Leavin' Again

Going to the lake- be back Monday for the game #1!!

Snip Snip

My sister is in Charleston this week with her eldest daughter for some one-on-one time with her before preschool starts. I have her youngest (9 and a half months old) for three days until her daddy comes to get her and take her to Charleston to meet up with mommy and big sister. I am now positive that I do not need to have any more babies. Don't get me wrong. She is a good baby. Goes to bed at 7 pm and sleeps until 7 or 7:30 the next morning. She is happy almost all of the time. Even so- I had forgotten how much time and effort goes into taking care of a baby! (Not to mention that she is already walking, so that puts an extra "spin" on things.) Today is picture day at A and E's school. There is a lot of hair to be fixed there, so I told Brian he would have to get up early and feed and dress baby while I turned the rats nests into beautiful locks of silk. He agreed. Well, the whole time I am doing hair and getting them dressed - all I can hear from the kitchen is "Stop spitting...... stop that..... good grief, child, stop." And this went on and on until I was laughing so hard I had to stop fixing hair and re-focus. Apparantly a cat also jumped onto the counter while the feeding was in progress, (baby is terrified of the cats) and then I heard "It's okay! It's okay! Cat -get down! Don't cry!" It was pretty funny. Needless to say my husband has not mentioned in the past two days how much he would love to "have another one". In fact, he told me that he would not mind if I went and had "them tied". I told him that I have indeed experienced enough, so that he needed to make the appt for the snip- snip. Well- he usually has a fit if I mention that, but this time I think he actually thought about it. I am wearing him down. I can feel it.

Ode To the Tigers

Oh, Clemson Football, how I have missed you. Now you are just around the corner, waiting to entertain me with your sacs and fumbles and missed fieldgoals- but my heart belongs to you even if you lose every game. My blood runneth orange; my dreams are of purple, white and orange. I hear the tiger roar in my mind in the quiet of the mornings and I know you are getting closer. I see Death Valley when I close my eyes and I long for the time when you all come running down that famous hill. My couch aches for me to put on my sweats, hire a babysitter and eat junk food whilst you chase after the beloved pigskin. I can barely contain the excitement that is getting so much more powerful with each passing day. 5 and a half more days until you are mine again. I dare say I am slobbering now just thinking of it. Never have I been so grateful for TIVO and reclining sofas as I am during this time of year. Alas, there is still time between us -so, for now, rest dear Tigers for I shall see you soon.

Deep Thoughts

People who know me know that I like to analyze things and try to get a lesson or a "moral of the story" out of everything. I just thought I would share one of those moments that I had at the lake a couple of weeks ago. Annelise has learned to swim without her lifejacket. (Not such a small feat for those of you who have seen her- she is a solid rock, so trying to keep herself buoyant is not easy....) But- she did it and she tries constantly to see how long or how far she can swim without help. Most of the time she waits until she can barely hold her head above the water to say- "Mommy hold me", or "Throw me my lifejacket". (Of course, either I or her father am right there with her because of our paranoid nature.) Anyway- I thought about how often we do that with God. When we are tired and exhausted from doing everything ourselves- we usually wait until we are about to drown to call on Him to help us. Even though He is right there beside us the whole time - we still just go and go without His help until we are exhausted and can barely keep our heads above water before we say, "Okay, God, I need you, I can't do this any longer." Why don't we just give Him the job in the first place? He actually wants us to. He tells us in the Bible- "Come to Me, all who are weary and I will give you rest." He also tells us "Cast all your cares upon me because I care for you". I have learned over the past couple years that there is nothing that God can't or won't handle. I have gotten better about just giving Him control as soon as I see a problem because I have learned that He is much better at handling things than I am. Why wouldn't I do that? It doesn't make sense not to. I just give it to Him and let go and He will take care of it. We know we are going to have difficult times and we are going to go through some hard stuff- but why not let Him carry us through it from the beginning? Why wait until you are at the point where you are about to break before you ask for His help? I don't know a good answer for that. On another note- I went to my church this past Sunday and got that last bit of closure that I didn't know I needed. It was not a great experience for me overall but I enjoyed the preacher's inspiring sermon and felt hopeful for that church's future when I left there. Now I feel truly free to look for a new church home where God will use me to do something for Him. It is going to be a long search, but I am excited about it. I know that when we find the right place for our family, we will know it.

