Merry Christmas to Me!

I just returned from the doctor and received a clean bill of health! Merry Christmas to Me!

I made it home safe and sound on the ice covered roads. Merry Christmas to Me!

I just checked my grades for this semester and I received straight A's! Merry Christmas to Me!

I have the most wonderful, awesome, terrific, fantastic family! Merry Christmas to Me!

So much to be thankful for! Merry Christmas to You!

Slowly but surely...I think

Day four after surgery and man, I still hurt like crap. This is supposed to be minor, just a small procedure done as an outpatient. I have so much sympathy for those that have to be opened all the way.

Yesterday, I spent a little time moving around the house. I was maybe up for a total of an hour and a half to two hours. I was pretty worn out by the end of the day. Today, I moved around quite a bit more, went into town with my husband and I feel like I have been hit in the stomach by a sledge-hammer. Holy cow!

Tomorrow, I go to the doctor for my follow-up appointment.

I can tell you this, I am sure glad they moved the surgery up instead of two days before Christmas. I would have never made it on Christmas morning!!

Speaking of Christmas...it is a bit bittersweet this year. We are missing my father-in-law terribly. The money situation doesn't help with anything. This will probably be the smallest Christmas our boys have ever had.

But, with the grief and slow economy, we have so much to be thankful for. We have a warm home. We have our family, which we love dearly. We have food in our cabinets (most days - lol). Best of all, we have our Lord and Saviour.

Merry Christmas everyone! Here's to a bright and wonderful new year! May each of you be blessed with love, health and happiness!

Somebody isn't a mother

I came across this from another blog tonight and wanted to share..

SOMEBODY ISN'T A MOTHER (Author Unknown)

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you’ve had a baby … somebody doesn’t know that once you’re a mother, “normal” is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct, somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring … somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver’s permit.

Somebody said if you’re a “good” mother, your child will “turn out good”…
somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said “good” mothers never raise their voices …somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor’s kitchen window.

Somebody said you don’t need an education to be a mother…somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can’t love the second child as much as you love the first… somebody doesn’t have two children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books…somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery….somebody never watched her “baby” get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten or on a plane headed for military “boot camp.”

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back….somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married…somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a
mother’s heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home…somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don’t need to tell her…

Somebody isn’t a mother.

Surgery Update

Okay, I had surgery on Thursday to remove my gall bladder. Today is Saturday and I feel like I was hit by a mack truck. Between the gas they can't remove after the surgery and just the pain of having an organ removed, it's pretty awful.

My husband has to actually help me get in and out of the chair that has become my home since Thursday. You know, you don't realize how much you use your stomach muscles until they have been cut into.

Here is hoping tomorrow is a little better than today or yesterday. And that the surgery actually took care of the problem. I won't know that for a while, when I actually begin to eat again.

The things kids say

So, last week I found myself in the emergency room with extreme abdominal pain. I actually would have rather been giving birth than the pain I was in. After lots of medication and lots of tests I found out that I have gall stones and am probably going to have to have surgery. I meet with a doctor on Friday to discuss the next steps.

As I was talking to my boys about this and told my youngest (who is 10) that the doctors are probably going to take my gall bladder out, he says to me...."You mean they are going to do a transplant????" Uhhmmmm, not exactly - lol.

Still Waiting

I am now living by one of my favorite songs..."If you're going through hell". The song seems to fit my life recently.

I know things will get better but there are days when I stop and ask WHEN. Between Glen struggling to find work (the bills are still coming in), the kids and their grades, my school work, my sister and her struggles, my father-in-law passing away, and now a mystery illness for me. I keep saying my shoulders are only so big.

Each day without my father-in-law is a struggle. Because he was in our "backyard" we miss him terribly. There isn't a moment that passes that we don't talk about him or think about him. The other day, Glen dropped something off to me at work and I instantly looked in the passenger seat for Neal...he was always there. Today, we sold his Blazer. He hated that thing, but it is still another thing we have to let go of. We have been cleaning out his home and the emptier it gets, the harder it gets. It seems so final.

Any extra prayers are appreciated for our family. I know soon things will begin to look up. I am still waiting.

Day by Day

It has been just over a week since my father-in-law passed away suddenly. Each day is just a day of survival around our house. There isn't a thing we see, do or say that doesn't remind of us him.

I wish I could take my husband's pain away. The pain that he is going to feel for such a long time. The breaking in his heart because he is waiting for his phone to ring and his dad to say "Whatcha doin' bud?" The painful look on his face as he keeps glancing at the barn, waiting to see his dad walk out, get on his scooter and ride across the barn lot, just coming to see what Glen was up to.

