In Two and a half days

Having laundry caught up. . . and when I say caught up. . . I mean all laundry washed, dried, folded, hung up, and put away. . . it's a rarity. . . and I do mean, rarity, around here if ALL of that is done.

I felt so accomplished last Saturday. The kids and I had it all done. I really thought we all deserved a medal. . . hee!hee!

Thankfully though it was all finished because my dryer went caput. . . wouldn't even turn on the poor thing. He must've been tired and broken and just wanted to be left alone because he wouldn't turn on for anything.

No biggie. . . this happened right when I got back from Guyana, and after seeing those precious women wash our laundry by hand with a bucket and washboard, adn then hang the clothes on the line dripping wet, and that hot Guyaense sun drying them for us. . . the last thing I would ever do is complain about my dryer being broken.

I just figured I'd take the laundry over to Gigi and Granddaddy's on Tuesday.

However, this is what piled up in just 2-1/2 days. . .

3 baskets O-V-E-R-F-L-O-W-I-N-G

The Greener Grass

There are days, thankfully not many days, but days when I do wonder what our lives would actually look like if the children went to school.

Let's see. . . well, rather than a mother who awakens at 4:00 a.m., my children would have a mother that would wake up at 6:00 a.m., prepare them breakfast, get them dressed, and i guess have them at school by 7:30 (is that what time it starts? I'm not sure). Said mother would then go back home, get a work out in, and then proceed on to work while they were in school. Said mother would pick them up with a smile on her face. . . so glad to see them from missing them all day. We'd get home and there would be homemade cookies waiting on them. We'd all sit down and do homework together. Afterwards we'd sing koombaya (sp???), and all would be bliss. They would see a mother who was happy all the time, full of energy, full of life, no frustrations. They would get along exceptionally well because they would have not seen one another all day.

Well, at least this is how I imagine it anyway.. . .

Can't our imaginations do that to us, set us up for disappointment and not reality? The reality of the above scenario is that it doesn't exist, and I'm so thankful for Jon and his encouragement over the 10 years we've been homeschooling. Otherwise, I would have put all the chidlren in school many years ago. But . . .if they were in school I'd miss out on this.

The looks of their little faces (yes, even the 14-year-old) as they learn.

I'd miss out on long lunches when we ask one another silly questions and learn even more . . . about one another.

I'd miss out on their fighting . . . and trying to teach them how to resolve things and point them to Christ and the cross.

I'd miss the giggles.

I'd miss out on the endless, and I do mean, endless chatter.

I'd miss them being on my heels all day. . . for one day I will blink and they will be no longer be on my heels, only my heart.

I'd miss trips to the grocery store and knowing every.single.food they like, dislike, what makes them smile, what makes them gag.

I'd miss the opportunities to teach them to honor me. . . not because I say so, but because God says so.

I'd miss the tattle telling. . . well, I'm not really sure I'd really miss that one.

I'd miss the odd stages of life (like the 11-year-old right now) teaching them to navigate muddy waters and find out who they really are.

I'd miss them telling me really cool stuff they are learning about.

I'd miss the time. . .

For although MUCH is required of me, much more than just researching curriculum, putting together lesson plans, grading papers, teaching, the discipline to both work and homeschool. . . the MUCH of that is my time. And, do you know how children spell love?

T-I-M-E

So, although there are days when the grass on this side is dull, lifeless, lacking in vibrancy, and the mom on this side of the hill is just craving some time all to herself. . . that will come, much sooner than I think and much sooner than I want. Prayerfully and hopefully I am making a great impact on my children for the kingdom of Christ . . . that they will grow in Him and be mighty warriors for Him. . . all for His glory and honor.

Until then, I'll keep my tent pitched on this side of the hill. . . no matter how much more greener and vibrant the other side looks.

What's in a Weekend

Oh the weekends, glorious weekends. . . how I do love thee, especially when they looked like this one.