All Is Well In My World

It has been quite a rough few days of school so far. One big problem we had is that all of Annelise's friends from last year got put into the same class except her. She tried to act like it didn't bother her, but it finally started to show in the past 24 hours or so. Plus- I did not jive with her teacher. I could tell there were going to be some major personality conflicts and I was already dreading the coming year. (It didn't help that her teacher didn't seem to know her hiney from a hole in the ground....) So- on day 2 of school I had already sent an e-mail to administration asking why they separated Annelise and if there was anything they could do about it. Thankfully, they were more than nice about it and they apologized profusely. It ended up being a big oversight and there happened to be a spot in Annelise's class and so today she got to start in there. We told her yesterday and she was so happy. She was beaming this morning when she went into class and all of her friends came and hugged her. She asked last night how she was getting to change classes. I told her that Mommy and Daddy talked to the people in charge and got them to move her. She asked why we did that and I told her that we would do anything to make sure that she was happy and treated well. Well, she just looked at the floor and started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "Nothing, I am just happy that you and Daddy love me." It was a heart-tugging moment. I just didn't realize how much being in that class had stressed her. Don't get me wrong- I know she is going to have to experience disappointment in her life- and already has in many ways. But if we can prevent it , we will. She also informed me that we will be allowed to build and move one more time and that is it. She said she is "tired of leaving her memories everywhere." I had never realized that that had bothered her, either. I told her I was tired of it, too and that we had all intentions of just moving once more. (No snide comments from any of you, OKAY!) We also solidified our closing date for Sept. 11 for the house that just sold. That plus Annelise in a great class with a great teacher means all is well here in my world. I can actually say I have no worries right now. Oh- and the fact that I am grateful we are all still alive. Apparently while we slept last night there was an electrical fire in one of the lights in the garage (where there are no smoke detectors.) When I went out there to get a Pepsi for me for the ride to school, the burning smell almost knocked me over. Brian had to crack the garage doors to air it out it was so bad. So- I am a very thankful and happy gal today. So- if anyone has anything to whine about or any bad news- wait to tell me tommorrow!

It's Only Tuesday?

Wow- I had forgotten how hectic school days can be. Now that Annelise is going every day I am really getting a clear picture of what the next 8 months are going to be like! (Thank goodness for holidays....) Being a night owl my entire life, it is especially difficult for me to get up with the chickens, around 6:10 am, and even more difficult to actually function at that time of day - much less get 2 other humans dressed and hair fixed and fed. I have tried to go to bed the past 2 nights by 10:30 pm (very early for me), but I don't actually fall asleep until about midnight or so. It is 2 pm now and I could go to sleep for days. But I am afraid if I take a nap, it will be even harder for me to go to sleep at night. Alas, such is school day life. Tonight we have to go to the house we are selling and show the soon-to-be owners how to work everything. Then tommorrow night Brian has to stay at work for a few extra hours to train on the new computer system. Thursday night, he has his weekly Bible study from about 8 pm- 11pm. Then the week is already over and after a short while it is Monday again. Every time I think life is going to slow down I find out that I am sadly mistaken! But, I can't complain- it is a good life. Tommorrow both girls will go to school, so I am going to meet one of the other mothers at Barnes and Noble for coffee right after we drop off the kids. I haven't seen her all Summer, and she is really a neat person so I am looking forward to that. (Even though I really need to be here cleaning the house.) I know I have it made, so I can't whine too much. I just hope my body will adjust to this early morning stuff 5 days a week.

Wow, Is It Really Over??

Wow- I can't believe that Summer is over and school started today!! My baby is in Kindergarten! I only cried a little when I dropped her off. She was great- really excited and loved her class. I felt for her, because for some reason, all of her friends from last year got put into the same class except for her. She said "That's ok, Mommy, I can make new friends." She saw a little girl that she wanted to get to know and the girl had lost a picture in the playground. Annelise had found 2 bird feathers (a true treasure to her) and she tried to give them to the little girl to make her feel better about the lost picture, but apparantly the girl didn't see the great value of the feathers as Annelise did. I praised her anyway and I hope that she makes some good little friends soon. E was a little hesitant about K-4, but she went in without crying, which was a miracle in itself. I went to Barnes and Noble and drowned my sorrows in a Raspberry Mocha and some home decorating magazines. That did the trick. Oh- it was a wonderful week at the lake. Annelise learned to ski. (Brian was so proud you could have pricked him with a pin and he would have burst...) The first time she got up she went about 20 feet and we all cheered and she looked at me and said "I think I am the greatest skiier in the world." No smile, dead serious. She is vain like her Daddy. She finally got the hang of it and she went all over the cove and even crossed the wake and didn't fall. It was so cute- she looked like a little troll on skis. We had a great time. And hubby and C lost to me and M at Mexican Train Dominoes and they have to clean the house as a result of that loss. (We're talking a thorough, elbow-grease cleaning.) Hubby tried to get at me by saying "Well, at least it will be done right!"- I didn't care- he is just mad that he has to clean it. And as for other great news--- our house finally sold!! We got a call from our realtor while we were at the lake and she told us and we were so happy. It still hasn't registered. Every time I realize it again, I get excited. That is going to be $4,000 a month that we don't have to pay anymore after our closing on Sept. 11th. What a load off of us. Let me tell you that God is good all the time. We wondered before why God didn't just let us close on it sooner, but we have seen little reasons so many times. If we had sold it sooner, we probably would have ended up starting construction on our dream house in the pasture and God knew that we would not be happy there for long. Instead, we are selling the pasture for an amazing price and we will get to be back in a subdivision where there are other children and hopefully a pool and only about an acre or so to take care of. His timing is always perfect. Now we will just have to look for a good lot- but we will trust Him with that , too. There is supposed to be a new subdivision coming up that would be in a great location for us, so we are trying to find out more about that. We will see. I am just so glad and thankful that our house is sold. Well, off to some more getting ready for school tommorrow......

