Caddell Five

First

2011-09-14T05:25:00.001-07:00

First Day of Third Grade

First Sophomore Year Cross Country Meet
(18:05 baby!)

Luke is still alive - but far too cool to have his picture taken for first day of 6th grade.

Luke

2011-08-22T06:38:00.001-07:00

This morning at 1:10 Luke turned 12. Yesterday we were talking about the day he was born. It was funny to see how excited he was to hear all the details of the day he was born. He loved for some reason that he was born so early in the morning - I told him I should have know at that moment he was going to be my night owl. He has existed on very little sleep since the day he was born. That day showed me I had some other level of strength I never knew I had - I delivered that boy completely natural, never really intending too, but he wanted to be welcomed to the world quicker than my doctor could get me an epidural. Luke is definitely my McNabb child - meaning he looks a lot like me and acts a lot like me. He is sensitive, quiet, fiercely competitive and has the best sense of humor for any 12 year old you'll ever meet. Oh and above all he has the best eyes - and he knows how to work em to his advantage!

Happy Birthday Luke!

The Goodness from my weekend

2011-07-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

Backyard bonfire with friends

Being asked to ride with Clinton while he runs because he likes my company (even though that means I have put in so many miles my butt hurts!)

Having the best Grandparents ever for my kids - who agree to take them today because they are driving me nutty!

Stocking up at Costco's frozen food section so my kids can have something to eat & I don't have to cook in this 90 degree weather.

Seeing my sisters face and her sweet girls, thank you facetime - best invention ever!

Humiliation is Greatest Motivator

2011-07-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Clinton has been trying to increase his strength over the summer to build up his stamina for running next school year. I was reading online and told him he should do the Planks challenge - where you hold a plank for as long as you can and then increase the amount you hold it by a ew seconds everyday for 6 weeks. It is great strength training since it engages so many muscle groups at once. So I announced that we would all be doing it - so I pulled out the clipboard and stopwatch and lined everyone up - Clint & Geoff held it for 2 minutes flat first time - Luke was next and held it for a minute. So Syd and I went together after the first 30 secs everything on me was shaking - but there was no way I was not going to hold it for less than a minute or I would never hear the end of it.

Not being humiliated in front of my boys will have me doing things longer than I ever thought possible.

Summer Time

2011-07-03T10:00:00.001-07:00

Things have finally slowed down around here so we can finally be a little lazy and enjoy some summer time activities.

We've been swimming in the pool, tubing in the lake and going to watching fireworks tonight on the lake - one of my all time favorite things to do.

Clint's been putting in tons of miles running - he is getting so fast. Its official, I can hardly keep up with him on my bike - he always ask me or Geoff to ride with him because he gets bored. Last night I could not keep up with him - and when I finally did catch him and rode at his pace by the end I though I was gonna puke - so I guess I need to work on my riding skills a little.

I am super excited because I am getting my hair cut this Thursday - and I don't have a clue what I am doing - i made an appointment with my girl and told her I am bored with my hair - think up something fun - so who knows what it's gonna be - I can't wait!

Found in the bottom of a backpack

2011-06-16T07:36:00.001-07:00

No Thank You

2011-06-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

Why does it seem my summer has not even started and I feel like I am being sucked in to busyness.

No I do not want to sign up for Kids Camp

No my son does not need to get extra experience with sports tournaments over the summer

Nope, not interested in Vacation Bible School

I am probably not even interested in having your kids over to play.

There are only a few short weeks to my summer and I could care less if I get the reputation of being "standoffish" :) I am not signing up for anything.

Time Away

2011-06-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to spend 6 days away with my sisters and my two twin nieces in FL. It was so much fun. We really didn't do to much of anything but just be lazy and enjoy each other's company. Oh and love on babies all day!

It's funny what a little time away can do to you. Before I left I was in a bit of a slump - feeling quite pessimistic. But having that time to spend in my sisters who I am so thankful for and cherish those two sweet new babies, and having time away from my family - to realize how much I love them and miss them after a few days. It just does something to shift your perspective to make you realize how good I have it. It's my birthday today and I am celebrating just how blessed I am.

They Are Done

2011-05-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

I finished the baby quilts this past weekend. The girls beat me - and arrived before I had them done and shipped to their momma. I am boxing them up and shipping them off but had to grab a few pics first - I am really happy with how they turned out.

Back to What I Love

2011-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have finished to tops to the twins baby quilts and I have decided to send them off to professional to have them quilted. I found a lady about 10 minutes from me who works out of her home. So I am waiting with great anticipation to see how they turn out. But something funny happened over the course of the past month while I was working on the quilts. First off Sydney was really into the whole sewing thing and wanted to be near and help out whenever she could - so she became the string clipper, iron-er and seam ripper specialist.

I was telling a good friend of mine about the quilts and Syd learning about sewing and we began talking about sewing and that I could teach her daughter. My friend is in charge of small groups at our church and she began talking to me about teaching a class for people or kids who want to sew. I kept asking her not believing her that there will be people who want to learn ( I don't know why I am still finding this hard to believe) Then the more I thought about it the more these ideas kept coming to me, ie. making dresses or little dolls to send with our upcoming missions trips to Guatemala and Africa. Really the more I think about it the ideas are really endless, what about quilts for families in need.....

I am excited to share this skill that I love and to be able to teach them and at the same time make something that we can give away to others. Who knows where this will end up but I am excited to see what is gonna happen.

Thoughts from my week

2011-03-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

Luke decided it was time to chop all his hair off - I am still in shock when I look at him. It's been years since I have seen what's under that mop of curls. Now all you see is his huge gorgeous eyes now when you look at him. Geoff has told me our boys faces are too pretty. (I took it as a compliment - but I think he meant it in a derogatory way) I miss his long hair - but he's happy - so I guess I will be too.
It's just not right that Clint's skin care regime is far more intense and expensive than mine - got love teenage hormones.
Having all the snow melted and the kids able to play outside makes me so happy
It is so much harder for me to teach Sydney what to do when people treat you mean than it ever was with the boys. She was telling me things girls had been saying to her at school and everything in me wanted to just send her brother in there to take care of her - I am not ready for girl drama.
I hate xbox with my whole heart.
Geoff is such a good dad to my girl - he has been watching NCAA basketball with the Luke all week, teaching him stuff the whole time they were playing, and he saw that the girls tournament starts Saturday and told Syd they have to watch it together so she can learn from those big girls playing - I love that!

