The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

The Good

What a busy month this has been. We have had so much fun with all the activities going on.

Here is our version of the Gingerbread house. They wanted it to look "just like the box." Not bad, considering we had a frosting fiasco, and Caleb kept eating the frosting.


I forgot to mention in my last post that Caleb would have his 5 year checkup. That means shots and lots of them. He somehow knew, because from the moment we walked in the door, he was asking everyone if they would give him a shot. He got answers from "no, I won't" from the receptionist, to "not now" from the nurse, to "I don't give shots" from the doctor. Finally the time came when the nurse returned with the dreaded tray of shots - 4 plus a TB skin test. He had already had his finger pricked, so we left with 6 new bandaids and a couple of stickers. Poor kid. He recovered quickly with a new toy from Wal-Mart.

Caleb and Joshua had a conversation in the car this week...
Joshua: Caleb, that's the second time you've hit me.
Caleb: No, it's the first time, the other time was an accident.

Luke decided to be Santa's little elf. He took most of my package labels and labeled himself. He was so proud of himself. He also got so excited every time he saw Christmas lights: "ki-ki ights, mama."

Christmas was busy and fun. We celebrated at nana & papa's, mimi's, our house, grandma's, and grandad's. I guess that's five Christmases. The house still hasn't recovered.Nana and Papa's grandkidsMy brother checks out the new nerf "longshot". Joshua ended up with four new nerf guns. We have bullets everywhere!Christmas morning awaiting the presents opening time.

The BadWe had a celebration for my grandmother's 95th birthday on Saturday. I knew she had been going downhill for the last week, but I was sort of unprepared for how bad she was. She was only semi-conscious during the party. Somehow, I know that she knew we had come to see her and that we were there. We were blessed to have been able to see her one last time. She passed away that night. We'll drive to Kentucky for the funeral.


The Ugly

On the way home from Dad's I hit a deer. It was one of those things where it just appeared as if from nowhere. There was one deer halfway across the road, and another just starting to cross the road. I hit the one just starting across, and I didn't have any time to react. I'm almost glad that I didn't see it in advance, because I probably would have tried to avoid it and could have ended up in a much worse situation. We are fortunate everyone is okay and the airbags didn't deploy. So, after about $4,000 in repairs and 2 weeks without a car, all should be fixed. Thank goodness for insurance!

The List

I'm not sure where the list came from, as I copied it from Julie. My conclusion is that I need more international travel! I'm still working on the six interesting or weird things about me that Julie tagged me for. I'm about halfway there.

Simply copy the list and cross out the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

December, Where are you going?

I knew this would happen. It happens every year. After Thanksgiving, time just starts to fly. So, here we are almost half way through December, and I haven't updated! I don't know if I can remember all that we've been doing! So here goes,

Matt's Christmas Party for work

We always enjoy their party since we get a great meal, door prizes, and the kids get a toy picked out just for them by Santa. ;-)Luke tries to measure up to the nutcracker.

Caleb tells Santa that Joshua is his brother, like Santa doesn't already know that, right?

Caleb's birthday party
Caleb turned five! We had a Diego party, and we had a magician come for a visit. Here is Caleb helping the magician with a trick. To set up the video, Caleb has just helped the magician pull a scarf rabbit from a scarf hat. Now, they will attempt to make the rabbit disappear.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo PrintingJoshua turns one ball into a handful.
How many helpers does it take to put together Hungry, Hungry Hippos?
Caleb with his Diego pinata.

Joshua's end of the year program
Joshua's fine arts classes had a program to show off their skills. The chorus sang, Joshua played piano, and his drama class did a cute skit. We all got to enjoy cookies and punch afterwards. We are so blessed to have a school that will welcome homeschoolers for one or more classes. We hope to continue our relationship with this school for years to come.

Cookie baking
We made a batch of cookies for a cookie swap at MOPS. The boys still love to lick the bowl. You can definitely tell they are related to me!

We still have another Christmas party (adults only, woo hoo!) and Christmas right around the corner with a trip to the hometown. I hope you all are enjoying this time of the year. We are counting our blessings and remembering the reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We've had a wonderful day. We were able to get together with Matt's family and have a huge meal. I don't think we barely put a dent in all the food. We were thankful to have Matt's parents with us this year as they were going through radiation in Houston this time last year. We are blessed for Jean to be 1 year past treatment, and we are looking forward to many more years with her!

