First, and foremost. Laney: I read your comment below, about "Hot Mamma and her family goes to London", and may I just say...(sniff, sniff)...... God Bless You....You dear, dear woman. (sniff,sniff)...God Bless You. A thousand thank-you's.

I finally talked to Dy last night. (Thanks Jess) They are all plugging away like champs. She really sounded great. Like a woman on a mission. Just to give you an idea, she said that she will absolutely freak if she goes into labor early.......................because she still has 3 more rooms to insulate! Yep, she's doing fine. Also, I know that I can't be the only one who was concerned that she would buy her new baby girl's clothes at Lowes, but as it turned out some of her cyber friends were a step ahead, and have sent baby girl clothes, and other things that have just been awesome. She is genuinely touched by the kindness of these people.
Anyway, I was so relieved to speak to her, and just to find out that things were going well, and that they were carrying on like the troopers that they are. Thought I'd give a bit of an update.

We've had the best day today. Church was wonderful, and Race is really loving it. Everyone has made him feel so welcome. Tonight, he and Jack took the jeep back out to church. We don't have a Sunday night service, but the men get together and play basketball. Apparently, they leave the robes at home when it comes to playing ball. Race said it was VERY competitive. He loved it. He has a funny way of playing basketball. He believes that they give you have 4 fouls.........so, you may as well use 'em. LOL

While they were gone, Savannah and I ran out to Target to pick up a few things......o.k...o.k....I HAD to go out to get more butter, because I am completely HOOKED on that damned Saltine Toffee. It's like cocaine, I tell ya. I gotta have it. Thank-you Cribchick . Thank-you. Anyway, I made the excuse that we needed wrapping paper..............but we got butter too.

One of Austin's friends from church invited him skiing today. I tell ya, Mrs. H is ONE BRAVE LADY. She was taking 6 boys skiing.........by herself. She's the kind of lady that you wouldn't want to cross, though! They are a great family, and we couldn't be more delighted with Austin's choice of friends so far. I know that they are having a blast. I can't wait to hear about it.

Have a great night,
Melissa

Checking in...

I have to tell you, that I am having the nicest holiday, with Race at home. It has really just been so wonderful. I can't remember when I have seen him so relaxed. He seems like himself again. He's fun and hilarious and he's spending time doing the things that we all love. The kids are just bubbling over with happiness, because dad is ...............well.................being dad. Their dad. It really has been great.

When he leaves for the next trip is going to be really hard. But I won't think about that now. I'll think about that tomorrow.

We had an ice storm here and were without power for almost 24 hours. It.was.cold! But, we made the best of it. And, hey, there's nothing better to getting up to the sun rising on an ice covered forest, hurrying to get dressed, and heading out to breakfast. My kids love power outtages. They love to get out the oil lamps and the candles. I can remember feeling that way when I was little, too. Everything just seemed so different. Funny how it doesn't really seem like that when you're an adult! Anyway, I wrote out my Christmas cards by lamp light, in the kitchen, with my down coat on!

For the first time in......oh....I dunno how many years.....Race has been here to help with all of the gift buying, and tree trimming, and house decorating, and all of the other stuff that we have always enjoyed doing at the holidays. Last night, we decorated our tree. (Yes, we are later than usual, but we were overseas, people, c'mon!) It was difficult to FIND a tree, because of the ice storm, but we found a nice one. And it smells wonderful. Our ornaments are a big mixture of home made things that the kids and I have made with the kids over the years, along with special ornaments that we have picked up from special places that we have traveled to. (I got to put on the London ornament!) I made home made pizza, and then later we watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and had warm, iced cinnamon rolls. Race is loving it. We are loving it.

I am starting to get worried about Dy. Has anyone talked to her? She and I played phone tag a few times several weeks ago before we left for our trip.. I have left a few messages, but I am not even sure that I am calling the right numbers anymore. Anyone been in touch?

Have a great day!
Melissa

A few London pics

O.K., here are a few pictures (remember, you asked for it). I am not supposed to put Race's photos on here, so I will have to "fix" them a bit, before I post them. But here are some that we took.

The view near our hotel, on the Thames. 

Me and Savannah on the Jubilee Bridge. 

The obligatory Red Phone Booth picture! 

The kids at Tower Bridge. 

Me and the kids at the Tower of London. Not too far from the sight of my beheading. 

Big Ben! 

Outside the palace at Whitehall, watching the Horse Guards. 

A few London pics!

Me and the kids, scarfing down fish and chips at Race's favorite pub, The Clarence. 

Pinch Me! I'm in London!

We are having a wonderful time! I don't think that I will ever tire of seeing and hearing Big Ben while walking across the Jubilee Bridge! We have seen and done so much. We took a seemlessly smooth ride on the incredible London Eye, we watched the changing of the guards and revelled in the parades with their bagpipes and pageantry as they marched by Buckingham Palace. We toured Westminster Abbey, (practiced our latin translation skills on the tombs there), and stayed late for the Evensong. What an incredible experience to partake in a familiar Protestant service and hear the sound of choir boys singing in that enormous gothic Abbey, built for the human voice. Truly a moving experience.

We took the kids to Piccadilly. All the shops and windows are magnificent! We let them shop at Hammleys. They were amazed at the World of Narnia that was built within, and were even more excited to find out that we had gotten cinema tickets at a posh theatre to see the movie that night. AMAZING! The kids have tried all sorts of food while we have been here, but everyone's favorite has been fish and chips served up in a smokey old Pub, called The Clarence.

We have walked for long periods down by the Thames, and the city is absolutely breathtaking all lit up, with Big Ben chiming in the background.

At the Tower of London, the Yeoman Warder guide, took great delight in using ME in his demonstration of a beheading, in front of about 50 people! The kids just ate this up. What fun!

Today we saw the British museum as well as the Baden-Powell House (guy who began scouting, i.e, boy scouts). Then we took the kids down to Covent Gardens to do a bit of shopping, and to see the sights. We ate dinner outside beside the Christmas Tree in the square. The kids drank hot chocolate, while Race and I sipped mulled cider to keep warm. Austin, Savannah and Jackson got such a kick out of all the entertainment in Covent Gardens, from the mimes to the singers, to the magicians. All very exciting!

The people here, have been so accomodating, and one feels st home almost immediately. The city is so service oriented, that it is incredibly easy to get around. We have been very centrally located, so we have been able to walk almost everywhere. I would LOVE to know how far we have walked total on this trip!

Well, that's about all I have time for, but I did want to check in. We are truly having a lovely time, and the kids have just taken right to everything. We are looking forward to coming home, but we LOVE LONDON!!!!! I have to run.

Cheers!
Melissa

C'mon in for chili and cookies!

In Dy's defense, she does not have an internet connection yet. I just hope that she doesn't get used to NOT BLOGGING. I mean, what if she just started enjoying the Forever Home and all it's joys with her family so much, that she just shrugged off posting about it. (shudder) Nahhhh...couldn't happen.


It has been snowing here all day. It is a wet, heavy snow, and alot of it sank into the ground, but there's an inch or two on the ground to play in. It is great packing snow for snow balls. I was led stupidly, once again this year, like a lamb to the slaughter, straight into an ambush. Race and Jack were outside playing in the snow, and Race told me to set the trash bag on the deck, and he would take it out. I opened the kitchen door, and started to open the screen door, and they started at me, nailing me with snowballs that they had collected for the ambush. I scream in terror, (remembering last years sneak attack that left my shirt filled with icy snow). In my confusion and panic, I try to open the screen door to release the trash bag in my hand, and Jack rushes at me. I took a direct hit to the face, with another missile-like snowball whizzing past my head and landing on the kitchen counter near the coffee pot. After taking another hit to the side of the head, I was able to slam the kitchen door shut. I staggered around momentarily bewildered. I creep up to the door and see Jack and Race exchanging high-fives, while taking out the trash. Savannah had been getting herself some chili, and saw the whole thing.

With snow on the ground this morning, we headed out to breakfast. This is a rare treat, because Race is not a huge breakfast eater. I, however, grew up on a farm, and could simply live on eggs,grits,sausage, biscuits and gravy. It was fun to trek out in the snow, down to the local breakfast hole with fresh coffee waiting when we got there. While we were there, we had the "safety talk" for our trip, and talked about "What would you do if....(insert various dangerous occurrences here)". I think we're set!

This evening, Race and Jack took out a salt block and some corn to put out back in the edge of the woods. (No, he's not hunting now...while we are handgun wealthy.....we are apparently rifle poor at the moment. A situation my former sniper husband intends to remedy soon!) Anyway, I love to watch the deer and turkey outside in the mornings. (Ahem.....I also love to see them neatly packaged in my freezer....but.....another time perhaps).

We are all feasting on chili tonight, with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I will try to get outside in a bit and take a few pictures to post.

G'night y'all
Melissa

On Saturday Race took the boys to the outdoor store and to open matt day at Martial Arts. This left Savannah and I to get a bit of shopping done by ourselves, (mostly at Barnes & Noble). We ran into some friends while we were out, and just had a great time.

Dy and I keep playing phone tag, and I still haven't been able to catch up with her. Are y'all missing her blog as much as I am???


We went to church this morning, and participated in a beautiful service. This is the first Sunday that my family has taken communion together in a Looooong time. It was wonderful. The service left us feeling humbled and blessed by God's goodness, grace, and mercies toward us.

