Sunny Florida

So, just now...my mom comes in and tells me that it's another gorgeous day. Of course it is.....we're in Florida! We couldn't have ordered better weather for our short little visit here. Everyday has been warm and sunny....just like Florida should be, right? But....there is something very strange about seeing Santa lit up in yards...when it's 80* outside. The snowmen that are dotting some of the lawns? Strange too. I'm sure if I lived here, I would get used to warm weather at Christmastime, but it just feels like it should be cold outside when Santa comes. Anyway, Wyatt and I have had a great time. We've done some different things this time. We rode on an air boat with Capt. Dave and we went to the Butterfly Rainforest at the University of Florida. The air boat was a blast and the butterflies were beautiful. Today, we're going to grab a late breakfast and then just hang out. Then, we head for home in the morning. Have a great day....see ya at home! xoxo

The Night Before Christmas

Ever since the boys were very little, I have watched the Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve. The last time I checked, Santa was in Moscow, Russia....and slowly but surely making his way to Tennessee. It was so exciting to see the boys faces when I would tell them where Santa was. When Ben was little, he would even get a phone call from Santa. Santa would always call him after we got home from church and let Ben know that he needed to get ready for bed. It worked miracles! Ben would always be safely tucked in by about 9:00 on Christmas Eve. Wyatt was a different story! Mr. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing.....probably peeked into the living room and watched us wrap presents! Oh well....they were totally different babies and totally different little boys. So, fast forward to Christmas Eve, 2008. All day long, all we have heard...from BOTH of them....." can we open one present tonight...PLEASE????" Even though Christmas looses a little bit of the mystery as your children get older.....there is always the same magic in the air.
It's just about time to get ready to head to Candlelight Service....so from my keyboard to yours......have a wonderful, magical, and very Merry Christmas. xoxox

The finishing touches...

Cookies have been baked....(and eaten)....presents have been wrapped....the menu is planned. I have about 4 more presents to wrap, another batch of cookies to bake, and the rest of the sausage balls need to be baked too. The King is off until next Monday, so he said he would help...since I am working tomorrow. There's not much left to do except a little housework. Sis, Nanny and I are grocery shopping for Christmas dinner tomorrow and we'll go to candlelight service at church tomorrow evening. Then all we have to do is wait on Santa!
I still have lots to do to get ready to be away from home and the office for 5 days though.
Since my last post...Wyatt has been to the dentist and had no cavities. Great job, Wyatt! I have to admit, I'm a little surprised. Wyatt has never been the best brusher, but apparently he gets the job done! Ben goes next Monday...I hope he makes out as good as Wyatt did.
One more thing, then I am done for the day....Ben says that a "little corn snake" may be in our future. I'm not so sure about that.....stay tuned!

Wrapping up

Yep....wrapping it all up tonight. For the first time EVER....I wrapped Christmas presents before midnight on Christmas Eve. See, when the boys were little, Santa always brought his presents to them wrapped. So.....the King and I were always up really, really late 'helping Santa'. For some reason...after the 'Santa days' were over for the boys, I still ended up wrapping presents on the floor on Christmas Eve. Not this year! It's all done.....Whew!
Sis and I have even decided what to fix for Christmas dinner too....we'll be having a standing rib roast, baked potatoes, and a salad. I'm positive that she will come up with a fabulous dessert too...cause that's just how she is...fabulous!
We had a pretty full day today...starting with basketball, then some shopping, then home to wrap, wrap, wrap. We also went through hundreds of old pictures tonight, too. The King is busy scanning them now. Look for them on Photobucket later. Nite y'all. xxooxx

Pen Pals....maybe?

I suppose that's what you might call us. I got boxes in the mail from my long distance friends this week. Lots of goodies from very lovely ladies. We have known each other forever it seems but we've never met. I love all three of them and would love to meet them all someday. We talk for hours and hours about everything under the sun. Sometimes we talk for hours and hours about absolutely nothing at all. We talk about food and friendships, family and husbands, kids and the weather, and everything in between. I love hearing about their adventures and they enjoy hearing stories about the boys....and even about the King. We share happy things and bad things.....we share most everything that happens in our lives. We have been there for each other when one of us has been sick and when we have lost loved ones. They are good therapy for me and I hope that I am the same for them. I know they're going to be reading this soon.....so I want y'all to know that I treasure each one of you and love you all very much. xoxox

Finally!

Exams are over! I'm so glad....for more that the obvious reasons. I'm glad they're over so that the boys can relax and start their holiday. But....I'm REALLY glad that tomorrow is the last day that I'll have to drag them out of bed! The bigger they get, the harder it is to get them in an upright position in the mornings. Ben has never liked to wake up so that's nothing new for him...but Wyatt used to be the happiest fella ever! Not anymore! They're BOTH grouches! I'm sensing a suggested New Year;s resolution for them both.....I'll let ya kn0w how that works out. I'm sure it WON'T work out! Anyway, we're off to basketball tonight....keep warm and dry out there.....xoxox

A bell ringer?!?!

So...my dad has decided to do something totally out of character this Christmas. He has volunteered to be a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army. The fact that he decided to volunteer to do something to help other people isn't the part that is out of character. But he decided to stand in front of a grocery store, wear an apron, and ring a little bell...THAT'S the part that is out of character! I have to admit, when my mom told me....I was shocked and amazed. He called me today while he was ringing his little bell...and now I have to admit that in addition to still being shocked and amazed...I'm also proud. Maybe the pretty lady that offered to sing with him is making it a little easier...who knows. Whatever it is that compelled him to want to do this makes me very proud. Ringing the bell in Florida...in 80 degree weather while we're waiting for an ice storm here in Middle Tennessee...sounds like an excellent way to spend the day. I love you, Dad!

