Thinking Out Loud

My sweet hubby is downstairs cleaning up the kitchen from our full and busy weekend. While I have a few minutes I thought I'd sit here and blog a little bit.

What a blessing Jon is. . . he's always seeing how he can help me, even if he only has a few minutes to spare. I'm so blessed by him. He's such a wonderful man, husband, and father. Ash has been having a tough time emotionally and with her friends lately. Just about every Sunday and Wednesday she comes home sad or mad. At times I am either sad for her or mad and just want her to get over it and everybody get along. It's so hard when we have big hearts and love big . . . therefore, we get hurt big. Today, the children's choir sang during the service. Ash looked like she was going to bust into tears at any moment. I couldn't wait for that song to be finished. I couldn't wait to wrap my arms around my sweet girl and just love her. (Thankfully nothing was wrong and her big eyes just looked sad because she's so tired). Wednesday night she came home from church in tears. Jon was oh so very sweet and oh so very tender. He just got her to sit in his lap, let her cry, and listened to her spill out her little heart. . . he later told me "sometimes you just need to be loved on". Boy, how I know this and boy how i need to put it into practice. Not only is my man sweet, loving, and tender, but he's so fun. He has now named our family the "Fab 5". We all love it! Alec has been asked to be on a leadership team for our youth at church. They are headed out the door to go to that. Again, he's so sweet at helping me.

What a GREAT weekend we had. Jon and his friend Greg G. went in together and flipped a house and we closed this Friday. It was such a GREAT thing because the lady who bought it is a single mom in our church, and I taught her daughter in Sunday School last year. I was just as thrilled for them as I was for us. Our sweet friends came over for dinner and cards. We are loving play "Hearts" and "Set Back" right now. Jenn G. is such a hoot to watch play cards. She's such a great sport. What a fun night of fellowship we had. . . it didn't end until past 11:00. Jenn said she was about to pull out the sleeping bags. Jon and Greg were looking for more houses to buy. . .so their adrenaline was flowing. She and I, on the other hand, although we loved one another's company. . . we were drifting off fast. She's a mother of six and I had run 18 miles that morning. To say we were both tired is quite the understatement.

Saturday we had a soccer game, then fall festival at church. I love my youth girls so much. Renee had told me she wasn't able to go to "Secret Church" so Shelby wanted to ask me. It made me feel so good and thrilled my heart that she would think of me. BUT, we have a big race this coming weekend, so I can't go. It always feels so good to be thought of.

Saturday evening/night some more friends came over for fellowship and football. We girls sat around the table and talked and laughed! It was such a fun night and GA won!!! Whoop whoop! They beat the gators. I was so happy for Mark Richt. He's such an easy coach to pull for. . . he gave God all the glory. Our night ended with me heading to bed before Faith and Steve left. Faith was so sweet. She would tell me, " I won't think you're rude if you go to bed." I kept dozing off, so i decided to head to my nice bed with flannel sheets.

Speaking of flannel sheets. . . my sweet, sweet Ash. . . so very thoughtful that girl of mine is. With the first cold weather coming in, she surprised me and put my flannel sheets on my bed and made it up and cleaned up my room. Man, I love that girl and I certainly don't deserve to be her mom.

I just love teaching Sunday School. There are times when I think "this is what i was born to do". I just love seeing those girls learn and grow in our Lord. They bless my heart more than they could ever know.

I'm so glad my mom is back in town. I've missed her 7:15 a.m. calls every morning. She called me Sat. and when I told her how much I've missed talking to her she said, "Yeah I know, considering I'm the one who called you, you heifer." Being called a heifer is such a term of endearment in our family.

I'm so grateful for grace. I'm in desperate need of it, and I hope I extended it as freely as I need it.

I have so many posts rumbling through this head of mine. I just need the determination and the time to get them on here.

Better go. We've got church tonight and I need to prepare for discipleship with Lydia in the morning.

Tata for now!

Saturday Ramblings

**We just started getting Netflix, and I'm ashamed to say that we are loving it. Even Ms. "We could get rid of every TV in our house, and I'd be glad." We've actually watched some really neat things. . . one was a documentary on Mother Theresa and other was Lee Strobel's "Case for Christ". Hanna was about to have a fit because she said it was boring like "The Truth Project". Guess I don't have a theologian on my hands . . . not now anyway.

**We are all a little scared around here that Jon may have a hernia. He was in a good bit of pain last night, yet he is working laying tile on a house that he is flipping today. I'm praying his pain will be alleviated and this thing will go away.

**Hanna and Ash spent the night with a friend the other night. This was only Hanna's 2nd time over there. Poor thing got stung by a wasp and then at midnight threw up. Poor Dana (her friend's mom). I felt terrible she had to clean up Hanna's throwup. Hanna's all better now though and only threw up that one time. Dana told me she didn't talk much, but when she did she was really funny. . . that's my Hanna Boo!!!

**I slept in this morning and Jon left early. He called me on his way to the house. I love when I answer my phone and he says, "Hey beautiful." (please don't think I'm bragging. We certainly have our share of ups and downs. . . right now is just an up and those are the ones I like to remember). He was telling me that he'd love to take me out tonight to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in town. However, he's hardly seen the kids and really feels we all need to be together. I was just flattered he wanted to go on a date with me. We haven't seen very much of one another. He's been so busy with working, so there's been very little time as a family or just he and I. I know it's just for a season, but I'm thankful our love for one another is steady and constant.

**The kids and I are about to go and pick blueberries. It's one of Jim and Pat's friends. I'm hoping we will get a good bit.

**Jenn. B and I were thinking about taking the kiddos to St. Simons. She's going down there for a few days and Tripp will be joining her mid-week. However, I have this new job and it would be a pain to have to work down there. Also with Jon and a possibility of a hernia, it isn't a good idea for me to leave him. He might need my good nursing skills :) Also, Gigi's back is out. She has a pinched nerve. Oh well, I was really looking forward to some good girl time!

**Back to Netflix. . . we are loving watching "Monk". Seriously, it is just the right amount of drama, mystery, and comedy.

