The Best Thing About July

The month of July is escaping me very quickly. Is it just me, or does summer feel like it has come and gone super quick this year? I've been so busy this week planning for our upcoming school year, that I've put blogging on the back burner.

However, I couldn't let the month of July come and go without blogging about the very best thing about July.

This is the month that God graced me with the very special gift of being a mom. My first born made his way into this world 12 years ago in July. Oh. . . the things I've learned in 12 years . . . how much I myself have grown . . . and grown up.

Alec's actual birthday we were coming home from St. Simons. We made a pit stop in Savannah and ate here . . . .


Yep, it was actually a real life pirate boarding house. It was super cool, and the food was super good.

We let Alec open up his gifts from us. He was so excited to get money and a dock station for his Ipod. For some reason Ash led him to believe he was getting a cell phone . . . I have no earthly idea where she or he would get that from . . . why in the world would he need a cell phone? He's with us all the time. None of his friends have a cell phone. . . . He didn't seem to be too badly disappointed though.

The gave him an awesome pirate b-day wish.

I wonder if the real pirates ever ate like this?

A few weeks later we threw him a party at our house. At age 12 themes are really out. So, since he is into guitars now, that is the kind of cake we had. He had his best buds over. They hung out. Then we had a treasure hunt. I just love planning these things. I went outside about 7:00 AM that morning and hid all the clues. I would just crack myself up all by myself trying to think of clever clues. . . . none of them were clever. . . that's what had me giggling like a school girl.

See Cookie (4 more months to go, and he gets a post of his own)? He was cracking me up chasing the kids as they'd run from clue to clue. . . . like he was just as much apart of the treasure hunt as they were.

Alec and his best buds. . .

I was so very excited for him. He's been saving up for this electric guitar. With his birthday money he had enough to buy it. After the party Jon took Alec and his friend to go and buy it. I was also especially glad that he didn't want to buy a video game system with his $$$. Our Xbox 360 is fried. The other Xbox cord is chewed to pieces by our old English Bulldog. So he has had not had video games in quite a while now. .. which suits me just fine!!!!

As a matter of fact . . . back to the video games . . . I have noticed his temper has been so much better . . . . maybe, just maybe . . . it is because he's not filling his head with the crud that these video games have in them. That's just this mom's opinion though.

Just a little update on my random post

** It's been quite a week with Jon's painful tooth. First we headed to the dentist, and he gave us 2 options. After Jon searched and searched the Internet for the pros and cons of each option. (he also does this when making a big purchase . . . and I guess your teeth are a pretty big ticket item) he made an appointment . . . for Friday. After dealing with the tooth pain for 30 more minutes he then called back and got another appointment for the following day. No more tooth pain -YAY!!! He will have to go back though . . . but at least he's out of pain.

** As you can tell, I am alive. P90X did not kill me . . . I'd like to suggest it is because I am amazing athlete and my body can take absolutely anything that threatens pain . . . but I didn't do it. I gave the box back to its owner (which would be Tiffani's husband, Adam). After watching the intro, I decided it was not for me. Instead I'm thinking of training for another marathon? I'm totally nuts I tell you.

**On the marathon . . . . I'm trying to remind myself of the horrendous pain I went through. Honestly I think I secretly want to run it because I have a new friend . . . who actually runs . . . more than me. . . much more than me. I told her I needed her autograph. . . that's how impressed I am with her. She's running one in November and told me I should do it too. Y'all know what an approval addict I am . . . and I really want her to like me . . . sooo . . . . we'll see . . . .

**Big Time Budget 2009 would probably not approve of me running a marathon. . . as marathons cost money, and Dave Ramsey would tell me running a marathon does not meet one of the 3 basic needs. . . food, clothing, and shelter . . . it actually would increase the 3 basic needs . . . I'd have to eat more to fuel myself for running. I'd need a new outfit to run the marathon in. . . after all, doesn't everyone pay attention to what you're wearing? . . . shelter . . .we'd have to travel about 3 hours away . . . and after running 26.2 miles . . .I'd need a shower and a bed. With that being said. . . the marathon may be out.

**The real estate market stinks. . . . just in case any of you didn't know that. Jon has put off buying anymore houses for now. He's focusing on rentals. However, we need to conserve our cash also. He's looking, looking, looking for a steady job . . . especially this particular one . . . we're praying over it. I know God is faithful and will provide. When I allow myself to worry and be anxious and fret, and "what if" things . . . I remind myself of how God has been faithful to our family over and over again. He's more than proved Himself in this department . . . not that He has to . . . but I like to think its because He wants to. . . Bless Jon's heart, he has put out resume after resume, tweaked his resume, resent his resume. Sent out followup letters. He's put so much effort into it, and I am praying God blesses his efforts and blesses him with a job.

** When talking with my sister yesterday, she told me she had talked to my Grandmama. Grandmama told her my Papa just reads the letters she and I wrote him over and over and over again. It just warms my heart to imagine him sitting in his green chair reliving memories in his mind. I told him the other day that cancer can do a lot of things to us, but it can't take our memories.

** I have got to put the pedal to the metal and get organized for school. Maybe I'll start today . . . but first. . . I must go and fold the 12 loads of laundry calling my name downstairs.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Footsteps

Just about every little boy has a dream of being a rock star . . . .

Of making a difference through their music . . . . .

It gives me great joy to introduce you to . . . . "Footsteps" . . . .

Alec's praise band. This was something the LORD just totally worked out . . . of course, He always works everything out. We have some really good friends who've orchestrated all of this. We've just shown up when they needed us to. They've been so sweet to include Alec. It's just amazing, plain amazing, I tell ya how God is working.

Alec plays his guitar . . . all the time . . . and it just makes his Mama's heart proud!!!

