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Surfing the Wave!

Whoo! I can't believe it is Friday already!

This week has definitely had it's difficulties, including an emergency trip to the dentist for Jack with an absessed tooth. His face is still swollen(He looks so pitiful!), but the antibiotics are taking effect, so that the pressure has been relieved. Also this week, I painted 3 walls in my living room "Spruce Frost", which, as it turns out is REALLY a cotton-candy blue. I will be sending Race a picture of this newly painted living room. Have I told you that this room WAS a "holly berry" red? Have I told you that it had Race's prized buck displayed proudly above his chair, and that the walls were donned with civil war prints? I should probably send a message with the picture that I email to Race. Something like: "Look, honey- I've painted our home to look like a giant confectionary Easter egg while you were away."

So, anyway, I have gone BACK to the paint store and am currently going color blind staring at all of the shades that are taped to my walls.

Did y'all remember about Frodo( the beloved goldfish?) dying? I recommended the usual, ritual flushing, in which we all gather around the toilet, I say a few words in memory of the lost loved one, and "SWOOSH!" on to the happy swimming waters, where all good fish go. Upon my recommendation, however,a sick Jack sat up and looked at me in horror. "Mom! That's BARBARIC! Frodo was a CHRISTIAN fish!" SO. It seems that poor Frodo would have a proper Christian burial. (sigh) Austin was kind enough to donate a small, plastic containter with an airtight lid, in which Frodo was lovingly placed.

NOW. With Jack getting all of the tooth problems, the funeral had to be postponed. This, in turn, brought about a bit of an experiment in cryogenics. Yeah. That's right. He's in my freezer. There has been talk of "raising" Frodo some time in the distant future.........and of course, "Bionics" has been discussed. Or maybe using the DNA from Frodo to increase the lifespans of fish everywhere. (Cause that would be helpful, right). And of course the baseball connection: Frodo and Ted Williams.

(Huge sigh) All I can say is that I still have to prepare a eulogy, and that this is the kind of crap that happens when kids aren't raised on a farm! * Can you eat goldfish?*

Have a great weekend!
Melissa

I am Dog Tired and I want My Husband Home!

There. I'm done.

When Race leaves, I spend the first few weeks without sleep. I am just all wound up, and my mind is racing( no pun intended) and I can't relax. So, last night, to fight the insomnia......or rather, give in to the insomnia, I Started my living room remodel. I spackled, sanded and primed all the walls. Before they went to bed, the boys helped me sand and prime. Then, at about 11:30, I hear footsteps down the stairs. It's Jack. He comes running over and flops down beside me and says, "Oh, mom, I just can't BEAR you down here working by yourself. I MUST help you!" I did let him help for a few minutes, before assuring him that I was fine, and that I was actually enjoying myself, and he could go back upstairs and sleep. Too funny. So my once RED walls are now white. And they are awaiting a couple of coats of "Spruce Frost".

We got through school today around 2:00, and all was fine. Nothing to jump and shout about, but fine. We all got outside for a bit in the nice weather. I had an hour to finish touching up the walls, before we had to leave for martial arts, etc. It is now 8:26 pm and we have just walked through the door. I. Am. Beat. So, the walls may have to wait for another day.

I will have to hault this post in progress. I have just been informed by a teary eyed 8 yr old, that his beloved fish Frodo has..............died. Frodo has been with us for 5 yrs, and accompnied us through a couple of moves. Soooooooo, I must go and preside over the funeral arrangements. The grieving has commenced.

G'night,
melissa

Savannah says "Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes".
We had a fabulous time! I don't think that I could have had a better group of girls to take along to the water park. They were FABULOUS! When I take my boys and their friends around, I pull up the doors of the suburban fly open, and boys pile in..(without bothering to move the seat back...they just crawl over). They are loaded and talking loudly within seconds.

