So this is why you get married.
Sometimes I lose track of the big picture. We had a particularly stressful day, lesssons dragging along, oldest child remembers NOTHING of the the last 8 years of education, youngest child is sick in the bed ,and middle child........well... thank heaven for the middle child. A day when everytime that you walk into the room, that laundry pile has gotten BIGGER, and those floors STILL haven't been cleaned. So. It was that kind of day. The kind of day that Satan uses to pull the rug from beneath my feet. To cause me to focus on MY abilities (or lack thereof). The kind of day that makes you want to pull the covers back over your head. I am ashamed to see how easily that I am discouraged.
But that's why I have been given a partner in this adventure. This is when Race steps in and reminds me why we chose this route. He reminds me of the big picture. How when we started down this road it wasn't to produce -fill-in-the-worksheet scholars. We were aiming for the "whole child". To train their hearts as well as their minds. To teach them to THINK on their own. To prepare them to be used by God in whatever way that he sees fit. Because that is our responsibility. And ours alone. And THAT is a big job. And it is one that I am not able to do..... on my own. It is only through God's wonderful grace, and that alone, that success or fulfillment will come.
And Race reminds me that a 13 yr old squirming over theology.....isn't such a bad thing. That a boy who would rather play baseball than do algebra should bring a sigh of relief. And he reminds me that we have great kids. That as PEOPLE they are truly great. They LIKE to learn new things, they are funny and compassionate. They meet new challenges head on. They are well rounded. And they love the Lord.
So. Thank-you Race. Once again you have brought the perspective that helps keep this ship sailing. Thanks for reminding me that this is a marathon and not a sprint.
Savannah and I met Thom yesterday after I got my hair cut, (good cut, I'm happy). We got coffee and chatted for a bit. She is looking quite spiffy with her new found weight loss. Go Girl! We are at the 9 day count down till the beach. I am still doing my work outs. I realized last night that I have been working out close to 2 hrs each day! Abs in the morning, and then switching around at night with different tapes. That is TOTALLY a record for me. But I will be glad when it cools off a bit and I can start running. Sometimes it just seems so much easier to just throw your shoes on and get out the door, kwim? Now....if I can just keep at it, and not sputter out in a few weeks!
Have a great day!
While you're kissin on those babies, don't forget to kiss your spouse too!
Melissa
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Allow me to make a few introductions of some of my frequent commenters. Anniesue is one of my college room mates. This poor gal had to put up with me for my entire freshman year of college. Poor, poor girl. (But we did have fun.) She is sweet and good natured, and has a lovely family.
Bridget is a friend from my private, ultra-oppressive ,independent Baptist high school. She escaped before I did, but she helped get me through the early years. We haven't been in touch much till now, but she seems like she is really making it all work with her husband and family. It's great to hear from her.
Lynnette, (waving here) is the wife of one of Race's college room mates. I have only met her once in person. But she is a hardworking gal who is full of personality (and who should be blogging nudge, nudge). She and her husband Greg have a beautiful family.
I have the funniest story to share as sort of a blast from the past. Race's roommate Greg and I dated very briefly. On Easter he had gotten me some roses and a chocolate bunny. Now. The funny thing was that I never knew anything about the chocolate bunny until after Race and I were married. You see, Greg had placed the bunny in the fridge in their dorm room; Race comes in, sees the bunny, and promptly bites off the head and places it back in the fridge. So.....I got the roses and was thrilled! But here's the kicker dear friends and readers........I married the guy that ate the head!!!!!! What does this say about me????? (Feel free to correct me on this story Lynette and Greg). And having lived with Race with for the last 15 years (o.k., at least PART of the last 15 years), I KNOW Greg must have been a saint!!!!!!