It's in the oven....

Honey Bun Cake

1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Icing (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 325*F.
2. In a large bowl combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and sour cream. Mix by hand until most large lumps are gone.
3. Pour half of the batter into an ungreased 9x13x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon on top of the batter in the baking pan. Spoon the other half of the batter into the cake pan, covering the brown sugar and cinnamon. Swirl top of cake with a knife until it looks like a honey bun.
4. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

Icing:

2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl.
2. Mix until well blended.
3. Spread over the warm cake.

So there ya have it. That's what my house smells like right this very second. The cake combined with the fresh pine hanging in the doorway, and I have to admit...it smells like Christmas.
I know I have said it before, but for some reason I want to say it again. (It's always on my mind.) There are several families in our little town who are fighting very courageous battles with cancer. Never before have we personally known so many people touched by this evil disease. It's evil in what it does to a body.....but so many blessings have come to and from these amazing people. I'm very thankful and proud to know of each one of them. I'm also so very thankful that my children and family are healthy and happy during this Christmas season. Wow....all that AND honey bun cake! Have a great day....and keep warm! xoxox

More busy days.

They just keep coming. Although today was a snow day for the schools, my day was just as busy. I stayed at work until 5, trying to tie up some loose ends for an event on Sunday. It's not all tied up, but I did what I could. Then had to do a little Christmas shopping for a family breakfast tomorrow. Are ya bored with the details yet? I'm waking up early tomorrow to bake a honey bun cake for the breakfast. It will be nice to have an early, relaxed morning again. Some good coffee and some yummy smells coming from the oven....may just inspire a better post. Until then....sleep tight.

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Day, we've invited the King's parents and sister (and Remus) over for dinner. I only have one problem. I don't have a menu. The King's sister....Sis...is a fantastic cook and I know that between the two of us, we can prepare just about anything. We just don't know what to have. We've ruled out the traditional turkey or ham since we just had it a few weeks ago at Thanksgiving. We both fixed a standing rib roast last year, which was totally amazing...but totally expensive, so that's out too. We'll be cooking for 9 probably. Not including any bonus children that might cross the threshold during that day. I've been searching the internet for ideas. Italian maybe? I don't know. I'm sure whatever we come up with, though, will be delicious...cause that's just how we are...Sis and me. Even though I have ideas in my head that we will all gather around a perfectly set table, with candles and flowers and pretty dishes and good wine...but really what we do us is grab a plate and find a spot. We're very informal around here...but I'm thinking that I'm going to keep the thought of some really nice wine...yes, friends, that will be a reality. xoxox...keep warm!

I'm wrong. You're right.

Always.

I don't know how to spell or read. I don't know how to add or subtract. Sometimes I wonder how you think I make it from here to there during the day.

My life in the eyes of a 12 year old. I'm not the first mom to feel this way and I'm not the last one either. When you're 12....you know everything...right? NOT!

I DO know how to spell and read...rather efficiently, too. I also know how to add, subtract, multiply, AND even divide....I use those skills everyday. There are lots of other things that I know how to do too...and I do them well, but they're not interesting things to a 12 year old.

Some of the things that I CAN'T do....I can't play basketball, nor do I want to. I can't ride a wheelie on a bicycle...don't want to do that either though. The difference is, those are examples of things that I don't HAVE to know how to do. The other things....ya gotta know how to do. It's the facts. I'm sorry that when you're 12 you don't want to read or spell or add or subtract. But you have to.

OK...rant for the day is over. Have a lovely evening.

And so it goes....another week.

Lately it all seems to be running together. Work. Homework. Basketball. Christmas. It always seems like during the busy times, we always say..."well, things will settle down after (whatever the busy time is)". "It will settle down once the kids get back in school." "It will settle down after fall break." Now I find myself saying "Things will settle down after basketball and Christmas." There will be something else to 'settle down after' coming right up I'm sure. Oh well...at least we don't get bored! Anyway.....basketball game tonight and tomorrow night. At home. That's a good thing. Maybe I can get some shopping done....after basketball.
On a different subject, since at least 2 of us are going to Gaga and Pap's after Christmas, I thought I might check on some flights. Silly me! Even though the price of gas has come down considerably...the prices of flights have NOT! Looks like we will be driving. That's OK though, it's really not a bad drive. Wyatt and I just might sidetrack ourselves and find some interesting places to stop along the way. In addition to the winery in Manchester, that is! I always have to stop at the Beans Creek Winery. Looking at their website...I missed their Anniversary sale! So, if you know of fun places worth stopping at between here and Gaga and Pap's house...let me know! xoxox

The tree...

I know it looks crooked....but I swear it's not!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas....

.....at my house! We put the tree up today and got Christmas out of the attic. I'm starting to get a little Christmas spirit now. Since Wyatt and I (and maybe Ben) will be going to Florida the day after Christmas, I won't be able to continue my UN-Christmasing on that day. So....the king says that I need to leave it all up until New Years. I don't think so!! I counting on him getting tired of it while we're gone and hopefully it will all be safely tucked back in the attic until next year. We'll see! Anyway, our $38 Christmas tree from Lowe's isn't so bad. Yes, it's fake. Yes, it looks fake. Yes, I wish it was real. But, it's kinda pretty. I'd take a picture of it for y'all, but the batteries in the camera are dead. Tomorrow. I promise. There are a few more things to do to get the house Christmas-ized...that'll happen tomorrow too. I still haven't picked out the Christmas cards...so that has to be done too. The lights need to be hung outside and cookies need to be baked. Oh...and I need to Christmas shop! Night..xox

One of the best things about my job...

