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

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

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


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

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

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

Below: the reason that I work out.

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

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

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

Savannah Smiles

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

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

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

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

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

So, great Saturday afternoon.

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

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

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

Dy, riding pics are on the way.

G'night!

A bunch of stuff..

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


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

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

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

The basement

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







Above, is the beginnings of the bathroom.

BEFORE

AFTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hey look! I remembered how to log in!!

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody told me......

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nobody told me!

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Black Belt Test

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


Ultimate Black Belt Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Without further ado.....

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

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





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

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

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

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

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


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

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

What can I say????

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of the deep mysteries of life...........

HAve I mentioned that we are having our basement finished? The other day I was in Lowes. I HATE going in there for the very reason that I am about to relate.

It was in the morning, and I was waiting on our contractor. He was shuckin' and jivin' the Lowes kid, and trying to be sure that the ENTIRE delivery actually made it out to the house. I was just standing around waiting to swipe my card to PAY for the aformentioned delivery. We were at the "Contractors Entrance".

Allow me to set the scene: I am bored to tears, having already perused all the various cuts of lumber and sheetrock that I can stand for one day. I am sensing that it is almost time for us to check out and for me to perform my card-swiping act, so I am standing at the desk. I am wearing my oldest-should-have-been-thrown-out-long-ago-ripped-holey-jeans, my "Moosejaw" t-shirt, flip-flops, and a baseball cap. My short blonde hair pokes out about 2 inches from underneath it.

In a word: gross.

But many of the men coming in that morning, apparently LIKE gross. How do I even explain this? Is it because I am the only female IN the "Contractors Entrance"? Is there some unwritten rule that I don't know about? Seriously, I would NOT get that kind of unwanted attention in a nightclub........not even close. This is an area that is truly a mystery to me. Much like the mechanics garage. And while I HATE the deep gutteral sounds uttered JUST within my(and his buddies) hearing range , the one I TRULY do not understand is the "intimidation come-on". Yes. That one is a mystery to me. You know what I'm talking about. The one where some construction-booted yahoo walks 1/2 a mile out of his way, staring you down, just so he can ALMOST brush up against you. WHAT IS THAT? ANd that is exactly what I asked Mr. Construction Boot when he pulled this one. I had been standing there for about 30 minutes, and judging from the reaction I was getting was begining to think one of 2 things had happened: Either the old bra that I had on had finally ripped into 2 pieces, and someone had accidently, and without my knowing, sprayed my front with a water hose, OR the butt of my jeans had finally given way, and was exposing all I had to the world. It was at this time that Mr. Costruction Boot came in and did his thing. If he had known of my Past he would have chosen some other girl. Anyway, what is that?. I mean really........what is it they WANT you to do??? Look away? ASk for their number? What is it?

And here's an even better question. What would happen if some psycho gal (not me) actually strode into the Lowes "Contactors Entrance" wearing nothing but a wet T-shirt and a thong? WHat would happen then? Would all those guys just automatically implode?? Something like this could destroy the housing market. Something to think about.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

My baby turned 10 today. (I know, I know........I look so young.) He had a great day and collapsed happily into bed tonight. Of course, we over-indulged in toys and action figures for him to make up for the fact that the kids dad is on the other side of the world for yet ANOTHER of his birthdays. We are only human. And I am actually aware that this will probably be the last year that he truly enjoys just "playing" with those kinds of things. ANd I have to admit that it actually makes me a teeny bit sad. (Huh- didn't see that one coming...not from me, anyway.)

Jack never fails to dissapoint. He came downstairs this morning absolutely THRILLED with the Happy Birthday banner that Savannah and I made for him. I fixed pancakes for breakfast to commemorate the day. (This was a special treat, because to me this is the equivalent of handing your kids the sugar bowl, and a stick of butter and saying,"go for it"). It was while he was eating his pancakes that I noticed his hands. He had painted them silver. Yes, that's right. He had painted both hands entirely with silvery metallic craft paint. He had sensed that I would question the sanity of this move and had attempted to shield them somewhat. And while I DID question the sanity of this move, I let it slide, and merely asked that all body painting be done outside from now on. And I also stated once again, for the record, that the upstairs bathroom is NOT "Jack's Personal Laboratory". I believe that the hand painting has something to do with the Fantastic Four. Which I have not seen, and neither has he, but...........none the less.

