Busy, Busy, Busy Weekend with Lots of Fun, Fun, Fun

Our lives are pretty hectic with 3 children, each being involved in different sports. There really isn't a full day we EVER have at home. I am so grateful though. I am grateful my children are healthy enough to participate. I am grateful enough that I am healthy enough to keep up with it, and, I am grateful for my coffee which keeps me going through the day.

Friday was an extremely busy day. We were having Hanna Boo's birthday party (although her birthday was in September - this was the first free day we had to do it). I usually have it at a pavilion in our subdivision. That way my house isn't a mess after the party is over. However, there was a monsoon that day, so we moved it into the house. It was a very simple party with her best buds! Her party was very indicative of her personality and yet Ashley and Alec's parties were very indicative of their personalities also. She and Alec are very much introverts, have few close friendships, but treasure those that are dearest to them. They both had small parties. Ash, on the other hand, is extrovert x2, and her party was full of lots of people. I love how they all come from the same home with the same set of parents, yet are so very different. I loved Hanna's party too because some of my best buds were there also. Since we moved the party inside I decided we needed something to do since the children didn't have the park to play at. They made bracelets, and they loved it! Later that night I asked Hanna Boo how much fun she had at her party on a scale of 1 to 10 and she said a 100!!! Yay!

Earlier that day I had to go buy all the stuff for her party. I had to work on real estate, which consisted of faxing out flyers to all of the realty companies surrounding the homes he has for sale. This literally took me 2 hours of faxing. Hopefully we will get buyers out of it though. We also had another birthday party to go to earlier that day. My hubby had been out of town all week, so we were preparing for him to come home. I had to meet him at the bank at 4:00 regarding real estate. Anyway, it was a pretty hectic day - so hectic, I ate candy corn for lunch!!!

The girls making their bracelets
The finished product - G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S!!!!! (I love how Hanna Boo is hugging her best friend, JuJu, so tight in this picture)

Hanna Boo blowing out her candles (I still can't believe she is 5!!!)

Saturday I got to sleep it. I did not roll out of bed until 7:52. Monday through Friday I am up bright and early at 4:00 a.m. so to get to sleep anytime past this is pure luxury. We ran some errands then came home. Jon watched the GA game, but I really, really needed to get a run in. I put Hanna down for her nap and Alec played video games and Ashley listened to her MP3 player. I set off for a 5.75 mile run. I really wanted to get in 6-7 miles, but we were meeting some friends for dinner, so I had to cut it short. About 3:30 my parents came to keep our kids and plan for a sleep over. They grilled burgers with the kids and took them on a walk. Jon and I went with our friends, Justin and Lori, to Pappadeaux's. This was actually supposed to be a quad date. However, because of unforeseen circumstances our other friends couldn't make it. I was so sad about this and missed them dearly. However, we did have a great time! Lori had been raving about 2 things from this restaurant - a drink called "Swamp Thing" and this appetizer. It was a fondue made with spinach, craw fish, crab, mushrooms, and shrimp. You put it over toasted bread. It was some of the B-E-S-T food I have ever put in my mouth. "Swamp Thing" didn't disappoint either. It was very good!! I ordered tilapia coated with a New Orleans sauce and Jon had the Mahi-Mahi topped with a wonderful, rich sauce. His was better than mine, but I was extremely pleased. In fact, other than Le Cellier in Disney World, this is my new favorite place to eat.

Wonderful appetizer

Lori and Justin

Jon and I (I love the look on his face in this picture) The four of us - (Tiffani & Adam, Candis & Clint we sure did miss you guys!!!)

As far as the Biggest event of our weekend - my son had his very first swim meet at Auburn University. He has been swimming for about 6 weeks now has progressed quickly and received praise from his coaches. I was a little hesitant about him going to a meet so early, but they assured me he would be fine. We (my fam plus my parents) all piled in "Noah's Ark" and left our home at 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning to head over to Auburn. We were all pretty nervous for him.

Outside Auburn Aquatic Center waiting for it to open - Yes, please mark it down we were EARLY to something and NOT late!!! Do you notice in this picture my sweet boy is wearing his GA Bulldog sweatshirt!! We had to let Auburn know where our loyalties lie.

Alec before his first event - 50 M butterfly - wonder what he is thinking?

Alec during the 100 M backstroke - He goggles were falling off his head - Bless his heart!

Alec talking to one of his coaches

Swimming 100 M freestyle.

