Saturday, December 31, 2016

Eve of the New Year

I am writing my NYE post now since I may fall asleep if I wait much longer. We are headed to some friends' house for a get together, but I am a late night lightweight anymore. They may have to wake me up to ring in 2017. I've been fairly productive in the kitchen today and even got a little time in snuggling with my boy...which rarely happens anymore. He's so zippy, sometimes it is hard to keep him still. We have been watching the Twilight Zone marathon on SyFy. It is one of our favorite New Year's traditions. Play games, watch the episodes and be together.

I pray 2017 brings with it newly restored health for me and for many. I am ready to get healthy and not feel blah most of the time. Here's hoping for a great new year for all!

Night all.


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Friday, December 30, 2016

It's getting real

We took the oldest to the county clerk's office early this morning to see how the wheels of government work. Well, that and we went to turn in papers and finish the process for applying for a passport. The security guard there had to be the kindest and most genuine government employee I have ever met in one of those offices. He made sure we were welcomed, had the proper papers filled out the proper way so we wouldn't waste our time waiting only to be told we needed to come back with different papers. Just a bright light in a place nowhere wanted to be. The paperwork is officially file and reality has hit all of us that she will be leaving the country in a few months. I'm trying to not be completely freaked out about that. You know, roller coasters are really fun and thrilling until you grow up and watch your child go on one for the first time. I mean, they are still fun, but the weight of parental responsibility weighs heavy on my mind when I think of what I am allowing them to do. Just like with this mission trip, it all sounds like a super great adventure until you realize that you are sending your baby on a trip to another country and you will not be with her. It is pretty intimidating. But I know she will be okay. Just the worrisome mom in me.

Going to go tend to an ill child now. Tummy trouble.

Night all.


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Thursday, December 29, 2016

Well, ugh

My Hokies have not shown up for their bowl game. I honestly don't think they are in the same state as the bowl game...at least not in their minds. My husband is pacing the floor and even elected to do some of his least favorite jobs in order to avoid watching. We may not have a happy house for a bit.

Oh well. Go Hokies anyway.

Night all.


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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Do I Have To?

I hate to say it, but I think I will start the process of taking down the Christmas tree and decorations tomorrow. This part of the holiday is my least favorite task. It will be kind of extra sad since we will have several empty bags from, as I am terming it, "Timber Times Two 2016" where several of the ornaments were broken. We still have the memories, but boy was the snowman family made out of painted fingers super duper cute. Sigh.

Now I see that Debbie Reynolds has passed one day after her daughter. So sad for that family. Quite a blow for them and for all of those whose lives have been filled with joy and laughter from their gifts of entertainment. I'm going to bed.

Night all.


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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Short Post #4567

I didn't sleep much at all last night, so I am not tracking as quickly as usual. We had a nice day with the WI family. The kids got worn out at the local trampoline park and I got worn out watching them. Ha. We ate at Five Guys for dinner and played Trivial Pursuit and had ice cream. Not too shabby.

We lost an icon today: Carrie Fisher. I'm telling you, friends, half my childhood heroes have dies this year. Jeepers. 2016 has not been kind to lots of people.

Please pray for my uncle and aunt. They left today to go. To another town to meet with a new doctor and start his new chemo. They come back home tomorrow since the chemo drugs didn't come in. This is not a mistake they physically, mentally or financially needed at this time. Uncle for my uncle.

Night all.


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Monday, December 26, 2016

Day after Christmas fun

The Wisconsin family has arrived and with it lots of cousin fun. My children love to play games of any type and so does their cousin, K, so it makes for an excellent time. Lots of laughing and kind hearted smack talk, although my two girls can get pretty rough on each other from time to time. There were beautiful music performances and joke telling and theatrical recreations of scenes from Harry Potter. We were busy over here, friends. Because our house is old and not laid out nicely to have guests, they have gone to stay in a hotel room for the night. While our house has room, it isn't like houses built today with bonus rooms and that business. And we don't feel right setting up a guest room in the cold basement. With all the craziness that comes with our five, they probably welcome the break! :0).

WHo knows what tomorrow holds for the cousins, but I am sure it will be something full of learning and laughter for sure!

Night all.


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Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas

It has been a busy but lovely day at our house. A nice time with family. I am grateful for all I have been blessed with and am humbled by the amount of love I have been given.

Our Wisconsin family arrives tomorrow and we are excited to get to spend time with them. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have some fun outdoors as well. This weather is a bit too balmy for my taste and for them, I am sure it is almost tropical.

I hope all of you have a blessed rest of your Christmas Day and enjoy spending time with loved ones.

Night all.


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Saturday, December 24, 2016

We're almost there

Tonight is Christmas Eve and we are all excited.  The children are a more outward excited, while we are an excited on the inside kind of people.  This time of the year is challenging for the grown ups and today has been no different.  The kids and I started off the day by delivering plates of cookies to local businesses with some friends.  It is our Christmas Eve tradition.  Some people were confused as to why we were there and others wanted to video us while we sang.  It was a nice way to start the day.  We ended the day with our candlelight communion family service at church.  We then went to see Christmas lights on houses, ate our traditional Christmas meatloaf dinner and sat as a family and read the Christmas story and "How the Great Guest Came".  I managed once again to cry through the last third of that.  The kids wouldn't know what to do if I didn't.

The hub and I are going to put gifts out in just a minute.  I can't stay awake much longer.

Night all.

Friday, December 23, 2016

The things you see in line...

I had to wait in lines today. At this time of year, you either allow the lines to drive you crazy or embrace all the possibilities of what you might witness. My two lines were the Honey Baked Ham line and the line to see Santa. The SPRC at work(you Methodists know what that is...just the committee that deals with all the staffing stuff and, well, basically all the uncomfortable and hard things at church), they gave us each a gift card to Honey Baked Ham. People really get serious about the pig they get for CHristmas dinner. I wanted the one that fed enough people but wasn't huge and had a bone to make soup later. Some people looked at three and four hams before they found an acceptable one. Some people paid excessive amounts of money just for side dishes. I'm too cheap to buy green bean casserole and.mashed potatoes from a third party. It seems wrong when I have the ingredients at home. AND the amount they charge, well, I could make probably 5 casseroles twice the size. I'm too cheap. I got a six pounder, that was the smallest they had, and went on my merry way. S and I have been making dough and baking cookies all day. She has been the best baking assistant I could ask for. We will take the cookies and do our traditional Christmas Eve cookie delivery to businesses in our community who have to be open on the day before Christmas. It is lots of fun.

This evening we went for our annual trip to see the jolly old elf. Thankfully we got there right after he returned from feeding his reindeer. The line still was as slow as molasses. We saw lots of awfully cute little babies dolled up and ready to be terrified by a big bearded stranger in red. There were a few child-parent wrestling matches while on Santa's actual lap. It made for good viewing. One family in front of us lost their teenage daughter for a while. I think she hid in Hot Topic out of protest for being made to sit on his lap as a 16 year old. That come to Jesus meeting happened right in front of us upon her return. Finally mine went up for their time with Santa. The girls have gotten to the age that they really are skeeved out by having to sit on a strange man's lap, so they sat on the arms of his chair. I don't blame them. I had a creepy Santa incident with a group of friends when we came home after our first semester of college. I'll just say it haunts me still. Anyhoo, they all sat and they all used their manners and asked about the North Pole and all that jazz. We are now at home and have that experience out of the way.

I may go to bed soon. Tomorrow is going to be a long and busy day...for everybody.

Night all.


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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Mobbing for Good

Our county mayor, Tim Burchett, likes to mob people.  But in a good way.  When the Henley Street Bridge in the south part of our city was under renovation, the businesses on the other side of the bridge suffered since they were much harder to reach.  Mayor Burchett order "cash mobs" to occur on certain days to assist the businesses.  What is a cash mob?  Basically everyone is encouraged to "mob" the business with their business to help boost their affected sales.  Today, we had a cash mob in our own little part of town.  The Fountain City Exxon has been a fixture in town for 60 years.  Need some gas?  A Coke?  A plugged tire or a new alternator?  You can get all of them there.  What can't you get there?  Hot dogs...lottery tickets.  Their sign clearly states, "Not a casino".  It is one of the few stations left around here that has a full service option and, when you have three kids sick in the car in the winter, sometimes it is the most heavenly and decadent option to have.  Alvin Frye, a World War II and Korean war veteran, community servant and nonagenarian, has owned the station since it began.  He knows everyone and everyone knows him.  The past few months have been rough for him.  He had a hip injury and developed an infection that sent him to convalesce in a nursing home.  Because of all these circumstances combined, his station will be closing for good at the end of this month.  Mayor Burchett, always a champion for our veterans and a devoted community servant, organized a cash mob at the Exxon to help Mr. Frye finish his time there on a high note.  When I got there at 10 after 3, I had a wait ahead of me, which I was happy to see.  I saw my uncle, three friends from church and another friend's uncle.  There were members of the media and local dignitaries.  I signed one of the big cards and inadequately expressed my appreciation for his service to the community.  I grieve the fact that he has to close his business under these circumstances, but I am grateful to Mayor Burchett's leadership in organizing this fabulous tribute to a humble and honorable man.  I wish him and his employees the best as they begin a new chapter of their lives.  Let us all learn from the example he set to serve our community and be a good example for all.