On That Midnight Train to Georgia...

Well, we are leaving for the lake tommorrow once again (in the 101 degree weather). Last big trip before school! We have some little week-end ventures after school starts, but this will be the last big one for the year. I am trying to get packed and get the menu planned, but it is difficult because A and E will not leave me alone for one second, today. They won't even let me make out the grocery list for the lake. They want me to be watching them every minute. They danced in their ballerina costumes in the living room to classical music (or "ballet music" as they like to call it.) I videoed it and tried not to laugh. They haven't quite learned the art of being "graceful" yet. I am going to have to cook for 8 out of the 9 nights that we are at the lake. And it has to be easy stuff since we play in the water and on the boat as long as we can. It is really hard to be creative with that. The other night we are going to a little fish camp resataurant, but even it is about a 20 minute drive. I have to pack almost all of the food we will need because the grocery store is so far away. But, still, the family time we get there is worth it. The girls are almost always content there because all of us spend every moment together. They are currently watching "How to Eat Fried Worms" and it is about to make me vomit. Therefore, I am going to stop for now and will write again when we come back in a week! (Oh- less than a month before the first Clemson Football Game!! Yay!)

Soapbox Time

I have a lot of pet peeves. Bad drivers, people on medicaid who sit at home and watch Jerry Springer, loud obnoxious people in public, people who smoke in public when I am not a smoker, etc, etc. But- one of my biggest pet peeves is when someone has a problem with someone else or what they are doing and instead of talking to that person, they whine and complain and gossip to anyone else who will listen. Not only is that annoying, it is just plain wrong. The Bible tells us very plainly that if we have a problem with someone we are to go to that person and talk to them about it. If someone isn't willing or doesn't have the guts to do that, then they need to just hush and get over it. I mean come on, if you are just talking about someone behind their back then you are nothing but a hypocrite. If it bothers you that badly, then say something or move on. The funny thing is that most of us shouldn't even be worried about what other people are doing when we have so much to work on within ourselves. (Yes, that is also a Biblical statement.) One of my friends has a blog and some people think the content is a bit "racy" and some even consider it offensive. But- some of these very people keep going to it and reading it, so what does that say about them? As far as I am concerned, this gal is married and it is her blog and she can talk about what she wants to because it is she who will have to answer to it - so if people don't like it then they don't need to keep reading it. There, I will get off the box for now....

I know I am Crazy

With the girls gone last night, Brian and I decided to go out to dinner. On the way, he had to stop and check on a baby in the NICU where I used to work. I went with him to say hello to everyone and see how they were doing. I know that I am lucky to stay at home with my girls, but oh my goodness, I miss working at the hospital. I do the phone triage for hubby's office from home right now, which is easy and the schedule is great, but that is definately not what I went into nursing to do. I miss taking care of the rugrats and being around other adults for conversation. I miss the hospital atmosphere and the alarms and the charts! At the hospital we went to last night, I really miss my co-workers. Particularly a respiratory therapist named Bonnie and a nurse named Claudette. On such a small unit you get to know everyone really well and they become like family. I even miss working nights. But- I can't go back until my girls are both in all-day school. They will still be going half days this year. So- next year I will be back and working at the place I love, I hope. The worst part is when it is your turn to work Christmas, but that is only every few years. I know I am crazy- but I was not really cut out to be a stay at home mom. Sometimes I wonder if my girls would be better off if I worked! I am so glad they are coming home today. I have missed them while they were with Aunt Libby. Oh, well- off to the grocery store so that can be done before they get here!