Nerf guns have once again invaded our home. We have nerf guns of every shape and size, including the behemoth, bazooka style one. I don't even notice anymore, when I walk throught the house with the laundry and accidently walk into the cross fire. Race gave the little one a few points on room entry, and he is nearly invincible. Last night as I was tucking everyone in, I heard myself say, "Put the guns DOWN, and get under your covers." It was then that I realized that I had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. I walked right into an ambush. Both boys pull out Nerf guns from under their beds. I sailed outta that room with about 30 darts nailing me all over. They ARE amazingly accurate. Not to worry though, eventually they will lose all the ammo. Savannah has learned to horde ammo in her room. The boys are then at her mercy as they try to outdo one another to be awarded the extra foam darts. Smart girl.
Well, I'd better get going today. I am painfully aware of almost every muscle in my body right now. OUCH! My body is rebelling against sculpting!
Have a great day!
Bridget is a friend from my private, ultra-oppressive ,independent Baptist high school. She escaped before I did, but she helped get me through the early years. We haven't been in touch much till now, but she seems like she is really making it all work with her husband and family. It's great to hear from her.
Lynnette, (waving here) is the wife of one of Race's college room mates. I have only met her once in person. But she is a hardworking gal who is full of personality (and who should be blogging nudge, nudge). She and her husband Greg have a beautiful family.
I have the funniest story to share as sort of a blast from the past. Race's roommate Greg and I dated very briefly. On Easter he had gotten me some roses and a chocolate bunny. Now. The funny thing was that I never knew anything about the chocolate bunny until after Race and I were married. You see, Greg had placed the bunny in the fridge in their dorm room; Race comes in, sees the bunny, and promptly bites off the head and places it back in the fridge. So.....I got the roses and was thrilled! But here's the kicker dear friends and readers........I married the guy that ate the head!!!!!! What does this say about me????? (Feel free to correct me on this story Lynette and Greg). And having lived with Race with for the last 15 years (o.k., at least PART of the last 15 years), I KNOW Greg must have been a saint!!!!!!
Nerf guns have once again invaded our home. We have nerf guns of every shape and size, including the behemoth, bazooka style one. I don't even notice anymore, when I walk throught the house with the laundry and accidently walk into the cross fire. Race gave the little one a few points on room entry, and he is nearly invincible. Last night as I was tucking everyone in, I heard myself say, "Put the guns DOWN, and get under your covers." It was then that I realized that I had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. I walked right into an ambush. Both boys pull out Nerf guns from under their beds. I sailed outta that room with about 30 darts nailing me all over. They ARE amazingly accurate. Not to worry though, eventually they will lose all the ammo. Savannah has learned to horde ammo in her room. The boys are then at her mercy as they try to outdo one another to be awarded the extra foam darts. Smart girl.
Well, I'd better get going today. I am painfully aware of almost every muscle in my body right now. OUCH! My body is rebelling against sculpting!
Have a great day!
Monday, August 29, 2005
What she said:
Check out what Dy is saying over at Classic Adventures. She has articulated so well my own very scattered thoughts and murmmerings on most short term "missions". I would add that this flows over into a world view that is desperately lacking in many of our churches and missions groups today. Check it out!
Race left for the big city at o' dark thirty, and I am off and running this Monday morning....(or, trying to be).
Our Sunday was wonderful. Race really liked the church, (yay!), we ate a nice leisurely lunch out, and then later that evening, we all went to a baseball game. We had a blast. Nothing like a good game on a Sunday. I realized what an unusual (freakish) family we must be to onlookers. Let me explain: We really loathe most current country music. REALLY. And please note the word "current". I grew up on Waylon and Willy and my dad still likes to play Hank Sr. loudly at home. So, don't go emailin' me, I LOVE country.....but I HATE NEW COUNTRY. Anyway, at the baseball game they started playing the song "What I like about Sunday" by Latest Guy To Wear Cowboy Hat. This is just TOO much for my family. We try to ignore it at first, but it's just too much. Race starts making the new lyrics, the kids join in, and we were just howling in no time. Right there, in the front row on the first base line. I don't remember the finished product, but I am sure Jack will be singing it today, as it contained the words "cuttin'cheese" (thank-you, Race). On that same note, have you seen that new Fruit o' the Loom commercial that pokes fun at country music? Now THAT's funny!! So, I use that to comfort myself because there must be others out there who share our somewhat unique (yes, unique, that's it) sense of humor. Right?
