Now y'all remember that on Tuesday my car DIED on me. It has been in the shop and as of yesterday afternoon the mechanic could not get it to "act up" for him (geez). DH told him to keep it a few days and see what happens.
Well, low and behold, this morning I was driving the MomVan to take the kids to school and guess what???? It starts having an identitiy crisis and starts squealing and smoking like some hopped up teenie bopper. Yes, you are reading that right...I have 2 seperate vehicles that have broken down on me in a 2 day period! NOW, how many folks can lay claim to that, I ask you???
When DH arrived on the scene to yet another of my car emergencies he calls over to the mechanic that has my car, and says we are going to just come pick it up and drive it until it "acts up" again. LOL You know what? It finally decided to "act up" yesterday afternoon and so they started taking it apart and it was still in pieces this morning!!! So, my car is in pieces and the MomVan is not doing much better. Our trusted mechanic doesn't work on the brand of van I have but he did give us a recommendation on where to take it. Yep, I have 2 vehicles in 2 different repair shops as we "talk".
Oh, yeah...it is going to be an expensive week.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
5 cows and 2 snakes
Today, after picking up DS#2 from preschool and stopping by the grocery store, I was heading home and enjoying the beautiful, sunny afternoon when my beloved car died. Yep, just kicked off right there as I rounded a curve.
Hmmmm, God was there too, as I was able to safely, roll right off the main road onto a little-traveled side road next to a pretty creek and a cow pasture. I do kind of wish that God had also kept the cell phone service in this picturesque locale but I won’t complain (much).
So, after getting my little man out of the car and locking it securely we were just getting ready to start walking up the road and along came the sweetest lady and her little boy. She stopped and asked if we needed help. Well, I am bit wary of strangers (and I think she probably was too but was taking a chance that if things went awry that she could probably take me and her little boy could probably take my DS since she was perched all high up her SUV and I was in my puny little dead car) so I ask if any chance she had cell phone service and she said she had left her cell phone at home but she could run home and get it. I actually just asked if she would please take my DH’s # and call him and tell him my car was DEAD and where I was…she said she would. Isn’t that just sweet? Especially since she was obviously heading out to do errands of her own with a child just the age to really pitch a fit when Mom turns around and heads back home without doing what she said she was going to do! She went back home and called my DH and then came back and let me know he was on his way. I thanked her profusely (and will definitely send her a thank you note!) and sent her on her way.
As I had just come from the grocery store I happen to have a flat of bottled water and it is baseball season so I had my trusty folding chairs in the trunk; I pulled those out and set them up under a shady tree and got DS#2 a water and he was happy as a lark. It also, so happened, that we were sitting in a patch of clover so we spent some time looking for 4 leaf clovers but didn’t have any luck with that (obviously luck wasn’t our thing this afternoon). We also walked over to the creek…actually we kind of went toward the little creek until, 1st, one snake plopped off a limb and into the water and then, 2nd, we saw another one slithering quickly to the creek…needless to say, we went back to our little chairs under our shady tree and watched the 5 cows in the pasture meandering their way to what I assume must have been lunch. DS#2 was just thrilled with this adventure and told me he was having a good time! I mean 5 cows, 2 snakes, water and a shady tree…how that could not be a good time to anyone is beyond me.
Of course, I tried cranking the car a couple of times to no avail but when DH arrived in short order he cranked it right up. Isn’t that just annoying??? He drove it on home and I drove his car. He did agree that it is running horribly and probably wouldn't even make it to the mechanic's so he called a tow truck to come pick it up and take it to our trusted mechanic (yes, we have a trusted mechanic!). So, I guess I am driving the MomVan for a few days.
Hmmmm, God was there too, as I was able to safely, roll right off the main road onto a little-traveled side road next to a pretty creek and a cow pasture. I do kind of wish that God had also kept the cell phone service in this picturesque locale but I won’t complain (much).
