of humor was required in our house growing up, as it is in my own. It tends to make one not quite so thin-skinned ;-). Anyway, her post made me laugh out loud, and I had already heard the story once before.
I just read my comments about the hair stuff. First of all, Dy is SOOooo lying about her hair. It's gorgeous. (And, Dy, if you take a pair of scissors to that hair yourself, and it doesn't turn out good.....well....just don't you call me....you listen to Zorak...you listen to him.) Thom's hair always looks awesome. (I would like to think that I share some small bit of responsibility for introducing her to Big Hair, back in the 80"s. She didn't appreciate it then....oh no...but, well, you just look at her now(sniff, sniff)). And Cribchick, I shall expect a follow-up blog on your stylist adventures. Godspeed my friend.
Today was a killer. Do you people realize that I am home schooling 3 children!!!!!! Oh my gosh! How did this happen!!! My oldest son is 13!!!!! AHHHhhhhh! (O.K., I feel slightly better, but that's the sort of panic that I experience at least once a week.) But you know what? We got it done. We got it ALL done. From Bible to Grammar to Science to Logic to Spanish to History, and everything in between. The productive day of lessons would explain why my house is a disaster. But it feels pretty good, and I am thinking that maybe, just maybe, we aren't gonna screw em' up after all. That they actually seem like they are doing really well. So far, so good (high-fives).
I talked to Race last night. He was sore from fighting all day with his classmates in Johnny Bad Ass School. (snort)
Well, that's about it for me, I have school stuff to do, and a mountain of laundry to conquer. But I shall read a few blogs before I do, of course.
G'night,
Melissa

I talked to Dy last night on the phone. I love that Gal. I do. Dy is a good, good friend. Which, by the way, would you please raise your hand, if you have NOT met, or talked to Dy on the phone yet? O.K., you with your hands raised? You are simply not trying AT ALL. These are some of the friendliest folks that I have ever met......and THAT's saying something to those of you who know my parents! (My sisters and I STILL have old boyfriends that come by the house to see Mom and Dad!) Dy and Charles..er..Zorak are great people who have a truly delightful family. They're the kind of people that just make you gush with happiness to know that they are given to procreation and child rearing ;-). It does give one hope....
On cribchicks blog, she laments her latest attempt to get the hairstyle that she has asked for at the stylist. She got a lot of comments (mine included, ahem, with step-by-step helpful instructions). But what really surprised me is that some ladies cut their own hair!! WHAT!!!!!?? This totally sent my mind to spinning, because I could NEVER do it. My best friend Janelle (who incidentally has a beautiful mane of hair) always told me that it was an act of utter desperation for a girl to take a pair of scissors to he own hair. I have lived by these words....so imagine my shock! But now that I think about it, I think that some of these women are those drop-dead-gorgeous- no-matter-what-I-do girls.(I will not hate them, I will not hate them). My sister Emily is like that. Her worst haircut EVER, she still pulls it off, makes it look good, without even trying. I am not one of those girls.......I'M TRYING. I've ALWAYS been trying....hard. I went to L.U. for crying out loud!
But, you know, I will say that ones stage of life also comes into play here. When my kids were little there just wasn't much time (or $$) for primping in front of the mirror or shopping.....as a matter of fact, I remember when showering was a bonus! I mean, lets face it, you were lucky to get out of the house without spit-up somewhere on your clothing. Actually, I was lucky to get out of the house at all! So. I guess it all works out in the end. To all of you mothers of young children, I offer this encouragement:"Perk Up! You SHALL be able to use the bathroom all by yourself with the door closed, AND fix your hair.... soon!"
But.....STILL, I would NEVER take a pair of scissors to my own head! (shudder). Don't DO that.
Do y'all DO that? Am I the weird one here? Am I?

Oh, hey. By the way, school lessons went pretty well today. I will have to bore you all sometime soon about what we are doing in school for this year.

Before I go, you MUST go and read my sister Thomasina's latest post. Unbelievable! On the sidebar it's "A Day in the Life", (it's so embarrassing that I lack the ability to post a link correctly, I swear I feel like a primate sometimes).

O.k., I'm off to learn of links and things and get our things ready for lessons tomorrow.

BONUS RACE!

When I got home today, I had a message from Dy on my phone, wondering where in the world we had gotten off to so early on a Saturday morning. Well, as it turns out Race had an extra day! It wasn't enough to come all the way home, so he grabbed a couple of hotel rooms, and the kids and I met him half-way. Nothing big, just hangin' out together for a little while longer. A little swimming in the pool, and then going out to eat ALL TOGETHER, and then just spending the evening talking. Well, actually most of us were talking. Jackson was busy wearing out his hotel key-card going in and out of his room (oooooo...the excitement: an electronic KEY CARD). We were so thankful to have the opportunity to spend just a little more time with one another. Totally worth it.
It's back to the old grind here. We are gearing up for school lessons tomorrow, back in full force, (that would be the groans of the children that you are hearing in the background). The things that I see in my immediate future are the dump, the lawn mower, school lessons, composting what's left in the garden.....I could go on, but out of sympathy for you, the reader, I won't.
Whatever sliver of creativity or interest that I am, at random moments, able to call upon when I write, has vanished completely for now. So, I'll catch y'all later!
Melissa

737 Comin' outta the sky........

This song always reminds me of Races' life and travels for some reason. He tends to use just about every mode of transportation known to man in any given month. (HELLO??? AMAZING RACE!! We would totally win that thing!) But, I digress...