**This week Ang. L and Faith and I got together and tie-dyed shirts for The Peachtree coming up this weekend. We had a great time and both Faith and I forgot our cameras. . . and we call ourselves bloggers. . . .apparently NOT! Maybe I can put on my outfit and post a picture later :)

**For dinner tonight. . . let's see Santa Fe chicken over brown rice and corn salsa and a salad.

**Maybe we can pop some popcorn and watch a movie OR play a fun family board game.

**I have SO many blogging posts I need to get up on here. Hopefully soon or otherwise my "Flashback Fridays" will be an ongoing thing :)

**Here's a Hanna funny . . . Bethany sent me a text this week saying "After Brother David's sermon on Sunday about affectionate fathers I really think Jon needs to start kissing your babies on the lips." I forwarded to him and then asked him at dinner if he got my text from Bethany. He said, "Yeah, that was funny." The kiddos wanted to know what it said, so I told them. Hanna then said, "Daddy, for ONCE you need to start listening to Ms. Bethany."

**This past Wed. night the pool we join every Sunday had a family pizza night. All you can eat coke and pizza for $5 for the whole family. The kids and I met out there and joined Ang. L and family and Jenn. B. and family. We all had a wonderful time. We pretty much had the pool by itself. We're hoping more friends will join us next time.

Enough rambling for now. Have a good weekend everyone!

Pathetic

Pathetic. . . yep, that's what I am!! Wanna little glimpse into how pathetic Mrs. Mama in High heels is. . .

Well, first of all, let's just start with that name. . . I'm slowly not living up to my name anymore. Whereas in the past everytime you saw me (except when I'm running, of course), I'd have me a pair of pumps on . . . not so much anymore. . . I've caved to the comfort of my flip flops, five fingers, gladiator sandals, and a new pair of Toms (well Toms soon (thanks to my sweet hubby). . I actually tried on Melissa's and didn't want to give them back). These days I'm lucky if I even wear heels on Sunday. . . maybe I need a new name for my new identity?hee!hee!

Speaking of comfort. . . let's just go into luxury here. I just love for my kids to brush my hair, fix my hair, rub my back, etc. . . . they HATE it, and I actually confessed not too long ago I will using brushing mom's hair as a means of punishment around here. Well, here lately those kiddos of mine have been pretty good. So, that means I've had to resort to something else to make them brush my hair. . . butter cookies!!! Yes, I am SO PATHETIC I actually bribe my kids to brush my hair for butter cookies! Sad. . . so very, very pathetic I am!!

Another luxury around here is watching a movie! Jon has been working so much lately between his full time job and flipping house, we don't really get to watch too many movies. Well we got one in the other night from Netflix. It was 1 hours and 44 minutes long. It took is 3 stinkin' days to watch the thing. We would fall asleep each night. . . now that is some kind of PATHETIC!!!

On the same note of falling asleep, we were watching "Man vs Food" with the kiddos last night while waiting for "America's Got Talent" to come on. It was 7:30 and Jon and I were both snoozing hard!!! It's like we've turned into my Granny and Grandpa. We woke up long enough to kiss the kiddos goodnight and remind them to say their own prayers (most nights we pray as a family). PATHETIC!!!!

Yesterday while having our "Tuesday with Granddaddy", Ash left part of her brownie on her plate. She walked away because she got distracted by something (like her mother, poor thing). I knew she didn't mean to leave part of a brownie. However, it was time for me to clean up the dishes, and her brownie was sitting on her plate all by itself looking all lonesome. While a good, sweet, and kind mother would have called their child to come finish the rest of their brownie. . . not this mama. I could have thrown the thing away if I'd been thinking about the terrible white flour, crummy sugar, and yucky hydrogenated oils that this little thing was composed of. However, those things didn't even cross my mind. I'd already had 2 of them myself, so I knew how scrumpdillicious they were. I took that little yummy goodness and plopped that thing in my mouth and savored every last morsel of it. . . yep, PATHETIC. . . I know!

Random Words

To try and do a quick catch up of the week I thought I'd do just a very wordy random post. To follow? Well, you guessed it . . . pictures (since I have that disease where I can't blog without pictures). So, next post will be random pictures. . .kind of like a part 2 of this post. . . sound good? Good! Here I go.

• I've been fascinated by the Will and Kate royal wedding. I just love the fact that she is so common, an underdog. . . makes for a good movie. I've read and watched all kinds of stuff about the royals this week including Princess Diana and Prince Charles. . . wouldn't want that kind of life for all the tea in china. . . still, I am fascinated by it. My thoughts have even drifted to the wedding feast of the Lamb. . . when Christ will be united with His bride (church). Now, IMAGINE the splendor of that! I can't wait. I know I'll be there!!!



• We had tornadoes hit our area, like missing us by a little over a mile or two. It's been devastating and heart breaking. The kids and I went out the day after and tried to help. We went to a trailer park and got some things the people needed. Then, we went to Ash's Sunday School teacher (last year)'s house. It was completely and utterly demolished. It is a miracle they are alive. I've never seen anything like this in my whole life. Literally their stuff was caught in cedar trees. They still can't find their roof. . . I'm so grateful they are alive and I'm so grateful we are safe. We did get up about midnight when the weather radio went off, headed downstairs to get under the stairs. I was quite the ill pill. Jon was being a goof off. . . texting, passing gas. . . yada, yada, and I wasn't laughing or very jovial for that fact. I need my sleep. Hanna heard on the news where you were to cover up, meaning with blankets and pillows. Instead she layered her clothing. Seriously, the kid had on 3 different pair of PJ pants. If I wouldn't have been so ill, I would've been laughing at that.