We had a nice get away last weekend in Pigeon Forge. We had a little snow, but the weather was still beautiful. The boys got to swim at the indoor pool and were very excited for that. Matt and I got to do a little shopping while Mom and Steve kept the boys. They were also in Pigeon Forge that weekend for a square dance, the Turkey Trot. We took a drive over to Cade's Cove (a former pioneer area) and let the boys run around. They even got to see the elk that wander freely.

Count your blessings and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Good luck with the Black Friday shopping, if you try it!

Geocaching

We bought a GPS for father's day, and we have enjoyed using it on our travels (noticed I said "we", even though it was for father's day?). Matt says that he needs to buy one for himself now that I have taken over "his" GPS.

Anyway, we decided to try out geocaching. If you've never heard of it, it's like a treasure hunt using coordinates on the GPS. You go to the geocaching website and put in your address. It searches for caches around your area. These are small boxes that have been placed in secret locations. The boxes contain a log and a few trinkets. You pick the cache you want to find, plug in the coordiantes, find the box, autograph the log, and trade a trinket. We picked three to find.

Unfortunately, the first two were on government land, and they were sponsoring a "women's only" deer hunt. So, with guns in the area, we decided not to find those. We were able to work on another one, called a "multi-site" cache. It was actually several coordinates with each one giving the clue for the next. There were about five stops all within walking distance of each other using dates and numbers from local historical markers to solve the clue for the next. The final stop was a little more complicated as it was in the woods. It didn't help that I used the coordinates for the parking location instead of the coordinates for the cache. We were walking around the parking lot for about 15 minutes until I realized, oops! So, we found the box, signed the log and traded out a hot wheels car for a plastic eagle that balances on your finger.

October

Hey, what just happened?

October has come and gone like most of my recent months. We have been enjoying the weather, crazy as it has been. It was warm in the 70s today, but last week we had snow flurries in the morning. Sounds like Colorado!

We have been trying to fit in all the usual October activities. We carved a pumpkin...Star Wars style. We tried to roast the pumpkin seeds, but the boys weren't crazy about them. They loved the pumpkin guts though.We took the Youth group to see Judgment House at the local church. They said that they had over 1000 people come through during the run. It's a walk through drama with an eternal message. It was great, and I know the folks running it must be exhausted, 5 late nights in a row. We enjoyed two fall festivals and a pumpkin party at the boys' preschool. Yum, cotton candy!


Joshua had his end of the season football banquet. The boys were able to get together and visit one last time. I was surprised the other day when Joshua said that he would play football again, if he could play with all the same team mates. So, despite only winning one game, the friendships he gained meant more to him. I was pleased to hear him say it, but it's back to soccer come spring. :-)

We dressed up the boys Friday evening and set out in search of candy. It was supposed to be a quick thing...Mimi's, Nana and Papa's, Chris', and Grandma's. Well, it turned into more of night than I had planned. Mimi wanted us to go to her friend's house, then Grandma's neighbor wanted us to come over, and her other neighbor times 3. No longer do people give one piece of candy each, it's more like a ziploc bag full of candy for each child! We have so much candy that I think I need to donate some of it. Luke keeps climbing up on the counter and helping himself!

Here are my little heroes...

Football is over!

We ended the football season with a less than stellar season. Joshua has learned a lot, so it wasn't completely wasted time. They did have a win last week, but that was the only one for the season. Joshua is so excited about his new found "freedom."

All of us have been battling different levels of colds. I felt terrible on Sunday, and I still don't have my voice. Joshua and Caleb have low grade fevers, and mostly just want to lay around today. I'm ready for this bug to move on. Bring on the flu shots!

With Caleb and Luke's school out for two days this week, Mom has been overrun with little boys. Today, as she was trying to help Joshua with some worksheets, the other two were being quite disruptive. She finally put her head in her hands (I've been there), and after a few minutes Caleb comes up to her and asks: "Grandma, what do you think would happen if you put mashed up potato chips up your nose and then you sneezed?"

Gotta love Caleb for a tension breaker!

At 80 degrees today, it doesn't feel much like fall, but we've got activities planned for the season. I've got a pumpkin waiting to be carved. We are going to a Fall Festival this weekend that the boys are excited about. MOPS has started back up, and I love "skipping" work to go meet with other moms of youngsters, plus the great food. I've got reservations for my youth group to go see Judgment House. I love this time of the year, and I'm looking forward to a weekend trip to Pigeon Forge in November so the boys can see all the lights! Believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner! And with Christmas comes the end of the year. And with the end of the year, comes the end of my work commitment. I'm already thinking of my "new year's resolutions" that I can tackle once I am home again full-time. It will be here before I know it, and my little Caleb will turn 5 in the middle of all this chaos. Crazy. Where does the time go?