First, we celebrated Lisa!!! Like I told my 9th and 10th grade girls Sunday morning, when you get old you're idea of fun with your friends is going to Hobby Lobby, Cracker Barrel, and Starbucks. I'm so blessed to have such amazing friends and so grateful to celebrate Lisa and . . . goodness. . . 13 years of friendship??? Wow!!!! I always tell everyone Lisa was my first friend when we moved here. She remembers seeing Alec pee in the yard. . . NOW that was a LONG time ago!!!!

Our night was short on buying things (we were all trying to be thrifty. . . I was so thrifty I wouldn't even take my purse in). Although, we saw some really funny signs at Hobby Lobby that I almost went back out to the car to get my purse to buy. However, our night was NOT short of laughter. . . I mean LOTS of laughter!
We had Cracker Barrel for our grub that night, all the while gabbing from Hobby Lobby to Cracker Barrel then to Starbucks for Jenn's "decadent fudge pie" and coffee.
Lisa opened her present, but didn't read her card. She said she might cry!!!

I can't remember why I took this shocking picture of Jennifer. I DO know that I was laughing though. The conversation is never dull. In fact, we declared Tripp needed a metal because he was the first of the dads to have the birds and bees talk out of the men!! We had so many, make your stomach hurt, laughter over Griffin's reaction! These ladies always do my heart so good. And, to steal from Faith, I'm so grateful for my sisters!!!
Saturday I got up and worked some. Jon and Alec went to work on our rental house that was demolished. The girls and I went to the grocery store, folded laundry. Ash blew off the leaves on the driveway. We watched the GA/Kentucky game. Just a lazy/productive Saturday. . . if that makes sense??

Sunday was my day to teach. I am just plum crazy about my girls!!!! It was a very sweet moment, so many opened their hearts this Sunday. We always start off by asking if anyone wants to share how the Lord is working in their lives. It took a while, but all it took was one. . . and it just happened to be my sweet Shelby. The others then followed. We serve such an amazing God that He would even care to dwell in our hearts. We then had Upward lunch, came home, napped. I actually started to read a new book, "Southern Fried Sushi" my friend, Celeste lent me. We then went to a cafe in a nearby town with Gigi and Grandaddy. We had such a wonderful time of fellowship. Got home, brushed teeth, all piled into our bed and we watched TV. Jon and I were out by 9:00.

I love weekends like this . . . slow, yet busy, lots of laughter, and good, sweet fellowship.

12 Things I Discovered/Rediscovered About Myself

1. I rediscovered I really do like the latest fashions. For about 2 plus years now, really since reading "Radical", followed by "Crazy Love", preparing for my first mission trip and going, I was so very convicted about excess. So, when I did need clothes I have shopped only at thrift stores. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I'ver never been a "brand-name" girl. I've always been a Bargain Betty even in my most fashionista of days. However, over the last 2+ years things like fashion haven't been as important to me. All that is good, very good. However, with the change of the seasons I went the other day to a few stores around town. There were lots of clearance sales and the clothing was oh, so, cute . . .and not dated. So, I splurged on my self a little bit. . . spending anywhere between $3 and $11. I got a skirt, a dress, and 5 shirts. I did feel a tinge of guilt.. . but I think that was from myself. . . which there are times when I have tendencies to walk in guilt. Now, if there was someone in my life who was in need and I went shopping rather than helping them out then there is something wrong with that. . . something terribly, terribly wrong with that. However, is there something wrong with me splurging on myself a little with clearance sales? Still trying to figure that one out. However, on a lighter and much less serious note. . I did discover/rediscover how much I really do like cute clothes and putting them on and feeling pretty. Very fun!

2. I discovered just how much I like nachos with cheese. I kept trying to demonstrate to Hanna how NOT to get it all over your face (which hers was covered). It was really just an attempt to get to eat more and more of the nachos.

3. I rediscovered just how much I LOVE watching this girl on the soccer field, how much I love being a soccer mom, how I love the fire Ash has in her. . .her tenacity, her grace, her encouraging her other team mates.

4. I discovered that Ash tilts her head to the side just like her mama when posing for a picture. 'Cept I tilt to the other side.

