We picked up one tired kid from the camp out today. As far as I can tell, everything went great. But Austin is super tired, and getting a sore throat. Varsity ball practice starts tomorrow, so I sent him to bed early with all sorts of vitamins and herbs, to hopefully ward off anything serious.
Jack attended a birthday party this weekend. There were 14 boys there all together! Now that is one brave mom! It was a Lego party, which I thought was an awesome idea. He had a wonderful time, and it was just the pick-me-up that he needed.
Savannah was invited by a friend and her family, to go out to dinner and to a christian concert at a local cafe'. She had a wonderful time and didn't get home till after 10pm.
We had visitors today!! First Thom got here. Then Em, The Dude and the boys came by today, before heading back home. Poor W! After suffering a nasty fall, his little nose and eyes look so pitiful! But you would never know anything was wrong. He was his usual, fun loving self, and all smiles. Q and Jack played together the whole time. They got on the trampoline, and Jack showed Q how to "power hit" in baseball.Too cute. The Dude was loaded down with baseball cards for the boys. I mean packs, and packs, and PACKS! Remnants from The Dude's collection, I believe. The boys were in heaven! They have done little else today but look at cards.
Well, my post is all over the place tonight, but there it is. I am finishing up lesson plans for this week, and then I am off to bed. Tomorrow will be filled with school lessons, then baseball practice and dance class. Oh- and we have to get into town to buy new cleats before practice.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
We dropped Austin off for another boy scout camp-out this weekend. they are going over back packing requirements, so they will be hiking in 2 miles, camping in pairs.....and feeding themselves....and then hiking back out. When we dropped him off, all the boys were really excited. A. would be using his new Pocket Rocket back packing stove for the first time. Have you SEEN this thing? AMAZING! When folded, it is about 4 inches long, and weighs less than a pound.
A while after bedtime tonight, Jack came back downstairs. I could tell that he had been crying. I asked what was wrong and he said, "I just miss dad so much." I felt so bad for him. I told him that I missed dad too, and I know that it is hard. But Dad is doing his part. And we will continue to do our part. And I told him to remember how wonderful it is when we are all together again. I let him stay up and watch the Olympics while he and I folded clothes together. He found a pair of wool socks in the laundry pile that Race had bought for him to wear in London. He stopped and put them on. I asked what he was doing and he said, "I just want to wear these tonight. It reminds me of London. I wish that we could go back there with Dad."
Jack has a birthday party to attend tomorrow. He is excited to have something on HIS social calendar, since his brother and sister seem to always be on the go! I hope that it helps to take his mind off of things a little. Maybe we could take in a movie or something this weekend.
Savannah is our trooper. I swear she is the strongest of the three. You can always count on her to buckle down and carry on. She makes me so proud. She and I will get a little girl time tomorrow while J. is at the party.
I got a few more pictures of Race. We miss hime so much. Yes, Jack, it's hard when your Daddy is a hero. It is a sacrifice. But we wouldn't trade him for the world.
G'night
Melissa
A while after bedtime tonight, Jack came back downstairs. I could tell that he had been crying. I asked what was wrong and he said, "I just miss dad so much." I felt so bad for him. I told him that I missed dad too, and I know that it is hard. But Dad is doing his part. And we will continue to do our part. And I told him to remember how wonderful it is when we are all together again. I let him stay up and watch the Olympics while he and I folded clothes together. He found a pair of wool socks in the laundry pile that Race had bought for him to wear in London. He stopped and put them on. I asked what he was doing and he said, "I just want to wear these tonight. It reminds me of London. I wish that we could go back there with Dad."
Jack has a birthday party to attend tomorrow. He is excited to have something on HIS social calendar, since his brother and sister seem to always be on the go! I hope that it helps to take his mind off of things a little. Maybe we could take in a movie or something this weekend.
Savannah is our trooper. I swear she is the strongest of the three. You can always count on her to buckle down and carry on. She makes me so proud. She and I will get a little girl time tomorrow while J. is at the party.
I got a few more pictures of Race. We miss hime so much. Yes, Jack, it's hard when your Daddy is a hero. It is a sacrifice. But we wouldn't trade him for the world.
G'night
Melissa
Thursday, February 23, 2006
ACK!