The GIRLS however, were different. I pull up. One door opens. the girls all exchange pleasantries, and then stand OUTSIDE the vehicle over-politely offering each other a seat. This continues for a bit, and then finally all the girls are happily seated, buckled in, and chit chatting among themselves quietly. They talked about books and school and music. They told ghost stories. They listened to some of Thom's Jammin' Mix For The Road. At the water park the girls were just perfect. Not a minutes trouble out of anyone. They all got along beautifully. They were smart, articulate,polite, kind, and just a ton of fun. They were really a joy to be around. I am so thankful that Savannah has made these wonderful friends.

We left the house yesterday morning at 9:00 am and we returned at 9:30 pm. LONG DAY! Many Thanks to Thomasina for going along and getting pics of the girls, and generally just making the day so much fun for Savannah. (I'll post a few pics soon).

This morning I got the sleepy headed girls up for Sunday School and church. Everyone asked about Race and reminded me that they were praying for him, which was really(REALLY) nice. I think that one of the things that I love most about this church, is the sense of community that they promote. This church really fills a gap for us.

After church, mom and dad met me at my house with the boys in tow. They had a wonderful weekend, and managed to get several signed baseballs from major league players, as well as some top notch instruction. They had a wonderful time and were bubbling over with stories to tell. We ate lunch with mom and dad, and my WONDERFUL dad drove the Scalded Dog to the dump loaded with all my garbage! What a dad! I can't tell you how much that helps me along. Thanks, dad.

Tonight, I have filled out my lesson plans and feel pretty prepared for the week ahead. I am excited to get started on our little remodeling projects that we have planned for around the house, as well as getting back into our routine for the weeks ahead.

I have heard from Race and things are going along as planned. We've had a good weekend, and I have a heart full of thanks tonight.

G'night,
Melissa

Mom and Dad came for a visit today, and they picked up the boys to take them to a baseball seminar this weekend. It was great to see them, but they NEVER stay long enough! They picked up one of the cousins, A., and brought her along, so that she could spend the night here this weekend, and help Savannah celebrate her birthday.

Tomorrow I head to the indoor water park with 4 pre-teen girls in tow. Thankfully, I have been able to rope Thomasina into coming along with us. We'll see how it goes. The girls are all really excited. Gotta run, cause we'll be on the road bright and early tomorrow.

G'night,
Melissa

Austin??????

Well, you can move this to the top of the "10 Things That I Never Thought I'd Hear" list. Austin and his buddies (from scouts) are thinking about...................a BAND! A Band??? It seems that his buddy is in percussion at school. He is getting a complete, really nice drum set tomorrow. The kids brother is taking guitar. He wants Austin to pick it back up, so that they can get a band started. Are you reading this Race????

What did I say? I did what anyone would do. I said, "Sure! Y'all would be great!"

G'night,
Melissa

The Bat Patrol Flag! Yes, your eyes are correct. That IS part of a deer skull with antlers attached. Yeah. We had some layin' around........Anyway, what a HIT! The Patrol loved it, and it was the best flag there! woo-hoo! Way to go A! He was really proud of it, because he did the whole thing himself.

This morning started out with putting the finishing touches on the birthday party invitations that I was helping Savannah with. They turned out really cute, and we got them in the mail this morning. (Incidently, these WILL NOT be timely,as the party is Saturday, so I had already talked with the moms, and all the girls can make it ;0) ). We are taking the girls to an indoor water park for the day. Should be a lot of fun! Thomasina is going with us too, so I should have pictures! School was thrown in here and there today, but not overly productive. But I don't really expect it to be, until next week. It always takes us a week to get settled again. Austin spent the better part of the day finishing up the patrol flag for his Scout patrol. It is WAY COOL! I'll post a picture of it when it totally complete.

I got a huge pat on the back today. One of the boys' martial arts coaches pulled me aside to tell me what a joy the guys were to have in class. He said that they were good examples. That they were hard workers, and if they had a question, they asked. He also said that they are always willing to help out anyone else in class. His exact words were, "Y'all are doing something right there." Wow. I really needed that. What a nice thing to take the time to say, ya know? I think that this is one of those Pay it Forward opportunities. I know a lot of great kids, but all too often, I don't take the time to tell their parents about it. I think that I will make an effort to do that much more often. And, yes, I am proud of my boys for earning that compliment. It seems that there is much more to them than just their good looks and bodily function noises........huh.

