Joyful Noise

May 2010

2010-05-22T18:24:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been 3 weeks since the big flood. After all the flurry of activity, things are settling down and the real work begins. There is still work to be done and many people are still out of their homes because they are unlivable. The hard work has begun - I don't mean tearing out the dry-wall or looking for anything salvageable - I mean dealing with the government and the banks and all the other paperwork it's going to take to get things back to some semblance of normal. Please continue to keep those affected in your prayers.

My family and my home were not affected directly, but that does not mean we are not affected emotionally by this. The entire city - and possibly the entire state - is dealing with the emotional affects of all this rain. And while we have had sunny days, it has rained several times since the flood.

This is an amazing city. It is my favorite place. I love to visit different places, but will never live anywhere else. This is one of the best articles I have read regarding our city and this flood:

http://www.section303.com/we-are-nashville-4366

And these videos sums up the positive attitude here. The sun is out and we are recovering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjaQoOdJvI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE9m63c3sBU&feature=channel

I still cry when I watch these and the pictures of the Grand Ole Opry House are so eerily like the Titanic pictures I have to close my eyes.

If you live here and can help go to http://www.hon.org/ and sign up to help. Or just check local city and community websites. Most are organizing cleanup days to help with public areas. For instance, Hendersonville (where we live), has most of the parks - or at least parts of them - still closed. And every baseball/softball in town with one exception was under water.

If you can help financially, there are many, many organizations helping out.

Second Harvest provides food and other necessities to people and organizations: http://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/?q=node/54

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee: http://cfmt.org/floodrelief/

Churches of Christ Disaster Relief: www.disasterreliefeffort.org/

Of course the Red Cross is also helping out.

The very best thing anyone out there can do to help is pray.

This is a strong city. Opryland Hotel and Opry Mills mall may be closed for 6 months, but I'm pretty sure, when they reopen, you won't be able to get near them for a while. Many people are displaced and shell-shocked, but all are working to recover. And I'm betting most will stay where they were. The Grand Ol' Opry House may be closed - but not one show was missed. Even the country music stars here were affected. Some lost their homes or had damage, some lost their instruments at Sound Check. But they were on the phone and donating their time and money to this amazing city - which for a lot of them is not their hometown, but their adopted home. Many, many businesses around here have donated a percentage of the proceeds on specific nights to local charities.

I am so proud (even though I live just outside the city) to call my self a Nashvillian!

It has been too long...

2010-03-10T11:11:00.002-06:00

Since I've written anything. I can't even figure out what I've missed. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's...Yeah, we do pretty much the same thing for those every year, so there's nothing interesting there. At least not to anyone but us. We're pretty traditional people. And while we don't plot out every minute during the holidays, we usually stick to the same "schedule" so we can see both families and still have time for our little family.

We've had an interesting winter here, that's for sure. My kids finally got to experience true sledding. Living in the south, that happens once every few years and my kids weren't old enough to enjoy that kind of snow last time. This time it was FUN! But, they've missed 10 days of school this year and that's cutting it close with the "built-in" days. We're already going right up to June with the new schedule and none of us wants it to go any longer.

I'm thinking that 9 & 5 are pretty good ages. Even though we're dealing with the smart mouth growing in on the 9 year old and the 5 year old's sudden inability to hear his name being called. But they truly are enjoying their lives and everything is new to them for some reason. That's fun to watch and it reminds us what it is to be amazed by every day life. And they're both remembering the fun.

Maybe I'll think of something more interesting next time...

Pray For Noah

2009-11-25T17:49:00.003-06:00

I just added a new link: "Pray for Noah". My cousin's 22 month old son is fighting a very serious medical battle right now.

Please pray for Noah and his parents.

The Happiest Place on Earth

2009-11-09T20:24:00.003-06:00

We went to Disney World last month. FINALLY. My kids LOVED it. It was worth every penny we spent on it to see their faces when the saw it the first time. And to fly. Neither had ever flown before and it was quite an experience for all of us. And still, my 5 year old wants to go back and see Mickey. He even told me last night how if he saw a falling star he would wish for Mickey to come and visit him!

We had a blast! Here’s what I learned:

1 – Stay on the resort. We had never done that before and it was worth it. All transportation is provided and delivers you right to the entrance of the parks. No parking fees, trying to find a place, walking miles to the entrance, trying to find a shuttle or remembering where you parked. And – probably more importantly – extra hours in the parks. Also, much like a cruise, your key card is your park ticket, your meal ticket and items can be charged to your room – I recommend caution on that, but at least you don’t have to haul your debit card around with you.

2 – Magic Hours. Magic hours are on different days for different parks. We made our decisions about which parks to visit based on these. The hotels have schedules for all the parks, including which ones have late night shows to help.

3 – Park Hopper. We didn’t buy it, and don’t regret it. If you base your park visits on the magic hours you don’t need it. Why spend more time on transportation between the parks? Just plan to eat in the park you plan to visit.

4 – Meal Reservations. I didn’t make them as early as I should have. We still had some great food, but missed out on some places my kids may have liked. Make them as soon as you have your trip booked. Especially if you want character meals. And make them in conjunction with your park schedule (see above).

5 – Dining Plan. Purchase the dining plan. Really. We had one quick-service, on sit-down and one snack a day for each of us and it was more than enough food. You still have to pay for the tips, but as mentioned above, you can put those on your room. We did that and used our cash to purchase souvenirs. We probably would have spent close to twice what the meal plan cost us on food.

6 – Characters. I never dreamed my kids would be into the characters, but they really were – except for the princesses. So, we stood in line for them. Fortunately, the lines weren’t long and we managed to get lucky several times and not have to wait at all. So we have tons of character pictures.

7 – Photo Pass. Yet another thing we probably didn’t take as much advantage of as we should have. The Disney photographers are everywhere: at the entrances, with the characters and at strategic points in the park to get the best photo. You get a card for this and scan it every time a picture is taken. Then log on to the website at the end of your trip and you have a month to purchase any that you’d like to have. Even items with the picture on them, scrapbooks, Christmas cards, and a CD with all pictures on them. The prices aren’t all that bad, either.

8 – Fast Pass/Child Swap. Two of Disney’s more brilliant ideas, I think. All rides have a posted wait time. Some of the more popular rides (Space Mountain, for instance) have a “fast pass” time as well. If the wait was more than about 20 minutes, we went to the fast pass machines, put in our tickets and got a time to come back. The fast pass line is usually only about 5 minutes long. The Toy Story ride at Hollywood Studios for instance had a 70 minute wait at 11am. So, we got a fast pass for 5:50, went through the rest of the park, came back and only stood in line about 10 minutes. Perfect. For Child Swap, Colby refused to ride the roller coasters, so we got a ticket from the line attendant and Glenn & Garrett would go through. Colby & I would wait at the exit. When they were done, Garrett & I would go through the fast pass line. Garrett got to ride things twice and Glenn & I both got to enjoy the rides without having to worry about what to do with Colby, or wasting too much time.

9 – Pin Trading. It’s been going on about 10 years and it was fun. Buy a lanyard. Glenn & I bought the plastic card holder for ours so we could carry the tickets/keys and have them ready whenever we needed them. And then buy pins at every park. The kids got into the trading. It’s a souvenir you can add to over time and it’s a lot of fun to go through them all at the shops to find just the right pin.

10 – Rest. We learned after the first day to walk slowly in the park. Take our time. Stop every so often and look at the maps. Maybe find a playground (if there was one) and rest. The kids weren’t so cranky and whiny if we did that. And felt like they had some say in the process as we’d sit down with the map and figure out which section to go to next. And water. We did buy a lot of water. It kept everyone refreshed – even if we did have to stop at the bathrooms more often.

11 – PARADES/Shows. No one does a parade like Disney – not even Macy’s. And there are no better shows on the planet. “Fantasmic” is phenomenal. The “Spectro Magic” parade is amazing. Both my kids still hum or sing the songs while playing or cleaning. Get a schedule and see as many as possible. It’s also good sit down time. (see above “rest”)

12 – Go in the Fall. We went to the modified calendar this year in Sumner County and we planned our trip for fall break. It was the least crowded I have ever seen it. And even though it was hot the week we were there, most Octobers are very mild in Orlando. And it doesn’t rain as much. I've been in summer, spring break and Christmas and this was the best time of year that I've been.

I’m sure there are one or two other things I could mention – and will if you ask me. If you’re my Facebook friend, I have tons of pictures online. My kids are 9 & 5 – almost the perfect ages. It was a fantastic trip. I’m not one to go the same place every year, but I would go back to Disney next year. I’d go back every year till my kids were too old if we could afford it. As it is, we’ll probably go back in 3 or 4 years. When Colby will actually ride the rides.

For us, that week, it really was the “Happiest Place on Earth”. But then, if my family is with me, any place is…

September 11

2009-09-10T09:53:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is September 11. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing. I was in the kitchen helping my barely 1-year old eat breakfast when my phone rang. We hadn't even turned the TV on in my house yet. So, I turned it on and didn't even settle on the couch, just sat on the edge of the coffee table mesmerized and unbearably sad. By the time I saw it, both towers had been hit. But everything else, I saw live.

Use this weekend to thank someone. A soldier, firefighter, police officer. Remember the New York City firefighters and police officers rushed into those buildings while everyone else was rushing out. Remember that police officers and firefighters all over this country do the same thing every day to protect those they serve.

Remember that our military is stationed all over the world to protect us and others from the same fate. They are away from their friends and families for months, maybe even years, at a time. Remember that our military is 100% volunteer.

Celebrate the unity this country achieved on that day. Celebrate the freedom we have to speak out against policies with which we disagree or in support of those with which we agree without retribution.

Pray for those that lead us. Pray for those that protect us. Pray for those that hate us. Pray that our children never have to experience something like that.

Dear Mr. Obama,

2009-09-09T17:44:00.001-05:00

It's not that we, the American people, don't understand your healthcare reform plan. It's that WE DON'T WANT IT.

More Thoughts on "The Speech"

2009-09-09T11:37:00.002-05:00

Okay. I read it. I really did. It wouldn't have changed my decision and it doesn't make me regret my decision. I told my children basically what he said. And again, my 4th grader says "we hear that all the time". Just proof that my kids didn't need the president to tell them.

The speech was good. And there are probably some children that needed to hear that. That don't hear it at home, or need to hear it from someone besides their parents.

My problem was never with the speech. But with the timing of it - why during school and only available on the internet for the kids? And with the curriculum recommendations made by the federal department of education.

At any rate, it's over.

Thoughts on "The Speech"

2009-09-08T09:13:00.002-05:00

My children aren't going. Thank goodness my county gave parents the option. I can tell you, if it hadn't, my children would not have gone to school. Every parent needs to make that decision for themselves and their children based on their beliefs and values. I will not criticize anyone's decision. Everyone raises their children differently. But here are my thoughts, and the reasons we made the decision we did.

1 - My children are 9 & 5. In Kindergarten and 4th grade. The speech will most certainly be over the little one's head and some of it may be over the bigger one's. It's also scheduled for an hour - do you know any children that young that will acutally pay attention for that long?

2 - I don't understand its necessity. To encourage children to stay in school? I drive mine every day - they don't have a choice. To encourage them to try their best? Here's the conversation I had with my 4th grader this morning:

Him: What am I going to miss in the president's speech?
Me: I don't know all of it. But I know he wants to talk about how important
school is and how you should do your best.
Him: But you've told me that every day since I started Kindergarten!

3 - It just doesn't smell right. Why not do this in the speech in conjunction with his joint session of congress speech later this week? Why not just set aside part of that to address school aged children? My opinion on this is that he knows he's not good for ratings any more and a lot of adults won't be watching it - much less calling their children in for a portion. They keep saying other presidents have done this. Including both Bushes. But I just don't remember - and I was in high-school during the first Bush administration. I was old enough for my parents to have discussed it with me if a permission slip like the one we got this week had been sent home. I think he did it as part of a prime time address. And I've had school-aged children for most of the 2nd Bush administration and nothing like this has ever happened.

4 - No one speaks to my child without my permission. I have developed some kind of relationship with every teacher they have ever had. Every one. It's my job to stay on top of what's going on in their schools. To communicate with them about what they are being taught and communicate with the teacher about what's going on in the classroom. Any classroom. I know who's coming in to talk with them. I know more than half of the 4th grade parents also. So, I know what adults my children are around. I know when a speaker is coming to school what he/she is going to talk about in general. Because of these relationships, I have come to trust the adults in charge of my children's education. And I don't trust this president. I just don't think he ever tells the whole truth. I think it's wrong of the administration to all but demand schools show this speech and I think it's wrong of a school district to force a parent to opt out. We should have had to opt in - like we do for everything else.

5 - The hours my children are in school are for education. If education is so important, why take an hour out of the educational day to impress on students how important education is?

6 - The curriculum suggestions. Rumor or not, they were out there. And the wording was suspect. It was changed also. If nothing was wrong with the questions teachers were encouraged to get students to answer, why were they changed? And even if all of this is rumor, rumors generally have some basis in fact. Why should my Kindergartner have to color a picture of the president? He knows who he is. In fact, prior to the election both of my children (my youngest at the time was barely 4) could recognize all 4 candidates on the top 2 tickets. Why should my 4th grader have to write a letter saying how he can help the president achieve his goals? He needs to worry about how he's going to read 24 books this year and work toward achieving his own goals. Not to mention that there should be no loyalty to the president but to the country he serves.

