As the Year Ends...

Well, it's three hours until 2010 is no more and 2011 begins. I can remember when I thought that the "nineteens" would last until the end of the world, and yet here we are beginning the second decade of the "twenties." I know that the tradition is to make resolutions for the new year, but I have learned that before I can make resolutions I first have to review the past. Let 's see,:

• We were blessed with a new granddaughter :)
• Vicki and Josh finished their house and moved :) and :(
• Robbie got a new truck (new to him) :)
• Greenville Gymnastics had a great year :)
• We got a new, bigger embroidery machine :)
• Auburn is undefeated and playing for the BCS / National Championship :))))
• We spent many relaxed and fun hours at the river :)
• Daddy and Mama were sick several times :(
• Karissa and Zack graduated from high school -- and they're the babies!!
• Julie got married :)
• Karissa got engaged :)
• Ashley and Kyle had Jonathan
• We got a new boat (again, new to us) :)
• I started a diet and have lost a few pounds
• Students I have been really worried about are doing well :))))
• Children's Church is filling up again :)
• I have not forgotten to breathe

I think of that song "Count your many blessings, count them one by one..." I really don't think I would ever get through if I started right now and counted through next year. God has been so incredibly good to us this year--so good that I cannot ask Him to do more in 2011. I can only expect more of myself. So in 2011:

• I am going to be a kinder, gentler person
• I will be more patient with those around me
• Deeper Bible study will be a top priority
• I will remember to breathe, even when I see picture of Robert or one of his children looks like him
• All the kids in Children's Church will know how much I love them
• I will learn more and be a better coach at the gym
• I will SEW SEW SEW
• I will remember that every child I teach -- anywhere -- is the greatest gift of God to his parents
• I will cheer for Auburn without being obnoxious
• My kids will be, as always, my top priority
• We will play more
• I will stick with my diet and get better at it
• I will get my boating license
• I will take care of Mama and Daddy
• I will wake up every day glad for the "never been lived in" day that God gives me, and I will make the most of it.
• I will shop early for Christmas
• I will be finished sewing before Christmas Eve
• I will continue my practice of ThanksLiving -- taking the time to be thankful for all things

Of course this list is not complete--there are probably a million things I can't remember from the past year and more that I will add to my "to do" list. But you know what? Writing it down makes me accountable. I've said what I'm going to do, and there will be people out there watching me, remembering my resolutions. Well, I'm going to try hard not to disappoint them!

Remember, if we want something different, we have to do something different. I tell my students, "If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always gotten." Think about it. And then make your changes. Here's hoping everyone has a wonderful New Year's Day and a very happy 2011!

Extraordinary Men in My Life: Part 1

Last night I was thinking of all the men who have been not only incredible blessings, but just downright extraordinary men. A very wise person told me once that if you have something to say that could be construed as negative, talk to the person face-to-face; but if it’s a positive, write. I would consider it a positive to be thought extraordinary. So writing it is.

Daddy

I could possibly be sent to blogger jail if I write all there is to say about this extraordinary man. He has set the example for all of us in work ethic, attitude, management, devotion to family, and so much more. He is truly the backbone of our family. Nothing is more important to him than his children (I know this personally :) ) and his grandchildren.

When I was little Daddy worked away from home. The weeks without him were long, but the weekends were fantastic! I can remember waiting up late on Friday night watching for his truck to turn into the driveway. He must have felt like a movie star—or at least we treated him like one! We would run out to the truck to meet him, hugging and laughing and talking all at one time. On Sunday afternoons he left again, and I usually cried until bedtime. I can remember people saying, “My husband wouldn’t go off and leave us like that!” But Daddy didn’t leave to get away; he left so we could have more. He wanted to be able to provide a college education for all of his children. He didn’t want Mama to have to work away from home. He wanted us to have the things we needed and some of what we wanted. He taught me that sometimes we do hard things for our family. Oftentimes we sacrifice for our children. What I have been blessed to see is that the time he missed with us, he has been able to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. How fun it is to hear his conversations with the babies – he is so sweet to them!