This year I find that I have also become the designated driver for OTHER PEOPLE's children as well. Now, I don't really mind this, as I am out anyway, and most of these kids are friends of my kids. But tonight I took my neighbor home from M.Arts, (Yes, we have recruited the whole neighborhood over the years!). She is 17. She ended up coming back to our house, because her folks weren't home from choir practice yet, and she is scared to be at home by herself. When she got here, she asked if she could check her comments at "MY SPACE". After a few questions, I let her. My computer is in a makeshift office space in our living room, so after I got everyones dinner, I walked through to find Jack staring at the screen beside Neighbor Girl. Her friends had posted provocative pictures of themselves.....asking for comments. I immediately told her to get off the computer. She, of course began apologizing profusely and swore she didn't know what was on there. Privately, we had a long talk, and hopefully I made myself clear, without being over bearing. I saw a side of the teen scene tonight that I am glad that I didn't have to grow up in. I saw a website for a girl that I know pretty well (not my neighbor). She is from a Christian home. I know her family. I am so shocked! I honestly think that most parents are clueless as to what their kids are doing on the internet. ACK! DO NOT let your children have free, unmonitored access to the internet!!! AHhhhhhhh!!! think about when you were 16......could YOU have handeled that kind of thing wisely???? I snooped around on the MY SPACE sight after she left, and found several kids that I know......with NOTHING positive going on on their web sites.
It was talking with Neighbor Girl that really opened my eyes. Poor thing. She struggles, she really does, trying to be a good Christian girl, and yet there is SO MUCH around her. She told me so much.(She always does.) Ugh.
In a way, this was actually reafirmation for me. For the direction that we have chosen for Austin, so far, and all the leg work that it involves. His time is filled with goals and work and purpose and positive influences. there will always be things to trip him up, (Satan works that way), but I pray to God that he never drains his mind and ambitions by something so utterly useless.
As a side note, later in the evening, Austin asked if I minded if he jumped on the computer. Neighbor Girl looked surprised, and said, "What does Austin look at on the computer?" "Major League Baseball . com.....what else?"
Wow. What a wake up call.
thank-you so much for all the prayers. They are SOoo appreciated. Sending out prayers of my own tonight for Dy and Lynette, and their families who are all struggling with illness. Feel better guys!
G'night,
Melissa
It was talking with Neighbor Girl that really opened my eyes. Poor thing. She struggles, she really does, trying to be a good Christian girl, and yet there is SO MUCH around her. She told me so much.(She always does.) Ugh.
In a way, this was actually reafirmation for me. For the direction that we have chosen for Austin, so far, and all the leg work that it involves. His time is filled with goals and work and purpose and positive influences. there will always be things to trip him up, (Satan works that way), but I pray to God that he never drains his mind and ambitions by something so utterly useless.
As a side note, later in the evening, Austin asked if I minded if he jumped on the computer. Neighbor Girl looked surprised, and said, "What does Austin look at on the computer?" "Major League Baseball . com.....what else?"
Wow. What a wake up call.
thank-you so much for all the prayers. They are SOoo appreciated. Sending out prayers of my own tonight for Dy and Lynette, and their families who are all struggling with illness. Feel better guys!
G'night,
Melissa
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
feeling a little overwhelmed...
I am trying to unwind from a very trying day today. One glance at my calendar, and you'll know why I am feeling slightly overwhelmed. It is an interesting predicament.
We live outside of town, and all of the kids activities are in town.
I am one person, with one car.
Austin is 14. He is involved in the things that he is passionate about. He takes 5 hours of mixed martial arts training a week. He will be playing baseball on the varsity team of a local private school, as well as the Dixie Boys League. He is also involved in the Boy Scouts. His activities are not too much for him, and it is exciting to see him work so hard to achieve his goals. Savannah is 12. She is still figuring out what she wants to seriously pursue. She takes dance and art each week. Jack is 8. He likes to have fun, as all 8 yr olds should. He enjoys martial arts and will be trying his hand at baseball this year. None of the kids are involved in "too much". And this is something that I carefully monitor, always looking for signs of stress. But I see none. They are thrilled. There is nothing that they would rather be doing. Add to these, church and youth group, and various birthday parties, etc. And you've got one full calendar.
BUT. I am one person. With one car.
So, while I am excited beyond belief to watch my growing children stand at the edge of our little nest and try out their wings.......I'm not quite sure how to juggle it all. I miss having dinner as a family at home. I miss just laying in the floor and playing a board game at night. It's a tough compromise. Jack will not be raised in the same environment that his brother and sister were. It is not ideal, but that's the way it is. He seems as jovial as ever, but there is a part of me that wishes that I could give him a little more time at home.(Isn't that funny.....And we homeschool!!!) Just doing simple things. With me. It feels a bit like a whirlwind right now.
So, if you pray, pray for me, as I seek to what is best for EACH of our children.That I will figure out how to invest in my children, even when it's not convenient. Even when we are in the car, on the road. That God would give me wisdom in this area of my life, to do what He would want. ANd also the strength and persistence to continue mothering, schooling, taxi-ing, and a home remodel(What was I thinking!). Race will not be gone forever. WHen he comes home we will be TWO people and TWO cars. ANd THAT will feel much better.