Dear Papa

Dear Papa:

I believe when people do things for you, you should tell them thank you. When I sit and think of all of the things you have taught me throughout my life, you certainly deserve more than a thank you. My words are only a fraction of how much I love you and appreciate you. I'm afraid they will not do justice for all the thanks you deserve.

I want to thank you for teaching me how to count money and roll coins. Saturday night after Saturday night, me, you, Melissa, and Grandmama would sit around the table and roll coin after coin for the paper route. Although at the time it seemed like we were just counting money and talking about anything and everything, you and Grandmama were doing much more than that. You were instilling important values into the lives of your 2 granddaughters.

I want to thank you for taking me to church, for letting me steer your VW bug, for giving me Wrigley's chewing gum to chew.

I want to thank you for being loving and patient with me when I would tell you, "You need to throw those old cigarettes away." And. . . . you eventually did throw them away.

I want to thank you for letting Melissa and I put Dippy Do in your hair, curl it with the curling iron, and even. . . . after much persistence on my part . . . letting me paint your toenails. Now, if that's not love. . . . I don't know what is :)

I want to thank you for taking me with you to get goat's milk.

I want to thank you for helping me learn all of the books of the Bible and the capitals of the states. I know we would spend endless hours with you helping me to recite these over, and over, and over again.

I want to thank you for taking me on walks to the lake. Thank you for picking me up and taking me to the doctor when I was pregnant with Alec . . . during the times when Daddy could not.

I want to thank you for just sitting and watching TV with me. Because of the time we spent on the green sofa watching TV, I learned to how to play, "The Price is Right." I learned that the coyote never outsmarts the roadrunner, that Tom never catches Jerry, that every time Fred Sanford had a problem, he'd put his hand on his chest, rare his body back, look up into the sky and say, "Elizabeth, I'm comin." I learned that we always cheer for the Braves even when they're losing. Do you remember in the Dale Murphy days when I'd ask you, "Papa, do you ever think the Braves will be good?" You'd tell me every time, "One day, shuga." . . . and they were . . . eventually.

But, most importantly, thank you for both teaching me and showing me the love of Jesus. Not only is Jesus your Savior and my Savior, but He is our LORD. He must be both . . . Savior and LORD. Savior, meaning that He died a shameful death on the cross to save us from our sins . . . and LORD. . . meaning He's the one in charge, and we are to do what He says with reverence and awe.

Papa, because of you and Grandmama, and your prayers and time invested in the lives of Melissa and I, we are loving and faithfully serving the LORD. We married men who love the LORD, and we have children who love the LORD . . . all because you were faithful to invest time into us and teach us about Him . . . show us His love . . . take us to church . . . being an example of serving Jesus everywhere . . . at church, at your job, telling everyone who would cross your path about God and His goodness.

Papa, many, many of my fondest memories involve you. But more important than creating memories with your granddaughter, you've left a legacy. Your name and your love for Jesus will be told about for generations to come. Your zest, enthusiasm, and joy for life itself are truly contagious . . . the kind of contagious that I certainly hope I have . . . and, if not, then I certainly want to catch it. You inspire everyone's path you cross. You are the kind of man that I want Alec to grow up and be like. You are my hero!!!

I know when the day comes when you cross over to heaven's gates, there will be many, many souls in heaven because of you. I know when you meet Jesus face-to-face, He will look at you and say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant." I know many rewards and crowns are awaiting you in heaven . . . and that is certainly something to shout about!!!!

Thank you, Papa. Thank you for living life to its very best every.single.day . .. even in the midst of suffering . . . even in the midst of trial . . . even in the midst of pain . . . and, yes, even in the midst of cancer. You bring a smile to everyone's face, and I'm so very proud to share in not only your heritage, but also your legacy.

I love you dearly,


Michele

I had the amazing honor and privilage of sitting beside my Papa, and while holding his hand, reading the above letter and a letter from my sister, Melissa. As long as I live, I will not forget this day. . . . a day that is totally priceless. My Papa uncontrollably sobbed tears of joy. When I finished the letter he hugged me so tightly and didn't let go. He told me, "Thank you honey. I love you and Melissa so much."

Then. . . this is the best part . . . he bowed his head, closed his eyes, clutched his fist to his chest, and said, "Thank you Lord. Thank you, thank you, thank you LORD. It is all because of you. Yes, LORD. It is all because of you. Thank you LORD that Jon and Michele are teaching their children about you. Help them LORD." And, he prayed other things, I just can't remember because I was sobbing so much. I looked up at my strong Grandmama, who I don't believe I have ever seen shed a tear, and she had tears welled up in her eyes. My Aunt Sharon was off to the side, crying as well.

Papa then went on to say, "Children (talking to my kids) I want you to listen to Papa. These tears Papa has are happy tears. . . . because of your Mama and Aunt (except it sounds like ain't when he says it) Melissa . . . because of their sweet words. We always had a happy home here. All these things your Mama said were true. They all happened. We weren't perfect, but we were happy. And, now our family has grown with your Daddy and you children. Papa's tears are happy tears. You have a good Mama."

As you can tell by the picture above my Papa is not doing well. I got a phone call Tuesday morning about 6:30 from my Dad. I haven't spoken to him in quite awhile. Quite honestly, I almost didn't pick up the phone. I knew inside I needed to. I prayed a quick prayer, "Lord, if he cusses me out, please help me to deal with it." He didn't. He was actually super sweet and our conversation was good.

He called because he knows how badly Papa has been lately. Daddy really feels the end .. . and what I would rather say . . . the beginning . . . is near. If I think too long about my Papa not being here I cry . . . alot. But, if I think about where he is going . . . tears well up in my eyes and I smile . . . .alot. Who am I to be so selfish to want him to be here on earth with me . . . in pain?

Oh, how very blessed I am to have a Papa like mine. I love him so much I would I could share him with everyone.