.....I work in an office with one other person. A man. It's really a lovely situation. Don't get me wrong...I love having my friends that are girls, I just don't want to work with any other women. That...and the man in the office is a great guy...an added bonus. We get along great. Sometimes a little tension..but NOT like if there were other women there! I say all of that because several of the other ladies that have the same job as me are having a little drama. I really hate it for them, but it makes me even more thankful that I'm in a one woman office....and that one woman is me! Anyway, this little drama that's been going on is unfortunate. Things were misunderstood and feelings got hurt. Hopefully they can be friends again sometime, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. So, we live and learn....it happens...and we are better for it. Hang in there, L! xoxox

Great news....

No more shots! The doctor said that it would be OK for Ben to stop the methotrexate. Of course, if we notice changes in the place on his leg, we will go back, but if nothing changes...we don't even have to go back! If Ben doesn't start gaining some weight back, then we have to follow up with Dr. Kinney. Hopefully, he will start gaining weight and we won't have to worry about it. They still don't think that the medication is what caused the weight loss....so I suppose we'll see.
All in all it was a good day. Not too much homework for Wyatt and nowhere else to go tonight. xxooxx

Too much to do, not enough of me to do it.

So, last night we went to Thompson's Station, TN to play basketball. It's all good, we won. But it was an hour there and an hour back. Not much time for homework. Or anything else, for that matter. But...we won so it's ok. Fast forward through today.....Wyatt has tutoring after school. I need to pick him up at 5:30. Then we need to come home (obviously) and start on homework. I won't forget to feed my child either...before we head out to practice at 7:30. Then he'll need to be picked up at 9:30. Good night!
Tomorrow, Ben goes to Vandy for his check up. His appointment is at 3. His last class for tomorrow...yep, you guessed it, is over at 3. We've had this appointment for 6 months and I'm not about to reschedule. We're hoping that he will get to stop the methotrexate injections. So, NO WAY are we rescheduling! Appointments with pediatric rheumatologists are hard to come by, apparently. Hopefully, it won't be a problem for him to leave school at 2 and meet me somewhere to go to Vanderbilt.
There is always more that needs to be done, but I'll work it in somehow. I always do! So...for tonight.....keep your fingers crossed that Wyatt can get his homework done AND eat dinner before practice. And for tomorrow....say a quick prayer that Ben gets to stop the shots...at least for now...and that the morphea on his leg does NOT start to spread again. Love y'all...xoxox

No surprises.

AND no snow. It's just cold. That's all. Maybe next time....Have a great day...without snow. xox

Nothing yet.

No snow yet. But the weatherman says it's coming. Just flurries all day, and maybe a dusting. The temp is going to stay above freezing all day. That means we'll be able to travel an hour each way for Wyatt's basketball game. Yep....a very long day is ahead of my little family. I'm sure everyone will sleep good tonight! Have a great day...and stay warm wherever you are...xoxox

Special Weather Statement

Issued by The National Weather ServiceNashville, TN 2:44 pm CST, Sat., Nov. 29, 2008
... SNOW POSSIBLE IN MID STATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY...

Big deal. I'm gonna go to the grocery store just in case though!!! I might even wear my pajamas inside out and sleep with a spoon under my pillow, too. And if that doesn't work...then it wasn't meant to be. Y'all have sweet snowflake dreams tonight!!

Catching up.

Sometimes I have to just stop and catch up on things. I think tomorrow will be one of those catch up days. I need to get re-organized. Now that it is officially the Christmas Season, I need to get the housework caught up too. I really don't like putting the tree up too early though. There is enough to dust without having to dust Christmas decorations too! I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit scroog-y so far this year. I don't know why and I'm sure the Christmas spirit will consume me soon. We started shopping today, so maybe that will help. Perhaps if I did some baking....a house full of sweet smells always helps! We bought a new Christmas tree today, too. The last tree bit the dust last year...only half of the pre-lit lights came on. Ok...enough of the scrooging for me. Maybe this will get me there...

Time to make your list.

Not your Christmas list....but the list of things that you're thankful for. The list of people that make you who you are. The list of things that you could absolutely not live without. The list of little extra things that make life easier. The list of freedoms that make us Americans. My list is very long...and I hope yours is too. I won't list everything here today....but I have so much in my life to be thankful for. First and foremost, I'm thankful for everyday that God gives me. I'm thankful for my husband for letting me be me. I'm thankful for my boys....they're happy and healthy. I'm thankful for our family....mine and his....they're OURS. Take an extra minute today to take a look around at the GOOD things in your life. Enjoy your day......Happy Thanksgiving.

p.s. NOW you can start on your Christmas list!

The best Puffs.......EVER.