Thanks for the prayers,
G'night,
Melissa
We live outside of town, and all of the kids activities are in town.
I am one person, with one car.
Austin is 14. He is involved in the things that he is passionate about. He takes 5 hours of mixed martial arts training a week. He will be playing baseball on the varsity team of a local private school, as well as the Dixie Boys League. He is also involved in the Boy Scouts. His activities are not too much for him, and it is exciting to see him work so hard to achieve his goals. Savannah is 12. She is still figuring out what she wants to seriously pursue. She takes dance and art each week. Jack is 8. He likes to have fun, as all 8 yr olds should. He enjoys martial arts and will be trying his hand at baseball this year. None of the kids are involved in "too much". And this is something that I carefully monitor, always looking for signs of stress. But I see none. They are thrilled. There is nothing that they would rather be doing. Add to these, church and youth group, and various birthday parties, etc. And you've got one full calendar.
BUT. I am one person. With one car.
So, while I am excited beyond belief to watch my growing children stand at the edge of our little nest and try out their wings.......I'm not quite sure how to juggle it all. I miss having dinner as a family at home. I miss just laying in the floor and playing a board game at night. It's a tough compromise. Jack will not be raised in the same environment that his brother and sister were. It is not ideal, but that's the way it is. He seems as jovial as ever, but there is a part of me that wishes that I could give him a little more time at home.(Isn't that funny.....And we homeschool!!!) Just doing simple things. With me. It feels a bit like a whirlwind right now.
So, if you pray, pray for me, as I seek to what is best for EACH of our children.That I will figure out how to invest in my children, even when it's not convenient. Even when we are in the car, on the road. That God would give me wisdom in this area of my life, to do what He would want. ANd also the strength and persistence to continue mothering, schooling, taxi-ing, and a home remodel(What was I thinking!). Race will not be gone forever. WHen he comes home we will be TWO people and TWO cars. ANd THAT will feel much better.
Thanks for the prayers,
G'night,
Melissa
Monday, February 20, 2006
Thom's Bo
Well, he seems nice enough. Everything was going really well, but seriously, I hate to be brutally honest, but I think that the whole family could have done without the pictures of himself on the beach, in a Speedo. I mean.....C'MON!!!!
Admit it. I got you. You know I got you....(snort)
Anyway, It really WAS a good weekend, but unfortunately Thom's bo had to cancel, so we'll have to meet him another time. We had a great time at mom and dads. It was so great to see everyone again. We had some amazing meals....from baked salmon, to thick steaks, to seafood alfredo. One morning mom and dad fixed everone fried eggs, toast, grits, and home made sausage. It is so fun to sit around the table with everyone, relaxing and drinking hot coffee. YUM!!
There are over 10 new adorable calves dotting the fields on the farm. Thom piled all the kids on the John Deer gator, and took them down to the back fields, to look for rocks in the creek. And of course they came back burdened down with all their treasures!
My kids are so blessed to have family members that believe in them....and invest time in them. My dad took Austin over an hour away on Sat. and Sun. where he had arranged a 1 hr private lesson with a former pro player. He was swinging a bat for an hour straight, and he has a huge blister to prove it...(yes, he had batting gloves on). Also, Uncle Todd spent hours outside catching for him, and then took him out to Game Stop and let him pick out some games. How awesome is that??? Family is such a blessing to us.
We have heard from Race and he sent us a few pictures. We miss him so much!
I have a few pictures from Austin's Court of Honor, that I haven't had the chance to put up yet, so maybe I can get that done later this evening. I'll be catching up on blogs tonight too. Hope that everyone had an awesome weekend!
Admit it. I got you. You know I got you....(snort)
Anyway, It really WAS a good weekend, but unfortunately Thom's bo had to cancel, so we'll have to meet him another time. We had a great time at mom and dads. It was so great to see everyone again. We had some amazing meals....from baked salmon, to thick steaks, to seafood alfredo. One morning mom and dad fixed everone fried eggs, toast, grits, and home made sausage. It is so fun to sit around the table with everyone, relaxing and drinking hot coffee. YUM!!
There are over 10 new adorable calves dotting the fields on the farm. Thom piled all the kids on the John Deer gator, and took them down to the back fields, to look for rocks in the creek. And of course they came back burdened down with all their treasures!