Rambling Thoughts

• Jon had an awful, awful toothache yesterday. After church I took him to the doc in a box. He was in so much pain and I felt so very helpless. I've never, ever seen him like this. He's not really a complainer, so I knew he was hurting bad . .. oh, bad. . . I tell you. He got a shot of Demerol and we got a prescription. Off to the dentist this morning.


• I'm so excited about starting to get organized for homeschool this week. We start school in less than 2 weeks. I have a lot to plan for this year, as the kids aren't going to Homeschool School. But, nonetheless, I actually get to start teaching the fun subjects again.


• Recently I was sitting in a classroom of about 30 people. I allowed my mind to daydream. . . and realized out of about 30 people, 5 people in there had red hair . . . now how cool is that!!!
• Alec is going on his first overnight trip with the church, out of town, without me . . . and I'm both excited and nervous for him all at the same time. God is really showing me about the control issues I have in my life. I feel that I am breaking free from a lot of fear that sometimes paralyzes me.
• I'm getting back to a regular workout schedule. The house is close to being finished . . .and my pants are getting way too tight . . . and I can't afford new clothes right now . . . 'cause of Big Time Budget 2009. Regular workout schedule for me means everyday.
• The kids have gotten really, really lazy over the summer, so today, I'm getting Alec up and I'm going to make him start running with me. He doesn't like going to the pool anymore, so he's getting absolutely no exercise. Not that I'm hard core exercise because of its outward appearance benefits, but just plain simply makes you feel better. . . . and it's good for you.
• I'm contemplating signing up to run another marathon that is in November. What in the heck is wrong with me?
• I'm having a party this weekend with some ladies . . . it's called a 31 party . . . named after the Proverbs 31 woman. They sell aprons, cute bags, cute purses, stationary . . .things like that. I hope I have a good turnout.
• I'm still loving my couponing. Although it is crazy that the one day for me to sleep in (Sunday) I still get up . . . at 5:00 a.m. . . . go ahead and get ready for church . . . leave the house to go to the grocery store and get the paper. I really love this time too. I get to see the sunrise. It is so very quiet. The roads aren't busy. It's great!! I usually get back home around 8:00, get everyone up and at 'em, eat breakfast, and get the fam ready for church.
• Okay , that's enough for now. I really could go on and on and on . . . but I'm about to take a try at this workout called P90X. If you don't hear from me in several days, you'll know it killed me . . . and I'm in heaven with Jesus!!!

Happy Monday!

Struggles of an Overachiever

I've always been an overachiever. Ask my mom. In school I made really good grades. I participated in as many clubs, extracurricular activities as my parents would allow. This is just part of who I am . . . a part of me that I struggle with ALOT.

After all, what woman, in her right mind would work a job of 30 hours a week plus homeschool 3 kids, along with being superinvolved in each of their activities including guitar, soccer, and ballet . . . oh yeah . . . and volunteering my time at church? Go, go, go has always been the mode I've functioned in. Please don't misunderstand me. I am certainly NOT bragging on myself. This is more of a struggle for me than anything. Why is it so hard for me to slow down?

I don't know what makes me this way . . . Maybe I'm trying to prove a point? Maybe because I think I can do most anything? Maybe because I'm trying to win approval? I don't quite know why. One time I read this lady's blog, and she was listing 50 random facts about herself . . . she and I had very similar characteristics . . . two of those being an overachiever and growing up with an alcoholic father . . . I thought these 2 things together were a very interesting combination.

Maybe subconsciously I'm trying to win his approval? My mom, sisters, husband, and children love me unconditionally, and this is something I don't question. My Dad has always bragged on hard work, equating down-time with laziness. Maybe this is bred in me more than I know? I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud here. Maybe there is a little girl inside of me who wants her Dad to say, "I'm proud of you."

Sometimes I'm not very nice to myself. I really expect alot of myself in the area of hard work. I go on little sleep, push myself physically to the limit . . . and when I just can't take anymore of me being so hard on me . . .I explode in a pool of tears. . . and it is always the littlest of things that will set those tears off.

This is what happened today. I've been working like crazy around here . . . not stopping until I sleep. Go, going, going all day long. And, when I say not stopping, I mean that . . . I think I would even stand up some days to eat lunch . . . just so I can get more than what I should accomplished . .. then I feel proud at the end of the day . . . and, all for what? EXHAUSTION?!?!

Sometimes I just don't get myself very much . . . that is what I'm trying to figure out. Why am I not nicer to myself . . . and give myself a break here and there? If someone is here working, I feel I should be working also.

When the sheetrock guys came to fix our ceiling I told Jon we couldn't watch TV when they were here, I'd feel bad if they were working and I wasn't. He reminded me they were getting paid to do a job.

When I cried because I was exhausted, Jon so gently and tenderly told me to go and take a nap. I told him not to worry about working on the house. . . . that I'd feel bad if he was down here working and I was napping.

When my in-laws come over and work in our yard . . . again, I feel terrible . . . . even if it is 9:00 at night (my MIL is a night owl) if they are working and I'm not.

This is such a self-induced pressure. No one makes me feel this way but myself. . . ugghh . . . the monster in my mind that I battle with over this.

I really want to be a "stop and smell the roses" kind of person. I have to make myself slow down. I'm trying . . . really trying . . . it is just so hard, and for the life of me I can't figure out why. Jon is a really easy-going, laid back person. Sometimes I really envy this trait in him. I really want to be this way . . . but no matter how hard I try I always go back to the high strung, stressed out, gotta accomplish 500 things in a day to do. Jon's personality traits are typical of the baby in the family, and he is the baby. Does this whole thing really have to do with birth order?

Any ideas out there? Does anyone have these same struggles? Kevin Lehman has a book out called, "The First Born Advantage." I know some of my traits are typical first-born traits. Is this why I am the way I am?

I really have wanted this book for awhile, but when I slow down enough to read I'm so very, very tired, I fall asleep. Seriously, when my head hits the pillow at night I'm asleep in less than 5 minutes.