I know there is nothing that I can say or do to take the pain away. I don't know firsthand what my husband is going through. I can only be there for him when he needs me. Right now, he needs me.

I was supposed to be in Nashville tonight for the Christmas 4 Kids benefit. My husband needed me, so I stayed home. Sure, he could have made it through the day without me, but why should he have to? Why should he have to face this unbareable pain alone?

He doesn't...he has me, he has his boys, he has my boys and he has lots of family. We are here....when he needs us. Right now...he needs us and we need him.

Missing my father-in-law

Sad to have to post this but Friday night we lost my father in law. Neal was only 62 years old but his health had not always been the best. He has had heart problems since he was 38 years old. In recent years he has had several stints and many trips to the hospital. This was one of those things that you expect eventually but aren't ready for it even when it happens.

My husband, Glen, and his dad were so close. Glen lived with his dad after his parents were divorced. Neal thought the sun rose and set in Glen and I am pretty sure Glen thought the same thing. There were a few rocky years in the middle - but things were patched up many years ago and the bonds grew only tighter.

Last year Glen and Neal became very involved in remote control airplanes. As I would tell Neal...another "High Dollar Hobby". The would spend HOURS in that barn working on those planes. Putting them together, putting in the engines, putting the weights on the them, gluing, testing, flying, CRASHING, them! I think they spent more time crashing them they they did actually flying them! After they crashed them they would make the 1/2 hour drive to HobbyTownUSA to invest in more parts and more planes. The may have increased HobbyTown's sales 200% that summer all by themselves! Like I said "High Dollar Hobby!"

Neal was so proud of this plane....it took 1 flight before it ate the dust!!!

This year they were very involved in my step-son's go-kart racing. Tristan would race, Glen was the mechanic and Neal with the Crew Chief :) or something like that. Every Thursday and Saturday they were at that track. He would ride his little scooter and push Tristan to the start line each night...it was kind of a tradition.

Everyday inbetween they were in the barn working on that car. I have never seem a grandfather more proud that when Tristan won his very first race. Tears streaming down grandpa's eyes. Tears streaming down Glen's eyes. Two peas in a pod.

Neal, Glen and Tristan after Tristan won the STATE championship this year.

Every day Glen would call his dad and ask him if he wanted to run into town with him. His dad may have stayed in the truck, but they spent that time together. Glen is going to miss him. We would invite him to dinner and he said I made the best damn hamburgers he had ever tasted. He also loved my lasagna, meatloaf and everything else. He tried to talk me into opening a restaurant one time.

He sure is going to be missed around here.

This is MY America

I second that!

Shouldn't we all drive a mule into town???

The view from our driveway

The only stop-light in town, okay, fine..the only flashing light in town (we don't have a stop light!)

Our Pastor's Garden

My baby girls - Tasha (black lab) and Maddi (basset)

The best sweet corn you will ever taste!

The Worst Drink in America

Baskin-Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake

2,310 calories
108 g fat (64 g saturated)
266 g sugar

Let's look at America's Worst Drinks in numbers:

73: The number of ingredients that go into this milkshake.

66: The number of teaspoons of sugar this drink contains.

11: The number of Heath Bars you would have to eat to equal the number of calories found in one Baskin Robbins Large Heath Bar Shake.

12: The average number of minutes it takes to consume this drink.

240: The number of minutes you'd need to spend on a treadmill, running at a moderate pace, to burn it off.

'nuff said (but it sure looks good!!!!)

It's America

Okay...here it is. Maybe after you listen to it you will see why I love it so much!

mms://wm.allaccess.com/allaccess/rodnitsa.wma

This will allow you to stream Rodney's new song...

Photo Credit: Chris Maggart (July 2008)


It's America should be available to download/purchase through iTunes on Monday, November 24, 2008 (the official release date).

Enjoy!

CMA Awards

I watched the 2008 CMA Awards last night on ABC. Most of you know that I was watching to see Rodney. He was nominated for New Artist of the Year and he was going to be debuting his new song. This is the first time that he has been asked to do that. But I have always watched the awards show. Even before I became a huge fan of Rodney.

Photo Credit: Donn Jones/CMA
Rodney Atkins singing his new song
"It's America"

It is always fun to see the performances and what everyone is wearing and see who wins. It's always fun to see if you can guess the winners. Sometimes I am right and sometimes I am wrong.