• Easter was great. The kids went to church with Melissa b/c they spent the night with Mom. Jon and I were going to a Seder supper with our friends Bethany and Scott. However, Jon has SO MUCH WORK going on right now he couldn't make it, so Jen. B went with us. It was a precious night, very moving and sentimental, and thought provoking. I later went and asked the Rabbi why Christian's don't celebrate the feasts? He literally stopped in his tracks and in a nutshell told me "antisemitism". Hopefully more thoughts from this girl's mouth on this later. I'm really afraid we Christians may be missing the boat. I 'd love any and all thoughts on this issue. However, when we entered the seder supper I told my friends, " I feel so Gentile". I texted Jon the same thing. He replied, "Good, because that is what you are." Thanks for confirming that honey!!!! Jon and I went to church Easter Sunday. I felt so very lonely without my kiddos there with us. I didn't like that feeling AT ALL. I felt all out of sorts. . . not like myself at all!!!! We got to mom's, ate her good cooking, rode through what some tornado damage had done about a month ago to their property, and hunted eggs. I love being with my family.



• Tonight the kiddos and I took Jon to the airport. It was his first plane ride EVER. He has a fear of flying. On the way up there he was so nervous about possibly getting sick on the plane. . . you know, throwing up sick. He really was quite nervous and caught up in this idea. He was very distracted and out of sorts. We get to the airport, find where to check in baggage. He's a little frazzled (just not knowing what to do). I told the kids to lets stand back and just watch him. He didn't need us on his heels. Ash then proceeded to throw up 3 times. Seriously, I just laughed. . . all I could do. . . I think I did this b/c if I didn't I would have started crying. . . crying for Jon for his nerves and crying for my sweet girl for her pain and crying for me for my embarrassment (especially for the man who rolled his luggage across it). So, I laughed instead. . . quite a bit, actually. I'm anxiuos to hear from him when he lands. Oh yeah. . . this is the Sodom and Gomorrah I referred to in earlier posts. I'll leaving you hanging, but just try and guess where his conference is based on my clue. Oh, one thing that just touched my heart so. After Jon hugged all of us goodbye, he wanted us all to pray. . . so here, in the airport, my little family of 5 huddled around in a circle, bowing our heads in prayer while Jon prayed outloud. So thankful for Jon and his leading our family spiritually.



• Tomorrow I'm going to pick up Andrew and he is spending the night with us. Doug & Angela are in SSI celebrating 10 years of marriage, so we get to keep Andrew. I'm so very excited. . . all the kids and I are. I really am quite afraid I have forgotten all my baby skills. . . hopefully they will come back to me. It's been so long since we've had a baby in the house.



• I got my passport in today! My picture is H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E!!!!!!!!!However, it will serve its purpose. I'm going on a mission trip to Guyana in July and I'm excited, nervous, and all the in-betweens. . .



• Ash has been exceptionally clingy this week. She's oh so very sweet and no one loves me like this girl does. She is her mama's girl through and through. I'm not trying to take anything away from Alec and Hanna. I know they love me as well, but they're much more Daddy's boy/girl. . . which is totally okay with me. . . I was a Daddy's girl too, so I understand their hearts. But Ash, I don't know what it is. . . extremely, extremely binding to me this week. . . like at my heels everywhere I go. I think she is anxious about the upcoming week and not having me with her for an entire week. Oh, she's so sweet!!!!!! Hanna even was somewhat clingy on Wed. night???? She's not as verbal with her feelings, so it is really hard to tell what is going on in that head of hers.



• Wanna hear something funny? Here is something Hanna said last week. We were talking about Babylon and Hanna said, "I wish the tower of Babel didn't happen so I could understand what those ladies at Judy's Nails were saying."




• I took the kids out to eat Mexican tonight. We are on a super-tight budget right now. . . so normally where it would be around $30 or so for our entire family. . . we ate El *____* for $14.02 AND we even had cheese dip. I told the kids if they wanted to eat out everyone had to drink water and we all had to get something that was under $3.00. They obliged b/c they didn't want to eat my spaghetti :)

Wordy Wednesday

**As Jon and I are planning our trip to Sodom and Gomorrah (more on this later) we have researched 2 things so far. . . well I guess you could say 2-1/2 . . . restaurants and running trails. . .Our hotel is like a 5-star resort, so I could probably never leave it and be completely fine. At the hotel is also where Jon's school/conference is taking place. They have some really cool running trails. . . one is through a canyon (how cool would that be?). However, there was a warning to be aware of coyotes. . . YIKES!!!!!!! I might have to borrow Faith's bear bell. You think a coyote would stay away if he heard a bear bell? The other 1/2 thing we searched were shows. . . YIKES again at how pricey they are. . . we probably won't take any in. . . that's okay, I'm just excited about having 5 days with my hubby no matter where we are;) However, I have requested that we go and see an "Elvis Chapel" b/c I'm a dork and I really, really (I'm serious about this) want to watch "Vegas Vacation" (national lampoon) before we go. We're a little like the Griswold's so maybe they could give us a few ideas. More on all this later though.

**Remember my Monday's To-Do List? Well, I only accomplished a little over half of that on Monday, a little more on Tuesday, and plan to mark everything off and throw that bad-boy in the trash today!

**I've been thinking about going back public on my blog. . . only b/c Jon likes to read my posts (he says its the only way he knows what's going on in our lives. . .ha!ha!). However, although I've invited him to be a reader, he can't figure out how to get here. I think I've figured out how to make my pictures so they can't be copied and pasted. . .something happened before that threw up red flags (that's why I went private) from a creepy guy who started "following" me (on my blog, not in real life). Plus, Melissa made me a little paranoid about it.

**I'm so glad I'm back in the habit of talking with Mama in the mornings. We used to talk, if not every morning, then every other morning. Work got so incredibly busy for me that I stopped having time to talk. I'm grateful things have slowed down some and I get to talk to her in the mornings.

**I've been trying to pursue my dad more (both in prayer and in just having more of a relationship with him). Our relationship is so surfacey. After we talk about his work, my work, what the kids have been doing. . . there's nothing left. Often times I feel so bad about this. My dad was a great dad growing up (as good as you can be not being a Christian and only seeing us 2 weekends a month). I think he loved the fact he provided us with worldly goods (my mom and stepdad hardly had any $$$) and that we needed him. I think he feels we don't need him anymore since we both are married and have husbands???? Who knows??? I have 2 accountability partners who are holding me accountable for this. I left him a message, but he hasn't called me back. This Saturday is Grandmama's b-day celebration. I'm sure he'll be there, but I've already made plans. . . so Melissa and I are taking her to a tea room on Friday to celebrate her life.