From the Eyes of the Middle Child

As I was painting Ash's room yesterday, she was in there hanging out with me. She had just returned from Home Depot with Jon. She was tickled silly because she got to go by herself. They all crave that one-on-one time . . . don't we all?

Before we started Big Time Budget of 2009 about a month ago, Jon was always the one to get them treats when they went to town with him. Since the budget cuts in our household :) there has been very little room for treats when going to town.

So, as Ash and I were chatting, I asked her, "Did you and Daddy get some breakfast while y'all were in town?"

"No, he's not that kind of a person anymore."

Cracking me up!!!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window . . . Very overcast and wet . . . Thank the LORD though. I know the ground, trees, and plants needed the rain desperately.

I am thinking . . . I may have painter's ADD. I started painting Alec's room this weekend, but haven't finished . . . yet, today, I really want to get one coat on Ash's room, then head over to Hanna's room.

I am thankful for . . . my sweet boy. Yesterday at church when his friends were sitting down during the singing he was standing up . . . so sweet and honorable.

From the kitchen . . . it is stocked full of food because of my great coupon deals yesterday. I got $185 worth of groceries for $53.

I am wearing . . . PJ pants and a white cami.

I am creating . . . oh so many decorating ideas in my head . . . just got to get started. I'm having to be super creative though . . . because there isn't much $$$ to spend to decorate, so I'm having to think outside the box.

I am going. . . to go into the office today, take Alec to band practice, then to guitar practice.

I am reading . . . only my Bible right now. I have GOT to start reading some of the kids' classical literature books before school starts.

I am hoping . . . Jon will get called for an interview for a job that he will love . . . even if it means less $$$

I am hearing . . . just the typing of the keys. Everyone is still snoozing around here.

Around the house . . . laundry is piled up, lots of work to still be completed, shreds of paper on the floor from the girls playing yesterday . . . but it is filled with love, laughter, and joy!!!

One of my favorite things . . . rocking on my front porch.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . working on the house and definitely taking a break to do to the pool . . . we haven't been since we got home from vacation.

Here is a picture I am sharing with you . . . Another family vacation picture from the beach (notice I am NOT wearing high heels . . . I'm afraid I'm starting to mellow out . . . uh!oh!)

Not what we were expecting . . .

Our neighborhood was having a 4th of July parade. We decided to come back early from vacation to participate. It was approaching midnight on July 3rd . . . Jon is not feeling well at all . . . we've had a big day on the road . . . and we'd had a big time celebrating Alec's birthday in Savannah.



I pull into our driveway and I can see from the moonlight the yard work my MIL and FIL have done while we were gone. . . they even put up an American flag. I was just giddy I'm telling ya . .. plain giddy. New flowers have been planted. Old bushes have been cut back. The place looks great.



We all groggily got ourselves out of 'Noah's Ark' . . . all are tired and can't wait to get into bed.



I feel yucky and nasty and really want a shower . . .



. . . until . . .



we walk into our back door . . .



open the door . . .



walk in the house . . .



and find our brand-new, $6000 hardwood floors, covered in water . . . thank heavens only in the kitchen though . . .



the ceiling looks like it is caving in . . .



I get a little dramatic and say to the kids, "Don't walk under there. I don't if something is about to fall through the ceiling."

What in the world?

Believe it or not . . . we didn't panic . . . other than me being a little dramatic . . . that's to be expected though.

I started praying out loud.

Jon headed upstairs to see where the leak had come from.

The kids all go and scurry and get towels.

It was the master bathroom toilet . . . of all things to happen.

Funny thing is . . . my MIL and FIL have a key to our house. They had been over here inside on Tuesday . . . until she lost the key . . . and they could no longer get inside. The leak had to have occurred somewhere between Wed. and Fri.

If I allow myself to think about it too much I feel very disheartened and frustrated. We're almost finished with all of the remodeling downstairs . . . and now to have this happen. . . and the floors in the kitchen are cupped pretty badly. Right now it would be very unwise for us to spend the $$$ to have them resanded and restained. I told Jon it would keep us humble.

We actually kept the old floors in the laundry room to 'keep us humble' . . . we jokingly did it. Jon reminded me, "I thought we kept the LR floor to keep us humble." I replied, "We did, but we CHOSE to do that . . . this was not of OUR choosing . . . so it will really keep us humble." There's a whole Sunday School lesson in that statement.

You just have to keep things in perspective though . . . it is so important . . . vital even.

I told the kids that night, "We all are here together. We're all happy. We're all healthy. God knew this was going to happen, and He allowed it to happen. He didn't necessarily cause it to happen, but He knew about it and allowed it. It will all be okay." Jon reminded us all, "If this is the worst thing that ever happened to us, then we are doing pretty good."

Ashley got really upset and was crying. She said, "I just don't want us to be poor."

"Baby, what do you think poor is?" I asked her.

"Like, we'd have to live on the streets."

Bless her sweet heart. I told her that Daddy would fix this and we wouldn't have to leave our house. I told her we'd never have to worry about living on the streets because we have Nanna and Papa and Gigi and Grandaddy. . . .if things got super bad . . . we'd go live with them.

Soo . . . I have a hole in my ceiling . . . that I'm hoping and praying will be fixed very soon.

10 Things We Did on Vacation

It's July 10th, so you know what that means . . .time for Meredith's bloggy carnival.

When I took my bloggy break the fam and I headed off to one of our favorite places in the world. . . . St. Simons Island. Here are 10 things we did at our home away from home.

1. Celebrated my sweet boy's 12th birthday in Savannah . . . .

By eating at a house that actually boarded pirates . . . you know . . . back in the day . . .

Walking along the Savannah River . . . .

Seeing this carved out while walking the path along the Savannah River . . . Jon's name . . . and it's spelled correctly . . .

Walking down River Street . . . .