We chatted way too long after the service with folks whom Race is just getting to know, but this also gave him a chance to get to know some of the friends that the kids have made too, and see how comfortable and welcome we all feel at this church. What a blessing. We grabbed a bite to eat before coming home.

Race and Austin spent a long time out in the yard throwing the baseball, and working on A.'s pitching. Race is mighty impressed......mighty impressed. Jack and Savannah helped me put up Christmas lights. The rest of the day was spent watching football, making bows for all of the wreaths on our windows, and generally just decorating the outside of the house. I LOVE to do this. I love it all! And before we go to bed tonight, the entire family will be forced out into the cold, to stand in the yard and gaze up at my handy work. I LOVE Christmas! And I am definitely with Cribchick I do all my shopping from a chair in front of my computer. Click n'spend! I LOVE that all my packages are delivered to my door........and I can compare prices so easily!

Speaking of being delivered to my door......did y'all order your free panties from Hanes? Mine arrived in the mail the other day! How about that? I go to Em's Blog and click on the Free Panties link (you'll have to scroll down a ways when you get there)......and BOOM. Free panties right to my door. The internet is great isn't it? Thanks Em!

My mom has been feeling a little under the weather this weekend, so I am hoping that she is perking back up really soon.

They are calling for snow here tonight and in the morning, so maybe we will get some pictures. The kids are excited and already made sure that they knew where their snow bibs and boots were!

G'night Y'all!

Melissa

Well.......THAT was weird!

I created this post last night, and published it to the blog, but for some reason, it went down to the Nov 30th date! Oh well, I brought it back up here where it is supposed to be:


We got new tires, got Race in for a check-up and blood work with the N.D, grabbed a bite to eat out for lunch, and cleared away some of the pesky paper work and mail that piles up for Race while he is gone. He took the boys out for Martial Arts this evening, while Savannah and I made supper with pecan pie for dessert. Jack and Austin are on K.P duty tonight. So, here I sit in front of the computer, while the rest of the fam is eating warm pecan pie and watching............."Leave it to Beaver". Yep, that's right. We love that show. Let's face it, we've all had an Eddie Hascall in our past. And as I watch June Cleaver in her crisp dress and pearls, vaccuming the crown molding.........I say aloud, "I do that". There is silence and everyone stares at me, because they know, without a doubt, that our door facings and crown mouldings have never seen a vaccuume. Oh well......my mama had a housekeeper.
Race has organized all of the camping gear for our family. Each person has a large container with his/her name on it. Everyone has a cool backpack, a down sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and tents, etc, etc,. He LIVES for this stuff. WE. MUST. HAVE. COOL.GEAR. I never truly appreciate this, until we are camping or hiking.........and.........I am actually warm and dry! Anyway, he enjoys the heck out of doing that stuff! Too funny!
So, tell me. Do your husbands do things that leave you scratching your head and wondering.."huh?"
G'night,Melissa

Out for a hike with dad!

Our creek.

Well, our hike was AWESOME yesterday. Everything was beautiful, and it was so good to get the whole family outdoors hiking around our familiar woods.

Race took Austin to scouts last night, and they had an awesome time. Several boys want to come out and shoot, so I think that Race is going to go ahead and arrange to get a range for a day coming up. Too fun. Tonight we had martial arts. Austin has totally outgrown his Jiu Jitsu Gi, so we had to order a new one. Actually, we ordered 2, because Race is suiting up as well. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) He has had some Jiu Jitsu training in one of his former positions, and is really looking forward to having Austin teach HIM! "Tap or snap!"

For Savannah's writing curriculum, we have been using Writing Strands. It is a good fit for her, because she doesn't want anything too constrictive. She has always liked to write, and I didn't want anything to dampen that natural creativity of hers. We came to a place in this curricula where we talked a lot about how a good author is able to have all of his readers "see" what the author "sees" in her mind. We talked about the power of words, etc. Well, this totally clicked with her. She has been typing away on her computer for the past several days. I am so proud of what she has accomplished! It is amazing how her writing has matured. I will have to post an excerpt. It is just leaps and bounds ahead of what she was doing previously. I am just thrilled, and so is she.

Jackson is just having the best time soaking all of this DadTime in. They have worked out together, played ball together, wrestled together, played video games together and taken walks in the woods together. This is exactly what Jack needs, and it has made a world of difference in his attitude. He has returned to his happy-go-lucky self, and that is such a relief to me. I thoroughly enjoy watching Race fill a spot that only he can fill.

I was especially thrilled to have Race at home yesterday. We had a flat tire! So the guys got out there this morning, and got it changed, and we head off to the tire place tomorrow for a new pair. And....ummm... OUCH! Those suburban tires ain't cheap! Can't complain though, they have taken a TON of miles and abuse. But still......OUCH!

We are looking forward excitedly to our trip, and I am feeling really good about the grasp that the kids have on British history and the Middle Ages. Most of our time will be spent sight seeing, and I think that this time period will truly come to life for them. Can't wait!!!!!!!

G'night!
Melissa

Tah-tah!

We are off to the Mother Land. Our staunchest ally. Across the pond to Jolly Old England. I shall extend to the Queen all your best wishes.I shall cruise the Thames. I shall take the cat walk on the Tower of London, and lay my neck on the executioners block. I shall hear Evensong at Westminster Abbey, and visit St Pauls Cathedral. And you can bet your life that we will feasting on fish and chips from Race's favorite pub before the sun goes down on our first day of arrival! WE.ARE.SO.EXCITED!

Internet cafe's are abundant (and cheap) in London, so, who knows, maybe I'll dive into one and post! We purchased Journals for the kids to write in each night, and got everyone a new book for the plane. We packed light (backpacks, weighing in at less than 13 lbs each!), and warm and dry, with comfortable walking shoes and socks. We're off! I'll take plenty of pictures!

Cheers!!
Melissa

checking in

Thanks for all of the comments! Cribchick- you have no idea how many times I retyped that sentence so that it would NOT have that connotation! (snort) Too funny!
Anniesue, consider yourself added to the list. I will get mom your address. And I guess that I will have to track Dy down mid-move to get their new Forever Home address.
Grandmama, you can SOooooo expect a phone call today!
Things are good here. Really good. It is a great thing to know that you can pick right up where you left off. We have been concentrating on living each day to it's fullest, and not letting all of the pesky little inconveniences, that invariably come along, sidetrack us. That is good medicine. School is getting done, but it is a bit more laid back than normal, with time to wander off on a subject , all together. Of course history always pulls us down it's long rabbit trails, but this week so does science with it's simple machines. Race has filled in all the gaps where I would have been stretched too thin. Savannah was trying out some new computer skills, and was having some trouble with her writing, at the same time that Austin got stuck on a Algebra problem, at the same time that Jack and I were doing a reading lesson. That is a normal day. But to have Race there to figure out the Algebra, and then to help with Savannah's technical problem, was just such an incredible relief!
My only problem is that I now have to fight Race for computer time!!!! LOL! Ya can't have everything , right??
Well, the monsoon rains have lifted here, and it is an absolutely gorgeous day. We are going to put lessons off till later, and we are headed out for a walk. All of us. Good stuff y'all, good stuff!

Melissa

Dy: you asked why I was blogging while Race was home, and we were ALONE. One word: FOOTBALL. Now, lest you think ill of me, let it be known that I had already partaken of several hours of watching and made some awesome snacks before needing a break.

This morning, I got to attend church with Race. I can not express how awesome this was. I introduced him to everyone that I know, and we just had such a great time getting to know everyone. 2 of Austin's buddies came by looking for A.(still at mom and dads), and I introduced Race to them. They were in awe. I am not sure what they have heard, but obviously....something. I thought that they were going to talk Race's ear off(after the uncomfortable staring was over!). Truly great kids. It was fun. Race can not wait to be able to attend the scout meeting this week. They would like for him to conduct an orienteering (map and compass) course some time this year. And don't even get me started on the marksmanship thing......we are Soooo on that! too fun!

We grabbed a bite to eat, and then it was on to meet mom and dad to pick up the kids. I am told that at the birthday party, my kids showed off all their boogie-down skills on the skate floor. Some of which I did not even know that they had! Hmmmm...can't wait to get a full report from Em. The kids had an awesome weekend!

So, here we are all back together again. I had to make a grocery run for the week( been awhile since I have done that!). We had chef salads, baked potato's, and bruchetta for dinner. I still have to plan our school week, and we are making a few final notes and arrangements for London, but we are being pretty laid back about it. We SOoooo need a family trip! I'd better run.

G'night,
Melissa

Happy Birthday Q!!

I can hardly believe that my little nephew is 5 years old! The kids are at the big Birthday Bash this evening, at mom and dads skating center and will be back home tomorrow. I know that they are having a good time, because Em always knows how to throw a good party! The theme of this years birthday soiree' was "Bugs", so I know Jack is right at home!

Race and I have had a pretty productive (albeit quiet), day. We have been hashing over basement remodeling, and ended up making a trip to Lowes to look at "stuff". We started cleaning out the shed, to make room for all the stuff that we need to clean out of the basement! Race has visions of a "war room" for all of the "war bags" that we now have hanging on various hooks around the basement.

