Monday after Myrtle Beach

We went to Myrtle Beach over the weekend for Charles' Annual Training Conference for recruiting. This is the first year we took the kids and we had a great time. They spent a good amount of time in childcare, but they loved it. And when we weren't in classes/childcare, we were on the beach. And when I say 'we', I mostly mean Charles and the boys because it was COLD!!! We had a great view of the beach AND the sunrise from our room. We watched it from our room Saturday morning and actually went down on the beach for it Sunday morning, although it was cloudy Sun. morning, so it wasn't quite as pretty. We also went to the beach Saturday night at MIDNIGHT because Charles had promised the boys.

We got there Friday around noon. We checked into the hotel and then went to classes. It was great because the battalion provided childcare anytime there were classes going on, except for Sunday morning. So, the kids are in the childcare room playing xBox 360 and watching movies, and I got to go to Friday's classes with Charles and listen to the CSM and LTC, which I do enjoy. They're pretty funny. After the classes I went upstairs to shower and read and Charles took the boys to the beach for a bit. It was very windy on Friday and I wanted no part of that. Then we had our Company party. The First Sergeant had a 3 bedroom condo so the 50 or so people in there wasn't as crowded as it could have been. Lots of food at the party, so that was nice. Then they showed the 'training video' that Charles and his station made. It was hilarious!! It was the right way and wrong way of dealing with future soldiers in different situations. The wrong ways he came up with were just too funny. If I can figure out a way to get it on the computer I'll let you know. This video was shown to the battalion on Saturday and was a huge hit. Everyone loved it and I'm very proud of Charles for putting it together. It saved the company from having to do a skit. (By the way, if you're confused, command structure goes: station -> company -> battalion -> brigade) I guess we stayed at the party until about 10 or so and then went back to the room.

Saturday we woke up early and realized the sun hadn't risen yet. I looked out the window and saw that we would have a perfect view of the sunrise, so I woke everyone up. The kids weren't quite as impressed as I was. :) Then we had classes from 9 - 2. The spouses broke off for about 3 of those hours and had our own classes. Then we got to go back with the recruiters and watch the skits. I love watching that stuff. We had about a 3 hour break Saturday afternoon. We went to Wal-Mart and Charles took the kids to the beach again. Saturday evening the kids went back to childcare while Charles and I went to the awards banquet. This is the part where we're all dressed up and uncomfortable. This year they got the 82nd Airborne Chorus to perform, which was a big deal, and they were awesome!! I just love watching cadences and military performances like that. Very cool. We had dinner, a speaker, awards, blah blah blah. After they retired the colors we got the kids, changed clothes, and then went back down to the ballroom for the dancing. Carter showed his moves a little bit (he is SO funny). Then, since Charles had promised the kids another night time beach experience, we went back to the beach at MIDNIGHT. It was pretty cool being out there at night. The waves are different at night, racing toward the pier 'like a jet ski' Chad said. So...late night Saturday night. But we had already decided that we wanted to go to the beach for the sunrise since it was so pretty Saturday morning, so...

Sunday we were up at 6:15 and on the beach by 6:40. The sunrise was nice, but not as pretty as Sat. morning, but it also wasn't as cold, so that's good. We beat the rush for the great breakfast at Embassy Suites and then we were back to classes for the morning. No childcare today, so I stayed out in the hall talking to another spouse and the LTC's wife while the kids played a bit. Then we all went in for the closing remarks. After we checked out of the hotel we went to Broadway on the Beach and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. When certain songs are played on the jukeboxes, all the servers take their places around the restaurant (to include on the windowsills) and dance. It was pretty cool. Reminded us of the Friends episodes where Monica works at that diner where she wore the big boobs and had to dance like that. After lunch we went to the Ripley's Aquarium and can I just tell you we LOVE LOVE LOVE Ripley's. They have the most spectacular military discount in the world. We got the combo ticket (5 attracations) for only $6.55!! This is normally $52 or something like that. Heck, even to just get in the aquarium is $18. I really need to write them a letter. I say that every time we have taken advantage of this awesome deal and I never have actually done it. So, the aquarium was nice (but I sure am glad I didn't pay full price) and the lady said we have a year to go to the other attractions since we didn't have time yesterday. We ended up getting home around 8:00I guess. Great weekend though! And we weren't out very much money since our room was paid for and Charles was authorized to drive a government vehicle (usually kids aren't allowed in the GOV, but there was an exception for ATC). So, as much as recruiting sucks most of the time and the hours are horrible and the respect is non-existent...this one weekend of the year it worked out in our favor. Yet we had a man at the hotel question why the Army would pay to have our conference there instead of at a barracks since we "have so many barracks". That offended me. Firstly, the hotel gave our battalion a huge discount, charging only $70 per night for the rooms(Thank you, Embassy Suites!!). Secondly, with all the sacrifices our military members make for our country, including recruiters, I think a weekend away with their families one weekend a year is reasonable and well deserved.