It wasn't what I had planned

2011-03-07T18:08:00.000-08:00

Friday morning started with a call that threw all my plans out the window. Sydney threw up on the bus on the way to school. Traumatizing to say the least....I told her know she will have a good story to tell her own kids, as I felt obligated to share with her my own story of throwing up on the bus (I was near the back and we were on a hill and it rolled all the way to the front hitting shoes and backpacks along the way, good story, right?) Anyway I digress.

Geoff & Luke were leaving to go away to winter camp with the middle school group from church, so I had a weekend of shopping and going out to movies & dinner plans to enjoy with Clinton & Syd. But the majority of Fri & Sat I spent in the bathroom with Syd - poor thing. I ended up having a quiet conversations with Clint on Saturday (sometimes that kids head comes out of the clouds long enough to really shock me with some of the smart things he says) and then we all laid around and had Lord of the Rings movie marathon. I spent most of Sunday it felt like bleaching the bathroom - only to welcome Geoff home and his stomach flu. I think its gonna be a long week.

Coffee

2011-02-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

I have given in to the fact that Geoff makes the absolute best cup of coffee - and I make terrible coffee. This was hard to admit when his most advanced skill in the kitchen is making a bowl of cereal - and I love to cook. I have decided it is due to his OCD tendencies. He makes it the same way every time - never deviating. So we always have 8 cups no matter what. So I have gladly given him this title - and the benefit is having someone else make my morning cup of coffee for me.

And I must keep from talking myself into McDonald's coffee on those mornings when he is running late. No matter how many times I think this time it will be ok - it never is. I would rather drink my own terrible coffee.

Lately

2011-02-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

So my life has been pretty much about basketball lately. If I am not working, Then I am either taking Luke or Syd to practice or a game. But we only have a few weeks left so the end is in sight. On to my next project, which is going to be so much fun! I finally finished picking out fabric for the two sweet baby quilts I am making for my baby sisters twin girls that are coming in May. I don't think this picture does the fabric justice - mostly lavenders with some pink and greens mixed in. They have a vintage feel to them - I can't wait to get started!

2011-01-17T11:57:00.000-08:00

Kids were home today & I fought every urge I had to be lazy today and took them sledding. Honestly I was feeling a little guilty after hearing from friends & family down south how much fun they had in the snow this past week, we have it all the time & take it for granted. Clint was at a friends so it was just Syd, Luke & I, turned out to be alot of fun, even if I did freeze my butt off. Speaking of butt, I think I broke mine trying to prove to Luke Mom is not to scared to sled of the jump, bad idea!

A funny thing happened on the way to Home Depot

2010-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

I have been having more and more realizations this past year about getting older - the big 40 is looming over me. And slowly I am having this realization that I indeed am getting older, and this Christmas was no exception. Geoff got me a beautiful silver locket with my initials monogrammed in it - it is a beautiful keepsake that I can see being passed down to Sydney.

But I was driving with Geoff to Home Depot tonight and started laughing talking to Geoff about some of my favorite gifts were the huge package of dish towels and the kitchen & bath faucets that was on my list - My how things have changed when these gifts make me happy.

Snow!

2010-12-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I woke up to find out the first official snow storm is here for the winter. We got a little snow during the night and it is suppose to snow all day for the next couple of days. I have gotten a lot better about dealing with the snow thanks for living here for the last 11 years. But the first couple of snow falls my southern roots come out & I freak out a little inside that I am expected to function in the midst of all this snow on the ground. So I decided to make this first snowfall be my snow day - Geoff is at work, there is no way I want to go out in this mess. So I made fire, cinnamon toast and coffee. Syd & I are watching Christmas cartoons. And instead of complaining about it, just for today we are going to go out and enjoy it.

2010-12-08T06:31:00.001-08:00

For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
Zeph. 3:17

This Weekend

2010-12-04T16:59:00.001-08:00

Ever feel like you have crammed a whole weeks worth of happenings in one day? Sydney was in a parade with her Brownie troop - it was fun to be at the Christmas parade, even if we froze our keisters off!

This afternoon we went to the tree farm and cut down our tree - one of our Christmas traditions. It is so much fun, and a growing experience for me when I keep having to tell myself it's not about the tree but the experience when I see the tree the kids have picked out.

So we spent the afternoon putting up the tree & decorations and even hung some lights up outside. And while that was going on I even managed to squeeze the last of my Christmas shopping in online (thank you Amazon!) I know, I know I am such an over achiever. And I even have another whole day of the weekend tomorrow!

And this is just for fun!

My trip to Hell

2010-10-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

Clinton ran this morning in a race that is kinda famous around here in the running community. It is called Run through Hell on Halloween - held in Hell, MI. Well my trip to get there ended up feeling like my own little trip through Hell. He was running at 9:30 - so we planned on getting there at 8:30. Getting the kids up & around and out the door that early was my first obstacle - let's just say Syd & Luke are so over watching races. Come to find out there were 3,000 people running in the race - let's just say I didn't plan on that many people being there - don't know what I was thinking. We sat in a line of cars waiting to get into the parking lot for over an hour - and we were about only 2 miles away. So time is ticking by - & Clint is freaking out that he isn't going to have time to check in and stretch etc.... So I tell him to just jump out and run to the check in & I will find him somehow - trying to convince him it will be a nice little warm up. So he jumps out - and I say a prayer that my directionally challenged son somehow finds his way & that I see him again. He starts running up the side of the road, then I see all these people come pouring out of their cars doing the same thing. I finally get to the park- and have to break my neck running to see him start. Shew.... so it ended well, he did good - placed 32 out of 3000 racers.

Today

2010-10-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Today I am dusting off a memory......

of sweet babies with thick black hair.

of riding the propane tank like it was my horse.

of sitting on the beach drinking coffee with my sisters.

of driving across the country with my husband in a u haul without a fear in the world.

What memory will u dust off today?

My Life

2010-10-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

This is what my life has revolved around as of late: I am either driving to a practice or picking up from a practice, or watching a meet. It's not so bad - it's actually pretty cool to see Clint find something he loves and works so hard at it. The ends is in sight though only 2 more weeks left. So don't give up on me - I will be back to post more soon. These are the best pics I got - he runs by so fast I have a hundred pictures of the back of his head.

First Day of School

2010-09-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

First day of school today at our house -it was met by mixed emotions. Kids are excited to see friends, mom is excited to have a routine again. But summer seemed to be over in a blink, and time seems to be going by quicker & quicker. Clint stared high school, and as you can tell by the picture the bus picks him up so early it's still dark out! He was not excited to have to wear a shirt & tie today - he has to dress up when the cross country team has a big meet. And it just happens they have a big meet with their biggest rival today on the first day of school. He told me he was worried that everyone would think he dresses this way for normal. I think he successfully hid it under his sweatshirt so he could keep in hidden at least for the bus ride.