My kids are so blessed to have family members that believe in them....and invest time in them. My dad took Austin over an hour away on Sat. and Sun. where he had arranged a 1 hr private lesson with a former pro player. He was swinging a bat for an hour straight, and he has a huge blister to prove it...(yes, he had batting gloves on). Also, Uncle Todd spent hours outside catching for him, and then took him out to Game Stop and let him pick out some games. How awesome is that??? Family is such a blessing to us.
We have heard from Race and he sent us a few pictures. We miss him so much!
I have a few pictures from Austin's Court of Honor, that I haven't had the chance to put up yet, so maybe I can get that done later this evening. I'll be catching up on blogs tonight too. Hope that everyone had an awesome weekend!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Well, the stars must have aligned themselves properly or something, because I just got ANOTHER child in for a dental check-up. That's 2 down and 1 to go!In the past, when I would hear of people taking their children in for regular dental cleanings, I would remark, "You do that, eh?" But No more! Woo-hoo!
Austin got promoted in rank tonight at Scouts at the Court of Honor ceremony. Ooo and guess what? MOTHERS get appreciation pins as well! How cool! They honor the moms!(Funny to see each boy look on in horor when asked to pin these tiny pins on their mom's lapelle!!) It was a fun time tonight to get to know all the other parents of these great young men. You know, you always hear bad things about the "next generation", but this just gives you such a great feeling. Because if this is the "next generation"....I am not worried.
Thomasina came tonight to be there for Austin, and to take pictures for me. the boys thoroughly enjoyed seeing a professional photographer confidently snapping shots of them being presented with their awards. ANd then they really hammed it up for her afterwards too! I am sure that we will have some to post soon. Thanks so much Thom!
I talked to Race today for a bit. It was so good to hear his voice. We miss you Race!
G'night,
Melissa
Austin got promoted in rank tonight at Scouts at the Court of Honor ceremony. Ooo and guess what? MOTHERS get appreciation pins as well! How cool! They honor the moms!(Funny to see each boy look on in horor when asked to pin these tiny pins on their mom's lapelle!!) It was a fun time tonight to get to know all the other parents of these great young men. You know, you always hear bad things about the "next generation", but this just gives you such a great feeling. Because if this is the "next generation"....I am not worried.
Thomasina came tonight to be there for Austin, and to take pictures for me. the boys thoroughly enjoyed seeing a professional photographer confidently snapping shots of them being presented with their awards. ANd then they really hammed it up for her afterwards too! I am sure that we will have some to post soon. Thanks so much Thom!
I talked to Race today for a bit. It was so good to hear his voice. We miss you Race!
G'night,
Melissa
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Happy Valentines Day!
So this morning, first thing, Jack comes downstairs and says, "Oh, mom, by the way, in case you were wondering, the Toot-Fest has been postponed." "Oh? How come?" He looks at me incredulously and says, "The HOLIDAY, of course." ANd then he hands me a homemade Valentine that he made all by himself with hearts and streamers all over it. AWWwwwwww... Actually all of the kids made me a Valentine. And then about half way through the day a Fed Ex guy arrives with 2 boxes. One for me and one for Savannah. Savannah's had a beautiful note from her dad, and contained a sweet, plush dog that holds a heart. Inside my box was a beautifully wrapped, tall, pink Tower of Treats. Each pretty pink,striped box holding a new EDIBLE( an important fact), surprise!(Of course there was a super sappy, sweet note enclosed in mine also!) And don't you know that I use my most dramatic effects when opening each and every box. I prolonged the suspense, making the surprise last as llllooonnnng....as possible. THIS drives children insane. The youngest became positively ravenous with excitement before I finally opened the last box!
Thank-you Race, for remembering. You made our day special! We Miss You!!!
G'night, and even if you didn't get a thing, be GLAD you're WITH your Valentine!
Melissa
P.S- The boys had received boxes of conversational hearts and lollipop bouquets from me......just so you know that they weren't left out!
Thank-you Race, for remembering. You made our day special! We Miss You!!!
G'night, and even if you didn't get a thing, be GLAD you're WITH your Valentine!
Melissa
P.S- The boys had received boxes of conversational hearts and lollipop bouquets from me......just so you know that they weren't left out!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Well, we had a good day today! Our lessons went really well, and we are learning about such exciting times in history and it's meshing with science and lights are going on and eyes are opening..(excited squeal!) I just LOVE it when that happens!!......IT'S WOORRRKKKING!!!!!!!
Everything is going pretty well.