Sunrise as seen from our room

Sunrise shining on Carter's face

After breakfast Saturday morning

Charles showing the kids something cool

My man in uniform

Us before the banquet

Carter feeling the music

Chad feeling the music LOL

Sunrise Sunday morning...he was a little tired

Sunrise Sunday morning

Carter and the jellies

Story...in Charles' video, after each 'correct' way of handling the situation, they would turn to the camera, flash a cheesy grin, and give a thumb's up sign. Chad thought this was SO funny, so in all of our aquarium pictures he did this. LOL Big Scary shark

My Babies

Well, I haven't posted a blog entry in a while and I apologize for that. I guess life just gets busy sometimes. But as I was reading blogs last night, jumping from one to another, I came across this lady - http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/shannon/. I cried more than once reading her blog. She has a wonderful knack for writing, being funny yet poignant, and tugging at the heart strings just in the knick of time. So, the result of all this reading I did last night is that I am now sappy. My babies are growing up right before my eyes. No longer can I hold my sweet ones and marvel at the tinyness of their hands, because their hands are now almost as big as mine. It makes me want another baby...ALMOST. :) But my babies certainly are not babies anymore. Sure, they're still young and impressionable and I can still get hugs (no kisses for years now), but the time is flying. Chad is 8. In the amount of time it has taken for this to happen, he'll be 16. It seems only yesterday he was a baby. Can't time stand still for a while and let me enjoy them more? Sigh... Of course I went through all this last night in my head as well, and what happens this morning? The morning happened and life goes on and they still have to hurry hurry hurry to get ready for school. There is no time to stop and just snuggle them, not that they'd let me if I tried. I did make a feable attempt this morning to make ME feel better and I gave Chad a hug and told him I loved him (not that this is uncommon, but I, of course, was being sappy, not just mom), and he says, "I like you too, mom. I like you, but I don't love you. Love is icky." Sigh...I tried to convince him that he does indeed love me, but he wasn't having it, and then I decided to drop it as to not make a big deal of it and encourage the "I don't love you" to go on longer than it would otherwise. Because we all know that Chad loves to find a new way to push buttons. :) So, that's what's on my mind this morning. And to honor my 'babies', here is my new favorite picture of them.

Thursday

Yesterday had its fair share of mishaps for me. It was my sister, Angel's, birthday, so I wanted to be #1 sister and have her present and balloons on her desk when she got to work. I took the kids to school early so that I could be sure to get there before she did. I get to the store (family owned) and my key doesn't work. UGH I had forgotten that my dad had changed the lock and I don't have a new key yet. So I go home to get my cell phone to call my dad to see if he is coming through town by any chance. No answer. Oh well. I go back to the store and put her balloons and present in front of the door so she'll see it as she walks up. I sit in the middle of the parking lot and wait...to be sure nobody steals it. I wait for 25 minutes and she is nowhere to be seen. She is ALWAYS at work by now. I don't have my cell phone on me because it was dead when I had gone to the house earlier, so I have to go BACK home to call her. I call...no answer. 10 minutes later I call again and wish her a happy birthday. Yay! She got my gift (didn't get stolen while I was gone) and she suspects I'm watching her. I'm not. LOL So, after some frustration, mission #1, birthday surprise: accomplished, with alterations.

Now I have to take our new kitten to the vet. Charles suggests I take the carrier, but I don't because she's small and I can just carry her in my arms. On the way to the vet she is all over me, nuzzling my hair, sitting on my shoulder, my lap, my feet. Sweet and cute, but I fear the officer at the gate of the Army base will inform me that it's against the law to have a cat loose in the car while driving. He doesn't. We do the whole vet thing, get shots, and all that. As we're getting in the car after shots, I am conscious of not releasing Furball into the car until I have shut my door, for fear of her running out. When I release her she runs to the back. I drive to the commissary to get eggs and ham for Chad's class and I don't hear a peep from Furball the whole way. I figured she had run and hidden and was mad at me. When I get to the commissary I want to find her so that I can make sure she's ok before I run in. She's nowhere to be found. I look under the seats, open the cargo door...no kitty. I start to call the vet and ask if anyone had brought her in, fearing I was mistaken and I somehow had NOT closed my door before releasing her and she had circled around and jumped out. I decide not to call the vet, thinking they might admonish me for not having her in a carrier. Of course, my next thought was, "I just spent $60 on this stray cat and now she's gone. I'm not calling Charles. He told me to use the carrier." So...I drive back across post to the vet clinic to see if she's out there. I look for roadkill as I get closer. None. Whew! I get out and call for her. Keep in mind, I have called for her the ENTIRE drive back, just in case she was in the car. No kitty. I decide to do one more thorough check of the car before facing shame and walking in the vet clinic to see if they've seen her. Kitty!! She was hidden way up under the front part of the passenger seat. Damn cat! I left her and drove back to the commissary, no longer feeling guilty about leaving her in the car for 15 minutes while I shop. LOL I still don't hear or see her on the drive. I shop, no cat when I get back. I get home, no cat. I just left the door open and she finally crawled out and came to the porch to eat. Hmph! Mission #2, vet clinic: accomplished, with some panic.