5. I discovered just I don't mind being apart of the "peanut gallery" and sitting with the opposing team. We got a MUCH BETTER VIEW of the field that way.

6. I discovered that at art and craft fairs that I don't buy anything because everything I see I say to myself (and sometimes out loud) "I can make that."

7. I rediscovered just how much I like chocolate chips. I used to keep a bag in teh pantry and I'd sneak 1, 2, or 30 to get my chocolate "fix" taken care of. I bought some chocolate chips for next week when we will have Faith's kids over for a few nights so the girls could make cookies. Confession - HALF the bag is gone because I rediscovered how yummy these morsels are. Gotta go and buy some more before Wednesday.

8. I rediscovered it's okay to give myself grace. This morning I was so sleepy while working. I worked for about 2 hours, and then at 7:00 a.m. crawled back into bed and slept until 9:15. I can probably count on one hand how many times my kids have gotten out of teh bed and found me still in it. It was absolutely lovely.

9. I discovered that reduced fat cinnamon rolls only have 130 calories WITH the icing. So, I treated myself to one for breakfast this morning.

10. I rediscovered just how much I do love small towns. In a perfect world my dream would be to be a teacher (probably high school 'cause I love teenagers) in a small town, my kids go to school, and us be super-involved in the school and community. . . especially high school football. Seeing the band and majorettes today at the parade took my mind back down memory lane. Oh, I'm actually one of those girls that loved high school. Granted, I made MANY mistakes, some I really wish I could get do-overs with. . . but, for the most part I really loved high school. However, I'm grateful to be at home and homeschooling my babies.

11. I discovered I could learn so much from my dog. He always greets you like he hasn't seen you in decades. He doesn't pout because we don't play with him enough, give him enough attention, or walk him enough. . . but boy when we do he is so giddy. We never get on his nerves and he loves being with us.

12. I rediscovered just how much I love outside, live bands playing oldies. We walked past one today and they were playing "China Grove". . . oh, oh, "China Grove". . . oh, how I just wanted to pull up a chair, hang out, and listen to the live music (nothing distasteful though - if "China Grove" is distasteful I didn't know it and I'm sorry. . . just remembering hearing it on 8-tracks when I was a kiddo).

Want to Know?

Well, I really have lots to blog about I'm just too lazy to load pictures. But, I want to stay current on here.

Want to know what I just ate for a snack? Turnips, sweet potatoes, and boiled chicken. . .

Want to know what the kids are doing?

Ash just took her weekly shower. I'm kidding. . . kind of. That girl and getting her to bathe is one of my most difficult tasks during the day. I'm hoping once puberty hits she will WANT to take a bath.

Hanna just finished curling her hair with my hot sticks. . . yes, the ones I've had since 1993. They still work and now my youngest "one who wants to be me" gets to experience burning her little hands and frying her hair all in an attempt to be prissy. Sniff! She makes her mama proud (I kid). She's lookin' all cute with her curled hair, cowboy boots, and denim skirt. . . all dressed up to go and have dinner at Gigi and Granddaddy's. I think she just wants to "feel" pretty. Doesn't it just feel so good to be all smelly good and "feel" pretty?

Alec is outside throwing his throwing knives at a tree. I wonder what the neighbors think? I really don't care. Snicker. I love my boy!!!!!

Want to know what Jon is doing? He's driving home in the van. His car is in the shop. Therefore, the kids and I are housebound . . . for now, which I really like. . . for now.

Want to know how many times I coughed today? Only 50 . . . I think, which is really good considering most days it's 500.

Want to know what my time on my run was yesterday? Pathetic. That's what it was. Over 27 minutes for 3 miles. I was soooo slllloooowwww. My chest hurt like crazy and I literally wanted to quit at least 12 times. I was so frustrated with myself that I had to talk myself through a 3-mile run.

Want to know how clean my house is right now? It's not.

Want to know what's for dinner? Gigi's cooking.

Want to know what we'll do tonight? I think get in the hot tub at Gigi's and hopefully get home in time to watch "Soul Surfer". We got it for Ash for her birthday, and we are all itching to watch it.