Happy Birthday Jackson. We love you!

back on!

Hey! Look at me! I remembered how to log in!

The kids are in bed, the laundry is tamed for now, the kitchen is cleaned, the stories have been read, the dogs have been fed, I worked out, and am now settled in with a glass of Cabernet and my laptop.

Race is gone and I am trying to acclimate myself to being a one man...er....woman team again. I sometimes throw around the "single parent" term on this blog, when referring to myself after Race leaves. The fact is it's not even close to that. Even though Race is away and out of contact for long periods of time, he is a wonderful provider for us. I don't have to worry about MAKING the bucks. That's pretty huge don't ya think? Also, Race prays for us daily. And we pray for him. And that is one of the ways that we manage this. God hears our prayers and He is merciful to us, and grants us unmeasurable grace. And that's how we make it. And I am so thankful.

I am up to my eyeballs in school planning right now. I will be glad to get it all done. Austin is going to a local classical school part-time this year, and Savannah is taking on Calvert again, and Jack is going for some evaluations this week that will hopefully clear up a few things with him. So, I will be glad to finish up these final loose ends for the school year.

I am afraid that Races' few weeks at home weren't very relaxing. But we tried to make the best of it. We did do a couple of fun things. We took a bunch of Brits to a National's baseball game, and that was a riot. We also went to a water park for the day just before Race pulled out. (And Jess, I DID get him back......I'll tell the whole thing in another post) But other than that things were pretty hectic around here. Lets' see...........

We are having our basement finished,(insert hallelujah chorus) so while that is exciting beyond belief, it is also super loud and noisy every day.

Our mattress was maiming us both, so we went for a new set. To make a long story short-our new set arrived LATE. REALLY LATE. Race and I slept the whole time on a sort of make-shift mattress that we made from memory-foam and a box spring. Which was a lot more comfortable than the OLD mattress. He got to sleep one night in total comfort before he left. ugh.

Austin was away at scout camp for a week, and Savannah has been busy for several weeks at Encore' (the theatre production at the Fine Arts Academy). Race really missed spending all his time with them. Watch out, cause I think that they might be growing up. EEK! He was so upset that he would miss Savannah's performance.

Jackson was with us the whole time, and that was great. He and Race connected in a big way this time. And that warmed my heart. It is absolutely KILLING Race that he won't be here for the start of football. Race went to college on a full scholarship for football, and it was his life for many,many years. This will be our family's first introduction to football, and Race wants so badly to be here for Jack.

But alas, Here we are. And it's where we're supposed to be.

And I am so thankful that I've heard from Race. He is where he is supposed to be. I am so thankful for our wonderful family who have helped to fill in the gaps for our kids. I am so thankful that we have the resources to provide enriching opportunities for the kids to stretch their wings and try out their gifts and talents. And I'm just thankful to be a part of it all.

It's good to be back!
g'night,
Melissa

With all my heart...........(swoon)

I knew the answer to this without even answering the questions!!

You scored as Darcy, Your husband is most like Mr. Darcy of Pride & Prejudice. A beloved hero, he may be quieter and sometimes mistaken as proud, but in reality he has the most thoughtful generous nature. He appreciates good character and is extremely devoted to those he cares for. As a couple, you enjoy the company of those closest to you and may engage in thought-provoking conversations. Who is Your Jane Austen Boyfriend/Husband? created with QuizFarm.com

Race is home right now, and we are enjoying lavishing all of our attention on him at the moment. He'll be leaving again really soon, so we're soaking it all up!

I'm the freak

Savannah had signed up to audition for the Fine Arts Center's production of Suessical, the Broadway-Dr.Suess-Musical. This was a 4 week commitment of her summer. 10-4 every day. She was thrilled to try out for a part in the 35 member cast.

The first day was sort of an audition workshop of sorts. It was only a few hours, and as I understood it they would be going over what to expect on audition day. No biggie, right?

First of all, if it were not etched vividly in my mind, I would question from whose womb this child sprang. I am a logical, linear listmaker. I am always on time, and I live by the clock. The only creative things that I do usually involve things like painting and sanding stairs, or digging in the dirt and planting things outside. This is NOT my daughter.