My day was broken up with some extra yummy homemade chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting with Angel and her salesmen. Angel is a wonderful baker. So, I had cake THEN lunch with Charles. Mission #3, get fat: accomplished. :)

So I get the kids from school, we do homework, etc., then go to gymnastics at 6:00 PM. I had to call Chad's soccer coach and let him know that Chad wouldn't be at the 6:30 soccer game. We had to choose and Chad chose gymnastics, and since I pay out the wazoo for each session, I decided we'd go with gymnastics tonight. We got to gymnastics 10 minutes early...except we were actually 50 minutes LATE. Gymnastics was at 5:00. Gymnastics is ALWAYS at 5:00. I still am not convinced we EVER went at 5:00. I thought for sure it was 6:00. How could I have mistaken that?? So, now Chad is upset that he is missing soccer, doesn't get to do gymnastics, and now wants to go to his soccer game. Do we have his uniform, shinguards, or cleats? Of course not. We were going to gymnastics. It's 5:55. I can make it home and make this happen. Nevermind that we have to PASS the soccer fields on the way home. Sigh... We drive the 15-18 minutes home behind mister slowpoke, grab his uniform, call the coach BACK to tell him we will be there after all, and get to the soccer game at 6:35. So, Chad doesn't start, no big deal. He gets put in at some point, but he never got to play offense. Apparently this is a big deal to him because he came off the field after the game whimpering. Nothing I can do about it. I should mention that during the game I didn't take my camp chair because I was so rushed, so I was just standing behind some parents watching. I stood back about 3 feet so that I wouldn't be hovering over them. Halfway through the game one of our obnoxious parents (her younger boys that play with Carter had already hurt his feelings at the last game by calling him a baby and fat)...anyway, she walked up and stood RIGHT in front of me. I mean, as if I was invisible. I stood there, thinking she would realize and move. She didn't. So I moved over so I could see. No need to start a fight at the child's soccer game, right? But I had full intention of saying something if she did it again. She finally went to the other end of the field because the boys couldn't hear her screaming at them from where we were. Mission #4, gymnastics: failed, soccer was a poor substitute in Chad's mind

Through all of this there was no dinner planned. I went through Little Caesar's in an effort to cheer Chad up (nevermind the fact that I had driven all over town and back to get him to soccer). For myself, I thought I would treat myself to WifeSaver since it had been in the back of my mind for a while and was near Little Caesar's. Ick! My chicken was NOT good. I can't pinpoint what the problem was, but it seemed cooked funny ( I know that's real specific, huh) and the skin was super thick...in a weird way. Very disappointing. Mission #5, dinner: failed in my opinion. Chad was happy though. Carter didn't care one way or the other. He's so easy.

After going through the drive thrus I managed to miss Survivor and then the SNL special wasn't even that good. :( LOL I tried to soothe myself with Oreos and milk, but that, too, was a disappointment. So I went to bed and now it's a brand new day! :) :) Maybe we'll go to the preseason ice hockey game tonight. That's always fun.

Family

I have always been a big family person. I love being around family, immediate and extended. I have a very strong pull to my ancestors and roots. I want my kids to feel this belonging to a 'family' also. Last weekend my Uncle Richard died. I had not seen him since my grandmother's funeral in 2000 and that saddens me. But I have a wealth of happy childhood memories spent at his house and at family reunions in WV. I needed to take the trip to WV to be there for his funeral and pay my respects to a man that had spent his entire life in the coal mines and mountains of WV.

West Virginia is a special place. There are many places I haven't been, but I feel it's safe to say that there is no place on Earth like WV. Almost Heaven indeed. The mountains are beautiful. The crisp air is refreshing. It's just a different time and place in Iaeger, WV. A simpler time. People still sit and visit on their front porches. The outpouring of love for my uncle was unbelievable. I have never seen so many flowers and gifts sent for a funeral. This is not only a testament to how loved he was, and he truly was, but also to the sense of community felt in this small town. People take care of each other there. It was inspiring.

It was also good to see all my cousins, Richard's sons, and their families. Of course, it wasn't a happy reunion, as their dear father had just passed and they were grieving. But seeing people in person provides a much closer connection than just seeing them in pictures. I was glad to make that reconnection with them, no matter how brief. As silly as it may sound, since we played together as kids and we're family, but I was glad to know that they recognized me and I them... for the most part. Sorry Gary. :) And my aunts and uncles, I was so glad to see them. I enjoy sitting around talking with them. It's like I'm a kid again and we're sitting in Granny's living room just visiting...adults talking, kids listening. My kids need to learn that art. :P I was glad my kids got to meet these aunts and uncles, as they have been such a special part of my life. I remember being afraid/intimidated by my Uncle Jack when I was a shy, timid little girl and he was a big man, with a deep, gruff voice. And true to form, the first thing he said to my boys upon seeing them was, "What are you doing here?! Who told you you could come in here?" LOL When they answered, "My mom," he quickly informed them, "Your mom doesn't run this place." LOL Of course, my boys were mostly unfazed and after a quick glance at me to search for safety, they started wrestling around with him. I was glad. Because, while I was scared as a little girl, I soon realized that Jack was someone to listen to and learn from. He is an amiable man of great character, someone I want my boys to know. Someone I want them to learn from, not just wisdom of the world, but also that they are a part of a bigger picture. They are a part of a family, a family of great men that they should aspire to be like. All of my uncles are men of great character...Doug, Jack, Richard, and Larry. I never met my Uncle Bob, but I'm sure he was a great man, too. My kids will only ever get to meet 3 of these men, but I hope that they will remember them and learn from them and aspire to be like them. Another 'uncle' that we got to spend time with these last 2 days was my Aunt's boyfriend Skip. Skip spent a lot of time with the boys and I'm glad he did. He is another wonderful example to the boys of how to be a good man. Good sturdy role models in a young man's life are priceless. Don't get me wrong, Charles is a superb father and role model for the boys. But the more examples of good strong men a boy can be around, the better. I am so glad we got to spend time with my mom's sisters as well. My Aunt Nancy and Aunt Betty are wonderful mothers and grandmothers and pour love onto my children anytime they're around them. A child can never be loved by too many people. A child can never have too much family. It is good for a person's soul to know that they have roots.