We filled out various monumental stacks of paperwork that Race's job requires, detailing every breath of our existence for the past decade. Very fun. Ask me how many times I have done this. Ask me. yes. Very fun.

We went window shopping, trying to finalize what we are getting everyone for Christmas. This will probably be the last trip to the store that I make until after January. The stores can totally ruin the Christmas spirit for me, so I stay away, and do almost all of my shopping online. (However, for whatever reason, British consumerism doesn't seem to annoy me at all, and I can hardly wait to take the kids to the famous Hammleys Toy Store in London to see 3 floors of magnificent toys tastefully decorated for the season!) *snort*

We watched a LOT of college football. Looked at Races' pictures from his last trip.For dinner, I fixed us chef salads and warmed a loaf of bread with herbed olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

I can't wait for church tomorrow, as Race has only been to this church once before. I can't wait to introduce him to the folks who have been so kind to ask about him and offer their prayers for someone that they had never even met. I love this church.

G'night,
Melissa

I'M HERE!

Hi ! I am back! And I am relaxed!
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at mom and dad's. The whole family was there this year, and it was just great! There was smoked turkey, baked turkey, smoked ham, and about....ooohhhh, I dunno.....about 30 other side dishes and desserts. I took my regular pecan pies, which everyone likes, I think, because this recipe eliminates that gross layer of "jelly" that you find in most. Em's pumpkin pies are always devoured, and Thom made Creme de Menthe parfaits....."to(ahem) settle the stomach", as my mother likes to say. My Uncle brought a bottle of Irish Country Cream. This is something like Baileys, but.............oh.my.goodness. I had never even heard of this, but definitely a new favorite for me! Also, the obligatory and traditional Christmas card picture was taken. My Mom sends out hundreds of cards every year, and she started the "family picture" card, way back when we girls were still in elementary school. It is always neat to look back and see when we have added spouses or babies to the family. Great tradition, (I am glad that mom put up with all of our complaining over the years, and made us do it anyway!).

Race is picking up where he left off. He is more relaxed than I have seen him in about a year and a half. I just can't tell y'all how awesome it is to have all of us under one roof again. It is so great to have a little "back-up", a little "leverage"in the old parenting team again. You see, we have always looked at parenting, as a bit of a tag team effort, and for most of this year.....there's been no one in my corner (physically) to TAG! It feels good to be a team again! And the kids are just in heaven!

Race brought back the usual souvenirs from his journeys, but he also surprised us by buying new back packs for us all. He is in the process of "outfitting" everyone with all weather jackets and shoes. Although this stuff is also made for hiking and camping, we will breaking these items in on a family trip to London in a few weeks! We are really excited, and this fits so perfectly with the mediaeval period of history that the kids have been studying, (as well as boning up on the ole' British history!). I love England, and Race knows London like the back of his hand. The travel idea is one that we have longed for for our kids. I suppose it is due in part to Race's job, and the way it affects your thinking, but we would really like to make the world a much smaller place for our children. One in which they would not be afraid to move about. So, off we go! The idea being that each child learn to become responsible for his or her own gear, and generally learn to be confident in traveling. Race is P.E.R.F.E.C.T for this! SO this is exciting. It is a goal. And we hope that it is just the beginning.

Well, I have to go and get dinner going (*gush*). But I will be back to writing again regularly. I can't wait to go and catch up on everyone's blogs!

Oh, and DY. My Mom said more than once, how much she wished that you and Charles and the boys could have come for Thanksgiving again this year. You were missed! (incidentally, so was your bread!)

RACE IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for all of your prayers! Race is home safe and sound. He was shocked when he saw how much his children had grown and changed. I will write more in a few days when the homecoming festivities have died down. Thank you again, so much. We are all so thrilled!

Caregivers

First thing this morning, I spoke with my mother-in-law. She has recently had to make an emergency flight to FL to care for her 92 year old mother, Races' grandmother. " Gammy" to all of us. It seems that Gammy was treated absolutely horribly in the hospital down there, and as soon as Races' mom was aware, she was on a plane. She has been feverishly making plans to bring Gammy home in order to give her the round-the-clock care that she needs. Races' mom is one of those people who was born to be a caregiver. She is the kind of person who would do whatever needed to be done, without giving it a thought. A comforter.My mom is like this too. Ask anyone. It's true. they know how to be sure that you are warm and dry and comfortable and well fed with just the right kinds of foods. What a blessing these kinds of people are on this earth.
Now, I will go ahead and level with you here. This sort of care giving could not be more foreign to me. I mean it. If you are sick for more than 2 days in this house, you'd better hire outside help. ********Now, isn't that sad? But, alas, there's the ugly truth. What a shock it must have been to Races' system the first time that he got sick after we were married! Poor thing. I mean, I start off with the best of intentions, but after a few days, it's all I can do not to yell from the other room, "C'MON! YOU DON'T HAVE TO BREATHE THAT LOUD!" It's funny, because after our first year of marriage, I can't think of him ever being sick enough to miss work. I guess he just figured, "What's the use". Poor guy.
You know, when we were growing up, I don't ever remember seeing my dad, sick. And my dad NEVER, and I mean NEVER missed work. Maybe in my wee brain I processed that into, "Men aren't supposed to be sick." I dunno. I am better with the kids, but still, nothing compared to my mom, or Race's mom. And while I didn't get the "caregiver" gene, I do believe that my daughter Savannah got it. She is a sweetie and is such a good helper. She truly tries to make people feel better. I, on the other hand, approach these things in more of a determined...."well, what the h*ll are we gonna DO about it?" Come to think of it, I think those words come DIRECTLY from my dad. Yes. My dad. Whose idea of fun was to pull out his pocket knife and pretend that he was about to CUT the tiny splinter from the sole of his daughters delicate foot, that she had so trustingly given him. (Incidently, we got a lot of splinters, and he did this to all of us, so you would think that we would have caught on at some point). My dad. Whose words of comfort were, "Well, I don't know what good crying's gonna do about it!" Have I mentioned that there were only us three GIRLS in the family? Poor dad.
So, I guess dad gave us our strength, and mom gave us our comforting. And wouldn't ya jus know..........it worked out! And as for me...........I am so thankful for the true caregivers in this world and equally thankful that the members of my family seem to be healthy as an ox. ( as oxen?)
Sending out prayers for Gammy and prayers for Dy tonight.
G'night,
Melissa

Well, I think that I am gonna live. Yay! I awoke this morning, giving thanks for the amazing healing powers of the human body. I am sore. I am swollen. And the inside of my mouth is bruised. BUT, I took advil (a LOT), and it really didn't slow me down much at all today. And for that I am SOooo thankful!

Things with Race are looking more positive, but still uncertain. We are hopeful.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving very much this year. I can't wait to have our whole family together again. My Mom and Dad always manage to have various "extra" folks at their Thanksgiving table (s), and over the years, that in and of itself has become a part of the tradition. For the past several years I have had to be introduced to at least one or two people at the house. It is always spilling over with GREAT food, in great quanities, it is loud, and it's comfortable. I love it. What is your Thanksgiving like?

I feel like I haven't seen Em's boys in forever.....and I simply cannot wait for "Uncle Race" to see how much they have grown!

School is going O.K., I guess, but to be honest, we have all had a really difficult time concentrating on ANYTHING this week. Nothing too staggering to report there, except that so far, Algebra is going smoothly (whew!), and A.'s finally beginning to understand the writing process. Savannah is on the 5th book in the Chronicles of Narnia series, and is anxiously awaiting the new Warriors book due out Dec 1. And Jack? Well, still my reluctant student, but I WILL outlast him. I WILL. I know I will. (weak smile)

Well, that's about it. Seriously. I have searched the recesses of my brain.......and THAT"S it. That's just all I've got. Nothing more. But, hey, I'm pretty sure that I have had more boring posts than this one! I just can not concentrate.

Tomorrow is a busy one, so I guess I'd better get myself to bed, and hope that my half-swollen face is back to normal by tomorrow.

G'night,
Melissa

O.K., I am still hanging in there. But let's just say, today wasn't actually the greatest. Without going into details , ( I firmly believe the recalling of which might push me over an edge that I can not return) , I spent the majority of my time today in the Scalded Dog, and the dentist chair. The dental thing ended up being unexpected oral surgery, and I am to expect" bruising and swelling". Oh. Good. So I sit here in front of my computer with my mouth packed with guaze and an ice pack close by.

Anyway, My sisters both posted tonight, so go and read their blogs! I posted a few of the pics from the other night. Thomasina is doing three 16 x 20 's (one of each of the kids) in B&W for my living room. This was the last one to get done. I am so thrilled with it! She is fabulous! I can't wait to see them all hanging together.

Em's stories of the boys are just too precious! I can't wait to catch up with everyone at Thanksgiving.

I've gotta go refill my ice pack.
G'night,
Melissa

ACK! Who is that guy??? Of course, it's Austin. Wait, wait..If he is that old.........how old AM I??????

I don't know how my sister does it! Isn't he a handsome kid? And to think, just moments later, he and his brother were having a fight to the death duel with cornstalks!

He is a goofy boy scout!

And Squared. A-way! (For Race to see!)