OK, so you might not think that tissues could inspire a post....but if you've ever had a cold...and I'm sure all of you have, you'll understand. I found the best tissues yesterday. I'm sure they're not new, but yesterday was the first time I had seen them. Puffs with lotion....and Vicks. Yep. Vicks. Just the thought of Vicks takes me back to being a little girl. Sick with a cold. Trying to sleep it off. My mom would always rub Vicks on my back and on my chest, then tie one of my dads hankies around me. And at nighttime, she would fill the vaporizer full of it, too. As strange as it might sound, just the smell of those tissues makes me feel just a little bit better. I left them at work yesterday......so now I gotta go blow my nose...at work. Funny how just the smell of something can bring back special memories. Thanks Mom. xoxox

I mailed it.

Yep. I sure did. I mailed the title to Ben's car. I didn't mean to...it wasn't in an envelope or anything, but I mailed it! In the mad rush to meet Ben on Friday afternoon, before the County Clerk's office closed....I accidentally mailed the title. It was signed and everything. You see, Ben has found another car and he is going to trade his for it...even Steven. I don't make the decisions about things like this....I just trust that the King and the Young Prince (Ben) know what they are doing....and I do what they tell me. And the Young Prince told me to meet him...and bring the title. That was the plan. Except I had some mail from the office that I needed to get in the box before 5:00. So.....when Wyatt handed me the mail....the title was with it and...you guessed it....that's how it got mailed. It wasn't Wyatt's fault. It wasn't my fault. It wasn't Ben's fault. It was one of those things that just happen. We ended up getting it out of the box....the nice man at the post office told me that it happens all the time. We've heard that one before....I didn't believe it then....and I sure don't believe it now! Do things like that only happen to ME??

Livin' On The Edge

Yep...on the edge. The edge of the three point line, that is! Wyatt seems to like it over there. That's where alot of his shots come from. We've got two games today and I hope he likes the edge today as much as he has liked the edge in the last three games! The King will get to see the team play together for the first time today. I'm pretty sure that Nanny and PawPaw will be there too. I wish I had some kind of high tech web cam that I could take with us so that GaGa and Pap could come today, too. I think the King is planning to bring Ben's video camera today, so it that works, look for some clips of the game soon. I've got muffins in the oven, Wyatt still isn't awake, and I need to get a shower. Have a great Saturday.....keep on keepin' warm!

Flurry Schmurry

Silly little snowflakes. The kind that, even if they keep falling, will never amount to anything. Not even the kind to cause a bread and milk shortage at Publix. Not even the kind that can land on your nose and eyelashes. The kind that my grandpa used to call "a flake an acre". Maybe there's hope for some real snow this year, since it's only November and we've already seen flurries. I hope so. I certainly don't miss all of the Pennsylvania snow, but I sure do miss some of it. Plus, the kids deserve at least one REAL snow day. So here is my wish....I wish for significant snow on a Friday afternoon.....then pile it on overnight so that we can build a snowman on Saturday. Then, clear it all out so that the King doesn't have any problems in his truck come Monday morning. But, leave enough so that the bus drivers don't want to drive in it! I think that covers it all and would make everyone here in my little world happy.....and we all know, that is my mission!

The one that got away.

Do you ever have days that just get away from you? Today was one of those days. I got to work a few minutes early and the phone started ringing. Our 10:30 appointment called in instead, so I scheduled another appointment for 11:30. Lovely people, but they stayed until way past lunchtime. Then another phone call....and another client came in....and before I knew it, it was 2:45 and the market was within minutes of the closing bell. Past the point of no return for lunch! I had a few errands to run, so at 3:30....I was done for the day. Why do the days that get away always happen in the middle of the week and never on Friday? Friday always seems to crawl...like it will never get away! The good thing about days that get away is that they usually get away fast. The bad thing about them, is once I finally get to eat....I want everything in sight! Probably a good thing that Wyatt has a basketball game tonight...which reminds me...I need to Google a map. Keep warm cause....baby, it's cold outside again!

Make Mine Simple, Please.

I want simpler days back again. Remember when it was a special treat to go to McDonald's? Remember when our parents got together with their friends for card parties? I would always fall asleep on the couch. But we were together. Remember when everyone you knew ate dinner with their family.....around the table? Something happened and we all got busy. The Dow dropped below 8,000 today. Three years ago, I wouldn't have a clue what that meant. But I do now, and I know it isn't good. Everywhere we turn, there is doom and gloom in the news. Sometimes you don't even have to turn on the news to get the doom and gloom. BUT....since it is almost Thanksgiving, I know that I have so much to be thankful for. Even in doom and gloom times. I have a wonderful husband that loves me very much. I have two absolutely amazing, healthy boys. I still have both of my parents, and the King still has his mom and step-dad. I thank God everyday for all of those things. I have a job and as of this very minute, the King has a job too. Ben is getting an education and has a job too. More things to be thankful for. We have a home and we all have vehicles to drive back and forth to work and school. The sun rises every morning and sets every night. I could probably go on all night about all of the little things that I'm thankful for. I don't have to look very far or thing very hard to find things. I think my point tonight is this......before we complain about how bad things are in the world....take a look around you for all of the GOOD things. I hope you don't have to look very far or think very hard either. xoxox.

Baby, It's Cold. Out. Side.

Brrrr!!! I think we went from summer right to winter! Baby, it's COLD outside!! Now, if I could just see a few flurries...I'd be one happy girl! Anyway, it's supposed to be back in the 50s next week, so no flurries yet. (Don't ya just love the song, though?)

Ok, the big news of the day....Wyatt got his progress reports from school .....I'm proud to report that he has a B average now! That's awesome, Wyatt! You've worked really hard and it shows. I'm so proud of you...and NO, you CAN'T do it YOUR way now!!! MY way is working! :) Love you, though!