Me and Jack

Learning about Buckeyes

Aunts and Uncles...Family

I am glad they got to experience WV, even in the limited time we had there, as that is where we're from. Even though I have never lived in WV, it is 'where we're from'. It is a beautiful state, but more than that, it's where family is. Even though a lot of our family no longer live in WV, when we convene there it is just home. I hope to go back for our next true reunion, when I can visit more and the kids can play and meet their cousins.

Almost Heaven...West Virginia

Coaling Tower at Auville Yard, named after my great grandfather


For now, I say to Richard's wife, kids, and grandkids, I love you. My prayers are with you. I don't pretend to know you're grief, but you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this period of loss.

Monday

I haven't written in a while and it disappoints me. I've just been busy, but haven't had much to write about. Today I wanted to share a picture that I took on Saturday that I just LOVE...and believe it or not, I took it with my cell phone. I had no idea my cell phone could take such good pictures.


That is Carter standing on the dock of the pond at Mom's house. I love how the sunlight was on his face. I also love that it captured the essence of Carter. He is such a happy child, so full of life. He's FUNNY and kind and polite. He loves to laugh and make up songs. He has a vivid imagination and is a very profound thinker. He has found his place as an excellent student and reader. He is CARTER and we love him.


Chad is serious and intense. He is polite and mild mannered. He is wise beyond his years and smart as a whip. He knows what he wants and he goes about getting it with focus and determination. He is a thinker, weighing the pros and cons of every decision he makes, often 'helping' me with mine as well. LOL He is kind and well spoken. He is CHAD and we love him.

Cool Web Site

I discovered a pretty neat web site yesterday and I thought I would share it with all of you. Frugal mom, I followed this from your blog, so THANK YOU. http://shoppingfrugally.blogspot.com/search/label/organization
I was going to call and talk to you about it yesterday, but it was exactly noon and I didn't want to interrupt lunch again. I figured out that I call people at lunchtime because that's when I'm driving...TO LUNCH! LOL

Anyway, the cool web site. www.cozi.com This is a web site where you can have your family calendar all in one place. Your spouse can access it from wherever they are and input appointments or just view them. You can send reminders to yourself or your spouse via text msg or email. And, here's the best part...if you're out and about you can call a phone number and retrieve your day's appointments OR your grocery list. Oh, I forgot to mention you can establish a grocery, wholesale, or other list on the site...and have it sent to your phone or call to retrieve it while you're out. Awesome! It also has a really neat screensaver that compiles 4-6 different pictures into a collage page, then goes to the next, and the next. I really like it, even though I only downloaded it to see what it was, with no real hopes that I'd like it. I mean, I already had my pictures scrolling though a screensaver. This one is different though. It shows 4-6 pictures at a time...plus the time in big numbers. I like it. OH, and another cool feature about this calendar is that you can color code everyone. I am dark pink. Charles is blue, and so forth. You can also sync it with Outlook if you or your spouse use that calendar. I am really enjoying it and probably haven't even found all the cool features yet. But I wanted to post a blog about it because I know there are some of you that would like it also.

It's all about me

I just watched the dumbest play I have ever seen in football. The game is the Cowboys vs. the Eagles. Score is 21 - 20, Dallas is up. The Eagles quarterback threw a fantastic pass (about 50 yards or more). DeSean Jackson beat his defender and caught this awesome pass and runs into the end zone for a touchdown. But, because he is cocky, he tossed the ball behind him in celebration BEFORE IT BROKE THE PLANE OF THE END ZONE! It didn't count. When they showed the slow motion, not only had the ball not broken the plane, but neither of his feet had crossed the line before he tossed the ball and did his little end zone dance.

Now, why would a player do such a thing? Because he has NO self discipline and it's all about him. So many athletes these days have no real respect for the game. They're only there to be flashy and get accolades. He was showing off and it cost his team a touchdown. Unacceptable. He should be fired. Now, the Eagles (his team) scored on the very next play, but that shouldn't negate what he did. It was wrong and stupid and I hope his coach lets him know that in no uncertain terms.