Night all.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Basement Frostbite

I have just emerged from wrapping presents in the basement and I am having trouble getting warm. My fingers were starting to have issues with scissor dexterity and tape pulling, so it was time to stop. I guess it is a good thing I'm not having to sew any gifts this year. I might have to buy a space heater. Brrrr.

Tomorrow is the last half day of school before the holiday begins. I have one child who will be going, so one more early rise for the week. He's excited to be with his friends and just do nothing. I get it...sounds really nice.

For now, I am going to boil myself in the shower and wrap myself up in flannel.

Night all.


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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Roller coaster

Riding the emotional roller coaster is never a fun time for many people.  But, life is a constant roller coaster of emotions that we have to hold on and try not to fall out of the car.  We are awaiting the results of my uncle's bone marrow biopsy to see if he will be accepted into a clinical trial.  Whenever i started this blog, I did not think it would be a place where I would emotionally vomit every day for the six people who click on this link, but it has become that.  I apologize.  As a person who believes in God and His power, I will put this story and requests for prayers for his restored health on every platform I can possibly find.  I love my uncle...I love all of my uncle's and I would give anything to make them better.  So if you pray, pray for healing and comfort and peace and wisdom.  If you don't pray, send up positivity into the universe.

I am currently engaged in the utmost of uplifting activities:  watching Intervention and wrapping Christmas presents...all while sitting in the freezing basement.  Living the dream.

Night all.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Heavy Heart

We didn't get the best of news from my uncle's appointment today. His disease is a tricky and aggressive one, one he has fought with grace and humor and great bravery. The doctor today gave them some very honest and real news that was difficult to hear. They have three options of different kinds of medicines and difficulties with all of them. They'll be looking at his bone marrow numbers and other things to determine what to do if they can do it. Clinical trials are sometimes an option, but very cost prohibitive. I don't know what to ask people to pray for or to pray for myself. Selfishly, I want a cure so he can be in remission and live many more years. I truly want him to be happy and know how loved he is and enjoy life and his loved ones.

Pray, pray, pray.

Night all.


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Sunday, December 18, 2016

Party Day

Today we had a birthday party for Baby Jesus with the children at church. They dressed up as people in the nativity story, made a Jesus in the manger craft and ate donut holes on sticks after they sang "Happy Birthday" to Baby Jesus. A good time was had by all. It was loud and a bit crazy, but I imagine that special night so long ago was the same way.

My uncle has his appointment tomorrow at 11am central time. I beg anyone to please say a few prayers for him and for his doctors. I am not above praying for a miracle. I know God knows what is best for him...I just selfishly want him around for a long time. I appreciate any love sent his way.

Night all.


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Saturday, December 17, 2016

Just about done

G and I went out Chirstmas shopping today. It was a much longer trip than I had planned, but we were successful. We even took a shopping break and went to the evil trap known as the Puppy Zone. This is the devil disguised as a store with baby cribs all over and cute little fuzzy puppies inside. Their prices are OUTRAGEOUS, but darn are those puppies cute. They lure you in with those chubby tummies and skunks puppy breath and make you feel you must rescue one before you leave. G got stuck on the chocolates, which is understandable since we have one. They were sleeping hard, but got feisty when they woke up. Nothing better than a sweet little puppy.

After dinner, we took the kids for ice cream and a drive to look at Christmas lights. It is a longstanding family tradition. It was a rainy night, but a fun one. One of my favorite traditions.

One of my other favorite things to do is go to sleep. I think I will do that right now.

Night all.



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Friday, December 16, 2016

In Need of Prayer

I have mentioned my uncle and his battle with AML and the hard fight he has fought. Today they received some hard news that his most recent round of chemo (#9), had not worked to hold the leukemia at bay and he is in need of acceptance into a clinical trial. We have been hoping for that for a while, but nothing has come, so they have plodded along patiently. One nurse told them that it would surely be the first of the year before they had any chance of getting into one. Discouraging news for them since this disease moves and spreads so aggressively. Then they received a call that they are to be at a specific hospital on Monday to be seen for possible admittance to a clinical trial. This will mean their separation from family and friends during the Christmas holiday, but it could be the best CHristmas present they get. Please pray that they can find hope in this trial after such a depressing blow today. Pray for miracle, please.

Night all.


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Thursday, December 15, 2016

Another quick one

Band concert tonight. Fun to hear them play. Deep cleaning the house for Christmas. Trying to not lose my sanity with children who are ready to be done with school for the semester. Tomorrow will hold a party for a soccer team that likes to eat and party like a bunch of crazies. Lord help us all.

Night all.


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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

A quick sick one

The boy is still feeling poorly, although he did perk up this evening. He really wants to go to school tomorrow, so we will hope that can happen. My tooth is about to kill me...to the point that I was ready to yank it out myself. My dentist is off tomorrow, but I may have to beg at his feet on Friday for some relief. It is agonizing. Band fruit is in and about half or a little more has been delivered. The hub ate the inaugural navel orange and seemed to enjoy it, so all is well. Tomorrow we all get to get new toothbrushes since strep hit the house. Upon the medical advice of a nurse friend, our current ones have been soaking in peroxide until we are safe to get new ones. The funny things we get excited over.

I am going to go wash the stink of fruit and Lysol off my body and get ready for bed.

Night all.


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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Ugh...ughity ugh

So the boy went to bed last night not feeling great. His sinuses were jacked up and his ears were starting to hurt. I gave him the usual Mucinex/allergy stuff and sent him to bed. This morning when I got him up, he was burning like a furnace. He had the glazed, sick eyed look that I knew all too well. He got dressed and I told him to relax. After sisters went to school, he and I went to the urgent care clinic as our doc office didn't open for another couple of hours. I was convinced that he had a double ear infection, which he still might. BUT, knock me over with a feather, he had strep. This is his second time ever having it. I got him home and tucked him in only to receive a text from his sister and roommate saying, "My throat is killing me." I went to get her and took her to the same place. While she did not test positive, the NP said she was "well on her way" to a positive test soon enough. Her second time having strep as well. I have been Lysoling a lot and making runs for ice water and throat lozenges. They are pretty pitiful. Hopefully with a day's worth of antibiotics in them, they will wake up new children. I hope. Breaks my heart to see them sick.

Just pray we don't get it. Too many things going on. Way too many.

Night all.


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Ugh...ughity ugh

So the boy went to bed last night not feeling great. His sinuses were jacked up and his ears were starting to hurt. I gave him the usual Mucinex/allergy stuff and sent him to bed. This morning when I got him up, he was burning like a furnace. He had the glazed, sick eyed look that I knew all too well. He got dressed and I told him to relax. After sisters went to school, he and I went to the urgent care clinic as our doc office didn't open for another couple of hours. I was convinced that he had a double ear infection, which he still might. BUT, knock me over with a feather, he had strep. This is his second time ever having it. I got him home and tucked him in only to receive a text from his sister and roommate saying, "My throat is killing me." I went to get her and took her to the same place. While she did not test positive, the NP said she was "well on her way" to a positive test soon enough. Her second time having strep as well. I have been Lysoling a lot and making runs for ice water and throat lozenges. They are pretty pitiful. Hopefully with a day's worth of antibiotics in them, they will wake up new children. I hope. Breaks my heart to see them sick.

Just pray we don't get it. Too many things going on. Way too many.

Night all.


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Monday, December 12, 2016

Night #2

Our second night of the choir program has come and gone. Not going to lie, I am glad it is over. It is fun to participate in, but is a commitment...not as much as the choir members with all that they sing and do. The boy has a super painful ear, so he and the hub ducked out right after his singing obligation. I ducked out after my bell choir part to go sit in the nursery. One of the staffers had a horrible migraine. She was a trooper and came in, but we sent her home. I'm so thankful for a friend and her daughter who stepped in to help out our other staff member. They were a cute little trio of children tonight, so it is always fun to be with them.

Now that the program is over, time to prepare for a band program and trying to get gifts purchased and wrapped. I'm ready to do some relaxing...maybe a little.

Night all.