These were the big ones: (winners in bold)

Entertainer of the Year
Kenny Chesney (my choice)
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Sugarland
Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood (my choice)

Male Vocalist of the Year
Kenny Chesney
Alan Jackson
Brad Paisley (my choice)
George Strait
Keith Urban

New Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Rodney Atkins (my choice)
Lady Antebellum
James Otto
Kellie Pickler

Vocal Group of the Year
Eagles
Emerson Drive
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts (my choice)

Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Montgomery Gentry (my choice)
Sugarland
The Wreckers - why were they nominated they aren't even a duo anymore!!!

Single of the Year(Award goes to Artist and Producer)
"Don’t Blink"Kenny Chesney
"Gunpowder & Lead"Miranda Lambert
"I Saw God Today"George Strait (my choice)
"Stay"Sugarland
"You’re Gonna Miss This"Trace Adkins

Album of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer)
Carnival Ride Carrie Underwood
Cowboy Town Brooks & Dunn
Good Time Alan Jackson
Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates Kenny
Troubadour George Strait (my choice)

Song of the Year (Award goes to Songwriter and Primary Publisher)
“Good Time” Alan Jackson EMI-April Music/Tri-Angels Music
“I Saw God Today” Rodney Clawson/Monty Criswell/Wade KirbyBig Red Toe/Extremely Loud Music/Steel Wheels Music/Blind Mule Music (my choice)
“Letter To Me” Brad Paisley EMI-April Music/Sea Gayle Music
“Stay”Jennifer Nettles Jennifer Nettles Publishing
“You’re Gonna Miss This” Ashley Gorley/Lee Thomas MillerEMI Blackwood Music/Songs of Combustion/Sea Gayle Music

Oh and WFMS won large market station of the year. You can check out their website here (www.wfms.com)

I personally LOVED the show and enjoyed ALL the performances. I loved the red carpet. It was just a fun night to watch. It looked like all the artists enjoyed theirselves. The new songs were great to hear and I can't wait to start hearing them on the radio. Now for my beef...

Okay...I have read tons of reviews of the CMA's but I am ticked. There is one review in the LA times that BLASTS almost every one of the performances of last nights CMA's! Seriously folks. I watched them last night and the sound quality was the best it has been in a LONG time. A few people had problems but not near as many in the past.


The show was better and so many people had GREAT new songs. I loved so many of them. I am finding it hard to understand first off why LA would even be interested in country music - this obviously isn't their lifestyle - but don't criticize us for the way we live and what we listen to.

They are so out of touch that one photo in the review shows a picture of Carrie Underwood clutching the ACM statue with the heading "Carrie, Paisley & Chesney win at CMA's"....at least upload the right photo from the right awards show!!!!

Then they called Brad & Keith the most "LUKEWARM PAIRING!!!!" seriously...seriously....UGGGGHHHHHH

Okay...you can read it - here is the link.

I am going to stop typing cause I just keep getting more upset.

http://latimesblogs.%20latimes.%20com/music_blog/2008/11/cma-awards-live.%20html

(this is for the blow by blow literally of the performances)

http://latimesblogs.%20latimes.%20com/music_blog/

(this is for the photo and "lukewarm quote)

Changes

What a week! This has been something that truly is hard to put in words. Something that is going to be hard to explain to my children - hopefully they understand the importance of what we are a part of. I truly didn't realize the magnitude - the impact this week had on the world...not only me, my children, my friends and my country...but the world.

I was reading the news, the day the country "changed" and it hit me when I read of election parties - in London, Kenya, Australia, Japan, Iraq and other countries. It hit me when I saw the tears of joy in others eyes as we elected a new leader of our country. This change doesn't only effect us - it has a significant impact on the world. They had an interest in what is going on and the cared the outcome. They may not have voted - but they were right there watching until the very end...awaiting the results.

I loved the passion that people had for this election. The passion that each person had for the candidate that they supported. I wish that everyone had that passion every election day. Maybe if we, as a nation, had that kind of passion wouldn't be in the kind of mess we are in right now. Maybe, just maybe, we might have paid attention in each previous election and made better choices. I am not saying what is right and what is wrong, but we need to have passion about our country. We need to have passion about our leaders. We are so fortunate that we get to choose who leads us.

Okay - off my soapbox.

This week was another change week for me. My son, Tyler, went to the doctor to determine what kind of meds he needed to start. He has been diagnosed with ADD. After years of struggling with his grades and his inability to focus - we made a tough choice - but we feel the right one. He is starting the meds tomorrow. I pray that this is the right choice. In the process of taking him to the doctor, we found that he is now 5' 8". At the beginning of the summer - he was 5' 6". He grew 2" this summer. At the end of last summer he was only 5' 3"...he needs to SLOW down. He is only 13!!! I am not going to be able to keep him in any clothes at this rate!!!!