Somone asked me last week would I have made the same decision if it had been President McCain doing this. I think so. I don't think it's appropriate. But honestly, I don't think a President McCain would have been arrogant enough to do this. I was also asked, what if he was coming to your school. First of all, he wouldn't, it's a largely conservative area and it would be a waste of his time. But my kids would go see him, sure. I would go with them. That's a once in a lifetime opportunity. This president is on TV every other night for some reason or other. So they won't be missing anything. Will I let them watch the speech later? My 4th grader, maybe. As long as I'm with him and I can explain things in more detail. Or note if I think he's said something out of line. My Kindergartner, nah, he's just too young and won't do anything but say "hey, that's Barack Obama" over and over.

I've said this a lot this week: It is the teachers' job to educate my children and the teachers at our elementary school are doing a fantastic job. It is my job to impress on them how important school is. We're doing a good job of that. Both of my kids love school. Yes, that's in their nature, but if we weren't always encouraging them, that would fade. My 4th grader was ready to go back after only a few days of summer. It's my job to encourage them to try their best. From time to time they struggle with that, but there are consequences for not doing your best. So far, we haven't had any major issues with behavior or bad grades, so we must be doing fairly well with that also. None of this is the president's job and if that's what his speech is about, my kids don't need it. If it's about more than that, I don't want my kids to be used in politics that way.

WOW!

2009-09-04T16:26:00.004-05:00

Has it really been more than 4 months?! BTW, it's also been that long since I've read any blogs, too. It's been a busy summer with baseball and all the other things we've had going on.

Both boys have been in school just a little over a month. Colby is still learning the ropes and this week wasn't great, but he's learning and that's what's important. Garrett loves school, so I knew there weren't going to be any problems there. He's had a great year so far. We're happy with both teachers - I should say here that I've NEVER been disappointed with a teacher.

Both played baseball this summer which took up most of our free time. Add to that scout camp and once a month scout activities and we just were not home much at all. Both of them loved it and Garrett's going to be pretty good at it, I think.

They both had birthdays last month, so they are now 9 & 5. To have my baby turn 5 is a little overwhelming. I guess I shouldn't call him "the baby" any more. But I'm afraid that's what he'll always be. We didn't have any kind of big party since we're planning a big trip next month. And we just don't need any more stuff in this house, so I didn't want a bunch of kids bringing random toys as presents. And, quite frankly, we were just too crazy to plan anything.

It doesn't sound like we did a lot, but we just weren't home a lot. We managed to have some fun. We spent a lot of nights & Saturdays (after baseball ended) at The Streets playing in the fountain or at the park with the big playground. It was a mild summer for Tennessee so we weren't cooped up all summer and we spent a lot of time outside - away from the computer.

I'm sure I'll catch up on my reading and posting in the near future - maybe...Happy Fall Y'all!

Kindergarten - again

2009-04-27T15:02:00.002-05:00

I have a kindergartner - again. On Friday, I registered Colby - my baby! - for Kindergarten. WOW! Hard to believe. He went with me and did pretty well while I filled out the mountains of paperwork.

The older kids (3-5 grades) had TCAPs (our standardized tests) last week, so Friday was a relaxing day for them. Garrett's teacher told them Friday morning they weren't allowed to learn anything that day. So, after Colby & I registered for Kindergarten, we went outside and he played on the playground with Garrett's class for almost an hour. He had a blast!

He's young - he won't be 5 until the day before he starts. His brother was the same way. In fact, Garrett's birthday is later than Colby's. I considered holding him out. And even though he's registered, I reserve the right to do just that. I did the same with his brother. Spent the whole summer preaching to him about how he needed to behave. We started him and he did fine.

I know every child is different. But, really, how do you hold a child out who is READING just because he's young? Don't get me wrong, Colby's not reading classical literature or anything. But he's reading. I've been trying to remember Garrett's "sight words" from Kindergarten and work on those. He's doing really, really well. He also knows all the sounds of his letters, so in addition to the "sight words" we're working on sounding words out, too. That's going okay.

We're still working on things - like sitting still - but I suspect it will be worse if I hold him out and he's bored when he does finally start. As it is, I'm afraid he's going to be a little bored this year - Garrett was. But, we have great Kindergarten teachers at our school (we have great teachers in all grades, but right now Kindergarten is my concern). Teachers who make learning fun - even if it's something the kids already know - like the sound M makes.

Next year is my first year with 2 in school. A Kindergartner and a 4th grader. I'm not sure it's sunk in yet. Talk to me in August.

Daycare

2009-04-22T12:52:00.003-05:00

I work. I like my job, but I call it my second choice. I want to be at home. Since I work, I have to have daycare. For just over 7 years, my children have been in daycare. For 6 1/2 years they have been at the same one - ever since we moved. My youngest has never gone anywhere else. I have been very happy with the teachers there. Similar to the way I feel about my job, I call my daycare my second choice.

My oldest is now in school, but has been going there during the summers. This summer was going to be our last. My youngest starts Kindergarten in the fall. We don't need child care except during the breaks and the school has a good program.

But - yesterday. They met parents at the door (in the morning, when everyone is in a hurry) to tell us they've decided to close the center at the end of May. Now, they said the economy wasn't supporting keeping the center open. Baloney. That center is full. I'm not going to get into it here, but I told the district manager exactly what I thought about that. Then called the corporate office & gave then a piece of my mind also. I was controlled and polite, but was sure to let them hear my frustration and made sure they knew how angry and disappointed I was.

Now, I have to find a new daycare for my youngest. FOR TWO MONTHS! PART TIME for two months. And hope that this crazy transition doesn't mess up his transition to Kindergarten in August. He may handle it better than I am. Kids are much more resilient than adults. But that doesn't stop the worry - and the anger.

I'm dealing, and he'll have a new place by the time his closes. And in August, he'll start Kindergarten at the "big school" with his brother and won't remember all of this. Please, pray for all of us.

Tea Parties!!

2009-04-16T11:30:00.002-05:00

I had an amazing time! I have never done anything like that in my life. And I am PUMPED. I'm ready to get involved and do anything I possibly can to keep this up. We are in danger of losing our republic if we do not start paying more attention to what is going on in Washington.

Yes, I'm angry about what's been said about it. How the people are being insulted by the media and left-wing politicians. How the people are just angry and aren't smart enough to organize by themselves. We must be driven (or paid) by a party. Oh, yeah, and everyone there was a "right-wing extremist" and is on the Homeland Security watch list. But those who were at a tea party (any of them) know the truth and it will spread thanks to blogs and word of mouth. You cannot deny what you see.

It was like one huge pep rally. And the horn honking! If you were in Tennesse around 10 years ago, you remember the income tax protests that went on for years. Every time you drove the capital, you honked your horn to let the legislature know you were against it. And it worked. And yesterday it was continued. You could barely hear the speakers because of the horns. It was peaceful, too. Amazing with 10000 people crammed into that space. And clean when we left.

There was no party affiliation yesterday. In fact, I saw signs that blamed Bush for the spending as much as Obama. And they were right. It's about responsibility. And it's about "we, the people" taking responsibility as well. Responsibility for who we send to Washington. Responsibility for watching them while they're there.

I do have pictures, but my batteries died and I need to get new ones before I can upload them. Hopefully some time today.

Tax Day Tea Party

2009-04-14T15:47:00.003-05:00

So, tomorrow is April 15. An "anti-holiday" to most Americans. Now, my husband & I have already filed our taxes. He starts harassing me to put the paperwork together some time in mid-January every year. That way we're ready when the W-2s and other official paperwork arrive in the mail. And, we got a refund. Well, not a refund. We got our money back that we loaned to the federal government interest free. But I don't necessarily look at that number. I look at the actual tax due numbers. AND IT DRIVES ME CRAZY! If everyone had to actually write a check for their taxes in April instead of just getting back the extra the government took out of their checks, there would be a much larger revolt in this country. People, as a rule, just don't realize how much it is.

I am not one that believes there should be no taxes. I understand the government needs to provide defense and other items. I do not believe the government - at any level - should take care of people. YES, I know there are those that can't take care of themselves. I support charities that do that. And I believe the government has some role in that. But I believe the government has moved into supporting those that won't support themselves. I also believe the government is spending money where it shouldn't. Things that should be taken care of in the private sector - bailouts, anyone?

We need to be involved. I email my representatives & senators, both federal and state, regularly. I follow their websites & blogs and any legislation they sponsor and support. I monitor their voting records. I VOTE. Every. single. time. Now, it's time to do something else. In this country we still have the right to speak out.

I am taking a vacation day tomorrow to do just that. The Tea Party is tomorrow. There are hundreds of these nationwide. Here, in Tennessee, there is one at the capital in Nashville tomorrow at noon. Then there are county tea parties at 6pm all over the state. TWO chances to get involved. Once at the state level, once at the local level. TWO chances to make your voice heard. Guess what? We're going to both. I've never been to a protest before so this is new to me.

And we're taking our kids to the evening one. My kids vote with us. They knew by sight the candidates last year. My oldest got to where he could recognize their voices if he heard speeches from the other room. He also has a basic understanding of the Electoral College. And they both understand elections and the transfer of power. We're taking them because we think they need to understand "we, the people". Especially my oldest. They need to start learning now the responsibility we have to monitor those we elect.

Want to get involved? Find a Tea Party near you...http://taxdayteaparty.com/

By the way - don't just complain and protest. I have also emailed thank yous to my representatives and senators. Complain too much and they just quit listening. Tomorrow, I will take note of who listens and who doesn't and send them messages accordingly.

On Dan Miller

2009-04-10T09:16:00.002-05:00

I grew up in and around Nashville. Aside from a couple of years as a kid in East Tennessee and my 4 years of college, I've always been here. I grew up watching Dan, Demetria, Rudy & Bill on Channel 4 news. I remember when he left, but don't really remember who replaced him. He was an icon on Nashville TV. I don't have the right words, but I heard them this morning watching Tennessee Mornings on Fox.

Charlie said it was "like part of the Nashville skyline is missing". I think that sums it up better than I ever could.

Wishful Thinking

2009-03-26T12:12:00.001-05:00

I'm sitting at my desk (at home) working and listening to the "Fred Thompson Show" on my local talk radio station. WHY isn't HE the president?!

March Madness

2009-03-20T14:00:00.003-05:00

I love it! College basketball at its finest. My team isn't in it this year. I have to face it, they just stunk. As a matter of fact, I'm disappointed in the entire SEC. 3 teams?! Crazy.

I filled out a bracket anyway. And am watching some of it. I love college basketball, but I really don't feel compelled to watch it with my team out & very few teams from my favorite conference in.

It has certainly been exciting. I did not pick WKU to win. I thought about it, but figured that was just picking with my heart. I'm glad I lost that one, though.

Now, I did pick Oklahoma State to beat UT. I just cannot pick the Vols. I wouldn't pick them if they were a #1 seed. I think one year, they were #2 and I picked the #15 seed! I'm happy to have won that one.

I'll be at home working around the house most of tomorrow, so I'm sure it will be on in the background. That is, if I'm not in the room where my kids are playing the Wii. (Their usual Saturday morning activity.)

And it can be exciting if you don't have a dog in the hunt, so to speak. I have no emotional attachment to anyone playing, so it's just about good basketball for me.

Enjoy your weekend!

On the Mend

2009-03-17T09:43:00.002-05:00

I think everyone is better now. At least we're getting that way.

***knocking on wood***

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Friday the 13th

2009-03-12T14:48:00.002-05:00

I'm not superstitious. Turns out, tomorrow will be a good day for us. The refinance is done! We sign the papers tomorrow. Because of the economic environment, credit "freeze" and banks being desperate to loan money to people who will actually pay it back, the interest rates are ridiculous.

We went from 6.5% to 4.75%. We've been in our house 6 1/2 years, so instead of adding 6 1/2 years back on and going with another 30 year loan, we went to a 15. Shaving 8 1/2 years off of it. So, no, our house payment is not going down. But guess what...

It isn't going up either. Well, maybe a little. About $50/month. SO WHAT. We are both still employed and have an emergency fund based on our current payment. And, in our case, $50 a month will save us thousands over the course of the loan.

Oh, yeah, and as an added bonus our house has increased in value enough that coupled with what we've paid down that we actually have 28% equity. Meaning that our stupid PMI is gone.

And, I'm taking tomorrow off, my husband is taking 1/2 off and our oldest is out of school. So we'll all have a mental health day...yeah, tomorrow is going to be a good day.

Guess I may be superstitious after all...Lucky 13!

I Am Confused

2009-03-11T12:32:00.003-05:00

How is it not a contradiction to claim this is a "new era of fiscal responsibity" and that you will "not approve of earmarks" WHILE YOU ARE SIGNING A BILL WITH OVER 9000 OF THEM?!