**A rarity just happened in this house. Jon asked me where his work clothes were. Normally they are A) in the washer, B) in the dryer, C) on the laundry room floor, D) in a laundry basket, or C) on our bedroom floor in a big pile waiting to be hung up. Jon just asked me, "Hey babe, where did you put those clothes for work?" My answer. . . drum roll, please. . . . I think I sat up a little taller when I made this announcement, "They're hung up in the closet." Ta-da-da-da!!!!!!!!! I'm taking a bow now. . . no need for applause. No, really. .. stop it, stop it!

**Alec's voice is cracking me up right now. He is getting that squeaky-boy puberty voice. He honestly gave me so many fits from the time he was 8 years old up until the last year. (if you've read my blog for awhile, you know my struggles with him.) However, his teen years have been a pure delight. He's very affectionate now, will come up to me often and lay his head on my shoulder for a hug. He seems to be more in control of his emotions. Yesterday, he just warmed my heart so. . . he's been discussing some "theological" things with his friends Eli and Levi (they've all been friends since he's been 5). Yesterday he was on www.blueletterbible.org looking up words in the Greek. Oh Lord, please ignite a fire in him for You that cannot be easily put out.

**The girls got in MAJOR trouble last night. Jon had all of the kids at Wal-mart and (although Ash said she told him), he couldn't find them. They had gone 6 aisles over (at the checkout) to look at webkins. . .I don't think they'll be doing that again! Thankfully Alec saw them and kept his eye on them. Although, he was told as well, that it is his job to stop them.

**I'm really looking forward to this Friday & Saturday night. Communion on Friday night and Seder supper on Sat. night. I've been reading the crucifixion account to my kiddos this week, from each of the Gospels. Each sheds it in a different light. Ever since I taught a Sunday School lesson on the greatness of our salvation, I've gotten into the habit of thanking God for saving me. . . something we should NEVER, EVER, EVER take for granted. I heard this quote somewhere and I don't know it verbatim or who said it, but it went something like this. . ."imagine, if all you had today is what you THANKED God for yesterday".

Yesterday I Demonstrated Very Well WHY I am a Runner

Yesterday. . . Sunday afternoon. . . many of my friends got to see the reason why I run.

We had a get together at our friends, John and Judy's home. The kiddos swam and the adults. . . well, most of us played a mean game of volleyball.

Now I'm very aware of my non-athleticism. In fact, I'm very forthright with people and tell them that is why I run. . . because anybody can do it. However, after 4 marathons, 1 ultramarathon, several medals from winning my 5K age group, yada, yada, yada. . . I think people don't really believe me . . .that is . . . until yesterday. . . .

I PLAY VOLLEYBALL LIKE A PRISSY, PRISSY GIRL!!!!

Which means when Trish said, "Michele, you've got to dive for the ball."

I reply, "Do I look like the kind-of girl that dives for a ball?"

Basically sums up my whole game. . . that little exchange of words.

Then, when I did get the ball over the net I jumped up and down and screamed a girly squeal like I'd won the lottery!!!! Seriously.

I actually got to demonstrate my mad volleyball skillz twice.

The first game, the LORD was so good to us. He sent rain. What fun!!! To play volleyball in the rain!! We got soaked!!! Our ages ranged from late 20s to mid-60s!!! We acted like a bunch of 12 year olds out there. . . having a BLAST!!!!

When the monsoon hit we ran for shelter. The rain cleared up and we had a new crew pull up. . . ready to get their game on!!!

Believe it or not. . . OUR team won despite them having me on their team!!! It was really a very, very close game. My team would've won much quicker had I been on the other team *smile*

Then, when I'd serve and the ball would go out right field NO WHERE near the net, I explained to everyone. "That is WHY I run. I can control which way my legs go!!!" In fact, one time I went to serve and hit one of my teammates on the back with the ball. It was like a really bad episode of "Saved by the Bell."

We had a great time of fellowship.

Guess I'd better sum up our whole weekend while I'm here.

Friday the kids and I went to a youth swim party. It was a lot of fun and I got a chance to get to know some of the girls. . . I also got a chance to get to know my new friends, Jennifer and Jessica better!

Saturday, Jon helped Doug with his roof. He was gone all day. The kids and I went over to their house and we all ate lunch together. We headed back home and I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to organize the homeschool room. I actually had planned on sewing later that night. However, my power cord to my machine is MISSING!!! I knew Jon would be beat and I'd have to entertain myself that night.

I got everyone to bed, headed downstairs with "Cookie", and read until I fell asleep.

A GREAT weekend!

81. For my sweet visit with my dear friend, Kim, today.

82. For time flying when you're having fun.

83. For my walk at the track with Faith this morning.

84. For friends who love me enough to let me play volleyball with them.

85. For a cool enough morning to take the kids on a bike ride.

Talk about it Tuesday

Talking. . . I just love to talk. . . part of the sanguine in me, I guess. . . sometimes I talk way too much and my mouth can really get me into trouble.



That really has nothing to do with this post. . . I just needed a fun title . . . to blog about things I'd probably be talking to you about if we were face to face.



*** Jon's first 2 days at work have gone really well. He's been home everyday at 5:00, which has been L-O-V-E-L-Y. The last time he worked in the Atlanta area, he had a 1-1/2 hour commute. . . which put him home about 7:30 . . . not much family time during the week. Another bonus is he found out that he guy who is his direct boss happens to be known as one of the nicest guys in the company. What a blessing!!! A hard and mean boss could really make him miserable.