He also swam in the 50 M freestyle. He had to be by the pool on the pool deck. Parents were not allowed - UGGHHH! This was good for him though because he had to assert himself to find out what he was supposed to do, rather than getting me or Ash to ask for him. I have to admit during the event I was wondering if he was going to want to quit. He came in last in all of his heats and got disqualified in two events (I don't think he knows this yet. I have decided to be the encouraging mom and let the coaches coach. They will tell him and let him know what he needs to work on). The head coach had actually pulled me aside at one of his practices before this swim meet and told me to BEWARE and to chalk this event up to an education. He warned me that he probably would get disqualified and we may be discouraged after the meet. However, he told me again (he has said this numerous times) to be patient with Alec and he will be a forced to be reckoned with. He has all the qualities of a great swimmer. Coach told me he wanted me to video the race and 6 months from now to video the race at that time and I would be able to tell a tremendous difference. I told Alec what his coach had said beforehand to prepare him. While the events were going on Jon and I were wondering how he was feeling. He is a Perfectionist with a capital P, and normally if he can't be the best at something he throws in the towel. We had made up our minds we were going to tell him how much fun we had and how proud we were of him, but that would be it. We also had made up our minds that if he came back and said he didn't want to do it again, we were going to make him continue. Guess what? He came back and he LOVED it!!! He said the coaches told him he did a great job for his first event - shows you what Jon and I know -NOTHING!!! He was so psyched. I was so happy for him. It was a great day. We then headed to Olive Garden for lunch and then headed home. All of the kids and I sacked out in the car. I was the only adult who slept. We got home and my parents got their things together and headed back to their home. I have GREAT parents. They truly love my children like no one else does. They are so supportive and encouraging and are truly the best Nanna and Papa a kid could ask for. My mom was determined she was not going to miss his first swim meet!!

I do have to say my high heels were mentioned at the swim meet. When I saw some of my swim mom friends one of them said, "Does she have her heels on?" I then said, "Yes, you know I can't disappoint!!!" It was a great day!

Heart of Productivity Award

About three weeks ago Tiffani and I decided to have a competition over who could be the most productive. Me, being the competitive kind of gal that I am, was all about this. I even joked around with her and asked her if there was a medal? The competition was relatively simple. Keep a list of everything you do that is productive. When we got to church we would compare our lists and the two of us would decide who won. It was a great motivator and kept me busy, busy, busy all day and really forced me to do some things that I would have otherwise put off. We got to church and compared our lists. Hands down she beat me. We were both very productive, but to top off my productivity she made dinner for her family (my family ate at church) and cleaned her kitchen, and made us a medal (wasn't that sweet?). So she won. Week Two of the competition I won, as I had taken all 3 of my children out in a monsoon of rain to the dentist, to buy fall clothes, and to get Halloween costumes. So I got the medal. Tiff then threw in a little extra - we are to find something around our house that we think the other one would like and give it to them along with the medal. She gave me a coffee cup that reflected a real estate agent. So last night we came to week number 3 of our competition. She told me her list, as she didn't write it down, or otherwise I would have posted hers too. So, here goes my Heart of Productivity list:

1. Woke up at 3:00 a.m. to work.
2. Took 2 kids (had the 3rd one with me too) to orthondonist at 7:45 a.m. (ask any homeschooler, this is early to be out)
3. Comforted Ashley, as she was crying and scared about getting her impressions and spacers for her braces.
4. Went to McDonald's and got kids milkshake and chicken biscuit. Orthodontist told me to fill them up because their mouth would be sore later in the day.
5. Got haircut.
6. Got home and heard this sound like my tire was going flat. Apparently I hit something in the road that punctured my tire. Went to Maxi Lube for them to plug my tire.
7. Went back to orthodontist to get Alec's spacers out (hubby told me we couldn't afford to put 2 kids in braces at the same time. I jumped the gun a little bit on this one).
8. Had emotional breakdown and fight with hubby.
9. Fixed lunch.
10. Cleaned kitchen.
11. Homeschooled.
12. Folded laundry.
13. Put up laundry.
14. Made my bed.
15. Ordered Hanna's birthday cake.
16. Called secretary of our home owner's association to reserve Pavilion for Hanna's birthday party.

17. Made this list.

Guess what? I won! Tiff did a great job being productive too. I am really afraid for next week. I think she is going to "bring it on." My prize this week was this awesome green necklace. I can't wait to wear it! Stayed tuned and I'll let you know how next week pans out.

National Day of Remembrance For Pregnancy and Infant Loss

Six years ago this December I lost what would have been my third child. We were so excited when we found out we were pregnant with our little one. I told everyone immediately. I am a pretty healthy gal; some would say a health nut. I had always had great pregnancies, so why not go ahead and share our joy?

Eight weeks into my pregnancy I started spotting. No big deal I thought. After all, I had spotted with my 2nd child and she was fine. At the urging of my mother I went to the doctor and found out my placenta was starting to detach from my uterus. I was instructed to be on bed rest all weekend and come back on Monday. The weekend would determine whether or not my placenta would reattach itself to my uterus or go ahead and continue detaching. I followed doctor's orders, although it was hard to sit still so long. I cried and I prayed and cried and prayed and cried; begging God to take care of this baby. My hubby had rented several movies for me to watch during my sedentary state. He took off Sunday morning and took the kids to church. My tummy had been cramping off and on all weekend. I remember being so fearful every time I would go to the bathroom. This Sunday morning, when I was all alone, my worst fear would come true. I went to the bathroom and there on the toilet tissue lay my baby. The moment I saw him/her I knew exactly what it was. Oh what a memory I wish I did not have! I screamed in agony. I cried so, so hard!!! I don't' even have words to describe how hard I cried. It was a time with just the LORD and I. I questioned over and over and over again, "Why?" I battled feelings of being an inadequate mother to my other children. My thoughts were, "after all, why would God take a baby from me if he didn't think I was doing a good job with my other children?"