Going up these cool steps where Alec said he felt like the Three Musketeers. Hanna was afraid though.

2. Hanging out with our cousins . . . they actually live down in St. Simons. We were so glad to be able to spend some time with them.

3. Going to Pier Village and seeing this AMAZING sunset. Only God Himself could paint a picture that beautiful.

4. Going to Neptune Park and playing on the new playground and . . . of course. . . climbing the whale . . . .

5. Everyone knows one of the best parts of vacation is eating . . . Our 2 favorite places when we head to the beach are . . . .

The best HOT DOGS EVER!!!!


and . . . Barbara Jeans . . . the best bread and she-crab soup EVER. I could literally make a meal off the bread alone.

Everyone has to have ice cream when they go to the beach.

6. Going to the doctor. Jon was el sicko on vacation. So sick, in fact, that he wanted me to drive all the way to St. Simons and back home. Now in almost 13 years of marriage I don't think I've ever driven to St. Simons . . . I normally sleep. The stinkin' doc told him he had the flu . . . and that they'd seen swine flu down there . . . whatever . . . if Jon was well enough to go to the beach I knew he didn't' have the flu. That's the danger of being a medical transcriptionist for 10+ years. You actually begin to think you're a doctor . . . D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S . . . I even have friends that will call me for medical advice. . . poor things, I think I've convinced them too that I'm a doctor - hee!hee!

7. Going to the beach. We had some fun times at the beach. The first day we took Cookie. I know I haven't blogged very much about Cookie . . .'cause dogs normally don't last 6 months in our house . . . I decided if he made it 6 months . . . then he's blog worthy. But this picture is so cute I couldn't resist. . .

8. Going to the awesome new pool at Neptune Park which included a cool kiddie slide area.

9. Being absolutely lazy . . . probably the laziest I've been in a LONG time. It was GREAT!!! I went to bed at 10:00, woke up at 8:00 AM and then took a nap during the day. I read, watched the coverage on Michael Jackson and even watched the Jackson 5 movie almost 2 times the whole way through.

10. Laughing at this dude . . . this is NOT proper attire . . . somebody needs to tell him . . .

**side note** I had to pretend I was taking a picture of my sister-in-law in order to get a good shot.

Conversation at the Water Cooler

I got a phone call from my friend, Suzanne, who was at soccer camp watching our girls learn the ins and outs of the game. She overheard the following conversation as they were getting something to drink:



(Darla is drinking Gatorade)



Ashley: I have water to drink. Water helps flush toxics out of your system.



Darla: What's toxics?



Ash: You know, toxics, they are the bad things in your body. Drinking lots of water helps get rid of the toxics. The more you tee tee, the more toxics you get rid of.



Notice, Ash called them toxics and not toxins. Hee-hee. . . .



This conversation resulted as a conversation I had with her earlier. . .



Ash: Mom, why do we poop and tee tee?



Me: Well, Ash, our poop and tee tee takes the toxins out of our body. The more water you drink, the more you tee tee, and the more toxins come out. The same thing with food. When we eat things that are good for us, our body uses the vitamins and minerals it needs and then all the other stuff comes out through our poop.



Ash: What's toxins?



Me: Toxins are like poison in our body. It's bad stuff.



Ash: So, is our poop and tee tee just a bunch of toxins?



Me: Pretty much.



See . . . my girl learned something . . . and then she told somewhat what she learned . . . how wise and better off we all would be if we did this very same thing . . .

Bangy Babes

Bangs . . . Bangs . . . and more Bangs. . .



Not only do girls all have to go to the bathroom together. . . but we, as girls, typically do LOTs of stuff together.


You know how it goes . . . your friend starts decorating or redecorating and her enthusiasm inspires you to do it too . . . you hop on her bandwagon . . . then you tell another friend what you're doing . . . this inspires her . . . so now you and 2 or 3 of your friends are all doing the same thing . . . whether it be sewing, scrapbooking, reading, experimenting with new recipes. . . whatever . . . we just do things in clones.



I think this is something we girls are born with.



Know how I know?



'Cause my girls are the same way . . . and they even allowed the ol' Mom to join in the fun.



A little over a week ago the my girls and I head to get our hair cut . . . off to Ms. Natalie's we went. . .

Ash was the MOST excited about getting bangs. . . she told everyone she was getting them. Ash was the first one get to us started on this 'getting bangs kick'.


We all decided to take the plunge . . .

And get bangs baby!!! Even Hanna wanted them . . . but I DIDN'T want her to have them . . . I was really unsure how they'd look with her pretty locks of curls. . .

I didn't give her the go ahead until she was had finished getting her hair washed and she and Ms. Natalie are going to the hair chair . . . I said, "Hey Han, wanna get some bangs too?" She'd already told me she wanted them, I just never responded. She shook her sweet little shy head yes. I gave Natalie the go ahead. . . told her I trusted her and all to work her hair cutting magic. I just couldn't leave little Hanna Boo out of the fun . . .I'm so glad I didn't.

Meanwhile . . . Hanna's getting bangs . . . and I'm trying to catch a few Zzzz . . .

I loved them. I felt they made me look younger. I've been seeing Natalie for almost 8 years now. My MIL was helping her decorate her new salon and I decided to give her a try. I knew her sister and I really wanted to try her out . . . to encourage her and all. . . with her being so young and opening up her own salon . . .

I'm sure glad I did. . . 'cause not only do I have a GREAT hair stylist, but a GREAT friend also. She's seen me go through a miscarriage, a pregnancy, training for a marathon, getting my real estate license, moving twice, a sick FIL (she's the one I talked about that left her shop open late to cut his hair. . . our Truvy (from Steel Magnolias) is what I call her) . . . all while giving me the latest and cutest hair styles!!

Blogging Break

I'm going to be taking a blogging break until after the 4th. I'll miss checking in on you guys . . . but it won't be a long break.