I would like to take a moment to go ahead and express my concern IN PRINT about the youngest offspring. Armpit pictures aside, his frat-boy like behavior is getting to be a little much. It all started innocently enough 2 yrs ago when he began working tirelessly to develop the party trick-to-end-all-party-tricks. He sits on the floor with a hand cupped behind each knee, and then pumps his legs up and down making "toot noises" with BOTH knees. Ahhhhh..yes, my friends, it is something to behold. And it DOES indeed place him over the top in the 8-10 yr old crowd. But now, with the burping of the ABC's...... and tomorrow, I have been informed that there will be a "Toot-Fest" held. Here. In the house. Where we live. Apparently a score will be kept, and the contestants are Jack, Austin, and the dog. Jack is certain that he will be the victor. I hope that he doesn't hurt himself.
And if this bit of information doesn't scare you.....let me just add this: His reading skills are weak. (Big Sigh)
May this child never take a liking to strong drink.
G'night!
Melissa
Everything is going pretty well.
I would like to take a moment to go ahead and express my concern IN PRINT about the youngest offspring. Armpit pictures aside, his frat-boy like behavior is getting to be a little much. It all started innocently enough 2 yrs ago when he began working tirelessly to develop the party trick-to-end-all-party-tricks. He sits on the floor with a hand cupped behind each knee, and then pumps his legs up and down making "toot noises" with BOTH knees. Ahhhhh..yes, my friends, it is something to behold. And it DOES indeed place him over the top in the 8-10 yr old crowd. But now, with the burping of the ABC's...... and tomorrow, I have been informed that there will be a "Toot-Fest" held. Here. In the house. Where we live. Apparently a score will be kept, and the contestants are Jack, Austin, and the dog. Jack is certain that he will be the victor. I hope that he doesn't hurt himself.
And if this bit of information doesn't scare you.....let me just add this: His reading skills are weak. (Big Sigh)
May this child never take a liking to strong drink.
G'night!
Melissa
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Well, after my last post, you know what kind of week that I was in for, didn't you? It was rough one. But it's all behind us now, and I'll just touch on the good points.
First of all, we heard from Race! Aside from the fact that when I talked to him, he hadn't eaten, was really tired, and hadn't showered in three days..........things were really good. he is definitely in his element doing what he does best.
Austin has a lot going on right now. He passed his board review in Scouts. If you aren't familiar with this,each boy is required to be in Class A uniform ready for inspection, and after 3 months of completing requirements, they have to meet individually before a panel of three men, (2 asst. scout masters, and 1 business man from the community). After the boys recite their oath and the scout law, they pose questions to the boys like, "How do you think most people would describe you" , and "How are you living out the Scout Law in your everyday life?" and several other questions about the troop itself, and their opinion of it. Then they give praise for any outstanding work on their requirements, and congratulate them on their acheivement of the new rank. This is so good for these boys! Austin did really well, and has enjoyed the whole experience. They have Court of Honor next week to actually receive their new rank.
As if that were not enough, he has been given the opportunity to participate in a HIgh Adventure Boy Scout camp in August. he will be flying to Minnesota and going on a 10 day canoeing/hiking/camping trip. He is REALLY excited about that! It is REALLY rough, including a 2 mile hike with ALL supplies..including canoe! He can hardly wait and will be working every job he can get this summer, (between baseball) in order to help pay for the trip.
Jack has been under the weather off and on this week, but nothing too serious. But you know that he isn't feeling well if he isn't cutting up all the time! We could all use a little down time here at home, actually. And we are hoping to get it this weekend.
Savannah is enjoying her art class very much.Her the teacher has her Masters in art, and does give private lessons. So we are excited about that opportunity. Also, a friend has given me the name of a professor at one of the local colleges who teaches graphic design. There is a very good possibility that she will be allowed to sit in on classes at the University! Very exciting!
I have made an executive decision to cancel tomorrow's activities and STAY HOME. And if possible, the STAY HOME part shall extend to Saturday as well. We could all use a breather, and I could use a bit of time to catch up on housework.....oh- and painting!!!!
Have a great night!
Melissa
First of all, we heard from Race! Aside from the fact that when I talked to him, he hadn't eaten, was really tired, and hadn't showered in three days..........things were really good. he is definitely in his element doing what he does best.
Austin has a lot going on right now. He passed his board review in Scouts. If you aren't familiar with this,each boy is required to be in Class A uniform ready for inspection, and after 3 months of completing requirements, they have to meet individually before a panel of three men, (2 asst. scout masters, and 1 business man from the community). After the boys recite their oath and the scout law, they pose questions to the boys like, "How do you think most people would describe you" , and "How are you living out the Scout Law in your everyday life?" and several other questions about the troop itself, and their opinion of it. Then they give praise for any outstanding work on their requirements, and congratulate them on their acheivement of the new rank. This is so good for these boys! Austin did really well, and has enjoyed the whole experience. They have Court of Honor next week to actually receive their new rank.