One memory I distinctly remember is the Sunday after I had lost my baby I went to church. We have a time of intercessory prayer during our service and during this time I went and bowed face down at the altar. So many dear, sweet ladies surrounded me and cried (I mean hard tears with me). As I type this post, tears are falling from my eyes remembering that day.

It was a long, hard journey after my miscarriage. My husband was sad, but certainly not to the depth I was. He really tried to understand, but really just couldn't. Others would try to offer comfort and tell me to be thankful for my other children. Some would say I needed to get it together for my other children. TOUGH, TOUGH TIMES!!! I remember the morning time was always the worst - that feeling of loneliness in the pit of your stomach. This was a journey that only the LORD and I could take; none could go with me. For the longest time I always felt like I had a dark cloud following me around. I would try to laugh and "act" like I was okay with everything, but I was only pretending. The LORD used this time in my life to humble me and to show me things about myself that I was blinded to. He drew me into such an intimacy with Him and comforted me as only He could. I kept a prayer journal during this time, and just communicating my feelings to the LORD on paper brought so much healing.


I know when I get to heaven there is a sweet baby in heaven, my baby. I will hold that baby and rock him/her over and over and over again.


I have to say though God is so good and He is so faithful. He did bless me with another child - my little Hanna Boo, who is now 5. I wouldn't trade her for ANYTHING!!! So, if it meant I had to go through a storm in my life to get her, I would do it all over again. God is sovereign and He knows what He is doing!

Please stop and say a prayer for anyone who has lost a child or is possibly in the midst of losing a child. Thank you.

TRICKED on TUESDAY

Tuesday is the day my oldest 2 children have what we call "Homeschool School." It is a Christian school where we live that has full time students and they offer classes to homeschoolers. So on Tuesday my kiddos are there all day. It is really cool because they get to experience the school atmosphere and have accountability with someone other than me. My daughter takes History, Science, Art, and Music, and my son takes History, Science, Art, and Hands-on Experiments. They love it, and as long as we can afford it I LOVE them going there!!!! They get to participate in picture day, yearbook, Thanksgiving Re-enactment, field, day, etc.; so, to this homeschooling mother it is truly the best of both worlds. It also gives me a day to spend with my baby (my 5-year-old baby that is).

This morning I was leaving to take Alec and Ash to "Homeschool School," and Hanna Boo decided to stay home with Jon. When I get home and walk in the door all is quiet and the lights are all off (a rarity in this house). Jon's truck was outside so I knew they were home. I started calling for them - no answer. I then looked around and saw Jon's keys, wallet, and cell phone were still there, so I knew that his parents didn't come by and take them out for breakfast or something. "W-E-I-R-D," I thought. Then the thought occurred to me that they must be hiding - especially knowing my goofy husband. "Okay, I thought. I am going to find you guys and scare you." I looked E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E - in the closets, under the beds, under the tables, behind the shower curtains - EVERYWHERE!!!!

My next thought was that they must have taken a walk to the park or have gone to feed the ducks. The pond with the ducks is across the street, so I looked out my window, and didn't see them there. Being the control freak that I am when it comes to my kiddos, a little worry started to creep in. I decided to get in the car and ride around the subdivision and by the park to see if I saw them walking. By this time I was pretty worried!! I starting saying prayers of safety over them. After all, I learned from the chief of all worriers how to worry - from my mother that is!!!

After my worry ride around the subdivision I STILL did not find them. "Where could they be?" I come into the house pretty frantic at this point and I start to call for them loudly at this point, over and over and over again. I go to open the door to go back outside and here they come - those STINKERS!!!! They had been hiding, but where? The Stinkin' Rose Pedal Cottage. I didn't even know my hubby could fit in there!!! Uggghhhh - they got me good!

YIPPPEEEE SKIPPPPEEEE

Tonight after swim practice me and one of my swim mom friends took our kids to a local pizza place around here. With my belly full of pizza all the way home I kept thinking I can't wait to get the kids in the bed and watch The Office (my very favorite TV show). I get in the door and go to check my e-mails while the kids are brushing their teeth. I get this email from WDW sports saying race results are in and they have a recap race video on their website. I decided to click over and check it out. Jon and I were competing against other co-ed couples. He had already checked the results out; however, I had not. We came in 37 out of 460 co-ed couples. I was excited about that. I then decided to watch the video. Guess what? We are on it! I started SCREAMING!!!!! You can go to www.disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/endurance/events/detail?name=EnduranceEverestResultsDetailPage
if you want to check it out (sorry I don't know how to download it to my blog). I got my cell phone and I called Jon screaming, "GUESS WHAT? GUESS WHAT?" I told him about the video and us being on it! He was excited but not nearly excited as I was. He thought I was so excited because he thought I was calling him to tell him we had sold a house - no dice, we're just on a WDW Sports video. Anyway I thought it was pretty cool!!!!