For those of you asking about the bangs . . . I LOVE them!!! But, my camera battery is dead, so I'll be posting pictures when I'm back online.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and a very Happy 4th of July!!! Let's all celebrate the most wonderful country in the world . . . and, as my buddy, Mr. Larry Hardwick, always says, "God Bless America."

A Week of Firsts

This was the FIRST time EVER Ashley has gone to any camp. She went to soccer camp . . . and I dropped her off. . . which is amazing . . . and what's even more amazing is she survived and was safe and not emotionally scarred that her Mom wasn't there on the sidelines for 3 hours in very hot 95+ degree weather, . . . amazing I tell ya! Can you tell I have control issues when it comes to my kids?





This was the FIRST time EVER I fell asleep while listening to my baby read books to me. Yes, Hanna read her first books this week . . . and she loves it . . . and she wants more . . . and I love hear her reading to me . . . as I fell asleep. It made me actually feel like a little girl again when my Mom would read me a story and I'd fall asleep. I even thought as I drifted off to sleep, "Lord, I pray she will read to me when I am too old to read for myself."





This week Alec got his FIRST pimple. . . and he was excited . . . very excited. Meanwhile . . . I have one on my forehead that makes me look like Cyclops and I HATE it!!!





This week was the FIRST time Jon played 18 holes of golf in a long time. He played with his best friend, Stacy. He SOOO deserved it. He's been working so very hard on this house.





This was the FIRST time I'd spent some good girl time with my friend, Jennifer, in months. She is such a sweet and Godly woman. We always have the best conversations . . . deep and meaningful. We spur one another on in becoming more like Jesus. She also has great recipes.


This is the FIRST time we've seen Jon's Uncle Jerry in over a year. He was down for a short visit and came by. Talk about lots of energy? Whew! He's really a lot of fun to be around. Know another cool thing about him? He's Mark Richt (head coach of GA Bulldogs) former pastor and very good friend. He was trying to talk us into coming to New Orleans (where he and his family live) if GA goes to the Sugar Bowl this football season. I asked him if he thought he could get us to meet Mark Richt? How cool would that be?

What One Mom Can Get Accomplished While Getting an Oil Change

1. Cleaned out purse . . . that has so much trash in it . . . I literally filled up a small wastebasket.



2. Returned 4 phone calls. Three were business related and one was personal. Shew . . . don't you hate it when you have returning phone calls hanging over your head? I love talking to my friends and returning their calls. . . but business calls related to real estate . . . I don't love so much.



3. Made an invite list to a monogram party I'm having at the end of July.



4. Made an invite list to Alec's birthday party.



5. Made list of things needed for Alec's birthday party.



6. Talked to my Mom.



7. Found receipt for some of the light fixtures I bought for the house.



8. Cleared out all of my voice mails that needed deleted and saving.



9. Relistened and resaved a voicemail from my sweet niece, Noelle, saying, "Aunt 'Chele, it's Noelle. We're at a friend's house. Call me back. Love you." I love that girl! She loves the phone . . . .like her Aunt 'Chele.



10. Put all of the echinacea pills back into the bottle that had spilled in my purse. This herb is great. If I ever feel like I'm getting sick, I take some and it really helps to ward off sicknesses.



11. Let Hanna have the change out of my purse . . . on one condition. . . that she doesn't ask me to take her anywhere to spend it.



All of these are such little things . . . but all of them together make a lot . . . my head feels much clearer now.

My newest addiction

Okay. . . confession time . . . addictions . . . I have more than I can count on one hand. Here's a sample version

• coffee - I drink 4 to 5 cups per day. My doctor has just informed me that I've got to cut back. So far I've been very noncompliant. I really haven't even tried. I have a friend who told me she'd keep me accountable . . . but, I haven't aggressively pursued it . . . I just don't want to give it up. Maybe when I get back from vacation?
• blogging - for any of you reading this that blog yourself . . . 'nuff said.
• reading - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read. Thankfully we've been working on our house, but it is almost finished. I hope to resume my love of reading very soon.
• scrapbooking - I started out the year with a bang . . . but I'm behind . . . starting with the month of March . . . but I refuse to let it discourage me. . . I will hop on that train again . . . one day soon.
• running - I just frankly love to sweat . . . makes my pores feel clean . . . weird, I know. . . but Jon says the same thing . . . so at least I'm not weird all by myself. I love the way running makes me feel.
• approval - yep, I hated typing that one. But, it is what it is. I really like for everyone to like me . . .and my feelings are hurt if they don't. . . I'm breaking free of it though . . . and it all started with that confrontational real estate call I had a few weeks back . . . doesn't even bother me that girl doesn't care for me.

Enough of that . . . the list could really go on and on . . . but I wanted to share my newest addiction - COUPONS!! Oh me, oh my. I've been playing the coupon game for a few weeks now. My friend, Stephanie, taught me how to do it. I've been saving money but it wasn't until this week that I actually met my goal . . . to save more than I spend. Ready for the outcome?

I got $236 worth of groceries for $85. Can you believe that? I literally got enough to feed a small army. I bought 18 packs of hot dogs!!!! Why, you ask? Well, Alec's birthday party is coming up in a few weeks. Now, we're not having THAT many people here . . but once the house is finished I do want to have several get togethers . . . and hot dogs are just great for the kids. With my coupons plus the sales, they were just cheap enough to go ahead and stock up. Here are some of my other deals.

• 4 pints of Starbucks ice cream . . . know what I paid? I didn't!! They actually paid me $.80. I have no idea what I'm going to do with these because I could take or leave ice cream. It doesn't temp me. Jon is the ice cream fan . . . but he doesn't like coffee. He's already tasted one. Gifts maybe?
• Mrs. Edwards sliced pie (individual slices) - $0.29. Oh WOW! I really don't want this poison in my house (ha!ha!). . . by my FIL loves Key Lime . . . so I stocked up for him. I did keep a few for the family though.
• 2 jars of spaghetti sauce for $0.01 . . . even though I'm sick of spaghetti I couldn't pass this deal up.