It's My Turn

2009-03-10T11:35:00.003-05:00

I don't have strep. But I have a bad sinus infection, for which I am now taking something.

My biggest problem? My voice. It's gone - completely. That's a problem if you're the only parent in the house while everyone is getting ready to leave in the mornings.

UGH.

Strep Throat

2009-03-06T17:53:00.002-06:00

It's strep throat. For both of them. And Garrett probably has an ear infection. I say probably because he didn't yesterday at the doctor - at least she didn't say anything after she checked his ears. And today, he's crying and laying on a heating pad. I'm not going to stress over that, because he's on anti-biotics for the strep, so that will take care of both. I am a little concerned about the weird gray film on his tongue. I suspect that may be a yeast infection. Guess I'll be calling the doctor in the morning to find out about that.

Colby is fine. Aside from the whining every time he sees the "ucky pink stuff" in the little cup. Ah, well. They'll live through it. Wonder if I will?

Hopefully the weather will still be nice when they're able to enjoy it.

Enough is Enough

2009-03-05T14:37:00.002-06:00

Garrett has the flu. Well, that's not exactly accurate. He had the flu. Last week. He's been back at school this week. Even though he's been a little tired, that was all. And we just figured it was because he hadn't fully recovered. Until this morning...

He woke up with 103 temperature. It's not technically the flu, but just a bad virus. Today and tomorrow will be the 5th & 6th days of school he's missed this semester - and it's not even half over! He NEVER misses this much school. And he's miserable all around. It just breaks my heart.

And Colby. He woke up this morning with just a slight fever. But enough to send me to the doctor with him because of what's going on with his brother. And because he was throwing up. His problem...strep throat. At least he's not completely miserable. Just a sore throat & mild tummy ache.

Me, I have razor blades in my throat. Their doctor even looked at mine. But said it wasn't as red as theirs were, so I'm going to wait and see how it goes. My husband is extremely susceptible to strep. So who knows if he's next.

I'm thinking of burning the house down to get rid of all the germs. Just kidding. But I am going to change all the sheets & replace the toothbrushes. And if I'm up to it Saturday I'm going to disinfect the entire house! It's supposed to be in the 70s here, so I'll open the windows to chase the bugs out into the neighborhood.

It could be worse. It's just hard to watch my kids suffer and know there isn't much I can do about it. Enough is enough already - go away flu!

I'm Tired...

2009-03-02T16:48:00.002-06:00

Of being called selfish.

I happen to think that if I earn money, I get to decide how it is spent. I give to charitable organizations with which I have common goals and interests. For instance, my husband & I donate to our local congreagation. Obviously, an institution we believe in and that has the same beliefs we do. We donate to the Boy Scouts. An organization that I have said is the best organization with which I have ever been involved (oustide the church). And we don't just donate money, though we do that. We donate time, lots of it. We have a few other charities on our annual list, but you get the idea.

We cannot donate to everyone that asks. Honestly, if I have to break up the "give" portion of my budget so that everyone who asks gets money, how much can I donate to each one? And there are some organizations with which I do not agree on any level - Planned Parenthood, for instance.

So why does the government think that it needs to take more of my money to give to these organizations? Why should anyone be forced to give their hard-earned money to groups they do not support? Why are we selfish because we don't want to give money to everyone that asks? Why are we selfish because only a portion (no matter how large) of our income is donated? Why is it selfish to want to save for our family's future?

I have actually been told that having an emergency fund is selfish. That we should spend that money instead of saving it because "the economy needs spenders". I came really close to losing it! Now, let me say here, there are people who have changed the way they live. They have started to hoarde money instead of continuing to live. Personally, I believe if your income changes, this is legitimate. Ours hasn't, so our habits haven't changed either.

I have heard this from "experts" on the news channels, read it on blogs, from politicians, from acquaintances, from friends. And I'm tired of it. I don't have to prove anything to these people, or I shouldn't have to. But I am starting to worry about the attitude that produces those statements. I'm worried our nation is turning into a nation of "takers" instead of "givers".

I continue to pray that is not happening, or that the trend will be reversed. I teach my children how it should be and what their attitude should be. And I continue to give, even though I'm afraid our disposable income will be going down due to higher taxes & higer costs because of those taxes. Because that is the right thing to do. Because one day, hopefully soon, the rest of the country will realize what is happening. Because I hope that one day, those "takers" will have a change of attitude. I will not quit.

This is a BAD IDEA

2009-02-27T18:55:00.002-06:00

This is real. And it's a bad idea. For ANY president.

Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) introduced H.J. Res. 5, which reads, "Proposing an
amendment to the Constitution of the United States to repeal the twenty-second
article of amendment, thereby removing the limitation on the number of terms an
individual may serve as President."

It has no co-sponsors and is currently in sub-committee. Who knows what will happen. I will be watching the progress of this bill. There are other issues I'm concerned with as well. But is there any doubt the current president would run again after two terms? And if he does, we will be stuck with his bad policies for too many years. Of course, we're already stuck for the next 4 years and that is bad enough.

Hmph

2009-02-27T09:18:00.002-06:00

Sick child + rainy weather = no tea party

Nashville Tea Party

2009-02-24T17:12:00.001-06:00

The movement has expanded...

Date: Friday, February 27, 2009

Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Location: Legislative Plaza

I have a sick child, but if he is any better and the weather will allow, he & I are going. He needs to see this. He needs to know that citizens can stand up for what they believe. If you are in the Nashville area and are against the bailouts - of any kind - you should be there, too. These are happening all across the country - find one near you!

Rant of the year!

2009-02-21T13:00:00.003-06:00

Go to the site & watch the video. This is AWESOME! There is a similar initiative for Memphis as well for those who may not be able to travel to Chicago...

http://americanfuturefund.com/sign-the-petition-for-a-chicago-tea-party/

http://memphisteaparty.com/

Enjoy!

Well...

2009-02-16T09:09:00.002-06:00

He made a liar out of me. He sent me chocolate covered strawberries for V-day.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T11:57:00.002-06:00

I don't like Valentine's Day. Never really have. Funny thing is, I married the perfect man in that respect. He doesn't either. Once, when we were dating, we decided we'd go out for dinner. HA! We couldn't find a restaurant that had less than a 2 hour wait. Then he suggested we go out to some fast food place. Well, you don't get me to fix my hair and make-up for FAST FOOD. You just don't. Anyway, it was one of the worst fights we'd had to that point. Mostly because we were both hungry and a little cranky. And I just did not want a burger. That was at least 13 years ago.

We haven't celebrated Valentine's Day since.

Now, before you say anything. Let me tell you - I don't need a special day to tell my husband how much I love him. And I don't need flowers or candy to know how much he loves me. I'd rather he just help me clean the house. Or take the boys outside so I could take a long bath. And he'd rather...well, never mind.

Even if we went out to eat, it could cost us better than $100 by the time we paid for babysitting. And do you know how hard it is to find someone available on Valentine's weekend?! And how crowded restaurants are?! And all of that would just stress me out. Not worth it.

Anyway, we do have a day we celebrate - our anniversary - just 3 months later - so that works for us.

Have a happy Valentine's Day anyway everyone. I'll have a good day - even if I don't get flowers, candy or a hot date!

Musical Memories

2009-02-09T10:15:00.002-06:00

In college, I was in a chorus called the Sonshine Singers. I absolutely loved it. I did it all 4 years and the best friends I have from college are from that group. The best memories I have are also from our perfomances and trips across the eastern US. There are times I miss singing in a group like that. Sometimes, I even miss the long trips on the bus. I always miss seeing my friends from that time and wish I could see them more.

Last night in church, I had a flashback. Our songleader led a song that we used to sing during performances. This happens all the time. Sometimes I have trouble singing the song because we sang it slightly different or because it makes me miss it more than usual. Sometimes it's because it's funny. Missed lines, messed up words, the little jokes we would play on each other & our director.

But this one was laugh out loud funny for some reason. I don't know why, really. We've sung this song before. It just struck me wrong last night. The name of the song is "Power in the Blood" and it was in our show one year. We used to spread out during church service and then we'd go to the front after service was over to perform. The songleader that night led that song. And was very demonstrative during the song. VERY. It's hard to describe. And we were all sort of snickering, because we were about to get up and sing the very same song...We didn't. As a matter of fact, our director told us before we started - we're not doing that song.

For some reason, last night, it was just plain funny. And you know how it is...everything is funnier when you're not supposed to be laughing!

I Love February!

2009-02-03T16:40:00.002-06:00

I don't love the weather. And I despise Valentine's Day (long story). But this is turning out to be a good financial month for us - every year. First of all, it's bonus month at my company. We simply add that money to what we have saved for our vacation since it's not in our budget. I don't know what mine is, yet. But any extra helps. Secondly, it's "opt out" month here also. Which means, since we use my husband's health insurance, I get extra for opting out of ours. That's also extra vacation money. Again, since we don't count on it every year, we don't put it in our budget. And it's tax month. Our W2's are here, so we'll e-file our taxes this weekend (probably) and should have the money in our account by the end of the month. That goes into the savings account since if we'd been getting it throughout the year, that's what we would have done with it.

This year - it's even better. I just locked in a fabulous refinance rate on our home! So, we just knocked 1.75% off our interest rate and 8 1/2 years off of our loan! And over $200 a month off of our payment as a result of all of that. We have been putting this re-fi off for a while, but now, with the credit markets all but crippled, the interest rates are dropping. That makes it prime time for people like us - no debt, near perfect credit - to take advantage of it. Now, I'm not advocating taking out any addtional loans. And we didn't. We aren't taking out any extra. Simply taking what we owe on our house & getting a better loan. No money out and a shorter term.

In some small way, this makes up for the crappy weather this week.

Say Cheese!

2009-01-30T10:07:00.009-06:00

Since the snow day incident, Colby's okay. He's actually pretty proud of his "four stitches". He's tough. They put the stitches in that don't have to be removed. Well, fine and good. But according to the nurse, they can last longer than the standard stitches. Also, his eyelid is yellow today. The swelling is down, but the bruising is just showing up.

Normally, none of this would be an issue. But his school pictures are Wednesday. Just like his brother.

How I Spent My "Snow" Day

2009-01-27T17:34:00.005-06:00

Oh my goodness. Today was a "snow" day. Forget the fact that there is no snow or ice at my house. NONE. There are reasons for the snow day, legitimate ones. This is a large county with rural areas and just slightly to the north of us it was bad. Anyway. Because it was a snow day, I was working at home since we don't pay for child care during the school year. No big deal, I do it all the time. Only today was different.

The kids slept in, so it was late (a little after 10) when they decided they wanted breakfast. Fine, whatever. Here's your cereal, and I'm going downstairs to eat mine at my desk while I work. Then I hear Colby crying, and they're coming downstairs. I braced myself, fully prepared to give them a good lecture about how I'm working and they need to settle it themselves without fighting. HA. God has a way of teaching you a lesson sometimes and you just don't see it coming.

It happened again. Colby smacked his head - just below his eyebrow - on the kitchen counter. Lucky me. And of course, we're all in t-shirts & pajama pants. So, I get him settled & Garrett gets him a rag to hold over it. Garrett & I get dressed, he gets Colby's clothes together. I dressed Colby while Garrett ran around and found everyone's shoes and their DS's so they'd have something to do while we waited. I made all the phone calls from the car & we got to Vanderbilt fairly quickly.

He's not hurt, not bad. Four stitches and a Tetanus shot later, we're all home & resting. I guess getting stitches in your eyebrow is part of our family's tradition. At least there are no pictures tomorrow.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-21T14:56:00.002-06:00

I didn't watch it. And before you say I'm some bitter old Republican, let me clue you in. I am not Republican. I generally support the Republican party because it is more conservative than the Democratic party. Simple as that. I am not old - I'm 36. And I'm not bitter, disappointed, but not bitter. Also, I never watch inaugurations. N.E.V.E.R. I work.

Let me say this first: I am proud of this country. Every 4 years we have a peaceful transfer of power. Yesterday was historic as the first African-American took the oath of office. I'm proud that we've moved past the civil rights violations of 50 years ago. I'm proud that most of us looked past color when we voted.

But I am concerned. I do not think that America needs to be "re-made" or "re-born" or any of the other "re" words he used in his speech. I do not think that the government needs to provide jobs, healthcare, retirement, or any of the other things we, as free people, should take care of ourselves. I do not believe that the question is "whether or not the government works" but I believe the question is "whether it is too big or too small". He got that backward.

And I am offended. DEEPLY offended by that "prayer". In case you only watch the main-stream media, here is an excerpt:

'Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the
joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will
not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can
get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do
justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'...

Every word of that inauguration is planned and approved. If not by Obama himself, by someone on his staff. And I think someone needs to apologize to the American people - Christians in particular.

I'm very afraid it's going to be a long 4 years.

Moments of Clarity

2009-01-13T16:34:00.002-06:00

I have a few moments that I remember almost perfectly - right down to what I was wearing, saying, thinking...Moments that changed my life. Yes, this includes my wedding (though I remember less about this than I would like), the births of my kids, etc. But I've been thinking about one in particular a lot lately. I've never shared it with anyone. I was alone when it happened and there never seemed to be any reason. It was all about me at any rate. But I think I need to share it now, particularly with my husband.