Ben has class tonight...he gets through at 10. So, like the good mother that I try to be, when he was leaving...this was the conversation:

Me: Be careful coming home, Bubby.

Ben: Why do ya say that, Mom?

Me: Well, it will be dark and late when you come home.

Ben: It's dark now, Mom....you don't want me to be careful GOING too???

Me: Of course I do! Now GO TO SCHOOL!

Maybe you had to be there because it really was funny!

Y'all keep warm tonight! :)

The Preamble to The Constitution

Where can you learn The Preamble? Schoolhouse Rock, of course! Wyatt has to learn The Preamble, so we spent some time this afternoon watching Schoolhouse Rock and other various things on You Tube. As usual....one thing leads to another on You Tube and we watched a little bit of a lot of things. One of our favorite clips is from the old Carol Burnett Show. The one where Tim Conway tells about the Siamese elephants. (Watch it here and be ready to laugh.) We watched them talk about boobs on the Match Game, and we watched the opening parts several old shows (The Electric Company, Zoom, and Petticoat Junction).
When Ben was little, all he wanted to watch was Barney and Batman and Power Rangers. He liked CatDog and Cow & Chicken too. Most of it on channel two seven. Ben loved to watch Rescue 911, too. Wyatt loved the Teletubbies and Gullah Gullah Island and Fairly Odd Parents. He also loved watching shows about Fire Trucks and Fire Stations.The shows that made me crazy....I wish I could hear in the background sometimes now. Hearing the sweet sounds of children's shows makes everything in the world seem right for a few minutes. The babies are happy and entertained while Momma is making dinner or cleaning up the toys....or perhaps just enjoying that they are busy. As they get older, the house gets louder and more rambunctious...for awhile. Then they get even older...and it gets very quiet again.
So, as I read over what I've written.....maybe we ARE that old....or at least getting there?

We're not THAT old...

So, after we took Wyatt to basketball practice this morning, the King and I ran into Lowe's to get something to fix the drip under the kitchen sink. While we were in the row that has things to fix dripping kitchen sinks, two young boys were also in the row. They got the nice Lowe's helper man to cut them a pretty good sized piece of clear plastic tubing....about an inch in diameter. Now...being the smart mom that I am...I knew right away what those two were up to! I'm sure their next stop was Auto Zone to purchase a funnel that will fit snugly on the end of the plastic tubing. Yes, friends....those boys were having a party tonight, I'm sure! I whispered to the King to check out the boys across the aisle. He couldn't help himself...he asked what they were doing tonight. One of the boys got a big grin on his face! So we got what we needed, and they got what they needed, and we saw them again in the parking lot. They told us that they had been using a garden hose to funnel their beers....but they lost it. Now it seems, they're building a super deluxe beer funnel from scratch. I hope they're careful. All that made me feel a little old....but not so old that I don't remember making a beer funnel out of a 2 liter bottle and a snorkel! Woo hoo...party on!

Nonstop Yawning

I know that yawning is contagious....but I didn't know I could catch it from myself! I swear this morning was nothing but one big yawn. Thankfully, I managed to get a lot of work done. My desk was still a mess when I left and I hate to leave it like that. Don't know why I was yawning so much today. I suppose I should put my head on my pillow a little earlier tonight. Tomorrow consists of basketball, groceries, and laundry. Sunday is supposed to be 9 mile day. I only walked once this week...so we'll see. Might have to do this week again and make next Sunday 9 mile day. Come to think of it, I have felt tired all week long. Weather? Maybe. Stress? Possibly? Life? Definitely!
One thing I know...is all the homework is paying off. Wyatt has an 86 in English! Woo Hoo! Way to go, Wyatt! I'm proud of you, buddy....keep it up!
Speaking of homework....I must go now and find out if I'm smarter than a 5th grader. Sleep tight, y'all!

RIP

Grandpa Bill. The King's grandfather. He passed away yesterday. I wish I could have known him better. Distance separated this part of the family from that part of the family. What little I knew Grandpa Bill....he was kind and funny and seemed very loving of those close to him. He was always quick with a story....usually a funny one or one with a lesson at the end. He was there for The King's birthday...the year I did "the cake" (a post for another day). Grandpa Bill and his wife Evelyn have seen a few of the boys ball games when they could. They always seemed to enjoy being here, and we enjoyed seeing them whenever they would pass through town. So, as you earn your wings, Grandpa Bill....be sure to keep your eyes on the south every so often...we call can use another angel in our corner.

On a lighter note...I have inspired a blog! She's just moving into her YaketyYak. All of the nice things that she said about me.....I can return....DOUBLE. She was the first one to call me when I was a new BOA. She's always been sweet and kind and ready to listen. I'm sure great things will be happening at the YaketyYak......so go ahead...pay her a visit. She's a great mom...so I'm sure she has snacks!

GCF & LCM

Yep. Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple. Sixth grade math. Again. Improper fractions, too. How come it's so hard to explain? I know how to do it.....I do it almost every day, but I don't know how to teach it. I sure don't remember learning it. I had to have learned it sometime though. I'm fairly certain I didn't know how to reduce a fraction when I was born. Now that I have children of my own....I'm really glad the whole teacher thing didn't work out for me. Back in the day...I wanted to be a teacher. What was I thinking?!?! Luckily, Ben and Wyatt have both been blessed with some fantastic teachers. They've both had some that weren't so fantastic, too. Mostly, they have all been wonderful. I try to be sure to thank them every time I see them, talk to them, or e-mail them. They are raising our children with us.....because it does take a village. Here's a quote for today....