I have actually hated grocery shopping for a long time. I've always said I spend too much money and have absolutely no fun doing. Now with this coupon game . . . I can't wait until I go grocery shopping again!!! For any of you who are interested in playing with me go to http://www.couponmom.com/. She explains how to play very thoroughly.

Jon and I have put ourselves on a really tight budget. We have some things that need to be paid off and . . . we really want a golf cart. I think we are probably the only people in our neighborhood that doesn't have one. But. . .we want to be wise and frugal and just put it off until we have some debt paid off. That means . . . no new clothes, shoes, or accessories for Mama in High Heels right now *wink*wink*.

Father's Day - Part 2

Whew. . . that last post was certainly a heavy one. I appreciate all of your sweet comments. All of your words lifted my spirit and encouraged me so very much. I actually meant to post this one on the very same day. However, my baby got sick . . . and we all know when our babies are sick, they want their mamas. With that being said . . . here is the positive, much lighter side to Father's Day.

Jon is not only an amazing husband, but he is one heck of a Daddy. He brings so much fun to our family. He is strong, smart, brave, and very, very loving. If I haven't said it once, I've said it a million times . . . I don't deserve this guy . . . he is living, breathing, walking proof of God's grace over my life.

Father's Day actually started one day earlier for him. He and Alec went to Atlanta Fest and saw Family Force Five and Casting Crowns. I was so super excited when I got a picture text from Jon of Casting Crowns singing. The drummer for this band is actually the middle school minister at one of the churches we've visited . . . pretty cool, huh? The boys had a GREAT time.

Meanwhile, back here on the home front, Mama in High Heels was working on a little Father's Day surprise. Jon had already picked out a few shirts from the kids and I . . . but I LOVE surprises . . . and certainly the love of my life deserved one on a day that was set aside to honor him. Our garage is AWFUL!! You CANNOT walk in it without stepping on something. It is actually a very nice garage for someone with lots of tools (like Jon). But, with all the work he's been doing on our house things just get thrown in there haphazardly. I worked for 3 hard, sweaty hours . . . and still didn't get it as clean as I wanted . . . but Jon loved it . . . and that was my goal. You can actually walk out there now . . . and when we get our new garage doors installed (hopefully soon) my Noah's Ark will fit.

Sunday morning we woke up, laid around, got ready and went to church. We then went to Jon's parents' house, ate, and played. We started out by all surrounding the computer and watching Tim Hawkins videos. If you don't know who this guy is, he is so funny. Check him out on God Tube or You Tube.

This is my sister-in-law, Holly. I prefer to call her my sister . . . 'cause she really is my big sister. I love her just like I would a big sister. Isn't she beautiful? I think my Hanna looks just like her . . . uh, oh. .. I'd better start now preparing to ward the boys off for the teenage years.

We then went on the zip line. Shoot . . . I'd worn my white pants again. But, in honor my hubby on Father's Day, he and the kids really wanted me to try it out. . . I couldn't be a rotten apple about it . . . so here I go . . .

(No, those are not monkey feet . . . they are mine . . . horrible, huh?)

Hanna gave it a go . . . total priss pot . . . like her Mama . . . in her dress and all . . .

Here is Ash. This girl changed out of her Sunday clothes into her play clothes while still in the car riding home from church.

Alec and Holly decided to chill out in the blazing heat . . . while we zipped.

You know Big Daddy was going to give it a go. . .

Here are the girls and Gigi . . . Her foot is MUCH better.

The highlight in all of this was Jon's Dad wanted to get on it. He is still pretty weak from all the medicine and such he was on. He's lost LOTS of weight because he lost his taste for awhile. But, the fact that he was going to give it a go . . . and it was his idea . . . was HUGE, HUGE progress. He is the type of Daddy this side of heaven that every girl dreams of. He is such an awesome, awesome man of God. He went to climb up the stand . . . and stumbled . . . and fell. My heart broke for him. He cut his arm and hit his side. His legs are just too weak to get up there. I felt so very, very sorry for him. But, I'm going to look at this glass half full. . . he wanted to get up there and give it a go . . . and that is HUGE!

We came back home . . . Jon and I took a nap . . . we watched the U.S open and pulled for our favorite golfer, Phil Mickelson. We ordered pizza . . . and then Stephanie and Barry stopped by and hung out for awhile.

I am so very honored and humbled and grateful to be married to an amazing man like Jon. I'm even more grateful that my children have a Daddy who loves their mom, who loves them, and who loves the Lord.

Father's Day - Part 1

This year Father's Day will be broken up into 2 parts . . . first I'll start with the bad . . . but then end on the good . . . so definitely come back and read part 2. . .

With that being said, I have to start out by saying for as long as my memory goes back I have been a Daddy's girl. Loving him to the very best of my ability, being his biggest cheerleader, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS being on his side and, worst, making excuses for him.

I am a pretty merciful person . . .but I always carried it extra far when it came to my Daddy.

I don't know what makes people what we all refer to as "Mama's girl" or "Daddy's girl". But, I do believe God, Himself, orchestrates our hearts this way for one reason or another. I just happened to have a heart that was just crazy about my Daddy . . . not because he deserves it . . . because it doesn't. It's just been that way always.

Let me give you a short history lesson on my Dad. I believe he happens to be the worst case scenario. He believes he is a Christian. The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:20 that we will be known by our fruits. The Bible also tells us that we will turn from our sin (1 John 3:6-10). There is no evidence of this in my Dad's life at all. I've tried to talk to him, love him, lead by example, and most importantly pray for him . . . but he has not changed.