As if that were not enough, he has been given the opportunity to participate in a HIgh Adventure Boy Scout camp in August. he will be flying to Minnesota and going on a 10 day canoeing/hiking/camping trip. He is REALLY excited about that! It is REALLY rough, including a 2 mile hike with ALL supplies..including canoe! He can hardly wait and will be working every job he can get this summer, (between baseball) in order to help pay for the trip.
Jack has been under the weather off and on this week, but nothing too serious. But you know that he isn't feeling well if he isn't cutting up all the time! We could all use a little down time here at home, actually. And we are hoping to get it this weekend.
Savannah is enjoying her art class very much.Her the teacher has her Masters in art, and does give private lessons. So we are excited about that opportunity. Also, a friend has given me the name of a professor at one of the local colleges who teaches graphic design. There is a very good possibility that she will be allowed to sit in on classes at the University! Very exciting!
I have made an executive decision to cancel tomorrow's activities and STAY HOME. And if possible, the STAY HOME part shall extend to Saturday as well. We could all use a breather, and I could use a bit of time to catch up on housework.....oh- and painting!!!!
Have a great night!
Melissa
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Today was a day of encouragement for me. First of all it was Sunday. My Sunday school was on biblical interpretation (fascinating) and the sermon for today was another in a series on the book of Proverbs. I love it that the goal of this church is to equip me to be a better servant for Christ. I just love it. I am always learning, and so is my family. Today was also Scout Sunday, and as our church sponsors the Scout troop that Austin belongs to, today was a day to basically thank the church for giving to the scouts. The guys all sat together (about 30 of them) in their Class A uniforms, with the Scout masters.They looked so sharp! They actually took up the offering, handed out the program and helped with clean up after the service. Also, today was the day that we receive the Lords Supper at our church, which is such an unbeleivable blessing to my spirit each time.
Today was also Super Bowl Sunday. Austin and Savannah were both invited to a Super Bowl party that was being thrown for the youth. These folks were gracious enough to open their homes to a pile of kids, provide snacks, games and football. And they missed Mick Jagger because they were having a devotional during half time. They watched a movie on the life of a Christian athlete, and then the pastor talked with them all about the signficance of this in their Christian life. The kids had an amazing time. They won prizes and made a lot of new friends.
*But what were you and Jack doing?????* you ask?
Well, we were fortunate enough to be invited over to a freinds house (from church) and got to know them better. Jackson got to play with their Jack(who is also 8 yrs old) and we were just so encouraged. These folks have opened their home to us when they knew that I was going to have a super long late night drive. They fed BOTH of my boys over the course of the day. And they helped Austin finish up his Boy Scout requirements in order to get ready for Board Review on Wednesday. I can't tell you what an encouragement this was to me today.I was so blessed by others of my faith today, and so were my kids. I pray that the Lord will dhow me where I can be a blessing to others. I am so thankful for Gods grace and mercy towards me.
I would like to do something nice for these folks, but I am stumped. What would you do? Any ideas?
G'night,
Melissa
Today was also Super Bowl Sunday. Austin and Savannah were both invited to a Super Bowl party that was being thrown for the youth. These folks were gracious enough to open their homes to a pile of kids, provide snacks, games and football. And they missed Mick Jagger because they were having a devotional during half time. They watched a movie on the life of a Christian athlete, and then the pastor talked with them all about the signficance of this in their Christian life. The kids had an amazing time. They won prizes and made a lot of new friends.
*But what were you and Jack doing?????* you ask?
Well, we were fortunate enough to be invited over to a freinds house (from church) and got to know them better. Jackson got to play with their Jack(who is also 8 yrs old) and we were just so encouraged. These folks have opened their home to us when they knew that I was going to have a super long late night drive. They fed BOTH of my boys over the course of the day. And they helped Austin finish up his Boy Scout requirements in order to get ready for Board Review on Wednesday. I can't tell you what an encouragement this was to me today.I was so blessed by others of my faith today, and so were my kids. I pray that the Lord will dhow me where I can be a blessing to others. I am so thankful for Gods grace and mercy towards me.
I would like to do something nice for these folks, but I am stumped. What would you do? Any ideas?