Thanks for all of the prayers and well-wishes. We did enjoy our time together. Race got in around 2:00 a.m on Wed. The kids all stayed up to welcome him home. On Thursday, we got to see all of the cool goodies that he brought back for us from other parts of the world. we dressed up, told stories, took pictures, looked at pictures, played baseball, swam, and jumped on the trampoline. We had pizza for lunch, and then fixed bourbon pecan chicken for dinner. It was awesome to sit around the table all together. Since the kids were very little, we do what we call "high-low" at dinner. Everyone has to take a turn saying thier "high" for the day, and thier "low" for the day. Of course everyones high was the same: having dad at home. (And I didn't even HAVE a "low" that day!)

Race had to leave at 3:30 pm on Thursday. A special thanks to Thomasina to filling in for me here at home while I took Race to point X for his next assignment. We didn't realize until Thurs. how badly Race had been banged up this last trip. He knew that he would have to pass a P.T. test first thing Fri. morning, so it was really touch and go for awhile there, with his injury. But he did it, and everything will continue as planned (I just LOVE typing that phrase).

Race said good-bye to the kids, and we hit the road. It was SOOOoooo hard for him to leave. I think that he would have given anything to stay home. He was so down. He kept saying how proud he was of his family, and what troopers we all were. It was hard, but the kids took it so bravely. I think that it was immensly helpful to them to see Dad, and know that everything is O.K., and that we are pressing on, all doing our jobs. I think that they were very comforted by seeing that Mom and Dad are handling it, Mom and Dad are trusting God, and everything is fine.

When Race is down, that's when I kick into high gear, motivational speaker-mode. We spent the drive reminding ourselves of the path that we are on, how we got here, and why we are doing it. By the time we reached our destination, all was well, and Race was ready to tackle evil doers again.

A while back, Cribchick asked what movie characters resemble the relationship that you have with your spouse. When I asked Race about this, he first said "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". Funny man . We later suggested that our relationship most resembled Han Solo and Princess Lea. I was quite satisfied with the comparison, but then later, he said, "Hey, hon, I don't think that you are serious enough to be Lea, I think our relationship is most like Han Solo and Chewbaca." I guess that would explain the whole language barrier thing we've got going sometimes.....(wry grin).

May the force be with you,
Chewy

.

.

The countdown begins.......... Race is coming home!( insert excited squeal, here).

We are planning on having all of his favorite "American" foods while he is home. He has requested Pizza, lasagna,burger'n fries, a good steak , and my bourbon-pecan chicken. Seeing as how how will only be home for just over 24 hours, it looks like we will be eating A LOT! We are so excited!

The kids are going to decorate our front porch tomorrow with "welcome home" stuff. I will try to snap a picture, and post it.

Whenever we get only a brief visit together, it's one of those "rip-your-heart-out" type of things. You are filled with anticipation, and then-you blink- and he's gone. But, we get it done. It's what we do. We are a family, and we love each other. No amount of time or distance could ever change that. And the kids are such troopers. We really try to focus on "the greater good", and working as a team. It also helps that we really BELIEVE in the work that Race does overseas. God has blessed us in so many ways.

*But here's a thought*: Race has not had a pair of scissors or a razor anywhere NEAR that head of his in MONTHS. ACK! Sooooooo.....he is coming in from the Mid East with long hair and a beard!!! Please bear in mind that Race has had a "high-and-tight" military cut for most of married years. *No time to recover from the shock......only have 24 hrs!!!*

I will let you know how things go tomorrow. We have to get lessons done, the house cleaned, etc, etc.

Cheers!,
Melissa

Prepare to be blessed....

O.K., I am back at my very own house. We had a great week away. Only a few more days until we get to see Race, and there is much work to be done.
I don't possess the mental ability to post anything even close to what you will find on a few other blogs this morning. Go down to my sidebar and click on "So Here's This" and read/watch all about Annette's family(There is a MOVIE!). Then, come back and click on "Classic Adventures" where Dy has written an excellent post that EVERY mother needs to read. This was so timely for me. So, fill up your coffee cup, and go read, and prepare to have your heart touched.
Have a great Sunday
Melissa

Well, now....don't I feel refreshed!

I am still at the beach house............ALONE!!! Do you hear that? No? That's because there isn't ANY noise!!! None. It is peaceful and quiet, and there is nothing but green lawn and a long expanse of water stretched out in front of me. AAaaahhhhhh......... It is utter bliss, I tell you, UTTER BLISS.

You know, it is quite amazing what you can get done when you can sit and work uninterrupted in such a peaceful setting. I have gotten most of our school year laid out, and narrowed down what I will need to buy for the year. I got a lot done in a relatively short amount of time. Now, lest you think that I have turned into one of those people who are all work and no fun, I will tell you that my friend Janelle came over this afternoon with her two adorable little girls. The girls tirelessly played in the waters edge and in the sand while we chatted. It was an absolutely gorgeous day here today.
Race called. He is doing fine, and it seems that some of the things that we have been praying about are starting to take shape. We just continue to pray for wisdom and direction, and that we would be willing to be used by Him in whatever way that he sees fit. We're ready.

We had a great time celebrating dad's birthday. I think that everyone had a great time. Jackson and Austin each caught a crab out of the water. These were big, blue crabs. Even bigger than the ones that we had eaten earlier that day. They somehow managed to catch them with one of those little dollar store butterfly nets! And later, with the same little net, Jack caught 4 flounder. I have no idea how he was doing that! He is quite convinced that this will be his next big entrepreneurial adventure. He planned to put them in a box and stand out by the mailbox and sell them. Judging by the price per bushel, crabs are about $5 a piece these days.

O.k, I have to go and get some more work done. I will fight off the urge to dance along the beach with a martini in my hand. I will fight it my friends. I will.

