My Finest Hour........The H@@ters Post Revisited

Well, here's the thing. Well 2 things actually.

1. If you EVER post a comment at The Pioneer Woman and she takes a moment to say a word or two to you.....and visit your blog(blush)............and then she links (just LINKS mind you) to that old post..........you will get DOUBLE the traffic on your blog from PW folks having a look-see. So, I figure give the people what they want! ANd thanks for stopping by. This is a meager wisp of a journal as compared to the photo-takin', cookie bakin' and calandar makin' Pioneer Woman......but who can compare.

2. This was without a doubt one of my greatest achievements and it still makes me laugh to think about it. So I'll use any hint of an excuse to post it again!

Withou further ado.....(and because the turkey burgers are going to burn)...I give you "The H@@ters Post"

Don’t judge me.

First of all, this is one of those posts, where you try desperately to remember all of the people whom you have given your blog address to.

First. Some History:
For the past 8-10 years, Race and I have had a standing argument over H**ters Restaurant.Race is an instigater and He loves to bring it up when he has nothing better to do. He doesn’t even GO there ….he just gets great joy by arguing with me about it. And he LOVES to get me hopping mad, and then say something like, “Sometimes, you are just too easy”. AHhhh!!! (Did I mention the 10 years?)

Now. I’m not out picketing in front of H**ter’s. But what REALLY gets me is the whole-(insert mocking whiney man voice here) “It’s just a good place to eat….nothing more. They just have really great wings.”
I REALLY hate that.
Just say it: “Men go there to stare at b**bs and eat a $10 hamburger”.

Well,I say, you can do that at home, eat a better burger, and save 10 bucks.

Anyway, you get the picture. YEARS of me falling into his carefully laid trap, bickering away to make my point, and then to have him walk off laughing to himself.

8-10 Llloooonnng years pass……………........

The day before Race leaves to go overseas this last time, he once again, draws me deep into the great depths of the “H**ters Dispute”, and the following words were exchanged:

Me: “So, you wouldn’t care if I worked there?”

Race: “No, way. The money would be good”

Me:”OH, REALLY??!”

Race: “Yeah. But, besides, hon……I don’t think that YOU could get a job there.” (snicker,snicker)


Ahem. Well, by golly, that sounded an awful lot like a challenge.

I know, I know…..I should have better things to do. I actually DO have better things to do. And while it was out of character for me…..I JUST.COULDN’T.LET.THIS.ONE.GO.

My brain began to feverishly develop a plan. If I could win…… just this once…..if I could, I would NEVER, and I mean NEVER have to win another argument with Race as long as I lived.

Yes, yes…it would work……it was almost too easy. I began to weave bits of a story. Dropping tiny hints on our limited phone calls, and going into slightly more detail in emails. I was baiting him like a poacher baits pheasants in somebody else’s woods.

Ohhhhh…I was crafty. I was sly. I lied through my teeth. Oh so careful was I
.”I didn’t think that I would actually get hired. I only applied because I thought that it would be funny. I was only going to work for 2 weekends.”, I lied.
I covered all the bases. It was all very convincing. I wanted to add in things like, "The kids are at the kitchen table eating more hot wings".

But no. had to be careful. If I overdo it, he'll be on to me.

The words of Scarlett O’Hara kept haunting me, “Now aren’t you a cool lie, Mellie.”

A cool lie indeed.

But it would take more than lies to pull this off.

It was going to take some help from good ole’ @bay and some poor nameless H**ter gal in Texas who was selling her uniform. She’d had enough of feeling like a piece of meat every day and gone on to bigger and better things. And good for you, nameless H**ter gal!! Thanks for the uniform and the ultra quick shipping. I honestly don’t know how you girls wear that tiny, wretched uniform every day. I can honestly say it is the most uncomfortable thing I have ever put on. Seriously.

The last thing that I sent was the picture, with a lie saying that it was taken before my first training day. I added stuff about how awful my day was, and how I didn't even get to keep the tip money, because I was still in training(sniff,sniff).

He read it. He saw it. He bought it.

For 24 hrs, as far as he knew, I was a H**ters girl.

He called.
As it turns out, he, in fact DOES NOT want his wife working serving up hot wings to the hungry men at H**ters! (GASP!)

“Well,.......what should I do?”, I asked innocently.

“Well, for starters….don’t go back!”, he said emphatically.

*A pause*


“I got you.” I said.


Victory. It is mine. MINE!!! I have won. This is big for me. REALLY big.

I never win. But this time, I got him. I actually got him.

Race laughed. Yep, I got him.

The picture that secured my victory:
I ended up sending him a 5 x 7 of this picture while he was away.The words "Call me", and a fake# were scribbled across it. LOL!


Yes, I do believe that I have taken the homeschooling blogs to a new low. And, yes mom, I do have better things to occupy my time.

The uniform is now available for a small fee, and appropriate documentation.

It is finished. I am triumphant. Don't judge me.

Love you, Race!!!!!

Homeschoolin' at H**ters!

In the photo,please note the construction paper nametag...for authenticity. The socks? Those are Austin's....best I could do on short notice.
It sort of looks like I am a super hero, don't you think? With my hands on my hips like that. What would that be?.......Super H**ter? Super H**ters?? Wonder H**ters?? If that shirt smashed you any more than it does, I'd be called Uni-H**ter! Bwahahaha!
Please note that no actual H**ters girls were harmed in the making of this picture. And I do apologize to the reputable H.gals worldwide for my gross misrepresentation.

Christmas past

Our first Christmas.
Race and I were married in the summer and we spent our first CHristmas together at this townhouse. I remeber that the tree was $40 which nearly BROKE us! But I was so proud of that tree! So below you will see our little abode all decked out for the holidays. Note the skimpy little Christmas card string on the wall, and the charming "country" decor. Those curtains were my pride and joy. My first Spiegle purchase. Also note the stockings. There were 3 of them. You see in the first three months of marriage Race and I had made 2 large decisions that affected us for quite some time afterward. The first was trading in my paid-for mustang on a newer,hotter version. We drove a black convertible. And being the very practical young couple that we were, we also purchased a blue-blood dalmation puppy. That's who the other stocking belonged to. "Waylon".
So back to the photo.
We had a TV that Race's parents had purchased for us, and that's our wedding photo on the top of it.