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Sunday, December 11, 2016

Funny people

Another Sunday, another busy time. As Christmas draws near, things get busier and stressful. Lots of activities get stuffed into one small period of time. So anything that can relieve some of that stress is more than welcome. Today in our combined Sunday school class(3's, 4's and K), they were volunteering to pray before snack. One little boy volunteered his services. This was the epic beginning of his 3+ minute prayer: "Dear Lord, Thank you for our bodies. Thank you for our bones, because without our bones, we would just be piles of skin in the floor." And it went on from there. I hope he wasn't praying with his eyes open, because I almost lost it. It was so funny and genuine and excellent. How could you not have a good day when it starts with a prayer like that?

I'm tired and have to go downstairs and cut up a cake.

Night all.


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Saturday, December 10, 2016

Crazy Cookie Lady

So I had a whole blog post written and my oldest asked a question that I didn't know about Princess Grace. I was always a fan of hers and knew a fair amount, so I was impressed she asked a stumper. When I got off the blogging app for a minute and searched Grace Kelly, which led to a quick look at her children which led to Princess Diana(because we started talked princesses perishing in car accidents), the blogging app rejected what I had written and deleted it. I was not pleased, so I have written this quick post. After way too many dozen cookies baked and shopping for Christmas and a choir concert outfit for a child and a handbell practice, I just couldn't bear to try and rewrite the other post. So you are getting the abbreviated version.

I'm going to go crash.

Night all.


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Friday, December 9, 2016

Good Time

My child is having a Christmas party here tonight. Let me just say that I would rather take a beating than entertain, but moms do things out of their comfort zone since they kind of love their children. We have seven kids over here hopped up on super duper hot chocolate and all kinds of yummy food. I'm glad that they have special, long standing relationships with both boys and girls. Everyone can use some extra brothers and sisters to help them through the day. I feel like I could fall over from exhaustion right now, but I made the mistake of having a fancy glass of chocolate myself. Yeah...they might have to pull me off the ceiling fan before the night is over. I don't handle my caffeine well...there's one at every party. Instead of drunk girl, I'm "'Ffeined up girl".



I'm going to run a few laps in the yard and burn the chocolate off. God help us all.

Night all.
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Thursday, December 8, 2016

Worn out

Wet leaves stink, my friends. After the drought, followed by the monsoons that we had, the leaves have come down in full force. I had to get them off the lawn. It was more than covered and I wanted to see some green. Two and a half hours later, I had most of the lawn uncovered. I feel like accomplished a lot, but now I feel like I could fall over. But a good kind of fall over. This evening we went to see the high school band concert. It was a nice evening. Any time I can hear "Sleigh Ride" is a good time. I love it so much. It made my evening.

I have finished making sausage balls and dill dip. I'm done and ready for bed.

Night all.


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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Take Three

So the living room has been in a complete state of disarray after the tree falling incidents of Monday night and wee hours of Tuesday morning. The shards of glass and pottery were cleaned up and the broken remnants of Christmas Disaster '16 have been placed in a jar for us to have to remember. Tonight, we put the dried tree skirts back on; the wooden cranberries and rag garland were carefully placed on the branches; the surviving ornaments, some missing feet or ears, were placed on the worn out branches. Charlie Brown would be proud.

Tomorrow is a busy one with work at my job and work in the yard trying desperately to find our grass beneath all the gajillion leaves that have come down in the crazy storms we've had. But job will come first. Then S has her band concert. I love Christmas concerts, so I am excited for tomorrow.

Time for bed. Night all.


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Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Tree-tastrophe

The hub and I have been married a lot of years. We are in our 21st to be exact. We've had a lot of experiences and a lot of things happen, good and bad. We are creatures of habit and have done things the same way for a long time. One of those things is that we always buy a Frasier Fir tree for our Chirstmas tree every year. I love the smell and enjoy the way the branches are nice for hanging ornaments. We all decorated our 2016 tree on Sunday and had a great time reminiscing about all the ornaments and where they came from. Last night, I was upstairs playing a game when I hard a rather loud noise and the tinkling of breaking glass. When I asked the hub what it was, he said, "The tree just fell over!". I ran downstairs to see the mess. Broken ornaments and tree needles and water everywhere. We got the tree back up, cleaned up all the little shards, vacuumed and put the ornaments back on. I had a few tears over the lost ornaments. We got up this morning and told the two youngest what happened. G ran downstairs to see the tree. Not sure what she was looking for, because we cleaned it up. She came up and said, "I don't meant to be rude, but I guess I would have thought you would have cleaned up the mess and all the water." "Honey, I did clean it up...your daddy and I both did." "Well, the tree is still down. It's a mess down there." I ran down to look. My poor husband, unaware and fixing his coffee, walked in to see what the commotion was. More ornaments broken. More tears. People have lost their homes to fire. People are struggling with cancer. People have lost children. Ornaments are no big deal. But I have mourned the loss today. The kids' handmade ornaments; the hand picked ones we got on our very first trip to Disneyworld; the "Baby's First Ornament" with their little pictures in them...shattered. I took my father's advice and took the big chunks of ornaments and put them in a jar. "That way you can have a new Christmas memory from the pieces of the old ones." A new tree stand has been purchased and the tree is getting used to its new home. Ornaments will not be placed back on until we know it will stand up for longer than a day.



Night all.
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Monday, December 5, 2016

Prepping

I am trying to get a little more hip and with it when it comes to decorating. Not just for Christmas, but in general. I did go looking for some holiday items today, but I felt like I didn't completely want to Santa-Ize the place and make sure there was a good portion of Jesus in there as well. All of these lovely reclaimed wood signs with all the cute sayings are so pretty, but I can't find many non-elf or Santa ones other than "Joy to the World". That's a good one, but I think I'm going to have to make some myself. Just for the record, I am in no way anti-Santa. As a person who works with children, I believe that Santa is an okay guy and that kids are okay to have fantasy and magic in their lives. I have a mantle filled with a Santa collection that has grown each year . Nick and I are tight. But even Santa knows what this time of year is all about. And I want to make sure my children, even at 9, 12 and 15, know that the baby in the manger is way more important than the reindeer with a shiny nose.

Enough of my soapbox. I couldn't sleep last night and watched the latest episode of The Walking Dead. Sheesh. I find the whole show fascinating. I really do think I'm going to have to go to McKay's and look for some used collections of the graphic novels to read. I am fascinated.

Oh. And I saw a mouse running across the 2x4 over our garage door a I was returning home from church tonight. Ugh.

Night all.


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Sunday, December 4, 2016

There you go

It has been a very busy day as work days always are. The day was topped off with an evening meeting, so that made it a little extra long. The children were awfully cute and a little wild today since it was raining. It just makes it that much more lively.

Tonight we decorated the Christmas tree. It is always a fun time and the kids laugh and joke and get along with each other. It is so nice. I love Christmas and all that comes with it, but totally understand that this is a terribly sad and difficult time for so many. I pray that the hope of Christmas will bring peace to those hurting.

Night all.


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Saturday, December 3, 2016

Quick Recap

It has been a very busy day here in Tennessee. First, we participated in our little part of town's Christmas parade. S was in the band and the kids and I handed out candy canes with our church's group. The hub had the hardest job to get the band girl where she needed to be. I even got a picture with the jolly old elf himself:






The boy and his friends had some strange poses in the holding area before the parade. After it ended, S rushed off with the band to the state championship football game. The family and I joined them soon after. G stayed home and had a special time with her aunt and uncle. It was very chilly at the game, but it didn't dampen the boy's spirits...even if we did lose:



We are proud of the team and their hard work this year.

Now we are all home and in various states of thawing. The hub is watching our Hokies play CLemson for the ACC championship. I'm going to bed.

Night all!
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Friday, December 2, 2016

Dinner with two

The hub and G are of to a party this evening. Well, G is at the party and my sweet husband is hanging out in his friend's tricked out man cave. So the oldest, the youngest and I had to make some plans. Not really. We went out on the town in a crazy way...we went to dinner at Waffle House and Christmas shopped at Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond. I am currently watching them play FIFA '15 and get the giggles from making fun of each other's player on screen. Whatever it takes for them to get along being six years apart. They are a funny pair.

I'm going to watch and laugh.

Night all.


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Thursday, December 1, 2016

Chico and the heartburn

I have been one busy bee today. Changing sheets and cleaning closets and cleaning pantries and doing laundry and running the mom taxi service. I feel good about all that I accomplished. This evening we went to a Mexican "funeatery", as my brother would call it, to participate in a fundraiser for the boy's school. While I enjoy some good fajitas, my body does not enjoy them and their effects on its various systems. I anticipate quite a long night of Tums consumption and water drinking. But the waitress said they had a good turnout, so hopefully the school made a nice little chunk.

I am currently watching one of my favorite black and white Christmas comedies, "The Man Who Came to Dinner". If you haven't seen it, you should. It is great and the main character reminds me so much of my old friend, Don.

I'm going to bed here soon. It's going to be a busy weekend!

Night all.