***Shoot fire!!! The last 2 mornings I've been up at 3:30 a.m. . . Although I do get up at 4:00, those last 30 minutes are precious. Monday I woke up early just nervous for Jon on his first day at work. This morning I was up early because I heard Jon saying in his sleep, "Alec, what's wrong, Alec. Alec, are you okay?" I thought Alec may have been having a bad dream. I got up to check on him so Jon could sleep. Come to find out I think Jon was the one having the dream. Alec was snoozing hard in his bed.



***Thankfully, I didn't have much work. After I finished I took a book I've been reading and laid on the cough. . . fell fast asleep . . . didn't get up until 8:00. Really, really nice. Well, kinda. see, I'm used to having time to myself and I don't wake up all bubbly and cheerful. . . I tend to be quiet and inward which can come across grump. I like to refer to it as "pleasantly delightful awakening" from my end anyway. . . not for my family. . . Hee!Hee! Anyway, I'm always the first one up around here for hours. . . so by the time the rest of the family wakes up, I'm all sunshine and roses.





*** Speaking of the book I've been reading. . . "Radical" by David Platt. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G doesn't do this book justice. Convicting to the very core of my being. Wow!! A must read for any devoted follower of Christ.





***Today the kids and I had lunch with Grandaddy. Very delightful I tell you. He can normally take us for about 1-1/2 hours. . . then I can tell we wear him out somewhat. We had a GREAT visit though!!! I love him and I'm so very thankful for him. I'm so thankful the kids and I can go over there and keep him company while GiGi volunteers at the hospital. Jon's Daddy is just precious. We were supposed to be there at 11:30. I actually lost track of time. I was enjoying my conservation with Faith WAY TOO MUCH!!! I see Grandaddy at our door, then looked at the clock. Oops!!! He doesn't really do well with the telephone (I guess that's why he didn't call). He came over to make sure we were still coming over there. . .





*** Last night we all watched "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry". If you love a great, heartwarming, make you cry movie.. . . then this is one to see. Afterwards Ash was so sweet, she started making scripture bookmarks (from the book of John) for her friends. That girl can exhaust me sometimes, but she has a heart of gold.





***I'm really convicted about all the busyness I have in my life. The question at the forefront of my mind is "Does this count for eternity?" There are so many days when I push our family Bible time aside in order to go to the pool, go to the grocery store, talk on the phone, clean the house, etc., etc. Wrong, just plain wrong!!!! It is the one thing that doesn't bombard me, so it's easy to put to the side. . . yet it is clearly the BEST thing I do for my children all day long. Warring with the flesh is never an easy battle.





***I'm missing my discipleship girls. . . well both girls. . . my group of big girls (meaning ladies my age) and my group of teen girls. For about 6 months now I've been disciplining 2 teen girls. We run together, then have Bible study together. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!!! They are so very precious to me. I think they teach me more than I teach them. This summer I told them I'd take them to Starbucks and we would have Bible study there. We did that last week. This week they are finishing out their summer in West Virginia. They'll come back at the end of this week, then it'll be time to start school. Here's some pics of our time at Starbucks.

To have the honor to see these girls growing in the LORD is truly a gift!!!! I promised them I wouldn't post these pics on FB, since they hadn't put their makeup on after our run that morning **smile**. I assured them no one really reads my blog much :)

***I'm so excited in 2 weeks Jon and I will be teaching 9th and 10th girls and boys Sunday School. I'll have the girls. He'll have the boys. God has really laid teen girls on my heart to minister to. I knew when we left Dayspring that I was not called to teach young children anymore. . .it was great for a season, but my heart is really for teen girls right now.

*** I had a "Paul Newman" from Chick-fil-A today. Ever heard of it? The lady training Jon at work told him about it. When I asked for it by name, the lady didn't know what I was talking about. It is half lemonade and half sweet tea. Very good I tell you. I'll definitely order it again!

*** I have been really impatient with my children today. Like their chatter has been driving me crazy. I think it is PMS, but also I'm putting alot of pressure on myself to get things done. I tend to be a booger when I'm stressed and overwhelmed.

*** Our air conditioning downstairs has been messed up. It is an okay temp in our house because it is surrounded by trees. . . that is except when we have people over. The body heat tends to make it warm. Our electric bill this month was $362. I about had a FIT!!!! I can't believe it was that much and our house isn't that cool. Maybe it's the filters? Jon's going to check it out this weekend!

Told ya I like to talk!!!

68. For chocolate.

69. For hummus.

70. For my juicer.

71. For my whitening mouthwash.

72. For dental floss.

73. For making it to the gas station when I was definitely flirting with the "E" on the gas gauge.

Babble. . . It's My Native Tongue

• I'm so very excited. We got our garage cleaned out this weekend. Little things like that can just really get me excited. I've LOVED parking the car in the garage!!! So silly. . . I know, but I'm telling you. . . after not parking in a garage for 3 years, it really is exciting :)
• We had some friends over earlier this week for dinner. With one of these friends, Jon ALWAYS talks theology. I'd asked him before the night started, "Can we just not talk theology this time?" Bless his heart, he tried to bite his lip. . . just couldn't do it!!! We all had a great time though. The next day I woke up feeling very ashamed of myself. For so long I wanted this, and then I tried to discourage it. . . shame on me!!! I'm going to tell him I'm sorry for asking him to not talk theology. It was a good night.
• My heart is heavy for so many people right now. **A girl I play Bunco with who is a cancer fighter/survivor. She's a young mom and my heart just hurts for her. **A friend who is a career woman with a family who has a sick father. She's having to drive back and forth to Atlanta, all the while balancing a career, kids, and a husband. ** A friend who has reoccurring cancer who is a mother of 11. My heart hurts deeply for she and her family. ** A friend that I don't talk to very much anymore. . . for some reason God has just laid her on my heart to be in prayer for her. ** Another friend who is just really heavy now with some pressure he's having to deal with.
• I don't know what has happened to my itunes library, but it has completely vanished. There is nothing on my ipod, nor in my library. I'm hoping my computer-savvy husband can figure it out for me and get all of my music back for me.
• I'm really looking forward to some good quality time with my family.
• All the school books are in and I started out so strong getting ready for the year. . . recently I have fizzled. I got to get the petal back to the metal. It will be here before I know it.
• I've really got to get to Sephora. I'm all out of my Bare Minerals foundation. About the only time I fix my hair and wear makeup these days is when I go to church. I've loosened up so much I actually go WITHOUT high heels places. I saw my former pastor and his wife Sunday night. That was one of the first thigns she asked me, "Where are your high heels?" I told her it was a work of the Lord me resorting to wearing flats. She said I was just maturing **SMILE**.