Well, I am going to herd everyone to bed, and then I am headed there myself. Well, after I watch My Name Is Earl, that TIVO is saving for me. Have y'all seen that??? Funniest show on TV. Heck, I feel like I know a lot of the characters personally......ya know, from around here where I live. I LOVE that show!!!

G'night,
Melissa

Parting IS such sweet sorrow! I handed my 14 yr old boy the camera, and THIS is what I found on it tonight. I didn't know he took it. We Miss You Race! So much.

Whenever we see Race off for a trip, I say the same thing:

"Be careful. Come home. Don't worry about us, we're fine. We love you. I love you.........Come home."

I say the exact same thing every time. And I don't cry. No one wants to see crying, weepy, weakness, when you are about to leave. And I don't EVER want him to worry about us. THINK about us, sure. But not WORRY. His mind needs to be on his work. It HAS to be on his work. So, I don't want him to worry. And when I think about being a child, it would unnerve me to see my mother break down, so I don't do it. I dry tears, I don't cry them.....at least not on departures. Race and the kids and I all know how we feel, so in the words of my dad, "I dunno what good cryin's gonna do about it."

But, I love the picture. It was a nice surprise. Thanks, Austin.

So....how many of us are pacing back and forth in the waiting room waiting for Dy's baby to be born? Many prayers headed their way I'm sure.

I am slowly getting into the groove here. Race is where he is supposed to be, so that's always a relief to hear. The kids and I have many projects to keep us busy while he is gone. So, we'll concentrate on those awhile.

My youngest has a knack for almost getting killed daily by his older brother and sister. And I can promise you this....if they were ANY OTHER brother or sister, they would have done him in long ago.

Do you know how to get on your big brother's nerves? Well, you COULD dance around in your underwear in front of the Play Station game, while playing on your harmonica. Letting repeated pleasant requests for you to "move please", embolden you to play louder and dance harder.

Do you know how to get on your Big Sister's nerves? Well, you could crouch at the closed door to her room and use two fingers to scratch ever so softly at the bottom of said door, so that sis thinks it is her beloved cat wanting to come in, and then roll around laughing abnoxiously when she answers it. Or you could constantly threaten that, while she is sleeping, you will remove the keys to her diary, which she wears around her neck and then you will know her deepest secrets.

Honestly, I don't know why they don't just pound him. It seems that there is just enough age difference between them for the older two to find him slightly funny. It saves his life I think. I think that humor may be his saving grace throughout life. I mean let's face it. Funny covers a whole lotta crap, ya know? I mean, if you've got "funny".....you've really got somethin'. This is a kid who can make fart noises with the backs of both knees at the same time. At the ripe old age of 8, this is like the mother of all party tricks! By all indications, this child will be good looking as well. Hmmmmm.......too much?
A mother worries.........

Hey! I updated my side bar! I can't figure out why Jess' link won't work. It looks right. anyone?

Have a great night!
Melissa

I should'a been a Navy Seal....

Yes, that's right. I should have been a Navy Seal, because I just endured Hell Week. And survived. I did NOT ring that bell to give up. I kept going. We all did. But what a week it has been. have you ever just felt as if you were under attack? That's the kind of week it was. We were hit on all sides, from aggravating little meaningless messes all the way to an enormous financial mistake.....made by our credit union........hours before the long weekend!!!!

But I must say, that looking back, I am really proud of how we managed. We didn't lose it. We stayed calm.....(o.k., maybe we spoke under our breath a lot..) but we APPEARED calm....and that's important, right? And there were bright spots, so we tried to hang onto those. We did it all together. Leaving the kids at home, while we hashed out it out with whomever we needed to, would probably have been easier. But we wanted to be together, so if you had a problem with us this week, you didn't have to just deal with Race. Or just me. You had to deal with all of us. And it is clear now, looking back, where God was holding our hand, showing us where to step, and sheidling us from the worst of the blow. He is so faithful, and He has blessed me beyond what I could have imagined. And for THAT I am so thankful.