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers. I truly felt "prayed for" on Friday. I think that it is the only thing that got me through that day. Hearing that news was just such a blow. I was in a daze the entire day, like I just couldn't wrap my brain around it. It seems like we are under attack here. So many other things cropping up right now like flames licking at our heels. But I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your prayers. And, while I can't go into any details, things with Race's situation are improving. I still haven't said anything to the kids because we just aren't sure how things will play out.

Austin had an AWESOME time at scouts. They camped all weekend. It got down to 35 degrees! But, thankfully he was prepared. Race had taught him a long time ago what to bring, and how to pack it. I didn't help him at all. He was so squared away! He and one of his buddies were in charge of lunch and dinner, which I find hysterical! But apparently they did a fine job and got compliments on their cooking!

Savannah and Jack had a great time going to the movies with Aunt Thomasina. They are still talking about it.

Church was wonderful today. I am so happy that we found this church. I truly love it.

I don't have a lot to add here tonight, because I guess I just don't have it in me, ya know? But thanks so much for the kind words and the prayers. It means so much to me. We are doing fine and hanging in there. And like I said, I have not lost my perspective on this. There are worse calls that a wife can get, for sure. But still it is dissapointing. And we are handling it, and with God's grace we will come out on the other side.

G'night,
melissa

Please pray...

I just received some bad news. Due to recent world events,(terrorist bastards), Race will not be home as planned. In fact,being home for Thanksgiving is no longer a certainty. I would be overwhelmed with self-pity,if I were not so overwhelmed with emotions as to what to tell the kids. Just last night, Jack squealed with excitement as he recounted the less-than-double digit days till Race would be home. I just don't know what...or when...I will tell them. While I haven't lost my perspective on this, it is still very hard, because it will dissapoint the kids so, so much.The kids all have big plans this weekend, with Austin going on a Boy Scout camping trip, and Jack and Savannah spending the evening enjoying pizza and a movie with Aunt Thomasina. I guess I will at least wait till the weekend is over. Maybe things will be more deffinite by then. Please pray that we would continue to be strong as a family, that we would just find that resting place in the Lord and also, that arrangements would be expedited, for Race to be able to come home.

Thanks so much for your prayers!
Melissa

So..if you see me on the road...

When your husband is away for long periods of time, there are several jobs which, you, the wife, shall be forced to take over in his absence.
*This past year, I have found myself on the roof of our home more times than I care to recall. There was The Leak Incident. There were several rescues of various toys that “somehow” ended up stranded on the roof. And there was an antenna problem.

*There will always be the numerous car related incidents in which a wife will have to brave The Garage, in order to have said incident fixed, all the while praying that: 1. she won’t get royally ripped off, 2. that said problem is actually FIXED, and 3., that the greasy guy who has been constantly staring into the waiting area at you from behind that glass window….can’t get out of there.

*If you think it’s a woman’s world, my friend, just make a trip to your local Lowe’s Lumber Dept with your purse over your shoulder. You’ll know differently.

*There are also many minor household repairs which a solo wife must learn to deal with on her own. I can honestly say that the inner workings of toilets, faucets, sinks, and showers no longer hold a mystery for me.

But I must tell you that while all of these tasks hold their various challenges, there is no task that I dread so much as hauling our refuse to the dump. DUMP DAY. I have looked high and low for a trash guy. I’d pay my a lot of my husbands hard earned money for that service! None to be had. We must take care of this on our own.

First, the problem was that we had to haul garbage in the back of our suburban. That was bad. Thankfully, my Mom and Dad heard my cry and came to my rescue(again). They gave us the use of one of their spare pick-ups, to haul our garbage. Now, this little truck came to us with the character already well worn in, and with many instructions from my dad about it’s peculiar workings. First of all: Don’t roll down the window (won’t go back up). Don’t put down the tailgate. The speedometer will show about 20 miles slower than the speed that you are actually traveling, so if you go about 85, you will actually be around the speed limit. Oh, and here are the specific starting instructions from my dad: “Mash the pedal all the way to the floor one full time, turn the ignition, and then pump the hell out of the gas pedal, and she’ll fire right up.” With the added caution that you may have to do this a few times to keep it running. (Which, by the way, is EXACTLY how it starts, and your right leg WILL get used to going up and down that fast.)
One look at this little gem, and you KNOW it has to have a name. Further on in my dads instructions, he said….and I will quote him directly, “She’s slow gettin’ goin’ but if you mash the pedal to the floor she’ll run jus’ like a scalded dog!” And, like a voice from heaven, I knew. It was just…..right. Thus, the “Scalded Dog” was born
So, once a week, we load up the Scalded Dog, and head to the dump. The way there was a little scary the first few times, but once I figured out that there was approximately a half-radius worth of “play” in the wheel, it was a piece of cake!(Oh, and the first time, I drove with the blinker on the WHOLE way!) Jackson LOVES this truck, so he is my eager dump helper. I ease her right up close to the dumpsters, between the gargantuan, shiny pick-ups that sit outside of every trailer in this county. And Jack unloads. The ride home feels good. Freer somehow. We can’t get the FM radio to work, but she’s got a really sweet cassette deck.
So, ladies as you hand that bag to your husband to take out, or drag that can down to the curb…..think of me…….. And when you see the garbage man driving by your house this week to whisk away your refuse…… give a little wave and a smile….and think of me…and the “Scalded Dog.”

G'night,
Melissa

Dump Day!

O.K., I didn't blog last night. I totally and completely blame Dy. (grin) Yes, Wonder Woman called my house last night. I always love talking to her! We have been praying for her poor little John today. I hope that he is all better this morning!

Austin worked with Thomasina at the polls, and thoroughly enjoyed himself! This was a great experience for him, and I really appreciate Thom showing him the ropes.

Yesterday was long, and exhausting, and we were on the road for most of it. Although Midol was my best friend yesterday, it was a good day. And a productive day. But man was I glad to drag my weary carcass back into this house!

I will be back later this evening to post a bit more about the goings on around here. But right now, I have to go and get Jack rigged up in his bungee chord harness (see comments in previous post) and everyone else going on lessons. We have Boy Scouts tonight. And there is a camp out this weekend, that I think Austin is going to go on.

Have a great day!
Melissa

Today was pretty good as Monday's go. I'll take it. The morning started out with a beautiful sunrise. And have you ever just had a really "special" devotion time with the Lord. I mean, where you REALLY feel closer to Him than on most other days? Well, that was the morning that I had, so I went into my day feeling blessed.
School progressed along, although there were several interruptions during the day. But, we still managed to plug along. Austin's outlining and essays on British History are really starting to take shape. Today, Savannah (who suffers from a severe mathematics allergy) said, "Mom I REALLY love this math, I am SOOo glad that we switched. Now I UNDERSTAND it!" (Thank-you Math U See ) And Jack? Well amid 30,000 pencil drops, wiggles, squirms and odd sitting positions, and an attention span that is as easily distracted as a young kitten.........well......I think that we actually got some learning done. Jack did school today at the dining room table, on the trampoline, in my room, and on the deck! I sometimes think that if I were to just let this child go, he could live quite happily in the wilderness......a barbarian child fending for himself from mother nature's bounty. He would survive. I know he would.
Savannah had dance class today, so I ran a few errands, and made it back in time to catch the last 20 minutes of class. It is so fun to watch the girls! They are all having the best time!
We got back home at 7:30. I had put dinner in before we left, so I just had to pull it together. We had baked chicken w/ mushroom gravy, baked potatoes, steamed kale, braised carrots, and biscuits. i am hoping that this meal will cancel out the Taco Bell from last night. (sigh)
Tomorrow, Austin will be working the polls with Aunt Thomasina. It's funny, but a 14 yr old, studying logic is just RIPE for being exposed to the world of politics! His new favorite pass time, is to watch the political commercials, and pick out all of the fallacies!
Last night jack was pointing out constellations, and discussing the rotation of the earth, and other things that are curious to him. And all of a sudden he said," Mom, even if someone was gonna give me a trip to the moon right now, I wouldn't go. I would wait right here for Dad. No matter what anyone said I could have, I wouldn't take it, I would just wait right here for Dad. I just can't WAIT for him to get home." We are all counting the days, and even the hours till Race comes home. Words just cannot express how much we miss him.
Tomorrow's election day! Don't forget to Vote!
G'night,
Melissa

Recap....sort of...

Wrote all this on Saturday, but forgot to post:
**It is Saturday morning at 8:45. I am sitting here, at my computer, with my pink travel mug by my side, half-filled with coffee. I have already been into town this morning. I drove to pick up my 3 sleepy-eyed children who mumbled, "We had a great time", in their groggy morning voices. Loaded down with sleeping bags and pillows, they tumbled into the suburban. They were at: NINJA NIGHT. This is sort of like a lock-in at martial arts. They all had a blast, and all three of them came in and promptly climbed into bed and are sleeping quite soundly.

And while I kinda wish that I had an exciting story about the Whoop-it-up good time I had last night, alas, I came home. I watched a show called "Three Wishes" and sat in the middle of my living room with a glass of Chardonnay, eating bruchetta and putting together an etgeire for my bathroom. How's that for excitement? Actually, I thoroughly enjoyed myself! With Race being gone, it is truly a rare moment that I am completely by myself in the house, and I have to admit, it was relaxing! And while I always find myself praying for the kids a lot while they are away from me, that God would protect them, and give them wisdom to handle any situations that they may encounter, I DO covet a little private time once in awhile. So, it was nice. We ALL had a good time.**


We have had a pretty good week, and I should be gearing up for the next one that is upon us. I am having a hard time concentrating on ANYTHING, because it is getting pretty close to Race coming back home. We are all just so excited as we watch what was once an overwhelmingly long ,paper "chain of days", get shorter and shorter!