Want to know what Cookie is doing? Licking himself like he's a cat. I think he's confused most of the time. . . kinda like his Fo (female owner. . . that's me).

Want to know how many lights are on upstairs since I am constantly telling the children, "Turn off the lights when you're not using them"? Only one. . however, no one is in that room. Yikes!

Want to know how well our school year is going? Really well. . . actually so well it's a little scary. . . I keep thinking I'm leaving something out. My favorite time of the day is when I read outloud to the girls AND when Alec talks to me in Spanish or tells me some interesting history fact.

Want to know an interesting history fact? In the 1600s if women talked too much they put them in this thing that was similar to a muzzle except much heavier. So glad I didn't live in the 1600s.

Want to know what we're reading? "Sign of the Beaver"

Want to know what I should be about to do? Clean the kitchen and unload/load the dishwasher.

Want to know what I'm really going to go and do? Study Mark. I'm teaching this week and I just love teaching and studying the Word.

Thursday's Tidbits

Wow I feel so productive today. Up and working at the wee hours of the morning as always. However, we got school finished, I packed up some of the kids old clothes to send to Guyana. . . got them mailed (which is totally amazing when I actually follow through with something), had Bible study with Ashley, then met Melissa and the kids at a local nature center.

She had texted me earlier in the week about us having a picnic. It was good. It's so funny though. We used to talk on the phone about 5 times a day, and now we text. Guess it's probably pride on both of our sides. Today was good though. We really all had a good time.

Two of my teen girls showed up today. Last Sunday I basically told them, if you're not going to be in the Word there is no point in us meeting. I'm throwing the ball in your court. If you've done your homework, then find me on Wed. and we'll meet on Thursday. I will not come to you, and I will not ask you about it. I don't want you to not want to see me when I'm coming up to you, thinking I'm going to hound you. These girls have got to want to be in the Word for themselves. One girl had to drop out because of volleyball, and I was so grateful the other 2 both found me last night and we had Bible study today. I love them all so much.

We then jetted out the door to soccer practice. Do y'all know how much I love being out on the soccer field and being a soccer mom??? I just eat.it.up. While Ash practiced I ran intervals and Hanna played on the playground. Wow running at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., there is HUGE difference.

We laid down the law with the kiddos this past week. The last two days have been so much more pleasant with them. I actually like them again. In fact, Alec actually gave me a compliment the other night. He said, "Man, I hope when I get married I marry someone who will treat me like you treat Daddy." I don't think he was trying to compliment me at all. I think he was frustrated because he was doing the dishes after dinner and Jon got to sit on the cough and rest. I'll take the compliment though.

My sweet friend from high school Molly lives on the beach in NC. I'm so concerned about she and her babies. They are supposed to move in like a week, and now they have this hurricane that's about to hit. Also, our "other Hendrixes" are going to DC during all this mess. Please keep both families in your prayers.

Today is the 2-year anniversary of my Papa's death. I miss him so much. In fact, I really hate going home sometimes because it's just a remidner to me he's really gone. I'm so thankful for his life and his legacy and that he was mine.

I'm reading "The Help" right now and I can hardly put it down. In fact, my family probably wants to yell "help" because I'm neglecting them and all my domestic duties. My mom wants to go and see it though, and I'm such a nerd I just have to read the book first.

Happy Thursday!

Early Monday Morning

Dear Monday,

You met me this morning at midnight. Yep, midnight. i think that is when it is officially a new dawn and a new day, huh? I awoke to the sound of crashes of lightening and my house shaking. i was secretly hoping it was 4:00 a.m. and we would have to cancel our long run. Nope, only midnight. Ash hopped in the bed with Jon and I and I drifted back off to sleep. Oh 3:00 a.m. came quickly. I got up, downed some coffee, and headed off to meet Ang and Becky. . .for a 16-miler. . . although we cut it short at 14 miles. It was a great run and I really enjoyed our time together and our conversation.