So, after getting my little man out of the car and locking it securely we were just getting ready to start walking up the road and along came the sweetest lady and her little boy. She stopped and asked if we needed help. Well, I am bit wary of strangers (and I think she probably was too but was taking a chance that if things went awry that she could probably take me and her little boy could probably take my DS since she was perched all high up her SUV and I was in my puny little dead car) so I ask if any chance she had cell phone service and she said she had left her cell phone at home but she could run home and get it. I actually just asked if she would please take my DH’s # and call him and tell him my car was DEAD and where I was…she said she would. Isn’t that just sweet? Especially since she was obviously heading out to do errands of her own with a child just the age to really pitch a fit when Mom turns around and heads back home without doing what she said she was going to do! She went back home and called my DH and then came back and let me know he was on his way. I thanked her profusely (and will definitely send her a thank you note!) and sent her on her way.
As I had just come from the grocery store I happen to have a flat of bottled water and it is baseball season so I had my trusty folding chairs in the trunk; I pulled those out and set them up under a shady tree and got DS#2 a water and he was happy as a lark. It also, so happened, that we were sitting in a patch of clover so we spent some time looking for 4 leaf clovers but didn’t have any luck with that (obviously luck wasn’t our thing this afternoon). We also walked over to the creek…actually we kind of went toward the little creek until, 1st, one snake plopped off a limb and into the water and then, 2nd, we saw another one slithering quickly to the creek…needless to say, we went back to our little chairs under our shady tree and watched the 5 cows in the pasture meandering their way to what I assume must have been lunch. DS#2 was just thrilled with this adventure and told me he was having a good time! I mean 5 cows, 2 snakes, water and a shady tree…how that could not be a good time to anyone is beyond me.
Of course, I tried cranking the car a couple of times to no avail but when DH arrived in short order he cranked it right up. Isn’t that just annoying??? He drove it on home and I drove his car. He did agree that it is running horribly and probably wouldn't even make it to the mechanic's so he called a tow truck to come pick it up and take it to our trusted mechanic (yes, we have a trusted mechanic!). So, I guess I am driving the MomVan for a few days.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Long weekend.....
My children (or rather, the school admininstration) has blessed me with a long weekend! No school today or Monday. Here in the south we don't get the end of February "Winter Break" so I am excited to have a mid-Feb. long weekend!!!
I would have enjoyed sleeping in this morning but DS#1 had a friend over and DS#2 felt compelled sit outside his big brother's bedroom door and play - loudly - until they (and everyone else) were awake. Not that it was a big surprise since my boys tend to get up early but I had been up several times during the night telling them to try to be quieter and settle down and my sleep wasn't the best. Anyway, in honor of being considered a good hostess, I trudged downstairs to whip up some pancakes, sausage and fresh strawberries. Of course, the boys - being 10 and completely starved - inhaled their breakfast and went off to play. I probably would have been just as good a hostess if I had put out a box of PopTarts on the table along with juice boxes and let them have at it.
So, here I sit debating on whether or not I take a nap as soon as DS#1's friend leaves or should I actually start the "BATHROOM PROJECT"? This Bathroom has haunted me and now I have determined that this will be the weekend when it gets taken care off. Not to mention DD has one of her girlfriends from our old home in NY coming to visit in 2 weeks and I don't want to frighten her with the "we are in the middle of redoing that bath" room. Almost all the wallpaper has been removed and I purchased fine sandpaper for smoothing out some areas before painting. I have picked out the paint color (Kennebunkport Green!) and need this room to be completed. Of course, I still need to get to Lowes for the new lighting fixture, although, I know how hard to to understand why I am ridding myself of the lovely large round light bulbs on a chrome bar - think lighting around a Movie Star's dressing table - BUT it must be done! The bathroom must come into the new century! Must, I tell ya!!!!
Anyway, it is cold here (not as cold as other places but for us...it is COLD!) so I guess it is as good a weekend as any to get to it.