So-this is where we lived.
























And THIS was our dog.

And THIS is where I worked.



Stop laughing.



Seriously. Are you finished?

I was the perfume counter gal. I loved that job. You know all those testers that they have setting out on the counters? Well, when the reps would come in to replace them, you got to take the others home.Woo!Holy cow, I had the nicest stash of expensive perfumes...(sigh) O.k, Please note the wooden earrings. They were black with white dots. And of course the white hose, in keeping with the style at the time. It was my meager earnings from this job that I saved up enough money to buy Race a mountain bike for Christmas. It was a total surprise. (And getting it home in the winter.......in the convertible was no easy trick, either!)




Oh, it was a great year that year! We rode around on every nice warm day with the top down and with the dalmation seated in the back. It was funny because the dog would sit up straight in the seat like a person. He didn't move around, he just sat there.

And to the best of my knowledge this is the only year that I can recall Race doing anything with the Christmas tree after getting it home! One of the things that I notice about this picture is the football. Power-lifting and football were a very big part of Races life...and therefor MY life...at that time. Oh......they were great times. And how could we have possibly imagined at that time that by the very next Christmas..................























We'd have our first child. Austin was born on Halloween. How could we have known that the next Christmas we'd have a BABY?!!........That the third stocking would be a real little-human-person's?? How could we have possibly fathomed how much and how wonderfully our lives would change?How could we have imagined how damned hard it would be to get a baby in and out of a carseat in the back of a mustang??? How could we have known that we'd have a baby...............!!!????

And that sometimes..........................we'd dress him like the dog.

Oh.My.Gosh.

O.K, 2 great things:

#1. Best Christmas CD that truly moves me beyond belief: Josh Groban Christmas cd. Amazing. If that man were to sing Cotton-Eyed-Joe it would sound heavenly. Just his beautiful,clear, voice singing the most wonderful Christmas songs. Did I mention that he sings Ave Maria? (sigh)
(That is kinda funny though about Josh Groban singing Cotton Eyed Joe, isn't it?"

#2. Are y'all tivo-ing the new show "Crowned"? BWAHAHAHA!!! The first show was hysterical!! Mother-daughter pageant reality competition??Brilliant!! This is TOO FUNNY!!!

Keep in mind that I am a woman who has no husband at home in the evening and I pretty much just try to NOT think about him until I got to bed at night. But still....this stuff was just too good to not pass on to the 2 people who read this blog.

You heard it here first.

g'night!

gym post-skip it
Wednesday upper body
curls w/20 lb dumbells 8,8,8
overhead tri extension w/20 lb dumbell 8,8,8

back-pullovers-20lb 8,8,8
chest-bench press-20 lb dumbell8,8,8

ez bar standing curl 10lb plates 7,6,6
kickbacks-15 lb dumbell 8'8'8

shoulder lat raise-15 lb 8,8,8
chest flys 20 lb dumbell 6,6,6

drop set curls

Thursday
squats w/reg squat bar. 25 lb plates reps: 6,6,8
Lunges w/20 lb dumbells 21,21,21

leg ext. 60 lb 8,8,8
leg curls 45lb 8,8,6

sumo squat w/40 lb dumbell 8,8,8
good morningsw/ez curl bar- 10 lb plates 8,8,8

jump squats

Will Work For ............money

Today was a day of 1001 small details. Do you ever have days like that? Where when you look back at the end of the day there weren't really any real projects or accomplishments, but just a whole lot of tieing up of loose ends. I guess therin lies the accomplished project.;-)

Thomasina took the kids CHristmas shopping yesterday so that they could buy a few gifts without mom around! They had a great time. ANd even better, they are now broke, so to my great delight, they are all hungry for work.

For instance:
This morning I awoke to dry hacking sounds coming from the basement. This is not good.ever. I flew back the covers and raced down the stairs to let the dogs out.......too late. One of the dogs had barfed.Under my work-out bench. Oh, man.........sick. And I hadn't even had my coffee. I let the dogs out, told the ashamed looking one not worry about it and went upstairs to get my coffee before dealing with "the mess". But WAIT! When the children were apprised of this situation they immediately began offering to do the disgusting-job-that-must-be-done FOR ME. In fact....they were BIDDING. I went with the lowest bidder and in the end got the job cleaned up very nicely for a buck. sweet.

Oh-and did I mention that I got a pretty good deal on getting the lawn raked today as well???

Race is really missing being home with everyone and doing all the planning and celebrating. It must be difficult to be in a place where there is no Christmas. Where Christ is not recognized at all. To be in a place that seems to have no hope and exist in a culture that doesn't look any farther than the day at hand. To have to just go on with work. Race never speaks to me about his work. ever.That is not a luxury that we have. But any smart wife gleans all she needs to know by reading between the lines. And I think that this must be a very difficult time. We pray for him a lot.

We miss him.
Melissa


gym post-skip it
abs and treadmill

Did I ever tell you about the time...

The children were ages 4,6,and 8 or there abouts. It was Christmas and times were super tight. But I had somehow squeezed out enough money to grab tickets to see The Nutcracker. I was SO EXCITED! Ballet was always my thing, so the magic of the evening was triple for me. I had searched thrift stores for weeks to get just the right beautiful outfits for the kids. Savannah had been given an amazing Christmas dress that year from a friend whose little girl had outgrown it. It was exquisite! The boys were also outfitted in absolutely beautiful clothes that were also handed down to us from a lady in church who had triplet boys. Seriously.....how lucky can you get!? I was able to round out the outfits with proper bows,socks,shoes, etc. And my most prized possession at the time was a to-die-for little boys navy blue pea coat which I had talked my mom into buying for Austin when he was 4. And you guessed it....Jack was wearing it. The children were beautiful. I don't have a picture of the kids from THAT NIGHT, but this picture is from that same Christmas.