The next two weeks are going to be quite busy. School lessons have kicked into high gear, and I am requiring much more out of the kids. I think (no, I know) that I had been guilty of letting them slide a bit without realizing it. I had lessened my demands out of sympathy for them because their dad had been gone so much (as it is a well known fact that I am NOT the fun parent). So, without realizing it, I was letting them slack................ and not doing them any favors. So we have raised the standards back to their appropriate place, and guess what? They work hard to achieve their new goals, and in return feel so good about their accomplishments. I learned a BIG lesson here.
In other news we only have 2 weeks till we converge on Emerald Isle, N.C. for a week of R &R on the beach with my family. I am currently trying to kill myself with The Firm work out tapes. Have y'all ever done these? These are so hard. I am doing an Abs tape each morning and then alternating the upper body, lower body and cardio each evening. I haven't been able to move in a natural manner for about 3 days. I don't need to lose pounds, I need to tone. We'll see how my desperate attempt to not-look-disgusting on the beach, goes.
I was lamenting my approaching birthday to Race last night, while he was busy getting all of his gear packed up (meaning, he was BUSY, he wasn't really wanting to listen to this) and the end of the conversation went like tins:
Me: Man, honey, I just feel SO OLD (whine).....
Race: (In rapid machine gun like manner, while moving about the room packing and making no eye contact) "O.K. , Hon- you're not old. You're hot. When we're old, you'll still be hot. Then we'll be hot together."(leaves the room with packed bag).
Hey- that's all I need (shrug). It's good to have him home *smile*.
Y'all have a great day!
Melissa
Our Sunday was wonderful. Race really liked the church, (yay!), we ate a nice leisurely lunch out, and then later that evening, we all went to a baseball game. We had a blast. Nothing like a good game on a Sunday. I realized what an unusual (freakish) family we must be to onlookers. Let me explain: We really loathe most current country music. REALLY. And please note the word "current". I grew up on Waylon and Willy and my dad still likes to play Hank Sr. loudly at home. So, don't go emailin' me, I LOVE country.....but I HATE NEW COUNTRY. Anyway, at the baseball game they started playing the song "What I like about Sunday" by Latest Guy To Wear Cowboy Hat. This is just TOO much for my family. We try to ignore it at first, but it's just too much. Race starts making the new lyrics, the kids join in, and we were just howling in no time. Right there, in the front row on the first base line. I don't remember the finished product, but I am sure Jack will be singing it today, as it contained the words "cuttin'cheese" (thank-you, Race). On that same note, have you seen that new Fruit o' the Loom commercial that pokes fun at country music? Now THAT's funny!! So, I use that to comfort myself because there must be others out there who share our somewhat unique (yes, unique, that's it) sense of humor. Right?
The next two weeks are going to be quite busy. School lessons have kicked into high gear, and I am requiring much more out of the kids. I think (no, I know) that I had been guilty of letting them slide a bit without realizing it. I had lessened my demands out of sympathy for them because their dad had been gone so much (as it is a well known fact that I am NOT the fun parent). So, without realizing it, I was letting them slack................ and not doing them any favors. So we have raised the standards back to their appropriate place, and guess what? They work hard to achieve their new goals, and in return feel so good about their accomplishments. I learned a BIG lesson here.
In other news we only have 2 weeks till we converge on Emerald Isle, N.C. for a week of R &R on the beach with my family. I am currently trying to kill myself with The Firm work out tapes. Have y'all ever done these? These are so hard. I am doing an Abs tape each morning and then alternating the upper body, lower body and cardio each evening. I haven't been able to move in a natural manner for about 3 days. I don't need to lose pounds, I need to tone. We'll see how my desperate attempt to not-look-disgusting on the beach, goes.