We walk into the beautiful Fine Arts Academy and immediately the hair on the back of my neck stands up. The kids ranging in age from 13-18 were beginning to gather around. As I nervously surveyed the group, I could have immediately divided them into 2 groups. The first group was like Savannah. You would be lucky to get 2 words out of them in normal conversation, but the LIVED to be on stage, where they would miraculously transform into the character they would portray. The second group would be the extroverts. They were bubbly,talkative,and knew everybody's name by the end of the day. They were into their own sense of individual style, with no 2 alike.

After about 30 seconds, I am totally freaked out. This is totally Savannah's scene. These are her peeps. I am a visitor in a foreign land. I do not speak the language. What is it about these kids that give me the creeps??? After Savannah assures me that she does NOT want me to stay, I knock over about 3 other artsy kids trying to get the hell out of there.

I got out to the car and after saying a prayer for Savannah, I kept pondering why on earth I am so paralyzed everytime I take her to these things? What is it? What is going on with me? After awhile, it came to me. These kids are the exact opposite of me. They have no time restraints. Time is not an issue for them. The rules in their life are more fluid. The confines that they feel are from the limits of their own creativity. The day begins when the creative juices begin to flow, and the day ends, when the creativity begins to wane. A very open minded group. There are no lists. There are no clocks. And THAT does not fit into my universe.

After talking myself down off that ledge and working things out in my mind, I was ready to get back in there. It was time to pick her up, and I was ready this time. I pulled up outside, and waited. It looked like I wouldn't have to go back inside after all. The kids were already coming out! WOO-HOO! I waited, and watched for Savannah. She didn't come. I parked the car and went in. As soon as I walked through the door someone punched me in the gut. HARD. ----Oh, no. wait. No one physically punched me, but that is exactly what it felt like. There I saw my daughter. My little girl. I saw what was delaying her.

It was a guy.

An odd looking guy. Pudgy....some facial hair..... You remember the type-they had the misfortune of looking like they were in their mid-thirties in highschool? The type that if you didn't just tell them straight out to "Go away", they were certain that you were in love with them. The type that would own a light blue suit. He was........odd. He was wearing a "Family Missions 2006" T-shirt. He was giving all his strange attention to Savannah, and helping her with her sheet music. He didn't know the meaning of "personal space". She looked trapped and helpless, but as is her nature, she just stood there smiling and nodding quietly. (Again, if I had no MEMORY of her birth...........)

Once I recovered from the initial blow of this sight, my inner dialogue, as I walked over to where the 2 were standing went something like this: "OH GOD! I'm not ready!!! .............SHE'S not ready!!.............................NONE. OF. US. HERE .ARE READY!!!!!!!!!!!" I got her out of there. And fast.

The thoughts that raced through my brain! "She is going to be there from 10 to 4 EVERY DAY for the next 4 weeks!!! .......Does she KNOW that this guy is strange????........ Will she just be too nice, and let him rule her every moment?????....... AHHHHHH!!!!!! ............How do I tell her?.......SHOULD I tell her???........Hey- maybe this will be my big contribution to my daughter.......Now THIS kinda stuff, I'm good at. Oh, yeah- I can hear that now....'Ya know that guy? Well, he's a freak-just tell him to get away, it's the only thing that he'll understand'. No.....no......that's not right. That can't be right"

As it turns out, when I "casually" approached this subject with her, she sensed that I need reassurance. (Perhaps it was my breathless, half-sob, as I gripped both her shoulders that gave it away.) "It's O.K Mom.....He's kind of strange.........and he bothers everyone like that."

It was at this point that I was once again reminded that SHE is the one handling things the right way. SHE is the one doing the right thing. And that......... (sigh) I. Have. Issues.

Thomasina has some stuff to say about Savannah's Theatre experience as well, as she took her in for the audition the next day. This is the first time that Aunt Thom has had to be there with one of the neices or nephews when their necks were SO on the line. She is going to blog about HER side of the story.

Have a great day!
Melissa

Damned Feeder Pigs!!

This is where I grew up. This is the view from the house, looking down to the barn. Dad had just cut the hay when I took this picture, and you could smell it drying. I love it here. I have so many wonderful memories that are all connected with this section of earth. I am certain that almost all of the really important lessons of life, I learned right here.