Do You Ever?

Do you ever have one of those days or many of those days when you just do not feel cut out for this way, way hard job called motherhood? Today has been one of those days for me. My son and I pretty much had it out today. He is 11 and oh so moody at times. Sometimes I really do not know what to do with him!!! He started out the day on a bad foot because he took something I said, twisted it all around, and then yelled at me - which that in itself is a huge no-no in our house. He then had a dentist appointment to put sealants on his teeth. Last week he was so ugly to me because his blue jeans from last year were short and he had the nerve to demand me to go and get him some that very day. Now mind you, he is homeschooled and only the mornings have been slightly cool so it is not like we are living in Montana and it is snowing right now (if it is even snowing there - I don't know, but you get the point). Most days it is close to 80 degrees here. Well to be honest I let him have it and reminded him that I was sorry I had not had time because whenever I am not teaching them I am either at ballet, soccer, or swim practice. UGGGHHHH!! So, today I decided to go and get them fall clothes after his dentist appointment. Then I took them to Party City and let them get a Halloween costume. Other than his morning outburst it was a relatively good day. On the ride home he snapped at both of his sisters for no reason whatsoever. He was so ugly!!! The kid has got a temper. By this point I was furious with him!!! We then get home and he and I go round and round with one another. I don't know if it is hormones or something deeper than that. He did express to me after all was calm that he feels like he is always getting in trouble and he hates to disappoint his dad and I. I really appreciate that quality in him but I had a heart-to-heart talk with him from one perfectionist to another perfectionist that he has to realize he is going to mess up and that is why we need Jesus. I explained to him that he just needed to have a humble heart and pray that the LORD will help him with his struggles and when he does goof to sincerely apologize and try to do better. I'm telling you the kid has a TOUGH TIME saying he is sorry. I talked to him about pride and reminded him of what God's word says about it. One minute I am furious with the kid and the next minute my heart truly hurts for him. He and my middle daughter have BIG TIME sibling rivalry. He did also tell me his frustration with her. But, what he fails to see or even realize, is that she gets in trouble too. He also is the kind of kid that I feel that I can't win with - I feel like no matter what tone I use, soft and gentle or harsh and furious, he always is offended by it. Since I am being totally honest here I am not casting total blame on him. I said some things and nagged him enough that probably provoked some of what he said. However, I guess I feel that if I don't he just bottles it up inside and WILL NOT talk about it. During our heart-to-heart I did tell him this and I apologized to him. I, of course, reminded him over and over again how much his dad and I love him. He really is a great kid. He obeys really well. He makes good decisions. It is just his temper gets him in so much trouble. We tell him often how proud we are of him and when he does something praiseworth, we, of course, praise him for it. However, there is a fine line there with him. If you praise him too much he gets so puffed up that all he does is go around boasting and bragging to his sisters. Somebody, anybody got any advice out there for this mama in high heels who feels like an utter and total failure today?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside My Window... It is sunny and my neighbor across the street is decorated for Halloween and my other neighbor across the street has put out a McCain-Palin sign -Yippeee Skippeee!
I am thinking...that I need to motivate and go to the grocery store.
From the kitchen...praise the Lord, it is clean. For dinner tonight it will be tilapia, baked potato, and salad.
I am wearing...my workout clothes.
I am creating...a scrapbook for my dad from our Texas trip for his birthday which has already passed, but I hope to get on the ball and get it out in the mail to him by next week. Shhh! He doesn't know.
I am going...to go and do my Denise Austin's Yoga Burn, then go to the grocery store, come home and cook dinner, and then attempt to run somewhere between 6 and 8 miles. We'll see about the last one though.
I am reading...Little Pilgrim's Progress (which I LOVE IT), my Bible, of course. I am reading the first book in the Mitford series. It has taken me awhile to get into it.
I am hoping... that my hubby will get everything done he needs to do. When you are self employed the work load is either feast or famine and he has LOTS to do right now.
I am hearing... Ashley read me her story that she had to write for English today.
Around the house...thanks to my sweet mama who kept my kids this weekend it is oh so clean. YAY!!!
One of my favorite things...a cold morning with a hot cup of coffee.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: The usual soccer and swim practice. This weekend my sister-in-law is coming up so we will have lots of fun spending time with them.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is me and my sweet mama. She actually kept the children while we all ran in Expedition Everest. We all took a swim one night and my hubby snapped this picture of us.