I was lamenting my approaching birthday to Race last night, while he was busy getting all of his gear packed up (meaning, he was BUSY, he wasn't really wanting to listen to this) and the end of the conversation went like tins:
Me: Man, honey, I just feel SO OLD (whine).....
Race: (In rapid machine gun like manner, while moving about the room packing and making no eye contact) "O.K. , Hon- you're not old. You're hot. When we're old, you'll still be hot. Then we'll be hot together."(leaves the room with packed bag).
Hey- that's all I need (shrug). It's good to have him home *smile*.
Y'all have a great day!
Melissa
Friday, August 26, 2005
Yikes, that was fast!
WOW! Is it Friday already? Race got home, (turns out he got "Top Johnny Bad Ass"*gush*) and although the original plan was that he would have to go in for debriefing for the rest of the week, he ended up getting some extra time off. So, we have all been busy, busy.....just being a family. It has been a great week. Not one exciting thing has happened, and that's been just great!
Race and the kids are in the other room watching Savannah's favorite movie, "The Phantom of the Opera". And don't let him fool you, Race is a huge sucker for a good love story. I remember the first time that I had him watch the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice with me. At the end, I said, "Oh, (sigh) I want to marry Mr. Darcy", and he said, "What are you talkin' about? *I* want to marry Mr. Darcy!"
I have been bent over my big kitchen calendar trying to plot out all of the activities for the fall. Savannah is taking ballet and modern dance as well as a theatre class. Jack is taking martial arts and playing fall baseball. Austin is doing martial arts, jiu jitsu, and of course fall ball. It seems like a lot, but I don't feel like any of the kids are over committed. Jack is doing a bit more than I would prefer at 8, but he really seems to thrive on the activity. The other two just seem to have hit an age where trying out new skills and talents is what they are driven to do. I am thankful that we have the means to support it right now.
In other news in our home, Austin now has the book "Eldest" in his possession, and is reading feverishly. Savannah finished the latest book in the "warriors" series, and now must wait until 2006 for the next one. She is busying herself with good 'ole Nancy Drew for now. Good beach books.
Well, you can mark this phrase among the list of things that I never thought I'd hear myself say: "Hey...now.., wait-no. wait. No more snakes at the breakfast table." To which Jack replied, "But Mommmmm...he's Famileeeeee!" (sigh)
I will try to post a bit more, but I've gotta fight for the computer now that Race is home! Y'all have a great weekend!
Melissa
Race and the kids are in the other room watching Savannah's favorite movie, "The Phantom of the Opera". And don't let him fool you, Race is a huge sucker for a good love story. I remember the first time that I had him watch the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice with me. At the end, I said, "Oh, (sigh) I want to marry Mr. Darcy", and he said, "What are you talkin' about? *I* want to marry Mr. Darcy!"
I have been bent over my big kitchen calendar trying to plot out all of the activities for the fall. Savannah is taking ballet and modern dance as well as a theatre class. Jack is taking martial arts and playing fall baseball. Austin is doing martial arts, jiu jitsu, and of course fall ball. It seems like a lot, but I don't feel like any of the kids are over committed. Jack is doing a bit more than I would prefer at 8, but he really seems to thrive on the activity. The other two just seem to have hit an age where trying out new skills and talents is what they are driven to do. I am thankful that we have the means to support it right now.
In other news in our home, Austin now has the book "Eldest" in his possession, and is reading feverishly. Savannah finished the latest book in the "warriors" series, and now must wait until 2006 for the next one. She is busying herself with good 'ole Nancy Drew for now. Good beach books.
Well, you can mark this phrase among the list of things that I never thought I'd hear myself say: "Hey...now.., wait-no. wait. No more snakes at the breakfast table." To which Jack replied, "But Mommmmm...he's Famileeeeee!" (sigh)
I will try to post a bit more, but I've gotta fight for the computer now that Race is home! Y'all have a great weekend!