Enjoy the fall everyone!Luke playing on the computer again!

Where's Joshua? He's in the basket!

Great Weekend!

We have had a wonderful weekend with friends.

We started Friday night with a Star Wars - Clone Wars house party thanks to houseparty.com They sent a DVD with the premiere Clone Wars episode plus lots of party favors. The boys got to play, eat, and watch the new cartoon. Joshua said that the worst part was when everyone left.All the boys watching the new show.Some of the moms trying on the masks. Maybe the won't recognize us!

Saturday evening, we met a couple to see the movie Fireproof. It is from the same folks who made Facing the Giants. Click on the link to see the trailer and learn more about it...action, romance, humor. It could change your marriage! I definitely recommend it!

Joshua only has two more weeks left to football. He is very excited, and we are too. This will give us about 6 more hours to our weeknight evenings!
We started a new year of MOPS. The boys were very proud to show off their puppy crafts made during MOPPETS. Luke is trying to tilt his head for the best view of his hat.

Out of Gas!!!!

Yes, we really are out of gas around here! I sat in line for 20 minutes today, and when I got to the pump and put in my credit card, the screen started blinking "ALL PUMPS STOPPED". I was afraid that my card had shut the pump down, but then they announced that they were out of gas. I didn't even get one drop! At least I still have 1/4 tank. The news is now saying that this should ease by the end of the week. I saw another station run out of gas from the time that I passed taking Joshua to school and came back by afterwards. I saw one other station with a line out into the road. Lastly, I saw about 10 stations completely out. I can manage probably for the rest of the week with 1/4 tank, but I think of those in Atlanta that have long commutes. I wonder how they are getting around!

Women of Faith

I went with 27 other women to the Women of Faith conference this weekend at Philips Arena. As usual when I do anything in Atlanta, I thought of all my times at Tech. It reminds me of my college friends and all the experiences of that phase of my life. It's a bittersweet feeling as I realized that although I have many wonderful memories from those years, there are times I wish I could go back and "re-do." However, I learned this weekend that life is about accepting God's forgiveness, forgiving yourself, and moving forward in the infinite grace He extends toward us despite our failures.

The speakers were fabulous. Anita Renfroe was funny and awesome, as usual. If you haven't seen her William Tell Overture for Moms, click here. We also heard from some great speakers and Nicole C. Mullen sang. I had to get a couple of her CDs, because she was like a Christian Janet Jackson! I had so many emotions during the conference, but I have been renewed in my faith and feel that the bar has been raised on my Christian walk. I listened to these women share their faith and many troubles that they have overcome. They give credit to our Awesome God who brings them through the storms. Their stories were so real and applicable. I really enjoyed the time with my room-mates also. I stayed up until midnight chatting with the girls, yes, I made it to midnight!

After a wonderful time at the conference, I was thrilled to drive up and see all my boys in the yard. I got the expected response from each:
Joshua: "mama, I'm glad you're home, I missed you."
Luke: "mamaaaaaaaaaaa" and a big dirty hug and kiss
Caleb: without looking up from his excavation of my flower bed "hi"
Matt: a big hug and "I'm sure glad you're home"

I'm glad to be home too.

Out of the mouth of babes...

With the boys happily entertained with a video, I decided to take a quick shower. I was just finishing up when all three boys crashed into the bathroom each asking a separate request. I told them to leave the bathroom, that I needed some privacy, and that I would talk to them when I was dressed. Caleb immediately piped up, "but mama, I won't laugh".

Finally some pictures

I finally got a chance to download my pictures for the entire month of August. Were you beginning to think my camera was broken?

We made our trip to Stone Mountain. Matt and Joshua got to try out the new "sky hike", a ropes course with three levels. The actually did all three levels. Some kids were scared and had to turn around at different points in the course. It was very slow going. Joshua did great all the way through. His only complaint afterwards was that his hands hurt from holding onto the ropes for so long. We rode the sky lift up the mountain and then we decided to walk back down. Quite a hike with the little ones! We took turns carrying them, even Joshua got a lift from Matt for a while.

me and the boys

getting ready for the hike1st level, easy stuff!2nd level, getting harder3rd level, top of the world

We went out to the local Relay for Life cancer walk. Joshua got to try the dunking booth, and the boys took turns on the giant slide. It was lots of fun benefiting a great cause! They set up luminaries in honor and in remembrance of those with cancer. They had a special section set up for pets, and they had stuffed animals all in that section. Joshua had lots of questions, and I tried to answer them as tenderly as I could. Mom and her square dance group came and danced for a while. Jean's school had a booth set up and fixed dinner for all of us. It's hard to believe just a year ago we were still unsure where Jean's treatment would take her. She is still doing great with clear scans.