I know that I am not the only one to see the strength of my daddy. Even when my children are thinking about a new venture or job opportunity or purchase, they want to talk to Papa. When Robbie and I want advice – of ANY kind—we talk to Papa. When his brothers and sisters need help – you guessed it – Daddy is the one. Has he ever done wrong? Sure. Has he ever been hurt? Absolutely. But he holds no grudges, and he doesn’t get lost in mistakes. He is our rock, our supporter, our advisor, our provider. Daddy is an extraordinary man.

Robbie

Several years ago, a former student of my school killed a man. As the story unfolded, I learned that her home life had not been the best. When I went to lunch one day, I sat beside the history teacher. He asked, “Why in the world do women do that? Why do they marry men like their fathers?” “Well, I did,” I replied. “I always wanted to find somebody as much like my daddy as I could, and I did.”

I know that’s not what he meant; I’ve read all the research that says that women from abusive homes or ones with weak role models will often mimic that home life. But isn’t the opposite true as well? After Daddy’s example, I would never have settled for anything less. Robbie was a dream come true. I was not allowed to date until after I turned sixteen, and from the ninth grade through the first year of college, I “dated” the same boy. That means he got to come to my house and go to church with us. He was safe. Daddy knew his daddy and is birth weight and his address and his social security number. He didn’t worry about me. But when we decided to go our separate ways and I went to the movies with Robbie – that’s a Romeo and Juliet story I’ll have to blog about sometime – I was amazed by the man he was. We married and the children came along, and I saw more of Daddy in my husband. Robbie has always thought of himself last – driving the oldest cars, willing to have less, finding ways to make things work – so that the children and I could have what he wanted us to have. He puts his family first, and made every effort to be at all the ballgames, all the parties, all the milestones. He’s never even questioned the gifts we buy for Christmas or the money we give for birthdays.

In Children’s Church, now that his work schedule allows it, he helps me and is such important influence on those children. PopPop, as all the babies and all the kids in Children’s Church call him, is God’s gift to me, and I’m so glad he found me. Over thirty years after people said our marriage would never last a year, I am happy to be proving them wrong while reaping the rewards of a union blessed by God. Robbie is my best friend, my soulmate, my one true love. He is an extraordinary man.

Josh

Josh is my oldest son, my firstborn. He is so much like his daddy it's scary. In fact, Vicki and I have both said that we have to be careful and make sure we're talking to the right one, especially if they are facing away from us! Josh is one of the most mature young men I have ever met. He follows in Robbie's footsteps as far as putting his family first and himself last.

What a blessing to watch him with Grace. He is such a good daddy. I remember a few years ago when a mother came in and cancelled her ad in the yearbook for her son. She had just learned he would not graduate an honor student, and in her opinion, that was the least he could have done for her. She asked if I agreed with her, and I had to tell this story:  Josh missed being an honor student by one tenth of a point and the college prep diploma by one class. However, his character and integrity far surpasses that of any of the boys who walked in ahead of him. He graduated without an honor cord; he lives a life of honor. That's far more important. I count myself very blessed to have a son like Josh. My extraordinary son certainly makes a mama proud.

David

David is my son-in-love, the husband of my only daughter, Lauren. There is one description that fits him so well: he has been raised well. David's parents have raised him to be a man of his word, one who cherishes his wife and baby girl. He is kind and gentle and honors his mother and daddy. I believe that he could supply Carsyn and Lauren with all the needed even if there was no job to be had. He is that much in tune with the world around him. He would grow crops to feed them and supplement the vegetables with fish and deer. He is a country boy through and through, but a man that I am so proud to have in our family. In a world in which young men are often abusive and self-centered, David is an extraordinary example of what should be the norm.

Chicken David

That's what Grace calls my brother. She has two Uncle Davids and wanted to keep them separated. Since he owns chicken houses, my brother became "Chicken David." David has a big, big heart. He is always ready to help others and does not want recognition for it. He is a big man who is easily hurt, but he rarely shows it. He is a gentle giant, towering over the rest of us but so sweet and kind to everyone. David has a special touch with little ones. He can pretend with the best of them. It is nothing for him to be a member of a tea party or pretend to have a baby brother (which he always wanted and never got). The babies love to play with him because of this ability rarely seen in men. He is quick to see about helping others who are sick, selling chances for a benefit, buying Christmas for those who don't have enough. I am truly blessed to have Chicken David as my extraordinary brother.