I came back home, worked a little bit, took and shower, and I actually got ready (for once) for discipleship with Lydia. We did good again, 2-1/2 hours. Boy does time fly by!!!

I made lunch (leftovers. . . sigh and moan). Then, the kiddos and I headed upstairs to finish school. Today, they were all finished this morning in like 1-1/2 hours. I knew something fishy was up, and it was. I made them redo a lot of what they had half done. There were tears.

I made spaghetti for dinner, which we haven't had in quite a while. Everyone was very excited. YAY!!!! Score one for mom. The boys headed to work on a house, and the girls and I headed to soccer. .. well, honestly, first we headed to McDonalds to get their new Rolo McFlurry. . . oh such yummy goodness. . . we shared, so I needed not feel quite so badly about all of us ingesting all the sugar. . . W-H-A-T-E-V-A!!!!!

Ash was so in her element at soccer practice. Sometimes watching her and her face light up with joy I wonder silently if that is what she was born to do. She just eats.it.up. Chris was really glad to have her back on his team. He met us halfway to the field and got her to pass the ball to him. He said, "You still got it." She was thrilled afterwards because she said Coach Chris called her "one of his good ones."

Meanwhile, I tried to take Hanna to the park so I could read "The Help". I'm such a nerd. I've heard such good things about the movie, but the nerd in me must read the book before I see it. I'm so boring, I know.

I laid on the grass (all the while knowing there was a possibility I could get red bugs, didn't care, I was tired), held my book above my head, and actually drifted off to sleep on the soccer field. I jumped up quickly from my sleep, reminding myself Hanna is there with me.

And, now, dear Monday, we are home, and it is 8:07. I'm about to brush my teeth, take this makeup off, put on my PJs, curl up with "The Help", and

PUT

YOU

TO

BED!!!!!

Good night!

Monday Monday

Told you I was going to do better with this blogging thing. I'm trying to give myself just 10 minutes a day to blog about what our days look like. So, here it goes. . . for Monday

Up and at 'em at 4:00 a.m. Worked. I got the kiddos up at 7:00 to get ready for their first full day of school. Hopefully I'll be posting pictures of our first day, which is always a ton of fun. . . well, for me anyway. . . until the whining starts. While they were getting themselves ready I went out for a quick 3.1 mile run. . . a little over 24 minutes. I'm really trying to work on my speed. Hoping to have it down soon. . . very soon.

I got back in, cooked some grits, and the kids had already started on their Math. We all had breakfast together and then started our day. Lydia got here about 10:30. She is this precious 19-year-old young woman I am discipling, and I'm so very grateful the Lord has put us together. . . you want to talk about a pure heart? This girl is the cream of the crop!!! I'm truly very honored to have her in my life. We wrapped things up around 1:00, which has been better. Normally it will be about 4 hours. Poor thing, she knows what a talker I am. With her starting back college and me starting homeschooling I know I'm going to have to be very disciplined to keep us in a 2-hour time-frame. I really do love our time together.

Lydia left and I fixed lunch. . . black beans and rice. . . go ahead and moan like my kiddos did :) I know I'm really no fun when it comes to food. After lunch I checked their work and started reading the girls our first read-aloud for the year. It was a really slow start, but Jenn G. assured me it was a good book. We then had rest time for about an hour. . . and I snoozed. I find that if I take 30 minutes to an hour I'm much more peppy when Jon gets home and I'm not fantasizing about getting in the bed to sleep. I used to beat myself up about the little nap I take. Now, I just give myself some grace. It's not an everyday thing. . . I don't "schedule" it in, but I'm very grateful when I do get a little shut-eye.

I got up and gave the girls a spelling test. I'll do Alec's tomorrow. He was on the phone with his friends Eli and Levi (brothers). I wanted him to enjoy his time talking with them. I started dinner - lemon chicken with roasted potatoes and butter beans. Then the kids and I started folding laundry.