Melissa
Monday, August 22, 2005
What a great weekend!
Because Mom and Dad’s house is filled to capacity with other family members, the kids, Thom, and I have been staying at the beach house, (they really had to twist our arms). Last night, Q came back with us to spend the night. This was his first big sleepover with his cousins. He was such a little trooper, and hung right in there with the big kids. There was screaming, and laughing, and running, and hiding. Then…(insert scary music here)…..it was bedtime. That’s when it got hard. When I went to bed at 11:30, Aunt Thomasina was on one end of the sofa reading, and little Q was snuggled under the covers on the other end, drawing pictures. He finally went out around 12:00. Not bad for your first time away!
Today, Mom, Dad, Uncle Roy, Em, and the boys all joined us at the beach house. They brought steamed crabs with them. We had such a nice day at the water. Jackson caught a jellyfish, which he is keeping until nightfall to see if it glows…(yeah, everyone has told him it’s not the glowing kind, but….what do we know?)My friend Janelle and her two girls came out and played as well. We had gorgeous weather, and the kids saw a bald eagle fly over, got to watch the osprey dive for fish, and in the middle of the day, 2 swans with half-grown signets came swimming right up to the beach and the kids got to feed them..(I for one, was SURE that Thom was going to be attacked by the gander when the bread ran out, and found that thought quite amusing, but alas, he decided not to take her on).
Tomorrow, we see RACE!!! His evaluation went incredibly well, and it seems that we have some new prospects on the horizon. We will visit with my family for a few hours, before heading back to our house to regroup, catch up, and…… I don’t know…. I guess just look at each other. We haven’t done that in awhile! We have a lot to discuss, and many decisions to make in a short period of time. We are all thrilled about him coming home for a bit (though we don’t know for how long). We pray for wisdom and guidance, and of course, safety.
Talk to you soon,
Melissa
Today, Mom, Dad, Uncle Roy, Em, and the boys all joined us at the beach house. They brought steamed crabs with them. We had such a nice day at the water. Jackson caught a jellyfish, which he is keeping until nightfall to see if it glows…(yeah, everyone has told him it’s not the glowing kind, but….what do we know?)My friend Janelle and her two girls came out and played as well. We had gorgeous weather, and the kids saw a bald eagle fly over, got to watch the osprey dive for fish, and in the middle of the day, 2 swans with half-grown signets came swimming right up to the beach and the kids got to feed them..(I for one, was SURE that Thom was going to be attacked by the gander when the bread ran out, and found that thought quite amusing, but alas, he decided not to take her on).
Tomorrow, we see RACE!!! His evaluation went incredibly well, and it seems that we have some new prospects on the horizon. We will visit with my family for a few hours, before heading back to our house to regroup, catch up, and…… I don’t know…. I guess just look at each other. We haven’t done that in awhile! We have a lot to discuss, and many decisions to make in a short period of time. We are all thrilled about him coming home for a bit (though we don’t know for how long). We pray for wisdom and guidance, and of course, safety.
Talk to you soon,
Melissa
Fish Fry
On Sunday, Uncle Roy and Uncle Donald were up at 4:00 am, and out the door , headed to the pond fishing. They caught a HUGE “mess of fish”, as we say in the south (which ended up to be about 40). They cleaned all the fish, and then Dad tried out his new, huge, heavy duty, mega, fish fryer. In no time at all 15 family members sat down to fried fish, cheese grits and coleslaw. My family KNOWS how to do a fish fry!
Happy Birthday Walker!
We got to W.’s birthday bash, and all I can say is the Big W. sure knows how to throw a party! The big pool was filled with kids big and small, and the kiddie pool was filled with babies and tots, and lots of adults were milling around eating and talking. W. thoroughly enjoyed himself, as did everyone else.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
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