Expedition Everest Challenge

About 5 months ago my hubby was looking on the Disney Sports website and he came across a really cool race - Expedition Everest Challenge. It was quite different from the other races we have run. First of all it was a partner race and you had to have a team name. Unlike our other races we run it was more than a 5K. After the 5K you were not finished - in this race you would have to complete an obstacle course and then a scavenger hunt, all through Animal Kingdom in Disney World. Needless to say he did not have to ask me twice about running it. I have run in 2 Disney races before and just like everything else with Disney they do it up right!!!! First of all we had to come up with a team name. I threw out a couple, to all of which he said no. Then he said how about Goof Troop? I loved, loved, loved it!!! Goofy is our favorite Disney character and me and my hubby are a pretty "goofy" couple, so it fit. We then invited some of our family to head down to Florida with us to run also. Jon's brother and his wife decided to take on the challenge, as did my little sister and dad (I have to stop right here and say that I have been so blessed in so many ways by God and one of those ways is that God decided to give me 2 Dads in life, so this one is my stepdad, but all the same - my Dad). We have been looking forward to this trip for MONTHS!!!

Once you have been in a Disney race you quickly realize that just plain running shorts and shirt will not do, so I had to find something that would make us stand out. I thought I would have to do lots of coercing my hubby, but I didn't. He agreed to wear these Goofy hats with me. After all if you bear the name Goof Troop you MUST show your goofiness.

Purchasing our race attire

Our 2nd day in Orlando we needed to go and pick up our race packets. It was really cool because they had this DJ there literally dressed like he was about to hike Mount Everest in the 95-degree weather. I felt sorry for him, but he was jammin' all the same. They also had this little Mount Everest setup at the packet pickup so we decided to throw on our race T-shirts and get a picture.

The race started at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. It had been H-O-T that day and I do not like to run when it is over 85 degrees, but my running juices were flowing. God was so good! Our heat (racing against other co-ed couples) did not start until 7:35. The sun was setting and it was cooling off.

Me, my little sis, and dad

Beautiful sky before the race

Sometimes Jon and I can get pretty competitive with one another. My goal is to always try and beat him; however, I have only done this once. Since we were a team we decided to run together and take it easy. You were not allowed to start the obstacle course until your other team mate arrived, so what a great time to just enjoy running together. Guess what? It didn't happen. First of all in races like these it is such a headache to have to maneuver yourself around people to pass them, but we put ourselves on the grass and headed out. I was really feeling good so I went way ahead of Jon, then I started feeling a little convicted. I can't believe I was even thinking homeboy was tired and couldn't hang with me, but I was *smile*. My mercy kicked in and I decided to slow down and wait on him. He catches us up and we run about 1/2 a mile together. My little sister was in front of us, so he starts to pick up the pace. I try and hang with him, but I just could not do it!! He blew me away and my little sister. Okay, so here I am lovin' all of these people shouting "Go Goofy" and of course I am hammin' it up like I am some sort of celebrity, but I can't, if at all possible, let my little sister beat me. Okay time to get serious!!! I pick up the pace and it is probably the last 1/4 mile of the race. I then go beside her and say, "That fan (they had a fan blowing) feels good," and I just keep going. Yes, I passed her, I thought to myself. Normally during a race I always look straight ahead. We were on a road that ran behind Animal Kingdom like where their service cars go. So, I just happen to look to the other side of the race and there is my little sister! W-H-A-T?!? I have got to pick it up so I push the pedal to the medal. I did finish before her but not by much. My hubby was there at the finish line shouting, "Come on Goofy, Come on!!!" I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to hear him cheer me on!!!

Here comes my favorite part of the whole race - the obstacle course. The first event was these sawhorses that you had to hoist yourself over. They came up to my shoulders. I just knew Jon was going to have to push me up and over them. Guess what? He DIDN'T!!! I handled it all on my own. I was surprised and Jon was TOTALLY SHOCKED!!! Next event was a rope wall we had to climb up and then over. The next event was a balance beam. The final event was a net and you had to crawl under it on your hands and knees. The obstacle course was GREAT!

We finished the obstacle course and it was time to get our passport for the scavenger hunt. It would tell us where to go in Animal Kingdom and then give us a clue. Y'all I was so clueless on this. The only thing I would say is, "Yeah, yeah, that is the right answer. Let's go." or "We need to run faster." Jon was "Johnny on the Spot" with these clues and he did an excellent job getting them. If it would have been left up to me I would still be there staring curiously at the clues. I am just not a brain-teaser kind-of-girl. We crossed the finish line and made it in under an hour. It was the BEST race ever!!! Almost two years ago I ran the WDW Marathon, and while it is a great achievement it was grueling on my body. I love that race for the accomplishment it entails, but this was the most fun I have ever had in a race. I would like to think it had more to do with it being Disney and different and other things than just running, but I think it has more to do with that I was running it with my very best friend!!