My sweet man got home and while we were eating dinner Gigi called. She said they wanted to know if we were home because they had a surprise for us. We all know when Gigi says surprise it involves food. That's how she loves on us. She brought over the best cheesecake I've ever put in my mouth and one of the richest chocolate cakes ever. Hanna exclaimed, "This was soooworth eating that yucky dinner." Thanks Han!!!! After we gorged ourselves for 5 minutes and wolfed down dessert we visited with Gigi and Grandaddy and then took Cookie on a walk.

That dog is so funny. He has to pee on every.single.mailbox. He gets to the point where he hikes his leg and nothing comes out. Jon calls it air peeing. CRACKS US UP!!!! When we got in from our walk Cookie laid out like a bear skin rug in front of his water bowl. I do love my dog!

The kids and I finished putting up laundry and now we are going to go and watch TV - BORING!!! I may try to sneak in reading a book and just be in the same room with everyone. Normally when I attempt that it really is a no-go. They really want my attention on what they're doing. . . so, we'll see.

10 minutes. . . YAY! I met my goal. See, Michele, that wasn't so bad, was it?

Happy Monday everyone!

Frustration

Okay, I'm giving my lazy self 5 minutes to collect my thoughts and type them out over frustration.

I'm so frustrated with myself and with this blog. I have so much to say, sweet memories to record, and yet I'm so very lazy. I'd rather sit down and watch "Monk" with the kids or read a book or take a snooze. . . it's almost like I don't want to collect my thoughts for even 5 minutes. . . ughhh!!

And when I go back and look at all the memories I've recorded over the last years, I'm just sick that I haven't blogged about our camping trip, the memories we made from last school year, things we did this summer, and just everyday mundane life.

And, then I have this whole thing about chronologically blogging. I don't think I can blog unless I'm caught up. . . which seems to be never these days. I used to blame it on work, but work is slow. . . it's just my mind is lazy.

Okay, I've got 3 more minutes. . . I put all these rules and regulations on myself when it comes to blogging. . . ridiculous I tell you. . . simply ridiculous.

So, here I am . . . new school year. . . I'm going to try to do better. And, yes, I will definitely blog about Awana Awards, God's Great Faithfulness to our family, My handy-dandy notebook, our fun camping trip (so much fun we just booked another one), my mom's birthday, my mission trip to Guyana, and this-that-and the other (whatever that means.

So, since I have one more minute I'll blog about this weekend.

Friday night we had our sweet friends the Greenwoods over for dinner. Our downstairs air is broken, but they were such sports. We got good laughs out of Greg holding the fan next to him in the family room, and then the oscillating fan at the kitchen table while we taught them how to play "Hearts". Their youngest gave us a big hooping laugh when Jenn served him a brownie out of a tin dish the bread was in. He thought it was Cookie's bowl. We are so blessed with such sweet friends. . . and they were so gracious to eat in our home with sweat running down their backs. Abby and Julie spent the night and the girls didn't get to bed until I awoke at 4:45 Saturday morning.

Saturday morning Ang, Becky and I ran 14 miles. Ang has been killing me in runs lately, but I've been very purposeful with my nutrition this week. I could've gone another 2 miles I think. We all had a great conversation. . .about the Lord. . . such honesty with struggles. . .freedom from judgement. Good stuff. We almost got attached by some ferocious dogs and the next set of dogs we saw Becky picked up a stick bigger than her. Then, I saw a dead snake on the road and it scared the living daylights out of me. From that point on on Saturday I was a lazy bum. . . seriously. It was M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S!!

Okay, now I'm 3 minutes over my 5-minute limit. . . so since I'm making the rules here I'm giving myself 10 minutes. . . sheew . .. 2 minutes left to talk.

We had church this morning. Started a new Sunday School year. . . so very excited. Lydia is teaching with me and I just know the Lord is going to use her in great and mighty ways in the lives of these girls. I just love teaching 9th and 10th grade. I was so giddy with excitement this morning I could hardly stand it. We had a Fox Fever meeting after church, came home and gobbled down lunch. We then met mom, James, Melissa, Scott and the kids at Buffalos for dinner to celebrate James' birthday. I love my parents so very much. We all had a great time and lots of laughter. . . y'all know I love to laugh.