Oh yes! I got to talk to Dy this week. That is always great for me. She is always so encouraging. You could hear her little guys in the background, and they are really growing up. I was cleaning today and came across a picture from last years Thanksgiving at my mom and dads. Her little guy Jacob is in the picture. My goodness they grow up fast! It is really hard to believe.

I have a prayer request for a very close friend of mine. Her little girl(3) was sent to the E.R. on Friday in what was a very traumatic circumstance. She is doing fine, but please remember the family, as they go through a difficult time.

I got pictures of Lynette's little ones dressed up in the cutest halloween outfits that I think I have ever seen! I'll have to find out if she'll let me post them here. She made the costumes herself: a skunk, and a bug!! Too, too cute!

Oh-Oh! One more thing: I have been using Nuetrogena's microdermabrasion for about 5 days now, and..........WOW! I seriously LOVE it! This is the first thing that has made a big difference in my now..(ahem)..mature skin. Seriously, I give it 2 thumbs way up!

And, after I read the comments on my Victoria's Secret post below...the question begs asking......Am I the ONLY one who wants to know where Jess buys her lingerie??? I mean self respecting christians wouldn't even want their van in the parking lot??? Do tell Jess...(wink).

o.K., this is like a book. I have got to call it a night. And I SOoooo need to update my sidebars!!!

g'night
Melissa

Woah! Where'd Tuesday go?

Seriously, I can't believe that it is already Wednesday! Tuesday was a tough one. As far as home schooling went.....well.....public school and ease of registration was mentioned. I believe that my exact words were, "You do realize that if I take you down there, they HAVE to find a place for you....". O.k. so, not one of my best parenting moments.

The only other thing that really sticks out from Tuesday, was chatting with Thomasina, and the kids using their Jack-o-lantern's for targets. Incidentally, these are good for arrows, BB's as well as rocks fired from a sling shot, (If you're really good, you can make chunks fly off!).

Oh, Oh yes, the other thing from Tuesday: I went into Victoria's Secret. Yeah. (No jokes please about the husband returning home soon, and whatnot) Admitedly, it has been eons since I have bothered to venture into that store, but I can remember when you could go in there, get yerself some good panties and a bra, and those suckers would LAST....and they were pretty! Wehehehellll....times have changed my friends. Victoria's Secret is no longer......... very........well....."secret". This was like a showroom for the very latest in brothel wear. Seriously, some of that stuff....well, I am not even sure how you USE that??? And the sales associate (what do I call her? Panty girl? Panty Specialist? Bra Fitter? Brassiere Tech?) must have been about to get thrown out of her apartment,(though to her credit, she would've looked good) cause man was she using the high pressure sales! And here's a little tip for the V.S. sales gals: If you want me to drop $68 on a BRA, you're gonna have to do more than tell me it's comfortable, and that it uses the very latest new fibers.... For $68 you should say something like: "This will give you back the breasts of your youth". For that I would've ripped it from her hand, knocked her down, and run over her breathlessly to get to the register.

Anyway, thanks to Laney for answering my skin care questions. On Laney's blog, she had the idea for a Botox fund. Which I thought was a stroke of genius! So then I hit her up for the skin care questions that I knew she would know.....she's beautiful! If anyone else would like to add to their comments about microderm abrasion, please do!

Lynette, I am downloading those pictures as we speak. My ultra slow dial-up, might take till next week, but I shall persevere, to see those cute little young uns in their costumes!

And thank-you for all the nice comments about the kids and me! We are counting down the days till race returns.............and it's getting shorter!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (excited squeal)

G'night,
Melissa

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Here are some of our pictures from the past few days.

Today was hectic from last minute paper work emergencies that reared their ugly heads, and a hastily arranged dental appointment, that I was glad to get. The kids really pulled through for me today, and were very responsible with their school work and extra tasks that they were given. They worked without me having to stay on them, and THAT was really helpful. The last few moments of day light were spent stapling, taping and hot gluing..(as usual). We had a wonderful time trick or treating, and we are bushed!

On the way home from Trick or Treating, Jack decided that next year, he will dress as ELVIS. I find that hysterical. (OHhhhh PLEASE let it be....) Hope that you had a wonderful Halloween!

G'night,
Melissa

Caramel apples and toasted pumpkin seeds...

Pumpkin Carving

Only one of my young 'uns still needs help with carving a pumpkin, now. (sniff,sniff)

Don't they look good?!

Trick or Treat!!

Here's us! We miss you Race! And thank you Aunt Thomasina, for taking the picture!

A picture down by our creek, while we were on our walk.

Trying the old split-finger fast ball..

Our youngest child has some sort of aversion to clothing. He is rarely EVER completely clothed. Really though, over the years we have definitely made progress with the boy in this area. Ohhh..the stories we shall tell..

Catching up

Well, Savannah had a birthday party/sleepover to attend this weekend. It was apparently a BIG hit. One of the girls snored and talked in her sleep, which caused great laughter and silliness. Savannah and her birthday girl hostess stayed up all night. Seriously, ALL NIGHT....never slept. They played "Truth or Dare". O.k. I'll admit that I winced a little when I heard this, but this is not the game of MY youth. One of the BIG dares was for birthday girl to go and "sing to her mom! and she did it!" (gasp!) I am told that the highlight of the evening was at around 1 am when all the girls went down to the kitchen and the birthday girl was able to make hot chocolate come out of her nose. All the ingredients of a good sleepover! Seriously, these are some of the nicest girls, and we are so thankful to know them and their families.

Today was a gorgeous fall day! I made a really great soup for the occasion. It was white bean with sausage. I was wingin' it, and it really turned out great. hit the spot with some warm crusty bread. I also made Austin a birthday cake. THIS was huge for me. I don't do birthday cakes. For those of you who don't know, once upon a time we were having a little trouble making ends meet, (read:flat broke, dirt poor) so I learned how to do cakes. I started doing them for people at church. ANd then my dad, (who owns a skating center) suggested that I do all the cakes for their birthday parties at the skating center. This was like windfall for us!! The extra $$ were awesome, and it really helped to pull us through a particularly (ahem) "lean" time. But it nearly killed me. I would do 30+ cakes at a time. In just my little kitchen and dining room. At the time Jack was only a few months old. Anyway, when I did my last cake, I pretty much swore off cake decorating forever!

I took jackson for a long walk today. We walked our back property line from one end to the other, which follows the creek. He found a deer rub! We saw a lot of turkey and deer sign everywhere. This morning, the turkeys had roosted in the treeline just beyond the yard. I could hear them calling when I got up. jack and I also found a black walnut tree, and paw paw (sp?) trees that I didn't know were down there. I'll try to put up a few pics from the walk tomorrow.

The boys played a lot of baseball and a lot of Monopoly today.

Now the following is for your amusement. SO that you can chuckle to yourself at the life that is mine:

Well here's something that you never want to hear: Jack comes running in the back door and yells ,(he always yells)" Mom! Jeb is in love with me again!"

Jeb is one of our chocolate labs.

"Serenity now!"

G'night!
Melissa

Don't know why that link isn't working! grrr.. Click on "A day in the life" on the sidebar instead.

GOOD cabin pictures...

Go and look at the gorgeous pictures that my sister took at the cabin! Ya know, I just can't tell you how great it is traveling with your own private photographer!
Cabin Pictures

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIESUE!

Anniesue was my roommate, my freshman year in college. What a year it was! We were all quite a mixed bag, but it was a great year. And I don't think that I have EVER laughed as hard as i laughed that first semester! And I HOPE that I never eat that much pizza EVER again! The "Big Man" (O.k., that sounds strange when I re-read that, that's her Blog nick name for him....just so ya know..) anyway..yes, the "Big Man" used to come to our window every evening to talk to her, or take her out, and then later they would drive us crazy talking on the phone ALL night, until the phones got cut off(They cut the phones off at a certain time each night). And just look at 'em now. Married, with 2 adorable kids. Happy Birthday Anniesue! (Oh, and don't worry about all those pictures that I have from that first year in college.....I'll take em' to my grave..ahem, I'd appreciate the same in return (blush)).

A really nice man at Martial Arts came up to me today,out of the blue, and told me to please thank my husband for all that he is doing "over there". That was greatly appreciated. By me, and by Race, and by my kids.

Race sent me the sweetest email tonight. That's kind of a big deal, because he is sort of a man of few words...(and I am a woman of MANY word, so therefor we are a match made in heaven). He wrote all of the stuff that he misses about me. (All together , now: AWWwWWWwwwwww....) Anyway, it wasn't anything you'd find in a hallmark card or anything (gag-who WRITES those things, anyway?) But, just dumb stuff I do like following too close to the car in front of me and standing in front of my closet FOREVER to find something to wear and watching me fix dinner. Just dumb stuff like that, but, man.....I love that guy!

Good night, and PLEASE, be sweet to your husbands!
Melissa

At the cabin....

Don't know how well you can see this, but again, this is the old vs. new. The tiny little add on kitchen joining the 170 yr old cabin, with the hot tub outside! The original family who built the place was German, and they had 15 children (yes, 15) in a cabin that would fit easily into most living rooms today!