Melissa

Sorry this took so long, Aunt D

These pictures are of our cousin, Brandon playing baseball this year. He made All Stars. Way to Go Brandon! I hope that he enjoys seeing these on the internet.....all official-like. ;-) We are a family FULL of great baseball players!

Makin' the throw!

Nice catch!

The game gets intense!

Sure is a hot one!

Today is my dad's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!!!! He informed us last night that he would like it very much if, around his birthday, we could go out together as a family. Now, we go out together as a family quite a bit already, but he means just he, and Mom, and us three girls...out to eat... at our favorite french restarant. Awwww...now isn't that nice?

We got a call from Race, and all is well. We're counting the days.

Jackson had a wonderful birthday party yesterday, and all the thanks goes to my family for making it so special for him. The # of times that each of the kids says, "I wish Dad was home", is growing with each passing week. So it is truly great to see your children celebrate with wild abandonment! They love playing with their little cousins Q, and W.
Uncle Todd and Pap-paw have been invaluable assetts to the boys. Who knew that Uncle Todd knew so much about Lego and remote control planes, ( AND he was willing to tromp out in the cow pasture with several little boys, in the most oppressive heat/humidity that I can ever recall, to try it out!) ? And Pap-paw took Austin to the batting cage both morning and evening. Dad, (at 71) is now swinging away in the cages, too, and is apparently making plans to excavate a spot at my house to put up an honest to goodness pitching machine and cage!!!(Not kidding).
Aunt Emily was responsible for buying the ULTRA cool present that brought the party to a hault so that it could be tried out. It was a stone-like Egyptian pyramid (timely), with a hammer and chisel, safety glasses, and paints. Jack had all of the kids around him while he chiseled away, outside on the deck. The sweat pouring from beneath his safety glasses as he worked furiously, chipping away, bit by bit, for about 45 minutes. The sand was flying, my friends. The anticipation was high. Finally, his finished work revealed a sarcophagous (sp?), a mummy, a mask, and an ancient stone tablet with heiroglyphics. After swigging some gatorade, and a quick dip in the pool, he set to work painting it. He is very proud of the finished product. Great gift!

Aunt Thomasina came yesterday too. Her gifts are always tops too, but what the kids love best is that Aunt Thomasina will play "sea monster" with them in the pool.....at night! OH, the fun, the laughing, the screaming. You gotta love an aunt who will get up and fix you a fried egg sandwhich at 9:30 p.m.....AND who knows all the words to the Scooby Doo song and isn't afraid to sing it really loud! Yep, they love that.

It was a great day, and I am blessed with a wonderful family. We said, more than once how much we wished that Race could have been here to enjoy it, because that's Race's kind of fun.

So, it's off to the Beach House today, to celebrate some more. We will be picking and eating crabs just until we are hungry enough to eat the steaks. Because everyone knows that you can't fill up on crabs.....you just eat till you've worked up a good appetite! (Although my mom, who could easily be considered a crab-picking expert, normally does not stop eating until we can't see her behind the pile of shells in front of her!)

Have a great day and stay cool (in the temperate sense),
Melissa

P.S. Aunt D. I haven't forgotten about those pics...still working on it!

I'm back on the farm! Had a great time yesterday. When we arrived at Mom and Dads, Em was already here with her boys, so all the kids scurried to get thier swim suits on and headed straight for the pool. I had a great time chatting with Em and Mom while all the kids swam. Q is doing SO WELL in the pool. They only surfaced once to eat, (and Jack and Q caught some baby toads....a few of which were last seen being carried into Em's car in an empty salad container), and other than that, my guys did not come out of the pool until after dark! We ate chinese take out and chatted with Mom and Dad until bed time. Great day.

I am looking forward to hearing from Race. Suffice it to say that he is somewhere....over there......and it's a mess right now. Thanks for asking Anniesue.

We will have the neighbor kids and the cousins over here tomorrow to celebrate (one. last. time.), Jacks 8th birthday. Just a small pool party with ice cream and cake. Then Tuesday we head to the beach house to celebrate my Dad's birthday. Can't wait.

Right now, I will have to go and rescue my mom. Austin has her trapped in the living room talking her TO DEATH about baseball. Her back is giving her trouble, and she is moving slowly, so that makes her easy prey.
Have a great day!
Melissa

Savannah finished up dance camp today. She has had a good time with that. After we picked her up, we came back home and worked, worked, worked! It was a good and productive day, and we desperately needed one of those, because with all of the activities that the kids were involved in this summer, some things have suffered.

This evening, I took the kids to see "Music Man" at the Fine Arts Academy. Austin's best friend had one of the main parts. We went to cheer him on and clap for him. It was so great! We all had a wonderful time, and I do believe that my daughter just might be getting a bit braver about scratching that acting itch! She saw two friends that she knew there, from Dance Theatre. It was a good day, and we are all tired.

In the morning, we are off to my Mom and Dad's. Everyone is looking forward to getting there. I am hoping to celebrate a few birthdays, lay around the pool, and maybe get a few days to myself(Oh, be still my heart) at their beach house before I come back home. I also plan to get quite a bit of school planning done as well while I am basking in a week of free time. When we come back the boys will start baseball camp.....and then.....by the end of August....Fall Ball.

I am now going to drag my weary carcass to bed,
G'night,
Melissa

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!

15 years!! We realized yesterday that Race has been away for more anniversaries than he has been here for! At midnight in the time zone where he is, he called to wish me a Happy Anniversary. He had set his alarm to wake him up, so that he could call and make it official. I also recieved a beautiful bouquet of roses that he had sent to the house. Sweet man. I love him. I always watch my wedding video on my anniversary....and eat cake...(It started out being that leftover wedding cake that you keep frozen, but now it's just any cake). That video always makes me misty eyed (gasp! she has a heart!). But seeing yourself as well as every family member and close friend that you had, 15 years ago, on VIDEO, will ALWAYS make you laugh too.