Goof Troop after the race with our medals

Team Milo and Otis showing off their Expedition Everest Challenge Medals

The Whole Expedition Everest Challenge Running Crew - Team Booboloomboshooba, Team Goof Troop, Team Milo and Otis

After the race they had several rides open and the park was all lit up with lights since it was dark. I love running the races they have at night! We stayed for just a bit and then it was off to watch the GA/AL game. The funny thing is is that during the race I had my brother-in-law text me the scores every time someone would score. My phone was vibrating like crazy. Not only was my BIL texting me, but my son was calling and leaving me voice mails about the score. AL kicked our booties!!! While my hubby was figuring out the scavenger hunt clues, since I was so clueless, I would get my phone out and check and see - bummer GA lost, but the race was G-R-E-A-T!!!!!

SURPRISE!!!!!

For the past six weeks I have had a secret. My dad and I have been planning a trip to fly to Dallas, TX to surprise my sister for her 30th birthday. The planning and anticipation of this trip brought me a good bit of anxiety. First I have never flown before. My hubby and I got married when I was 19 and he is fearful of flying, so therefore I have never flown. Quite honestly, there has been that fear there for me also. However, the Lord is bringing me through a season in my life where by the power of his Word and prayer I am trying to break free from fear itself. What a more perfect way to do this than by hitting those things you fear face on. The second reason for anxiety is that I have not taken a trip with my dad since I was probably about 16 on a family vacation. Spending this much time with a person you normally do not get to spend a lot of time with brings anxiety on its own - fear of not having enough conversation, fear of uneasiness, etc. etc. I had my dear friends and Sunday School class praying over all of this, and I am so excited to share with everyone how God was in the entire trip.

The morning of the flight my kids made me promise to wake them up, so I did. I had tears with everyone even Alec, who normally does not show much emotion. My heart was broken. They all sobbed and sobbed. Ashley sent us away with notes she had made for us and told us to not open them until we were on the airplane. When we got to the airport I called Jon and he said Hanna cried the most and so Ashley took over her mothering role to console Hanna. Alec was fine after we left.

Now for the flight. First of all we had a great flight. I now love flying. This takes me back to all of the things I love to do - the beach, Disney World, exercising, and now flying. All of these things I have done with my dad. We were at the beach every summer as a child. My only trip as a child to Disney was with my dad. Growing up my dad was always at the gym, and so passed on his love for fitness onto me - Thank you Daddy! As we were walking to board our flight I reminded my dad of when I was little and we stood in line for hours at Disney to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. These were the days when lines were extremely long at Disney and it was extremely hot - no fans or indoor activities, when there was only Magic Kingdom and Epcot. We were just minutes away from being able to get on and I chickened out. I remember telling my dad that I was scared and I didn't want to ride it. So we got out of line, no questions asked. He wasn't mad after standing in line for hours. Anyway, I reminded him of this and asked him what if I chicken out with the airplane ride? He just laughed and smiled:)

Here we go, the plane is getting ready to take off. He reaches over and grabs my hand to hold. This is a memory that will be etched in my mind forever. I have to stop now and say how this was truly a God thing. Later that day I was talking to Tiff (sorry Tiff, I still don't' know how to do the blog-link thing) to let her know I landed. When she asked me how it was going and I told her great and she said, "Did you hold your dad's hand when you took off?" WHAT?!?. I then asked her if she had prayed for that. She had tears in her eyes. "Yes," she told me. She said that she had prayed that I would be so comfortable that if I was afraid and wanted to hold his hand that I would do just that. Now tell me that is not God!! Wow! I SOOO LOVE how He hears our every prayers and is involved in EVERY S-I-N-G-L-E DETAIL of our lives. Tiffani has no idea how much she means to me!! EVERYONE needs a friend like Tiffani.

During the flight (yes, everyone tells me how much I look like him)

Okay, now for the big surprise!!! We had actually planned to have my kids call Melissa and sing Happy Birthday to her. Then my middle daughter Ashley was to supposed to call her and say, "Uncle Scott has your present from us outside," which would be me and my dad. Scott picked us up from the airport and dropped us off at the end of the road. Well our plan didn't work out like we had planned. Scott ran outside with the kids saying Melissa had just gotten in the shower, so we decided to be waiting in the living room. So Melissa would not walk into the living room indecent Scott went to the bathroom with Joseph-Scott on his hip and told Melissa, "Hey, when you get out of the shower, put some clothes on. I have something outside for you." Joseph-Scott who has never spoken 4 words in a row in his life said, "Out Chele, out there." He totally spilled the beans. She put her clothes on and ran into the living room totally SURPRISED!!!

We then went to lunch at Babes Chicken which was some of the BEST southern cooking I have EVER had!!! No sweet tea though! What? They had the best corn I have ever put in my mouth! We told them it was Melissa's birthday. They brought out a southern-style birthday cake - a biscuit drizzled in honey with a candle. They put this hideous chicken hat on her, took her to the middle of the restaurant, made her stand on a chair, got everyone's attention and she had to dance the "chicken dance" while they sang their version of "Happy Birthday" to her.