I would have enjoyed sleeping in this morning but DS#1 had a friend over and DS#2 felt compelled sit outside his big brother's bedroom door and play - loudly - until they (and everyone else) were awake. Not that it was a big surprise since my boys tend to get up early but I had been up several times during the night telling them to try to be quieter and settle down and my sleep wasn't the best. Anyway, in honor of being considered a good hostess, I trudged downstairs to whip up some pancakes, sausage and fresh strawberries. Of course, the boys - being 10 and completely starved - inhaled their breakfast and went off to play. I probably would have been just as good a hostess if I had put out a box of PopTarts on the table along with juice boxes and let them have at it.
So, here I sit debating on whether or not I take a nap as soon as DS#1's friend leaves or should I actually start the "BATHROOM PROJECT"? This Bathroom has haunted me and now I have determined that this will be the weekend when it gets taken care off. Not to mention DD has one of her girlfriends from our old home in NY coming to visit in 2 weeks and I don't want to frighten her with the "we are in the middle of redoing that bath" room. Almost all the wallpaper has been removed and I purchased fine sandpaper for smoothing out some areas before painting. I have picked out the paint color (Kennebunkport Green!) and need this room to be completed. Of course, I still need to get to Lowes for the new lighting fixture, although, I know how hard to to understand why I am ridding myself of the lovely large round light bulbs on a chrome bar - think lighting around a Movie Star's dressing table - BUT it must be done! The bathroom must come into the new century! Must, I tell ya!!!!
Anyway, it is cold here (not as cold as other places but for us...it is COLD!) so I guess it is as good a weekend as any to get to it.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
I could have danced all night...I could have danced all night...
Last night was DD's 1st formal and her 1st dance! She attended her school's Homecoming Dance. I was privledged to attend as well and chaperone. It was such a fun night. The kids dance for 3 straight hours.
It was much different from the dances I remember from high school...there were no couples who tried to hang out in the dark corners and there weren't any of the groups gathered that never seemed to dance. That is something I love about DD's school. Everyone enjoyed each other and there were no appearance of cliches and even if you couldn't dance you jumped in and added your 2 goofy cents! I (and the other Moms even got into the act and dance along with some of the 80s tunes...DD even said I was a good dancer -- a good 80s dancer that is -- WHAT does that mean!)
DD before in her Jessica McClintok dress. I think I wore a Jessica McClintok dress when I was in high school...or maybe that was Gunne Sax?
DD invited a friend from church to attend the dance as her "date". Don't they look sweet?
We had a gathering at our house before the dance so that everyone could visit and eat. This is a photo of some of the kids. There were no boyfriend/girlfriend combos just a great group of buddies who enjoyed the entire night together...along with a late night visit to IHOP after the dance.
DD before in her Jessica McClintok dress. I think I wore a Jessica McClintok dress when I was in high school...or maybe that was Gunne Sax?
DD invited a friend from church to attend the dance as her "date". Don't they look sweet?
We had a gathering at our house before the dance so that everyone could visit and eat. This is a photo of some of the kids. There were no boyfriend/girlfriend combos just a great group of buddies who enjoyed the entire night together...along with a late night visit to IHOP after the dance. Friday, January 5, 2007
10 years ago
I spent the day in Labor/Delivery at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, SC. It was a long, long day. My baby’s due date was not for almost another 3 weeks and I was surprised to find myself there (baby #1 came ON her due date). I think this was just another notification that this baby was going to be a different child all together. At around 4:00 p.m. Baby#2 went into distress and I was rushed into O.R. A few short minutes later I was the Mother of a baby boy.
A boy! A beautiful, little boy.I didn't get to hold or see him for several hours as he had some breathing issues and that wreaked havoc with my hormonal emotions. I think the fact that we had lost a baby a little over a year before probably increased my panic. 6 hours after he was born I demanded to see my baby. They brought him to me and I was so relieve to see a healthy, rolly-poly little boy. He was OK. I was OK...God had blessed us once again. He came into this world at 9 lbs (the Dr. said if he had gone to full term he would have been 10-1/2 to 11 lbs)! He looked more like a 2 month old baby than a newborn.