Hello!

Midnight Monopoly with Aunt Thomasina! (Yes, he won.)

The totally fun loft! here, you can see the old vs new. The roof, and skylights are all new, but we were thrilled to see that they left the old loft in!

The view!

Please note the child with no shoes!

The bridge.

Well, the cabin trip was awesome! I will have to post a few pictures later. The mountains were beautiful. On the way up, we stopped at some of our favorite places: The old apple orchard where we picked up some apple butter, apples, and cider. Then we made a stop at the old suspension bridge, that we have been visiting since Race and I were in college. The kids LOVE this spot! It is a part of the Appalachian Trail, and is somehow still relatively secret, except to serious hikers. It is beautiful. (Look for pics tonight)

Once at the top of the mountain, we had a bit of a snafu getting our key to get into the cabin. (I say it was a snafu, because, you have NO cell phone coverage of ANY kind the entire time that you are up there...NONE.) I had to go back to the little country store-(the ONLY store) and use the pay phone. The owners met us out at the cabin, and got everything straightened out. They chatted with us for awhile, and wanted to know how Race was doing.It was nice to talk with them again.

Once we settled in, we were completely relaxed. We had warm bowls of chili, topped with cheese and a dollop of sour cream. We followed up with thick slices of chocolate cake. The mulled cider on the stove made the whole cabin smell wonderful.There is nothing like sipping warm cider sitting on the fieldsone patio, in front of a 170 year old log cabin, in the middle of the woods.

Thomasina and Austin had a killer Monopoly game that lasted till after midnight, and had to be resumed the next day. The kids had an awesome time hiking through the woods and metal detecting. As always, one of the highlights for the younger two is the loft. The cabin has a second story and a tiny loft, with it's own window that looks out onto the yard. This little spot is a kids dream! It was great.

We are at Mom and Dads, now, and will be heading back home soon. The night that we arrived, my dad fixed us some of the most mouth watering steaks that I have ever had the pleasure of eating. (And this is really sayng something, because , for those who don't know it, Dad is known in these parts for fixing the most succulent beef around). But this meat was FRESH, and marinated, and cut and cooked to perfection. I shall dream of this steak for quite awhile. I had an awesome dinner last night in down town Fredericksburg at one of my all time favorite Restaraunts "La Petit Auberge". Thomasina and I met Janelle and Allona and we had such a nice evening! We laughed and talked and the meals were wonderful. We didn't get out of there until after 11:00.

BTW, if you are ever having trouble sleeping..........GO HOME. I slept better at Mom and Dads, in my old room, than I have slept in weeks! It felt so good, and I feel human again.

I wanted to say thanks so much for all the payers and really sweet comments you guys have left. You know, it really does help when you begin to wear down. It's great to hear someone say, "Hey, you're doin' fine. It's O.K. Keep goin', I'll pray for you." Thanks so much! And I think that I will start responding to comments IN the comments section, so be sure to check that out once in awhile!

Bye!
Melissa

I had a huge, baseball sized knot in my stomach tonight.

*Austin went to his first Boy Scout troop meeting. He was a cub scout and a webelos scout, but this is our first Boy Scout Troop experience. This is a new troop, that is sponsored by our church. Austin knows several of the 18-20 boys in the troop. The Scout Masters are AWESOME! At least 2 of them are Eagle Scouts, and there is one 16 yr old Eagle Scout in the troop. They run the troop meetings in a fun, but disciplined and efficient manner. All the Scout Masters, and all of the boys are dressed, inspection-ready style, in their uniforms every week. They begin with formation, pledges and prayer. This is an excellent Boy Scout Troop, and well worth dragging myself out of the house, on what was my one free night of the week, for an hour and a half meeting across town. *

SO. WHy the knot in my stomach???

Because I know how much Austin wanted his dad to be there with him tonight. ANd I know how much Race would LOVE to have been there. I couldn't even turn to look at A. when I left the gym, because I knew that if I saw his face I would have lost it completely. An entire gym full of men and boys in their uniforms......and ME. (Everyone was very helpful and accommodating.) But... talk about feeling completely inadequate and intimidated. If Race wasn't Johnny Bad Ass, it wouldn't be half as bad....but HE IS. I mean c'mon. If that was your dad, wouldn't you want him to be there with you.....at BOY SCOUTS? You'd know how much the other kids would love him, and how fun he would be. And for Race, doing this stuff with his son would bring him some of the best pleasure to be had on this earth. I was fighting back the tears all night, and feeling that knot get tighter.

As for Austin, he did great. He shook hands with the Scout Masters, and introduced himself. He was fine. He had a great time. And he might be going on the troop campout this weekend if we can work the scheduling out.

We are headed up to the cabin tomorrow. I will not be taking ANY school stuff. Fun books ONLY. Austin has requested that we make chili, and we will be having birthday cake. The kids are taking a metal detector, because that whole area up there never fails to yield interesting, old stuff. Let's just hope that we can keep the fire going all night in that stove, cause it's gonna be cooooold!

Have a good night!
Melissa

Oh- and I forgot to add that we went to the $$store and bought about 8 small mirrors, so that Jack can work with light, reflection,and refraction to his hearts content. He is absolutely fascinated with this. Thank-you Bill Nye.

O.K., so I have discovered that my waking up in the middle of the night is my old friend "Anxiety" trying to launch a sneak attack. I wake up at around 2 or 3 am with my mind racing. And it's funny, because I haven't FELT like I was overly anxious about anything...... Anyway, I am launching a counter attack. I ran today around noon, and I watched what I ate all day, drank a ton of water and took my vitamins and supplements.

So, Dy.....what exactly IS Rescue Remedy.....and how well does it work??? Anyway, here's hoping I am on my way back to "normal". I actually scared myself this morning when I looked into the mirror! ACK!

We had a good day today, but it was a little more hectic than I would have liked ;-\. At one point today, Austin said in all sincerity, "You stressed, Mom? Why don't you go for a walk, or a run?" (So, obviously, it's showing, because a sincere word of ANY kind is rare from my soon-to-be 14 year old boy.) Savannah had art with Thomasina, and the boys had Martial Arts and Jiu Jitsu. We also had an extra kid with us today, as our nieghbor girl needed a ride to martial arts (yes, we have recruited the whole nieghborhood!). So she was with us for the duration of the evening. While they were all in classes, I ran a TON of errands. I picked up some subs, and we all headed out to Thomasina's house. She made some delicious apple spice cakes with cream cheese icing for dessert. They were still warm AND they were FABULOUS!!! (Thanks for not letting me have a bunch of coffee to keep me awake this evening, Thom..) When we left, the moon and the clouds above the corn fields was beautiful.

Jack has spent a good part of the day and evening doing experiments with lights and mirrors. He is fascinated by this. We are going to try to round up a bunch more small mirrors for him to experiment with. When I tucked him in tonight, he said, "Mom, you're the best mom in the whole world.....and I just don't know what I'd do without Bill Nye the Science Guy (happy sigh)".

g'night,
Melissa

O.K., so today, I paid for the fun that we had last night.The morning didn't exactly go smoothly. But, more importantly, I didn't sweat it, and did NOT have a melt down. We got all the important stuff done, and then, headed out to pick up Thomasina. We had to haul her out to pick up her car, so we visited while we drove.

When we got home, our neighbor girl called (17 yr old gal through the woods next door), and she wanted to come over and kill some time. So, I said "sure", and she came over and hung out with us for awhile. She had dinner, and chatted (and chatted) away.

Race got the package that we sent him today! YAY! Have I mentioned how much we miss him? I have been having the worst time sleeping for the past few weeks. I wake up in the middle of the night. EVERY night. Grrrrr... I do not have small children.....I should be sleeping. Very frustrating. Perhaps I could hire myself out to the mothers of young children, who would gladly give an appendage for a good nights sleep. "Hey, no problem! I'm up anyway!" Any takers?

G'night,
Melissa

Well, so much for a quiet Sunday! We made it to Sunday School and church this morning, and we are all really enjoying our classes. The kids and I had an enjoyable lunch afterwards. I love it that they are just so full of life after church! Anyway, we had a ton of stuff to do this afternoon. A trip to the dump, laundry, lesson plans, etc. Remember, I told you all the stuff that I needed to do. Well. The church was having a Jr/Sr High picnic for the kids + families. They talked us into it. They were all so nice.....how could we refuse? We rushed home, went to the dump, did a few loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, made macaroni and cheese, and headed back out. I am so glad that we did. The kids had such a wonderful time!

***O.K., I should say here, that when we got to the park...(which is about 20 minutes away), youngest boy realized that he had NO SHOES!!!!! I wish that I could say that this is the first time that this has happened to my youngest child.....but...well..it's NOT. After fretting, and momentarily slipping off into Lecture Land, I just shrugged and said "c'mon". And somehow, this child worked it into his "coolness" factor, and all was well.***

The boys played baseball all evening, and I got plenty of nice compliments on what great "athletes" they are, (seriously, that's what they said...) and on how they just made themselves right at home and joined in. (Ahem, as well as a serious offer to have the oldest join the baseball team at the private classical school.......as a home schooler). Savannah, has made fast friends with one of the girls who.."(gasp), has read Redwall, and all the Warriors books, and she likes to climb trees!!!!!" Eegads! Anyway, all night long, there was a pack of girls running around playing, laughing and talking, with....what's this???? two BOYS following them around????? ACK!