Just over 5 years ago, November 4, 2003, my mother passed away after a very long (25 years) and hard fought battle with multiple myeloma. A couple of months later, I was driving out to lunch from my old office building. To Subway. I don't remember the exact date, but I know it was sometime after Christmas, but still in January. We had just found out we were having our 2nd child, but hadn't started telling anyone because I hadn't been to the doctor yet. We had all grieved, but her death was expected and she had lived longer than anyone thought she would. Both my sister & I were married, I had one child, my husband & I had moved back to my hometown just over a year before. In part, because I wanted to be there and in part so our child would get to spend a lot of time with his Oma. He was only 3, but I hear him sometimes telling his little brother who she is.

We had all gotten back into our routine, work, school, church, etc. And I was going out to lunch. It wasn't a long drive, but it struck me then that there are three places in this world a person can be: Where you want to be, where you need to be and where you are. And I realized that I was in all three places at once. It's what I had been searching for.

When I was in college, it was where I needed to be, but I wanted to move on. When I was in Smyrna, I never wanted to be there. It was only home because Glenn was there. But, it was where I needed to be and where I was. Even when we moved back to Hendersonville, I didn't realize that was where I needed to be until that moment. My mom needed to spend a lot of time with us, with my son and he needed to spend that time with her. I wanted to be home, I always had. And I was there.

It was at that point that I knew I was going to be okay without her. I hadn't been dwelling on my grief, but a weight lifted all the same. I know that I was only grieving for myself, my sister, my dad, my child, etc. Not for her. I realized at that moment that I was 31, the same age she was when she was diagnosed and that I needed to live like she had. Enjoying life, but never scared of dying. Knowing there was something better. And that I needed to make sure that I lived a life that meant I could join her when the time came.

I'm sorry that it took me 31 years to get there. I'm sorry that I don't remember that I'm still there often enough. I'm sorry that my husband is grieving for his mother. I need to share this with him, because he was there for me at every turn. Taking the children when I needed to be alone, ignoring Mother's Day because I just couldn't take it, making sure every birthday I've had since has been special (she was buried on my birthday). It's time that I let him know that it's going to be okay. That he can survive without her, even though he doesn't want to have to.

Always remember that life is shorter than you want it to be. Love those close to you, enjoy living, make the right choices, let people know how you feel about them. Live, Laugh, Love.

WE WON!!!!

2009-01-05T15:32:00.002-06:00

I realize this is late, but I was trying to enjoy my holidays (more on that later).

WE WON!!!!

http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010109aab.html

We haven't been to a bowl game in 26 years and haven't won one in more than 50!!!

Yes, it was ugly - but it's still a W!

WOO-HOO!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:18:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday as much as I intend to.

Merry Christmas!

Music City Bowl

2008-12-09T10:06:00.001-06:00

OH OH WOW!!!!

We made it! Trust me this is a big deal. It's the first time in 26 years. I remember it - I was 10. Not too much older than my oldest son is now.

I remember when Nashville got a bowl. It was all very exciting. While Nashville will always be more famous for the music, we are becoming quite a sports town: The Predators, Titans, Music City Bowl, Women's Final Four.

I always knew the streak would end. We would go to a bowl. But I never dreamed it would be the Music City Bowl. The point of the bowl system is so more teams can participate. Teams travel, the fans travel. The point of having a bowl in your city is for the money. Not just the game money, but the hotels, restaurants, tourist traps all make money. The city, county and state make tax money. So, why on earth would the Music City Bowl want Vanderbilt?!

But they're here. Playing Boston College. The team is treating it as if they are going across the country. Participating in all the events, staying in the hotel. I'm sure parents and family members of the participants will be here. And you know BC will have fans travel also. The university is encouraging all of it's fans to treat this as an out of town event as well. Apparently, Vanderbilt lobbied hard to get into this game. And Kentucky has been here a few times already. So, they're headed to Memphis and the Liberty Bowl and Vanderbilt is playing here! In the MUSIC CITY BOWL!

I'm planning on going! I can't believe it!!! A BOWL GAME! IN NASHVILLE!!!

OH OH WOW!!!!

Global Warming?

2008-12-02T11:34:00.002-06:00

Not here. It's barely 40 today but "feels like" 33. It's been in the 20s & 30s all week. It has been in the 30s & 40s for most of November. The cold is here early this year.

I'm just not buying the global warming arguments right now.

A Time for Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T10:52:00.002-06:00

There is a lot going on to be worried about in this country. I understand that. But Thursday is Thanksgiving here. So, I thought it would do me some good to make a list of all the things I'm thankful for...(I believe in being specific, so it's not your standard list)

I'm thankful that I was born in the USA. Particularly in the Southern US. This is truly the best country in the world - even with all of our problems. We have freedom to speak and worship as we please. I love the south. I would never live anywhere else. We have seasons here, mountains, lakes, cities, country areas. If Tennessee had a beach, it would be a perfect state.
I'm thankful that my dad quit his job in east Tennessee (30 years ago) because he wanted to be back in Nashville. Even though I don't think my mom spoke to him for several months. Not only is the city a great place to be, being in the same city as Vanderbilt Hospital saved my mom's life all those years ago.
I'm thankful for Vanderbilt Hospital. I'm convinced that, second only to prayer, they kept my mother alive for 25 years. They are caring and understanding. Honest, but gentle. They treat patients and families with respect. I've taken my son to the ER and he's had eye surgery there. And I have never had a bad experience with that hospital or any of its employees.
I'm thankful that my boss (at one of my summer jobs in college) found out through the grapevine I had broken up with my boyfriend. And that she walked in one day and announced to my entire office how sorry she was, even though at the time I was mortified. And I'm thankful those co-workers decided I couldn't spend the summer alone and decided to fix me up with Glenn. It's the only time I was fixed-up and it's worked out pretty well.
I'm thankful that I have boys. I joke that I prayed for patience and God gave me boys. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't know what in the world I would do with girls anyway.
I'm thankful my little one won't sleep in his own bed right now. He sleeps with his brother. I hear Garrett reading to Colby. I hear them say "Goodnight" and "I love you" and lay in bed & giggle.
I'm thankful for the Cub Scouts. Let me tell you, this is the best organization for boys I have ever seen. They teach respect, loyalty, reverence, self-reliance, kindness, etc. I'm proud to be involved with them.
I'm thankful for my job. Though I wish I didn't have one, I'm happy with the one I've got. I'm thankful for its flexibility, its generousity, its paycheck.
I'm thankful for my neighborhood and neighbors. I live in a six-house circle and I may never move! It's amazing how much alike we all are and how much we get along. These people are my extended family.
I'm thankful for the elementary school. It's almost directly across the street from my backyard. We have never been disappointed in any of the teachers. The parents are extremely active in the school and it is one of the best in the county.
I'm thankful to be a Christian. I'm thankful for my church family. I'm thankful that I can go anywhere in the country and feel at home in worship service.
I'm thankful for Freed-Hardeman. No, I did not meet my husband there. But I got my education there. I lived there for 4 years. No, Henderson isn't my favorite town - I'm more of a city-girl. But it gave me a chance to be away from home. To learn to be responsible. To make friends that I will always have.
I'm thankful that almost 7 years ago when I announced it was time to move, my husband didn't blink. I know he would have been happy to stay in Smyrna forever. He knew I wouldn't. He knew I wanted to be closer to my parents - especially my mom. He knew I wanted our child (the only one we had at the time) to spend a lot of time with her. So, we moved.
I'm thankful for Dave Ramsey. I found his show in graduate school and have never looked back. We've been debt free (except for the house) for just over 8 years. It gives us a peace of mind that a lot of people don't have.

This is in no way complete; there is so much more. I may have more tomorrow, who knows. My point is, we should always be thankful for what we have - especially in tough times.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

BOWL ELIGIBLE!!!!

2008-11-15T22:26:00.001-06:00

For the first time since 1982!!!!!!

http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111508aaa.html

I have nothing more to say...

I Was Born on Election Day

2008-11-06T15:12:00.004-06:00

I was. Really. Tuesday, November 7, 1972. The day Richard Nixon was elected to his second term. You know, the "long national nightmare". At any rate, I'll be 36 tomorrow. I haven't figured out if that puts me in my middle or late 30's. I've really been blessed. But my birthday brings mixed feelings.

I've always been ALL ABOUT my birthday. It's the only day that's all mine. My parents always made a big deal out of birthdays. Even if we couldn't afford a lot, there was always something special they did for us.

Five years ago, November 4, my mother passed away. She was buried - you guessed it - on my 31st birthday. Now, in fairness to my dad, he asked me about it before the arrangements were made. He would have moved the funeral to a different day (probably the next day) if I had asked him to. But really, it wouldn't have mattered. And there was no reason to prolong everything just for that. Now, 5 years later, at 36, I know I made the right decision. The whole stinking week has been hard.

It's hard, because when my mother was 31, she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Then when I turned 31, I didn't have her there to celebrate. And I've had 5 more healthy years than she did. When I turned 6, she had been diagnosed. My sister was 3. My kids are 8 & 4, and while I worry about everything, I haven't spent the last few years worried they would grow up without me.

It's a blessing, too. Because if anyone knows to cherish each and every day it is me (and my entire family). If anyone knows that birthdays and holidays are extra special it's us. We don't always remember that, but we always come back to it. It makes us celebrate even more with those we love. It makes me thankful for every day with my family. Even if they're getting on my last nerve.

It's also a blessing because my youngest child is a birthday present. That weekend, 5 years ago my husband was going to take me out while my sister kept my oldest overnight. She did, the next weekend. And nine months later? Colby. Poor child, he'll hate that when he gets older.

And it's hard, because this year, my husband has a training session for Cub Scouts at Boxwell. Yup, on my birthday. He's gonna owe me BIG next weekend. But at least I don't have to worry about another present nine months later.

Anyway, happy birthday to me. I cherish mine for so many reasons. Be sure you enjoy your days, too.

God Bless America

2008-11-05T09:37:00.002-06:00

But we got it wrong. We (as a country) voted for style and not substance.

First, let me say that in one way, this country got it right. It was not about race. While there are still racists in this country and everywhere else, this is not a racist country. I did not vote for him, because his policies and values are not mine, not because of his color.

But his inexperience, his values, his economic policies are not good for America.

The first and second ammendments of the Constitution are in danger. Our military is in danger. Our borders will not be secured. Our national security is in danger.

Barack Obama is a supporter of the Fairness Doctrine and hate speech laws, both of which restrict free speech. He is a supporter of strict gun control. He, his running mate, and his supporters in Congress have all said the military budget will be cut. He supports amnesty for illegal immigrants. Even Joe Biden has said he will be tested in 6 months by other countries.

Barack Obama voted against care for babies born alive after an attempted abortion. He supports partial birth abortion. He supports gay marriage and making it mandatory that all states accept it.

He has said he will raise taxes out of "fairness" not necessity. He has said he will do so even now in the middle of a recession. He has said he will set standards that will "bankrupt the coal industry". Energy & gas prices will rise and people will lose their jobs so companies can attempt to remain in business. The DOW, S&P and Nasdaq are all falling today.

This country has survived worse. The Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression. And it will continue to survive. We have survived bad presidents in the past as well. Most of those only lasted one term. I live here, so (unfortunately) he will by my president, too. I pray for the leaders of this country and will continue to do so - including Barack Obama.

I will also pray that we get it right next time and vote for substance and not style. We get someone that genuinely loves this country and wants to serve it, not for it to serve him. Someone that has ALWAYS been proud of his (or her) country, someone who has ALWAYS been hopeful and optimistic. Someone who KNOWS this is the best country in the world, not who thinks it can be.

Let's talk about Socialism

2008-10-27T16:34:00.003-05:00

Barack Obama says he wants to "spread the wealth around". His own words to "Joe the plumber".

So, I went to dictionary.com looked up some key words

"spread": to distribute over a greater or a relatively great area

Barack Obama says he would raise taxes, not out of a need the goverment has for more money,(side note: history has proven the way for the goverment to get more money is to lower taxes) but "out of fairnes".

"fairness": characterized by equity or fairness; just and right; fair; reasonable.

But, he says he's not a socialist. So I looked up "socialism". Here is what I found:

a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.
An economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are controlled substantially by the government rather than by private enterprise, and in which cooperation rather than competition guides economic activity. There are many varieties of socialism. Some socialists tolerate capitalism, as long as the government maintains the dominant influence over the economy; others insist on an abolition of private enterprise. All communists are socialists, but not all socialists are communists.
a term applied about 1872, to a group of German political economists who advocated state aid for the betterment of the working classes.
A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.

Hmm, sounds like "spreading the wealth" to me...Then I looked up "socialist": One who advocates or practices the doctrines of socialism.

So, what's next? In Marxist theory, socialism is the step in between capitalism & communism.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his need" - Karl Marx

Yep - I think "socialist" the right word.

Watch out for Murphy

2008-10-16T10:35:00.002-05:00

You never know when he's coming. Things are better for me today. But Glenn is having issues at work. He's been having little ones all along and we really should have seen this coming. He hasn't quit - or been fired - yet. But we are officially looking for a new job.