Kenny

 I don't know a better description for Kenny than to say he is an extraordinary hero. He has been battling cancer for more than three years now. Chemotherapy and radiation have taken his hair and his physical strength. He has lost weight and energy he once had. He has been through major surgeries and recovered with determination and willpower.

Kenny's walk during this time has not been easy on him or his family. He misses being able to work and does not like being sick. But he never talks about his problems and he can always find someone else who needs his help. He has organized benefits for sick people and often lets us know of others who need prayer. His greatest distraction right now is his first grandchild, Tyler. Having to stay home has given him much more time and appreciation for the moments he has with Tyler and the rest of his family. Does he get tired and discouraged? Sure! Does he ask WHY? Never. And that, people, is what makes him an extraordinary man.

James "Bull" Owens
Bull is the affectionate nickname for our long-serving pastor. He can never know the depth of knowledge I and many others gained from him and his wonderful wife, Ms. Betty. He taught me how to pray, tithe, study, and teach. He is not perfect and would not profess to be so. He is, however, wise; and he is willing to share that wisdom. My spiritual life truly grew under his extraordinary leadership.

Allen

 And then there is my current pastor, Allen Joyner. I went to school with Allen and he married my first cousin. That, of course, makes him a first cousin. He came to the knowledge that he was being called to preach under Bull's tenure, and is now the beloved pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church. There are so many reasons he is extraordinary: He was chosen by each of my three children to be the preacher who served at their weddings. He preached the funerals of nearly all my grandparents. He preached Robert's funeral. He has baptized several of the children in my extended family. He has been at the hospital for births, deaths, and surgeries. Allen has grown almost visibly in his spiritual strength, and I admire him so much for the extraordianry man and pastor he has become.

Disclaimer: Some people may read this and think, "Well, of course she would talk about her daddy and sons." I count myself lucky to be able to regard these men as extraordinary. These are the still-living men who have had a huge impact on my life. Of course, there are many uncles and acquaintances that have made my life wonderful. More will come later about the extraordinary men who are no longer here.

Sick Babies (Big and Little)

I really thought we had made it. Before school was out my students were dropping like flies with flu and a flu-like virus. But none of us got sick. Then it hit. I thought Carsyn acted a little funny Sunday afternoon. She is normally a VERY energetic baby...bicycling legs and waving arms, sitting up while her diaper is being changed, squealing and cooing. But not Sunday. She was so quiet and lethargic. Monday she started throwing up--only twice, but I knew we had not escaped the plague.

Tuesday night Robbie and I went to see her after dropping the babies off and getting groceries. She was better, playing with Lauren and David and doing all kinds of tricks. Good...maybe it was just a light case.

Then Wednesday morning came. Lauren sent a text saying they were all three home and sick. Casey helped me with Grace some so I could go get medicine, Pedialite, and gatorade. Poor Lauren...she looked pitiful. And David slept like a log. Carsyn was quiet and drowsy. So pitiful. Just so pitiful.

But today they are better! Carsyn stayed with me some today and was more herself. Lauren and David, though tired and weak, both went to work. Kecia, Stephen, and Tyler all got sick though :(  Maybe theirs will pass quickly as well.

Here's hoping that the evil sickness has been contained. Happy New Year to everyone!! Be safe and well.

Thought for the day: There is nothing worse for a mother than to be unable to make her children better, no matter how old the children are.

Christmas Fun -- Warning: May Exceed Legal Blog Word Limit!!

Wow...it's been FOREVER since I've had a chance to post!! Not that I haven't had plenty to say; I just haven't had time to say it. There have been nights I've gone to bed...make that FALLEN into bed...and then said to myself, "Awww, I didn't post. I'll do it tomorrow." Well, better late than never, right?

When I left school on December 16th, my break from school officially began. And then another job started. I'm amazed at how much sewing and crafting I got done. Completely missed my self-set deadline of Tuesday, but I got it done. Four suitcases, three tote bags, five scarfs, forty rolls of toilet tissue, baby pants, two market baskets, eight towels, three throws, four sweatshirts, five platters, a glass dish, two snack takers, a dozen handerchiefs, about one hundred pot holder/ dish towel/ apron sets, a Christmas onesie, a set of seat covers -- you get the idea. I was TIRED by Christmas Eve...and we still had wrapping to do!