(raising my glass) And here's to next week! (clink!)

G'night!
Melissa

What. A. Week.

I won't bore you to tears anymore with our sickness updates. Suffice it to say, that we keep thinking it's over...........and it's not. We have aired out the entire house twice, and dissenfected every hard surface. We aren't down in the bed with it anymore....but it ain't gone!

This week has been full of challenges of the nasty, irritating sort. From dead car battery, to slamming my finger in the sliding glass door, and a whole bunch of stuff in between. It's just been one of those weeks.

Yesterday was our ultra busy day with school lessons lasting till 2 and then out of the house by 3:45 for Martial Arts, Ballet, and Jiu Jitsu. Race got to watch everyone, so that's always good. But Race is also the Knower Of All People. So anywhere we go,( and I do mean ANYWHERE), he will almost immediately be standing with several people talking to him. It's funny, because Race is not a talker. But everybody loves him. It IS funny to watch.

Savannah's Acrylics class starts next week and it is on Thursday as well, so....heaven help me.

I have more to write, but we are going to be so slammed for the next few days, trying to get everything done before Race takes off. So, I'll have to try to squeeze in a few moments here and there.

Thanks so much for all the prayers. They are so appreciated.
Have a great day!
Melissa

Well......have you already heard the NEWS? We are all so excited to have another little one in the family!!! My kids are so thrilled, you'd think that THEY were the ones getting the new baby brother or sister!! Congrats Em, The Dude, Q and W!!

Savannah and Race had the BEST time last night on their date last night. It seems that our little girl is growing up. Now, I must confess, that these father-daughter dates have sometimes had Race come shaking his head a little. When she was younger, he came home on one occasion and whisper to me, "I ran out of stuff to talk to her about!!" So he just hugged her and watched her happily eat her dessert. THIS date however, was different. They talked, chatted, found a lot of common ground. SHe told her dad all about the things that she wants to do, and be. ALl about the book that she is writing. They truly had a wonderful evening.

I did roast a marshmallow last night, and it was heavenly. I was still keeping the fire going when Race and Savannah came home. The kids were all getting ready for bed, so Race and I yelled up to them that we were going for a quick walk..(our new favorite thing to do). We donned our headlamps and went for a walk in the woods. We sat and talked for a few minutes, when we realized that we were not alone. A buck had wondered up just a few yards from us. It took off stomping and running loudly through the woods, but you could tell that it still wasn't exactly sure what we were! It stopped and stomped and blew at us. Race blew back at it. This went on for a bit, and then we could hear it trying to circle around and check us out from the other side. What fun! We had to get back to the house, so when we got up to move, he took off again. But it was awesome. I love that stuff.

Now, as for the rest of the night....................you don't want to know. Remember when I thought that Race and I had managed to escape with the abbreviated version of that nasty virus?? Turns out...NO. To make a long story short, my last few trips from the bathroom were on my hands and knees! Race asked me this morning if there was anything that I needed, and I responded, "A bullet." Cheery,huh? So Race got Mom AND Dad duty today, and I have been flat on my back. He is out running the kids to all of their activities, + trying to pull together everythin he has to do to prepare to leave. This is the first time that I have sat vertically all day. I am keeping fluids down now, so should be on the mend. But, if you would, PLEASE pray for Race that he manages to escape this. This thing is wicked and it would not be good to deal with this over several flights. Ugh.

Thanks so much for all of the comments! And Grandmama, I didn't mean to make you cry. We're O.K., and He's O.K. and we beleive that we are doing exactly what God would have us to do..........but occasionally I turn my eyes from Him, and let the situation get the better of me. We're all just fine. We have had an amazing time together, and we all feel refreshed( except for this stomach thing!). God is so faithful to us.

Now, I am off to read Lynette's blog! I finally hounded her enough to get her to make a go at it! Lynette comments here all the time. Be sure and pay her a visit!