And I enjoyed myself as well. SO, here I sit with a half finished lesson plan, and a long night in front of me. I did get several loads of laundry done, while I caught up with Races' mom on the phone. It's always so great to talk with her. As soon as I get my lesson completed for tomorrow, I am hitting the sack. I am BEAT!

Have a great day tomorrow!
Melissa

Honestly, we have had a lot of things going on this week. there was a lot that I wanted to write about. But every evening has found me outside around a campfire with the kids, instead of inside blogging! Austin taught us all how to start a fire. I thought that I knew how.....but, his way works much faster!

The boys had a Kick-a-Thon today for the Project Action charity. They collected pledges, and then had to do as many Thai round kicks as they could in 3 minutes. Austin did 213, and Jack did 190! Together they raised about $150. Yay! Good job guys!

Savannah did some really cool stuff to my computer today, and the graphics are so neat, I just love it! And she made an amazing picture that she called "Alaska". I will put it up tomorrow.

The kids each have to take turns doing K.P.(kitchen patrol) every night. I can't believe how well they have learned to clean the kitchen!! I mean seriously, Jack had KP tonight, and the kitchen looks great! All I keep thinking is what an idiot I have been for not doing this sooner!! And you know, they actually take pride in it. Who knew???? I'm a slow learner...

We are all missing Race. I am finding myself increasingly thinking that I am tired of being a "me" and am ready to be an "us" again. We are all doing fine, but we do miss him. (Jess, I need to go back and remind myself of all the stuff that I put into that email!!!)

Sunday school, church, and then lesson plans for the week. And I guess I am going to have to do that laundry that is threatening to swallow me. Other than that...should be a quiet Sunday.

G'night,
Melissa

Mam-ma and Pap-pa came today and took us out to lunch! We met Aunt Thomasina there too. The visit was all too brief, but we are always so happy to spend some time with them. AND my Mom and DAd heard my cry for a "way to haul stuff", and gave us one of their "spare" pick-ups to keep here, and use. Now, this little pick-up deserves a blog all it's own, complete with pictures, so I'll give you all that later. Suffice it to say the truck has "character" and we have already named it.
Mom and Dad are so good to us.

Hey! We had a campfire tonight. And Hey! everything is WET, and therefore REALLY, REALLY hard to burn. But, we got it going, and it was great. Indeed you CAN burn wet wood, if you can get your fire hot enough (Just ask Austin, he did it). Oh, and Dy, please let James know that within 10 minutes, I had grabbed the burnt end of a stick and burnt my finger. Yeah, that hurts. Anyway, we had such a nice time sitting out there tonight, that we have invited Thomasina out tomorrow night, after lessons, to eat with us and sit by the fire. She has graciously agreed to bring some of her delicious homemade fried apple turnovers!! Weeee! My youngest son, who happens to be a complete firebug, actually said, "Hey mom, let's see if we can make a bad smell with the fire!" Ahhhhhh....the joys of boys and the fire circle. After he walked away, Savannah looked at me and said, "Why does he do that?" (shrug)

Lot's to do tomorrow. Austin and I are staying up to watch a movie on Queen Elizabeth. He has a project due at the end of the week on the Tower of London, so there should be some good stuff in there.

Missing Race like crazy, and it seems like time has begun to stand still. This is definitely a LONG haul.

Here is the link for the cabin: Log Cabin Go check it out, it is beautiful!

G'night
Melissa

.

.

All is well..

Thomasina fixed us an amazing venison stew tonight for dinner. Man, did that hit the spot! Have I ever mentioned what an excellent cook my sister is? No kidding, in the kitchen......she rocks! I mean, how many women do you know that can hunt, kill, and dress a deer, AND know how to make part of that into a meal that will knock your socks off!!! (O.K., besides Dy, how many do you know?) ***Oh, Oh, and just FYI, the venison in THIS stew came from the freezer, from LAST years deer. Don't go emailin' me about hunting laws.

Savannah had a great art lesson, and I would like to post some of her finished work (However my computer skills are at about the same level as your average orangutan, so it may take me awhile.) The boys martial arts classes were good, with Austin having a particularly successful night on the matt in Jiu Jitsu. He can't wait to tell Race all about it.

I had the best conversation with Dy tonight. So many exciting things happening in their family. I have been so blessed by getting to know them. Dy is truly a great friend. And I look forward to watching their family grow and seeing how they tackle lifes hurdles. They are truly an amazing family.

Today we saw several deer behind the house (hear that Race?). They have their winter coats now and are no longer the tawny brown that they were in spring, but are a silvery grey, to blend in perfectly with the trees as they drop their leaves. The *moment* that they enter the woods, they are invisible. And these are BIG deer, not those little dog sized ones that you see in Florida. Hunting is big around here, and along with common sense hunting laws and practices, this always insures large healthy deer, and plenty of them!! Deer and turkey are EVERYWHERE around here. Our family enjoys hunting, we enjoy eating, and we enjoy the peaceful tranquility of watching these animals. It always makes me so glad to live where we do. Crickets chirp loudly, owls hoot, on a clear night you can spend hours picking out constellations, and we even get whippor-wills in the spring time. Yes, it's good. For us, it's really good.

Lynette, I MUST get a picture of those costumes. Maddies' skunk costume is possibly THE cutest thing that I have ever heard!! How adorable! Can you believe it? Austin will only be walking the other two around this year. ACK! My first kid has outgrown trick-or-treating!!!

NO SCHOOL tomorrow! Mam-ma and Pap-pa are coming to visit!

HAve a good night,
Melissa

Guess What I woke up to?

Oh, never mind, just quit guessin' cause you're never gonna get it. I kept the windows up last night because it was so cool. Cool air and a down comforter...now there's some good sleepin', KWIM? Anyway, this morning, bright and early BEFORE my alarm went off I was jolted from a deep slumber by the gut wrenching, overwhelming stench of .....a skunk! A pole cat! Welllll Good Mornin' to me! Thankfully, he was just passing by in the woods and hadn't actually sprayed anything in our vicinity. But the nice cool breeze blew his aroma straight into my bedroom which faces the back of the house.

We had a good day today. We knocked out all of our lessons by 2, and then we met Thom at the health food store in town to stock up on vitamins and other goodies. Then the kids and I went to Barnes and Noble, got coffee and drinks and perused all of the cool Narnia stuff thats out right now.

Savannah had her modern class tonight, so I took a few books to keep me busy while she danced. I have just started "Atlas Shrugged",by Ayn Rand, but I'm not far enough along to have any opinion of it yet. I AM hooked, though. And at night we are reading King Arthur aloud. I have a study guide for the book, that I got from Veritas Press, which I am keeping one eye on. But honestly, sometimes there is nothing like a study guide to ruin an otherwise enjoyable book! And we ALL love King Arthur.

Austin's birthday is on Halloween. He surprised me this year by wanting to go to an old cabin up in the mountains that we went to years ago with him. We were fortunate enough to secure a night up there at this time of the year. It is a beautiful, and rare two story cabin, that is completely secluded(no phone, no tv). I will post the link when I get the chance. We are really looking forward to it, although it will be strange sleeping in that quiet log cabin, with only wood stove heat, without Race.

So, have y'all gotten your carving pumpkins yet?

G'night?
Melissa

It has been rainy and overcast for the last several days. I think that I had forgotten what rainy days were like! It has been unseasonably warm as well, but today the high was only 65. Feels a bit more like fall today, and that was nice!

Yesterday we each had chores to do. There was baseball to watch. And the legos stayed out all day until bed time. We made some homemade chewy buttered pretzels, and we ate spaghetti. I accomplished quite a bit yesterday, although I never really got up to full steam.

We made it to Sunday school this morning, and found all the kids' classes. They had such a wonderful time, and everyone made new friends today. I have to say that it was so refreshing to see a Sunday School program that was about LEARNING. (No teams, no races,no candy prizes, no bands...etc.) You remember..... discipleship. Learning to be a better servant of God, learning more about the character of God and God's word. And each of the kids classes were led by such caring and kind people, it was just great. It also helped that the kids all knew at least one person in each of their small classes. They can't wait to go back. Oh, and BTW, I really loved the new members class as well. Although, as always, I am completely intimidated to have to go by myself, when everyone else is a "couple". Ugh. But I went. And I was totally blessed. The pastor must have known that I was coming today, because his sermon, I am sure, was given especially for me. ;-) And though I went in this morning, feeling a little beaten and battered, I came out knowing that I had been blessed, and that God is with me and with joy in my heart. (You know, I typed that last phrase several times looking for different words, but "joy" is the right word.) After church I had a wonderful lunch out with my kids.They were bubbling over with stories from their classes. It was fun to sit and listen, and hear their opinions. And just hang out with them without any "reason".

So, for the rest of the day I have some work to finish up on, but thankfully, I got most of it done yesterday.;-) So, nothing too daunting. I plan to spend some time outside on my porch this evening, soaking in the smell of fall, and just being thankful.

Have a wonderful Sunday,
Melissa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT BELLE!!!!!!!!

Hope that you had a wonderful day!