Gas Prices

Have gas prices done anything crazy today where you are? Yesterday a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.54 here. Last night we heard that by Saturday it could be $5.00 per gallon. The craze at the pumps started last night with people lining up for gas (I was already full, thankfully). The news had a crew out there reporting of course. This morning it was $3.99 per gallon. When I came into town at 3:30 it was up to $4.59! When I was leaving town I saw ONE station that was still at $3.99, while all the other stations were at $4.49, at 2:00. When I came back by at 3:00 it was at $4.39 there - 40 cents in ONE hour! It's insane. They're saying it's because of the hurricane and the refineries closing, etc. But I don't understand how it's going up so drastically when I'm sure the gas that we're buying right now is still the gas that the gas stations paid $3.00 a gallon for or whatever. Anyway, I talked to Kristine in AZ and she said nothing like that is happening there, so I'm curious as to what's going on in the rest of the country. $1.05 increase in less than 24 hours is just crazy! And it's probably even higher now. Oh, and the gas stations on Fort Gordon were closed, presumably because they had run out of gas, which they were still selling for $3.59 early this morning.

We Will Never Forget

I didn't know a single person that lost their life on September 11, 2001, but I still cry when I hear the newscaster say "We will never forget." There are so many emotions connected to that day. It really was the day America changed. We were stationed at Fort Stewart, GA at the time and I was watching the Today Show, waiting for Regis and Kelly to come on, when the first plane hit. Matt Lauer was reporting and video was on the buildings when the 2nd plane hit. It was confirmed. This was not an accident - it was an attack. I just remember being stunned, making and receiving phone calls to friends and family, and being glued to the news for weeks. We lived right outside the gate to Fort Stewart and I watched as traffic backed up for miles waiting to go through security to get on post. Charles started riding his bicycle to work. I went to candlelight vigils. I was proud of the pride our country was showing. I cried for all that was lost. Not only were lives lost, but our innocence was lost as well. I remember that once the airlines started flying again, for a while my heart would stop whenever I saw a plane. Is that one going to crash? Fear was a new emotion that the terrorists so hatefully placed in our laps. I can not even imagine what it must have felt like to live in NYC at that time. I don't want to imagine it. How about the family members that got a phone call from those on flight 93? What heartache, to know that this is most likely the last time you'll speak to your loved one. What do you say when you KNOW and there's nothing you can do about it? What courage they had to storm that cockpit. We'll never know how many lives they actually saved that day. That's the definition of a hero. How about the rescue workers that went UP the towers while others were coming down? What bravery. It's awe inspiring really. There were so many heroes that day. There are so many heroes today as well. Our Armed Forces are fighting every day to end terrorism. We owe them our gratitude. We owe them our lives. The first step to showing that gratitude is to Never Forget. Remember.

Best Invention EVER

Okay, I will be the firs to admit that I am not much of a cook. It's not so much that I *can't*, but just that I *don't*. A friend of mine suggested I do more crock pot cooking, which I am all for except for one little problem. When I crockpot cook I tend to just put the crockpot container in the fridge with the leftovers and then I take forever to get around to emptying it out and washing the crock pot for future crock pot meals. Basically, I hate CLEANING my crock pot. Her solution: slow cooker liners. I bought some. They sat in my cabinet for a month. Well, today I made a crock pot dinner (beef stroganoff, if you MUST know)and used the liner for the first time. WOW! It was awesome! Nothing stuck to my crock pot. I spooned out the leftovers and put them in a plastic container and then just lifted the liner out. Voila. Crockpot cleaned. Okay, I did wash the lid. But now my crockpot is stowed away in its little crockpot spot in my cabinet...the SAME night the meal was initially cooked. That has NEVER happened in my house. LOL So, I recommend you go out RIGHT THIS SECOND and buy some slow cooker liners. They're awesome. Thank you, Allison, for helping me out. :)

"My online friends"

As many of you know, I am a member of an online group called Early Millenium Babies. We were all pregnant together and due in March of 2000. It's amazing, but we have stayed together all this time. I don't know what I would have done without this group, as they were my outlet during the tough times and my ear to brag to during the awesome times. We always had a safe place to come when we had questions, concerns, or proud moments to share about our children. We have become a pretty tight group and I am so proud to be a member. In 2002 I wrote a poem to this effect. I had completely forgotten I had written this poem, but found it as I was cleaning out my computer desk in the den. I wanted to share it here.

EMB

Early Millenium Babies, that's what we're called,
but what does it really mean?
We were the Late March Mommies,
but babies don't keep to a schedule it seems.
Our babies were born, but we had more to say.
Our group would not stop here.
No, we typed and we talked, and some even met,
as we trudged through that tough first year.
Great friendships were made. We laughed and we cried.
We leaned on each other. We made it through.
There were more gatherings, more wonderful bonds,
and now - WOW - our babies are two!
As they come upon the age of three,
our group is still steadfast.
We share our secrets, our greatest joys,
our present and our past.
We have come together in time of need.
We have stood strong through calm and strife.
Our babies may have brought us together,
but it's our love that will take us through life.
~Kathy Nay, winter 2002

Those 'babies' are now 8 and I still love this group. Sure, we've lost some members and we're all busier now than ever, but many of us still find the time to 'talk' to those reading out in cyber space. There have been more secrets shared than we can count. It feels good to know that you always have someone you can tell anything to and who are they going to tell? LOL It's been very cathartic for me and I truly owe them for my sanity, what little I have left. So, thank you, EMB! I love you!