G'night,
Melissa

It is quiet around here tonight. The boys are settled around a campfire outback with headlamps in place. They have each had a big bowl of homemde vegetable beef soup, and have started in on the toasted marshmallows. They have become competent (and safe) enough to be able to do the entire operation on their own now. It gets rid of a lot of dead scrub that we have in the woods edge, and it keeps both boys in one place!! Strike a match- and you'll know where your boys are. Literally, they will stay out there for hours.

Savannah is out on a date tonight. A date with her dad. He took her to dance class, and then he was taking her out to eat at one of the restaurants downtown that she loves. Her birthday is in a few weeks, but Race will already be gone. He has been taking her on a birthday date for about 5 years now, and she was really looking forward to it tonight.

It is hard to set aside the idea Race is leaving. I try not to let it cloud the days that we have left. But it has become increasingly harder. I walked into the bedroom today, to see him labeling some of his clothing and shoes. Not with his name, but with his BLOOD TYPE. In big bold letters in likely places on clothing (bottom and sides of boots, inside-back of shirt, etc.) The idea of Race ever needing an emergency blood transfusion "in the field" is a difficult thing to ignore. Also as the date gets closer, he begins wearing his bullet/rocket proof vest around while he is working around outside just doing normal stuff. He does this to become accustomed to the enormous weight again. It is an amazing piece of equiptment. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the technological advances in this area, as well as the fact that he has the absolute best gear available. But, still, hard to watch. Hard. to. watch.

It was a gorgeous day today, and I got outside and cut back my perrinials, to get them ready for spring. I wish I had more bulbs to plant, but DRAT! I didn't get enough! I am thinking about vegetable garden seeds though, and maybe I'll start some things indoors for transplanting in spring.

We got some exciting news for our family last night, and I can't wait to be able to tell you about it! Have to keep mum for now though. Maybe tomorrow?

I am going to scoot out onto the deck and watch the boys. Maybe there are a few marshmallows left???

HAve a great night!
Melissa

Laney, tagged me!

2 Things

2 names you go by:
1. Mom
2. Babe- (I only answer to this one from Race. ;-)

2 parts of your heritage:
1) Southern
2) Southern...

2 things that scare you:
1.spiders
2. The thought process behind the liberal media.

2 of your everyday essentials:
1) Coffee
2) Sounds trite, but : make-up (minimal, but it MUST be done.)

2 things you are wearing right now:
1) Gap jeans
2) Awesome brazilian cowboy boots that I got from Race for Christmas!

2 favorite bands or musical artists
1) Still totally love CCR
2) Harry Connick, Jr

2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love):
1) Trust
2) Communication

2 truths:
1) I am rarely without a gun.
2) I am always blonde.....(by choice, *blush*)

.2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex):
1) Physical humor
2) A guy who carries himself confidently

2 of your favorite hobbies:
1) Gardening
2) Eating.......er...I mean cooking.

2 things you want really badly:
1) My husband to return home safely.
2.) A diamond engagement ring to replace the one that I LOST! (Long story, involves tenants and moving, and ugh. Still makes me sick to think of it.

2 places you want to go on vacation:
1) Rome
2) Antarctica (seriously)

2 things you want to do before you die:
1) Ski naked in the Alps
2) Parachute naked
*Ooooops! Wait a minute, those are Race's, not mine* Apparently, I am too deft to think of an answer for that one on my own.

.2 ways that you are stereotypically a chick:
1) I can never find anything to wear.
2) I like to talk on the phone a lot.

2 things you are thinking about now:
1) The Pink Panther (Jack is watching it in the other room)
2) What I can get for Jack to make him feel better

2 stores you shop at:
1) The Gap
2) TJ Maxx

2 people I would like to see take this quiz:
1) Well, I would LIKE to see Lynette take this quiz, but as she is not blogging yet, she could answer in my comments section. (nudge, nudge)
2.)Thom

We made it. We are alive.