Times UP!!!!

P.S. My heels hurt my feet so badly in church this morning I took them off while teaching and then I took them off during the whole service. It must've looked funny to the people sitting behind us when we got up to leave that I had grown several inches. I was barefoot so much I reminded myself of my girl Jessica D.

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!

Monday's Musings

Normally everyone groans at the sound of Monday. Monday tends to be associated with negative emotions and feelings. However, I actually love my Mondays. . . mainly because I get to start my week off with disciplining Lydia. Lydia is a precious 19-year-old young woman who has one of the purest hearts of anyone I've ever known. When she asked me to disciple her, I was completely humbled and oh so excited. I just love starting out with my week with her, and I am truly honored to share sweet time with her in the Word. She really sharpens me and encourages me so.very. much!!! This girl is serious business when it comes to the Word, and I'm so very grateful she's apart of my life. Plus, her big sis, Bethany, is a good friend of mine. . . so that's just an added bonus :)

The kids are so very sweet to allow me to disciple young women. It truly is where my heart is (along with disciplining my own children, of course).

After Lydia left the house to go and get ready for work, the kids and I ate lunch. I then read them several chapters of "Same Kind of Different as Me". I cried my mascara off and didn't want to put the book down. Ash didn't want me to put it down either, but Alec and Hanna were begging to go and do something fun.

So. . . we decided to get out of the house and shake our tail feathers. . . well, sort of.

Wanna know what we did?

I know you're on the edge of your seat?

Okay, I'll give you a few clues.

It was really Hanna who was pushing hard for this activity. She was excited (and I'm not kidding here). . . Can't you tell by her "excited face"?

Our activity happened to involve one of these. . .

and everyone had to wear these. . .

And Alec's feet happened to look a little . . . nah. . . a lot like Bozo the Clown.

We headed to the bowling alley. . . there is a summer program where kids to get bowl free. . . they had me at FREE!!!

Guess who won? The gutter guards were up for everyone. . . and Hanna pulled out the big W-I-N!

Here is her "I'm so excited I won" face. She loves to cross her eyes because it freaks her mother out.

We actually get to play 2 games for free. . . Hanna was really hoping to pull out another win. . .

Too bad, Hanna. . . here is her "I'm mad I didn't win" face. . .

Big brother is the won who pulled off the win this time. . .

This is his "I'm excited I won" face. . .

Oh, and my sweet Ash. . .she's just a super encourager. . .so, of course, I had to snap a picture of her sweet face. . .

We got home and I put one of my freezer meals on the stove to warm it up. I let the kids watch "Monk". We all had dinner together and now I hear everyone pulling out the cards. Alec is laughing. Ash is bossing Hanna to "go her turn". Gotta go! Family time awaits! I don't want them having fun without me :)

What the Books Don't Teach You

This time of year I'm always so ready to be finished with school. It's the fever. . . Spring Fever, I think is what they call it. When my mother-guilt sets in over this, I have to remind myself that my kids are learning so much that a book doesn't teach you (although, you all know what a BIG book nerd and book LOVER I am).

For example, both of my girls know how to read a recipe, work the oven, stove, and microwave and could really whip out a meal. I enjoy being in the kitchen with them, both cooking it and cleaning it. . . it's called "treasuring the mundane". . .

A book certainly could not teach you how to properly talk on the phone and cook at the same time. Ash, oh sweet child o' mine. . . has mastered this to a Tee! I give her an A+. Just look at that perfectly cocked head to the side. . . not tilted too little, not tilted too much. . .just right. . . And, see. .. she's still grating cheese all while moving her mouth and getting her thoughts out!

And just look at Hanna here. . . she has mastered the art of being silly while cooking. Yes, you can cut up and be a clown and cook all at the same time. She's really learned this more from her Daddy than me. I'm so thankful my kids have a Daddy who likes to cook and be in the kitchen.

Alec has not only mastered the art of cutting the grass. . . Shoot a goose, anybody can push a mower. . . However, cutting the grass and looking super cool while doing it??? Well, that is an art in and of itself. He also learned this from his Daddy.

