Friday, August 29, 2008

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!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

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.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

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!!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

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

No Matter What

Hello all. I have been quite contemplative today, although as I sit here prepared to write about it on my blog, I suddenly go blank. :) Let's talk about my children. I love my children. No matter what they do, what they say, or how much they may misbehave, I accept them as they come...NO MATTER WHAT. I know that most people feel that way about their children, at least I hope they do. But I truly mean it and think about it often. As most of you know, Chad presents quite a challenge for me for many reasons. He is a great kid. He's smart, funny, kind, loving when he wants to be, inquisitive, etc. But he can also be defiant, impulsive, frustrating, the pusher of buttons, and just do his own thing no matter what anyone says. Well, while I try to correct him of course, I also love him NO MATTER WHAT. NO MATTER WHAT, he's my kid and I love and accept him for who he is. Not sure why, but I just needed to release that into the world today. Nothing has happened, but it's just on my mind today.

Carter...of course I have those same exact feelings, but for different reasons. For several years Carter wasn't like most other boys in that he loved dolls and all things girly. He would choose a doll (Polly Pocket or Barbie mostly) over any other toy in the store, from about the age of 2 thru 5 or 6. He would say he wanted to be a girl, wanted long hair, makeup...the whole thing. While I didn't encourage this in him, I accepted it and allowed him to just be who he is. If I was buying toys and he chose a doll, I bought it for him. I didn't tell him boys shouldn't play with dolls. I wanted him to know that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, I love and accept him...NO MATTER WHAT. For a while I wondered if he had a gender identity disorder or something(mostly because of the saying he was a girl, not so much because of the dolls, but of course it contributed). He is over most of this now and no longer has dolls or likes things that are generally seen as 'girly'. BUT, I feel comfortable knowing that when he grows up, if there is ever any conflict in him about his sexuality or identity or anything like that, 1) I will truly believe that he was born that way, and 2) he will be able to look back and KNOW that his mom accepts him NO MATTER WHAT; that mom loves him and understands him and that it's ok. No matter what one's beliefs are on homosexuality, I can not understand how anyone can turn their back on their child, or make them feel unworthy or unloved, and I know that happens a lot to gays and lesbians, which is why so many do not reveal their true selves. I feel confident that, even though we allowed Carter to have dolls, etc. as a child, that you can not *make* a person gay. I don't believe that you can make a person NOT gay by refusing to allow 'girl toys'. A person is who he is. And if he comes to me at 16 and tells me he is gay, then I will not question whether I 'made him this way'. I will love and accept him as he is and I will be his best advocate. I will feel good about the fact that, even at 5, I loved him NO MATTER WHAT. And I will hope that he felt that and feels safe telling me anything. Now, please don't get me wrong, I don't think that boys that play with dolls are gay. I think mine are just normal thoughts of a mom with a son that exhibits these behaviors for such a long period of time. But, I truly believe that it is a part of growing up, for children of both sexes to explore all types of toys and they eventually learn and accept social norms, etc. But I do/did see that Carter was different from 'most' boys in that area. Even though Carter had a room full of dolls, Chad never played with them. Never once. Dalton either. So, to me, it was different from a boy who plays with dolls because he has a sister and the dolls are just there. Carter seeked them out. Anyway, I digress. I think it was just a phase and won't ever come up again. But my point is that, with Carter, that was HIS situation where I said to myself and anyone who'd listen, "You know what? He's my kid and I love him NO MATTER WHAT. Either accept him or be on your way, because we're a package deal." That's how I feel about BOTH of my kids. If you love me, you have to also love my kids. In all their imperfections, they are who they are and I love every piece of them. Of course, there are some traits that I will continue to try to beat out of them...LOL just kidding of course.

Wow, you didn't really ask for any of that, did you? LOL I fear I've said too much. LOL Oh well. That's where I'm at today. I've had some wonderful talks with friends today that put me on this track and I couldn't be more appreciative to have such great friends in my life whom I can talk to. To have friends in your life that LOVE your children NO MATTER WHAT is truly a blessing and I certainly feel blessed today. I hope you are, too.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Out of The Mouths of Babes

The boys both had good days at school today. Chad even had homework today! I was surprised. Carter didn't, so he pitched a fit when I announced MY homework for them...5 sentences about their day. Chad typed his, which I'll copy/paste just as he wrote it. Carter wanted to write his on paper and since his handwriting needs work I let him, so I'll type his out, as he wrote it.

Today was my first day of 3rd grade. I made friends. I liked lunch. I had homework . I did not like it. I like recess. ~Chad

My teacher's name is Mrs. Tredore. She is nice. I played with my frinds. We walked on the playground. ~Carter


Poem of The Day

A Different View of Earth written in September 1988 - I was 14

What are those creatures we see down there?
There are birds with motors flying through the air!
What are those tall things lit up so bright?
Those creatures are in there all day and night!
There are little hairy creatures running around in a box.
Do they belong to the big creatures? Oh, maybe not.
Hey look! There's wet stuff all over that sphere!
Why don't we have any wet stuff, my dear?
All we have are gases and carbon dioxide.
They don't have to wear masks to go outside!
Look! They have motors with big lights to ride in.
All we have are small wheels cause our ground is too thin.
Why don't we take our spaceships down there,
And make our life better and give those creatures a scare.