Mom and Steve dancing

We went to Dad's wedding this weekend. It was great to see my aunt and Dad's cousin who I haven't seen in quite a while. My aunt made Mom M. a pretty dress for the occasion. Doesn't she look good for 94 years young? The boys also got to play with Jake, and I got to play with Jenna.my sweet niece

the boys watching TV

Aunt Barb and Mom M.Dad and Cathy

We also had a friend of Joshua's over to spend the night. Chris took the kids for ride on the farm. It reminds me of the country song "Country boys and girls getting down on the farm".

I just have to include this one. Luke got into my lipstick the other morning when I was rushing around trying to get the boys ready for school. Priceless.

So, here we are into September. The year continues to speed past us. Joshua asked how long until Christmas...4 months. He already has his mind set on making his Christmas list.

Remembering the Olympics

I really enjoyed watching the Olympics this year. Of course there was all the hoopla over Michael Phelps and the gymnastics team, but every night about 8:00 (when we were home), I wanted to flip it on just to see what was going on. NBC did a great job with the broadcast. However, I think another reason that I so much enjoy the summer Olympics is because somehow it takes me back to 1996. Memories of that summer flood my mind anytime I hear someone mention the Olympics. So, I thought that I would add a little tribute to the summer Olympics. Here's a picture to take you back (some of you more than others!). Names have been removed to protect the innocent, but you know who you are!

First Day of School

The weeks continue to fly by.

Caleb and Luke started a 3 day a week preschool while I'm in work. They both walked right in on the first day without so much as a whimper. That was great to me, since I've been through the "peeling the child off your leg" stage already. I can tell, though, that these weren't my first children to go to preschool...no pictures of the first day. Eek! I thought I was a better mother than that, ha. It didn't even occur to me until I saw Tori's first day of school pictures. The boys are going to the preschool where she is the director, so I know that she'll keep a good eye on them.

Monday night, I started a new bible study, Stepping Up, by Beth Moore. There were six other women in the group, and I'm excited to have a focused study time that I have been missing. It's only a six week study, and I know that it will be over all too soon.

Work is going well. I'm busy and have been "challenged" to finish one of my projects by month end. And I thought this would be a cushy temporary job, ha. My mornings are quick paced, and then we come home to do school work with Joshua. I have been having Joshua work some in the mornings at mom's house so that we don't have so much to do in the afternoons. We are studying the Native Americans and early explorers to America.

Joshua is also going to a local private school two days a week for fine art classes. He is studying art, chorus, piano, Spanish, and drama. It complements our home study well, since I am in no way a "creative" or "artsy" type of person. I'll take math or science any day! I'm even learning to enjoy history.

Joshua is also still busy with football, three nights a week. He had his first scrimmage game Thursday, and he got to play quite a bit. His first game will be September 2.

I guess that's it. In my spare time, we're trying to get the basement cleaned up and settled. They boys have moved into their rooms, and they are very excited to be sleeping in separate rooms. Funny, I thought they liked each other.

Facemask!

We have officially started football practice. It's hot, and Joshua is ready to go back to soccer, not because soccer is easier, but because they don't practice as much. We are having practice 3 days a week, 2 hours at a time, ugh. The coach had all the team over to spend the night last week, and Joshua had a great time. He was tired the next day, but I expected that. Last night, they started practice with pads. He looks so cute (oops, not cute, handsome) in his pads and helmet. They are learning to tackle and be tackled. Joshua is a lot tougher than I would have thought. He was trying to tackle and the coaches were yelling for him to get the guy down. So what does any smart little boy who doesn't know the rules of football do? Yes, he grabbed the facemask and down went the other boy. The coaches slapped him on the helmet and then proceeded to explain the facemask penalty.

On the home front, the big boys have moved to their own rooms. The bathroom is now working in the basement. That leaves the bed upstairs unoccupied, so last night, I asked Luke if he wanted to sleep in the big boy bed. Sure enough, he said yes ("yah"), and he got in the bed and stayed there. I was surprised. Even this morning, he called for me before he got out of the bed. Joshua gave me the lecture..."now mama, you know that your boys have to grow up". Yes, I know, but still, a little bit of my heart is trying to hang on to the babies they were.