Get Your Popcorn!

The boys have been begging to sell popcorn and lemonade outside of Aunt Angel's store for months. My dad had bought a popcorn machine a few years ago and I think Shelbie sold some up there once or twice. Anyway, I finally gave in and told them we'd do it. They named their business "Rock 'n' Pop" - Carter planned to have his radio and/or guitar - and made their sign themselves. We went to Sam's to buy supplies, as I provided them with a small business loan to get them started. We determined that they would pay me 25% of their profits each time they worked until the loan was paid in full. The first night, Friday night, they were set up from 8:00 - 10:00 PM and made $17.75! I was impressed! And, boy were they excited! Saturday we set up from noon - 2:00 and made $8.25. Apparently night time is better. I didn't really intend for it to be such a learning experience. I just thought they'd have fun making a little money. But, it all evolved and by the end of the night Friday Chad was figuring 25% of their profits each time they made a new sale. They did a great job and, of course, I was glad I finally gave in and let them do it. Now I just have to let them do it more often so they can pay off their loan. :) OH, and they both had to spend their money yesterday as soon as Charles got home (their profits plus their allowance). Chad had been wanting a new Pokemon game, so he bought that at Gamestop and Carter found a bug net gun on sale, so they did pretty good.


Their sign


The boys and their popcorn


Their first dollar made

Click Click Click

Our Mini Vacation

I just wanted to come on and post pics of our trip to Charlotte over the weekend. We had a GREAT time, especially at Dave & Buster's. I wish they'd build one in Augusta. We got to watch the UGA game, after talking with 2 different managers because they had the same game on 2 different TV's, but not the game they told us would be on one particular TV (UGA vs. GSU). Anyway, we watched most of it while eating and watching the kids play the various games. They loved the claw games and really got some good swag out of them. Chad got a necklace and 2 bracelets out of one and Carter got 3 stuffed sports bears out of another.
Then Carter played a game that gave out tickets and racked up quite a few. Here he is with all of his loot.
I love the way their ticket store is set up, too. It's so much better than CEC (Chuck E Cheese). They put your ticket amount on your card and you're able to roam around and 'shop' until you've picked out what you want. Put it on the counter and debit it off of your playing card. Awesome. After that fun we went to the room, got checked in, small nap, then swam for a few minutes.

Chad laying down with me


The many faces of Chad...only one face for Daddy.


Then we went back out to the Nascar Speed Park where they rode Go Karts, climbed the rock wall and played mini golf. They had a great time!


We had a late dinner at a Mexican restaurant before retiring to the hotel with a few minutes left to do some more swimming. We got up the next day and went to Bass Pro Shops since we didn't have time on Saturday.

Then we headed to Carowinds. They rode a couple roller coasters, but spent most of their time in the water park. We were only there for one overnight, but everyone had a blast and it seemed a lot longer. We packed a lot into just one weekend. Our next destination...D.C in October for the Army 10 Miler.

Don't forget to peruse my site and see what links might interest you.

Spiders

Our den tends to become a staging area sometimes. It can be a nice room, but is an enclosed carport, so it seems a little off from the main house and doesn't get used much. Back in May we decided to turn it into a game room because Sears had several game tables on sale. We bought an air hockey table, already had a foosball table, bought a skee ball table and planned to put Chad's arcade basketball game in there. Before we could make this happen we had to move out 2 computer desks and rearrange some stuff. Well, of course that never happened. We stored the games in there (in their boxes), along with some other boxes that just needed someplace to hang out. Charles also moved home from NC around that time, so his stuff got put in there also. I tell you all that to tell you this...we have spiders. Not just any spiders, but black widow spiders...a lot of them. One must have gotten in there and laid eggs because we have a ton of juveniles. We put off a fogger in there yesterday with hopes of being able to get in there to organize and create our game room. Today Charles started on it and found 6 black widows. Two of them were still trying to hang on to life, while the other 4 were dead. So, no organizing today. We set off another fogger and did one in the living room also, just to be safe. It's really creepy. When I think about it I guess we sometimes use the den as some would use a garage, so it's plausible that the spiders would see it this way also, but ICK!! I hope once we get all the boxes and stuff out they stay out for good! I know having stuff stored in there has given them plenty of places to hide, and it doesn't help that the huge wall size bay window that was installed 15-20 years ago has some issues. There are spots where you can see outside through the bottom of the window, and I don't mean through the glass. LOL We spayed that spray foam caulk stuff in there a few years ago, but that has separated also. So there's plenty of opportunity for the little buggers to get in. But they are NOT welcome here.