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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Sweet evening

Tonight was the children's Christmas program at church. Because December is always so very busy, our church has tried to end all major programming during the week by the end of November. That way we can enjoy and worship in December and truly prepare ourselves during the Advent season for the birth of Jesus. The choirs all did a great job and were as cute as can be. The boy's group put on a musical western called "The Loaned Manger". It was so very cute and the kids did a wonderful job. This program always gets me and I have lots of feels and maybe even a few tears. Just so sweet and they are so enthusiastic about their faith. I love it.

It has been a long and busy day. Say a prayer for the Walker family. More has come out in the news about the murder of their daughter. Just so devastated for the family.

Night all.


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Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Uncle

We went to bed last night full of worry for our beautiful neighbors and mountains in the surrounding counties. Wildfires have been raging for weeks and weeks wih devastating results. Last night it reached a fever pitch: videos of flames licking at the doors of houses and businesses; people grabbing everything they could to get in their cars before they could no longer safely leave; horrifying pictures of glowing landscapes and red skies. A few desperately needed showers came for a little bit and calmed some of the flames, but things are still burning and the devastating aftermath is there for everyone to see. Please pray for these people who have lost their homes, their livelihoods. Just so terrible. Pray for these people.

We are currently icing G's other knee...not the one that got whacked, but the other one. She pointed out to me a week or more ago that it felt kind of spongy and it did. Kind of gross. Well, it has obviously gotten a whole lot of fluid on it and we are trying to get it to go down. So we are calling her Sponge Knee Square Pants. Gotta have some humor in this post.

Night all.


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Monday, November 28, 2016

Not much to say

It has been a Monday for sure and I am ready for bed. I cleaned our room and made turkey barley soup...well, it turned into turkey barely goop from sitting in the crock pot too long. It was good still, just kind of resembled mush. The boy had a pack meeting at scouts today and got a new pin for his hat. We went to the scout shop and got his new uniform. It's the one that looks like a Boy Scout uniform. So stinking cute. He's growing up awfully fast.

I've got to go listen to a Christmas decorating idea from one of the kids. Guess I need to get on the decorating here soon. Just trying to get my mind right for Advent. My attitude is not one to welcome Baby Jesus in a few weeks.

Night all.


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Sunday, November 27, 2016

Fitting tribute

This weekend has been one for funerals. I left after work today and headed out of town and home to attend the funeral of one of our closest family friends. When we moved from Missouri to Tennessee, our next door neighbors welcomed us to the neighborhood with open arms. Their children were two and four years younger than I was and made fun playmates...and they had a swing set! Soon enough, we spent every Christmas Eve with them...we picnicked and block partied and Fun Fested and everything elsed. Even when we moved down one block, all of these things still continued even though the moms cried at the though of a one block move. Pretty sweet, I think. As all the kids grew up and married and our parents remained in town, visiting as they walked the neighborhood and bring hot meals to each other through sickness and surgeries and deaths. Then a little of a decade ago, our neighbors informed my parents that the husband had been diagnosed with the beginnings of dementia. They handled everything with grace and made sure that he maintained his dignity. His children were devoted and came in from out of town on a regular basis to visit and take care of him and their mom. Even just two weeks ago, they had a 78th birthday party for him. My parents called to give me a report and tell me about seeing their children. I keep up with their daughter on Instagram and we see each other every so often as we live in the same town. He passed away last week, a blessing really. So today, I went to his funeral. What a lovely tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest, loved trains, Tennessee football, his Friend and family and God. I sat with high school friends who I hadn't seen in 25 years, even saw my third grade teacher. Afterward, I was able to go home and visit with my parents for a while. A nice afternoon.

I am currently holding my eyelids up with toothpicks. I'm exhausted. I'm going to hug my family and go to bed.

Night all.


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Saturday, November 26, 2016

Outpouring of Love

We went to the services today for sweet Emma Walker. SO heartbreaking. It was hard for the boy to know how exactly to react and know what to do once he saw his teacher with her family at the front. We just told him to tel her he loved her and that he was so sorry. There's nothing that can take away their pain, that's for sure. There were so many people there for sure. Young and old. It made me think back to my senior year of high school when I lost one of my best friends in a car accident. The shock and grief and numbness and walking through the day in a haze. I think it made at least my children feel a bit of relief to see their teacher and be able to hug her and make sure she knew people were caring for her. Their son absolutely broke my heart. As a mom, it killed me and I think all the moms wanted to scoop him up and hug it all away. I really do pray that the outpouring of love will give them some strength and comfort during this horrible time. They have a long road to go with grief and the legal proceedings that will come as a result of what happened. Just please keep them in your prayers.

Night all.


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Friday, November 25, 2016

This week has been different!

Guest Post from DH:

My heart is still in shock over the death/murder of the CHS Cheerleader this week. I cannot fathom the shock of the parents and family. I can't even begin to formulate what I will say to the grieving family at the receiving of friends. I can't change the past, so I will look for words to offer hope and comfort.

It makes me proud to see the community come together.
-The memorial fund was started late Tuesday or early Wednesday and it has well over $20,000 in it.
-The candlelight vigil was well attended and served as a community time of mourning.
-The Semifinal football game is tonight. Cheerleaders and Spectators are wearing purple. This was her favorite color. I am impressed with the Marshall County fans who are being encouraged to wear purple as well.

For the cheerleader's family, there will be a long period of healing. The alleged shooter has been arrested and is awaiting arraignment and trial. And now, we as a community must establish a new normal.




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Thursday, November 24, 2016

Turkey Lurkey

Today was Thanksgiving and it was a lovely, but bittersweet, day. I couldn't help but mourn for the Walker family and the families of those affected by the Chattanooga bus crash. SO many heavy things on my heart.

We had cousins over to play while the adults were bustling around in the kitchen. The kids had all made their culinary delights the night before, so we were making the staples. I have never fretted over anything so much in my life as the gravy I was asked to make. I consider myself to be a pretty decent cook, but gravy is one of those things where success has alluded me. The hub was good at minding the pot and stirring it out of scorching while I added milk and flour slurry ever so often to thicken it up. It turned out alright. We have plenty left over which means there will be plenty a "moist maker" to be consumed. If you are not familiar with that, google it or the Friends episode. The kids are now looking through the ads and making their Christams lists which they aren't super stoked about. They aren't really feeling like they need much this CHristmas and are feeling very thankful for what they have. Makes a mom proud.

I am going to go make my list and put my feet up and maybe even indulge in a beverage of some sort. Maybe.

Night all.


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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Still Numb

I had a fitful night of sleep. My mind just couldn't let go of the thoughts of a young woman leaving this world too soon. It breaks my heart for the family, for the friends, for the community. So many rumors flying and speculation and untruths. It is of no help to these poor people. I'm just praying they find some peace. S and her friends are currently at a candlelight vigil at school. When I passed by, it was getting quite packed. What a wonderful testament to a life gone too soon. Pray, if you will please, for the family of Emma Walker.

Night all.


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Monday, November 21, 2016

My Heart Hurts

Hug your babies, big and small. Hug them tight this evening and every chance you get. This morning started off with devastating news the the boy's teacher's daughter passed away in the night. She was a junior in high school...had the whole world in her grasp. We have, as parents, moved through the day in a fog. While we weren't necessarily super close with her, we watched her grow up from a little sweet girl in the first grade to a gorgeous young woman. I watched her cheer on the football team just this past Friday. G and the boy have both had her mother as a teacher. She often came to hang out in the classroom and play with the kids when G was a third grader. S saw her every day in the hallway in school and at every game as the cheerleaders did their job in front of the band. As a parent, I am heartbroken and want to hold my children close and squeeze them as tight as they will allow.

Also, a bus load of children in our state, just down the road, were involved in an accident and at least 5 were killed. The bus was carrying grades K-5, 35 of them. Fiv babies are gone. It, paired with the above news, is almost too much to bear. I just pray that the peace that passes all understanding washes over the families during this horrible time. I ask for your prayers for all involved in the sadness of this day.

Hug your babies...big and small.

Night all.


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Sunday, November 20, 2016

It's 8pm

It has been a long, LONG day and I have never been so glad to see 8pm. We had lots going on at church today and we never stopped. My feet are not pleased with me, but I think I more than blew out my usual Sunday step record. The kids were awfully cute at church today and they never fail to make me laugh. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them each Sunday. As we move into the Thanksgiving craziness and then on into Advent, I hope I can keep my focus on making sure they understand the meaning and wonder of this season.

Now, I am preparing for the new TWD episode. My happy place(maybe)for the night.

Night all.


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Saturday, November 19, 2016

What's that wet stuff?

We finally got some much needed rain, even though it wasn't enough for many areas. It was a great sound to hear it pattering on the roof in the night. Our neighbors a county over are suffering badly with wildfires. So much damage and it isn't showing signs of stopping yet. The dampness didn't last long. I think the ground sucked it up like is was truly dying of thirst.