G'night,
Melissa
Friday, February 03, 2006
The boys had martial arts tonight. On the way home, I decided that we would just stop by Little Caesars and pick up a couple of their $5 pizza's. The line was really long, but hey, they're "Hot n' Ready" so how long could it take? Well.......*jump forward 20-30 minutes*.........and I have talked to two people that I already knew, and actually met 3 new people. It was so bad. The poor guy behind the counter (who looked as if he had stepped right out of a Far Side cartoon) was so flustered and befuddled, that he just began handing out pizzas left and right. The poor guy just snapped. It didn't matter who was first, or what you had ordered, he was just handin' em' out. The place was heading to the breaking point as people who had been waiting, were snatching those things as if they were gold.I did what any mother of hungry children would do: Hands sweating and heart pounding, I lunged in front of a VERY LARGE man and grabbed 2 pizza's.I made my way through the crowd toward the exit. I could feel Gargantuan's eyes bearing down on me. I turned to the new compadre's I had met and whispered, "Good Luck....good luck to you all..." I never looked back. We were outta there.
Austin has been working on a bunch of First Aid stuff for Boy Scouts. The Scoutmaster explained that the boys needed to know this stuff forward and back, so that in the event of an accident, they wouldn't have to think, but rather, just react. So today, we did some role playing. Jack was the person who was repeatedly being injured. (Pick any day of the week, and that is real life for us). We go through minor cuts, minor burns, choking,frostbite and then we get to snakebite from poisonous snake. Jack pretends that he is sitting down playing unsuspectingly, and then, "Oh no! A Copperhead! It bit me!" It was at this point that he grabbed his butt, writhing in pain, awating his brother to administer First Aid for the snake bite. Of course his brother is laughing so uncontrollably that all is lost. (sigh)
Dy, thank-you for the tobacco tip. I shall pass it along. This should be of particular use to my sister Thom. Did you read my comments,Thom?
Lynette, the crawdad was caught from our creek. His name is Crawford. Jack is taking great delight in watching him eat the food that he drops in. But Crawford better be careful. As you know from my past posts, the boys really LOVE steamed Crawdads. If he doesn't behave, they just might eat him.
I will leave you with this hilarious post from my brother-in-law, over at But Seriously... I swear, we are just a whole family of funny.
G'night,
melissa
Austin has been working on a bunch of First Aid stuff for Boy Scouts. The Scoutmaster explained that the boys needed to know this stuff forward and back, so that in the event of an accident, they wouldn't have to think, but rather, just react. So today, we did some role playing. Jack was the person who was repeatedly being injured. (Pick any day of the week, and that is real life for us). We go through minor cuts, minor burns, choking,frostbite and then we get to snakebite from poisonous snake. Jack pretends that he is sitting down playing unsuspectingly, and then, "Oh no! A Copperhead! It bit me!" It was at this point that he grabbed his butt, writhing in pain, awating his brother to administer First Aid for the snake bite. Of course his brother is laughing so uncontrollably that all is lost. (sigh)
Dy, thank-you for the tobacco tip. I shall pass it along. This should be of particular use to my sister Thom. Did you read my comments,Thom?
Lynette, the crawdad was caught from our creek. His name is Crawford. Jack is taking great delight in watching him eat the food that he drops in. But Crawford better be careful. As you know from my past posts, the boys really LOVE steamed Crawdads. If he doesn't behave, they just might eat him.
I will leave you with this hilarious post from my brother-in-law, over at But Seriously... I swear, we are just a whole family of funny.
G'night,
melissa
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Ants, crawdads and a goldfish funeral
Perhaps it is because we are nature lovers. Or maybe it is just that we are easily amused. I am not sure what it says about us, but the entire family has been absolutely mesmerized by a Christmas gift that Em and The Dude gave to Jack this year. At any given time of the day you can see one, two, three, or as much as all four of us huddled around a tiny blue 10 inch square. Upon closer observation, one would discover that it is an ANT FARM! Honestly, this is the coolest thing to see. I mean, I can remember trying to have ant farms as a kid. You know you get just-the-right-dirt, and then dig up just-the-right ants. Then they dig one tiny hole and all die. THOSE are the ant farms of my childhood. ANd if you were raised even farther south than I was then it only took one experience with Fire Ants to know that you didn't want to farm those beastly things anyway!
But this. This is so cool! You can view the ants from all sides and the blue, jelly like substance that they are tunneling through is both their food and water. They require nothing! It has become an addiction. When we arrive home someone invariably yells, "WOAH! Look how much the ants have done!" So, yeah. We are impressed. But then, we also have a crawdad who has happily taken up residence in Frodo's old tank(remember, the deceased gold fish, who was cryogenically frozen?)....so....I guess we like that kind of stuff!
Speaking of Frodo, we did finally bury him. It was quite the service. Jack insisted that we all participate because, "You know.........he was family". I cant remember all of the eulogy,(you can thank me later), but I did hear myself saying the words, " Frodo was a good swimmer. He was the best.MYyyyyyyy...how he did swim". And then later as I became even more desperate, I said "And he was always there to wave a happy fin at anyone who passed by". (groan) Jack was happy and the gold fish is out of my freezer. But God help us if the dog dies.