Teasing

It's 3:00 AM and I'm awake. Why, you ask? Well, because I love my son. I found out today that Chad is being teased at school. It totally and absolutely breaks my heart. First, just the fact that he told me tells me that it's a big deal. He does NOT show vulnerability...ever. I spoke with his teacher, the teaser's teacher, AND the counselor about this a little over a week ago. I casually asked Chad today how things were going and apparently this kid is still torturing him. Now, I am not here saying that Chad is an angel and could never do the same to someone else. I am well aware of Chad's capabilities, but I have never heard of him teasing another child (aside from Carter) and if I ever did I would certainly do everything within my power to put a stop to it. Which is why I have formally requested a meeting with the school counselor and this child's mother. Now, I realize that teasing happens. Nobody is immune to it. However, Chad isn't just anyone. He's MY child. LOL And if I can go through the channels to make sure everyone that needs to know about it DOES know about it, then I will. This kid is doing some very specific things that need to be addressed. As far as I'm concerned, Chad has shown great restraint by not decking him in the nose. At this point, I don't think I'd punish him if he did. ;) Not that I'm condoning violence, but the only way to stop a bully is to put him in his place. Anyway, I digress...

The counselor has been extremely understanding, so I feel confident that she will set this meeting up for me, hopefully on Tuesday. I also copied the email to the 2 teachers involved, the principal, and the vice principal. I want a paper trail and documentation that steps have been taken to put an end to it. Chad had problems with this child last year, so I expect it will not end here. *sigh* Why do kids have to be so cruel to one another? As a mother my number 1 job is to protect my children. This is an area where I can't protect him. Sure, I can call meetings. I can advocate for him all I want. But hasn't the damage already been done? This will not be the last time he will be teased. I'm sure of that. But each time it happens, how much of his sense of self does it whittle away? Can he just blow it off, or does it hurt him at his core? Hard to say really. All I can do is do everything in my power to make it stop. It's my job. My only job really...protecting my children. I know some of you may see this as a drastic step, but I do not see myself as an overprotective Mom. Honestly, I kind of pride myself as not being overly protective and giving them plenty of freedom to experience life, a long leash if you will, which sometimes exposes them to slight dangers that I think they can handle. But this is different. Chad has done everything by the book here. It is now time for the adults to step in and take over the situation. And, trust me, I will be relentless.

The Weekend

We are leaving bright and early in the morning for Charlotte, NC. While the Maize Maze is not open yet, our original reason for going there, we still have plenty of fun things planned. Hopefully we'll get to watch the UGA vs. GSU game on tv, if Dave and Buster's has GamePlan. I hate that we'll be out of town during the first game of the season. What kind of football fan doesn't watch their first game of the season? Of course, even being home, I'm not sure we'd find a place airing it since it's only on ESPN GamePlan. I've done all I can do to plan our day in such a way that we should be able to catch it though, so wish us luck! So, even though I won't be around this weekend, please feel free to visit and click several ads for me. :)

Oh, and GOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS! SIC EM! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!

Inspiration

I realize I should have posted about the Olympics *during* the Olympics, or at least BEFORE 3 days after the closing ceremonies, but ... I didn't. But they were on my mind last night and rather than getting up and blogging at midnight, I decided I'd do it this morning. Regardless of the controversy, the Olympics are an inspiring time. These athletes work their entire lives to get to this point. Some fulfill their dreams and win gold. Others don't. For some, a fraction of a second means the difference between victory and defeat. That must be devastating, but they handle it with grace and respect.

During this year's Olympics my inspiration was drawn from many sources. From the moment of the opening ceremonies I knew that I was going to pay attention to these Olympics. To see the WORLD come together during this 2 week event was special for me. To watch the different countries march in the parade of nations was so interesting - the different flags, the different ways in which they dressed, the way some countries were stoic while others were having a party. I loved it! But let's get to the true heart of the Olympics...the athletes.

Reese Hoffa. Reese is the Brother-in-Law of my childhood friend, so I felt a connection to him. He graduated from Lakesie High School, which is in our county, and his story is inspiring in and of itself, aside from his road to the Olympics. He is the reason I turned on the Olympics to begin with. His event is the shot put and while he did not win gold, he gave it his all and I enjoyed following his story. You should go to his page and read about him. www.reesehoffa.com I hope to meet him sometime, so Mona, work on that for me. :)



I was inspired by the women's beach volleyball team. Now, I know for a fact that Charles was also inspired by the women's beach volleyball team...but for different reasons. :) I just loved watching them. Okay, maybe that is the same reason. LOL But I loved watching them for their spirit, not for their clothes...or lack thereof. Misty May and Kerri Walsh, to me, were everything I love about the Olympics. They were fun, competitive, relentless on the playing field, down to earth, and just REAL. I watched them win gold and it was so exciting! I was with them, feeling their energy, waiting for their interview when, all of a sudden, I'm crying. From way out in left field tears start streaming down my face and I can't stop it. All I could think was, "I hope Charles doesn't come in here right now." LOL I just felt so stupid for crying over an Olympic win. And, really, it wasn't just the win. I was fine after the win. It was the interview. Those girls are just so inspiring and easy to love. They talked about wanting to start a family. See, it brings tears to my eyes just writing about them, and reading their blogs right now. I don't know what it is about them, but they have a way of getting into my heart. As I'm reading on Misty's blog right now, she's going to be on Dancing With The Stars this fall. I've never watched that show, but I will now.