The kids are all back home from their various activities of last night and the boy has already conked out. His mom is not far behind him. I've got to pick out my clothes for tomorrow and then I have a date with my Snoopy pillowcase covered pillow. I can't wait.

Night all.


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Friday, November 18, 2016

They win!!!

The high school football team won another playoff game and it was great.  I am proud of all of them and so proud of the band and the encouragement they give to the players.  I am tired and have very little to say.  I''m done.

Night all.  

Thursday, November 17, 2016

I'm Horrible

Today has been a fairly low key day, thankfully. I needed one after the first half of the week. I did get part of the makings for Thanksgiving dinner including the "turkey lurkey" as my grandmother used to call it. The sweet young man bagging my groceries and I were discussing all the exercise benefits that might come from hauling a 23lb frozen turkey around. CrossFit might be able to come up with a whole Thanksgiving themed workout. Just saying.

We had an unexpected night at home with futsal practice being cancelled, so we enjoyed a laugh-filled dinner together. Then jokes began. And then jokes were being created on the spot. And then the boy trumped everybody with a Yo Mama joke. It was not dirty, thank goodness, but it was funny. Amid I hated to laugh as hard as I did, but coming from that spectacled little guy, I couldn't help myself.

I am now completely current with The Walking Dead, so my Thanksgiving meal prep will have to be accompanied by a new series or documentary. I've heard "13th" is one that everyone must see. I may check it out.

Night all.


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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Loopy

I did not sleep well last night, so I've been off today. I worked hard cleaning out closets and pitching and tossing crap. I did get rid of many things, which was good. I ran all day long...which was good and bad. By the time I got in the car for school pick up, I wiped out. Luckily, I set my alarm and woke up before I gummed up the carline. I was so loopy that I am sad to say I don't remember, completely, how I got from one school pickup to the other. I will pay for that very soon, because I will not be able to go to sleep tonight. Oh well. I'll catch up on The Walking Dead.

Night all.


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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

He's almost home

The hub has been on a business trip and returns home in just 30 minutes or so. We are all excited to have him home. We've been very fortunate that he hasn't had to travel much at all in the last several years. My parents came to help me with transportation and child wrangling. We had several doc appointments and standing meetings that I needed help child shuffling. My father, as always, managed to tell us hilarious stories about the people in his hometown. Tonight's involved a strange couple who attended every dance thrown in the community and their love for dancing was only eclipsed by the pet monkey they kept in their home. The story went downhill from there, but in the best kind of way. I need to record these things, I really do.

It has been a pretty run of the mill day otherwise. The boy made pumpkin pizelles tonight. They were very tasty. He's quite the budding chef.



Night all.
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Monday, November 14, 2016

Take me to him...or her

I am currently sitting at the weekly Cub Scout meeting, waiting for the usual insanity. The boys are currently participating in the water bottle challenge. Are you familiar with that? The challenge to flip the water bottle and have it land upright on its bottle bottom. And they keep flipping and flipping and flipping until they make it stand up. Let me just say that I would love to meet the him or her who came up with this activity....and thank them in a very special way. Maybe with a sock full of cold butter or batteries. The sound of water bottles slamming all over can drive people quickly crazy. Thank you bottle flipping terrorist.

Going to go watch 5 boys create their own obstacle course. It should get interesting.

Night all.

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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Ramping up for Thanksgiving

Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is a week from this Thursday, but I feel the need to get started now. Let me get things made ahead and in the freezer. Let me clip coupons and go buy supplies now before they get sold out. Let me get the house cleaned for guests and the Christmas lists ready for Black Friday. How about this, Jenny, how about you get yourself ready and give thanks. It has been a pretty good year and one worthy of thanks. We know so many who are struggling with family issues and health problems and financial difficulties. We may have an occasionally angsty teenager/preteen or a week where every project and concert and performance is on the same weeknight, but we have love and togetherness. And for that we are truly thankful.

I'm now going to be very thankful for a shower and my warm bed.

Night all.


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Saturday, November 12, 2016

Frozen soccer Saturday

We are home after a cold day of soccer. I just boiled myself in the shower, but I can't say that I feel that much warmer. Oh well. G did not get to play even though she wanted to more than anything. I was not going to take any chances with her knee until we get the report from her doctor on Monday. Her team did well and made it to the championship game. As usual, they ended up playing in the dark. They were down one goal and had 6 minutes left to play when the opposing coach decided it was too dark and made the ref call the game. I'll just leave it at that, because I have nothing nice to say. The girls all got medals, even G, which made them happy. They were certainly glad to be done and get inside to thaw out.

I think I am going to bed now. Yes, at 7:40pm, I'm going to bed. I'm done.

Night all.


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Friday, November 11, 2016

Veteran's Day

Today at the boy's school, we had the treat of watching a Veteran's Day program. The children sand "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "This Land Is Your Land", before which the music teacher said a wonderful bit about unity of the parties and remembering that Veteran's Day was about those who protected that land for all of us. It was lovely. I always get choked up at those events, seeing the veterans from the different branches of the military get recognized in front of the children. It is important for them to see these people and hear their stories. I am grateful for all of my relatives who served...even my great aunt was a Yeoman in the Navy. Girl power!

I'm going to go get changed into comfortable clothes. I get to help chaperone middle school night tonight at church which means I will be hiding in some dark corner of the building in hopes of scaring the crud out of someone. Good times.

Night all.


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Thursday, November 10, 2016

MRI'ed up

G went tonight to get an MRI on her knee. Last night's discussion/explanation session on how said test works was nothing short of hysterical. The hub was imitating the sound it makes when it is initially turned on and I was making the sounds of the pictures being taken. She went, "And these sounds are all happening at the same time?". I guess we at least prepared her for the volume level. After getting her registered, we sat in the waiting room a short time before they called her back. We sat and watched the news while they worked with her. She emerged 30 minutes later with a big smile on her face. Apparently she got earphones pumped full of her favorite music and special warmed blankets. What a life! I guess we'll find out what is up with the gimpy knee on Monday when she see her doctor. Hopefully all will be well.

Night all.


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Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Well, there's that

I do not like to get into political conversations, so I will say little. I was not a fan of either candidate...mine was out of the final two. It was not the result I hoped to wake up to this morning. Saying that does not make me a Republican or a Democrat. I am an Independent. Sorry to whoever I may offend. I hate everything about politics and the inner workings of it. I keep my politics to myself the majority of the time. I don't like conflict and arguments. But I am concerned. I am scared. But I will teach my children to be strong and to fight for what they want their country to be. I just have to pray that...I just have to pray.

That's all we can do. I may tear up a bit as well.

Night all.

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Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Election Day

I don't know if you pray or not. I do. I took my oldest with me to vote today. She saw the whole process from reading my voter registration card to reading each amendment in its entirety before I cast my vote. She may or may not agree with who I voted for, but I was proud to have her there to see that I exercised my right to vote. So many women in this world do not have that privilege. We are so very fortunate. So I end this post with one request as we enter the evening before we wake up possibly knowing our new president elect.

Pray for our country. You can't pray too much.

Night all...as if we can sleep.


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Monday, November 7, 2016

Election Eve

Tomorrow we go to the polls and vote, well...those who didn't early vote. I really wish I had, but my oldest wanted to go with me. She is taking an AP Gov't class and this election has consumed her semester. So to the polls we will go tomorrow. And then I'm going to say some prayers. Lots of prayers. Whether she will agree with my voting choice is not my concern. I am most concerned that she sees me exercising the rights that I have as an American. I feel it is my duty as a parent to show her this every election cycle. Whatever the outcome, Wednesday will be an interesting morning on which to wake up for sure.

Night all.


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Sunday, November 6, 2016

In remembrance

Today we celebrated All Saints Sunday at church. It is always a tough one to sit through, but it needs to be done. As one of the members of the Tollers(adult bell choir), we assist in the service during the reading of the list of names of people who have passed away in the last year. We each are assigned a person or two and ring and individual bell out when their name is called. Their family members or assigned person then takes a white rose to put in a vase at the front of the sanctuary. This bouquet is then held up to the congregation and placed on the altar. It is quite a heavy service, but a powerful one. There were several people on that list who were very dear to me and seeing their still suffering families was heartbreaking. I am so grateful to have had the time with them that I did. Such a gift.

Night all.


