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.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
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
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
Monday, October 17, 2005
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
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
Sunday, October 16, 2005
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
***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
Saturday, October 15, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
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
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
Monday, October 10, 2005
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
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
Sunday, October 09, 2005
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
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
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Friday, October 07, 2005
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
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
Thursday, October 06, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
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 $$$$ stuff, and the fact that my youngest decided to playfully headbutt me in the face while I was tucking him in tonight.
Luckily other people in blog world have much more intelligent, and funny things for you to read than I could ever produce, even on my best day. So, First you MUST go and read Dy's Blog because, well, she has just, like, laid out the key to all happiness....so that's worth a look, right? Then, head over to The Crib Chick's Place because she has given some EXCELLENT parenting advice that parents actually never hear anymore. So, you don't want to miss that, right? Then, prepare yourself, because THIS is so funny that you could actually harm yourself. Seriously, it's that funny.
I am off to bed. And Dy and Jill, I think that reading your blogs this morning are the only things that got me through the day without "blowing it". Thanks
G'night all
Melissa
We had the greatest dinner over at Thomasina's house tonight. She fixed an amazing roasted dove and quail, with an apple relish, scalloped potatoes,fried green tomatoes w/ gravy, and french rolls. Not only was it delicious, but it was all presented so beautifuly. The kids and I had a wonderful time.
I am exhausted. Way too tired to try to put together anything the slightest bit coherent.It has been a Looooong day. Add to this the fact that I got 2 emails from Race tonight, both of which were about $$$$ 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
Monday, October 03, 2005
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 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
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
Saturday, October 01, 2005
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)