O.k., This story won't be as funny typed out, as it would be if I were telling it to you in person ( I am quite animated) but here goes.....

When Race travels, he sometimes travels with his own interpreter,(this fact alone never ceases to amuse me). This was the case in Egypt. She was an Egyptian woman in her mid-40's maybe 50. On a particular day, Race was with a group of people from the embassy. They were going to tour the famous library in Alexandria. His interpreter was pointing out things and sort of acting as the tour guide for the day. Her english was quite good, but broken. As they all stood outside of the library , about to go in, she steps forward to tell a little about the general rule of the place. She goes on to tell the admission price for everyone and follows that up with: "And it is 1/2 price for the.....blind......the crippled....and for..er....er.....for retards." Yes, my friends, apparently "retards" can go into the Library in Alexandria for 1/2 price! That whole scene: the Egyptian interpreter, the folks from the emabassy, the ancient Library, all with the backdrop of Egypt.....I just find it all so hilariously funny.

Have a great day!
Melissa

Too tired to blog! We hauled trash to the dump, dropped off and picked up from camp, got boy#1's hair cut, took both boys to the batting cage, dealt with passport issues, dealt with tax issues for Race, called lawn guys, conquered the laundry mountain, cooked dinner........and it's just too boring to continue! I am tired. But I do have a little nugget of a funny story that I will try to type out tomorrow. It's a story that Race told me. Funny stuff.

G'night,
Melissa

Dancin' and Campin' and an old ladies digestive system

My two youngest are happily exhausted. It seems that Savannah danced and stretched for 3 hours straight, and Jackson swam, crafted, ate, and listened to "some guy dressed up like Noah tell us his story". Also, the poor unsocialized little things each made a new friend today. So, all is well. The only other thing that I was able to wrestle out of Jackson was that he almost missed the bus home, and that he found the coveted red sticker under his plate at lunch which meant that he won the mother of all camp prizes: a popsicle. Woo-hoo!!

I had the unparalleled joy of having Savannah and Austin accompany me grocery shopping today. This was so different than having Jack along too. You see, jack is the life of the party wherever he goes, so just having the other two was different. They were so funny. No, I mean really, it was a good time. They were cutting up in that way that only young teens can do. When they weren't laughing AT me, they were making me laugh. Ahhhh.....a sense of humor....you can't teach that my friends......thank goodness they all have a good sense of humor. For instance, they found it insanely funny that a little old lady stopped me in the organic cereal section to discuss all of her various ailments, including that the "whole flax seed just runs STRAIGHT (motion with the hand here) thru me." But, being the good kids that they are, they waited till we left the store before they began the playback and laughter. Does that sound cruel and unfeeling? I hope not, because we derive a considerable amount of our joy from things like this. I swear folks I could have a reality T.V. show. Oh, the funny, funny things that would be on that show.... (insert dreamy music). If there can be a show called Jackass, could I have a show called Dumbass?? (Sorry Mom) Now, I'm not saying that I'd put the little old lady on my show, Dumbass. Oh no, I mean give a me a break, I DO have some discretion.

Here is a scary thing that happened today. I was looking at the carpet, and thinking, "Man, I really should vaccume. When did I vaccume last? Wait. WHERE IS the vaccume?" That's as far as I got. I was distracted. Sad, but true. I am no domestic goddess. There, I said it.

So, Em took the tag challenge,too. Way to go Em, loved it. You should check it out over at Me and the Guys. (How do y'all do that link thing?)My other sister, who shall remain nameless has not updated her blog in ever so long.

And lastly tonight, I'm sendin' out a little love to Em, who is remodeling their one and only bathroom...WITH her husband. They're not sure that the marriage will hold. ;-)

G'night,
Melissa

Well, I got to talk to Race for a long while today. THAT is always great. It seems that we may have a few changes in our future, and it was good to be able to discuss things and reaffirm that we are still on the same page. I need that. We miss him like crazy. We talked about me coming to visit his current location. I wouldn't be able to do much, and in order to leave the hotel I would have to wear the customary all black covering with only my eyes showing......This amuses Race greatly. We shall see....

I downloaded passport applications for the kids today. It seems that the going rate is $82 per child. Sheesh.

Jackson goes to camp tomorrow! Bright and early at 8 a.m we will meet the school bus at the church. He will board that big yellow bus, destined for Camp Hydaway, clutching his $1, his towel and his swim suit with his name printed on each in permanent marker........(why does this remind me of an incarceration?). I will not see the little guy again until 4:30 (gulp!) He is absolutely riveted with excitement. He can't wait. His only concern was that he might possibly introduced as "the new kid"...(not fully understanding the whole one- week, day camp concept). I assured him that this was not the case, and that it would be everyone's FIRST day at camp. He was relieved, because.."Ya know, Mom, that's sort of embarrassing."

Savannah is off to dance camp in the morning. She and her friend Tabitha are going together. They have been looking forward to it. They get to try out other forms of dance that they may not be familiar with. The girls take ballet and modern dance together during the school year.

For dinner tonight we had "Whatever's in the Fridge", combined with "Whatever's in the Garden". Turned out pretty good and definitely eclectic! We had sauteed zucchini , squash and onions, with leftover baked chicken, a side of home made pizza, and cucumber spears. And did I mention that we had B.L.T's for lunch today? With tomatoes from the garden? That's gotta be one of my favorite things about the summer!