And I am back, yet again.

Okay, I am so confused after all of this traveling I don't even know what day it is half of the time. But, I am not complaining. I know I am lucky to be going to all of these places. We had a really good time at the lake and it was good for all of us. My girls have been away from me for 4 days, now with Aunt Libby and they are supposed to be coming back tommorrow. I miss them a lot and I look forward to seeing them. I got the house cleaned so I can just have fun with them when they come back. This Friday we are all leaving for a week at the lake before school starts and life will settle down some after that. Emmaline has been obsessed with death, lately. It really concerns me because she has been bringing it up for the past few weeks and she keeps saying that she thinks she is going to die soon. She asked me if I would be sad and told me that she really wants to go see Jesus. Needless to say I have been completely freaked out by the whole thing and I am hoping it is just a phase she is going through. I remember Annelise having questions about death at this age but not the obsession that Emmaline has. I don't know. It made me think about it though and I thought about what is really important in life. I decided that the most important things in life are what you do for others and what you do for God. Do I help people when I can? Have I made a positive difference anywhere for anyone? Have I been a good influence in someone's life? Do the things I do please God? I know the answer to those questions are different depending on the situation, but I hope that more often than not, they would be positive answers. Emmaline had a scary situation in the early Spring. She was supposed to be inside the lakehouse with her sister and I was raking leaves on the side of the house and Brian was on top of the house blowing leaves. I couldn't hear anything because the blower was so loud and I had my back turned to the lake, but all of a sudden, I threw the rake down and turned toward the lake. I saw Emmaline, legs spread between the dock and the paddleboat and just seconds from falling into about 18 feet of water. I knew I couldn't get to her in time if she fell into the water, so I started running and I screamed at her to just fall into the paddleboat. I told her to throw herself into it. She was crying, but she did as I asked, and I got to her and we were both crying . I explained to her what could have happened because she didn't obey me when I told her to stay in the house, and she also knew that it was a rule not to go to the dock by herself or without her lifejacket. If I hadn't turned around, we wouldn't have known where she was for hours. That was definately a God moment and I am eternally grateful for it. I wonder if that got her thinking about this death thing. It was several months ago, but maybe it has been in the back of her mind. Either way- I hope she finds a different obsession. This one makes me very uncomfortable. I hope that during my time here on Earth that my life will count for something. I like to think that I try.

I'm Back, Again....

Well, we are back from Charleston. 2 nights was too short to spend there, but we had fun. It was so good to see my sister and my 2 sweet nieces. The 4 girls all had a great time. I brought one of my teen-age BBall players with me to help and she was great. It was good just to have another pair of hands. And, she watched the girls for a couple of hours one night so my sister and I could go out to eat and catch up. That was really nice. We went to Isle of Palms one day and we went to the pool the next. The girls were happy and exhausted! I don't get to see my sister as much as I would like to, so it was nice. As always, leaving Charleston made me sad, but I am sure we will go again soon. I won a girls week-end there with some of my friends when we all played our husbands in Mexican Train Dominoes, so we will do that in the Fall, sometime. This week-end we are going to the lake (without our girls) and some friends are coming with us. I will miss the girls, but I haven't been away from them in several weeks for more than a few hours, so this week-end I am planning on sleeping in and just doing a whole lot of nothing. I will hopefully be refreshed for them and ready to play when I come back. They are staying with Aunt Libby, so they are going to have a blast. She wants to come get them tonight instead of tommorrow, and Brian doesn't get in from Pennsylvania until tommorrow, so I am not going to know what to do with myself all alone tonight. I think it will have something to do with the TV and a bubble bath. (That is, if I can get the house cleaned, get unpacked from Charleston, and get packed for the lake before tonight!) I am going to try to plan some fun things for the girls next week since school is starting, soon. I need to spend some quality time with them instead of focusing on all I need to get done here. My to-do list will never get done, but my girls will grow up when I'm not paying attention, so I am going to try to make next week all about them. We will see how it goes. I am going to join the gym when school starts, so that should be interesting. I want to lose 20 pounds and that will be a challenge. I love to eat and I love sweets. I need to go be hypnotized or something. For now, I am trying to drink Carnation Instant Breakfasts for breakfast and lunch with a small snack in between. I am also switching to one caffienated drink a day and I am going to diet sodas (yuck). Oh, the fun after we turn 30......