The Girls

The Boys

Happy 30th

True Southern Style

Saturday morning we wake up and get ready to go to Noelle's soccer game - the Poptarts versus the Cheetah. Soccer is dear to me since I have a super star soccer player (Ashley). Many people tease me about always wearing my high heels on the soccer field, so of course I wore them to this soccer field in Texas. Needless to say my high heels christened another soccer field so I had to get a picture. I have 3 pairs of high-heeled flip flops (black, white, and tan).

Daddy, "Beans"(my new nickname for my nephew since he spilled the beans), Melissa

Noelle's defense face - how cute!!!

After the game Scott watched the Alabama game and Melissa and the kids napped. Daddy and I decided to take off and go shopping. What?!? Me and my dad shop? It was great. We laughed and had a great time. Again, just another God thing - Oh how I love Him so!!! During our shopping trip I decided I need to get something for Melissa's van. Her van had the most horrid smell in it so I decided to get an air freshener and put it under the seat without her knowing. This kind-of backfired on me. After Daddy and I got back from shopping, Melissa and the kids were awake, so the girls (me, Melissa, and Noelle) decided to go shopping together. After our shopping excursion we get in her van, and said, "Something smells. Do you smell that? It smells like lemon pledge." I was trying so hard to keep a straight face. You know how when you are trying not to laugh and that makes it even harder to hold it in? Well, that was me. She kept on and on about the smell smelling like Pledge. So I busted out and said, "I think it smells more like Ocean Breeze." "Did you do something to my car? What did you put in here, Michele?" I was laughing uncontrollably!!!

That afternoon we were going to the Plano Balloon Festival. When all of us got back in the van the air freshener smell was so strong it literally was singeing the hair on our nostrils. We had to keep the windows down just so we would not choke on the smell. Guess what? The whole thing has spilled out in their car. We all got such a good laugh from this!!! I will say this though it still smelled better than the horrid smell that was in her car before I played my prank.

Plano Balloon Festival was GREAT!!! I felt like a little kid again. They lifted off about 17 hot air balloons and then that night they lit up about 30 of them. My camera did not take good pictures of the nighttime balloon glow, but here are some of the balloons lifting off.

By the time we left that night we were delirious. Melissa and I were trying to get a picture of ourselves in the back of her van for a frame I had gotten her for her birthday. We probably took about 20 pictures. We did some silly faces, serious faces, posed faces, punked faces. We were like little girls in the back of the van giggling up a storm.

"Punk" faces

We finally got a good one

The next morning it was time to get ready to go to the airport. I was really missing my kids and hubby and couldn't wait to get home and soak them in. Here is a picture of the kids and I before we left for the airport.

My hubby and I are huge GA Bulldawg fans on on the flight home there were Dawg fans who had gone to the GA vs AZ game. I'm telling you over half the plane was Dawg fans. WHen I got on I told them we all needed to do a big, "Whoo, Whoo, Whoo, sic' em". The pilot got on to tell us our route home and he said, "We will make a turn and go over one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Auburn AL." The GA fans on the plane (including myself) let a big, "BOOOOOO!" He then said, "I understand we have a lot of GA fans on the plane." That was when we let out our big, "Whoo, Whoo, Whoo!" The flight home was great again. It was a beautiful day!

I was so ready to see my kids. When we drove up the driveway I saw a sign on my door that said, "Come in Please." My dad was so sweet. He told me to go ahead and go inside that he would get my bags out and bring them in for me. I ran inside and what awaited me there was so sweet. My stairs were covered in red sheets and blankets. There was a "Welcome Home" sign posted on the wall. Soft music was playing in the background. I walked in and my son draped a black coat around my arms and said, "We are giving you the royal red carpet treatment." I have the BEST kids in the whole world. They are so thoughtful. They had cleaned the house because they know how I love coming home to a clean house. I could not have asked for a better welcome home. I hugged each one of them sooo tight. My hubby told me it was all their idea. That he did nothing other than clean up our room. It was so good to be home. Home is truly where the heart is.

I had a fabulous time with my dad and my sister and her family. God is so good!!!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside My Window... It is overcast.

I am thinking...that I really need to get upstairs and start homeschooling the children, as we have a busy day today.

From the kitchen...there is nothing going on. It is clean though. I need to go upstairs and fix breakfast for everyone if Jon has not already done that.

I am wearing...my PJs.

I am creating...nothing right now, as life is "pedal to the metal" very busy, but if I had more free time I would love to be scrapbooking right now.

I am going...to go to Alec's first swimming practice for swim team today, but before that pick up a soccer friend's daughter to go to swimming with us. Then after swimming we will be headed to soccer practice for Ash.

I am reading...Little Pilgrim's Progress (which I LOVE IT), The Tale of Despereaux, and Jesus Freaks to my children. My Bible, of course. I just started the first book in the Mitford series and I am also reading Shepherding Your Child's Heart.