Luke is 5th grade - last year before he is off to middle school, and Syd is starting 2nd grade, getting so big. Of course, Syd has been up since the crack of dawn since she was so excited for today.
I sent them of on their way on the bus, had my house cleaned up by 9:00. Had a cup of coffee, ran errands came home & my house was still clean! I am waiting anxiously for them to get back home so I can hear all the details about their first day - who am I kidding, all I'm gonna get is "It's was fine."

A day in the Life of a 7 year old

2010-08-03T13:36:00.001-07:00

One day a week I have to work, and now that Clinton is old enough, he is the babysitter (and I use that term very loosely) I always tell him please pay attention to your sister sometime during the day. I was going through my camera today and found that someone had been documenting what goes on during her days alone. Not sure how long she has been doing this but thought it was sweet a little glimpse into her day.

It's All How You Look At It

2010-07-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

Why does it seem summer seems to go by in a blink of an eye. I am happy to know that it seems to still drag by for my kids. I was talking with Clinton today and he was asking what the date was - and then he said Wow, we still have a whole month of summer left. While I had just been thinking - we only have a month left!

We have been pretty lazy but it has been wonderful. Lots of riding bikes, swimming in the pool, tubing on the lake & camping with friends. So I guess I better change my perspective - Wow we still have another whole month of this!

Could it be?

2010-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Geoff has been working midnights for the past seven years. For the past two or three he has been working hard to get off of that shift. He has been given promises and dates as when he is gonna start working days and something has always come up to keep him on midnights. So I decided to just get used to have him working that shift and gave of hope that it was ever gonna change. So about a month ago he was told July 4th he would start on the days shift - yeah, right I though I will believe it when I see it. So he came home this morning and said - I go in Sunday morning at 7 am. I am so excited, but honestly I still have this pessimistic feeling that if I really get excited about it he's gonna get that phone call and tell him they have pushed it back a month.

It is hard to imagine what its going to be like having a husband that has had more than 4 hours of sleep. Probably a lot less fights....... There are so many ways our family life was different because of his crazy schedule. I am so used to our lives revolving around his sleeping, he is either sleeping or needing to sleep. I may be able to loose the mantra - Kids, be quiet, your dad is sleeping. We will have to figure out how to sleep together again. I am used to sleeping in the middle now and on the weekends when he is home neither one of us sleep good together. But scooting over to my side is a small price to pay to have him back in my bed with me.

Life and the Future

2010-06-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

by Clinton Caddell

I am a boy who likes vacations and plays video games with my friends.
I wonder what the future holds.
I hear my basketball calling my name.
I see my next vacation spot.
I want to be successful when I grow up.
I am a boy who likes vacations and plays video games with my friends.

I pretend to fly.
I feel bad for my basketball that hasn't been bounced.
I touch the doorway to my future.
I worry about what the future holds.
I cry for my dog who died.
I am a boy who likes vacations and plays video games with my friends.

I understand that life isn't fair.
I say that sometimes you have to deal with life.
I dream about world peace.
I try to bring people to church.
I hope life turns out all right.
I am a boy who likes vacations and plays video games with my friends.

7

2010-05-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

You are seven today - I can hardly believe it!

You have brought; sparkles & flowers
Secrets whispered & butterfly kisses.

Happy Birthday Sydney

Neglected

2010-05-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

So I have not been very good lately about keeping my blog up-to-date. Life has been in a bit of crazy mode here - it feels like there has been something going on every night and weekends are full as well. I keep telling myself it is just end of the school year stuff and it will slow down soon. Of course, we are in birthday mode here as well since everyone is crammed in from May - August. Here are a few tid bits of what I've been up to:

Syd had a bridging ceremony last nigh for Girl Scouts. She is no longer a Daisy she is now officially a Brownie
Lacrosse Season is almost over! It has been fun watching Luke learn a new sport. He loves it - and I do - I think, it is pretty physical and it is hard for me to watch him be roughed up by those big guys. But I think that is the road before me that I have to get used to with a son like Luke.

I am reading the book Parenting Teens with Love & Logic and I think it is really good, but if I am honest it seems really hard to do. I am not a mom that hovers but that being said it is hard to have kids bare the full weight of their consequences. So I am pushing through this book trying to look at it honestly and the things I need to change.

The end of the school year is getting so close I can almost taste it - I keep telling myself to make it through all these last school meetings, sports meetings, field day etc... And I will be left with days of no more packing lunches, sleeping in and swimming in the pool.........Ahhh..........

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-04-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Clinton left for Washington DC EARLY this morning......and by early I mean 4 am. Which means I did not get any sleep because I was so worried about not getting him up in time to catch the bus for the airport, I kept checking the alarm clock every hour. All of his best friends were going and they are sharing a hotel room together - so I can not even begin to imagine what is going on. I am hoping they happen to look at a monument or two amidst their fun. I am excited for him - and proud of myself for not being more nervous for him being gone so far away this entire week. Of course, it could be from the lack of sleep ......is it time for bed yet?

In No Particular Order

2010-04-21T05:01:00.001-07:00

1. Did you know you can get a ticket for turning left on a GREEN light? Crazy, right? Well, I unfortunately found this out this past week. I went to court yesterday and talked my ticket down to a lesser charge with no points - but I still am mad about the whole thing.

2. We have been flu free this entire winter - don't know how we did it. So Clint leaves for his school trip to Washington DC in one week and the stomach flu has come to visit our house this week - why does it always work this way?

3. I am trying to figure out how not to mother Geoff to much with this whole knee thing. He is desperate to go play basketball, he is trying to convince himself, if he goes and plays he will not play too hard - he even told me last night he would not be running or jumping. Okay, so what sport would you be playing then - certainly not basketball.

4. Went and saw Date Night this past weekend with friends. That was one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time - laughed until I cried. Felt so good.

5. Luke told me this week he wanted to go to the Spring Dance at school. I said Ok, but you know you will have to actually dance at the Dance. To which he replied - Mom no one dances at the Dance. Huh?

6. Still not used to Clint's voice changing - I got out of the shower on Sunday morning and freaked out because I heard Geoff - and thought to myself, How in the world can he be home from work already - I am running so late. Walked out and he wasn't there - just Clint, looking at me like -what?.

14

2010-04-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

14 years ago today I stayed home from all the Easter Happenings, church, family dinner.....because I had gone into labor with Clinton. I had him the next day, but he is always my Easter baby. I can hardly believe it has been 14 years.

Happy Birthday Clint - I Love you!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Happy Easter -
Enjoy those around you today that you love.
Celebrate the freedom & life we have because of the the greatest sacrifice.