Thanks so much for all the prayers and well wishes....and..um....the recipe?( Grandmama, remind me never to be sick to my stomach around y'all.....Graveyard Stew?? Ewwww....) LOL!

Apparently Race and I only got an abbreviated version of the nasty stomach virus, so for that we are very thankful. Unfortunately, the boys are going to miss their Martial Arts demo today. I really hate that, because this would have been the one that Race would have been able to see. Austin had a cool fight scene in it and Jack was doing some neat kick and pad combinations. (Sigh)

It looks like Savannah is going to be taking an acrylics class over at the Fine Arts Center. She is excited about this, and the time meshes fairly well with their other activities, so, I think that it will be really good. We are anxious to find a "break" into the art world so that she can stretch her talent.

I am not sure just what the weekend will hold. Everyone is on the mend, but NO ONE has any appetite....(way to drop those Christmas pounds!!), so I don't know if we will just hunker down for the weekend, or if cabin fever will drive us out. I think that we are all a little itchy just to get outdoors. It is crisp and cold here, so maybe we will come up with something like that.

Have a great day!
Melissa

WE'VE BEEN HIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a tale. A sad and frightening tale. A tale from the trenches. A tale of germ "warfare" and it's effects on a family. This tale is not for the squeamish. Those of you with weak stomachs.....look away.....find another blog.

The good news is that Savannah is feeling better. The BAD news is that it was NOT food poisoning, but rather some nasty stomach virus. And we've been hit.

Race stayed home with Jack from martial arts, who went from feeling a little under the weather........to hugging the side of the toilet bowl in less than an hour. By the time that Austin and I arrived home from martial arts, Jack was in the bed, but was still having to run to the bathroom regularly. (BTW, he would like for me to write here, that, for the record, he threw up 7 times.) We got everyone tucked in bed for the night, and had settled in for ourselves, after calling Lynette and Gregg and having to cancel our dinner for tonight, (sigh). Savannah was feeling better, but wisely decided to stay in her room, hunkered down with her book. Jack was up at regular intervals, running to the bathroom and yelling "MOM!!! I NEED SOME WATER!!" Which, of course he could only have a few sips of, or the whole process starts all over. So I get to be the one who yanks the straw from his parched lips, continually saying, "Just small sips....small sips." It was about 30 minutes after Jacks last call, that I heard IT. That sound. The sound that makes a mother know that something isn't right. A sound that makes a mother rush from her warm bed up the stairs. You all know what I'm talking about.

I get to the top of the steps just in time to witness Austin sitting straight up in bed vomiting a projectile pattern that could have won an award easily, if awards were given for such things. My first thought.........or shout, if my memory serves.....was GET UP!!!!! GET UP!! ("Why didn't he get to the bathroom????!!!", I thought.) I then rush to grasp the bathroom door knob.......and......IT"S LOCKED! (Insert horriffic scream here). Jack is in the bathrom, and he has locked the door!!!! Hearing my paniced cries, he quickly comes out and Austin bowls him over on his way IN. I rush a weak and shakey Jackson down the steps and into our bed.

*******There is a hush, as my sleepy and confused brain realizes what just took place, and the job that must be done.*******

Race comes upstairs with me. He finds this all amusing as he surveys the situation. UNTIL the cleaning up commences. Yes, THAT was not funny. At all. IT.WAS.BAD. We threw everything out.

Austin slept on the floor in front of the bathroom all night. It was very tempting to have him sleep in the tub, as this is a child who, when he was little would run through the whole house to find me , just so he could throw up at my feet. The rest of the night was filled with more of the same. More hugging of the toilet bowl and more raspy cries for, "water....water..."

It is morning. Savannah isn't venturing from her room. Jack is able to keep Gatorade and water down, and Austin isn't up yet. Race and I wait like lambs to the slaughter for our turn.

Have a good day today, enjoy your good health, and.......DON'T GO OUT OF THE HOUSE! ICK!