My attitude towards my Dad changed about two years ago. My family and I had just returned from a trip to Disney World and I had, what seemed like, thousands of voice mails. They were from my Dad's wife. She was playing recordings to me of voice mails he'd left to her. I thought to myself, "Who is this monster?" "How can he say those awful things?" "What possesses him to talk this way?" These are messages that are forever seared on my heart and my mind. At that point I totally and completely released him to God. My constant prayer over him became very simple, "God, do Your Will in his life." Simple and straight to the point. I think because he could be a pretty decent person when he was around me made me believe the lie that he was close to accepting Christ. I had been very deceived!!!

Since then my heart towards him has changed also. I'm no longer afraid of him, as I have been all of my life. My Dad is an alcoholic, drug user, and I grew up with him abusing my mom and stepmom. He has NEVER EVER laid a hand on my sister or I, but the fear that he would was always there.

I can remember as a little girl closing my door at night, laying on my stomach, and putting many covers over me . . . thinking this would keep him for hurting me. There were times when I would fall asleep to the screams and cries of my stepmom. I can remember him hitting my mom in a parking lot. I can remember him coming home and shooting a gun in the house. I can remember sneaking out of my bedroom window with my pregnant mom because she was so afraid of him. I remember him pulling a knife on her and me getting in-between them. I can also remember finding what I called, "bags of grass" and hiding them in the couch . . . hoping if he didn't find them, then maybe he'd stop. I can remember finding a bottle and syringe on the back of the toilet, calling my mom and her calling the pharmacist to find out what he was shooting through his veins. It was steroids.

As a teenager, my memories of him are times of him cussing me out for not being at home enough, my stepmom calling me telling me he'd been drinking and to please spend the night with a friend or my grandparents.

But slowly and surely my fear of him is gone. . . and because of that I am able to boldly speak the truth to him. Now that doesn't mean I'm not nervous or butterflies aren't nesting in my stomach . . . but the words are able to make it from my heart to my mouth.

A few weeks ago he called and left me a voicemail cussing me out. There were no tears this time. No anger. No resentment. I knew I had to let him know he was wrong. When this had happened in the past I'd call him soon and in my bubbliest, sweetest voice act like everything was okay . . . never, ever addressing how he had just spoken to me.

Not this time though. This Father's Day is different. For the first time in my 32 years of life I will not be speaking to my Dad on this Day that was set aside to honor him. Instead, I sent him a card, and this is what it said:

"Dad, I got your message the other day. I love you and you are still my Dad. However, I don't know how to respond or even if I want to respond to a message like that. In the past, a message like that would have sent me into tears. When I heard this message I didn't feel anything. I was just numb. I love you enough to tell you the truth, and, the truth is, it is not appropriate to talk to people this way. I refuse to shut you out of my life, nor am I angry with you. But, you have to know that this is not okay. I know that you were angry because you feel like Melissa and I do not call you often enough. However, we all lead busy lives, and truth-be-known, my life has been so crazy lately with our move, that those I have talked to, get in touch with me. Praying for you always. Know that I love you!Michele"

The thing I struggle with the most is still being obedient to my LORD. I am still commanded to honor my father and mother (Exodus 20:12). I have an open heart and mind, and I'm not offended easily. If any one of you have any thoughts on this, please feel free to share.

I wondered if it was dishonoring him to put this out there for everyone to read. But, this blog is my journal. I haven't purposely meant to dishonor him, but I want to be able to look back and see what this day was like. I could have privately noted it. . . but you never know if someone else is dealing with the same issue also. I've never talked disrespectfully to my Dad, and I don't intend to. . . any ideas or further thoughts on this?

If you notice on my profile I say I feel like I have a real-life Cinderella story . . . . understand now why I say that?

Making me Laugh. . . . Making me Cry

Jon called me yesterday as I was grocery shopping. He had been to the bank to make a deposit (praise the Lord for that). As he was making the deposit an employee of the bank asked him if he was the runner with the funny shoes?

You've got to be kidding me!!

Then she said, "Didn't your wife win the race (talking about the 1st woman to cross the finish line, not the 1st person . . . the men always win these things)?"

She told him that she was on the race course taking pictures for the bank. Apparently our shoes must've stirred up some chatter in the bank. They're going to make us famous in the running community. When shoes are that ugly they have to do something for ya, right? (if you have no idea what kind of running shoes I'm talking about . . . click here)

This made me laugh and giggle.

I heard from a friend of mine I used to go to church with. I was really glad she called me because I'd lost her phone number. She called to invite me to her daughter's baptism. She was so, so sweet. Working in the children's ministry for the 10 years I've done it . . . you don't get very many thank yous from parents. Now I've always felt and received appreciation from each children's minister I served under. But, if I stopped and thought real hard . . . without making my brain hurt. . . and then I counted how many parents have actually thanked me? I would have to say (including this one) somewhere in the ballpark of 3 people . . . maybe? That is serving for 10 years, at 2 different churches. I have never once dedicated my heart and my time to this ministry to receive thank yous or praise. . . I do it because I love Jesus and those precious children.

Meredith's words made my eyes fill up with tears. She thanked me for dedicating my time to teach her child about Jesus . . . and although I wasn't there when her child accepted Christ . . . that I had planted seeds in her daughter's life. Meredith's words were so very kind and genuine. She was so excited about her daughter's baptism and I feel very honored she went out of her way to call me and invite me. Meredith really made my day!

I told someone a couple of months ago that that has really been the hardest thing for me about this whole church transition thing. I was not burned out with the ministries I served in . . . Jon and I both just knew in our hearts it was time to move on . . . and looking back now . . . I can see where God had orchestrated things to lead us.

I've been oh so very lonesome for a church family. I used to kid with people and say church and Wal-mart were where we spent all of our time. Other than the loneliness I have felt for a church, serving in the church is the other thing that has been so very difficult for me in this transition. I'm itching at the bit to get back to being involved and dedicating my time and energy to serving . . . especially after my sweet conversation with my friend.