Dressing alike and talking on your cell phone. . . well, again, a book can't teach you THAT! Being a good friend even when one minute you may be mad at one another and the next you may be loving each other. . . books don't teach you those things. Being willing to forgive one another when you've made each other mad. . . these girls have perfected that to an art!

Having someone around who is like a big sister to you. . . her fixing your hair, talking, goofing off, and just enjoying life. Loving others like you love yourself, well that's stuff right there that just all has to be put into practice!

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".

Monday's To-Do List

1. Write a check and leave it out for Griffin Glass. They are coming here to fix Jon's windshield on his truck, so we can get that baby up for sale and SOLD!

2. Work out with weights.

3. Transcription work.

4. Get kiddos started on school.

5. Write thank you notes to those who have sent me $$$ for Guyana.

6. Call Melissa and ask her about Grandmama's b-day and Sat. afternoon.

7. Call Aunt Sharon to find out if she and Grandmama can have lunch at Twila Faye's tearoom to celebrate Grandmama's birthday. . . curbs my guilt on missing the family party on Saturday.

8. Get ready.

9. Make copies of closing papers from last week for Jon.

10. Go into office to drop off folder from closing.

11. Meet Meredith and Aaron at house. . . hopefully this is the one!

12. Get luggage from Meredith.

13. Spend time in prayer and study the Word.

14. Prepare for Growth Group tonight.

15. Text my Mama that I love her.

16. Get laundry washed and dried.

17. Hang up clothes that have needed hanging up for 2 months now.

18. Have a talk with sweet Ashley about some heart and friend struggles she's having.

19. Get upstairs picked up and vaccumed.

20. Cook dinner. . . a different twist on what we had last night . . . using leftovers.

21. Growth Group.

22. Determined to get finished by 8:45 tonight.

23. Walmart. . . NEED toilet paper desperately.

24. Take movies back to Red Box.

25. Get Shelby's birthday present.

26. Go by car wash and get it cleaned out and vaccumed.

Now. . . let's just see if I can accomplish all this today.

So far all I can cross of are #2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 18.

Sunday Rest

Wow. . . to actually have a Sunday and have rest is a rarity. My day tends to start at 5:00 a.m. (if it is my week to teach Sunday School. . . if not, then 6:00 a.m.). We go to church, get out around 1:00-ish. . . Sometimes we eat out, sometimes not. . . even so, some Sundays I get a nap, sometimes not. Most Sundays (if I nap) I have to set the alarm or have Jon or the kiddos wake me up. . . Then, it's time for Sunday Unite. . . get home around 8:00-ish. . . wolf down dinner, brush teeth, say prayers, and off to bed.

Today, though, was unique. . . different. . . a Sunday that actually involved rest . . . I know, don't gasp too loudly. . .

This Sunday I got up at the same time.. . went to church, came home and ate here at the house. Jon and I crawled in the bed and watched a movie while the kiddos did their own thing.

Ahhhhhhhhh. . . . so.very.nice.

I drifted off to sleep during the last 5 minutes of the movie. . . kind of intentional so that way I was sure to get a nap . . . hee!hee!

Jon and the kiddos went to Home Depot to order a shower pan for our shower. They then went to Walmart and got frozen pizza, Ben & Jerry's, peach pie, and ice cream. . . sounds like a fabulous Sunday night dinner, right?

It was!!!!!!!!!

After dinner we all piled onto the sofa together and watched "Tangled". Such a cute movie if you haven't seen it.

Now, the kiddos just brushed their teeth. Hanna is playing a board game by herself. Alec is testing out his new boxing tape . . . like tape around your hands before you box . .. his new thing right now. Jon is on his computer, and here I am blogging. . .

Ahhhh . . . yet again. . . Sunday rest. . . such a rarity, but such a precious thing. Jon and I both talked tonight about how much fun we have doing nothing.

I think we're going to put on another movie . . . we'll probably fall asleep to it. . . just to ensure we get more Sunday rest.