Race was working, so it was just myself and the kids. This was their first real show. The build up was massive. At last, a bit of culture for the kids.

The show was wonderful and the children behaved beautifuly. I remember that during the intermission the kids wanted candy and a drink. I had not prepared for this and I NEVER had any "spare" cash. So I dug around in my purse and they shared a soda. We went back to the show and they were loving it. Jack however was a bit confused at the appearance of The Cavalier and just as there was a hush in the music, my adorable little son yells out, "Is that a BOY or a GIRL!!???" My hand clapped over his mouth way too late. The entire audience had heard and was snickering. The other 2 kids were rolling out of their chairs.

As planned, on the way home I stopped for sandwiches at Subway-(they'd take a check). The kids were excitedly talking and laughing about the show. I parked right in front of the big glass window and ran in to get the sandwiches. I kept turning around looking at the kids to see them laughing hysterically, all red-faced...just having a ball.

ahhhh...warm fuzzy feeling...I've done somethin' right here. Shrieking gender question aside....I have introduced my wee ones to a bit of culture. I.AM.DOING.IT. (satisfied sigh)

(insert needle- scraping -across- record sound here)

As I get to the car and open up the door to place the goodies inside, I see what appears to be a pile of clothes in the floor. Jackson was COMPLETELY naked. He had stripped off the wool pea coat, the sweater, the shirt.....all in an apparent lightening speed. The horror continued to unfold for this one, crumpled, distraught mother as the other two breathlessly laughing ,told me in little gasping statements that not only had he taken off all his clothes, he had been pressing his butt against the window to all unfortunate passers-by.

I threw an undershirt and t-shirt on the naked child and drove home all drooped over. The kids were still reeling from their brothers antics. My night of culture and the ballet had turned into stripping off one's clothes to moon innocent onlookers. This, my friends should have been a lesson to me as the Wonderful World of Jackson.

Oh-and I learned how to scan photos......so......look-out!! Woo-hoo!!!

gym post-skip it

Pre-work-out shake



Monday-lower body



Thighs-Squats-w/curl bar 25lb plates 3 sets/12

Hams-lunges- w/ 15 lb dumbells 3 set /15



Thighs-leg extensions-40 lb 3 sets/12

Hams-leg curls-40 lb 3 sets/12



Thighs- front squats-w/15 lb dumbells

hams-stiff legged dead lifts- w/15 lb dumbells



Finish w/ as many deep jump squats as possible.



Post-work-out shake

Dinner and a show......

Here we are all ready to go out for dinner and a show. And for the record...I am almost 5'6. I'm think'in I got me some tall kids!!Jackson has decided that he does not look nice when he smiles, so this is new picture expression. I do however like the pose....which he also strikes in every picture now. Oh- and did I mention that he shaved? (sigh) His older brother was mortified and cried out, "JACK! You DO NOT want to do that!! YOU'LL HAVE A FULL BEARD BY THE TIME YOU'RE TWELVE!! You'll be a little freak!"

We had a great time tonight. The musical was absolutely amazing. I was doing just fine until the kings bowed on their faces before the baby Jesus and the 300 person choir got to the chorus of O'Holy Night. Oh. My. goodness. I lost it. I was bawling. It was absolutely beautiful.

We had a lovely night and a wonderful dinner. The kids had shrimp and crabcakes and scallops!! We did it up right. Race was greatly missed. He would have loved this evening.

And NOW for tonight's viewing pleasure we are watching The Happy Elf. First of all....we like this little cartoon....and secondly..I have always been secretly in love with Harry Connick Jr, and I'll watch the WHOLE thing just to hear him sing.

Tomorrow is church and the kids have a Christmas party to go to tomorrow night. They are busy trying to one-up each other on the white elephant gift that they are taking to the party

Gym post- Skip it

This is just for my own recording/accountability purposes so please skip this unless you like reading about gym work-outs!!

I'm trying a new work-out while Race is gone and I'm going to record it here. It most likely won't make much sense to anyone but me anyway! I work out at home so this gives me a little more accountability if I make myself post the work-outs here and this way I can look back and tell what actually works for me and what I need to change. I'll just tell you when that's what it's going to be so you can skip it. ANd it WON'T take the place of my regular post.

SAturday-Upper body: 3 sets of 12 giant set..no rest

Objective: work to muscle failure as quickly as possible to keep up heart rate while still executing each lift correctly. 48 hrs rest before working same muscle group again. Pre work-out shake 1 scoop protein powder+ small amnt carbs +skim milk+ice. Post work-out shake 2 scoops protein powder 1/2 banana skim milk +ice.

Bicep- alt. curls 15lb dumbell
Tricep-kickbacks-10 lb dumbell

Back-Bent rows-ez curl bar w/ 5 lb plates
Chest- Incline press- 15 lb dumbell

Bicep-Inclinr Hammer curls- 10 lb dumbell
Tricep-Overhead extension-20 lb dumbell

Shoulders-Shoulder press-15 lb dumbell
Chest-Incline flys-15 lb dumbell

Finish w/ drop set of curls begin w/25 lb dumbell...curl to failure, drop and pick up 20lb, curl to failure,drop and pick up 15 lb...etc to 5 lb. Got 50 reps this time. Arms are hanging limply like noodles......(satisfied smile)

Work-out time:40 minutes

Frosty.... Christmas shopping

Last night the kids and I watched the "Frosty the Snowman" special on CBS. You remember the one....from the 70's?? Where the little girls name is Karen??(snort!) I can remember watching that as a kid and just being SO EX-CITED when the Christmas specials were coming on. SO last night, the kids and I piled onto the sofa and watched. "AWWWWwww" right? Um, no. As it turns out, it's actually a little bit...stupid. And so in true fasion for this family we laughed until we cried by butchering the old show. Jack would hop up every so often and give us a little "different" rendition of a scene, and the other 2 like to zing one-liners left and right. It was great fun. But a far cry from my own childhood. And it also left me wondering how on earth my mom did it for all those years. I mean the build up was massive when it came to Christmas programming. Of course my kid-years were before the VCR. Before Beta, even! (blush)