Austin and I will have a little time together this week. We will iron out some academic stuff, and talk about what he would like to do concerning school. I am sure that i will also be spending a fair amount of time at the batting cages. I am slowly growing accustomed to this procedure. It requires nothing of me other than safe travel to and from the batting cages. Austin is quite convinced (and, correctly so) that I don't know the first thing about swinging a bat. So, therefore, I am required to sit. And watch. And supply $$ for gatorade (which, if the boy had a clue at all, he could get for free from the little gal behind the counter who says gushingly "Well, hey there Austin! Guess you're here for your batting tokens!!").

Gotta go. I have loved reading the "tags" and the comments. Keep em' comin'
Melissa

Here is Little- Race-in Training. This picture was actually taken in the dark.....thus the need for the night vision. oooooo....just like Dad's! I do believe that this is possibly one of the funniest pictures that I have ever seen. That is one happy 8 yr old!

Holy Cow! Dy Tagged ME!!

O.k., here goes....

10 years ago
Well, Race was away at basic Training for 4+ months, and I was living in townhouse in a tiny city/town in central virginia. Austin was 3 and Savannah was 1. I was going to real estate school, and getting our house built (with the help of my family & his family), on the land that we had purchased before Race left. When he got home, we moved in. I was driving a worn out, early 80's ,little blue four door car with white vinyl seats.....caprice? I think?

5 years ago
We lived right where we live now, and the kids were 8,6, and just turned 3. We were home schooling. Race was gone a lot with his work and various "Johnny Bad Ass" schools. Yes, they have training for that. But as I recall we were all enjoying life and kind of taking it slow. We were beginning to discuss some job changes. We took an awesome vacation that year in our first suburban. We tent camped all the way to Jackman, Maine, and lived in a dry cabin, beside a lake for a week.

1 year ago
I believe that I have mentally blocked out most of this, but I think that our house was on the market, and most of our stuff was still packed in storage.......and ......it was hell.....and I've blocked it out. Oh, and Race was gone. (Do you see a trend or pattern emerging here?) Somewhere in between year 5 and 1, I made 2 trips to the U.K., but I have no idea when.

yesterday
Not the best of days for me, and I can't believe that I am going to type this here. Please don't think less of me (and if you do, just don't tell me).
O.K., to make it short and less boring, suffice it to say that things hadn't gone well . And then oddly enough, while trying to run errands, I was harrassed by not one, but 2 of this worlds vile, ill bred men, at 2 different locations. The last of these unsuspecting individuals decided that it would be a good thing to make disgusting noises and horribly vulgar comments to me in front of my children. Not a good idea. This man FOLLOWED me around the store while we got our drinks, paid, and left the store. This just flew all over me, partly because I was already stressed, but mainly because it was in front of my 2 youngest kids. SO. I quickly ushered them into the car, and then with absolute RAGE flaming from beneath my pink Jessica Simpson sunglasses, I turned around and walked to the truck where the guy was sitting with the window down. ( I must have looked like a crazed lunatic already, because the minute that I spun around he got quiet). I walked to the window and in a firm but quiet voice, said, "I-WILL-SLIT-YOUR-THROAT." To which I received a blank stare.I don't know why I said THAT. It just came out. I turned around, got in my car and drove away, while handing out the gatorade to the kids.
True story. Yeah, sometimes I scare me too.
Race's response upon hearing this story?? "Hon, be sure you have a blade with you, if you're gonna talk like that."

Today
Today is Jackson's birthday. He has been celebrating since dawn.

5 snacks that I enjoy
Tortilla chips w/ Paul Newmans pineapple salsa, stuffed grape leaves, really good cheese, really good bread and of course a really good glass of wine to accompany it.

5 bands I know most of the lyrics of their songs
Hmmm... well... CCR, Bon Jovi, The Proclaimers, and I am quite sure that I know all the lyrics to anything by the Kentucky Headhunters and Dwight Yokum. And of course there is a lot of embarassing stuff from my youth.....but I'm not gonna go there.

Things that I would do with 100 million dollars
Well, give it to Live 8 of course. BWAHAHAHA! I don't know, whatever I wanted, I suppose.....and all the stuff Dy said, (seems like she's been thinking about it for awhile).

5 bad habits
rushing, I tend to rush a lot (however, I am NEVER late), I am inconsistent, I drink too much coffee and not enough water, and I make up excuses not to excercise.

5 locations that I would run away to
I would run away anywhere with Race. (I can see y'all rolling your eyes, but it's true).

5 things that I'd never wear
Nothing with Looney Toons on it. I like Tweety and Taz as much as the next person, but c'mon folks, it's just WRONG. I truly believe that the women of this worl could be divided quite happily into two camps: those who wear Looney Toon clothing, and those who would never. I would never wear stirrup pants, or anything with words on the butt. I will NEVER, EVER wear coullottes (I went to a tiny, legalistic Baptist high school where this was considered high fashion....'nuff said.....I have issues). And of course I would never wear a thong bathing suit, for obvious reasons(you can all thank me later).

5things I like doing
Reading, hiking with my family, gardening, camping with my family....and whatever Race likes to do.

5 biggest joys at the moment
Well looking at that remodeled bathroom brings me some joy right now, so does gardening, and watching my kids excel at the things that they love, a phone call from Race, and of course, a fresh pot of coffee.

5 Famous People I'd like to meet
Elisabeth Elliott, the Pope, Pres. Bush, a Boston Red Sox baseball player( so I could get A. an autograph), and then of course a Yankees player, so that I could get J an autograph.

5 movies
Pride and Prejudice, The Patriot, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Gone With The Wind, Lord of the Rings

5 TV shows
Amazing race, 24, Seinfeld......and that's all I can think of.

5 Favorite Toys
My digital camera, laptop, automatic drill/screwdriver, kitchenaid mixer, and of course , my suburban.

5 people that I tag

Em, Thom, Anniesue, Bridget..... (awww........c'mon y'all, it's fun!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!!!!