Every day after school I walked down this road to do chores. And so did Thomasina. Although I remember being somewhat less than enthusiastic about this sometimes, after I got going, it was always a wonderful release after being cooped up in a classroom all day. Sometimes Thomasina would walk down with me, and sometimes I would do my best to escape my seemingly pesky little sister and get some time to myself.

Thomasina was actually a good little sister. She could have told on me for about.....oh....I don't know........a million things. But she never did. Well. ALMOST never.

One day, when I was 11 or 12 and Thomasina was 8 or 9(Em would have been way-little, so she's not in this story) we were at the barn doing our normal chores. At that time, It was my job to milk Rosie, our milk cow, in the evenings. I had already used up any goodness that was within my wicked little self, at school that day. My friends were stressing me out big time. Stayin' cool, was hard. I STILL didn't have those Jordache jeans. It had been a rough day. Man, I was sweatin' life.

Not long after getting to the barn,I had Rosie in her stall. She was happily munching her feed. I grabbed the stool, squated down and started milking. I had hardly gotten a cup full in the bucket, when a feeder pig, scurried through. Then another. And another. HOW DID THEY GET OUT?! There were more than 5. Feeder pigs are about the size of a medium dog, and they are just full of teenagery youthfulness and mischief. They were all around Rosie's food, and then all around the milk bucket. Rosie was a good and gentle milk cow, but she'd had enough. She kicked at all the annoying pigs, and knocked over the bucket. ARGH!
I yelled. I waved my arms. I stomped around. It was no use, they totally ignored me and ran in and out from under the stall, like it was Disneyland.

I called to Thomasina, and she came running over from the hen house. "Keep these stupid pigs out of this stall so I can finish milking!"

Now, looking back.....I'm not sure how an 8 year old would be able to keep 5+ feeder pigs from doing ANYTHING. But at the time, it seemed like a reasonable request to heap upon my sibling.

Of course this was doomed to failure. And although Thom was a spry and fearless, pig-kickin' kid, the previous scene repeated itself, complete with Rosie knocking over about 1/2 a bucket of milk this time.

I snapped.

I climed over the stall wall while muttering, "I am so SICK of these DAMNED pigs!!!!!!" (gasp!) I said the "d" word! Did I say that out loud?? One look at Thomasina's wide, you're-going-to-hell-eyes, told me that yes..........I HAD said the "d" word OUT LOUD. And with a much smaller voice now, I said "Just don't tell mom, O.K?" .......... long pause.........O.K??? (silence)

I was dead meat. She was telling. She had to. Her big sister was on the path to hell for sure.

I don't remember what happened with the pigs, or with Rosie, or if I ever did get any milk in the bucket to take back up to the house. All I remember was being mortified at how dissapointed that my mom was going to be when she found out that her oldest daughter cussed like a sailor. (Which, at the time, I actually WAS doing on a regular basis at school.)

*To this day, I have never heard my mother utter a curse word. (Although my sister swears that she once heard her day, "Derned thing!"). But I didn't hear it myself, so I can't be sure.*

My mom talked to me about the whole incident. I don't remember much of what she said. Sorry, mom, I'm sure it was a good talk and all. But I DO remember her looking me straight in the eye and asking me. "Now where did you hear talk like that?"

Now...... dear readers, I had heard "talk like that" numerous times every day from my dad. Since birth. (Like a scene straight from The Christmas Story.) Dad has always had a very colorful vocabulary that meshes so nicely with his southern drawl. It's part of who he is. I had learned a whole BUNCH of curse words from my dad.

But I remember looking at my mom and blurting out between sobs, "the kids at school!"

It wasn't too long after that, that I was in private school.

There isn't much of a moral to this story. Mostly just a funny memory. The talk didn't really stick either. I still cuss on occasion. (sorry mom) Though I do TRY not to. But when I'm stressed.....you know.......it's like there are feeder pigs everywhere, again. Damn it!

And Thom, thanks for not telling Mom about all the other stuff.

g'night!

Melissa

A little more.....

I still have more to say about Fran, from my last post.

I was completely taken back by this woman at first, just by her amazing appearance and life (i.e, The 6 kids). I eventually came around full circle and was incredibly encouraged by this. Hard work and determination really DO get you there, ya know?