Me time!

Last week was a busy one. I finished my Communications class on Thursday with a final speech. I was sure glad to get that over with! Friday was fall break for the University. I was able to sleep in. I was such a yuck day - rainy. It was nice to just stay in.

Saturday morning I left for Nashville. It was "me" time. I had been waiting for this day for quite some time. I was going to the Grand Ole Opry for the very first time!!! The trip down was uneventful. I listened to a book on cd and really enjoyed just driving by myself.

I arrived in Nashville around 3:30 and checked into my hotel. My friends send me a text message to see if I had gotten in yet. Several people that I knew were also going to be going to the Opry that night and we had made plans to meet up before the show! I showered and went to pick up Katie (she came in from Georgia) and we headed to the Opry.

I was just amazed at the place. She took my picture in from of the sign (see above) and then we toured the museum. To see all that history in one place left me speechless. If you have any kind of love for country music, like I do, you need to see it - even once. There is so much there to appreciate. So many legends that have come before the great musicians that we have now. If it weren't for these folks...there would be no country music!

Okay, anyway, it was time to finally get in line. I got to see my other friends (Dianne & Melinda)!The reason for being at the Opry was #1 to see Rodney Atkins (of course) and to see Craig Morgan get inducted into the Opry as a member. The show was aired live on GAC and it was really neat to see how the tv show is aired. I later watched it and it was completely different than what I saw that night.

John Conlee giving Craig Morgan his Opry Award

I saw many different artists that night besides Rodney & Craig...legend Little Jimmy Dickens, Larry Gatlin, Jeanne Sealy, Jack Greene, new artist Kristy Lee Cook (making her Opry debut), Hal Ketchum, the Whites, Chuck Wicks, and many others. It was the most amazing experience.

Little Jimmy Dickens


Larry Gatlin

Kristy Lee Cook

Chuck Wicks

I stayed in Nashville for the night and drove home Sunday. The weather was perfect and traffic couldn't have been any better. I arrived home at 2:30 and was exhaused. I don't sleep well when I am out of town, but I completely enjoyed my time away.

While I was away, Tristan had a race Saturday night. It was a memorial race that was 150 laps. Tristan came in 2nd and was able to lead for 5 of the 150 laps. The race was between him and another driver. I guess it was a pretty close race. Too bad I missed it.

We had dinner with my sister-in-law and her fiance' Sunday night.

Well, it's back to reality - work today and a new class starts tomorrow. I had a great weekend and can't wait to go back to Nashville in November!

AU Homecoming

AU's Homecoming was Saturday. We had an office decorating contest and although ours was by far the best we didn't win. Pretty sore subject. I will put a picture up later.

Homecoming was nice. Cold but a great turnout. Tyler decided he wanted to go with me to help out. The poor child - there is no hope - he looks just like me.

Have a great week!

Take me back to the 80's

I decided to go to Walmart the other day. I usually don't shop at Walmart because Meijer is closer but right now I am mad at Meijer (long story - no one wants to hear).
Anyway, as the boys and I were walking from one side of the store to the other we passed something that I thought I would never see again. At first, I thought they were socks...but nooooo they were LEGWARMERS!!! Seriously.

I never figured out the purpose of the those in the 80's - so why are they back? Any clues...anyone? Since the legwarmers are back, does that mean so are perms and big hair?

Beautiful day

This was probably one of the most beautiful weekends that we have had in a long time. It will probably be the best one that we will have until next spring. The temperature was just right and the sun was shining all weekend.

We had two football games Saturday afternoon. Caleb's team won their game and finished with a record of 3 - 3. Last year they finishe 0 - 6, so this year was so much better. Caleb made two amazing plays at the end of the game - he was quite the hero. It took me several minutes to get to him - he had several "fans" (parents) congratulating him on his big plays. We will start the tourney either on Wednesday or Saturday.

Logan's team also won their game and have another one next weekend. I didn't make it to that one since I was at Caleb's game.

Saturday night found us at the races. Tristan has been racing in two classes (blue and gold). He typically races in blue but has been practicing in the gold class - kind of getting his feet wet for next year. He did great. He finished 5th in blue (he spun out with 3 laps to go - he said it was spin out or hit the wall, so he chose to spin out). He finished 1st in gold! Way to go, Tristan!!

Sunday, I worked on homework and was able to not only catch up on what I needed to, but I was able to get ahead for the next two weeks! I feel so accomplished with getting that done! Now, I can spend more time with my boys this week!