First Day of School

Well, my babies are off to begin another school year. Chad is in 3rd grade and Carter is in 2nd. For some reason, I'm a little sad this morning to have them gone...so unlike me. LOL I think I just want to protect them, but they'll be fine. Chad's teacher already had 3 new names on her roster. They are most likely going to create a new 3rd grade classroom. I hope Chad doesn't get moved out of her class because I really think she's a good fit for him.

Here they are before Open House. We manned a Scout table, so I had them wear their uniforms.


First Day of School! Chad made this exact face last year on the first day of school. *sigh*














Chad found an inchworm on the way to school so I let him take it in to show his teacher. Well, 'let' is relative. He HAD to bring it in to show his teacher, in hopes that she'd let him show the class, but that didn't work out in his favor. The kids were still sitting outside the classroom.





And here is my beautiful throat...pre op and 2 weeks post op (today).

Friday, August 8, 2008

School is starting soon

We had Open House at school last night. I am happy with the boys' teacher placements. I think Chad got the best possible 3rd grade teacher for him. None of Carter's friends are in his class, but he started out 1st grade the same way and made many new friends, so he'll be fine. He didn't get the teacher I requested, but both the main teacher and the paraprofessional seem really nice. I think they're both going to have great years!

Poem Of The Day

People - written in June 1988, when I was 14 years old

Why were they put down here below
On this great Earth where the deep waters flow?
They pollute and destroy the water and air.
Some try to help, but some just don't care.
You meet an old friend you haven't seen in a while.
You notice a change; there's no laughter, no smile.
You think, "What's the problem? What caused the change?"
Maybe it's the city, the way their life's rearranged.
Even you will be different years from now.
Everyone changes, although I don't know why or how.
Humans are strange, they love and they fight.
Something's wrong to one, and to others it's right.
There are many different colors and many different races,
But to really see a person, you don't look at their faces.
You look at their character and the things they do to you.
And any other judging wasn't meant for you to do.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Home

I can't even tell you what a wonderful feeling it is to have mom and dad HOME finally. As of this past Sunday, I now live in within 10 miles of my parents for the first time since I got married. It's awesome. Tonight Mom went to dinner with me and the boys and then we went to their house to visit. For TWO HOURS I sat in the living room with my dad just chatting. Mom came in and out, but mostly it was just me and my dad...just talking...for TWO HOURS! It was very very nice. We talked about his pool league, my bowling, his retirement, the loud and crazy birds, the boys...just STUFF. All the while the boys were outside roaming 40 acres of little boy heaven. They came home filthy and happy as they marched to the shower. It's nice to all be together again.

POEM OF THE DAY

April 1988 - 14 years old

Lover's Dreams

He was sitting beside me one Friday night when suddenly he said with a sigh,
"Let's go for a walk, down by the lake, underneath the dark night sky.
The stars are out. It's a beautiful night. Come on! Come on! You'll see.
You're beautiful, my darling, and I hope and pray that you'll always belong to me.
I want you with me throughout my life, no matter how much we fight.
Cause I know we'll always work things out and love again, am I right?"
Then I responded, "Well, yes, of course. I want you with me, too.
But what if we do part, my darling? Then what in the world would we do?"
He said to me then, with such great confidence and pride,
"You're all mine darling. We'll never ever part. And that's how I feel inside."
I then lovingly replied back to him so very soft and low,
"I love you, darling, real true love, and I'll never let you go.
You were right, the sky IS beautiful, with the stars so bright and clear.
Hey look! Did you see that? A falling star! How dear!
Make a wish, whatever you want. People say it will come true.
Falling stars are very lucky. I'm so gald I've got you."
Then, all of a sudden, I was in my bed, awakened by my clock.
"Wow! What a dream! It seemed so real!" I exclaimed as I stared at the dock.
Then the telephone rang and my sweetheart said, "I want you to hear what I dreamed.
Let's go for a walk, down by the lake, and I'll tell you how real it seemed."

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Poetry

I've been doing some updating on my blog today, added some links, etc. While doing so I remembered a long lost love of mine...writing poetry. I thought I would share a couple of my poems with you here.

My first poem...August 31, 1986 (12 years old)

HOUSES

Some are big.
Some are small.
Some are short.
Some are tall.
But the ones that I like the best
Are the ones that are not like the rest.
The ones that are haunted, spooky, and scary.
The ones that have ghosts, goblins, and fairies.
Nice ghosts of course, that do not hurt you,
And every once in a while jump out and say BOO!


And here is one I wrote for my mom in 1997...