I started my Christmas shopping. Isn't the internet wonderful? I sat in front of my TV watching the end of "Movies That Rock"(which I thought was actually quite entertaining. Did you see it?). Clothed in my sweats and favorite soft,ultrworn-out T-shirt, I hit the WWW and started shopping. Wine and cheese would have completed the perfect evening, but....alas I am watching my nutrition/working out now -(read:trying to have tight abs, toned butt, and a decent set of pipes before Race comes back home) so it was a boring bottle of water and some plain almonds. But still it was a relaxing time of Christmas shopping, and that goes a long way with me. Ahhhhhh....the click of a button and then they bring the gift to my DOOR?? COME-'MON?!!!! How can anyone not LOVE THAT??!!!

Today the kids and I are going to a Christmas show that we've had tickets to for some time. It is a musical and it never dissapoints. We are really looking forward to it. And if I can possibly remember, I'll snap a picture of us before we head out for the show and dinner.

Have a great day!
Melissa

A bit 'o peace....

I've been sitting here tonight making out Christmas cards. I got an unexpected but much needed evening at home because Austin is feeling under the weather. For some reason, the stars seem to have aligned correctly this evening leaving Austin tucked into his bed with lots of Vit C, Zicam and cold meds, the other two playing a game QUIETLY upstairs and me in a little peace and quiet with my feet propped up in the living room. AHHHHhhhhhhhh.......... Even Savannah's cat Herriott is curled up beside me on the sofa. She doesn't actually LIKE me, and I guess I really don't ever really pay any attention to her either.......But we both get it when things are just.. RIGHT...so neither of us want to move and screw it up.

Oh- hey- I got my hair in the mail today. BWAHAHA! The clip in kind. IT.IS SO. WIERD. and yet.....amazing. The only thing is, I have to have my stylist actually CUT it for me, otherwise it just looks like you have long hair........in need of a trim. But still...it is so cool. AND it's easy to do.It takes less than 10 min to clip in. SO-woo-hoo! I'm on my way to having long hair....when I feel like it. (excited squeal!) But isn't it odd that an indian gal is walking around with a fresh,short bob right now. I'm sure the cut is stunning....and she can use the $$ for something nice that she's had her eye on. Right??
And yes, to answer your question I DO have better things to do.
But the whole hair,make-up,fashion-thing is like a strong magnet for me. I love it.

I got to talk to Race today, and he seems to be doing just fine. He's missing everyone of course. It is so awesome to get to hear his voice. What Ruth Graham said about her husband always being away is amazingly fitting for me: I'd rather see just a little bit of Race than a whole lot of anyone else. And that's the truth. I'm a lucky girl.

Em posted video for Race of our little Christmas shin-dig, and while he hasn't been able to watch it yet, it will be SO appreciated. Both of my sisters, as well as my b-in-law have come to my aid in one way or another in the past few days. I look around and realize that I have been blessed with a priceless family. What a blessing.

Well, these cards aren't gonna mail themselves!

Cheers!
Melissa

holy crap

Well...ummm... the comments from my last post should keep my readers coming back. Wouldn't you just LOVE to know?? (gasp) scandalous! If you haven't read the comments on my last post, this will make no sense to you.

Dear readers I understand that this is NOT the sort of banter that you have come to expect here in the comments section of Complete Chaos.BUt my GOODNESS isn't the Dude hilarious??!!

Watts...... You're pissin' in the wind.

*kidding*


Seriously, lighten up spock. I'm a busy gal.

Obviously I have been slacking in the communication department. I'll see what I can do about that and I do apologize if you took that as some sort of personal swipe. But, c'mon Watts...cut me some slack, man. I don't take ANYTHING that seriously. All my readers will tell you that while I am sincere....I am also terribly shallow. Sincerely shallow.

Raise your hands if you've been snubbed by me in the email dept? How about a phone call?

Just look at all those hands. (wiping a tear....sad...but true.)

And, as an aside, one should bear in mind when taking a tone that Race makes people disappear.....FOR A LIVING. And I'm not talkin' about in a David C@pperfield sort of way, KWIM?
But, hey-I'll shoot you an email. And apparently if anyone wants to call Watts and have a chat, both of his #'s are available in the comments section.Back in school he used to do a mean D@vid Letterman impersonation and made my time at Alcatraz High much more bearable.



Well, on to brighter things!
The Christmas shin-dig was AWESOME. I had a wonderful time! It is so great to get to re-charge my batteries with all the family. It really helps me so much to be around everyone. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

We are missing Race so much. It's harder than I thought. Almost half the time I feel emotionally exhausted. Like my emotions are just all used up. I really need to do better at keeping my head up for the kids, ya know? It is SO easy to lose the right focus. So here's to regaining the focus on Christ(raising coffee cup) *clink*.

Have a great day!!

Christmas Soire'

*Is that how you spell soire'? Is it Soirre?' No, No...I think it's the first.(muttering to self..."damned french")*
How about Christmas Shin-dig?

O.K., I'm going to do it. I'm going to go w/ the clip-ins. It's all settled. I'll post before/after pics.(excited squeal!!!!!)

Today.......we clean.

We're throwing a Christmas party here Sunday night for the family. Last count that's 13+ me and the kids. Race's folks will be arriving that day too! I have a small house,so moving-around-room is crucial. SO we are cleaning it from top to bottom today.(I guess if I had a big house, I'd be cleaning it too!)This is the day where we all clean like mad so as to create the illusion, for the comfort of our guests, that we DON'T,in fact, live the the way we actually DO. And when people walk in I try to hide the guilty look on my face..."OH..thank-you...(glancing around)....yep, this is us...THIS is how we REALLY live...yep".
So I shall work the strong backed slave children to the weary bone today in order to achieve the desired effect.Please do not feel any sympathy for them... these are the same wayward sluggards who muck it up all week long(daughter excluded from this harsh criticism).
If I can get everything spic and span today, then that leaves tomorrow and Sunday for the finishing touches and the COOKING. Which I love to do. I am really excited about it this year. LAst year we couldn't do it because we were busy preparing to go to Israel. (Doesn't seem like a year ago does it?) SO I am really looking forward to it. We absolutely LOVE getting together with everyone. It is truly a highlight for us.