Thanks to everyone that has been praying for my family. I sincerely appreciate it. My family is so important to me and although I can't be close to some of my family members because of distance, that doesn't mean that I am not close to them. Life has been very difficult lately for many in my family so again, I thank each of you that has sent a few prayers their way.

And to my family, all of my family, I love you! You may not be related to me by blood, you may just be my friend, you may be my co-worker, you may be in my life because of strange circumstances, still, you are still my family. I love you!

My dad

Have you hugged your dad lately? I haven't seen mine in a few days but am going to stop and see him tomorrow. I almost lost my dad thirteen years ago to a major heart attack - the doctors told us he wouldn't make it to the end of the year. Ten years later - he was having another major surgery - to have his heart reconstructed - including 7 bypasses. Again, doctors weren't sure he would make it. He has also had a pacemaker/defibrillator placed in his chest - we almost lost him with that one - but again, he defied all odds! I love my dad and I don't tell him enough! He is an amazing man!

If you haven't hugged your dad or your parents or your family....go do it today :)

What a weekend!

Last week was not good...so I was glad for the weekend.

I spent Friday night hidden away working on homework.

Saturday afternoon found me at my son's football game. It was a much needed diversion from the stresses of the week and my school work. Last year, his team didn't win a game. His coach doesn't focus so much on winning and losing - but on the team work. He develops the children's abilities and teaches them the fundamentals. It is so refreshing to see - because so many of today's coaches have lost sight that that is their job. He is an intense coach, he expects them to come to practices and games and give 100%, as he should expect it. But he encourages them, he congratulates them and he praises them. He doesn't focus on what they have done wrong - but what they have done right and how they can improve upon that and how they can use their team-mates to do it even better next time.

My son (#57) plays defensive end and is usually all over the field - taking out opponents left and right. Saturday was no exception - he played his heart out. This year their team has won 1 game so far. Third quarter and they are down 7 to 12. The coach puts my son in on offense as well as defense at the beginning of the 4th quarter. It was amazing to watch these kids come together. They pulled off the win 14 - 12! Way to go Wolverines!!!

Back home Saturday night and back to hiding to do more homework (I am a little bit behind and need to play catch up). Sunday found me back in hiding working on homework again, but I was also doing laundry and the boys were helping with other housework. I ended up getting caught up on my homework and getting my laundry completely down. My kitchen is clean and my kids are fed!!

WOW!!! I feel great!

What a day - go make a memory

I had one of those days...the kind where you think it just can't get any worse and it does. The kind where I just need to sit and hug my boys and make a new memory.

When we finally got home from the football game and they were working on homework we were talking about things that they used to do. Some of my favorite and not so favorite memories are:

The way Tyler used to say flyswatter..."flaaashwater". He sounded like he was raised straight in the heart of the south. I am still trying to figure out the south of where!

The way when Tyler was little he would want to watch the ultrasound video of Caleb and he would say "I want to see my little brudder's heawt beat". On the video the doctor check Caleb's heart and he had turned the volumn up so you could see Caleb's heart and hear it beating. Tyler loved watching it.

The way when Caleb was a baby and Tyler would let him suck on his chin...gross I know but still one of my favorite memories.

The sound of my boys laughing - the big deep belly laugh. Even to this day - I love hearing them laugh.

The way, when Tyler was a baby, he would want to sleep beside my and would fall asleep rubbing my face.

The way Caleb had to have someone playing with him all the time - he still does.

The deep blue of both of my boys eyes.

I laughed when I thought about the time Tyler stuck the toy arrow (you know the kind with the suction cup on the end) to the TV and tried to remove it with his mouth - unsuccessfully. This was an emergency room trip! He ended up with a large whole in the back of his throat - it healed on its own.

I laughed again when I thought about the time I had to pull off of the side of the road because Caleb had stuck a jawbreaker (the mini-gobstopper kind) up his nose and couldn't get it out. With a little innovation - mom to the rescue - out it came! Thanks to the big brother for that idea.

My heart hurt when I thought about the time Tyler got hit in the back of the head with a metal baseball bat by a friend not paying attention and it was a trip to the emergency room. Fortunately it was only a knot and nothing major. Just a major scare for mom!

Both boys have broken their collar bones in the last three years - but again, we are fine.

My point is - my memories with my boys are priceless and wonderful - whether they are good or scarry. I need to remember them and love them. Hug your babies, hug your family. They are too important to let the days slip by without letting them know it.

Go make some memories.

Let it go

I woke up this morning to the song by Tim McGraw "Let it Go". The words I woke up to were I know, I know I know I've been forgiven. They made me actually wake up and think. Have I really been forgiven? Do I really let things go?