I've known him for almost 15 years and he's only had 2 jobs. He doesn't "shop jobs" and doesn't leave unless he has no choice.

Last time it was the company - they closed the local repair center & we didn't want to move. This time it's about our family. His company basically told them they would be fired if they didn't start working nearly 60 hours weekly - including weekends - starting now. We have plans the next two weekends...Plus, he's the one that gets our son off the bus in the afternoons. He won't be home if he's working all those hours. HIS BOSS KNOWS THIS!!! Could we use the OT money? Who couldn't. Do we need it? Not to survive, no.

He's been an electronics technician of some type (consumer electronics & aircraft electronics) for 14 years. He's a very hard worker, enjoys what he does, great at trouble shooting problems and learns new things quickly. He's loyal - as I said, he's only had those two jobs since I've known him. And he is officially on the market again.

I've got nothing

2008-10-15T15:58:00.002-05:00

But a blank look today. Don't know why. I just want to write something new. I did write something this morning. But I deleted it - since I'm not exactly anonymous. There may not be anyone out there, but all the same...

It's a hard couple of weeks coming up. Not something I've dwelled on, but may be the underlying reason for my mood. And you know what? I don't need any more drama, so I'm dropping mine (at least this latest episode). "Too blessed to be stressed" is a cliche, but true all the same. I have a wonderful husband, great boys, a life that I enjoy. I'm through worrying about it. I just don't have time to worry about insignificant details.

It's a crazy, busy weekend around here. The Fall Festival at school is Saturday. Then the Pre-school track meet (my personal favorite sporting event) is Sunday. Add to that the Vandy-Geogia game (Go 'Dores) and the Titans (the only undefeated team left) game. These are things I truly enjoy.

Scary Stuff

2008-10-08T01:18:00.006-05:00

Glenn & I aren't overly concerned about the credit crisis, because we don't need it. We aren't overly concerned about the housing market because we aren't selling - or planning to in the near future. We aren't panicking about the stock market because all we have invested is in 401k's and IRAs. We're 38 & 36 so we have a while before we have to think about it. This doesn't mean we aren't sympathetic. Our parents are dealing with some of this and we worry for them.

Neither of us is too terribly concerned about our jobs because we have an emergency fund and we're both hard workers and willing to do anything to support our family. I understand there are people out there without jobs. I understand it's hard - I've been there. But, let me tell you something, I would clean houses, deliver newspapers , flip burgers or whatever else it took to keep my family afloat - so would my husband.

We are a dual income family that isn't living paycheck to paycheck, but not on easy street. My husband & I budget very carefully and live well within our means so that our children will be able to go to college and we can make our house payment in full and on time each month. We have no other debt and we have a decent emergency fund. We don't struggle, but we do have to be careful.

We aren't unique in money matters. There are a lot of people in our exact situation. Perhaps we are unique in that we aren't scared. We'll do what it takes to survive.

My point is, none of this money stuff scares me right now. Barack Obama does. There are a lot reasons he scares me, and maybe I'll talk about some of those later, but the economy is supposedly his strong point. And he's wrong.

We benefited from the tax cuts. Are we "super-wealthy"? Letting the tax cuts expire is the same as raising taxes - on everyone, not just those making over 250K. How else is going to pay for all of his entitlements? And if he raises taxes on businesses, who do you think is going to pay that additional cost? Not the business. Prices will go up.

I have compassion for those who need help. That is why I give to charities. Charities of my choice. Giving will suffer if taxes are raised. I will not change what I'm giving to my church (provided my income doesn't change). But others will. And we may not be able to give to some of the other charities currently on our list. And those charities, the people that work for them and the people that they help will be hurt.

Healthcare and health insurance are two different things. No hospital is going to turn someone in need away. But, the cost of healthcare for those of us that pay it is going up simply because so many don't pay for it. The hospitals have got to keep operating. The money has to come from somewhere. The government? Where is it going to get the money? US. And when the government takes over? You may not be able to get necessary tests or medicine because someone else will be making that decision for you.

Mortgages? Have you noticed the PMI on yours? Mine is around $90 a month. You know why we pay that? Because of all the people that default. Because of the sub-prime loans. Because banks (and Freddie & Fannie) got greedy and people made bad decisions.

Think the $700 billion bailout was a lot? You ain't seen nothin' yet.

NOTE: Let me say here, that I understand John McCain voted for some of this, too. I understand he leans toward big government. He was not my first choice in the primary. But, my priorities line up better with his that Obamas. Not just economically. And that made my decision.

It just gets better and better!

2008-10-06T10:13:00.002-05:00

No this isn't a football blog - I just can't help myself!

Check this out:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex

Vanderbilt hasn't been 5-0 since 1943. They haven't beaten Auburn since 1955. They haven't been ranked since 1984. There are a couple of other things that haven't been done in a while, but they haven't reached those goals just yet...

I'll be 36 next month and I've been a Vandy fan since I was old enough to say "Go 'Dores". I tell my husband (the UT fan) I was raised right. I've been through it all: the 24 years between UT wins, the multiple seasons without an SEC win. I was at the game where they broke a several season streak and won an SEC game. The one where the cops ran the students off the field before they got to the goal posts. I've been to games with less attendance than the local high schools have. I've been to the UT games with more orange in the stands than gold, the Alabama games with more red. I've been to games and stayed to the bitter end while the stadium emptied. I've watched them lead teams going into the 4th quarter only to blow it. I've listened to the local sports guys say they shouldn't even be in the SEC. (side note here: football is the only sport in which they don't compete with the rest of the conference, so there was never any real reason for them to be out). I've watched the seasons where they start 4-0 (most recently 2005) only to miss out on a bowl game because they blew the rest of the season.

My point is I am a true fan. There are a lot of us out there. As a Vanderbilt fan, you learn not to trash talk. You learn to cheer quietly. You learn to be proud of the small accomplishments. And we are finally starting to get louder. We are finally starting to be rewarded. And we are nervous. (I watched Saturday night's game between my fingers.) But we are proud and we believe...

GO VANDY!

More WOW!!

2008-09-29T09:52:00.005-05:00

Some national attention...
http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092808aaa.html

One of six SEC teams in the top 25...
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex (See #19)

And did you ever think you'd see this?...
http://www.secsports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=2&url_article_id=11580&change_well_id=2#standings

Oh WOW!!

2008-09-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092108aab.html

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex

Does History Repeat Itself?

2008-09-15T09:48:00.005-05:00

It almost happened again. So, I had these plans. And actually, we did have a party and a good time. But we had a little scare.

Garrett hit his face on his bike handlebars & knocked out a tooth. Thank goodness it was only a baby tooth. But it wasn't loose - and neither were the two on either side of that one that are now very loose. You know when you pull a tooth too soon how much blood there is? Yeah, it was unpleasant. Add to that, the busted lip. It was a very hard hit, so I called the pediatrician (yes, I know they don't do teeth, but my dentist's emergency number is 911) and he said get the bleeding stopped and make sure the other two weren't going to fall out while he was sleeping and call the dentist on Monday. So I did.

We went to the dentist this morning and had x-rays. Everything looks good. It was a hard hit, but didn't break any teeth or bones and didn't damage the permanent teeth.

Guess what - school pictures are tomorrow. Just like last time.

Anyway. We had a great redneck party. A lazy Saturday and I got the boys' closets cleaned out on Sunday. All in all, a fun, productive weekend.

Workin' for the Weekend

2008-09-12T12:04:00.003-05:00

Really, I have nothing interesting to say. I just wanted to get the rant off the top of the blog...

It's been a crazy, busy couple of weeks here. To borrow a phrase from someone I know - I'm so busy I make ants look lazy. Last week, of course, we had a picnic on Labor Day so we crashed when we got home Monday night...That's when it all started.

Tuesday I had a PTO meeting. Wednesday: church. Thursday: open house at school. Friday, my husband left at 6 am to go to his Woodbadge campout and was gone till Sunday evening. I stayed busy with the boys all weekend.

Side note here: I have always admired those that raise kids alone and I was reminded last weekend just how amazing those parents are. And I was reminded how wonderful it is to be able to do it with someone. And how grateful I am for my husband.

This week was just as bad. We started Cub Scouts Monday night. Tuesday: Cub Scout leader meeting. Wednesday: church. Thursday: District Round Table for the local Cub Scout packs and Boy Scout troops.

And that's just the extra. We both work, both boys have homework, projects and all kinds of things to do.

I am looking forward to a "redneck party" tonight. Camping chairs, fire pit, munchie food, drinks, and just relaxing & chatting with my friends in the cul-de-sac. Then nothing tomorrow. Just hanging out with my 3 boys. I may even try to carve out a couple of hours with out the two youngest so my husband & I can have some "grown up time".

I hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend as well!

Brace Yourselves

2008-09-05T13:08:00.006-05:00

I make it a point not to write political posts. If anyone reading this knows me, they know my politics. I am not shy about discussing them. As a matter of fact, I hope to have the appropriate bumper sticker and yard sign soon. I don't want to offend anyone, and even though I try to be diplomatic about it, some people just can't take it, and sometimes, I just lose it. I'm about to lose it.

That said, I am APPALLED at the way people are treating Sarah Palin. Whether you agree with her politics or not, this is a smart, well spoken and qualified woman. She married her high school sweetheart, raised a family and is still married. Her son is leaving soon for the military. She CHOSE to have her last child knowing he had Down Syndrome. She led a city government and is leading a state government successfully.

Those that claim they are feminists should be ashamed of themselves. Those that claim they support women's causes and want to shatter the glass ceiling ought to as well. Why ask the question "who needs her more"? Would those people EVER ask that question of a man? Yes, she has a young family - so does Barack Obama. Yes, her daughter made a mistake - how many other 17 year olds have made the same one and then compounded it by ending that pregnancy, or just gotten lucky they didn't get pregnant. Who's to say that young couple wasn't already considering marriage.

Is it a decision I would make? Probably not. I don't like working and I want to be home. But that is MY decision and this is hers. Feminism should be about choice & opportunity for women. If I choose to work, I should have the same opportunities & rewards as men. If a man chooses to stay home, he should not be treated as a pariah by other men or the stay at home moms.

Sarah Palin chooses to work. She chose to work for her PTA, her city, her state and now her country. If she chose to work as an attorney or nurse, would those criticizing her have the same reaction? If she had murdered that precious child, would they feel the same? If her daughter had murdered her child, what would be said? This is disgusting.

Question her policies if you must. Even her qualifications should be questioned and researched (by Republicans as well as Democrats). But it is wrong to question her ability to raise her family without questioning the same about the men in this race.

And finally, was this question asked about Geraldine Ferraro? (I don't remember, I'm too young). And would it have been asked about Hilary Clinton? Ultimately, the problem for these people is not that she has 5 children, one of whom has special needs. It is not that her oldest daughter is pregnant and chose to have her baby and marry the father. It is not that "her children need her more". It is that she is on (what they consider) the wrong ticket.

Eight Years Old

2008-09-02T13:40:00.005-05:00

Eight. It's really incredible how much he's growing up. He's more responsible and showing more maturity every day. I think he even likes a girl (but don't tell him I told you). His turning 8 isn't as big a jolt as his starting the 3rd grade. I think I had a little harder time with that (don't ask me why, okay). Still, it's amazing to think of how he's growing up - I'm more impressed with him every day. Happy Birthday Garrett!

Note: Just like with his brother, this post is late. His birthday was actually Sunday. And the band-aid in the picture? This was the day after the golf ball incident.

2008 Olympics

2008-08-28T13:49:00.005-05:00

I love the Olympics. I'm always excited when they come around and disappointed when they're over. But it really wouldn't be the same if we had that all the time. It just wouldn't mean as much or be as exciting to watch. I watch it all. All. of. it. If it's on, I watch it - even the synchronized swimming and ping pong.

I especially love to watch the medal ceremonies. To watch (mostly young) people stand with a gold medal and sing their national anthems is really very moving. I love to watch the tales of sportsmanship and finishing even though you are dead last. It's all about being there for most of the athletes.

I don't like professional sports - I really don't like NBA basketball. But, I must say, I heard interviews with the players and coaches of the Olympic basketball team and I am impressed. Maybe it was fake, I don't know. But it felt good for them to win.

And to see what happened in swimming. It made the second week of track and field almost anti-climatic. And to know that some of the swimmers were voluntarily undergoing drug tests - even Michael Phelps.

This time, the controversy was kept to a minimum and the competition was exciting. Some races were close, some games were down to the wire. Some had unexpected outcomes, some were never in doubt. It was an enjoyable two weeks. Now we wait - another 2 years for Winter, 4 for Summer games.

Four Years Old

2008-08-05T17:21:00.004-05:00

My baby is four. Four. The last four year old I'll have. Wow. I can't believe it, he's growing up so fast. Happy Birthday Colby!

Note: His birthday was actually yesterday - I'm a little behind posting.