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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Talk my husband down

Any of you who are parents know that when you see your child get hurt in any kind of active situation in a significant way, your adrenaline activates and you go into either panic/fear/rage/rescue mode. As is the case with us, G was playing in her last game of the day and the last 4 minutes of the second half. All of a sudden, after gaining possession of the ball in her hands and preparing to punt it, one of the girls from the opposing team ran into her full steam and sent her airborne only to land in a heap with a sickening thud. The hub lost his mind and yelled out to the ref for some justice, who immediately threatened to throw him out of the facility. He isn't one of our favorites. He did card the girl, but not the color I felt she deserved. G laid there for a while and then was carefully rolled over by her dad, our PT friend and the coach. She has injured her knee, but it is too angry right now to assess. I must say it is a sobering sight to see your child carried off the field by four people to try and comfort each limb. Grown ups say the dumbest things and it was imperative that we got out of there and away from the coaches and parents soon, because the protective papa bear couldn't hear the opposing parents talk about the innocent accident that had just occurred. The offender had already given another girl a bloody lip and another an elbow to the back earlier in the game. Once home, we started icing and the hub went for a drive. He ate his dinner by himself. He needed to work through the adrenaline rush. He is currently snoozing his way through a staged ER reality show on TLC with very bad acting. I'm going to bed and take advantage of the time change and the extra hour of sleep on a work day. It will be wonderful.

Night all.


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Friday, November 4, 2016

Another one in the books

First playoff game for the high school football team is in the books. We won, which is nice, but now the kids will have to go to Greeneville next week sometime. That is the Tennessee one not the South Carolina one. Hopefully it will be on a Friday, so the kids can sleep in the next day. Jeepers. As always, I have to battle for a seat and a shred of respect from the cheer and football moms. I am not trying to be ugly. I'm sure some of them are very nice, but they sure do not give any love or respect to the band moms. I take that back, one football mom I know has a son who is dating a band member. She has respect. Those kids in the band work as hard or harder and as many hours to be treated like trash at those games. I really needed to say something, but I chose not to traumatize my girls in front of their friends. So we left early and I watched a blurb of The Walking Dead for a while. I know, I need to get a life.

I'm going to do this right now.

Night all.


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Thursday, November 3, 2016

Productive for once

I'll admit, the temptation to sleep all day was great as I heard the music start playing on my alarm clock this morning. It has been some years since I have watched much baseball, but I felt the need to watch yesterday. Growing up where I did, you were a Braves fan for the most part. We got WGN on our TV line up, so I did watch a fair amount of Cubs baseball. I liked the announcing and the "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". So I was happy for the Cubs, I must say, but I was dog tired this morning after watching all the celebrating and interviews. Caffeine was my friend this morning, but I over indulged. At that point I knew I needed to do something to burn it off. So I started to picking up and putting away crud. I walked into a child's room, tripped on something and came close to knocking my face off, so it was on. I made huge piles of crud in the middle of their floor so they would have a rather unpleasant return home from school. I cleaned the bathrooms, the kitchen, the other rooms. I mopped and dusted and put away Halloween decorations. I got caught up on all the laundry for about, um, maybe 6 seconds until someone had to change for soccer practice. It was nice while it lasted.

This evening was comprised of many acivities back to back that the hub and I need to split ourselves in half in order to accomplish it all.  Someday we'll figure it out.  Until that time, we'll just live our lives out of the car since we spend so much time in there.  Ha.

We are watching the finale of "60 Days In". My oldest is writing a paper on corruption among corrections officers in prisons. She's enjoying her research. It is interesting, but I am propping my eyelids up...

Night all.


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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Tooth Fruity

The annual band fruit sales are coming to a close and I am glad.  You can make some good money selling the stuff and it is a tasty product, but I HATE having to peddle anything.  I stand firmly behind my statement that I could not sell eyesight to the blind.  The money will be turned in tomorrow and I don't have to worry anymore...until the boxes come in and we have to deliver it.  Oh well.  People are excited for the fruit.

I got a tooth fixed today. My dentist is the best and I am so glad to have him work on me.  I have found that as I have gotten older it takes longer and more stuff to numb me up.  I got my first dose, sat up to go to the bathroom and then watched The Walking Dead until they started to work on the tooth that fell victim to the nacho chip.  He got so far when all of a sudden, I jumped half out of the chair and about lost my mind.  "Let's get that numbed a little more...are you okay?  Don't hesitate to ask for more numbing."  I told him it didn't hurt until it hurt.  He said, "We call that a 'zinger'."  Heck yes it is.  But the tooth is fixed and I didn't have to get a crown.  Thank goodness.

Night all.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Tooth Fixing Eve

After the unfortunate nacho incident at the high school homecoming football game, I have had a temporary filling on my tooth that was not designed to last too long.  So, I am hitting the dentist's office tomorrow in hopes of getting a more permanent fix so I won't go back to stereotypical hillbilly status with half a tooth looking classy.  I am not usually a nervous Nelly at the dentist, but I am dreading getting numbed tomorrow.  Let': all just pray for a filling rather than a crown.  I really would like to keep both kidneys rather than selling one.  Ugh.

Go Cubbies.

Night all.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy All Hallow's Eve

I have walked a whole lot this evening with some ghouls and goblins and one robot to look for candy and exciting yard decorations. My feet are crying for mercy and wondering what they did to deserve such abuse. The boy came out with quite the loot haul, so let the brushing begin!



Gotta love the permagrins on those faces. I think they all had a good time at their various events . Now it is time to crash and sleep off this Monday.

Night all.
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Sunday, October 30, 2016

I'm wiped

We had Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat at our church tonight. I may have developed thermos button induced carpal tunnel syndrome from pouring out cups of lemonade for two hours. That and I may not ever be unsticky. We had a great turnout, probably our biggest yet, and it was a nice evening. I am ready to Motrin up and hit the hay. I am done.

Hope you all have a pleasant rest of your evening.

Night all.


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Saturday, October 29, 2016

Slobber and Spectacles

I worked childcare this morning for an event at church. Saturdays are hard to get people to work, so I scrubbed up and went in. Lucky for me, I got to play with a baby all morning. A cute little slobbering bundle of love who was as busy as he could be. He fought sleep and was not about to give up. Busy little guy made laps around the classroom batting a waffle block around like a little kitten. When it came time for his bottle, he let his guard down just long enough to mess up his chances to stay awake. Took his last sip of bottle and I popped that pacifier tright in. Zzzzzzz...... Probably messed up his normal sleep cycle, but that's okay. Something about holding a bay sure lowers one's blood pressure.

A good way to raise the BP back up again is to go to one of those one hour eyeglass places in the mall. With one child trying on every frame in the place and the other unable to commit to a frame, I about lost my ever loving mind. Meanwhile, outside of the store, two teens were running having shoplifted and a mall cop was chasing them on a segueway. No chance of picking frames out with all that entertainment going on...but a decision was finally made.

Thank goodness.

Night all.


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Friday, October 28, 2016

Game Over

Our last regular season high school football game was tonight and we won...yay!!! It got quite exciting what with the absolutely psycho football moms that were located right next to us. Between the constant profanity right in my son's ear to the hatred spewed towards everyone, I was honestly ashamed of our own players' moms. Not all of them. Just the ones near us. Then they yelled at the band for not playing enough, so the band director had to have a little come to Jesus meeting with them. So they talked trash about her for a while. Then the band would play and they would yell at them to stop. Ugh. Well, the band sounded great. Their show was wonderful and I was really proud of all the work they did. Plus it was extra fun because both school's bands were in their Halloween costumes. It was great to watch them. They are currently partying in the band room for their annual Halloween bash. Our grade was asked to bring savory items, so I made snack mix and mummy dogs:



As hard as I worked, I totally forgot to take a post bake picture. They looked about the same, but just a little bit browner and puffier. I hope thet high schoolers don't fancy themselves too old to each mummy dogs. Who knows.

At this point, I don't care too much. I'm wiped.

Night all.
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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Felt Fanatic

I have been deep in hat construction today.  Now, I will admit that I cheat a bit and start with a plain, cheap toboggan and make it into something with felt and fun.  I am making the boy a robot hat for his costume.  I am making another hat.  It is quite funny.  It involves a lot of pastries...made of felt.  Hopefully it will brighten a day and give a few laughs...and be the coolest hat ever seen with, uh, pastry on it.  I need to add the finishing touches tonight since tomorrow is the last regular season football game for the high school and I'm going to watch the band of course.  And the game, I guess.  Someday I will show some pictures of the pastry hat.  For now, it is an anonymous gift.  

Sleep tight everybody.

Night all.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

A short one

Secondary school girls are the worst. That time of life is the worst as well. Lots of tears from a girl tonight. I'm exhausted. There isn't much time to say a whole lot, because I am crafting my son's robot costume and there is a lot of sewing to be done. Oh well...did it to myself as I do every year. I'll post some pictures when it is complete.

Just pray that I can survive this time of life without being put in a home. Jeepers.

Night all.


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Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Pumpkin Heads

It has been a busy Tuesday, but they always are. The exciting thing is that BOOK FAIR is at school this week. I love the book fair as much or more than my children do. At my elementary school growing up, we would have book fair and an author come also. Syd Hoff, my favorite author of childhood picture books, come to our school. They also had a dinner another night where you could eat and hear him talk and win sketches he did while he talked. My dad won one and still has it.