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. ~Author Unknown

Sunday Shuffle

Six brisk miles. I think I shuffled the whole way! Not really, but there were so many leaves on the trail....and leaves make me want to shuffle. I felt like I was walking right through a picture book. The colors were breathtaking today. Everywhere I looked....more color. I don't remember the fall leaves ever being so pretty. Six miles was a pleasure today. The squirrels even seemed happy to be there. I usually see several deer while I walk, but just saw one today. She was hidden in the brown. I could see her ears and her pretty brown eyes. Lots of squirrels again....and about six turkeys. Only one thing went wrong today. I forgot the camera. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be just as pretty next week though. When you see a pretty tree this week.....look at it again. Try to remember it. You'll be glad you did.....I sure am!

I got....nuthin'.

Another rather uneventful Saturday. And that's ok with me. Basketball practice and the grocery store. That's about it. The King managed to resurrect the computer.....only had to call India once to do it! I walked my little walk today too. Tomorrow is 6 brisk miles. Not only will I be walking briskly...I'm sure the air outside will be brisk, too. Supposed to be in the 30's tonight. Brrr!

The leaves are finally starting to accumulate in the yard...and it's really feeling like fall now. There are some really pretty colors in the neighborhood this week. Maybe I will take the camera along with me tomorrow and see what I can take pictures of while I walk. Usually there are a few deer and squirrels around. Last week there were lots of turkeys too. If I get some good ones, I'll share them here.

Wyatt's basketball games start this week. Ben's new math class starts this week, too. Hopefully, we'll be able to kick up some excitement.....these quiet days make for boring reading!

Keep warm....and look for some pretty pics tomorrow. xoxox

TGIF

Thank goodness it's Friday!

First things first....the desktop computer is gonna live. Just a small hard drive transplant, and it's recovering nicely. Reinstalling Windows XP as we speak. We expect it to make a full recovery.

The frosty freezer...isn't frosty anymore. Don't know what that is all about, but I'm glad about it.

It looks like the King is safe from layoff for now. Several guys have taken some vacation time and a couple others are going ahead with some medical leave that they have been putting off. Can ya say Whew!?!?

Now, for the real news of the day. Ben got tattoo'd. I have to admit, I'm proud of him. Seems like an odd thing for me to be proud of, but he put alot of thought and planning into it and it truly has meaning for him. He had Graden's birth date put on the inside of his left wrist and the date that Graden died, put on the inside of his right wrist. The dates are facing Ben so he can read them when he puts his arms out. I have always known that Graden would be with Ben forever. Now everyone else can know it too. I'm proud of you Bubby....and I love you very much.

Is it over yet?

This week has seemed incredibly long. Not really anything happening....until today, that is. The king is getting closer to the bottom of the list....and the layoffs are at the bottom. Hopefully, it won't come to that, but we're trying to get ourselves ready, should it happen. If that's not enough......I came home to find a horrendous error message on the desktop computer. All searches....call it the "blue screen of death". Lovely. Tried to boot from the Windows installation CD...no luck. Looks like we're headed to the PC ER. Yep...wish us luck. And...the freezer was frosty. I'm hoping that the door wasn't shut or something crazy like that. We don't need to buy a new computer AND a new fridge.....right before Christmas! I just keep telling myself.....it can always be worse. Yes, it sure can.....I hope it doesn't get there! Love you all!

Hey Mom....

Can you? Will you? Did you? How come the MOM always gets asked those questions? How come the answer is always yes, I did? Or yes, I will? Or yes, I can? Even when I can't.....I will. And even when I haven't....I will. And even when I don't want to and they can do it by themselves......sometimes...I will do it. Spoiled? Maybe. Loved? Certainly! Oh well.....they're not gonna live in the rooms across the hall forever, are they? I'm lucky and very blessed that we all wake up under the same roof every single day.

Bonus Children

If you have children, you have bonus children. You know....your kids friends. They're the ones that you find asleep in the morning, when you didn't know they were coming over. They're the ones that you automatically set a place at the table for...and they automatically come to eat. Out first bonus child was Graden. He always made himself right at home...as I'm sure Ben did when he was at Graden's house. Since then, we've had a few bonus kids come and go, but for the most part, they're always welcome. They know the door is always open....and the fridge is always stocked. We miss Graden everyday...and not a day goes by that he isn't in our minds. Our newest bonus is Garrett. I love feeding the bonus kiddos....and they love to eat! Sometimes I have to make deals just so they'll come see me when they're home for the weekend (Chase). In fact, I have a pan of enchiladas to make tomorrow. ;) I'm looking forward to Wyatt's bonus's. Life just seems a little better when there's a crowd at the dinner table. Maybe the biggest bonus is that my bonus children don't get tired of my cooking. Whatever the reason....I'm thankful for all of the bonus children out there. We love you all and the door is always open.

Wake up!!!!

Good morning! Rise and shine....it's morning time!!! Get up, get up, get up! You're gonna be late! You have just heard my best morning routine. Sometimes it works....sometimes it doesn't. Today, it's not working. Wyatt and I are the only ones that have to be up and out by 7:30 today and Wyatt is still in the bed! Luckily, he showered last night (which is a whole other story) so he just has to pull himself up and get dressed. Once he brushes his teeth, we can be out the door. Ben's new class doesn't start for 2 more weeks, so he is a sleeping beauty this morning. Since today is the last day to early vote, he's going there before he goes to work this afternoon. He just turned 18 in August, so this is the first time he's voting. A pretty important election to start off with....just like Ben to start off with a bang! Speaking of being ready to hit the door at 7:30.....I better get dressed so we can leave! Have a fabulous day!!!