I am hoping... and praying fervently for my sister, my husband, and my father-in-law, praying for God's will, His peace, and His hand of protection over them.

I am hearing... many, many footsteps upstairs.

Around the house...it is fairly clean - YAY!!!

One of my favorite things...snuggling up with a good book on a rainy day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Wednesday - my mini-me is turning 8!!!! Tuesday and Thursday - Swim team and soccer practice. Wednesday and Thursday - The kids go to orientation for what we call "homeschool school", a private Christian school were they take some classes, Friday - swim team and maybe Alec will have some friends over to spend the night, Saturday - soccer game for Ash and college football, Sunday- church and Ashley's birthday party.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I share so many pictures on my blog I really do not have any to share right now.

Me and My Baby - Boy she is growing up fast!!!

Disney Top 10

Since Disney World is pretty much our family vacation every year we always do a Disney Top 10. Everyone gets to pick 2 and then most of the time we agree on a lot of the same things so we agree together as a family what goes on our list. By the way, these are in no random order. Soooo, here we go.


1. Tower of Terror. Mama in High Heels does not do ANYTHING scary, so that means no Tower of Terror and no Haunted Mansion for me. However, the boys went and did this together. So, this one is Alec's and Alec's alone. To be honest he is pretty moody these days, and he was really upset that Ashley got to ride some of the roller coasters this year that only he could ride last year. I really think this is why he got up the gusto to do this ride and why he picked it as one of his favorites - so he could one-up her. (After this trip I know I really need to start reading books about adolescence)


2. Le Cellier. We have been trying to get reservations to this restaurant for 2 years. Literally our whole trip was booked around reservations to this restaurant, as we usually like to go later in September. I must say it DID NOT disappoint!!!!! The food was truly the best I have EVER put in my mouth. I know now why everyone loves it. I highly recommend it if you can get in!!



3. Water parks - We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the 2 Disney water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. In the past Blizzard Beach has been our favorite because they seem to cater more to smaller children than Typhoon Lagoon. However, Hanna Boo and her tall self was tall enough to ride everything but 2 water slides. In fact, she didn't want to go to the kiddie part because she LOVED the water slides. All of the children agreed (WOW) that the wave pool in Typhoon Lagoon was the BEST ride in Disney.

4. Toy Story Mania - For any of you who watch the Disney Channel this ride has been advertised and it was GREAT!!! It is like a video game, and everyone is my house is competitive so we all loved it!!

5. Kids Cot Fun Shop - This was something that Epcot offers to get the kids interested in World Showcase. World Showcase has always been a favorite of mine and Jon's, however, they really do not offer much for children. They may have been doing this for awhile and we were just totally unaware, but this year we took part. Each child colors a mask and goes around to each country and gets a stamp on the stick the mask is attached to and a design attached to the mask that represents each country. This type of this is really more up Alec's alley; however, he didn't get into very much. Ashley LOVED it!!!! So this was one of her faves.

6. Princess Breakfast - I did this with Ashley when she was 4 and Hanna was a baby, but it was time to do it again. The girls were both very excited. Disney added more things to it since the last time we did this and it, of course, was GREAT!!! The boys went and rode rides in Magic Kingdom while we dined with the princesses. The best part of this experience was they did this thing where the girls had a wishing star and waved their wands and made a wish. After this I talked to my girls about how the princesses were not real (which they already knew) and they were dressed up and it was all for fun. However, we are really princesses because we are daughters of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I told them that even as grand as Cinderella's castle was that heaven was so much better and more glorious than the castle. I also told them that princesses are to do like their father's do and we are to do like Jesus did - to serve, to love, to give. It was a great moment that I will treasure in my heart forever.

7. High School Musical 2 performance - This was Ashley's other fave. She loves High School Musical and they were performing in the streets of Disney Hollywood Studios. They pulled kids from the audience to dance with them and so got to go. Of course she was thrilled and hammed it up!!!

8. Crystal Palace - This was one of Hanna's faves. However, Jon and I were pretty disappointed. The food was okay and only 2 of the characters made it to our table. Jon and I prefer the Chef Mickey's much more, but if you never try you never know. Hanna Boo loved it though because she loves Pooh and his crew.

9. Rock and Roller Coaster - The BEST roller coaster hands down. Ashley got to ride it this year and she LOVED it. Alec said that it jerked him around too much but it was his favorite last year. Like I said, he was pretty mad that his little sister got to ride it this year. I love it though. It had to make the Top 10 List.

10. Characters - Alec has gotten "too cool" for the characters. Ashley still likes them. Hanna Boo LOVED them. That was another of her faves. I say every year that this year will be the last year we go to Disney for awhile, but I knew if we went this year that she was at a great age to love seeing the characters. She was a little afraid last year, but that is the one thing she constantly wanted to do was look for characters and let them sign her book.