What a day! We are all exhausted. As I look around me and survey the day, I am not even sure why. We did have a lot of errands to do today. We got them all done in the pouring down rain, (which we are very thankful for). The boys had Martial Art graduation tonight, and each of them got their new belt level. I must say that I am extremely impressed with the amazing skill levels that they have been able to achieve. They received a lot of compliments tonight. Next week they will be doing a Kick-a-thon for charity, and they are really looking forward to that. Savannah is really enjoying ballet and Modern classes this year, and her skills have improved by leaps and bounds, as well her self esteem. Her talent for art, I simply cannot put into words. She seems to cover new ground each week. It is an amazing evolution to see her pictures of just a year ago, and compare them with her artwork today.

The boys had to clean AND vacuum their room. In doing so, Jacks Shell Supply Store had to be disassembled. SO this evening, he manufactured and packaged a nice hand soap that he has been peddling around to each family member. (sigh) He has quite a sales pitch.

He is also really missing Race, and last night he broke down about it. Absolutely heart wrenching. We prayed and talked about everything, and he fell asleep pretty soundly (in our bed). Tough though.

I have to get all my ducks back in a row this weekend, so that I don't just slide off into "survival mode", which is no good for anyone. Gotta take a few deep breaths and get back at it.

Planning on starting the New Members class this Sunday at church, and I am really looking forward to it.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Melissa

Do you REALIZE what life will be like in my house if the Yankees and Red Sox go to the World Series again? Come on Angels! Go White Sox!!

scattered morning thoughts..

Today will be a busy one, and it looks like the rain that is falling outside is going to settle in and stay for awhile. (One can only hope, as the ground is so dry here, that I do believe that I hear a sucking noise as it soaks in the rain).

Took a long walk with Jack yesterday. We wnt down to the creek, and walked all around the property. He LOVES this. He talked happily, and CONSTANTLY the whole time.

We have martial arts classes and ballet class today, and I will have a ton of errands to complete, while going back and forth.

Talked to Race this morning. We sure are missing him!

Have an awesome day!
Melissa

I fixed the kinks in the links below. Be sure to check em' out. You won't be sorry! Be back later!

You don't want to miss these!

I am just too tired to blog.

We had the greatest dinner over at Thomasina's house tonight. She fixed an amazing roasted dove and quail, with an apple relish, scalloped potatoes,fried green tomatoes w/ gravy, and french rolls. Not only was it delicious, but it was all presented so beautifuly. The kids and I had a wonderful time.

I am exhausted. Way too tired to try to put together anything the slightest bit coherent.It has been a Looooong day. Add to this the fact that I got 2 emails from Race tonight, both of which were about $$$$ stuff, and the fact that my youngest decided to playfully headbutt me in the face while I was tucking him in tonight.

Luckily other people in blog world have much more intelligent, and funny things for you to read than I could ever produce, even on my best day. So, First you MUST go and read Dy's Blog because, well, she has just, like, laid out the key to all happiness....so that's worth a look, right? Then, head over to The Crib Chick's Place because she has given some EXCELLENT parenting advice that parents actually never hear anymore. So, you don't want to miss that, right? Then, prepare yourself, because THIS is so funny that you could actually harm yourself. Seriously, it's that funny.

I am off to bed. And Dy and Jill, I think that reading your blogs this morning are the only things that got me through the day without "blowing it". Thanks

G'night all
Melissa

On my blog, I have often lamented the creep-o men that I run into on occassion. Tonight I would like to give a big shout out to the knights in armor. I would like to send waves of gratitude to the man who helped me out today.I had made it through Lowes, gotten what I needed, apologized to the perturbed cashier for knocking down a few of the buckets of spackling on my way out, and made it to my car. I was struggling mightily to put numerous sheets of 12 ft vinyl lattice into my suburban,along with a 6 x 12 piece of treated lumber(found out my suburban will only haul a 10 footer with the back window CLOSED).That vinyl lattice is SO hard to work with! The sheets are HUGE, and it is sooo flexible, that you don't know which way it's going! Anyway, this guy, without even laughing, came over and asked if I needed help. THANK-YOU ,THANK YOU Mr. Nice Guy! No creepiness,nothing awkward, just helped me out, and I was on my way. I am grateful! ( BTW, someone is coming to fix our porch tomorrow, so that's the deal with the lattice.)

I would also like to thank the "oil changer guys" who were totally polite, got the job done in record time, and didn't creep me out one bit. Thanks, y'all.

Today had it's ups and downs, but all in all turned out really well.

Hey, when was the last time that you did a cartwheel? Turns out, that Savannah needed me to do a LOT of them this morning in our front yard. (I can hear your hysterical laughter...don't think I can't hear that!) She asked.....so I figured that I'd give it a go. Oh yeah, I still got it. (We'll see if I still "have it" in the morning). She has been working on cartwheels, and by-golly, by the end of the day, she HAD IT! Too funny.

I think that my running MIGHT be starting to pay off. I THINK that I am noticing a TINY bit of improvement...(excited squeal). I'm up to almost 2 miles now, so I'm making progress.

ANyhoo, that's about it for the happenings around here. We are looking forward to eating over at Thomasina's tomorrow night. She invited us to eat with her after Savannah's art class, so we are really looking forward to it.

Here's hoping for a good nights sleep, I'm kinda lacking in that area right now..

G'night!
Melissa

I got to have the nicest chat with Dy on Saturday. I always keep her on the phone until her phone dies. But I just always love catching up with her and her family.

Jack and I went out Saturday morning, and got some things to decorate outside a bit for fall. We bought some cheap pumpkins, indian corn, and of course, loads of huge mums. I pulled up the dried corn stalks from the garden, and decorated down by the mail box, as well as the front porch. I like the way it turned out.

I've been concerned about Race a lot lately. You know, I really have NO IDEA what his day is like at all, and when I talk to him, he sounds so exhausted, but never at ease. He says that all is going really well, but you know, as a wife....you're always reading between the lines. Of course it doesn't help at all that everything that we say is "coded". I am aware of the "type" of work that he does, and any idiot can look at the training that goes on and make some sort of conclusion. Anyway, worry and fear have been trying to creep up in me. In my devotional, I was met with this prayer, "Teach me to treat all that comes to me with peace of soul and with firm conviction that YOUR will governs all." His will GOVERNS all. In a wrong filled world we suffer and cause many a wrong. God is there to heal, and comfort and forgive. Love looks to God for his grace and help.

So this week I will cling to Psalm 119:32 (NEB) "I will run the course set out in thy commandments,/ for they gladden my heart." It isn't my job to worry, it's my job to run the course. And I strive to make it continually my delight.

Church yesterday was such a blessing. The kids and I grabbed a bite of lunch afterwards, and then went to the mall to get the boys haircut. When we came home, we made a pumpkin pie, and just sort of lounged around the rest of the day outside, enjoying the weather. I got to catch up with my mom and my sisters on the phone in the afternoon, which is always nice. Poor W. has chicken pox, so we will be thinking of him today.

We have another full week ahead of us, and I am a bit behind this morning, so I'd better shove off.

Cheers!
Melissa

What we're eatin' and the slow, slow death of Old Woody

Well, this is nice. My connection speed is the same as always, but everything is loading Sooooooooo much slower than normal. (I've got dial-up. It's always slow, but this is ridiculous!) There has been some sort of strange connection problem, ever since geographically-challenged-cable-guy was here. Ugh.

So, what did y'all have for supper last night? Like I mentioned below, I have started using Saving Dinner.com again. We had parmesan chicken, (which, I discovered is different than chicken parmesan..) mashed potatoes, steamed kale,(yes, they eat that) and whole wheat rolls. I actually got everything ready and in the oven, then went for my run, (Which Race has informed me is too short to get what I am wanting out of it...grrrrr...He torments me from the other side of the earth!), when I got back, chicken was almost done, potatoes were ready for mashin', and the kale was ready to steam! Worked out well, and there were lots of cleaned plates...so- so far so good.

We also filled the cookie jar with oatmeal-raisin cookies from the recipe that we LOVE that we got from Em. It uses whole wheat flour, and I sneak in a bit of wheat germ, so I really don't cringe when the kids scarf em' down. It's been awhile since we made cookies........I had to FIND the cookie jar. ;-)

Oh, Thom, where you thinking that Old Woody was GONE? Oh no, he's not gone. Nor, was he ever in danger of falling apart....EVER. The man who built Old Woody, really knew what he was doing. Considering that we bought Old Woody second hand, and he had already seen other children through their "climbing years", and that he has been with us for about...8 or 9 years, this thing was built tighter than a bomb shelter. Old Woody lays on his side in my back yard (tearing up here...*sniff*). All of the bolts have now been removed, thanks to, Jack, the WD-40 king.(There were about 30 5" bolts). As an aside, here is a parenting tip for you: Kids driving ya crazy? Give em' a can of WD-40. I tell you that everything within a 1 mile radius of our home, that could EVER cause the slightest bit of friction, has been well oiled. They even cleaned out the tracks of our sliding glass door in the basement, and (of course) wd-40'd it. When I opened it, I just about sent it crashing through the wall!
Anyway, back to Old Woody. All that is holding him together now, is nails......lots of nails. At this point, I am considering gasoline and a match.

Have a great weekend!
Melissa
P.S. I could actually see my breath last night, it was so cool outside!