The biggest kid in the house

No....I'm not talking about Ben. The biggest kid in this house is The King. He'll tell you that he's the biggest kid I've got.....but he's mine and I love him! So....this post is dedicated to my big kid. We have tons of fun together. He can make me laugh like no one else can. I can't even begin to add up the times that he's made me laugh until I've cried. Gotta be hundreds.....even thousands of times over the years. 18 years and 10 months today to be exact! I'm sure no one ever thought that 18 years and 10 months later...we'd still be Jimmy and Tammi. But we are. Actually, that's one of the things in my life that I'm most proud of. And the fact that The King's fantasy football team is in the playoffs. Ya know....Sunday's were made for fantasy football. *insert sarcasm here* If it weren't for fantasy football.....I'm not sure Sunday would even be worth having! I love you, honey....you now I mean it!

They make me proud everyday....

Ben and Wyatt do! I have been emailing Wyatt's teachers everyday now, to be sure that his work is being turned in and he is keeping up. The replies that I got back really made it all worthwhile today! From his math teacher, I got..."Going great!! Thanks!" And from his Social Studies teacher....I got a longer response but he said that Wyatt has made a 180 in his class. He is attentive and ready he help when needed. He also said that he has only taken one grade so far and Wyatt has an A! Sometimes we have to celebrate the small steps so that we can celebrate the big victories in the end. Way to go Wyatt! I knew you could and would do it!!! I'm very proud of you being so determined!

Ben has been in an algebra class because he didn't score high enough on the placement test that he took before school started. He has been bored, bored, bored in there for 3 weeks now. Today he sent me a text to tell me that his teacher waived the placement test and is getting him moved into a higher math class! Way to go Ben! Now that time doesn't feel like it's wasted. There is a slight schedule change, but other than that, it's back to business. Just be careful coming home after class now....it'll be late!!!

H O P E

Today was the Breast Cancer walk. It was a fantastic day. This is something that I will absolutely participate in again. From start to finish, everything about the event was awesome. We started the day at Chick-Fil-A for breakfast. Then headed down I-40 to LP Field. As we drove over the bridge, everything was PINK, PINK, PINK! Once we got there and met up with the rest of our team, we did a little people watching while we waited. That was interesting, to say the least! 9am came and we were off! 5 miles through downtown Nashville. If you have never walked through the city that you live in, I definitely suggest doing so. There is so much that you miss while you're driving! Anyway, we walked and walked. A new friends were made (who knew I'm so much fun, Tina?!?) and old friendships were strengthened. It is very touching when, in a time of so much bad news, so many people can come together for one reason. Even with all of the negative things that are happening, it's great to know that we can still do that. Once we crossed under the pink and white balloon arch finish line, we got our bananas and water and.....yes, folks...we headed toward Vanderbilt to GiGi's Cupcakes! Oh yeah.........

Everything is SOOO much better with icing on it! So, all in all, it was a fabulous day! Thank you to everyone that donated so generously. We also found out today that all of the money raised for this walk stays in Tennessee.

Speed bumps of life...

I recently posted that something funny usually happens to us most everyday. Well, this week has been different. Nothing tragic, just not a very fun week. A little stress, a little worry, and nothing a little pushing and lots of love can't handle. Anyway, as I've said before, I love my boys for thousands of different reasons (at least). Times like this make me remember some of the reasons that I love them.

On a different subject, Saturday is the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk. It's a 5 mile walk through downtown Nashville. Too many people that I know and love have had to battle this beast known as cancer. Some, tragically, have lost their battles, while others have very courageously won their battles. I'm walking in honor of a classmate who is fighting breast cancer now. While I never got to know her very well in school, I was and have remained friends with her husband. So when the opportunity to walk in this event presented itself, I asked them if I could walk in her honor. Since I'm walking with a team of people, there are several that we are walking in honor/memory of. It should be a fantastic day.

After the walk, is the monthly birthday dinner at Grandmomma's. We didn't get to make it to the last one, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend. Hopefully, the rest of the weekend will be uneventful...and we can get on with our funny lives. This is just a speed bump and every family encounters them. I'm just thankful that so far we've only had speed bumps to cross....not mountains. As my mom always says, "This too shall pass."

Dessert Day

Wyatt and I had dinner with a very special somebody tonight. So..Very Special Somebody...you have inspired this tonight.
I want to have Dessert Day. I just want one. It doesn't have to be a weekly event...or even an annual event. Just ONE Dessert Day would make me happy. I would start with some frozen custard from Rita's....a reasonable breakfast. Then for lunch I want Fried Cheesecake from Long Horn Steakhouse. I'd probably need some chocolate chip cookie dough for a mid-afternoon snack. Then for dinner....it's on to Maggiano's for cheesecake. Wouldn't that be a wonderful day!?! I think so. There are so many other choices for Dessert Day...those are just a few of my favorites. I know Wyatt would add some Fried Ice Cream to his Dessert Day. I'm sure The King would include some sort of chocolate in his Dessert Day....and I'm almost positive that Ben would have cookie dough ALL DAY on his Dessert Day! Happy Dessert Day everyone!!

My funny family.