41. For sweet time of prayer in our foyer with Jon and 3 friends.

42. For God's faithfulness.

43. For the lamps being turned on.

44. For children that are attentive to my feelings . . .asking me if I'm sad or not.

45. For family who gets upset if you don't return their calls quickly after they leave messages. . . ahem, Grandmama and Daddy.

Yada Yada This. . . Yada Yada That

** I think I am on the tail end of an awful summer sickness I've had the last 2 days. Thankfully I am not sick very often. . . but when I am. . . I'm a big baby. . . I just lay around ALL day long. Although today I feel so much better, I can tell I'm not 100%. I'm going to have to really taper myself down today. Normally I'm a busy bee and I don't like much idle time. . . therefore, I can't go full steam ahead because I don't want my body to revert back to being sick.

**As far as the Jacksonville job. . . we've got NOTHING!!! We heard nothing back, even though Jon felt really good about it. Normally he's pretty on the money with these sorts of things. My prayer was "Lord, if this is not YOUR will, please don't let them call back. It will be too hard of a decision to make if offered the job."

**I have been in homeschooling planning mode over the last week. I'm determined to have our whole year mapped out, with copies made, the year planned, hands-on activities organized, etc. by the time we start school come middle of August. I've really made a great start. I'm going to have to be this way (totally out of my nature to be organized) in order to have a successful school year. With Alec starting 8th grade, I have to prepare for high school in order to prepare for college.

** On that note, Alec is saying right now that he really wants to go to The Naval Academy. I don't want him not to have an opportunity because I failed or slacked him in anyway. Thankfully, we're early enough on everything and it's not too late to start getting him in the classes, volunteering, leadership roles, athletics, SAT preparation that they require. If he changes his mind and decides he'd rather go somewhere else. . . then that is fine. . . at least we've prepared him for a tough school to get into. And. . . they have admitted homeschoolers in the past also!!!!

**We've had some real gully washers here the last few days. While I'm typically a sunshine and roses type of girl . . . the rain has been really refreshing. We've really needed it!!!

**I started painting a small hallway that goes to our garage and up our stairs to the homeschool room about 5 months ago. Noticed . . I STARTED. . . however, I never finished it. Typically I can't not finish a project. However, I've been much more relaxed over the last year and less hard on myself than in the past. I really do need to finish it before school starts.

** Work has been really slow. . . that is typical. I call it the summer slowdown. However, as soon as all the schools start back. . . people start getting sick and it will get really busy again. I'm trying to take advantage of the slowness and prepare for school.

**My girls and I have been watching "Anne of Green Gables". I remember watching it as a little girl. I'm so loving it and so are my girls. I think this needs to go down as one of my all time favorite movies. I think when I'm introducing myself to someone new I may say, "My name is Michele, with one 'l'." Anne can really use some great adjectives and descriptive words. We have a new writing program for this year we're going to be doing. I'm hoping my children will learn to write like she speaks :)

**We've really enjoyed swimming and hanging out at the pool this summer with our friends. It is one of our most favorite summer activities.

**We've had a lot of kid swaps this summer. I just love having a house full of kiddos.

**We've been having a theology class at our house this summer on Wed. nights. Jon and I got the chance to take this class at our church, but the people who are coming didn't get to take it because of helping in another area or choir practice. I keep all the kiddos upstairs with me. I know they are all enjoying having theological debates. I love Jon catching me up on the discussions they have.

**We had our last night of Bible study for a few weeks Monday night. We finished "Respectable Sins" and will be starting a book about the Gospel in a few weeks. Angela is going to be gone on a mission trip. Angela L. will be going to the beach. Jennifer's husband is going on a mission trip to Venezuela. Needless to say a big chunk of our group will be gone so we decided to take the rest of the month off.

31. For a clearer head and less stuffy nose.

32. For a husband who takes care of me when I'm sick.

33. For a husband who doesn't care if the house is a mess.

34. For a splurge of energy.

35. For friends and family who check on me when I'm not feeling well and offer to help.

'Cause I Love Mindless

I just love me a good MeMe. . . mindless. . . no thinking, no loading pictures, just answering questions. . . all the while people learn useless information about this girl who identifies herself by the shoes on her feet . . . I stole this from Mer's blog. So, here I go. .

What color are your socks right now? No socks. Just my bare feet.

What are you listening to right now? TV on in the bedroom. Sounds like "America's Got Talent" is on.

What was the last thing you ate? Supreme Pizza from Pizza Hut.

Can you drive a stick? Oh yeah. My stepdad taught me with his little truck that still smelled brand stinkin' new even after it was 10 years old. He took me down the dirt road we lived on. . . actually my 2nd car was a stick.

Last person you spoke to on the phone? Lisa J.

How old are you today? 33

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? College football . . . just 'cause I like to be a supportive wife and all. . .

What is your favorite drink? Coffee.

Have you ever dyed your hair? I had highlights one time. I wanted to do it for years and years and finally broke down and spent the money. I liked it. However, Jon made such a good point, "Michele, people pay lots of money to have your color hair. . . and now, you're paying money to change it?" One time at the salon a lady stopped by my hairstylist and said, "I want the color you just put on her hair." Natalie told her, "This is all natural." So, I decided I should be grateful and save my money to spend on something else :)

Favorite food? I really love a good salad. . . seriously!

What is the last movie you watched? You mean from start to finish? (stole that part from Mer). Maybe Gran Torino? I fall asleep a good bit during movies.

Favorite day of the year? Thanksgiving. It's not about all the stuff. . . just being with family.