Weekend

2010-03-22T05:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a little bit crazy. Geoff had to work an extra day this week - so Friday is usually our day together to do something fun, but he ended up needing to sleep all that day. Friday night I ended up with 4 teenage boys in my house. My job was to try and keep them from eating all the food I had just bought earlier at the grocery store. No, really they are really good boys.

Saturday Geoff had a basketball celebration with Luke for the end of the season, and then he attended Wild Game Dinner for our church - so I pretty much did not see him all day. I ended up taking the kids to see the movie Diary of A Wimpy Kid. Luke loves those books. It was actually pretty funny.

Sunday I went to the early service just with Sydney. Geoff was exhausted from not getting any sleep on Saturday and then working. So he slept most of Sunday. Then we had a Girl Scout project at noon. When we were finished it was so nice outside I took the kids up to the park. One thing I love about Michigan is how everyone seems come out of their houses the minute the cold weather breaks. We are all cooped up inside for too long.

Last night I enlisted everyone to help me clean up the house - so it feels good this morning to start my week of with a clean house for once.

Happy Birthday Steph!

2010-03-19T06:38:00.001-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday - so many stories, so many memories. One of the most things I am thankful for is that she has been my constant. We grew up in craziness - but she was my constant friend, and person I turned to for answers. A place of security for me.

And now we are grown women, and many miles separate us - but she is that constant friend - that voice of encouragement, that laugh when you need it, that understanding friend. Whether things are good or bad, I know she will always be a place of security for me. I am one lucky girl. Steph, you are an amazing woman!

Happy Birthday - Love you!

In the Still of the Night

2010-03-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I woke up about 3:30am to this terrible sound of something scratching around above my head in the attic. It is time like these it sucks terribly to have a husband who works midnights. I have no one to kick out of bed to "go see what that noise is". So I laid there listening to it - getting freaked out by the minute. Flashbacks came to me of two years ago a raccoon taking refuge in our garage ceiling - it did not have a pretty ending. So I follow the sound as it walks down overhead to the living room -being overtaken with visions of a whole family of raccoons running around in my attic, and then I begin wondering if they are heavy enough to fall through my ceiling, which would leave me and Clinton to figure out how to get them outside. I called Geoff frantically at work and told him what was going on - he assured me whatever it was could not fall through my ceiling. So back to bed I go, like I could go back to sleep listening to that. So to make a long story short.........

I have the worlds best husband, not only does he come home at 4:00 in the morning to his crazy wife. The next day he goes up in the attic & on the roof - to find Nothing. Seriously-NOTHING! He thinks it was either something on top of the roof, or maybe even limbs scratching. I think he found a whole nest of something living up there and is not telling me because he knows I would never be able to sleep again. Nothing....yeah right.

What Do You Do........

2010-03-08T05:16:00.000-08:00

If your brother gets new Lacrosse pads and won't take them off, ever. You shove baby blankets in your shirt and make your own of course!

Leave No Trace

2010-03-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today I spent the day with Sydney at Girl Scout Camp. We were learning camping skills. I never experienced Girl Scouts as a girl, so it is fun to be sharing this with Syd. Girl Scouts have a pretty empowering message for young girls -that's pretty cool. Here are glimpses of our day -

Singing silly songs

Learning how to make a fire

Practicing knife skills

Making our own lunch

And most importantly, being silly with our friends.

To Whom it May Concern

2010-03-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Aggressive Girls,

I know what it feels like to be wanted, to be loved by someone, anyone. But be very careful, you are playing with fire. When you use your sexuality to try and attract boys, you are asking them to want you for one thing. And you are so much more than that. That is the last thing they should want you for. You have a value and worth that is unmeasurable that has nothing to do with what is between your legs. It is hard to raise boys who respect woman and have a respectful and healthy view on sex. And you only complicate matters by coming on to them 24 hours a day. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Let me tell you something you may not know, I thought I understood how boys worked but I didn't until I had to raise one. A teenage boy is one throbbing hormone, he thinks about sex brushing his teeth, playing video games, doing homework, cleaning up dog poop, putting on his shoes, taking out the trash, eating dinner, talking to friends, cleaning his room..............you name it, he is probably thinking about sex. But the funny thing is, it sex, not love-and love is what you are after when you are feeling this desperate feeling of wanting to be wanted. There is a huge difference that I think you may be to young to understand. So please back off, and quit making my hard job even harder. The results will be that you will get a man who loves and respects you like you can't even imagine.

Sincerely,
One Pissed Off Mom

High School

2010-03-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

I just got back from attending High School Orientation for Clinton for next year. And the best word to describe how I am feeling is overwhelmed. First off I am still a little (well, a lot) freaked out that I will have a child in high school next year. Then we are talking testing out... AP courses.... prerequisites.....college credit.... it is more like college than high school. There is no comparison of my high school experience to how it is done these days. His high school is huge - but so are the opportunities that go along with that. And if I didn't have enough to worry about before about being a parent I felt a little overwhelmed when they start discussing knowing about what field of study your child is going into - and to what college they will be attending. Seriously, I am still working on having my son pick his own clothes out every morning.

: )

2010-02-18T05:14:00.000-08:00

Luke is known in our house for always being funny. Sometimes it is on purpose, and often times it is not. Last night I overheard this conversation and it made me chuckle inside.

Syd: I found BFF in my word search - Best Friends Forever (then she goes into a long speech about who is her bff's which I won't bore you with)

Luke: Best Friends Forever? I thought it stood for Best Female Friends

What was I thinking....

2010-02-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

For the past month I have been taking Clint to run on the indoor track at the high school. Running is his thing, and it is hard to do it year round here in MI. So running on the indoor track that is above the high school gym, is a good alternative to not doing anything. But you feel like you have been running a million laps to only figure out that you have gone a mile and a half. So I quit trying to figure out my distance, and just run for an allotted amount of time (30 minutes, thank you very much) - less depressing that way.

I started doing this because I was looking for a way to connect with him - which I am finding is more of a challenge these days. So I have enjoyed this time together each week - just hanging with him, encouraging his running ability. So last night on the way home we were talking about signing up for a 5k this spring. Then one thing led to another, and the next thing I know we are talking about running the CRIM - which is a 10 miles race, at the end of the summer, which of course my son was all over. Once these words were out of my mouth, I started regretting them almost immediatley. Why in the world did I offer myself up for this? What in the world could I have been thinking....

It's too late now - can't take it back. I can only hope that they don't let kids under a certain age sign up to run that long of a distance. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I've got the blues....