Thank You, Mama

You were there with cookies when we came home from school;
You entertained us with your tales.
All of our friends labeled you "cool",
To me you were Mom - one who couldn't fail.
You loved us, you nurtured us, you taught us respect.
We grew up with no worries or cares.
You made our home safe with lovely memories to collect.
Our childhood I treasure. Trade it - I wouldn't dare!
Our house was the place for our friends to assemble,
To play, hang out, and learn.
And why did they choose our house? That's simple:
Because you made them feel welcome - for your loving guidance they yearned.
There was always a house full of rowdy teens,
But you never seemed to mind.
You mysteriously managed to not be seen,
Unless we needed you. Then you were easy to find.
You always knew just what to say
When things didn't go just right.
And now that I'm grown and have moved away
I think about you tonight.
I wish there was something that I could tell you
To make you feel safe and secure.
But I don't know what to say and I don't know what to do.
There is only one thing of which I am sure:
You raised two daughters who love and adore you,
And that is no easy task.
You gave up everything so that we would not have to,
For a better mother we could not have asked!
We love you, dear Mother, and no matter what
We'll always be here to help you.
We may not always know the right words, but
For you it's the least we can do!

Here is one I wrote for Charles 2 years after we were married (1996). No Doubt About It is also our song.


No Doubt About It

Is there doubt that we were meant to be?
To spend our lives together free?
Free of worry, pain, and doubt?
Free of suspicions and daily bouts?
Tell me, are we meant to love?
Meant to fit just like a glove?
Meant to laugh together, too?
Day after day, me and you?
And tell me are we meant to chat
So easily together that
We tell each other anything,
Not afraid to cry or sing?
And tell me, are we meant to be
The best of friends two people can be?
To walk along the road of life
Hand in hand, husband and wife?
Laughing and joking and having a blast,
No harsh words, no stones cast?
There is no doubt that we should be
Loving and laughing for eternity.
Not a single doubt comes my way
That years from now when we're old and gray
We'll still be happy, husband and wife,
In our rocking chairs, enjoying life!

And one I wrote for my best friend, Mona, when I moved to Germany (1995)

Mona is sporting the party hat

A Lifetime Investment

What do you say to your very best friend when you're about to leave for three years?
I love you? I'll miss you? Don't ever forget me? And then walk away full of tears?
More must be said. More must be done. For within us there is so much more.
Fifteen years! Wow! That's something. That makes fore memories galore.
Fifteen years of our lives have been invested in what we have here.
Our bond is truly a special one; read on, I'll make it clear.
When we were little we played together, crying when we'd have to part.
We'd color, ride bikes, talk, and laugh. Little did we know, this was only a start.
Still best friends, we turned eleven - going to Teen Town and playing ball.
Now we're thirteen, cool an din charge, spending hours and hours at the mall.
Where to next? Oh, sixteen years old. Remember breakfast at Shoney's and stalling the car?
Then, all of a sudden, we're seniors! How did we make it this far?
From church camps and ski trips and Neighborhood Bible Time,
To Six Flags in the middle of a storm jamming to Sweet Child of Mine.
Then to Hilton Head Island in the pouring rain with no top on your jeep.
Now here we are together and alone, we are both about to leap.
Me, I'm going to Germany; and you, you're becoming a bride.
And when I think about the bond we have, my heart overflows with pride.
But, now I'm leaving. I'm going away. And our friendship will be put to the test.
Let's prove that true fridns last forever! Because when it comes to friends, You are the best!

I wrote this one for my dad around 1997 or so...


You'll Always Be Daddy To Me

You’ve always been there by my side to help me however you could.
If I had a ball game, whatever the distance, if I wanted you to go you would.
You’ve always been able to make us laugh with that great
sense of humor you show.
Telling jokes or just your quick wit, through your words
humor usually does flow.
If I need to know something, you’re the first that I ask, for I trust
that you are wise.
You’re always able to answer my questions. I hope to that
level of wisdom I’ll rise.
You always show pride in me and my work, and for that I truly thank you.
I hope you realize that my accomplishments are not only my own,
but that you have contributed, too.
You raised me with love and an example of excellence that I
could not help but see.
Your years of hard work, your accomplishments, and guidance
all helped to make me me.
I’ve watched you and learned the indispensable value of
working for what you desire.
You’ve come so far from where you began; you’re surely one to admire.
Through all of the good and the bad times we’ve shared, the terms
Father or Dad just do not suffice.
You’ve been so much more with your help and support and the love
that you’ve me given all of my life.
Although these terms are useful, you’ve gone above and beyond what
their definitions call them to be.
You’ve been an advisor, a supporter, a nurturer, a friend!
You’ll always be Daddy to me!!


So there is a small sampling of my work. I thought for sure I had written one for Angel a while back, but I can't find it. Angel...let me know about that. I've only written 1 or 2 in the last 5-10 years. Maybe I should start up again now that I can force people to read them. LOL It's 1:00 AM. GOOD NIGHT!!