Now, 10 years later, I watch this boy growing into a young man and I am so proud of him. He is sensitive, kind and loves God. He is smart and funny; loves sports and his continuous energy inspires me. I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
He and I often seem to find ourselves and opposite ends of situations but I love this boy more than life itself. God never makes mistakes and he is proof.
Happy Birthday, sweetie!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
I am resolved....
Happy New Year!
We rang in the New Year with a party here at the house with a few friends. They are good friends, because like us, they aren't big New Year Eve Partiers! They all took off for home before midnight, as they didn't want to be on the roads when all the true party folks loaded up in their cars and headed home from their parties. DH and I both enjoyed the after party glow (and a clean house!) while we watched the ball drop in Times Square. The night was magical, as the house was quiet and all the children were spending the night away...the next morning was even more magical -- as we got to sleep in together! WHOOOHOOO!
In years past I have not made New Year's Resolutions. This year, though, feeling the need to get myself organized and my life running a bit more smoothly, I have. Maybe I will wish I hadn't -- but I did. I am also going a step further and, gulp, putting them out there for all (2 or 3 of you that read this blog) to read! So here goes,
I resolve to:
We rang in the New Year with a party here at the house with a few friends. They are good friends, because like us, they aren't big New Year Eve Partiers! They all took off for home before midnight, as they didn't want to be on the roads when all the true party folks loaded up in their cars and headed home from their parties. DH and I both enjoyed the after party glow (and a clean house!) while we watched the ball drop in Times Square. The night was magical, as the house was quiet and all the children were spending the night away...the next morning was even more magical -- as we got to sleep in together! WHOOOHOOO!
In years past I have not made New Year's Resolutions. This year, though, feeling the need to get myself organized and my life running a bit more smoothly, I have. Maybe I will wish I hadn't -- but I did. I am also going a step further and, gulp, putting them out there for all (2 or 3 of you that read this blog) to read! So here goes,
I resolve to:
- Pray more
- Be more consistant and dedicated in my Bible Study and daily prayer/quiet times.
- I HAVE to get my health in order (and yes, as cliche as it sounds, that includes eating healthier, exercising and loosing weight).
- Be more patient with my children and make more memories with them -- other than the memory of Mommy being in a snippy mood .
- Organize and purge my house! In my last house, everything had a place and everything seemed to stay organized and it was much easier to keep clean. We have been here almost 3 years and it still feels chaotic to me.
- Have more friends in and share our home with others frequently.
- Finish redecorating/redoing the upstairs (the paint stops just half way up the stairs -- just high enough that you can't see it from the foyer!).
So, there, I did it. I made New Year's Resolutions. Can you believe? Oh, now to keep them. I did pretty good on January 1st (even with the eating and exercising part!).
2007 promises exciting things...one of the 1st being DD is going back to her previous school! If you have read Southern Somedays for a while you may remember the struggle I had with her desire to attend the local public high school. She was very curious about public school and we decided to step out in faith and let her go (literally and figuratively). She had alot of fun over at the public high school...was very popular and involved -- for which I am very grateful but she approached us a few weeks back and asked if she might go back to her Christian School! To say we were thrilled is an understatement. I am so proud of her making the decision on her own, even after having the ideal "high school experience" at the public school. She told us that everyone at the public school was really nice and since it was so big there were all kinds of cool things to do but it just wasn't her previous school and she missed the quieter, more intimate involvement and friendships. She missed her Bible courses and....get this....she missed uniforms! THAT is amazing, especially after all the years of, "If I didn't have to wear uniforms my life would be great...blah, blah, blah!" On a completely selfish note I will be glad to have her back at the previous school because that is where her younger brother goes and her baby brother will go next year (just think all 3 children at the same place!)...for the begining of this school year I had 3 children at 3 different schools so it meant a day of driving for me! This will really make my life much more simple!
Hope you all had a marvelous start to 2007!