2010-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

Sorry - I'm in a funk - I have had enough of winter!

And we are having a snow storm tonight. Ughhh.......

Is It Friday Yet?

2010-01-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

Listen to this.....

2010-01-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

I'm diggin' this song - Well, actually I'm diggin this group too
(but be forewarned they use the F word.)

Finally......

2010-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:00

Finally, the well is fixed by my handy husband, it has taken three weeks but it is finally working beautifully.

Finally, the new washer is installed in the basement and the chipmunk infested one is long gone.

Finally, getting caught up on laundry

Finally, a weekend with nothing to do, and nowhere to go - ah relaxing!

Finally, get to go watch my boy play some basketball today - Love it.

Finally, life seems to be getting back to normal - whatever that is.

Sometimes The Best Laid Plans.....

2010-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

When we moved into our house 10 years ago, the previous owners left behind their ancient washer & dryer for us - lucky us! Amazingly enough the lasted for years, last year the dryer died and the washer has been on the way out for the past two months and finally decided to die this weekend.

Being the smart person that I am - when we moved back from FL, we had a washer & dryer, so we stored them in the shed for that day when the ancient machines passed. So we replaced the dryer last year. And I have been after Geoff for the past week that we really need to get that washer in to replace the old one that is leaking all over the washing room floor. Feeling no worries since I had a back up waiting for me in the shed. So Geoff & I decided to break our backs and get the old one out of the basement - bring the other one in from the shed, which was no small feat for us.

Getting everything situated - only to find out the washer while it has been waiting for years out in the shed, has been turned into a chipmunks paradise - everything - I mean EVERYTHING, has been jam packed with grass & straw nests & nuts. Not exactly the plan I had for it, in that moment it felt like those times when you just have to laugh to keep from crying. We cleaned and cleaned, and finally had to give up. So we are off today to find a mammal & rodent free washing machine.

Man - has it been a rough couple of weeks - I have to believe it has to start looking up soon.

Little Bit Like Campin'

2010-01-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

Monday night our well decided to blow up. So this week has been quite an adventure trying to get the stupid thing fixed. Geoff has been working on it all week. He had to install a new pressure tank and well pump - which took about 100 trips to Home Depot, and so far two different well pumps. And finally I talked him into having someone come look at it because of all the complications we were running into, and couldn't find anyone who would bother, since it is a funny kinda well that no one like to deal with. Finally we found a guy who was willing to help, and wouldn't you know it he has jury duty today. So Geoff has been working with it again today and hopefully he has it working.

A week of this has brought back memories of camping. Heating water on the stove to do dishes. Sending the boys outback to pee when it is dark and no one can see. And when it gets too bad we pack up to make a run to McDonald's so everyone can take care of business. Thankfully we have friends close to take a shower at their house. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I may be able to use my own bathroom tonight!

Hear That?

2010-01-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

Peace and quiet at last - as much as I love having my kids home with me, there is something nice about having the mornings back to myself.

Look What I Made Today

2010-01-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

I have been bitten by the sewing bug lately, and wasn't sure quite what I wanted to do. So after walking the aisles at Jo Anns - I decide to make some aprons. Here are the results:

Mine -I love the fabric

Geoff's - He's gonna look manly doing the dishes in an apron with skulls & barbed wire.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T17:08:00.001-08:00

Goodbye 2009 - You have been good to us!

Stupid

2009-12-28T13:53:00.000-08:00

Me: Clinton I really think it is time you shave off your mustache.

Clint: No Mom

Me: I think it may be time - I think it may be beginning to look a little stupid

Clint: Mom, there is nothing stupid about a mustache - EVER.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T07:37:00.001-08:00

A couple words as I have been thinking and experiencing all the things leading up to Christmas Day -

Yesterday I asked Geoff to help me wrap all the Christmas presents I had stockpiled in the basement. When I was asking, I failed to take in to account his OCD tendencies. While I am more a give it a lick and a promise, and have been know on occasion to have to "patch" paper on the bottom. He was working diligently and getting proper crease on every corner. Let's just say it was a long night!

I am thankful to be able to give up a few things to be able to help another family out for Christmas.

Don't underestimate your worth - and how much other people need you. Just you - not what you do for them.

I really do not like White Elephant Christmas Gift exchange.

Corn Flakes, Butter, Marshmallows & Green Food coloring - when you come together I cannot resist your sticky green goodness!

I know I am getting old due to the fact that Geoff & I got a new mattress for Christmas & we were both extremely happy about it. And I am hoping to spend a lot of time in it over Christmas Break.

Merry Christmas - Love to You All!

Goodness

2009-12-19T08:10:00.000-08:00

Biscuits & coffee for breakfast

Snowing outside and no place to go

Big hot fire

Listening to Geoff & the kids play mousetrap

Making Christmas cookies

Sleeping in on my new mattress :)

Pandora Christmas music

Still in my pajamas

The Gig Is Up

2009-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

Sydney walked in today from school and the first thing she said, in a voice full of disgust was -"Mom, why are my snow pants blue?"

I have found there are a few things I could hand me down from her older brothers to her and she really didn't notice. She has worn a bike helmet with flames, brown boots last year - she was fine with. But I think she is starting to figure it out thanks to other girls at school.

So I answered her - they are your size - and fit you fine. Who cares if they are blue - it's just like your blue jeans. To which I get the response (full of contempt) well, I think they should be pink.

Monday Mornings

2009-12-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

I have found a way to finally look forward to Monday mornings. I am part of a group of woman that meet on that day for a study. We study different things - right now we are getting ready to study the book of Isaiah. It is a group of 5 woman that really couldn't be more different from each other - it is kinda an unlikely group - but I think it is because of our differences we have such great and meaningful discussions. I can honestly say our discussions last with me for days - they just get in my mind and marinate - I love when that happens. I have been challenged by their honesty and humbled by their hearts. So it is finally nice to be happy when Monday's roll around.

Tonight

2009-12-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

This morning I must -

....pay bills

...finish my mountain of laundry

....clean my house like a mad woman

....cook like a mad woman

So that I can enjoy my party tonight!

Undeserving

2009-12-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Something bothered me today - words that have come out of my own mouth, God has brought them back to me to reconsider. My small group had adopted a family for Christmas, and is able to help them with some essentials that they are needing. I was talking to a friend who was able to do the same thing - and we were talking about it. I was talking with her and said this family is so deserving of a good Christmas - and I am happy to help them.