Well, I gotta go. It's gonna take awhile to transform this old shack into the anticipated Bountiful Christmas Wonderland that my guests have come to expect.;-)

Tah-tah!
Melissa

A life of diversion.......

Today, I bring you one....... just ONE, mind you, of my current diversions.

My hair is too short.

O.K., you know that back at the end of the summer I got the pob cut. (And yes, I loved it, and it's o.k., because I got it before every single woman on the face of the earth got some version of it......I'm O.K., with me) I kept it for 2 months and then started letting it grow out. As of this date I have not had my hair cut AT ALL for over 2 months. It looks terrible. But I want long hair. NOW. Scratch that. I want long, beautiful, HEALTHY hair , NOW. SO what's a girl to do? WHAT??? Can I get extensions???? Will this completely ruin my hair??? Can I get some sort of expensive human hair clip on????(Yes, they really do have thosehttp://http//www.hairextensions.com/home.php?cat=10) I actually dreamt about them last night. Does anyone know anything about this stuff?

I want it bad. My hair appt. is next week. You can bet I'll be finding out more!

O.k, gotta go teach the kids and whatnot.............but, you think about it.

Hiking!

Just before Race left we decided to take the kids to hike up on the Appalachian trail. This was a section of the trail that Race and I hiked last year. It was so beautiful that we couldn't wait to take the kids up for the day. We packed water and lunches and took off. The beginning of the trail was wide and steep, but more like a steep road.
A lot of the leaves had fallen but there was still plenty of color on the trees. Savannah said it was like a box of crayons.
After about a mile and a half the A.trail sign directed us up to a much smaller trail.
This trail was much steeper, and it was really rocky. The rocks under our feet were about the size of grapefruits and they were all loose. I kept wondering how many people had been hauled out of there with sprained ankles.
After about another mile of slow, careful hiking, we came to what you see above. STRAIGHT UP you go!
There is no path to the top, you just sort of have to scramble and then find foot and finger holds. It gets sort of breathless as you get to the top and realize that all the trees are below you. You don't really have time to notice around you because you are too busy worrying about losing your footing. And then you ascend to the top and the view is so worth every second. It is really breathtaking. The outcropping is pretty massive with crevices to be explored and overhangs to climb into.
Some of us chose to meditate. (snort!) This was the ONLY time that the kid was still ALL day!We ate lunch on top and we played, napped and just enjoyed being together. Race pulled us all together and had prayer before we started the hike back down. It was a wonderful day. Enjoy the rest of the pictures.







Thanks for checking back here!
Melissa

Hello?..........Hello?.....Is anyone out there?

No? Well, I don't blame you. It's been so long since I've been in the blog world that I wasn't sure that I'd remember my password to log on!! What can I say? Race being home coupled with the fact that I dropped one of our laptops onto the hard floor (Don't do that. It's not good for them and it'll cost you $500 and several weeks to fix), has kept me from my blogging duties. I still can't figure out the best TIME to come here and write. But, hey-I'm here, so we'll try the mornings.


Did I tell y'all that Austin has his learners permit? Yeah, well....he does.(I know, I know...I'm so young...how is it possible? Oh,*blush* hush now).

This whole driving thing is not working out like I had planned. I really had invisioned myself as more of a bystander in this department.
I was picturing myself as more of a Martha Stewart sitting in the back seat with a cool beverage in hand, getting some paper work done, while my son drove us around to all of our various destinations for the day.
As it turns out these things are very different from what I imagined. You see, you actually have to TEACH them to DRIVE.

I now understand so much more about my own parents' reactions to MY driving with a learners permit when I was 15. I have literally left the indentions of my fingertips in the door handle as I fought the urge to quote my own dad in yelling "STAY ON THE ROAD DAMNIT!". I just sort of sit there, all nervoous and quirky and talk in a sort of sing-song voice. "Great job.....o.k, stay in your lane.....slow down there's a turn coming up...don't forget your signal...slow down....brake...slow down...brake...BRAKE."
It's absolutely exhausting and completely sucks the fun out of going anywhere. ANd don't even get me started on the fact that his dad(back in the day) taught countless law enforcement/military all their defensive driving, and that HE would actually be the better person to teach the kid. Ah well, at least the boy knows what to do if his vehicle should ever start taking rounds. (Thank-you Race)

All in all, Austin is doing very well driving. But I still hate it.....and I keep thinking about Savannah....AHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Race is away and will be gone for the holidays. So we are making big plans to enjoy Christmas to the fullest. Sound strange? There is something very humbling about knowing that there are so many people fighting terrorism "over there" so that I can enjoy Christmas here in peace. A huge and heartfelt thanks to all those who are involved in this fight against terrorism. I thank God that the fight is so far away. Away from our homes and away the eyes of my children. For those things I am so very thankful. Be safe Race, and come home soon.

I've got pictures! I'll try and get those on tonight. Thanks for checking in! No, really, I mean it....Thanks.

What we've been up to......

O.K., yeah. I'll just post pictures, instead of trying to do any re-capping. Thanks so much for checking in on us! Race is back home, and we are finding our time flying by, with WAY too many things ripping away our very precious family time. We are struggling to find new ways that we can adjust.
BUT. We've had alot of things to celebrate as well.

Below is Austin about to receive his blue belt in Jiu Jitsu from Pedro Sauer, after a grueling 5 HOURS!!! WAY to Go Austin! We are so proud, and I know that that new blue belt feels GREAT!