Most Embarrassing Moments

2008-06-18T09:37:00.004-05:00

Everyone has one. Most people have a few. I have more than my share. And it's not just tripping over my own feet where a few people see it and we all move on. Mine leave scars. There's the scar on one of my eyebrows where I ran into a chainsaw (it was off) when I was 5. There's the one on the side of my leg where I was jumping on the crowbar trying to get the lug nuts loose to change a tire. Trust me, there are more, but that requires a book - not a post. Scars are visible reminders that I am a klutz. And, since they're there, I have to explain them. So that everyone else knows I am a klutz.

Well, I have a new moment. I shut my finger in the car door. The middle finger of my right hand (yep, I'm right-handed). I'm not sure I'll have a permanent scar, but I've been in a stupid finger splint for two weeks and that is plenty. I knew it was bad - I thought it was broken. I was putting my kids in the car, had just finished strapping Colby in and - *BAM*! Oh, man. I'm not going to go into detail. But I had to get on my knees in the garage for a minute to recover.

I took the kids to school and drove myself to my doctor's office. He looked at it and decided it was broken so he sent me for an x-ray. Now, if your finger is crooked and looks broken and they decide that it's not - it's bad. Turns out, I damaged everything else in my finger. Nerves, ligaments, blood vessels. He told me I'd probably wish I had broken it before it was all over. He was right.

I'm finally (after two weeks) out of the splint. I'm typing but every time I hit the "I", "K" or comma it sends tingles up that finger. I can't grip anything with that finger and if I shake that hand (like you would shake water off after washing your hands) it feels like the end of my finger is coming off.

So, there you have it. I won't say my most embarrassing moment, but my most recent embarrassing moment.

It's Over!

2008-06-11T10:39:00.004-05:00

The fat lady has finally sung. We had the final appoitnment for Garrett's eyes. Guess what - it's finally over! His "slight near-sightedness" is gone and his "depth perception has improved". (Side note: I didn't even know there was anything wrong with his depth perception until the doctor said it had improved.) He goes to the pediatrician in August (both kids do, for annual visits) and they do basic vision checks. He doesn't even have to start regular optometrist visits until the pediatrician recommends it. YAY!!!

12 years and counting

2008-05-23T20:21:00.002-05:00

Sunday is my 12th anniversary. That's a long time these days. Is my marriage perfect? Nope, because we're not. Is it always exciting? Nope. Is he always romantic? Nope. Is it always easy? No. But, you know what? We're happy. We're still married, still in love.

With two kids, two jobs & all the other stuff we have going on, it's more work than it used to be. It's harder to find time together. There are times when it seems like we're only parents and not husband & wife. Those of you with children should understand.

So what. It's worth it. I love him more than I did 12 years ago. I know more about love than I did 12 years ago. 12 years is not so very long considering the lengths of our parents' marriages. And my grandparents (both sets) were married for more than 50 years. But it's an accomplishment and we're proud of it.

Finally - a weekend to relax...

2008-05-19T14:06:00.003-05:00

This was the first weekend in months we haven't had a soccer game. And it was WONDERFUL!

Friday night we stayed out chatting and hanging out with our neighbor friends until after 2:30. Of course, I'm too old to do that every weekend, but when I can sleep in on a Saturday it's great!

Glenn had a Cub Scouts training session Saturday & I ran down to my dad's yard sale so my sister & I could go through a bunch of stuff. I came home with 5 boxes of books - more clutter? Maybe, but it was BOOKS!

We went out on a church outing Saturday night which was a blast. Then church on Sunday and NOTHING Sunday afternoon. Even went on a coffee run with my neighbor ladies Sunday night.

It sounds like a lot, but it was all relaxing and fun and the weather was beautiful. Yes, it was a little chilly in middle Tennessee, but that's how I like it. I'm a homebody and I love just hanging out with my friends. This weekend, I was with a different group of friends each time. It was really great for me. I feel refreshed and ready to start the summer months. We needed a break from all the craziness we live with and schedules we have to meet.

Enough already!

2008-05-16T09:28:00.010-05:00

So, we've had all these issues with Garrett's eyes. He has what we hope is the final appointment with all of this early next month.

Never, never, never think it's over...This week, it's poison ivy. Yep. Right at the corner of his eye where you can't put anything on it. Have you ever tried to keep a seven year old from scratching an itch? Or just keeping his hands away from his face?! Yeah, not happening.

So, I called the doctor - let me say this here: not in a panic. I knew I couldn't put the pink stuff on it because of where it was. I simply wanted to talk to the nurse and find out what I could do -Well, I guess the doctor needs to fill her gas tank and needs some of my money to do it. We had to go in. So they could look at it and tell me to give him an anithistamine. Yeah, so I'm just a tad irritated with his doc. But Garrett - well, I hesitate to say he's fine because that's just asking for trouble in this house - is dealing with it.

And me, we'll let's just say if this keeps up I'm going to have to find a padded room somewhere!

Mother's Day - Part 2

2008-05-12T11:40:00.002-05:00

I didn't mean for my Mother's Day post to be depressing. It's true, Mother's Day is a hard day for me. I'm sure it is for all those who don't have their mothers any more.

I have truly wonderful children & husband. AND extended family. We don't like dealing with the crowds, so we go to my aunt's for lunch - my uncle makes the best. mashed potatoes. EVER! We exchange cards, play with the kids, relax, whatever. I even took a NAP when we got home!

I got my very own remote for our new Wii. And a movie my kids have been dying to see (my husband lets them pick out their own gifts). I have the pictures they drew me and the Mother's Day projects they do at school - those are my favorite gifts anyway.

It's a good day, really, but it's a hard week leading up to it. I hope all the other mommies out there had a good day. Now, it's back to work...

Mother's Day

2008-05-10T20:27:00.002-05:00

Mother's day is the hardest of the holidays for me. Glenn knows how I feel, but I try to keep the boys out of it. I make a big deal of the gifts and cards they make at school. And he takes them to get something. But he keeps it low key for me. That's all I need. That, and extra hugs & kisses and to just sit and relax for one day.

I have one piece of Mother's Day advice: Don't just love all the women in your life - show them, appreciate them. And not just on the second Sunday of May. All the time.

Happy Mother's Day!

It worked!

2008-04-26T19:04:00.000-05:00

So, after the big clean the boys have been really great about picking up after themselves. I've been really proud of them for taking on some added responsibilties. Last night, while I was cleaning house, Colby decided he wanted to help - so he fed the cat. Of course, being 3, he spilled cat food all over the bathroom floor, but he didn't tell me. He decided to clean it up himself. I didn't know he was doing this because I was in the kitchen. Later, when I went to turn the bathroom light off so they could sleep, I found this:

I'd been to soccer practice, had been cleaning for 2 hours and still had to pack for the campout. It took every ounce of restraint I had to thank him for taking care of the cat and trying to help. But I wanted to scream because I was just so exhausted. Well, I wanted them to understand how to take care of their things and the house - and I guess he's learning. I won't complain and now a week later, I can laugh.

Stupid

2008-04-15T17:18:00.003-05:00

The truck we bought only had one key. We haven't gotten a second one yet. I locked it in the truck - in my garage. Oh, yeah, we also don't know the code to get in the door either.

Stupid.

Before & After

2008-04-15T13:02:00.004-05:00

Several weeks ago I had to put the fear of Mom into my kids. They had let their rooms, the bonus room and my office (which is also the homework & art room and where all their books are) get into a mess - here's one example:

It took two days - three hours in the room above. But all of them now look like this:

Afterward, we had a meeting. I told them the next time it got like that, I am going through the rooms with the shop-vac & garbage bags and not looking back. Part of this is my fault. I pretended this wasn't happening. I will not do that again.

They're doing better. Even my three year old is putting his clothes in the hamper and dishes in the sink. And they are making their beds every morning. All the toys and books have a place and we pick up every night before bed.

It's getting warmer, which is always a good thing. They spend more time outside and there are fewer messes inside. But my inside will never look like this again. If anyone knows any tricks for keeping them (and me) motivated - I could use some ideas...

One down...

2008-04-14T11:43:00.002-05:00

I GOT A TRUCK!!! I am so completely thrilled about this. Just ask me - I'll tell you everything you want to know and then some. It's basically what I had, only newer - and BETTER. It's an 05 (I had a 98); it's got 28K miles (mine had 162K) and it's got the works. (Why, yes, I'm spoiled, why do you ask?) Yes, it's still a gas guzzler. But we need the space - and I don't do minivans.

Two boys + soccer + campouts + Cub Scouts + travel + friends = something with a lot of seating or cargo space. Even though we usually don't have all of that going on at once. (With the third seat that folds down, we can have either but not really both.)

And - with no payment (thank you, Dave Ramsey) we can afford a little more in gas.

I love it. I'm excited we were able to do it. Now we have to build our savings back up some, but it was worth it. And I got to cross something off of my to-do list.

Progress?

2008-04-07T14:20:00.005-05:00

I still have nothing checked off of my to-do list. I'm getting there, but nothing is complete.

We still have no light fixture - honestly, we haven't really looked - there just hasn't been enough time.
Colby picks out a different color everytime we try to decide on paint for his room. I'm going to end up choosing for him and redoing it in a year or two.
Still no truck. Though, we do have the money and our car-dealer friend is looking for it. It still might be a few weeks.
I've lost 8 of those 24 pounds. It's slow going, but easier to keep off that way.
My work automation is going well. I still have a project list a mile long - but it's much, much better than it was. And as I automate, I have more time to spend on the list.

It's all going, just not as quickly as I'd like. We've had some complications this year and some detours. But I'm handling it and still managing to enjoy what's come my way. And all of the above will still be done by 12/31/2008. Just in time to make a new list!

What happens when you don't know how to say no?

2008-04-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

You become the PTO president.

Where is the Fat Lady?!

2008-04-01T10:38:00.002-05:00

Man, oh man. We went for the post-op follow up today. Garrett's eyes have straightend and he's not having any complications from the surgery. YAY!! He's still swollen and the stitches are still in there (I can see them when I put his medicine in), but that's all normal and could take a couple of weeks to go away. They even lifted all of his restrictions today. BUT, we have to go back - again - in two months. The doctor indicated that after that we would go back to regular check-ups for vision checks, not muscular problems.

After the last visit in November, we thought everything was fine. But we had to go back for a follow up in February - when they told us about the surgery. Honestly, I'm not worried. He's responded to all the treatments. The surgery was easy and successful. I think I'm just ready to not think about it. I'm tired of asking him over and over again to look at me so I can see which way his eyes are looking. I'm ready for this chapter to close. And I'm grateful that we're one step closer - I just wish there weren't so many steps!

Surgery Update

2008-03-25T10:03:00.004-05:00

Garrett had his surgery yesterday and everything went well. He's in some pain today and still won't open his eyes for long periods. It hurts and he's still blurry. But he'll be okay. I still need a good night's sleep - I woke up and checked on him a couple of times last night. Maybe that will come tonight.

Conversations in Church

2008-03-19T11:48:00.001-05:00

ME (in a church whisper): Stop picking your nose.

Colby (NOT in a church whisper): But there's a booger in it.

ME: Then let's go to the bathroom and blow it.

Colby (as he holds out his finger): But I got the booger. SEE!!

Why, oh, why is everything funnier in a church service...

The Best Laid Plans

2008-03-18T08:48:00.004-05:00

So. Last Thursday night when I got home all my boys were at soccer practice. I took that opportunity to do the weekly cleaning so I could relax for the weekend. We had tons to do on Saturday and I wanted to relax on Sunday. The soccer game was rained out, but we made it to everything else on Saturday and had a busy - but great - day.

On Sunday I had big plans. After church service we came home. I wanted to play outside some, come in and watch the basketball game then take the boys to an egg hunt at the church my sister attends. During the "play outside" part of the plan, the boys (this includes the 4 neighbor boys) decided they wanted to hit golf balls in the yard. We have rules for this and they follow them pretty well - usually.

While we were looking at my neighbor's new van, we heard it. The scream that sends chills down every parent's spine and freezes your blood. And it was mine. Garrett had been hit with a golf ball on the outer corner of his left eyebrow. Oh, man. It was bad - I thought about taking pictures, but really, who wants to see that? I didn't, but I had to look and now I see it when I close my eyes.

My neighbor agreed to keep my Colby until my dad could get there to take him to the egg hunt. While the rest of us climed in the car and drove to Vanderbilt. All our plans went up in smoke and we spend the afternoon "relaxing" at the ER. No game, no selection show, no egg hunt, and no evening service. But, he's okay. He's okay.

He's okay. It missed his eye and didn't break any bones. We are unbelievably grateful for that and know how much worse it could have been. As it is, he has 5 stitches, had to miss his soccer game last night. It isn't going to interfere with the eye surgery he has to have next week.

But yesterday was PICTURE DAY at school. So, in his second grade class picture he has a big band-aid over his left eye. Lessons learned.

Oh, what a weekend!

2008-03-17T11:38:00.002-05:00

I have enough stuff from this weekend to keep my blog up to date for several weeks. But I'll start with something simple - and the best thing that I can say about my weekend:

FOUR! #4 - Vanderbilt got a 4 seed!!! Something we never expected around here - especially after the second loss to Arkansas.