As I drove to work, I heard it again. We all get caught up in our lives. We get frustrated when things don't go right. But we need to just let it go. We need to remember that we answer to a higher power. We need to look to the Lord when things get us down. Seek Him for our answers. Trust Him. I don't do that often enough...especially now.

Things are very difficult for me right now but I am managing. Or so I think I am. I try my best to let things go. To make the best of every day. To enjoy my time with my children and my husband because they are very important to me. They are my rock and if it weren't for them I would be lost. But more importantly if it weren't for Him I would definitely be lost. Lost in a different way. I need to turn to Him instead of "managing" on my own.

I do know that I have been forgiven, but I do need to do a better job of letting it go or giving it to Him.

Can you let it go?

Work time humor

Well, today was a funny day for me...so I thought I would share with the rest of you...so laugh with me :)

We had a birthday pitch-in at work. We were celebrating birthdays of two of our co-workers. Granted their birthdays were last month, better late than never, right. In all seriousness, we have tried, I think 5 or 6 times to plan this celebration and have had to cancel it over numerous things. We finally settled on today. So the deal was a pitch in celebration. Each of us had to bring a food item that began with our last name. Sounds easy right...then we were told that we had to MAKE it, we couldn't buy it. Okay, typically not a problem, but I am a little overwhelmed with stuff right now and have zero extra hours in my day. We had refried beans - for R, BBQ Beef, for B, macaroni, for M, German Chocolate Cake for G, Jello for J, and so on.

So, me, being the person that I am told the other person on our committee that puts this kind of event together, that I was bringing "mayonnaise" since my last name begins with an M...she told me mayonnaise doesn't count...so I brought Mustard. :)

Not really, I brought muffins and melons...but it was sure funny when I told her that this morning.

Second funny thing today. I was looking at my job description and the VERY first thing listed is "to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere". I started laughing hysterically. Again, for those that know me, know that I am not exactly warm and welcoming before 10:00 a.m. (I am as long as you don't talk to me!) Anyhow, it made me laugh.

It gets better though. Then I read that I only have to be "warm and welcoming" 5% of the time. Seriously...it says that on my job description!!! We decided the office gets 45 minutes a day of "warm and welcoming" and then we narrowed it down to 5 minutes an hour. If you miss those 5 minutes, your screwed - LOL! I am seriously just kidding - but I laughed so hard I almost cried today. I don't think it really means that and I bet it gets changed real quick but it made me laugh all day!

Enjoy your week and be warm and welcoming - at least 5% of the time!

Nothing new...

I really don't have a whole lot to say tonight. This week has been pretty busy with classes that I am taking and the boys with their football practices and games.

Tyler went for his final follow-up with the doctor this week. His collar-bone has healed nicely so they released him. He can now participate in football again. This is exactly what broke it in the first place. Today was his first practice - since the VERY first one that broke it. I have yet to talk to him to see how it went. Apparently he didn't get hurt or they would have called me.

They have a game every Wednesday and the coach requires the boys to dress nice while they are at school that day. Above is a picture of Tyler that I took before he left for school this week. He looked handsome and quite like a teenager. I don't like it! This is why he has freshmen girls calling him and sending him text messages! Don't they know he is only in 7th grade....

Through my children's eyes

I have a habit of messing with my hair or my face as I drive. I don't know why...someone could probably tell you all about me because of these two quirky things.

The boys and I were driving home the other night and I was enjoying the silence. I was messing with my hair and then rubbed my hand across my forehead. I noticed a ridged along the center of it. I had never noticed it before. Weird. I looked in the mirror. It is rather large. A scar right in the center.

I have been in two car wrecks in my life and in both of them I have hit my head/face on the windshield. In the first one I was hospitlized for two days with significant damage to my face. I am quite positive this is a scar from that wreck. I have other scars on my face from the accident. This one I have never noticed because my hair covers it.

Anyway, I rubbed across the scar, looked it the mirror and said "that's strange, this weird crease in my forward." Tyler my oldest says "Where mom?" I said "Right here on my forehead, this scar."

Tyler said to me..."Probably not a scar mom, it's probably a wrinkle." Ouch, that hurt. Great words to hear from your thirteen year old son.

Out of the backseat my 10-year old, Caleb pipes up and says "Tyler, mom isn't old enough to have wrinkles!!!!"

I had just pulled up to a stop sign and turned around and said "Caleb, I love you! You just made my day!"

Fortunately, through my 10-year old's eyes I am still young...not quite sure what my thirteen-year old's eyes are seeing. Not sure I want to know.