Melissa

I sit down in my chair for the first time today, with a glass of merlot beside me, and reflect on the last 2 days.
Savannah was sick yesterday with what we think was food poisoning. She is much better today, but still a bit weak. We did get school lessons back up and running, and everything went surprisingly smoothly! Race and Jack worked on building a new tree stand, in between Jack's subjects. They BOTH enjoyed that. I fixed dinner when we were finished with school, and then I was off and running with the boys to martial arts, (which, for the record, has turned into a 3 hour ordeal, instead of the previous 2 hour one!!!!).

Today was productive and exhausting! School went off without a hitch for the most part. We finished up at around 2:30. Then Savannah, Austin and I were off on a mission to get groceries as well as supplies for Austins patrol flag that he has been tasked with making for scouts. Race and Jack continued work on the tree stand.

WHen we got home, I helped Austin as needed on the scout flag. It turned out really cool. He got an army green fabric for the background, and then made a huge black bat for the center, (they're the Bat Patrol). He is doing all the work himself, but wanted to take it in before everything was finalized, for everyone to agree on. I fixed Santa Fe chicken for dinner, and just as it was ready to pull out, my neighbor showed up at the door. I visited with her, and got the guys their dinner so that they could get out the door on time for Boy Scouts.

So, now I am sitting down and enjoying my quiet time for a moment. I can feel the time crunch that is upon us. It is reminding us that Race will be leaving again soon. I am trying to ignore it for the most part, and so is he. But it is there.
I am hoping and praying for a renewed sense of duty, as well as the energy to accomplish that duty, really soon!

I caught up with Dy the other day, and she sounded so great! They are an amazing family, and if you haven't read her blog yet, you need to. They are so inspiring. (And yeah, they're for real......I've met them in person!)

Race and I are trying to arrange a meeting with Lynette and her husband Greg some time this week. Greg and Race were roommates in college, and I have met Lynette (who comments here) in person once before. We can hardly wait to catch up with them and their little ones! Hope that we pull it off!

We have a lot going on, so I know that my thoughts seem scattered. And they are. But we're making it! We are so blessed and I do feel truly thankful.

Have a wonderful night!
Melissa

My sister, THOM has posted pictures from our Christmas at mom and dads. There are some really cute ones!

On New Years Eve we fixed fried oysters. We LOVE oysters!!!!!! We sat around the table talking about all the stuff that had happened to us in '05. The kids counted up that dad had been to 13 diferent countries this year. wow. 13. We didn't even bother with the cities.

2005 was a year of perseverance for us. Kind of like a marathon. Having Race home at the end of it, was like winning the gold! It was a good year, and we learned a lot about the Lord, about ourselves, and what's really important.

Let me just say that yesterday was "one of those days".....or at least one of those MORNINGS! We had a very difficult time getting out the door to church. It was one of those Sundays, that everything seemed to work against you. But we made it. Our church was only having a family service yesterday, and the Lords Supper. I am so glad that we made it, because it changed our whole day, and we ended up being so blessed. Not just with the message and the receiving of communion, but also with the fellowship afterward.

Race and the boys went back out to church in the PM and played basketball. Austin got in on the game this time. Basketball is not something that he has ever spent a lot of time playing, so for him to jump in this game with all men , (ahem, very competitive men.....including the pastor) took some guts. They all had a blast! And everyone helped Austin with the rules, and he ended up playing really well. They had a great time.

We were supposed to start back to school today. Supposed to. Austin was invited to go skiing by another family at church, so I did what any good homeschooling parent would do......Called off school and let him go!

I will be putting some finishing touches on some reorganization projects that I started yesterday, and then I've got to hit the books. Doing the planning for Austin's lessons seems to get more difficult all the time. We are doing the Omnibus 2 which includes history, literature, and Theology ( with logic excercises and a lot of writing thrown in), then there is Algebra, Science Spanish and Latin. Sheesh! I am making myself weak in the knees just looking at the subjects all typed out there! Anyway, thankfully all of it is laid out for me, I just have to put everything into a coherant schedule that gels with what the other 2 are doing.

Have a great day!!