Here you see Jackson wearing the mighty #32, as worn by Race all the way to college. Jackson has really found his groove in football. He is at defensive tight end, and LOVING it. He is now on first string defense! And they've made it to the championships. Go Bruins!

As I said Race is home. We all headed to the beach for a week to spend time with Mom, Dad, and the whole family. Take a look at this car!! It's still painted up from Jack's football game!

Race took us over to the sound side to kayak. It was amazing. We had an awesome time, and it was so great to see how independent the kids have become. Sometimes it just feels so good to take a step back and just.......watch.

Below: the reason that I work out.

What? There are sea urchin's?? cool.

Except for the pictures that Em took of us wiping out in an ocean kayak on the OTHER side of the island, this is the only record of me actually attending this vacation.Thanks, Race.

O.K., you're sort of up to date, so maybe I can just take it from here. Thanks so much for checking back in on us!

Savannah Smiles

Did you ever see that old Disney movie? I saw that movie while I was pregnant with Savannah and decided right then and there that, that would be her name.

Here are a few pictures from Savannah's riding lessons. She has really started getting into it, and is working really hard. I love watching her ride. She is so soft spoken and calm that the horses really seem to relate to her. She never fights them, and they always listen to her.......even the cranky horses seem to calm down with her. I love watching her ride, and I can't wait to watch her show. Thank-you Thom for coming out and snapping a few pictures for us.

I have so many things that I want to write about. But I am absolutely exhausted. This has been such a long week.
Have a great weekend.

It was a beautiful day for a football game! We had the best time on the field today. There was music, there were cheerleaders. The crowd was excited and on their feet. The rockin' beat started playing from the press box and the announcer said, "LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, HERE COME YOUR BRUINS!!!!!!" The cheerleaders on the field had formed their lines and unfurled a banner for the Mighty Bruins, and they came charging through to the sound of all the cheering. Those kids felt 10 feet tall! It was such a great afternoon.

When we got home, Savannah made dinner. We got back kind of late from the game, so she whipped up a taco salad. The boys have declared that she makes "the best", and preceded to scarf down every morsel.

So, great Saturday afternoon.

I looked up Danielle, on Big Brother. Lets just say that my old produce guy really creeps me out even more. ew. Danielle's a looker. "My twin", he said. (snort!!)Whatever. But the funniest thing is that on the profile next to her picture it says that the job that she left to be on Big Brother was at H@@ters!!! (DO you think that he knows my history ? ) bwahaha! (shudder).

Em, I am not doing the Grey's Anatomy.....I don't know....at this point it's just to hold out and say that I'm the only one not watching. (shrug) Got "Deadliest Catch" though, and that rocks! And thanks for The Soup recommendation....that gives funny, mindless tv a whole new name! And WTG on the forsight to get the Big sized TIVO.

Anyone else? any new shows?? C'mon Anniesue, I KNOW you gotta be watchin' something!;-)

Dy, riding pics are on the way.

G'night!

A bunch of stuff..

What should I be recording on TIVO this fall??? I am clueless. ANd I'm also busy, so I need to have something to watch on the rare occasion that I have some time at night to crash and watch mindless television. Oh- and the produce man at Food Lion today told me I looked like Danielle on Big Brother. I have no idea who that is, and I must admit that while I've never watched any of the Big Brother episodes, it kind of creeps me out that my old produce guy watches it. So...who is Danielle??? anyone???? is this a compliment? Or is she the old, haggard, has-been that they put on the show for balance?


Well, today we entered the "Back-To-School" crowd in a big way. I think that I already posted that we are sending Austin to a private, classical, Christian school this year. Today was upper school registration.The fascilities at the school are absolutely breathtaking with beautiful courtyards, and vaulted cielings, and massive windows that allow light to flood the entire place. Hordes of teenagers standing in lines with stacks of textbooks, schedules, locks for lockers. The kids were awesomely ........normal! Well educated, well spoken, individual.......and........NORMAL!! This is totally foreign to me coming from my own private school background. The administration is just incredible. Austin knew so many kids there already, so it was really welcoming. He found his locker, his classrooms, and then just hung out. He is really looking forward to school starting on Tuesday.We bought school supplies, and locker-stuff, etc. We are incredibly thankful to be able to give Austin this opportunity, and I think it is going to fit our needs beautifully.

Savannah had riding lessons this morning. She has really started working hard at it, and she can't wait to show her dad! She is training in saddleseat, and is looking forward to doing her first show! (excited squeal!!)

Jackson got his football uniform tonight. This is a BIG,BIG, BIG day for our family. You see, Jack got Race's old number!!!!!! I swear to you I think that Race will cry when he finds out. Jack put on the whole uniform and had me take his picture to send to his dad. I can't tell you how much Jack is enjoying playing football. He crawls into the suburban each night after practice, all sweaty-headed, chugging gatorade and gasping, "I LOVE football!!" Our coaches are wonderful. They don't tolerate ANY horseplay. AT.ALL. A kid was kicked off the team for it last night. They repeatedly remind the kids to respect their teammates. They have taught them to tackle HARD, but then stick your hand out and help up your teammate. It's been really great stuff. The kids are learning to be a TEAM. Our second scrimmage jamboree is tomorrow. Go Bruins!!!!!!! Go #32!!

The basement

The first few pictures are of what it looked like "before" and you can also see all the boxing in work that had to be done to acheive the "after". I will try to snap a few shots of what it looks like now that we have the gym equiptment in, and with boys rooms furnished. We are thrilled with the way it turned out.







Above, is the beginnings of the bathroom.

BEFORE

AFTER

This is in Austin's room. We had a trophy shelf put in each room with extra lighting, on a seperate switch.

This is the tiny bathroom.....but it is PERFECT for the boys!!!

One of my favorite features: A built-in lighted wine cooler that we have filled with water bottles! (Also a little storage space for snacks, etc for the kids, above it). This is also where our gym now sits.