My baby boy turns 8 today. I am trying to avoid thinking about that fact. I will come back later today, and try to write more. I actually have a lot to say (big surprise), but can't quite spell it all out on my keyboard, as of yet. I'll be back!

Melissa

The color of the towels did not show up well in the picture, they are a pretty green and of course the pink.

Still waiting on Lowes to get that last piece of trim in stock for that back wall above the mirror. (ugh) Oh, and I meant to move that toilet paper out of the picture....

The Bathroom Remodel. To those of you who had not seen what this little bathroom looked like before.....well...you may not be impressed, but trust me....it looks SOooo much better! The floor, panelling, paint, light, and sink are all new. The stained glass mirror was designed and MADE by Savannah's Great Gammy. The room is so tiny, that I had a hard time getting a picture of all of it!

The kids had a blast at Aunt Thomasina's house. They hiked, played with the dogs, ate, watched movies and stayed up late. They apparently went for a long hike, and found lots of "wildlife". Unfortunately Aunt Thomasina also found Poison Ivy. Sorry Thom. Thanks for having them over.

Now, y'all can finally see some pics of the bathroom remodel. I still have quite a bit of cosmetic decorating to do, but that's the fun stuff. I did have to put the sink in twice to get it tight enough, but I did finally get it water tight. I never could get a picture of the light fixture. All of the fixtures are brushed nickel, and I like the way that they look. Now, I REALLY wish that I had taken a "before" picture!

G'night!
Melissa

When I took Savannah into Theatreworks this morning, her teacher comes rushing out to me and says:

Teacher: "Melissa, Savannah is a very gifted girl."
Me:" Well, thank-you, we think so, too."
Teacher: "No, I mean she is GIFTED. Her art work is no mere talent, and you will not find the guidance that she needs over at the Fine Arts Academy. She has been given a gift. "
Me: sputter, sputter, gush gush.......

This teacher went on to tell me that she will be contacting her good friend who is an illustrator, to help us in deciding how best to further her artistic abilities. SOooo WOW. It feels good to have some direction in this, because I know that my daughter is a talented artist, but for some unkown reason she was born to a mother who sees the world in black and white, and who likes to make lists, and who would organize the entire world into neat little boxes and categories if she could. I have been clueless as to who to turn to to help Savannah to further her abilities. I researched this particular teacher online, and was impressed by her resume' and background (includes Harvard and Broadway). Then when I finally met her in person, I KNEW this lady could help us. She is slightly scary at first, in that "artsy" way. An adult who never lost the imagination from her childhood, and who apparently needs a lot less personal space than I do. But alas, one can not help but like her.
So. There's that. A new adventure.

Speaking of new adventures; The boys and I went to meet the headmaster of the boys academy today.( BTW, the boys both shook the headmasters hand, and introduced themselves beautifully!) Unless something unforseen crops up, we will be enrolling Austin in the fall to the Pactum Boys Academy. YIKES! He wants to do this. This will be so academically challenging. We have been studying Latin at home for 2 years, but this school is using Wheelocks Latin, which is a college text! Some of the books that he will be reading are: The Aenid (translation), The Odyssey, Plutarch's Lives. Gilgamesh, Sophocles I, and lots, lots more. Granted, as I look back over these titles, he is already familiar with all of these stories.....but......it won't be ME teaching it!! Every Friday at this school is set aside for testing and public speaking. On Fridays they have to do recitations or speeches in front of the school ( and in front of anyone else that they can round up to listen, as the school is still very small). I could go on and on, but I won't. Just want to do the right thing here.......and he wants to go.


So, it seems that my children are growing up.
And tonight they are all with their Aunt Thomasina. They just called asking to spend the night. They are having a grand ole time. And it sure is quiet here at home with everyone gone.

Ya know people always ask me if I worry about Races' safety and of course, I do think about it sometimes, but a long time ago, I had to give all of that over to the Lord. One day, I realized that I had no more control over his life here at home, than I would on the other side of the world. SO, it isn't something that I really dwell on. BUT- tonight I was going through my old emails, and I have a box for Race. It has nothing but old emails that he has sent me. They aren't anything special, and yet I have saved every one. And then I thought about the fact that on my phone I must have 20 old messages from Race saved on there, You know, just saying, "Sorry that I missed you, I will call back later.". And yet I save them all. I think that way in the back of my mind, I think how much I would cherish those things if anything were to ever happen to him. Huh. And I have always maintained that I am not very sentimental.

Tonight I ordered a salad from Outback, and tried to wrap up all of my ebay sales from this week. I made over $300, but I don't know how Em keeps her sanity doing it as a business. You go girl!
I watched The Phantom of the Opera tonight. Great movie if you haven't seen it. Really beautiful.

Hope that everyone has a great day tomorrow.
Melissa

O.K., so today went pretty well. Savannah enjoyed another day at Theatreworks, and found out that she gets to be the leader of the mermaids in Peter Pan. How exciting, and how exactly perfect for her! They have spent a lot of time discussing the elements of the story, and really digging in to Barrie's original work. Did you know that it was a play first, and THEN a book?? Anyway, she is loving this class and seems genuinely happy about it.

The boys went to martial arts, while Savannah and I ran to Target to pick up a few new things for the recently remodled bathroom. We love the Shabby Chic line. My friend Janelle is so up on decorating, that she knew Shabby Chic before it was a line at Target. Back before it was mass produced and it cost a lot of $$$$. It is so pretty. When I get everything together, I will post a picture. Race wants to see it too. (Frankly, I think that he is scared.)

We watched both Martial Arts classes, and I am impressed with how well the boys are doing in there.