WOW! It's still a tough road to play in the NCAA tournament. But - hey - #4! It's a good deal. And very exciting to those of us who have watched them be on the bubble countless times in the past. Just knowing at the beginning of the SEC tournament this year that they weren't playing themselves in, but playing to improve their seed was exciting. But I never expected this - a 4 seed!

Like I said - that's my best news from the weekend. More on all of that later...

Conversations in the Car

2008-03-07T09:42:00.003-06:00

ME: Garrett, did you do your homework?

HIM: Yes, ma'am. It was easy, all I had to do was write the names of the planets.

ME: Oh, you're studying the planets in science?

HIM: Yeah, we had a play today and I was Uranus. (pronounced: "your anus", of course)

His dad & I couldn't look at each other for a few minutes.

Why yes, we are 13 year old boys...

Calendar Musings

2008-03-06T11:19:00.003-06:00

I'm confused. I know, I know...more than usual. It all started February 28 - with the first appointment. And then there was that extra day, which we won't even talk about.

From that first appointment through April 1 - no foolin' - we have the following:

Church every Sunday, Sunday night & Wednesday night. Soccer practice every Monday & Thursday, Cub Scouts every Monday, monthly PTO meeting, monthly Cub Scout leaders meeting, Annual doctor's visit (mom), Annual eye check (mom), dentist appointments (mom & dad - the boys have already had theirs), pre- and post-op eye visits (Garrett), surgery (Garrett), 2 soccer games, district pinewood derby, monthly youth devo, egg hunt, monthly couples get together, haircuts (all).

This is with ONE CHILD participating. I have no idea what we'll do when we have two involved in activities. I don't know how our parents did it without cell phones!

It just seems a little overwhelming this month. So much so, that I keep confusing my days. I thought one of my appointments was today and it's next week. I dated everything yesterday the 7th.

I'm not complaining - really. I am happy being busy. I am thankful that my family can afford the time and money to take care of the doctor stuff and play some, too. My life is definitely full and certainly interesting.

Dynamite!

2008-02-27T00:22:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness. Best. basketball game. EVER! (at least so far this year)

That ugly old orange team's number one status lasted about 28 hours. It does not get any better!

GO 'DORES!!!!

The Verdict

2008-02-20T14:11:00.002-06:00

So, a while ago, I wrote about my oldest, Garrett, and his new glasses. Well, we went back to the eye doctor last week. And? They're not working. At least not as well as they should be. So he has to have surgery. On his eyes. Yes, that's plural, both eyes. It doesn't sound all that complex or high risk. But, it's his eyes, people.

I'm doing my best to be positive. Because that's my job - to keep him from worrying. He's a kid. He doesn't need to worry (I'm doing enough of that for all of us). But I am very close to freaked out. I hate anethesia, and it's his eyes. This is not like having a scar on his belly (which I do) or on his shoulder or knee (like his dad). This. is. his. EYES!

Now, his doctor has been doing this at this particular hospital for more than 15 years. He's confident, and I'm trying to be. The surgery is scheduled to take 60 minutes. Not long, considering.

I really am doing okay - in public and in front of Garrett. He's had surgery before (tubes) and I've reminded him of that. And though he doesn't remember his, he does remember when his brother had the same surgery. And he remembers one of my surgeries (when his brother was born) and one of his dad's. I've talked to him about all the people in his life that have had surgery and how it's better for them after.

I've told him that's just how he was born. I've talked to him about people born without being able to see or hear. We even have a cousin who was born without an arm. I use all of that to show him he was born with very strong outer eye muscles and they have to correct that so he'll be able to see better.

He's a curious child (just like his mom was) and he just wants to know. We've told him what they're going to do, how long it will take and what will happen after. And he's calming down. Knowledge is power with this child. And it's working - for him. But I'm still trying to let it go. Trying really hard for all our sakes.

The kicker in all of this is that he'll still have to have the glasses. But they'll just be for vision correction and not muscular control.

Please pray for Garrett, his doctor, his worry-wart mom, all of us.

The Flu is Here

2008-02-09T17:26:00.000-06:00

First, let me say up front, that no, we didn't get the flu shots. To some, this makes me the worst parent in the world. The pediatrician does not like it either. I haven't had the flu in almost 10 years. I've known my husband for 14 years and have never seen him have it. Neither of my children has ever had the flu. Yes, they've had ear infections and we all get that sinus crap every year. But never the flu. Guess what.

First, my 3 year old starts running a fever with no other symptoms. When the fever goes away and he's able to go back to school, the aches and stuff start. He was patient number 1 in this house. That was Wednesday. They put both my kids on that very expensive flu treatment medicine.

Thursday morning, it was me. But I had it all, fever, aches, sick stomach. So, I went to the doctor and got the same medicine. They wrote a prescription for my husband, too. This morning, he woke up with it.

Only my 7 year old has escaped it so far. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can continue to fight it off. He's so bored with all of us because we have no energy to play with him. Or really, even get up off our sorry tails and feed him.

I think the house might actually have it. It was pretty today, so we opened up the windows for a while to let the place air out. I still need to clean it all really good, but just don't have the energy yet. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm hoping next week things are back to normal. I've had about all I can handle for now.

Have you ever...

2008-01-29T09:43:00.000-06:00

Tried to get a 3 year old to make a decision? Enough said...

Compromise

2008-01-11T10:36:00.000-06:00

Last year we finally had the hardwoods done. We refinished what was there and put in more. It's beautiful. It's my favorite thing we've done to the house. While the furniture was out, we repainted the dining room. We have an incredible table & china cabinet. I have my grandmother's 70 year old Fiesta on display. We even picked out new curtains & curtain rod. But that horrible brass light fixture is still there.

When we want to buy something, especially something for the house, we have agreed to agree on it. Or we don't buy anything. That's one of the reasons we have the most horrible light fixture I have ever seen in our dining room. We're going to replace it, really. BUT, we haven't been able to find one that we both like. Our compromise in this matter is...nothing. It's still there.

We'll find it - soon - or there will just be a big hole in the ceiling for Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T11:52:00.000-06:00

2008. Wow!

We have a lot to do at our house this year:

1. Finish the dining room (that just means agreeing on a light fixture, which could be rough).
2. Redo our 3 year old's room.
3. Buy a new (different) car (this will probably happen in March or April).
4. Lose 24 pounds (well, that's just me).
5. I have a huge goal at work that involves the automation of a lot of my manual tasks.

There are so many more things I could list. Yes, I need to be more organized, more efficient, whatever. But those are things I am constantly trying to achieve. Not things I put on my to-do list.

I'll go into more detail, but this is my overall list. I know there could be more. But I don't want to overdo it. These are all small steps in my life. These are all attainable and measureable. And I want to be able to complete these and enjoy all the other things life gives me.

Enjoy 2008!

Christmas Traditions - Part 2

2007-12-17T12:56:00.000-06:00

Oh. my. goodness! THE COOKIES. My grandfather used to make cookies. When he passed away, my husband asked for the recipes so he could continue the tradition. WELL, it's grown. So far this year I think he's made about 30 dozen cookies. And still has many, many more to make.

We take them to work, to school parties, family parties. AND we give them as gifts. Go to the dollar store, buy a bunch of plates or platters, load 'em up with cookies. This year, we bought 20 plates. The neighbors, my cousins, our siblings, even the boys' teachers are getting cookies. At least we give them away, so I'm not eating them all. And we don't have many left over.

It's tiring to make all those cookies. But he enjoys it and we enjoy wrapping them up and delivering them. We even let the boys have one or two from each batch. And I do get to sneak the dough every once in a while.

Christmas Traditions - Part 1

2007-12-05T11:07:00.000-06:00

WOW! Christmas is in 13 days! We're all so busy during December, but we should all remember to spend time enjoying it. And spending time with your families. So, I'm going to post my Christmas traditions for the next few days...

One of my favorite traditions is driving around looking at decorations. We go visit my in-laws on Christmas Eve. When we get home, the kids put on their new PJs (one of my dad's traditions is to give all the kids new PJs for Christmas Eve) and we load up in the car and drive around town to look at lights and decorations and listen to our Christmas CDs. We've only been doing this a couple of years, but I intend to keep doing it. It's about the only time during December it's just the 4 of us.

December Already?!

2007-12-05T10:32:00.001-06:00

WHAT?! Christmas is in less than three weeks? This is a joke, right? WOW!

Actually, we're doing pretty good. But time seems to be speeding up. I've always liked Christmas. But, I really have always preferred Thanksgiving. Then I had kids. Anyone who is a parent understands that statement. It's so much FUN now. This year is bittersweet for us. I suspect this may be the peak year for my 7 year old. It seems I was about 8 when I realized that Santa had my mom's handwriting (he left us a note every year). And my 3 year old is just starting to get it.

It makes Christmas so much more exciting to watch them. Not just the presents, but the decorations. The lights as we drive out of the neighborhood. My 3 year old points out the same house every. time. "MOOOOOOMMMMMMYYYYY! Look! It's Santa Claus!"

Not that he'll go anywhere near Santa. For the second year in a row, my Santa picture is only of Garrett. This year, Colby cried after we left Santa because he was afraid he wouldn't get anything. Then Garrett tells him not to worry because he told Santa what Colby wanted, too. It just made my heart melt to hear that. Already, it's not just about getting for him.

I've made all the lists, and we're finished decorating, and we've made a good start on the shopping. Pretty sure we'll shop everytime we don't have something else going on for the next 20 days.

Happy December!

Thanksgivings

2007-11-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

Yes, at my house that is plural. It used to just be two - as a married woman who lives less than a minute from her dad and less than an hour from her in-laws, I can accept that. My aunt (mom's sister) always has it at her house on Thursday at about lunchtime. Then my in-laws on Saturday. It's been that way for years.

But this year, my dad's wife decided she wanted Thanksgiving. Long story short: rather than give up Thanksgiving or have a conflict, my aunt moved hers to Friday. And Saturday? At my house! Plus, we always cook dinner for one or two families my dad works with throughout the year. AND that doesn't include the Cub Scouts dinner on Monday night, or two work lunches (one at his, one at mine) we had to cook a dish for.

So, almost every night last week, Glenn & I were up until after midnight - one night it was almost 2. Of course, we had to clean our house. AND get the tree up - it had lights but no ornaments by lunch on Saturday. And Wednesday night, we had to make a turkey (for one of the families). Thursday morning, we cooked ham & made tea. Thursday night, I made two pumpkin pies & cranberry relish for Friday. Friday night, I cooked another pumpkin pie. Saturday morning, another ham, macaroni & cheese & more tea.

And after everyone left our house on Saturday, being who I am, I had to re-clean part of the house and we finished the tree. I didn't actually sit down until after the kids went to bet at 10:30.

It was busy, but we did relax and hang out with family for several hours each day. So, it was all worth it. But man, am I tired. Next year, I may take the Monday after off instead of the Wednesday before.

Hope yours was great, too!

Glasses

2007-11-19T16:10:00.000-06:00

My oldest child got glasses. I'm not surprised - both my husband & I have them. We just got them much later in life than 7 years old. We're all very happy about the glasses, because the alternative is surgery.

A few months ago a friend of mine who teaches his Sunday school class asked me what was wrong with his eyes. So I started watching him. His left eye wouldn't focus when he got tired. As a matter of fact, it would "drift" out. So, last month, I called to make him an appointment with a pediatric opthamologist.

The day before Halloween, we went. Turns out, the "drift" is in both eyes. The problem is muscular - the solution: surgery. AND, the doctor tells me this usually shows up at 3 or 4 - not 7. So, before he has surgery, he has to have a CT scan to make sure the problem is not neurological. But, most likely, we just haven't noticed it for the last four years! Yes, I am the worst. mother. EVER!

Anyway, during the exam, the doctor discovers he has a "slight nearsightedness". (I should add here that he has had regular pediatrician visits, was tested for lazy eye when he was less than 2, and has even been to an optometrist and no one has found any problems.) So, the new plan was to get the child glasses and see if that works. But the doctor was not optimistic.

On Halloween, I took him and the prescription to get the glasses. The Friday after, we still had to go for the CT scan. He didn't like it, but he did okay. Still, we spent the weekend worried about all of it. Doing research on his problem, trying to figure out what they'll do during the surgery, etc.

November 6, we went for the follow up. My husband didn't want me to go alone this time, so he took some vacation time to go with us. We just felt like two adults listening would be better than one. And he might think of different questions than I would. Though we were praying for the best, we were, quite frankly, prepared for the worst.

Well - Garrett's fine. The CT was normal and the glasses are fixing it. He loves the glasses, and isn't having any trouble. He's learning to take care of them. And his friends have all told him how cool they are. We are all VERY RELIEVED. No surgery, at least not now. We go back in February for another follow up.

I've also been very impressed with the friends he has chosen (and their parents). Only one child has said anything negative about the glasses: a younger brother of one of his friends. A child who is still too young to really know any better. It makes him different from most of them and they all think it's pretty cool. No one has treated him any differently, called him names or any of the other problems I anticipated and was trying to figure out how to deal with.