More of the bathroom........thought that I put those together.....But I am typing at lightening speed to get this done, so, ya know, cut me some slack on the display.

This has nothing to do with basement at all, but it was so cute, that I had to throw it in.

We are so very thankful to have been able to get our basement finished. It has increased the living space in our little cape cod, immensely. The kids are ALL loving it, including Savannah who is enjoying it SO MUCH that she now has the WHOLE upstairs....including a now private bathroom....all to herself!

Hey look! I remembered how to log in!!

So sorry to be such a bad blogger these days. Things are going great, although we are missing Race terribly.

I will try to post some pics later on, but just to update:
The basement is finished, and the boys have their own rooms! Woo-hoo!! Our little 3 bedroom, 2 bath house just turned into a 5 bedroom 3 bath!!! That's the sound of everyone cheering wildly. And yes, I'll post pics.

Football. (Thanks for asking Bridget). Race called and talked Jack through the goals of his position as linebacker. (BINGO!! Light Bulb illumination!!) The kid went wild. He is coming off the line so quickly, and learning to break through, go around , whatever.....he's getting there. ANd he's just LOVING football!! Our coaches are amazing, and I am so very thankful for them. Very encouraging, and really teaching the kids...(ahem, and the clueless mom (s) ) how to play the game. We couldn't be more thrilled, and you better believe that Jack is absolutely beside himself with excitement at the thought of his dad watching him play. And Bridget my hat goes off to Rusty for dealing with the parents of his players. Wow. Just wow.

I am currently working out like a mad woman, and watching my nutrition as well REALLY closely. While our basement was being done, my work-outs were barely enough to keep complete atrophy from setting in.....and the cardio went out the window. SO, I have alot to catch up on. And it is SO HARD to get going again!(kinda like blogging!) But I'm telling myself to shut-up with the whining, and I'm doing it. ANd I'm asking ALOT from "muscle memory", heh.

O.k, I've gotta get going on the day, here. I'll try to get my pictures on tonight, and I really need to go back and answer several comments that I think I unwittingly ignored....
So, that's it for now!
HAve a great day!!!
Melissa

Nobody told me......

Tonight was Jack's first night in pads. The coach had him fitted. He got brand spanking new-out-of-the-package helmet and pads. He ame back out from the clubhouse all suited up. AWwwwwww he looks so cute! But wait........why is he coming up to me??? I was all settled in my chair,(Dy) with my mint water, and my Oxygen magazine.....What's that white stuff in his hands???

"Hey mom!! I need you to put these pads in! I don't know how they go!", he shouts from the field.

HUH?????Oh. My. Gosh. ............I don't know where they go.

As he approaches my chair, he says, "Mom, these are the pads for my pants. Coach says that you need to put these in."

After quickly scanning the 7 items for some directions or a diagram.....or something. Jack says, "I kinda know how they're supposed to go, I think".

Nobody told me I'd have my kid out behind the suburban,randomly shoving pads down his pants.

Nobody told me!

There was a lot of......."Does it go like THIS??", "This looks just like that one, so we'll put that here" "Does that look right??","Oh, man..I hope that this is where this goes". Everything was finally in place, or at least it looked like it was.

He cheerfully yelled, "Thanks Mom!" and was back out on the field. I watched carefully to see if there was hysterical laughter from anyone, but there wasn't, so we must have gotten it right.

This is all new to me, folks. I'll be so glad when Race gets home.

Topping the night off : one little gal that had just finished up cheerleading practice on another field was walking up the hill near where I was sitting. SHe looked at me and said , "Oh-Hi Jackson's Mom!" ummmmm....."hi". I am with Jack seemingly 24-7 and I've never seen this child before. All I can figure is that she's the sister on one of the kids on the team. I. Have.No.Idea. Yes indeed......all new to me.

The Ultimate Black Belt Test

This is what my boys are doing for the next 6 months. They are both brown belts in mixed martial arts. Jack has to do 1/2 of what Austin has to do. I am going to list Austin's requirements. As I read over this list I am realizing what an accomplishment this will be for both of my boys, and how proud I am of both of them.


Ultimate Black Belt Test

Written Goals: Each candidate is required to discuss his or her goals with Coach Jamie and then supply a set of written and specific goals that he or she plans to accomplish as part of the test. Written goals should be quantifiable and as specific as possible.

Weekly Journaling: Every UBBT participant is required to make a weekly journal entry. It should be approximately 100 words long and chronicle the personal journey of each participant as he or she lives with the UBBT experience.

10 Personal Victories: Each UBBT team member is required to fulfill and record 10 achievements that they consider to be "personal victories".

10 Testing Performances: A testing performance is a demo of the techniques and skills that you have mastered in your martial arts career and for your test. To polish these skills each participant is required to put together a demonstration featuring their personal test requirements and curriculum. You will be required to perform your demo in front of 10 different groups.

Push ups and Crunches: 36,400 (minimum) push-ups,crunches, or the combination of both are required by the final exam. That's 700 a week. 100 a day.

Reading Requirements: Each candidate will be required to read 10 or more books pertaining to management, philosophy,motivation or enlightenment. Books will be read and tracked in the UBBT's journal.

Acts of Kindness: Each candidate must perform and log 1000 acts of kindness and compassion in his or her UBBT journal.

Righting Wrongs and Mending Relationships: Candidates are required to right three wrongs that they have done in their lives or mend three broken relationships.

Empathy Training; One full day of living in a wheelchair, one full day blind, and one full day mute are required by all candidates.

Walk or Run 1000 miles: "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". -Lao Tsu
Each participant will be required to walk, run, or walk/run 1000 miles over the duration of their test.

Whatever It Takes: (WIT) This card (the WIT card) is a special challenge that Coach Jamie might issue during the test to the individual candidates. If you receive a WIT Card, your challenge is to do Whatever It Takes to get the task done in the quickest and most efficient way possible.

Dropping out of the UBBT: Forget about it. Don't join if you can entertain the idea that anything could make you withdraw. The UBBT is about overcoming obstacles, not giving in to them. See it through.....or don't enroll.