Michael Phelps. What's not inspiring about him? He won EIGHT (8) Olympic gold medals! That is amazing. We watched all of his races and he's just unstoppable. He didn't make me cry, so he only gets 4 sentences. :)



And most importantly of all, I was inspired by my children's response to the Olympics. This was unexpected for me. I didn't expect the kids to watch the Olympics, but they did and they loved it. As we were planning out our fall activities, Chad tells me he wants to take fencing lessons. Of course I jumped on that idea and called about it. You have to be 10 years old here to take fencing. When asked how he knew about fencing...the Olympics. How awesome is that...that an 8year old child is inspired to take up a sport that he sees for the very first time just because he watched the Olympics. And Carter, he watched the swimmers and said he wants to be able to swim like that. They loved watching the "Summer Games" with me. Not only was it a special bonding time with Mommy before bed, but it exposed them to sports that are respected on a global level. That's how the Olympic spirit is passed from generation to generation. This is where dreams are formed.



But now the Olympics are over and we have to wait another 4 years...Summer Games 2012will be in London. If you're into Winter Olympics, look for them from Vancouver in 2010. Who knows what might inspire me then.

Labor Day Weekend

For Labor Day Weekend we are getting out of town! Yippee...ROAD TRIP! We are headed to Charlotte, a short drive from home, but with lots of fun in store. On Saturday we are planning our day around the UGA vs GSU game. My Alma Mater (Georgia Southern University)is heading to Athens to get their butt beat by the #1 team in the nation, my beloved Bulldogs. It better not be an exciting game, but I must watch it anyway. So, our day will begin at Dave and Busters. We have never been to a D&B, but it looks like a ton of fun. I have plenty of coupons so the kids can play to their hearts' content. And hopefully I can find a tv within eyesight of the kids that is playing my game. Either before or after the game we will be hitting BAss Pro Shops because my boys (ALL 3 of them) just can't go to Charlotte without also stopping here. I liked it...the FIRST time I went. I've seen it. Move on. LOL But we'll go because they love it. Then Saturday night we plan to have more fun at the Nascar Speedpark. Really, this is just more fun than any one person should be allowed to have in one single day. But, alas, my privileged children will get to...and then they'll ask what we're doing next. LOL Not that they're spoiled brats, but over time they get SO used to going and going that when we stop, it's only natural that they'll wonder what the next adventure is. This weekend they'll probably be too worn out to ask though, because our hotel is right next to all the other fun Saturday venues and the fun doesn't stop once we go to the room. No, then they get to close down the indoor pool.

This brings us to Sunday. We'll check out of our hotel and head to Carowinds for what will most likely be our last visit of the season. Carowinds is a theme park/water park that we have season passes to this year. We will spend the day there and then head home. Ahhhh, gotta love weekend getaways!

Poem of the Day

One Day - written by me in July of 1988, age 14

One day as I was watching the dogs and cats run wild
One day as I was seeing the first steps of a young child
One day as I was smelling the roses far away
One day as I was leaving, my conscience told me to stay.
One day as I was listening to the quietness of a mouse
One day as I was watching the train go by my house
One day as I was watching the birds fly through the sky
One day as I was staring at the cars go speeding by
One day as I was thinking how beautiful trees are
One day as I was glaring up at the bright North star
One day as I was gazing at a Redwood tree so tall
I quietly said to myself, "God made this for us all!"

Ads

I hope y'all don't mind, but I'm trying out a new money making venture that I heard about. At the top of my blog you'll see some ads. You can scroll left or right with the arrows to see which ads are there and if any interest you. They are based on my blog content, so they'll probably be heavily weighed on parenting and family life. No pressure or obligation, but if you would like to help, every click earns me money...from what I can tell it's about .15. Please come to my blog often and click away! :) I'll let you know how it progresses. Thanks!!

Bunnies

I haven't posted about it here, but we got 2 bunnies about a month ago. They are as cute as can be and are a lot of fun...but they STINK! So, a few days ago I evicted them...we put their cage on the front porch. They've been fine out there and I'm much happier with the way the house smells. Well, today when we checked on them they had escaped their cage, but they were just hanging out in the garden. So we decided to let them roam the yard. Charles was out there with them for several hours, off and on, and took some pictures, and they are just having a great time hopping all over the yard. The kitten came from the backyard to the front to antagonize ...I mean play with...them. LOL We went to dinner and came home and I couldn't find them. I thought, "Oh man. They've gotten out already. That stinks." Well, I thought I'd call for them, just to make myself feel like I was truly looking for them. LOL They came! They came to me when I called them. It was so cool. So I went back inside and when Charles came home he went out looking for them. I called and this time only Oreo came, but it was so cute!! He just came hopping to me, just like a dog. I guess Snow White had already checked in for the evening and decided she wasn't getting back up. LOL So, while I know it's a risky move, we're going to let them be outside yard bunnies. They're so happy with their new freedom and we're providing food and water, so I doubt they'll leave. We just have to hope nothing gets them. Here are some pics.

Hey there! What are you??

Where are you going????

Just cuteness