Casey helped wrap some, but I think we intimidated her!! Who else wraps every tiny little thing? Probably no one, but it's so much fun to watch the kids open their gifts. So Robbie and I wrapped and wrapped and wrapped. Then he went to town for last minute items while I wrapped. Then we wrapped some more. Finally about 3:00 Christmas Eve afternoon, we called it quits. Robbie's parents were coming to Lauren's for our family Christmas, and I wanted some time to make candy and get ready.

The candy I made was the easiest ever, and so good (you have no idea how that surprises my family--I made it, and it was good-- almost unheard of). I melted an entire brick of white almond bark and stirred in a box of Golden Grahams cereal (thanks Lisa Turner for sharing). It was FABULOUS!! So was supper. Lauren went all out with dressing, dumplings, ham... oh, my gosh, it was wonderful!! Everyone enjoyed spending time together and opening gifts. Then it was back to wrapping (I didn't say we were finished...I said we called it quits).

We came home and hauled the wrapped gifts to our house. Then we packed up the unwrapped gifts and paper and brought them to the house to finish wrapping. I lost count of the times I counted, and counted, and counted. Each person has to have the exact same number of gifts, and the stacks have to look very close to the same size. And then...we had one too many for everyone!! And they wouldn't wrap easily!! What to do? So Robbie had a brilliant idea: Put numbers on the extra gifts, give the matching number to the recipient, and have them go match it up. BRILLIANT!! Except I forgot to make the numbers. And we slept late. And the kids were already here when I remembered. But I got it done and it was a wonderful way to end the gifting. Nice job, Robbie :)

I LOVE the way our kids receive gifts. They are always so excited and show it in their own little ways. Vicki and Lauren were so excited over their printers, and Vicki was super surprised about her mixer. Josh will be hunting and fishing on the wii, and David was over- the- top excited about his waders and ladder stand. Grace has her own suitcase and a weaving set, and a real digital camera,  while Carsyn is outfitted for a WHILE with diapers, wipes, and learning toys. Opening gifts is a LONG process at our house. Lauren insists that we open one at a time, with her being the last-- that way it lasts longer. Each person is expected to open and display his gift before moving on. Grace, bless her heart, just could NOT wait. She wanted to be first, but as soon as her turn was over, she went ahead and got her next present "started." Too funny!!

And then we were off to Mama and Daddy's. I love Christmas there, but I was a little worried this year because Mama and Daddy had both been sick. No worries, though -- they both pulled it off without a hitch! We don't do presents for everyone because of the number of people in the family and the fact that we are all blessed to have everything we need. So instead, Mama and Daddy fix about forty bags filled with all kinds of goodies -- useful, funny, unusual, sentimental. We all choose a bag and then the trading begins. It is hilarious to watch! Travis wins the prize for being the trade boss...he was amazing! And David traded people out of six bags of pecans--some in return for a pecan pie. I got one of Big Mama's potholders. Everyone had a roll of embroidered toilet tissue in the bag, and you cannot imagine how quickly that got some people trading. Imagine an Alabama fan pulling out a roll of War Eagle tissue! It was just too funny!!


Then last night, Robbie and I went to get Dylan, Daniel, and Kaylee. Casey (again the angel helper) had helped me get their gifts wrapped and out to the house. We came in to the twinkling trees and three big stacks of presents. Perhaps I should mention here that each child gets his own wrapping paper every year. I thought this was perfect--Dylan got his favorite Ironman paper, Daniel's was wrapped in Spider Man paper, and Kaylee got Tinkerbell. Perfect, right? One would think. So Dylan comes in and says, "Look, ZiZi, I want the Ironman pile! Can I have it?" Then Daniel: "ThiThi, I want the Tinkerbell paper ok? Thay Yeth or No." Well, if I had let him open the Tinkerbell paper, he would have had Barbie dolls and high heels, and doll strollers! So I showed him the Spider Man paper, and he decided that would be ok. All of them were so excited with their Leapsters and games. Kaylee got a kitchen and it almost killed us! The pieces were numbered THREE tiimes through the alphabet! A-Z, AA-ZZ, and AB, AC, etc. I wondered if we would ever make it to get it together, but this morning the cooking started on a fully-put-together kitchen.