If you know my little family, you know that there is usually something funny that happens to one or all of us at some point during the day. However, today doesn't seem to be one of those days. It's been rather uneventful actually. Part of me is waiting for some 'tragedy' to happen! Wyatt went back to school...so he and I argued about homework and dinner. (No surprises or funnies there.)
Ben went to school today too....they had to shoot a video based on the opening scene from Alice in Wonderland. I don't think Ben has ever seen Alice in Wonderland...better known to some as Wonder Ass. I'm not sure...but I hope he's never seen a movie by THAT name either! (ok..so that's a little funny.) Anyway.....he said that his group did something different and the teacher really liked it. I asked him if he has homework....he does...for Algebra. Go figure...Ben..with homework! Hard to believe!
The king is still at work. That's a good thing, since they seem to be slowing down some...long days will certainly make up for stay at home days. I was back to work too, after Thursday and Friday in meetings. We were pretty busy today....that's a good thing too.
Stay tuned.....something funny is bound to be right around the corner!

Today was made for a nap....

.....but I didn't take one. It has been a nice, lazy day though. Had a few friends in and out of the house....even got last nights chili just about gone! Ben is at work and Wyatt is outside enjoying the last of his fall break. Back to school for him tomorrow. Not much else is going on.....it's rather nice, I must admit. Have a great Monday tomorrow!

L-O-L-A...Lola

Do y'all remember the story about when I thought Minnie was at the bottom of the bed, laying on my feet? She wouldn't move, so I pushed her and she fell off the bed. When "she" hit the floor...."she" started to cry....turns out that I kicked BEN out of the bed instead of MINNIE! Sometime during the night, he had slipped into our room and went to sleep....on my feet! I'm sorry, Bubby....I never ever meant to kick you out of the bed! So, I say all of that because a similar incident happened this morning. (NO...I didn't kick Ben [or Wyatt for that matter] out of the bed.) Lola has been sleeping in the bed with us and she always sleeps under the covers. Occasionally, when she gets hot, she will come up and sleep above my head on my pillow. Well, Ben's alarm had gone off for about the 23rd time and I got up to tell him that he had 15 minutes to get to work. When I laid back down, my pillow seemed to be stuck between the bed and the wall. I gave it a good tug....and I heard a "THUD"! Poor Lola was asleep and bonked her head on the wall when I tugged the pillow out from under her. That confirms it...maybe I need a bed all to myself!!! I'm sorry Lola.....Ben understands what you went through this morning!

I wish I could fix it.

I am a fixer. Not a 'fixer upper', but a people fixer. There. I said it. If someone is down or sad....I try to make them smile....just one smile and I'm happy. If someone is sick.....I want to try do everything I can to make them better. Realistically, sometimes....that's not possible. Sometimes (alot of times) there's not one thing that I can do to "make it all better". In case you ever read this (and I'm pretty sure you will....because I'll probably send you the link sometime soon)....I wish I could make things all better for you. I can't. But I wish I could. Just know that we love you and your family. We will do anything we can to make this all easier for you. You know who you are....and you know how much we love you.

So sweet. So tiny. So BOY!

A new little baby boy visited the office today. He slept the whole time they were there, until right before they left. What a sweetie he was. Makes me wonder where all the "sweet" goes! Ben is 18 and Wyatt is 12. Sure, they still have sweet moments.....but,not the same. They're different sweet moments. One of the best sweet moments lately has been watching them interact and just get along. I could be fooling myself and the "getting along" part could be more like tolerating each other. Whatever it is....I love it. So much better than listening to them bicker everytime they're within a mile of each other. I love my boys....for thousands of different reasons....and I know one day that they'll be able to say that they love each other too. I also know that you don't exactly have to like someone in order to love them. I really hope that they end up really liking each other too. Maybe I should have HELD that baby today....I might not feel so darn sappy!!! I'll end tonight with one of my favorite quotes......."Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away".

Just another manic monday.....

Not too bad, really...for a Monday. The day went fast, nobody complained too much, and everyone liked their supper! This is a short week for me....only in the office through Wednesday, then in meetings on Thursday and Friday. Now that I think about it...I might have to take the "nobody complained too much" comment back. My youngest son, Wyatt, is on the basketball team at school. We found out today that we need to send in $150 to pay for their shoes and warm-ups. Not a big deal, since they get to keep it all. So.....I just happen to be the 'messenger'. Actually, it wasn't bad...just had one concerned parent email about it. Can't make everybody happy all of the time, right? Just because they're playing school sports now......doesn't make it all free! Far from it actually. Seems like we're always fundraising or writing a check for something. But, it's for the kids...and well worth it.

Before I'm 40...

If you're reading this and happen to know me, you know that I have a goal to reach before I turn 40 in June. That goal is to finish the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. So....I've been walking. And walking. And walking. You get the idea. The King thinks I'm ready.....I'm not so sure. Six miles seemed really far today. Far....but not as hard as it might seem. I have until April....keep your fingers crossed for me.

I guess if you're reading this and already know me, you know who The King is. If you're reading this and don't already know me.....you should know that The King is Jimmy....my husband.....you'll soon learn the other players in the game we call "our life".

My first post. Ever.

So, here I am. Does this make me a blogger now? I have lots of questions about this whole blogging thing. How will I know what to write? Will my family and friends mind if I write about them here? Will they even know that I've written about them? I guess I'll soon find the answers to those questions....and more too, I suppose. But the biggest question....will anyone even read what I've written? We'll see..........