Well, while all the kind words on the hair made my day, I must admit that Em is right. I could fill countless posts with all of my hair mistakes over the years.
Maybe I will. Anything for my readers..

I do find that the secret to good hair is a GREAT stylist. One who will tell you if a particular style just isn't going to work for you, because of your face shape, or the texture of your hair, or whatever. ANd one who is skilled enough to actually CREATE what you have requested. It's like a finding a good mechanic that you can trust.....worth their weight in gold!

We made it through the day. The icredibly hot, humid day. School, martial arts, football practice and the parent meeting at school. I couldn't have done it all without calling in reiforcements, though. Thom filled in for me at football practice so that I could get to the school, across town for the meeting. SHe mentioned on the phone that the practice looked alot like herding cats at times, and wouldn't you know it? I found a bottle of SOuth African wine called "Herding Cats" that I picked up for her as a thank-you.

The basement is starting to look like...well...... like someone elses house. I am starting to get excited about all the extra room!

Well, this is certainly a boring post, but I am beat. But, for you...my reader(s)..I will try to end with something funny. Lets see........I know!........I'll tell you about the funniest thing that EVER happened to me.
The funniest thing that ever happened to me was when this one time, I was singing at the Super Bowl, and my boob fell out! Oh-no. wait- that wasn't me. Oh well.
g'night!
Melissa

Without further ado.....

My new do..... The POB! Or, at least my version of it. You can't see from the picture, but the other side of my bangs are actually right around chin length.They just sort of taper down at an angle. I LOVE this cut!! The back is really short, so that the layers fall forward. Too fun! AND...the bangs cover my hideously wrinkled forhead! Now......what is to be done about my elephant neck? I can't think about that right now. No....no....I'll just think about that tomorrow.

But seriously. Look at this cut! Do you love it? (sigh) I swear ....if more people knew me...I'd be famous. (Go ahead, write THAT one down).





Moving right along..................

Bridget, tell Rusty that Race was a running back. And from the looks of things tonight.......we may have another in the family!!!! (I took your advice and bought the Nike cleats today, and they worked out great! Thanks!)

I got that huge lump in my stomach tonight, as we walked over the hill(in the 100 degree heat) and saw about 100 kids of all ages, divided into various groups......none of which we recognized. And Jack said, "Oh, mom, this is so embarrassing....I know NOTHING about football".I did what most other good mothers would NOT do. I said, "Oh, it's o.k., honey, NONE of these kids know anything....take a look around you sweetie.....It can't be THAT hard." He grinned, which should count for something in the You're Not Such a Horrible Mother contest, right? But it was all o.k. The head coach remembered us, and called Jack over and welcomed us in and took care of us.

There are about 20+ kids on the 9-10 yr old team, and while I HATE to play the part of the bragging mother........the kid ROCKS!! The coaches kept yelling "Great job Jackson!" and during drills, "Watch Jackson, THAT's exactly what we're looking for!!" and even a parent over where we were said, "How about that Jackson? Where'd he come from?? He's a good player." (Heh, I'll tell ya where he came from!) Apparently the little guy had more stuff than I knew. He did a GREAT job and he can't WAIT to get back out there tomorrow! I am so excited to tell Race. He is just going to pop!(O.K., he may cry a little at first, but then he's going to pop!) ANd all kidding aside, I am SO incredibly thankful that this went well tonight. God intervenes for me at my very weakest moments and makes everything better that I ever dared to hope. (and there I was about to melt my jewlery and worship a calf). I am so thanklful.

It was a great night, and I was so pleased with the coaches and the well organized practice. SO....whew! AND the bonus of the night was that Thomasina had dropped off a pot of homemade corn chowder for us. SO...wallah! Dinner! I've told you before, if this woman ever cooks ANYTHING for you, don't even ask what it is.....just run away with it greedily and eat it all. You won't be sorry.


Super busy day tomorrow with school, martial arts, then football, then a parent meeting at the classical school that Austin will be attending this fall(part time).Savannah has got a few things waiting in the wings as well, so long days ahead, but it DOES make the time go by, and we're ALL about that!!

Thanks for checking in! AND do give your thoughts on the hair. Go ahead. I can take it.
G'night!
Melissa

What can I say????

No need to try and recap, so I'll just go from here.....

Race is still away, but we've been communicating regularly, which is nice.

Jack, Savannah and I started school yesterday. So far so good, everything running smoothly.

Austin is away with the Boy Scouts in the Keys on a sail boat for the week.(Yes, yes, we ALL want to be Austin).

Hey! ANd how about Dy's news????!!!!!!!! She and Zorak must be like rabbits, man.(I only say it, because I know she'll laugh.)

In other less important news, I'll give ya a run down on the activity schedule for this fall. For Jack: Mixed Martial Arts(working on the black belt)& football, For Savannah: Riding lessons & pilates, For Austin: Boy Scouts(working toward the Eagle Scout),Mixed Martial Arts(working on the Black belt), Jiu Jitsu(working on the blue belt). And don't forget about the once monthly orthodontist and once weekly Speech therapist! As of tomorrow, we'll be in full swing with everything. Oh yeah- the basement.....ie, the boy's bedrooms, still aren't finished. Ugh.

The only thing keeping me from shaving my head and ramming a parked car with an umbrella is the fact that I got a very cute haircut today! Now, I wish that I could take creative licensing for this cut, but alas, I bow down in awe to the fashionista who can take credit on this one. I got ..........."the Pob". YOu know, the Vic Beckham bob?! O.K., not QUITE as drastic in the back and sides, but....those BANGS! I got em' !! I love it!!Oh thank-you, thank-you haircutting-genius-whose-name-is-jennifer.......(with hushed reverence),thank-you.
I know, I know, I need a picture. But c'mon, I can't come back full force all in one night! I'll try to get a good pic of the cut.
O.K., I'm going to go stare in the mirror and watch my hair move.
Thanks for the comments, and for checking back here!