Anniversary Part II

For my anniversary gift my husband bought me tickets to see Rodney Atkins. He's knows this is the fastest way to my heart. This was what he bought me last year and it was my gift again this year...too funny.

This wasn't the first time we were going to see him, it wasn't the second, seriously, it wasn't even the third. This is the 9th time in just over a year that we have made a trip to see Rodney. See, I told you he was my favorite singer.

I figured up the trips. We have seen him in 4 states (including Indiana) and traveled almost 3000 miles (round trip) to see him. The average trip has been 116 miles (I am not including the Nashville trips - cause Glen didn't go). The longest trip was 358 miles and the shortest was 18. If you include the Nashville trips -they were by far the longest. Okay...maybe I have a problem - lol :)

It doesn't matter how many times we have seen him, we always have a blast. The concert was amazing, Rodney was as nice as every and was happy to see me! I even got another hug!!! Once you get a "Rodney hug" - you are hooked...

I couldn't ask for a better anniversary gift, a hug from Rodney Atkins and I have a husband that is okay with that. How cool is that?!

I have the best husband in the world. He knows that for me a Rodney hug is better than diamonds!!!

My Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on Saturday! If you ask him, he would tell you it was our 35th. There are days it feels like it has been 35 (even though I am only 34!) But you try being married to him :)

He actually planned a date for us. Okay, for those who don't know us will think the next statement that I am going to make is weird, for those who do know us might think it's weird also, but will understand it. We had all four boys Saturday, so he had to find someone to watch the boys while we went out. He informed me Friday night that Angie would be watching the boys for a few hours Saturday. This really isn't unusual because Ang watches the boys quite a bit. It is unusual because she would be watching the boys for us to go out on our anniversary. (For those that don't know Angie is Glen's ex-wife!) So, his ex-wife is watching his step-sons so he can go out with his "new"-wife for their 5 year anniversary.

Makes perfect sense in our world and we like it that way!!!

Angie stopped by the house to pick Logan up for his football game and right before they left, Logan rolled Glen's pinky finger up in the window. Not good. Pretty sure it is broken. Great way to start date night!

Anyway, we go to Logan's (the youngest of the boys) football game and Angie's boyfriend is actually there also (his name is Scott). Logan's team won and Angie and Scott took the boys with them after the game. We told Ang we would give her some money for Tyler & Caleb to eat when we picked them up. (That was when we thought they were going to McDonald's - turns out they went to Lonestar...okay we need to rethink that money thing!)

Off to dinner we went - well not exactly. We had to go home, shower and change. We actually dressed up for a date!!! Okay, now off we go. Ruth's Chris steak house (we had a gift card). We get there and walk in the wrong door. We seriously are not used to these kinds of places. They are able to seat us early. The hostess, the person pouring the water and the server all tell us happy anniversary! AWWWW, how sweet.

We had a nice private table in a little corner. It was so beautiful. Candles on the table and everything. I got a nice glass of wine. Okay....we ordered our steaks. Atmosphere is set, husband is holding my hand, looking in my eyes and then...in walks a group of probably 7 boys/men together. One of them says quite loudly "I want to sit in that corner so if I blow chunks I can blow it on all of you guys - ha ha ha!!!" Way to ruin my atmosphere!!!!

Last point of my story. We get our steaks. They are absolutely perfect. Filets so tender you can cute through them with a fork. I realize what my husband is about to do and I panic. I look at him and say very quietly, "You cannot ask for ketchup." (He puts ketchup on his steak - it is disgusting). He says to me "WHY NOT!" I said "This is the type of a place that actually has a chef, a real chef, not someone they just hire off the street and it is an insult to the chef to ask for ketchup for your steak!!!"

Several minutes pass and he is quietly eating his steak (with a very pouty face) and he looks at me and says "I really want to insult the chef!"

You can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy! Seriously,

I think I have been married to him 36 years now!

My Story

I have seen this from someone before and thought I would share mine. It's not life altering information by any means but I know everyone was losing sleep not knowing this stuff about me - so I am glad to help ya'll out!

Have a great evening!

Chris

My Story

Hi, my name is: Christina

Never in my life have I: flown in an airplane nor do I want to but if the right opportunity came up I would

The one person who can drive me nuts is: my brother

My high school is: closed - stupid city of Anderson

When I am nervous: I get cold

The last song I listened to was: something on a country station

If I were to get married right now it would be to: Glen again, our anniversary is Saturday – 5 years baby

My hair is: Blonde, long and in need of a cut and hi-lite

When I was 4: I was a chubby little girl and probably playing in the dirt.