At our book fair this year, the new music teacher had a Fall themed 1st grade musical to accompany the book fair. I can say with all honesty that it was about the cutest thing I have ever seen. They sang and danced and he sang and danced. It was excellent. After we left, I dropped the kids off and went to buy some pumpkins for carving. As of right now, they are hard at work carving while the hub is preparing the seeds for roasting. They mean business around here. I'd put a picture up, but my iPad is uncooperative. I'll put some up tomorrow.

I need to go scrub pumpkin guts off the table and pull a triangle eye out of the dog's mouth. Such a glamorous life I lead.

Night all.



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Monday, October 24, 2016

Targeting crazies

After I almost barfed during The Walking Dead and tossed and turned all night, Monday morning seemed to come quickly and mercifully for once. I pounded down a bunch of coffee and dragged the girls out of bed. The boy usually pops up quickly. The kids were dropped off at school and I went to Kroger to buy some dinner makings to put in the crock pot, but ended up sitting in the car for 25 minutes listening to Entertainment Weekly Radio's discussion of TWD's season premiere. No life does this girl have. Eventually the soup fixings were purchased, soup was made and laundry was washed. Break time came when I got to have my every two month's therapy session, aka, I got a haircut. Girls, you know what I mean. She was a welcome sight as I had reached the mod version of Roger Daltrey(The Who)look.



Thankfully, she corrected the problem...though I love Roger. I always have.

This evening I took the girls to Target to get the makings for their Halloween costumes. I swear I think they lost their minds in there...dancing in the aisles and wearing costume accessories. Those kids are crazy. Bless 'em.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day...the book fair is at school. Bed time.

Night all.
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Sunday, October 23, 2016

Gettin' crafty

I had a little burst of energy after a busy day at work(the bishop visited today and it always adds to the stress level of staff). We rolled out cake balls yesterday and put them in the freezer to firm up for dipping later. We put a few sticks in them to make cake pops. After work time was designated dipping and decorating time. I may have gotten a little too into decorating them. I didn't have as much as I wish I had to use, but we made do with what we had.









Ghoulish cake pops. And ghoulish cake balls:



They were well received and I am glad. Now it is time to rest.

After I watch The Walking Dead premiere. I started watching it late and am very early into the series, but I somehow managed to watch the season finale last year. Waiting to see who Lucille beats down.

Night all.
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Saturday, October 22, 2016

Wellll...that was neat

Middle school soccer tournament started today and it got interesting. While G was playing her first game, I was on the other side of the county watching the boy play in his game where the opposing coach was told he'd be sent to his car if he didn't shut up. The boy score a beautiful goal in the upper 90 from the half line. One other boy scored and then other team did as well, so we came away with a win. The hub and G were on the other side of the county. First game ended in a tie with an unfortunate goal scored in the last 30 seconds. Later on in the day, they played another team that really should have been beatable. A spectator on the sideline argued, civilly, that the ref had made a very poor call against my daughter. The ref was at an angle where he couldn't really see clearly, but he called her using hands out of the box. The man stated his opinion and the ref kicked him out of the game. No reason for that. No profanity, threats or violence were used. At halftime, he came back to talk about the first half and what had happened. He planned to leave as soon as the second half started. The refs contacted the tournament head who walked over to my husband, flanked by the two refs, and told him he needed to remove the guy or forfeit the game. They said that all the parents had signed an agreement to basically not hassle the refs. My husband told them that the man was not a parent of a team member, but it fell on deaf ears. After all was resolved the ref chose to give every call to the other team who threw elbows like confetti on New Years. Nice. Take it out on the kids...that seems appropriate.

Ugh. The oldest and I just finished rolling cake balls and have them in the freezer to get ready to dip. Her best friends since age 4 are having her over to their birthday party tomorrow. She already gave them their gifts and felt like she needed to do something to take to the party. What 16 year old boys don't like to eat, so we are attempting to make creepy cake pops. I'll post a picture tomorrow if they turn out.

I'm wiped.

Night all.

Middle school soccer season is over tomorrow and only club season remains. I'll stop talking about it soon. Or at least I will tone it down a bit. I hope.


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Friday, October 21, 2016

Holy crudoly

This is short because I need to take about a bottle's worth of ibuprofen and head to bed. I worked the concession stand for the football game tonight. Apparently the cheese hater is the go to girl for chili cheese dogs and nachos. Take that, whoever. It is always a grand time of people watching and trying to avoid those in the stand who think they are the innovators of all things stadium food. I got yelled at for putting chili and cheese in the wrong order on the nachos. I got called out for not distributing the cheese in the appropriate pattern. I got asked if I needed directions on how to use a ladle for hot chocolate. "Have you ever used one before, honey?". Really? All by the same person. After I spoke to our band boosters president about the amount of bail money he had on hand if I needed help, I spoke up for myself a bit. Things got apocalyptic when the 5th or 6th batch of hot chocolate ran out. A guy called me a damn fool for not wanting to microwave a styrofoam cup of chocolate for him. Carcinogens be damned. He wanted his chocolate. By the end, I could have sold that last cup for at least $10. They were begging for it.

Good times.

I'm going to bed.

Night all.


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Thursday, October 20, 2016

Day is done

This was a crazy day and I am glad it has concluded peacefully. G's last middle school game of the regular season ended with a 4-1 win. She and the hub raced back at breakneck speed to get to school in time for her band concert. I love band concert days. They are super fun and remind me so much of my youth band experiences. Her band director, Mr. Jordan, is just top notch and they are so fortunate to have him...and he's as cute as a button to boot. We stayed and talked to all of the high school band directors in attendance and then went for dinner. This afternoon is a blur, but it was successful.

I'm ready for bed.

Night all.


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Prepping for the 'morrow

If ever a day was designed to completely drive me insane, tomorrow is that day. Two meetings, three immediately after school activities, a soccer game, a band concert and multiple pickup lines...all of this happening after 2:45. It is going to be an interesting juggling act. I may be curled up in a ball in the floor boards of the car by the time the day is over. Until that time, I am sitting here trying to map out tomorrow's schedule and steeling myself to watch this blasted debate. I may have to get a trashcan with several grocery bags in it in case I get sick...and it may happen. Jeepers.




Night all...I'll try to sleep.
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Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Ima Boosterin'

I'm currently in the band room at school waiting for the band booster meeting to begin. Hoop-Dee-doo. The hub got saddled with helping the kids with math homework. Let's be clear...they don't want my help in that subject area. At all. So I am sitting here waiting to hear what exciting things are afoot in the band program for the rest of the semester. Hopefully not much. I'm worn out from all the fun this semester.

I conduct my very first interview tomorrow and I am nervous. Say a prayer that I don't scare this very qualified candidate away with my idiot self. We need her.

Meeting is starting.

Night all.


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Monday, October 17, 2016

Won't sleep tonight

I have a child who is in a rut. Friend issues. Teachers who call her by the wrong name constantly and then get upset when she corrects them. The only one of her instrument chosen for an ensemble. And she is almost a teenager. Too much to to handle on a Monday night. She's now in bed and ready to sleep off the rest of the day. I will be laying in bed worrying about what tomorrow will hold for her and how to advise her on grumpy, bossy friends and how to let her understand how she has musical talent that she needs to nurture and how she'll make a name for herself and people will remember her name soon enough. It is one of those "let's just live on a big farm away from other humans" kind of night. Ugh. Tomorrow is another day.

Night all.


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Sunday, October 16, 2016

What a difference

It's been a pretty good day overall. Con't complain except to say that it is the official last day of Fall Break and that stinks. The alarm clock is going to sound horrible tomorrow for sure. We have had a nice time though, I will say. Work was fine and there were no issues. One little baby was upset and off their schedule from traveling, but otherwise the kids were fine. We had one get a haircut and, good grief, what a difference a haircut makes. They go from baby to grown up little person in the matter of a few snips. Can't get over it. G had a late afternoon game that ended in a win. She played a hard team, but the girls fought hard and won2-0. Poor S is still fighting her sinus infection, so coughing and facial pain are still her nemesis at this point. It's sinus time in East Tennessee.

I'm going to go do a backpack check for the boy and make sure everyone has what they need for tomorrow before I settle in for the evening. I'm ready for some snoozing.

Night all.


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Saturday, October 15, 2016

Last Mow of the Season(I hope)

It was a beautiful day today, although I could've taken about 10 degrees off the temperature, so we decided we needed to be somewhat productive. We had ball games off and on all day, so I had to slip in a little yard work in our tiny breaks. I really hope this lawn mowing will be the last of the season. Everything is so dry...I felt like I was mowing through the dust bowl. A mask should have been on my face, but oops. The boy played a group of teams that we have never been fond of. They don't understand the rules and the parents say horrible things about the children. It's a game, people, a game. I walked away so as not to get in a fight with someone. Sad really. All soccer this weekend and then all soccer next weekend. Lots of games...I need to load up on end of the season sunscreen.