I knew I was stressed, but I didn't realize how stressed until it was gone. It was only a week, but it felt like an eternity. We would have dealt with whatever happened, he would have, too. But we're grateful it wasn't the worst. In fact, it was the best case. Our prayers were answered. So, instead of spending our Thanksgiving or Christmas break nursing a child that's had surgery, we get to do all the regular - and much more fun - stuff.

35 is...

2007-11-07T10:08:00.000-06:00

Better than 25. I get lots of strange looks when I say that. Especially from the under 35 group. But it's true.

Here are some of my reasons...

1 - At 25 I had no children. At 35, I have the two most amazing boys ever. I would never go back!

2 - At 25, We'd been married less than two years and we were still learning to live with each other. At 35, We've been married for 11 1/2 years and it's only gotten better.

3 - At 25, we'd just bought our first house. A tiny box of about 1200 square feet. Ten years later, we have our dream home and are working to make it even better.

4 - At 25, we still lived in another town where I wasn't really happy. Now, we live in my hometown, in a neighborhood where we have made some great friends - and so have our kids.

5 - At 25, I had just started my first job and was making less than half what I make now.

6 - At 25, we had two school loans, two vehicle loans, and a house payment and no savings. Now, it's just the house and enough savings to survive for several months.

7 - At 25, we attended a church where I didn't really feel welcome. Now, we attend a friendly, acitve, energetic church where we have close friends.

8 - At 25, I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. Now, I've learned to improve what I can and accept (mostly) what I can't.

9 - At 25, I thought I knew what I wanted - now, I know what I want.

And one more...
10 - I'm going to put this as delicately as possible: There are advantages to being a woman in your mid-30s. These are advantages to my husband as well...

I joke that I'm like a fine wine and just get better with age. I believe everyone should continue to grow - you grow or you die. I work on improving myself and my situation. I'm not perfect, but I'm better than I was.

When it rains...

2007-11-05T14:57:00.000-06:00

It POURS! It's been a really crappy week around here.

Here's hoping it gets better - fast.

More later...

I am...

2007-09-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

...exactly where I want to be.

I am married to a wonderful man, have two amazing children, a good home in a great neighborhood. I have close friends in all areas of my life. My family is close. We are active in our church, our neighborhood, our school. My boys have good friends and activities they enjoy. I know who I am and what I want. I don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need.

It's been a hard week for my family. I've worried and I've prayed. But, it's made me appreciate what I have. I don't think we tell the people in our lives what they mean to us nearly enough. We take our families & friends for granted. Especially our spouses. I know I can. I'm going to do better.

I'm madly in love with my husband, who also happens to be my best friend. I'm incredibly proud of my two boys. I'm happy. I'm going to remember that with all the bad stuff that's happening. And I'm going to remember to tell the people in my life how much they mean to me.

Fall

2007-09-07T16:34:00.000-05:00

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the start of a new school year. Meeting Garrett's new teacher, his new friends, their parents. I love the pre-school track meet and can't wait for Colby to participate. I love high-school and college football (you can have the Titans). It's the only place I'll eat a hot dog and the excitement level is great. I love Halloween and how excited the boys are about dressing up. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. My birthday is also in the fall - so that may have something to do with it. Why is it that in March, when it's in the 50s, it's cold - but in November it's just perfect? I love the colors, sounds and smells of fall.

In order to renew yourself, you must shed the old. In order for spring to be so green, fall must come first. Maybe that's it for me. It's the purge before the new. Or maybe it's just all the stuff I love happens in the fall. Maybe it's because I don't like summer and fall means summer is over. I don't know - but I know it's coming and I can't wait!

Happy fall everyone!

Birthdays

2007-08-31T09:12:00.000-05:00

Well, as of this month, my boys are 7 & 3. I'm so proud of both of them.

Garrett is 3 weeks into 2nd grade and all is going well. He's really starting to show some maturity. This morning, he actually got out of bed - that took a little prompting - and got himself completely ready and did all his morning chores - without constant reminding. He's still a momma's boy but he's pulling ever so slightly away and exerting his independence. One thing that comes with all that growing up is the smart mouth & eye rolls. Now, that, has got to go. That's when I think he's only 7 and I have, what, 10 more years to deal with that. I wonder if we'll all survive it.

Colby is officially a pre-schooler. Every morning he tells me he's going to the 'big boy class' when he gets to school. I thought that child was never going to go in the potty. But sometime in the last couple of weeks, the light went on and he finally started doing it. I no longer have a baby. He's started dressing himself, another thing I never thought he'd do. He's not slow, just lazy enough to want us to do it for him. He's trying so hard to be his big brother that he's growing up almost too fast.

Seven & Three...It's hard to believe, but not all that hard to accept. I want them to be where they are. I enjoy the ups & downs of every new age. I try not to wonder what the future has in store, just to enjoy where they are today. And to remember that they'll never be this age again.

Happy Birthday boys!

August

2007-08-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

I hate August! As far as I'm concerned, only 2 good things ever came out of August. Their names are Garrett & Colby (my children). Really. I choose to live in the south - I don't want to be anywhere else, because this is home. But, come on. 104 degrees?! Triple digits for 10 days in a row?! My electric bill is going to cost me a week's pay. We don't even let the kids go outside for more than a few minutes. Even after dark, it's in the 90s. Hopefully, it won't last much longer.

I'm ready for fall.

Spring Fever

2007-04-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

I feel the need to kill time at work today. Not sure why. Maybe it's just time for a break. I'm more focused than this. Usually. Everything is scattered and I can't seem to set my priorities - or even care about them. I used to hear this called spring fever when I was in school. I know teachers who dread the last 6 weeks of school - from spring break to Memorial Day - for this very reason. Maybe I'm just a pre-teen in a 34 year old's body. I honestly can't remember the last time this happened to me. And I can't bring myself to care enough to deal with it.

So there.

About Blogging...

2007-02-21T09:56:00.000-06:00

To tell the truth, I'm not sure why I started this.

I have an account with another service where I communicate with a lot of my family and friends, post pics, soccer schedules, etc. I have an account with my university alumni association. My point being, that I already have websites to keep updated. Why add another one?

I don't really need to rant. Anyone that knows me, knows I'll tell you what I'm thinking, or at least I'll rant to my husband later.

I don't have a knack for making the every day things that happen at my house funny or dramatic. I'm not all that great at expressing myself in writing.

Since some of my family knows about this, I try to be careful about what I'm writing. Although, I'm not sure any of them have ever read it. Actually, I'm not tracking my stats, so I'm not sure anyone is reading it. Which is fine, because this was supposed to be just for me. But it makes it hard to decide what to write. There are some things I would rather people that know me not see. I know it could happen, I'm not exactly anonymous.

I say all this to say that I'm not sure what kinds of things I'll be posting here. If you're reading, say hi - and stay tuned...

I just want to say...

2007-02-08T15:04:00.000-06:00

Hug your children extra tight every day - especially if it's been "one of those days".
And remember to pray for all the mommies & daddies who no longer have their children to hug.

Happy Anniversary to me...

2007-01-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

I would love to be a stay at home mom. Unfortunately, I can't. I have to have some kind of income. So, I have a job. Tomorrow is my 5th anniversay at this job.

So, I got this email today:

Congratulations on your 5th year celebration with the company. You are a valued team member of the XXXX division and I appreciate your contribution towards building a great company! Thank you for your dedication and commitment delivering outstanding results to our customers. These successes are paving the way towards building the most respected XXXX organization in the world. Due to your loyalty, we truly have a great team that is the most respected in our industry. You are an inspiration to all members across our company and together, we will build the greatest XXXX services company in the industry.
Thanks again for being on the team and I look forward to working with you in the future!

It was "signed" by a man that I have never met, and I'm sure never will. I especially like the part where he's "looking forward to working with" me. Maybe at 10 years I'll get an actual letter I can frame. Or even meet the person that set up the automated process for sending the emails.

Everyone else has done it...

2007-01-18T12:49:00.001-06:00

So here are my 100 things:
1. I was born on election day 1972.
2. In Arkansas.
3. We moved to Tennessee when I was 6 weeks old, and I've been here ever since.
4. I have one sister, 3 years younger.
5. I credit my love of fall to my birth date.
6. As well as my obsession with voting.
7. I wanted to get married in the fall.
8. Since I was a full time grad student, we got married during one of my breaks - Memorial Day weekend.
9. We were broke, so we went the one place I didn't want to go for our honeymoon - Gatlinburg.
10. He promised me a better trip for our 5th anniversary.
11. But we both got laid off that year and didn't have the vacation time at our new jobs.
12. Plus, we had our first baby that year.
13. Three and a half weeks early.
14. It was a difficult pregnancy.
15. It was also a difficult labor, resulting in an emergency c-section.
16. When we found out he was all wrapped up in his cord.
17. Four years later, we had our second child.
18. The pregnancy was easier.
19. I scheduled the c-section that time.
20. He came early anyway.
21. Still had the c-section, when I found out his cord was wrapped around him, too.
22. I'm not disappointed. Whatever got them here safe and healthy was okay with me.
23. They are both all boy.
24. Everything in our house can (and has been) turned into a car, a bat, a ball or a light saber.
25. Not a day goes by that I don't say "Get off of your brother!" to one of them.
26. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
27. And we are not trying for a girl.
28. We finally got our trip - on our 10th anniversary.
29. It was worth the wait - an Alaskan cruise.
30. We left the boys at home.
31. It was nice, but I'm not sure I'll do it again for a while. I missed them terribly.
32. Alaska was the 40th state I have visited.
33. I want to visit all 50.
34. But I never want to live anywhere else.
35. We live in the suburbs.
36. In a neighborhood full of kids around our boys' ages.
37. Right across the street from the elementary school.
38. In the town where I was raised.
39. Yes, I know: sad.
40. Our children keep it interesting - and busy.
41. Our oldest plays soccer.
42. And is a Cub Scout.
43. Our youngest just isn't old enough yet.
44. I guess that makes me a soccer mom.
45. Minus the mini-van.
46. I drive an SUV.
47. Yes, I know, gas is pricey.
48. But we're not paying the equivalent of our mortgage on our cars either.
49. We're debt free except for the house. Thank you Dave Ramsey.
50. We try to eat dinner at the table most nights.
51. Mondays are hard because of Cub Scouts.
52. Wednesdays because of Bible school.
53. We attend church 3 times a week.
54. I was raised that way.
55. Even went to a small, private, Christian university.
56. I had a scholarship, or wouldn't have been able to afford it.
57. Even though the school has a reputation as a "marriage factory", I didn't meet my husband there.
58. I met him at one of my summer jobs.
59. My degree: Math.
60. My master's degree: Math.
61. I do work, but wish I didn't.
62. I guess if I have to have a job, I have a good one.
63. But if the opportunity presented itself, I'd quit tomorrow.
64. My husband and I have very different families.
65. I guess opposites really do attract.
66. He is one of 7 children.
67. I think I asked him on the third date how many he wanted.
68. I was not going out with him again if he wanted that many.
69. We do not discuss politics & religion with his family.
70. I love them, but we generally disagree on those issues.
71. I can agree to disagree with people. But if people cannot accept that, I move on.
72. I do not have time to argue.
73. I am politically conservative.
74. I used to think I was moderate. But I was just in denial.
75. I believe in voting.
76. I believe it is not just a right, but a responsibility.
77. It is also a responsibility to be informed about the candidates and issues.
78. And pay attention to the local races, too.
79. I could go on and on, but I won't say anything else.
80. Except maybe this: I will discuss it, but I won't try to change anyone's mind. And don't try to change my mind: I won't.
81. Did I mention I'm stubborn?
82. In our limited free time, we are working on the house.
83. It's a fairly new house, so it's mostly just decorating.
84. And organizing. That is an issue for me.
85. But I'm getting better. Thank you Fly Lady.
86. I also like puzzles. Sudoku is my current favorite.
87. And I read. Like crazy.
88. I can get so wrapped up in a book the house could burn down around me and I probably wouldn't notice.
89. I watch too much TV.
90. I love reality shows - I just can't help myself.
91. We watch a lot of Disney channel, too.
92. I also love to sing.
93. I was in one of the choral groups in college.
94. I like singing too loud in the car better.
95. I've never wished I could go back to high school, college, etc.
96. I think my life just gets better.
97. I think that's how it should be.
98. I keep in touch with my best friends from those times. But we don't relive them.
99. I don't really have one best friend.
100. I'm close to my family, like all my neighbors and have close friends from church.

I could probably add more or revise the list. But I'm done.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-21T15:23:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! The excitement level at my house is unbelievable. The boys cannot stand to just look at the presents anymore - they want to open them. I must admit, I'm ready to open presents, too.

We've watched all the Christmas shows - who knew there were so many! We've had all the school parties - where they had waaayyyy too much sugar. We've listened to the same Christmas CDs over and over. Their favorite: Santa Claus is Coming to Town. We've shopped till we dropped. Wrapped till we're almost out of paper. And made cookies by the dozens. There are still at least 10 backs of chocolate chips in the pantry - guess what we'll (by we I mean Glenn) be doing this weekend. And, of course, I have to taste the dough to make sure it's just right.

We're definitely in the spirit at our house. Hope you are, too.
Everyone have a safe & happy holiday!