Last Christmas: I spent with my family and enjoyed every minute of it.
I should be: studying

When I look down I see: My books

The happiest recent event was: Getting my keys un-locked from my car

If I were a character on 'Friends': Rachel (although Rachel has way better style than I do)
The character I am least like: Monica (she cleans way more than I would EVER even think about!!)

By this time next year: I hope to be done with school.
My current gripe is: The stupid administrative upgrade at work.

I have a hard time understanding: The stupid administrative upgrade at work!

There's these girls: Just one that she lets people influence everything she does. It’s sad.
There are also these girls that if it weren’t for them and having someone to confide in I think I would go crazy.
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Glen

I want to buy: A great SLR camera!

Where do you plan to visit: Nashville or anywhere in TN

If you spent the night at my house: You would probably have to sleep on the couch – with 4 boys, a husband and 2 dogs only 3 bedrooms – it is pretty crowded.

The world could do without: Pop ups on the Internet – they drive me batty

Most recent thing someone else bought me: My husband bought me a sweet tea from McDonald’s tonight and I didn’t even ask for one.
My middle name is: Leigh

In the morning I: don’t like to talk to people until about 10:00 or so – that is when I really start to be sociable – just ask anyone that knows me.
Last night I was: trying to get my car unlocked because I locked my keys in it – UGGGGHHHH!There's this guy I know who: has actually stayed married to me for 5 years – WOW who knew he could do that – but he loves me a whole lot!!
If I was an animal I'd be a: Deer according to my husband. He says that I am pretty like a deer, I am clever, fast and sneaky. I haven’t quite figured out the sneaky part yet!

Tomorrow I am: Going to celebrate the fact that it is Friday!

Tonight I am: Going to be sleeping in a few.

My birthday is: the day before Valentine’s Day.

The Racing World

Each Saturday evening we load up our stuff to trek 3 miles down the road to SpeekCreek2 race track. One of my step-sons, Tristan (he is 11), races a champ cart. All that tells me is that is the type of go cart that he is in. He races in the blue plate restricted. Which means, he can't go as fast as the cart will actually allow him to go. That is probably a good thing!

He started racing these carts very recently - as a matter of fact last night was his sixth race. There are usually 7 - 8 kids that race in his class (ages 9 - 14). Out of his first 5 races, he finished 2nd place twice, 1st place once and had 2 fourth place finishes. Not two bad for someone just starting. (We read recently that is exactly the same way Tony Stewart finished in his first 5 races as a kid starting out!)

Each race starts with warm ups. We get there around 4:00...my husband unloads the cart and makes any adjustments that need to be made to it and waits until that 5:00 time when Tristan can take it out for the warm up laps. They check the times and temps and rpms and all that jazz and then it is off to adjustment central again. More practice laps...more adjustments and this continues until race time at 7:00.

Last night was the state championship. We have to race two heats to see where we will start for the feature. Heat one we started in 4th and worked our way to first and that is where we finished. Heat two, we started in 2nd and finished in first. That means we ended up with pole position for the feature!!!

Racing begins and Tristan jumps out to the lead. He holds onto it for 25 laps. It was almost a photo finish at the end. A kid named Nick almost took the win away from Tristan right at the finish line. It was amazing! What a great night and wonderful racing.

The ended up "teching" the cars (which means tearing them down to see if they were running legal). The 2nd place finisher got disqualified for a riser on air filter. So our team mate came in 2nd and we got first in the state!!!!

What out Nascar...here comes Tristan!!

The picture above is Tristan and his team mate Emma with their dad's (Glen, my husband and Chuck).

(Caleb at age 3 giving me his typical look)

So today, my 10-year old, Caleb called me (like he does most days) around 3:30. We go through the typical conversation "How was school today?", "Fine", "Anything interesting happen today", "No"...as so it goes. But I was a step ahead of him today because I had received an email from his teacher! Apparently, today was not a good day at school. He had to miss recess and write an apology note to the library aid.

I tried to coax out of my son the events that transpired during the day...but all I could get was "It was a good day, Mom", "Nothing happened Mom" "Yes I'm sure!!" as I continued to question him. Not until I finally let him know that I already knew he had gotten into trouble did he start to spill the beans.

When is he going to learn that mom ALWAYS knows!!!

He's always there

I decided to join the world of bloggers...wonder how that will go? We will see. I spent the day a little stressed at work and then spent a few quite hours at football practice for my step-son. I was lost in reading for my upcoming Bible class so the noise of the kids slamming into each other didn't bother me. I needed to be lost in the Bible to realize what really is important to me.

My days have been stressful and I haven't been as thankful and prayerful as I should be. Thanks for showing Yourself when I needed You.