G'night,
melissa
But this. This is so cool! You can view the ants from all sides and the blue, jelly like substance that they are tunneling through is both their food and water. They require nothing! It has become an addiction. When we arrive home someone invariably yells, "WOAH! Look how much the ants have done!" So, yeah. We are impressed. But then, we also have a crawdad who has happily taken up residence in Frodo's old tank(remember, the deceased gold fish, who was cryogenically frozen?)....so....I guess we like that kind of stuff!
Speaking of Frodo, we did finally bury him. It was quite the service. Jack insisted that we all participate because, "You know.........he was family". I cant remember all of the eulogy,(you can thank me later), but I did hear myself saying the words, " Frodo was a good swimmer. He was the best.MYyyyyyyy...how he did swim". And then later as I became even more desperate, I said "And he was always there to wave a happy fin at anyone who passed by". (groan) Jack was happy and the gold fish is out of my freezer. But God help us if the dog dies.
G'night,
melissa
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
For dinner tonight I fixed home made link sausage that mom and dad had brought to me. It was delicious! We sliced it and sauteed it with onions and then threw in scrambled eggs, sprinkled with cheese. We had cornbread and a side salad. Yum!
We have a late night tonight, with boy scouts. Savannah, Jack and I will have to take things to do while we wait. Jack has some reading aloud that he will bring, and also his Erragon CD's. Savannah has "her music" and also 2 books that she is currently reading.(One for school and one for fun). I am bringing my next book to tackle, "Gullivers Travels".
I got 'The Old Schoolhouse" magazine the other day, and in it there is an article by Susan Wise Bauer. Her writing on classical education is so articulate and powerful. I wanted to quote just a little tiny piece, of what really jumped out at me.
Excerpts written by Susan Wise Bauer and found in "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine:
"The tragedy of American High school education is two-fold. In the first place, teenagers are not taught rhetoric; they are not given the skills to explain, in speech or in writing, what they believe and WHY. They remain inarticulate, and so they are forced to rely on external means of displaying their individuality-clothes or tattoos or piercings (which make them all look the same)."
"Second, American teenagers are forced to remain generalists for far too long......"
" The neoclassical education seeks to right both of these imbalances. In the classical tradition, the highschool years are a time when the students are encouraged to specialize, to dig deeply into the subjects that interest them most......." "The classical model does not aim to produce a "well-balanced generalist", but rather a student who is passionately interested in and skilled at a particular subject."
"...the classical model focuses on the proper handling of argumentation during the high school years. Teenagers are expected to be opinionated-as long as they are opinionated in an articulate and logical manner. In the rhetoric stage, the student learns how to write and speak with force and originality. The classically trained teenager has a strong sense of her own unique identity because she not only knows her strengths, but can defend her own opinions and beliefs."
Great stuff! Thank-you, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. And of course thank-you Susan Wise Bauer .
G'night,
Melissa
We have a late night tonight, with boy scouts. Savannah, Jack and I will have to take things to do while we wait. Jack has some reading aloud that he will bring, and also his Erragon CD's. Savannah has "her music" and also 2 books that she is currently reading.(One for school and one for fun). I am bringing my next book to tackle, "Gullivers Travels".
I got 'The Old Schoolhouse" magazine the other day, and in it there is an article by Susan Wise Bauer. Her writing on classical education is so articulate and powerful. I wanted to quote just a little tiny piece, of what really jumped out at me.
Excerpts written by Susan Wise Bauer and found in "The Old Schoolhouse" magazine:
"The tragedy of American High school education is two-fold. In the first place, teenagers are not taught rhetoric; they are not given the skills to explain, in speech or in writing, what they believe and WHY. They remain inarticulate, and so they are forced to rely on external means of displaying their individuality-clothes or tattoos or piercings (which make them all look the same)."
"Second, American teenagers are forced to remain generalists for far too long......"
" The neoclassical education seeks to right both of these imbalances. In the classical tradition, the highschool years are a time when the students are encouraged to specialize, to dig deeply into the subjects that interest them most......." "The classical model does not aim to produce a "well-balanced generalist", but rather a student who is passionately interested in and skilled at a particular subject."
"...the classical model focuses on the proper handling of argumentation during the high school years. Teenagers are expected to be opinionated-as long as they are opinionated in an articulate and logical manner. In the rhetoric stage, the student learns how to write and speak with force and originality. The classically trained teenager has a strong sense of her own unique identity because she not only knows her strengths, but can defend her own opinions and beliefs."
Great stuff! Thank-you, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. And of course thank-you Susan Wise Bauer .
G'night,
Melissa
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