I like thinking about this, because to me, it means that being healthy and fit really ARE withhin everyone's grasp, no matter what your lifestyle. I mean we don't all need, (or *want*, as some pointed out) to look like a fitness competitor, but we can all improve from where we are. We can all FEEL better, by taking better care of our bodies. One step at a time, no matter where you are in life. I think that is very, very encouraging!

I got the following in my email this morning. It really nailed things down for me.

Written by Elisabeth Elliot

Certain aspects of the job the Lord has given me to do are very easy to postpone. I make excuses, find other things that take precedence, and, when I finally get down to business to do it, it is not always with much grace. A new perspective has helped me recently:
The job has been given to me to do. Therefore it is a gift. Therefore it is a privilege. Therefore it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Therefore it is the route to sanctity.
Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness. The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen to shape me with--into the image of Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for the work You have assigned me. I take it as your gift; I offer it back to you. With your help I will do it gladly, faithfully, and I will trust You to make me holy.

Have a GREAT day. Do 1 thing today that is good for your body. Let me know what you did.
Melissa

I apologize. Seriously......I'm sorry for this one.

Meet Francisca Dennis. She's beautiful, right? The picture of all that is strong, fit and healthy.

Now, I'm going to hurt you. My dear, dear, readers......this one will truly hurt.

She and I are the same age.

Yep. She's 37. THIRTY-SEVEN! How can this be? Shocking, isn't it?

But, now ladies..........I shall crush you.

This 37 yr old woman has had.....as in BIRTHED.....6 children. Read that again. 6 children.

I tried to deny it at first. I researched. It's not hype. It's not even photo shop. There's not even a nanny. Just her, her husband, their six kids, and a hell of alot of determination and hard work. If you read about her, you can't even hate her. You'll actually LIKE her. She's the real deal. She even readily admits to stretch marks.

So what am I to do with this information? I am simultaneously mega-depressed and incredibly motivated by this knowledge. And it is because of this, that you, dear readers, will likely have to endure more knowledge about my current work-outs and state of fitness that you will EVER want to know.

Seriously, I am incredibly motivated by this woman.

www.franciscadennis.com

G'night,

Melissa

It's Movie night

Friday's is Movie Night at our house. But since we will be out of town this weekend, we moved it up a night. Jack watched Air Bud-Seventh Inning Stretch...(ugh). And Austin and I are watching The Sixth Sense after Jack goes to bed. He has never seen it before. ;-)

Tomorrow Jack and I are going to Mom and Dads for the weekend. Thomsina has a wedding this weekend, so she is going to drop Austin off for camping with the scouts this weekend. She always saves me. Thanks, Thom.

Savannah has been at Mom and Dads for a week. I miss her so much. And Jack really misses her. He will be so happy to have his sister back at home. They have talked on the phone and emailed back and forth. Jack loves to tell her everything. I think that I have not really understood, before, just how close those two really are. They are best friends and true confidants. I am so glad that they have one another.

I am looking forward to seeing Mom, Dad and Em, The Dude and the kids. (Can't WAIT to see those boys!)

It will be tough to spend another Fathers Day without Race. I need to find something positive and creative for the kids. We miss him so, so much, that I just cannot express it in words. The kids handle it so well, but of course I SEE the areas that are lacking, the areas that dad would fill up if he were here.
I believe in playing the hand that I've been dealt, but I also believe that you should never be ashamed to ask of God what he may choose not to give. Does that make sense typed out? I am asking God for a little more time together.And I will take His answer.

It will be nice to have all three kids back under one roof after the weekend. We still have Savannah's theatre try-outs and then 4 straight weeks of rehearsals, Austin's Scout Camp and then Sea Base off the coast of Florida. In between there is baseball and Martial arts and apparently there will be riding lessons in the near future again. There is still plenty of summer left to be busy. But it is a temptation to just let the schedule dictate, and just let life happen. To just be dragged along by lifes necessities. I don't want to fall into that trap again.

So, (raising a glass) here's to keeping one's eyes on the higher calling. (clink!)

Have a Wonderful Fathers Day. Who can know what drives these men to get up every day and go and slay the dragons that they do? Show those dads how much you appreciate all that they do. Be supportive. Be cheerful. Let them know that their sacrifices don't go unnoticed.

G'night,
Melissa