We came home and got dinner in the oven. I fixed oven sauteed vegetables (from the garden), baked chicken and brown rice. Jack was trying to get Austin to go down to the creek with him, but Austin wanted to catch the Major League All Star game on T.V. Jack just sat down and said' "Nobody wants to go to the creek with me. I wish that dad was here. Then I would hear 'Sure Jack, go change your clothes, and we'll go down.' " He wasn't doing it for show, he was being genuine. So, that's when I turned into a puddle. We got our shoes on and went to the creek. Within moments, he found a turtle. He was chatting non stop the whole time about how he feels a lot like Jeff Corwin, and how "there is just so much wildlife out right now". He is always looking out for me. He said, "I'd better go in front of you, Mom, so that I can watch for spider webs and snakes". Good boy. It amazes me how at home my children are in the outdoors. There are very few plants that Jack can't identify, and he always finds some sort of animal tracks. They really know their way around. Oh, and the blackberries here are almost ripe!

Tomorrow I meet with the headmaster of the boys academy. I'll let you know how it goes. In the afternoon, Aunt Thomasina is going to take the kids to her house to spend some time. They are SOoo excited! They love their Aunt Thomasina, and it has been awhile since they have spent any time together. I don't know what I'll do with myself for the rest of the day. The mere thought of it is a bit overwhelming!

I am heading for the bed. Have a great day!
Melissa

Good neighbor

So- we fix salmon patties with a green salad and french bread for supper. After we eat, I asked the kids if they'd like to go for a walk up the road. We all head out. Savannah and I walking and talking together, Austin coming behind us with his baseball and glove, and then Jack zipping all around us on his bike. As we walk a ways down the road, we come by our neighbors house. They are out riding horses, and their son (10 yrs) hears us from inside the house, and asks if he can walk with us. We say "sure", and he dashes away inside the house and returns with his toy rifle which he has painstakingly strapped a toy dagger to the end of, fashioning it into a bayonnet of sorts. He immediately runs out to Jack, who is on his bike, and holds the point to his neck and pretends that he is a prisoner. Now. Let me just go ahead and insert here that we know that this kid is wierd. I mean it. In a nutshell, instead of wanting to PLAY army, or BE IN the army......he wants to KILL the army. KWIM? Race says that the kid is destined for a black trench coat. He is disturbed, and we have talked to the kids about it, so they pretty much just ignore him. Jack rides away on his bike, so the kid talks to Austin for awhile. When he finally runs to try to catch Jack, Austin just looks at me and laughs and says, "Man,......brutal!". By the time we reach the end of the road, Jack is poised on the hill at the roads end and is clearly about to make a get away from the wierd kid. He yells, "Stand Back!" "Everyone......Stand BAck!!" And away he goes. Flying past us and the wierd kid hunched over on his bike, with his t-shirt pocket stretched waaaaayyyy down due to the weight of the collected rocks that filled it. He peddals like the wind, all the way home. And then, being the good neighbor that I am, I call out a "good-bye" to the kid, and call him by the WRONG NAME! Savannah nearly doubled over onto the road laughing so hard. What a dope I am. (shrug.)

We are off to Theatreworks in the morning and then Martial Arts in the afternoon. And tomorrow I shall answer the question: How much silicone caulking can one small pedastal sink hold???

Have a great day!
Melissa

Savannah went to her first day of Theatreworks today. She loved it. The theme is Peter Pan. She loves her teacher and said, "She made me feel right at home,Mom".
Have you ever read the original Peter Pan? What an excellent book! While I enjoyed the Disney movie just fine, they really missed the essence of that book (gasp!). Great read aloud.

The bathroom remodel is almost complete. I got the new pedastal sink put in yesterday, with a new brushed nickel faucet. It looks so nice. And if I could......just.....take care......of that..one ..drip...we'd be golden (argh!). I wish that I had a "before" picture of the room, because it was such a hole. I installed an excruciatingly difficult light fixture today. Simple fixture, should have taken about 15 minutes-took over an hour. VERY frustrating.

We are still plugging along on the standardized testing, in an attempt to stay legal with the state. Should have them done tomorrow.

I talked to Race for a minute this morning. We are all having a rough time of it. It would be great to be together for a bit.

I'll write more later, I've got to figure out what we're having for dinner, and seeing that it is 4:00, that's not looking too good!
I'll be back!
Melissa

Spent the whole day in the bathroom.........

I'm REMODELING!!! BWAHAHAH! GOT YA! Oh, man, y'all are just too easy.

Before I go on about the remodeling........to Dy and Anniesue: DId y'all think I was going to wear my good shoes out there??? We had just come home. The kids alerted me in that high strung panicy way that only kids can, and I just kicked my shoes off and climbed out the dormer window, while A was grabbing the plastic. AND have you ever been out on a slick, wet, pointy dormer in a gale? Trust me, you're better off barefoot.....you'll get no traction at all otherwise.

Anyway, last night, I ripped out the kids bathroom. Just tore it all right outta there. The remnants are piled in my driveway. Today the kids helped me paint, install a new floor, and cut and hang that paneling stuff that looks like wainscotting. I can't believe how much better it looks. I can't believe that I can use a saw. I also can't believe that I still can't measure very well. The new sink goes in tomorrow!

I had to go to Lowes today. Lowes scares me when I have to buy stuff like paneling and trim. I don't like pushing that giant blue cart loaded with materials all through the store. I almost took out the magazine rack at the check-out. The check-out gal was not pleased.