Tomorrow brings with it another work day and another busy evening. School starts up again after fall break and Monday will be rough. We'll just savor the time together while we can.

Night all.


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Friday, October 14, 2016

Football frenzy

It was another football Friday and we were there in the thick of things with all our favorite football crazies.  We were of course there for the band and stayed for the show that was the football fans.  We were behind the mom famous for her cowbell collection and ability to ring said bells with great gusto.    I have known her, not well, for several years.  Her son is on the ball team, but I remember him winning the elementary school spelling bee with the word "casserole".  Now he is a big guy who could break you in half.  We played another county's team and it was very contentious.  Lots of screaming and "Deliverance" references...you know, classy behavior.  We are home now and ready for bed.  Hope I can get that cowbell sound out of my head.

Night all.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Winding Down

Fall Break is close to over and it makes me sad. It has been a fun one, but it has flown by quickly. G, the hub and I lined the fields for the middle school soccer game this morning. It was all in vain, because the irrigation system was tampered with and the fields were like soup. We ended up cancelling the game. We got outside and enjoyed the morning, so that was nice. The boy returned home from a sleepover and was absolutely exhausted. He skipped dinner and was in bed before 8pm. S went to the mountains with friends and returned home to go to urgent care. Sinus infection. Welcome to East Tennessee. Tomorrow is a high school football game . Should be a fun one. The two schools bothe have Queen themed halftime shows. We are excited to watch. We are party animals. Woo hoo.

The oldest daughter has come in to watch a show with me. I will jump at that opportunity.

Night all.


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Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Funny boys

I took the boy and his best friend to a movie today. We saw Middle School: Worst Years of My Life. It was quite cute with a terribly sad little twist that I wasn't expecting. We all laughed and enjoyed it quite a bit, so it was a good choice and a good day. The boy was invited to spend the night afterwards, so we went home to pack him a bag. Every once in a while, someone gets a little too tired and sleeps a little too hard and may have a bit extra moisture in their bed in the morning. Heck, if I sneeze too hard, I could wet my pants, so I cannot throw stones. He decided to pack some special provisions just in case he felt unsure about his chances in the night. We were trying to keep it secret so he wouldn't be embarrassed. He brought it right up to his friend, S. S understood and had experienced the same issue from time to time. He said, "One time I wet the bed at a sleepover. I was afraid to tell him I had done it. I saw what happened when his sister knocked down his Lego set, so I kept quiet. He had anger issues." I laughed so hard. To hear that come out of a 10 year old's mouth just tickled me. Our boy is lucky to have such a good buddy...two peas in a pod.

I'm now showered and pj'ed and ready for bed.

Night all.


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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Unclaimed what?

Today our family took an adventure to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. They buy unclaimed baggage from airlines and other places, clean the contents up and sell them in a big store front. It was an interesting place. Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was a fun adventure to have. S found some sort of weird charger thing for her plugged in devices. The hub found two pairs of sunglasses. I found a Virginia Tech sweatshirt and Messi jersey for the boy. G found a pair of wedges that made her at least 4 inches taller than I was and I nixed those. I saw an ankle getting ready to be broken. I figure that the store was about 40% airline finds and 60% store closeout deals. I cannot imagine that someone lost baggage containing 50+ pairs of designer boot socks. But then it takes all kinds. It was a fun trip to see what all they had. They did have a little black soprano ukulele, but it was overpriced and needed restringing.

Tomorrow we go get G's chipped tooth fixed. She was getting off of a trampoline and someone landed bottom first on her face. Tooth=chipped. Sigh.

Night all.


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Monday, October 10, 2016

Wowee wow wow

I am not a shopper by nature, so when we decided to take a day trip to Ikea, well, I was skeptical.   I haven't been so overwhelmed in a long time.  All these Swedish furniture and decorating delights in a massive complex.  I was looking for a futon, which I did not find one to my taste, but I found 72 other pieces of furniture I wanted.  And 95 other kitchen things I wanted...and 58 textiles.  I came out of there with a magnet strip to organize my scissors and seeing tools, 2 IKEA big blue bags and some Christmas trays.  S got a desk and some other things.  The IKEA people know how to organize a store...good grief.  I'm exhausted.  I'm going to bed.

Night all.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

A Quick One

The debate is on and I am going to have to watch it. This is the first election in a long time that I have watched every debate so far. I weep for our country. I feel that the rest of the world has a big bag of popcorn and is sitting in the recliner laughing at us. Just praying that our country will be okay.

I'm going to go watch and take a Tums or two.

Night all.


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Saturday, October 8, 2016

Productive I guess

This was the first Saturday in a long time that we did not have a child playing in a soccer game, so we decided to be productive. I purchased so Cruze Farm buttermilk yesterday, so I began the morning with butermilk pancakes and girls with full tummies. The hub is not a big breakfast eater, especially when it comes to pancakes, so her feasted on coffee and English muffins. We snuck over to the high school and watched the girls' team play their first playoff game. It was tough, but they pulled out a 1-0 win and advanced. We picked up the boy from a sleepover where he claimed he had gotten six hours of sleep. This statement was questioned fairly quickly when he sat down on the couch and immediately conked out. For a good three hours. G and I cleaned the kitchen and breakfast room and she decorated the downstairs for Fall/Halloween. Mums were gotten and planted. The Hokies won their game. The Vols lost in double overtime. That's about all I know. Now the hub and I are watching Big Bang Theory and I am trying to figure out how to get the water out of my ear from my shower. We are party animals.

Night all.


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Friday, October 7, 2016

Fall Break Finally

After a pretty brutally busy week, we are relishing the fact that we are now in Fall Break week. We had a week several years ago and then, for some reason, we got a Th, Fr off and that was it. I don't think a group of kids needed a break more than these did. It was a pretty decent Friday for them all. The boy got a 100 on his test, so he was pleased. S aced her civics test for AP Gov't. And in the same government vein, G had to run for president of her Current Events class against a classmate. They had to debate on some current event issues. She ended up winning and was so proud of herself. Got right up there and argued her case.

Now we are just ready for S to be home from playing at the football game. They will all be sleeping in for sure.

Night all.


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Thursday, October 6, 2016

Uber carpooler

Thursday is shaping up to be the hellish day of the week in my books. Nothing bad, just more activities than I can accommodate as one person. I regret that I did not reset the whojibobbit on my car to see how many miles I actually drove between the hours of 1:45pm and 8pm. I started to get a little loopy in there. I did get to see most of the middle school girls' game which was nice. G was in goal the first half and out in the field the second half. She even got to score a beautiful goal...and I got to see it. It was a nice mom moment. S is currently in the southern part of the county at the Knox County Marching Band Exhibition. They get to play their show and see all the shows that the other high schools are doing. It is band geek Dollywood. I love it.

I'm going to get the two youngest to bed and get ready for The Blacklist. I may not make it through the whole thing without snoozing.

Night all.


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Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Waiting for the Heroes

I'm currently in my office at work, doing some actual work prep for Sunday, and watching the live streaming of the veterans coming back from their Honor Air flight to Washington DC.  Our oldest is playing with the band to welcome them home.  It is always a moving experience to watch them arrive.  Some are stunned; some are beaming; some are crying.  I am so very grateful to this service that is provided to these brave men and women who have fought to keep our country safe.  And to tell the truth, I sure am proud of these kids who take the time to go to the airport and welcome them home.  It is a good thing for them to experience.  Gonna go watch and cry now.

Night all.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Undefeated

After G had her soccer practice, we blew out of the sports complex and hoofed it over to the high school to watch the girls' soccer team play. One of the girls broke the school record for most goals in a season. It was 31 and she tied and beat it tonight. They won 4-0...finished with a 15-0-1 season. We arrived home to a messy house and a vice presidential debate. I watched the presidential debate in its entirety, but have had trouble being as devoted with this one. I just can't do it. Go ahead and judge. I get it.

Going to go spend a little time with my exhausted husband. He's had a hard day.

Night all.


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Monday, October 3, 2016

Scout tweets

Scout meeting Monday is always crazy. This one did not disappoint. At all. When the leader walks in with candy, you know things will go awry. The oldest and I sat and watched the boys not so slowly lose focus and go crazy and the leader not so slowly unravel. One conversation started about snake bites and venom and how to get it out. The boys were discussing whether or not to suck it out. As you can imagine, the conversation degraded quickly. The boys were very serious about solving this problem. The parents were rolling on the floor. It really just got crazier after that. We were all exhausted from just spectating. I'm ready for bed. It ended with the discussion of trying to cut a cactus open to get water in the desert and a boy interrupted with, "Hey, I know something...my friend has a pet skunk." The other boys looked at him like he had a third eye. It was madness.

Night all.


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