How do you vent anger? I suppress and suppress and then I erupt like a volcano. . . not good!

What was your favorite toy as a child? Barbies!!!

Favorite Season? Fall, spring, and summer.

Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries

Living situation? Financially strained right now. Not knowing where God is going to take us or how He is going to move. . . but I have more peace in my life than maybe ever. . . I've come to a much, much deeper understanding of His Soveriengty. . . which just brings me such peace. . . life is busy with 3 kids. We're blessed with wonderful family. We have the best church. We have lots of amazing friends and are so.very.blessed. Other than our financial situation, life is about as good as it gets!!! And, even the financial strain I'm grateful for . . . because God has either allowed it or caused it. . . which tells me we NEED it and He will work it all together for our good. Blessed be the name of the LORD!!!

When was the last time you cried? Today. . . well, I was teary eyed. . . at the triathlon. . . just so excited and proud of Jon. Then tonight, my friend who has recurrent breast cancer for the 3rd or 4th time shared some things with me . . . my heart just breaks for her family.

What is on the floor of your closet right now? Accessories galore, clothes, shoes, hangers. . . it is way, way messy!

What are you most afraid of? Rejection.

Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? I like them ALL!!! My favorite burger is always one grilled at home. Right now I really like them stuffed with feta cheese.

Favorite dog breed? Bishonpoo. . . cause that's what we have. Although I think labs are GREAT dogs!

Favorite day of the week? Sunday. . . the only day I truly take to rest.

How many states have you lived in? I am a Georgia Peach through and through and I want to keep it that way!

Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.

What is your favorite flower? Hydrangea.

Did you get an H1N1 vaccine? Nope. Will not be getting it either.

Just Thinking Outloud

**Is it a criteria that a librarian has NO personality whatsoever? Here at our library, out of all the people who work there, only about 2 have a personality. One is downright mean (and she's actually the one who works with the children for story time). Seriously, I really think on the job requirements it is listed out MUST HAVE NO PERSONALITY WHATSOEVER!!!

**Why in the world is the link for my job listed in my "favorites" on my computer? 'Cause it sure isn't my favorite thing to do?

**I've had this ear pain/pressure/fullness in my right ear for about 6 months now. Unfortunately, google is not giving me a clear cut answer. Looks like I'm going to have to break down and take myself to the doctor.

**When leaving for the beach last weekend I left the house in an absolute mess. I had to spend my time cleaning up our car (a lady was going to look at it before we left). Now, I have a plague of fruit flies in my kitchen. DRIVING ME NUTS!!!

**The kids had so much friend time last week I ended up doing some of their chores. Maybe this week I can read and knit and sew and they can do MY chores? Wishful thinking!

**Is it better for a friend to be honest and hurt your feelings or tell a half-truth (just not the whole truth) to spare your feelings? Either way is love. Honesty is really just always the best policy . . . even for a girl who hates with all her being to hurt someone's feelings.

**I can't wait to start getting the kids curriculum for next year organized!!! I'm hoping to get started sometime this week. I just ordered all our books for unit 1 for Tapestry of Grace.

**My long run with Angela was really tough this morning. Normally I'm on top of my running game. For the last few weeks I've been super slow. . . and, quite frankly, I've been running more for the pleasure of running and to clear my head than to get in distance and/or faster times.

**It is better to ALWAYS go the extra mile for people . . . even if you wonder if it matters. . . or if you're tired and would rather stay home. . . the things you do for people (both little and big) really do make a difference!!!

Random Thoughts

No catchy title here. Just wanting to document and remember some things going on in our lives right now.

• I'm putting Noah's Ark for sale today. Gas is way too high, especially since I've wanted to escape to SSI over the last 2 weeks and spend the whole summer down there. I actually told Jon the kids and I may head down there without him. He said it was okay. He's super swamped with getting a house on the market. However, I couldn't leave him. My own self-induced guilt couldn't go to our very favorite place on earth without the love of my life. . . so, here the kids and I stay.. . sorry, I digress. . . back to Noah's Ark. She's super clean and we've put her at a really awesome price. If she sells GREAT, if she doesn't that's GREAT too, 'cause she really is my dream car :).
• Back to SSI. . . We are going to SSI in about a month or so with some of our dearest and closest friends. I'm so excited about that I could literally do cartwheels around my house. It's our family and 3 other families. I wish we could ALL just spend all summer down there!!!!
• I've been a little blue the last few days. I really am not a "blue" kind of girl. I feel pretty happy most of the time. Thing is, I wish I could blame it on PMS. . . can't though. . . I really wish I could just pinpoint what it is. I am feeling a little better as the day goes on, but I still feel like a little dark cloud is following me around.
• I'm really grateful for the time I've gotten to spend with my parents lately. Between helping them move and riding to my nephew's birthday party (2 hours away), I've really gotten to be with them alot. I'm so very blessed to have a Mama like I do. She loves me to absolute pieces. . . even at the ripe age of 33. . . and will drop anything and everything she's doing in a heartbeat for me. She'll also shoot it to me straight!!! We've had a lot of fun over the last couple of weeks.
• Jon and I have a really big decision to make by Friday morning. Any and all prayers for wisdom and discernment will be appreciated. I'm so thankful for the people who are carrying this burden with us. I love y'all!!!!
• I'm loving the once-a-month cooking meals I did with my friend Jennifer. It is wonderful to just pull something out of the freezer and pop it in the oven. It's allowed me to sneak in watching "Glenn Beck" while dinner is cooking.
• Although our life is really in such disarray right now, I don't know if Jon and I have ever been as close to the LORD as we are now. We are growing and things are certainly being thrown our way to test us. He sent me a text today that said, "I luv you now more than ever." (I don't say that in a boastful way. . . I just want to remember it when I'm old and gray).
• I'm thankful that God is confirming over and over again a call He has placed on my life. I'm the kind of girl that needs reassurance like that.
• I'm learning to listen more intently to the Holy Spirit. . . knowing that when I make "excuses" for something. . . then more than likely I have no business doing it. Sometimes I can be pretty hard headed.
• We're finished with school and have had some lazy days here at home. It's been great, but I do like to stay busy (maybe why I'm blue?!?). I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE POOL TO OPEN!!!!
• I wish I was the person to invent silly bands. These people are making a killing. . . gotta be. . . b/c my kids have bought enough to last them the rest of their lives.
• I love how last week my sweet Ashley came to me and said, "Mama, I really want to study my Bible. I just don't know where to start." She and I've started a Bible study this week. I pray my kids always want to know God's will and God's ways.