The kids did most of their standardized testing today. I did it in between the bathroom remodeling. Do you remember those tests? The ones where you fill in the bubble. My kids enjoy taking them. They're not over achievers by any means, it's just that they don't really take many tests throughout the year, and the ones that they do take, are NEVER multiple choice. So, they are amazed that someone would make a test and then put the answers to each question RIGHT THERE ! I think that it is funny that they think of it that way. Anyway, we should have those ready to go in the mail on Monday.

Well, I am utterly and completely bushed. I should have turned in an hour ago. I hope that everyone has a wonderful Sunday.

Melissa

O.K.- in trying to keep a deal with myself NOT TO WHINE on my blog, I will not talk about the fact that my roof began leaking last night, and that I was ON my roof with Austin.......and there was torrential rain.........and a large sheet of plastic........and I was barefoot.........and there was duct tape...........and I was wearing Race's rain jacket..........and I still had my big hoop earrings on, cause we had just gotten home........and it was getting dark.......... and there was wind......... but, I'm not gonna talk about it. (Do you ever worry about the snapshot memories that you are embedding into the minds of your children?)

I have a million phone calls to make today, (Not the least of which would be a "roof guy").

I am looking forward to spending some time at Mom and Dads at the end of this month. I may take a few days and go out to their beach house, take a few books, and some planning stuff for school and just get some time to myself. Whatever I end up doing, I am looking forward to it, and so are the kids.

For the next two weeks, we have Theatreworks for Savannah, Advanced Training in Jiu Jitsu for Austin, Camp Hydaway for Jackson, and Dance Camp for Savannah. The kids are all looking forward to these activities, and it really helps them not to spend too much time dwelling on missing Race. Jackson's birthday is next week, and our 15th Anniversary is the week after that, so we will have to do something special.
Today we will make a paper chain of all the days till Race returns home. Each night before bed, we will pray for him, and then Jack can tear off one piece of the chain. This has always seemed to help the kids to realize that the time is going by and that there is an end in sight. We also put up a map of the world in the kitchen. Every day they look at it. They love to see all the places that Dad has been, and point them out, and to see where he is now. It turns out to be a very good geography lesson, and makes the world seem like a much smaller place.

Thanks so much for all of the prayers. We all really appreciate it. And Dy, stay by your phone, girl. When I get back on my feet, Dollywood will be lookin' pretty good!

I'd better get going. It's a gorgeous day here today, and I have an enormous amount of plastic to remove from my roof!

Have a good day!
Melissa

Race left yesterday morning, and has not yet reached his destination.

I am so outraged by the attacks in London. I am praying for the people who are trying to cope with this cowardly, barbaric attack in what is probably my favorite city. We must continue to go out and hunt down terrorists and take the fight to them.........if we hesitate, the fight will show up right in our home town.

Race came home, and we made the best of it. I won't go into all of the details about the baseball tournament, but let's just say that for the last two years we have been trying to communicate with some of the "powers that be" (that's sarcasm) among the locals re. baseball. Well, come to find out, we have been going about it all wrong. You see they speak another language. It is a language that Race speaks REALLY well. They grossly overestimated his civility when his son is being taken advantage of. They won't make that mistake again. The point was taken. The wrong righted in as much as it could be. I am so thankful that he was home. Austin played like a pro.

We didn't have much time for anything else. We just pretty much laid low at home when we weren't at baseball games. We didn't get to visit the new church because one of the games had to be scheduled for Sunday. We did get to talk a little bit about Race's trip, and we just spent time together as a family. Race won't be here for Jack's birthday, so he got him a surprise early birthday present: a trampoline. That went over really well, and helped to ease some of the pain that the kids were feeling. They really didn't want Race to go. It was a REALLY,REALLY hard day.

On the way to the airport, Race was in an accident. Not a bad one, but the guy is going to be a jerk about it, even though it's pretty cut and dry. He doesn't know that Race was a State Trooper, and has PROBABLY dealt with a few more traffic cases that this guy has, and knows what he's talking about. The guy was a resource officer at a school, and I guess figures that he's going to jerk someone around. Oh well, they will have to wait a good long while. Not exactly the way you want to start a trip though, ya know?

Please pray that the Lord will continue to watch over Race, as this trip is in a dangerous place, doing a dangerous job. Race is good at what he does. I Pray for God's hand of protection on him. And that God will continue to keep us strong here at home, that we will keep our eyes focused on our service to Him. That I would not get sidetracked by my emotions while at the same time being sensitive to the emotional needs of my children. It is a difficult time for our family, but one that the Lord is well aware of, and is guiding us through.

And don't worry, in a day or two I'll snap out of my present funk, and my posts won't be quite so somber!

I believe that I will go and have a spot of tea.

Cheers!
Melissa

well....

Race is not going to make it home for the boys big Martial Arts demo. After he landed, it took over an hour to get his bag, and 45 minutes for the bus to get him to his car in the parking lot. If you have ever driven on I95 after 3:00 on a Friday..........I don't expect his mood to improve.

The boys are bummed that he won't be able to see them. Race is upset beyond belief that he will not be able to see them. Who's gonna watch 'em? Just Mom and Savannah. Same ole Mom who watches them practice every day. Bummer, because this is a big deal for them.

After the demo, I will be racing to the ballfield, with Austin changing in the car as we go. I honestly don't know what I would do without that suburban. We should make it before practice is over (light one today, since 1st game is tomorrow). I will go to the store and pick up steaks, salad makings, potatoes for baking, and a nice bottle of wine......(Merlot? Shiraz?) When we finally get home, Race should be here.

The patches are all sewn on......straightly.

Dixie Boys All Stars Tournament begins tomorrow. The whole family is coming down to support Austin, and that means a lot to him, and to us. Best of luck to our team.

Y'all have a great weekend! We will be making the best of whatever we get.

Cheers!
Melissa