Joshua and I started some school work yesterday. Caleb and Luke start preschool next week three days a week, and Joshua will be going to school two days a week for "electives". He will be studying chorus, piano, Spanish, art, and drama at a local private school that welcomes homeschoolers. We will be doing the core classes at home the rest of the week. It should be a fun year!

Comings and Goings

The boys enjoying a summer rain shower.

We had a great 4th weekend. Chet, Amanda, and the kids came for the weekend, so we got to spend some time with them. We had a big party for Jean and did a low country boil, yum! Afterwards, we went to the local fireworks.

The boys had swim lessons, and Jean was kind enough to take them to the lessons. I just picked them up, until the last day...I had the day off, so I decided that I would take them and watch. Luke had other ideas. He pitched a fit before we even left. He didn't want to put on a regular diaper, so to humor him, I put on a swim diaper and swimsuit. He just wanted to be like his brothers. Well, when we got to the swim lessons, he pitched another fit. He wanted to get in the pool, just like his brothers. Thankfully, the swim teacher understood and when lessons were over, he took Luke down the slide just like the big kids.

Luke, getting ready to go down the slide

Matt and I have just returned from our cruise. It was wonderful to get pampered for the week. The food was wonderful, and we enjoyed our time together without interruptions. We missed the kids, and I'd love to someday take them on a cruise too. However, it was much needed time for us. During the cruise, we read together "The Five Love Languages" by Dr. Gary Chapman. I recommend reading it, because it really made sense to me how we each feel loved by different things, and if we aren't speaking the their "love" language to others, they may not understand that we really do love them. We also went on a waverunner tour to stingray city in Grand Cayman. It was great, but next time we will definitely rent two instead of riding together. There is just something about having to ride in the back, or maybe I'm just a control freak, ha! We rented 4 wheelers in Cozumel, it was supposed to be a ride through the jungle, but it was mostly just dirt and lots of dust. I would not recommend it again. We got massages that were heavenly. We were glad to get home safely and see the boys.

At one of the ATV tour stops, an ancient Mayan cave, notice the dirt!
Formal night on the cruise

Joshua starts football practice this week. We still have Six Flags tickets and Stone Mountain tickets that we have to use before Aug.10 plus Dad wants us to come down there to pick up some furniture before mid-Aug. So much to do!

I hope you all have a great week!

Just checking in!

Luke, ready for Disney World

Caleb, the ultimate Mr. Potato Head creator...with Spud Troopers and Darth Tater

Joshua in a light saber duel with Darth Maul.

Prince Caspian

Pooh Bear!

Hi all! I guess that I've been slack on the posts lately. We have been having so much summer fun around here that I don't even know where to start. I went back to work on June 9. It was like going back to a school reunion. Everyone seemed really glad to see me back, and some wondered whether I had lost my mind! I've got two projects right now, and I hope to make some progress with them soon. I told my manager before I went back that I already had vacation planned for the summer, so two weeks into work I took my first vacation! Can't beat that!

Matt and I were the directors for Bible School again this year. It happened to fall on the same week that I started work, so I worked in the morning, rushed the boys home for naps and then rushed to VBS for the evenings. I was worn out by the end of the first week. Add to that the workouts that Matt and I have been doing 6 nights a week, and there wasn't much time for posting. We're doing Power 90, if you've ever heard of it. We want to get that "beach body" for our cruise, LOL.

The 2nd week of work was a little less hectic, and Matt and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. We enjoyed a nice lunch out while Mom kept the boys a little later than usual. We are going on our cruise in a few weeks (another week off work, yippee!).

Last week, Matt had his annual software user's conference (last year was Denver) in Orlando. We drove down on Saturday and spent Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday enjoying the pool before Matt had to go to work on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We were able to buy after 4 pm tickets to go to Magic Kingdom one day, and we used our regular tickets to go to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. They were having a Star Wars special event at Hollywood Studios, so we got to see several Star Wars characters. Joshua was chosen to participate in the Jedi Training Academy. About 20 kids were picked from the audience to be "trained" as Jedi Padawans. Then, he got to battle Darth Maul one on one. It was pretty neat for him. It was a great week!

This week comes the swim lessons and 4th of July. It's Jean's birthday, so we'll do something special with her too. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!