So while I am cleaning this morning, I can't get this thought out of my mind - Why do I need to qualify people as "deserving"? That people have to show their need or their worth to me, so I can decide if they are deserving of my help or not. I am so undeserving of so many things in my life - I am thankful God did not wait to help me until I was deserving. So I am reconsidering my motivation for helping - is it to help someone out who I consider worthy, or maybe for my own pride, or is it purely because I've been blessed when I am undeserving and I want to pass that on.

Sunday

2009-12-08T16:31:00.001-08:00

Sunday we went to the Christmas Tree farm to get our tree.

It was Sydney's turn to pick our tree. So we have a tree that is maybe 5 ft tall - and way too fat. But She loves it and thinks it's perfect so that's all that matters.

And someone else thinks its perfect too!

Luke

2009-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Today Luke received an award at school for being recognized for being a good student and good citizenship. I was glad he was recognized. It seems to me a lot of times that the kids who are quiet get overlooked for the louder kids who draw more attention to themselves. He is a good kid who goes about his work getting it done, helping others without ever really drawing attention to himself. I'm proud of that boy!

Risque Reindeer

2009-12-02T13:15:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was able to hang all the outside Christmas lights up. Thanks to our unseasonably warm weather we were having. We hung icicle lights and strung lights in our front trees. We had one lone light up reindeer and decided we should get a mate for it. So Syd, Luke & I went up to Target and found one. The one we had was the one that has her head down eating the grass.So we bought one with nice big antlers and has his head pointing up and one leg lifted up like he is prancing or jumping. So anyway, we are riding home and Syd is talking about how we are going to arrange them in the front yard. And she says - "Why don't we put the new one back behind the other one and put his front legs up on the back of her." To which Luke answers - "No sissy, we can't have the reindeers humping in the front yard!"

Thankful

2009-11-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

I read a blog today about strange or out of the normal things people are thankful for and it got me thinking what mine would be. And I think it would be my woodburning fireplace. I am a bit of firebug at heart. I look forward to building a fire and getting it so hot in here everyone is stripped down to their shorts and the windows are all open. Not sure why I love to make a fire so much, maybe its the smell or being mesmerized by the flames - maybe a little bit of both. I am also thankful that we got a butt load of wood this year to burn so it's fires every night!

What's your strange thing your thankful for?

Joy to My World

2009-11-23T05:28:00.000-08:00

Here are two pretty silly things that are totally materialistic - but still bring me joy during the Christmas season -

Peppermint Mocha's

Get Myself in Gear

2009-11-19T05:20:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been feeling like I am doing the same thing everyday over and over and over and over.... you know how it goes. Last night I was sick of it so I decided enough of this already. I need to get a little motivation in my life to do a few things I enjoy, to fight that feeling like its the same day over and over and over....

So I am proud to say last night I ran a little over a mile, (even though it was inside on the treadmill, which I despise!) I signed Clint & Geoff up for a 5k next week. And then Clint is running one again in December and my goal is to run that one with him - we will see - it is a long way to go from one mile to 3 in a couple of weeks.

I made a mental list of the things I am going to try and make time for in my life - even if it means I have to cut back on my nightly does on Entertainment Tonight.

Running
Yoga
Guitar
Knitting

We shall see - keep your fingers crossed for me - this girl needs to get her butt in gear!

Mother of the Year

2009-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to the library a couple weeks back to get books for them. Every night before bed I let them read, so they were getting books for that. They even have bookshelves on the wall beside their bed where they stack the books so they don't even have to get out of bed. This week Luke has ended up in my bed once and told me a couple of times that he wasn't sleeping good. But my tight lip son wouldn't really say more than that. Then on Thursday he brought this book out and said "Mom, these clowns are freaking me out."

Nice, my poor son has had this creepy book by his bed staring at him as he drifts off to sleep! Yep, add another thing to the list for my Mother of the Year Award.

The Art of Letting Go

2009-11-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

I know I have been in the process of doing this since the day they first came out of my womb. But when they are babies it is such subtle steps you don't even really know that you are doing it. Helping them with their first steps, teaching them to hold their own spoon. Then the next you know you are in the kitchen with your sons hand on your shoulders looking you in the eye saying "Mom, Don't worry about me, I will be with my friends. I will be fine." I am not naive enough to know it will always be fine - and that he will always make the right choices. But I have to trust in what I have poured into him the past 13 years, and it is time to loosen that grip.

Halloween

2009-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have been gone all week it seems - haven't been in the mindset to post anything. I have been not feeling the greatest. I have been fighting a cold, have been tired to the bone - and have had no voice for the past two days. I am thankful it's the weekend, and that we get to be lazy this weekend. The boys are going trick or treating with friends. Geoff is taking sissy out, and I am hanging back at the house to give out candy to the few kids in our neighborhood that show up. So I am planting myself on the couch, and hoping the kids bring back some Reese cups for mama!

2009-10-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.
~Micah 6:8 (Msg)

Cross Country

2009-10-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures from this years cross country season for Clint.
He has two weeks left and it will be over.
He really has learned alot this year about the strategy & scoring behind it,
as well as really decreased his time.
He usually runs around: 2 miles in 13 minutes
His fastest race was 11 Min 48 sec - Crazy fast!

This is the start of one of the large invites - a couple hundred kids

This was the race he ran an 11:48 - this was the finish where he was neck & neck
with this guy - and beat him to help his team win this meet.

Candy Corn

2009-10-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

I love candy corn - every time fall rolls around and I take that first bite it reminds me of my Gandpa McNabb. I have this childhood memory of the two top things I loved about going to his house. First is that no matter what time of the year it was, when you visited there was always a bowl of candy corn out on his dining room table, so of course I would sneak piece after piece. And second, beside that bowl of candy corn was a white platter filled with the most random objects. For many years he worked as a custodian at his church so when he would clean out the pews every week he would brings home the things people would leave behind and through them on this platter. So you never knew what you would find: jewelry, buttons, change, pocket knives, or candy. I remember sifting through it being fascinated by all the misplaced treasures.

And I have to ask - do you eat your candy corn one color at a time - of course saving the white for last?

Sweet Surprise

2009-10-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Let me first preface this post by saying - this hardly ever happens to me, which makes it all the sweeter!!! My boss called me this past week telling us about cuts that were taking place due to the bad economy - most of them stupid stuff like changes in how we report our mileage etc. Then she said they were doing away with the incentive program so we need to go in and use up all our points before the end of this month, and a little bell went off in my head - I totally forgot about our little incentive program so I have had points in there accumulating for the past year. I honestly had no idea how many I had or what I could get. I vaguely remember going on the website when I first was hired on and was not to impressed (obviously since I totally forgot about it), think those crazy Amway catalogs that you pick stuff out of that was what it was like.