Enough for now. I think I may whip out my sewing machine today, or maybe not?!? Maybe I'll read a book?or work on a 500 piece puzzle with the kids?or take a bike ride? or ALL of the above? Ohh. . . I feel my blueness leaving me as I get geared up for busyness. . . ha!ha! Not really, just tryin' to be funny. I'm telling you this, I don't like this feeling of BLUE!! I'm hoping it will shake from me soon.

90 to Nothing

would be a really good way to describe my week. I'm typically a pretty busy bee, but this week has been very busy. . . all very good busy. . . but busy to say the least.

Today was my busiest day by far. I am JUST NOW . . . way past my bedtime here 10:32 p.m. . . . sitting down.

There has been so very much to do this week, so much to get ready for.

Today went a little like this:

**Woke up and work (same song, different day).

** Jon went and picked up our co-op. I separated it with the girls.

** Went back to work.

**Did the kids eat breakfast? Oh yeah, Ash made everyone cheese toast.

**Cleaned up the school room which was a horocious MESS!!!

**Called and ordered Alec's contacts.

** Mailed pool membership money.

**Lisa popped in to drop off my ice box and get some chicken. Showed her my new blue bedroom.

**Loaded up car with co-op stuff to take to Candace's house.

**Gigi and Grandaddy popped in from being out of town the last few weeks.

**Went to Wal-mart and bought 2 ferns, picked up some other things.

**Went to Candace's to drop off co-op stuff. Admired their new deck that is as big as a backyard.

**Got home cleaned up kitchen.

** Finished my last 3 meals for once-a-month cooking.

**Got Hanna ready for ballet.

**Ballet.

**Sat down and made my list for tomorrow's homeschool conference.

**Sent Jon a flirty text.

**Loaded Tiffani's used books in my car to sell at the homeschool conference.

**Cleaned kitchen

**Mopped the entire downstairs.

**Worked for a little bit

I'm a daily exerciser. . .I cancelled both my morning run with Angela and Zumba with Tiffani today because of the busyness. . . too much to do and too little time to do it. You know I am really, really busy if I don't exercise.

Now, it is off to bed, off to bed I said. When my feet hit the floor in the morning it will be GO, GO, GO until Sunday. . .

Ergodic, Haphazard, Hit-or-Miss, Stochastic

I feel like I have more random posts than anything. . .so in an effort to be creative, I thought I'd give you all some synonyms . . . so there you go. . . right up there in the ol'title . . .

Want ergodic? My kids are having a fit. They think I said a cuss word. I was on the phone with my sister, who is moving to Columbia, SC. She and her best friend were talking about running a beach race up there. Melissa suggested the 3 of us running it and Leslie (her BF), jokingly, was like, "No, Michele cannot run it. We are going to tell her you have to have a certain percentage of body fat in order to run it." I'm cracking up as Melissa tells me this and I said to her, "That heifer!!!" Ash and Alec start saying, "Ewww, Mama said a cuss word." I told them my Granny called me a heifer alot when I was little. Melissa then corrected me saying, "She didn't call you a heifer, she called you a heifa." Oh me, oh my. . . it felt so very good to have a good belly laugh with her. It felt so "normal". I've missed her. She's been withdrawing from her antidepressants going on the 1-1/2 year mark. It has been a living hell on earth for her. Most of our conversations center around me encouraging her, helping her to think rationally, etc. (which I love being there for my sister). It's just been a good, long time since we've cut up and laughed on the phone. Side note: I did tell my kids I was teasing and I shouldn't tease that way. I didn't want them to go around calling each other "heifas"

Want more haphazard? I've decided that God gave me a job where I have to get up at 4:00 a.m. (tried to do 6:00 a.m. it just doesn't work for me) . . . to make me tired. . . because really I'm a fireball just like Ashley. Our household can only handle one of us. . . while Ashley is like a raging forest fire. . . I'm like a dimly lit match. . . only because I'm too tired to be anything else (ha!ha!). Jon, Hanna, Alec, and Cookie would probably go crazy if there were 2 live fireballs running around here. Side note: I'm very, very grateful for my job. I'm not complainin' (my discipleship girls will know what I'm talking about). I'm just sayin'

How about some Hit-or-Miss? My parents may be moving . . . from the home I grew up I. Although I will be sad, I am ecstatically happy for them. This will be their dream home. . . a log cabin on 18 acres. . . and . . . it will be closer to me. . . 45 to 50 minutes. Nothing is written in stone yet, but we will see. I'm really hoping it will happen. It will be so nice to be closer to them. It's almost a straight shot from where we live now. You don't have to turn down 10,000 back roads to the there like you do to their house now.

Okay, let me throw some stochastic at you?!? I AM SO EXCITED MY SISTER IS MOVING TO COLUMBIA, SC. It is less than 4 hours away from me (which sure beats 12 when they lived in Dallas, TX)!!! My other sister is only an hour from her in Augusta, GA. There's nothing in the whole wide world like a sister. . . someone who loves you always even when they hate you. . . someone who knows everything about you. . . someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth. Know what else? Blood doesn't make you sisters. It's your heart that does that!!!

Done!!! I feel like Joey did on the episode of "Friends" when he needed to write Monica and Chandler a letter of referral so they could adopt a child. He wanted to sound really smart, so he broke out his thesaurus. He signed the letter, "a baby kangaroo". Get it? Joey??? A baby kangaroo??? Oh that puts a gig in my giggle.

Have a wonderful Thursday!!!