So anyway I went on today and had a tons of points - guess what I scored a new 8G Ipod Nano (Luke has been asking for already for Christmas, I will have to see if I can part with it) and a small pair of diamond stud earrings - Unbelievable huh!! I'm one happy girl - Sometimes its a good thing to forget!

Last night

2009-10-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

The kids had school pictures yesterday. Sydney has been working on loosing her front tooth for about 2 weeks. So it was really nasty - loose turning gray, hanging crooked and on by a thread, which I am sure will make such a lovely picture. And last night she comes out of the bathroom showing off that she finally decided to pop it out.

Come on - how cute is that!

Would You Rather?

2009-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

Have your second toe be twice as long as it is now or have your thumb be twice as long as it is now?

Always have a lot of crust around your eyes or always have white drool crust around your mouth?

Have a third arm or third leg?

Have sand in your underwear or water in your ear?

Have really bad dandruff the rest of your life or really greasy hair?

Perfect

2009-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

Geoff got back home late last night.

Two days with absolutely nothing I have to do.

Beautiful fall weather outside.

All is right with the world.

Realizations

2009-09-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

So here are some random observations from the past couple days

I AM TERRIBLE AT MATH!!!! I stunk at Algebra 2 the first time around, how in the world am I going to fake it enough to help Clinton with his homework. Thank God for the Internet, you can find the answer to anything on there! Now I just have to learn how to explain how we came up with the answer.

Are the kids just worse when Geoff is gone away for a couple of days or am I just grumpier because he is gone? I am sick of being the referee.

If Geoff was gone a lot the kids & I would be obese, or have a heart attack in the near future - our dinners while has has been gone - Wendy's, pancakes & sausage and tonight it was chili dogs & waffle fries. What is wrong with me???

I like power tools! Been using Geoff's drill to work on curtain and windows and junk.

I have been overloading on reading - it has been wonderful. Here is what I read and I recommend them all - couldn't put any of them down. - Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson, Marley & Me & The Longest Trip Home both by John Grogan & Breakfast at Sally's - a Homeless Man's Journey by Richard LeMieux. I need to be better about pacing myself and spreading them out - I have read these all in the past 3 weeks.

Geoff is stuck for an additional day at Philidelphia so I am making the most of it and meeting a girlfriend for lunch. The funny thing is the kids keep thinking he is sleeping in the basement (thanks to his weird sleeping schedule) and keep asking me when Dad is going to wake up.

Week in a blur

2009-09-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

This week really went by in quite a blur. The first part of the week Geoff was gone white water rafting in West Virginia with the guys from church. he came back with stories of fun and near death experiences. A little adventure now and then is good for the soul. But it's always just a little more chaotic around here when it is just me.

Clinton had his first track meet - it was good to see him running again. Even though he didn't run all summer, with a few weeks of practice he was able to have a time right around where he stopped last year. Must be nice to have that young body that snaps back so quickly.

We had new windows installed this week and they are beautiful! We have been wanting to get them done for the past two years and we finally decided to bite the bullet and get them done. Our old ones were so cloudy - it looks like there isn't even glass in these new ones. So we are really enjoying them.

I was able to catch up with friends Saturday night with dinner and a movie and then lunch out with a friend after church. It was nice just to laugh and enjoy the great people I have in my life. I love them.

This morning really early Geoff left for a trip for work to Philadelphia, so I am on my own again for the next couple of days. I am already missing him.

So that's my week in a blur.......

Welcome Back

2009-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

School started last week and things are a changing around here at The Caddell house. Clinton seems to be growing right before my eyes. He is sporting a changing voice and a new mustache for school this year. Luke has decided it is no longer necessary to give good bye kisses at the bus stop. And Syd made it the entire week with on ly one day of crying, and one lost tooth.

So it feels good to be back in the school rhythm again. (gracious I feel old saying that) And you will notice Elliott our cat watching for the bus - No joke, he sits there and keeps any eye out in the mornings.

Girl Fest

2009-09-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today we spent getting Geoff ready for his white water rafting trip he leaves for on Sunday. I am nervous about this one - they have gone before on these trips, but this year they are letting the dam out - so the rapids are going to be insane. They have promised me that he will come back alive - maybe not all in one piece, but alive none the less.

So what's a girl to do with her man gone - well let me tell you. I picked up several chick flicks. But better than that I scored 4 new books at the library today. Kids, fend for yourself - mom's going on a little vacation too.

2009-09-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Everybody thinks of changing humanity
and nobody think of changing himself.
-Leo Tolstoy

Grrrr.....

2009-09-08T06:24:00.000-07:00

There's a cricket in my house,
rubbing his legs together till I go insane.
He has taken up residence somewhere
in the basement under my bed.
He waits till its dark - till I'm all cozy in bed and starts up
like listening to a drippy faucet - the harder to try to ignore it the louder it seems to get.
And the minute I get out of bed to go and find him - he vanishes.

Go away Mr. Cricket - there is a whole fun world out there for you -
my basement is not the place for you - I want to sleep peacefully again.

Back Home

2009-09-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

We got home last night from a great weekend in Gatlinburg. Our weekend was about catching up, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery ever created and eating more than I though possible. Today I am unpacking, laundry and getting kids ready for school tomorrow - Back to the real world.

Cousins!

2009-09-02T14:34:00.000-07:00

Two years ago my family met up in a cabin in Gatlinberg TN. We are heading back there tomorrow morning bright and early, not to retun until Monday. I'm so looking forward to it!

Change

2009-08-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

I have never been a big fan of change - I am pretty content to have things stay the same way. This past year I have had lots of things change. And I still feel somethings are uncertain and will be changing. I have really been sitting with this idea this week and trying to figure out things. And it occurred to me maybe change isn't such a bad thing.

Our lives are constantly changing - from baby, to child, to adult. It is the natural rhythm in which God created us. If we aren't changing literally we will die. There is a time for things and ideas to be born new in me, and at the same time there is a time for other things to die away. I think I am finally coming to terms with this aspect of my life. To become the woman God has planned for me to be, I have to be fertile ground for these changes to take place. Honestly this idea still scares me, but at the same time is very exciting.

2009-08-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Oh Lord, I will praise you with all my heart
and tell everyone about the marvelous things you do.
~Psalm 9:1

One of the Best Things

2009-08-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

It's those little things in life that bring you great pleasure - and last night I smiled as I realized even kids can pick up on these things.

I was putting Luke to bed and had put clean sheets on his bed earlier that day, and as I was tucking him in and he said "Mom, when I lay down in sheets from the closet you put on my bed it smells so good.

Yeah -think of the first smell of clean sheets - it made me smile to know that even my son who I can barely get anywhere near the shower, appreciates that smell.

Love moments like that.

Tonight I

2009-08-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

.....am really tired from a crazy day at work.
.....still hurting from the incredibly bad sunburn I got yesterday - clothes touching skin very bad thing!
.....love the $1.50 popcorn/coke combo from target.
.....have a new favorite show - TLC's I Didn't Know I was Pregnant - don't judge me :)
.....am wondering if I need to stop my facebook account - facebook= devil
.....got the movie Sunshine Cleaning - can't wait to watch it - I've been waitin forever.
.....am sooooo happy tonight is Geoff's last softball game.
.....scored some school clothes from Marshals, on clearance even!
.....like always - when Dad's gone its breakfast for dinner.

Day Late

2009-08-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my baby sister Elisabeth's birthday -
Happy Birthday Liz
You are a beautiful woman
& not only my baby sister but also
one of my dearest friends.

(BTW - in honor of your birthday we had beef stroganoff for dinner)

Love ya!

Happy Birthday Luke

2009-08-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

He's 10 year old today - and already a lady-killer

I Never Thought

2009-08-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

If you would have asked me when I was a girl I would have never thought......

I would marry a Yankee

I would live in Michigan

I would love coffee.

I would be a mama to two boys.

I would have a tattoo

I would be comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people

I would spend my summers camping

I would actually enjoy going to church

......It's pretty cool growing up.

17 Days

2009-08-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Lucky me - the countdown has begun. It is only 17 days until we head down to Gatlinberg to meet up with my family. I feel so lucky because it is usually quite a feat to get us all together - but this will make it twice in one year, just barely though. We got together for my sisters wedding around Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to; catching up with my sisters, watching my kids enjoy spending time with their cousins (especially Syd - she is in heaven with all those older girl cousins!) and getting to know my new brother-in-law Morgan. I am thankful that we have all worked at trying to carve out time to spend together, it's hard but it is so worth it.

Family

2009-08-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I was reminded what is so good about family. Even extended families or families that you have married in to. I was at a last minute dinner/shower, thrown together quickly for a cousin of Geoff's that is getting married next week. There were about 8 of us there. And one of the ladies there was an Aunt of Geoff's whose husband (only in his 50's) had passed away only a month earlier. This was her first step outside of her home in the past month, and she was honestly a mess. She kept saying the same things over and over again about her husband and how she was feeling. So we would ooo and ahhh over a gift that was opened ,and then we would turn and and listen sympathetically and encourage the other. It made me stop and think - Does family get on your last nerves? - Absolutely. Do they drive you crazy? - without a doubt! But when you are messed up and you don't even want to be around yourself - they don't mind, they take it in stride because that's what family is there for.

Every Day

2009-08-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
- Lamentations 3:22-23

Laughter

2009-08-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed with a man that brings so much laughter into my life. If you know Geoff, then you know what I am talking about. You can't be around him and not laugh at some point. His sense of humor is usually gross or inappropriate and I love every minute of it. He brought an environment of playfulness to our house that I can't even imagine our home without it. There is something special about being able to laugh at yourself and bring others along with you. I love him for that. No matter how much flack he gets from other people, I am glad to know he will never change.

Year

2009-08-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

I was thinking today about my blog. It has been a little over a year that my sister talked me into starting a blog of my own. I enjoyed reading her's, so agreed to start one of my own. What I have loved most about it is feeling connected to people, especially my family, who I don't see on a daily basis and they can know what is going on in my life. Honestly, I am surprised that anyone more than my sisters ever read it. At times I love it, and at other times it seems like a daunting task to find anything remotely interesting to post on it. So thanks for reading - not sure why people keep coming back, but let's see where this next year takes us.

Speaking of 13 year olds

2009-07-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Look what we uncovered today after cutting back years of overgrown, messy hair -
Look what was hiding underneath -
One handsome boy!
Wow - what a difference one haircut can make.

Learn something new everyday

2009-07-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

What I am learning about 13 year old boys...........

They can eat all day long and still be hungry.
They still like to hug their mom when no one is around.
Travel in packs at all times. They do not just want one friend over, it has to be at least 5 friends.
The closer of friends you are, the more unmercifully mean you tease and talk to each other.
They usually smell like feet.
May be the happiest when they are arguing about something - anything
Want to consume Monster Energy Drinks all day and night.
Love to tell you how it should be done.
Are beginning to have a body that is trying to take on the shape of a man - but they are still a kid at heart.
Will rise to the occasion if you let them.
Are so quick and happy to point out when you mess up.
Have the cutest peach fuzz mustaches.

Camping

2009-07-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

We decided to go camping this weekend. Our friends told us about a new campground we had to try out. Here is the funny part - all these pictures were taken the couple of hours that it didn't rain. When we got there, we had to set up our tents in the rain, try to get a fire going for dinner, in the rain (which I am proud to say we did) Even despite all the rain we had a great time. We spent alot of time just relaxing in the tents. We taught the kids card games - what 6 year old doesn't need to know how to play blackjack? Anyway, I am really enjoying this campin thing - I love not knowing what time it is - or what else is going on in the world. It's like you get to check out for a day or two.

This is the view from our campsite - absolutely beautiful!

Chillin by the fire

Worn out from a relaxing weekend!

Mind Tricks

2009-07-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

It is stressing me out that they have already started to put Back to School displays in all the stores around here. Since we do not go back to school until after Labor Day, we still have a full month left to go. It's not like down south where they go back mid- August. All this week anytime I am in a store I have noticed they are starting to put all their displays up. It just starts to get me in that mind set of school is coming and summer is almost over. I hate them playing tricks with my mind like that. Let me enjoy my summer without worrying that it is almost over already.

In a Nutshell

2009-07-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Coffee
Shower
Read
Breakfast
Laundry
Bike
Run beside
Pick up
Dust off
Wipe tears
Try again
Repeat above 5 about 1,000 times
Corn dogs
Ice Cream
Trampoline
Water hose
Read
Movie
Snuggle on couch
Tacos
Read
Rock Band
Kisses
Pray
Bed

Gotta Go

2009-07-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Little Thumb,

You have been a part of our daily routine since our entry to the world 6 years ago. We love you for the constant comfort you bring.

But we have been told by the dentist and Dad that you have to go. We know this is true. We have been told big girls don't suck their thumb. We have been taped, and polished with yucky stuff and even bribed - to no success.

But when we try it is so hard. In the moment of this battle we cry out "I just can't do it - my brain won't let me!"

But when I curl up to snuggle up on Mom's lap , and it is just like old times, we can wait one more day to grow up.