We are still not done. This weekend we will have the children again to visit their great-grandparents and exchange with Grace. I think I can safely say that those visits will conclude Christmas 2010. It's been a little stretched out, but that just goes to show that Christmas is a season, not a day.

This Christmas has been filled with work, fun, humor, joy, and gifts. It has also had its sadness. Christmas will never go by that we do not miss Robert more than words can say. Knowing that he would love the way his children enjoyed Christmas is a comfort. Amazingly, it has snowed several times already this year -- once in February and at least twice in December. If you know the weather story on the day of Robert's funeral, you will understand why the snow is especially meaningful for us. I could not help but hold out my hand Sunday to catch the snow as I looked up and said, "Well, hello, BoBo, and Merry Christmas."

Quotes of the day:  The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

Burton Hillis

To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell, Hallowed Ground

A Very, Very, Productive Day

Monday...just the word itself is usually enough to set my teeth on edge. There's just something about Monday. It's like the weekend needs to be just one day longer...except when it is, it still needs to be one more day.

But today was different. I was super-tired last week...so much stuff to do for so many different events. Saturday was shopping day for Robbie and me, but I got up really early to get two little shirts done. After that, though, NO SEWING all weekend. Just what I needed to get rejuvenated and ready to get some projects done. So last night I went to bed with a plan: I would get up when Robbie did, get some thngs started in the house, and then start sewing. Everything worked like a dream! I didn't have breakfast or lunch, but I didn't care. I stayed in the sewing house ALL DAY!! My 9000 projects began dwindling down. One after another, things were done: dresses and bags, towels and potholders, shirts and onesies...all done! I feel sooooo productive!

So, my day went so well that I was able to find some humor throughout the day. I remembered several Christmases ago when Gabby, my cousin, wanted to go into Mama's Sunday School class. The class was for older children, but that's what Gabby thought she was at the time. Mama almost cracked up telling about Gabby reading the Christmas story from the Bible: "And an angel of the Lord came to Mary and told her she would have a baby and she would name Him Jesus. But how can that be, asked Mary, since I am Virginia." I got so tickled thinking about it I had to stop the sewing machine!!

Then Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase came on. The part where he goes flying down the hill on his sled almost did me in. And then I remembered the first time I noticed that "Eddie" had a dickie on underneath his white sweater! Off again with hysterical laughter!

And finally, my favorite Christmas memory: Pam and David and I always shared a room on Christmas Eve. It was a complete necessity. We wanted to be sure that we saw our prizes TOGETHER. Not one of us should get a sneak peek. Unless, of course, someone had to go in to make sure Santa had been. That would be me. The reasoning was that since I was the oldest, I had had more Christmases. Since everyone knows that seeing Santa in action means he doesn't come back, I would be the one to sacrifice.  On this particular Christmas Eve, Pam woke me up to tell me that she was sure she had heard jingle bells, but she wasn't sure if Santa was coming or going. I should go check. So, being the sweet, loving sister I am, I went. I crept down the hall to the closed door (I should note that the doors were NEVER closed except on Christmas Eve) and stood for what seemed like forever trying to hear. Despite my willingness to go, I was not completely willing to give up Christmas for the rest of my life. Finally, taking my future into my own hands, I opened the door. No Santa! He had been, though. David's trucks and tractors and trains were all over the floor, and I looked around to find mine and Pam's stash...what a shock!!

Imagine my surprise when I looked across to see one blonde girl and one brunette girl standing over mine and Pam's toys. They even had suitcases! I ran full out back down the hall and slammed the door open. "Y'all get up! Get up! Pam, come help me! Tina and Debbie are in here getting our stuff!" Needless to say, it was NOT Pam and Debbie...it was two lifesized dolls and suitcases for us. That Christmas has NEVER stopped being funny!!

This Christmas already has one funny: Bentley was in the puppet show Sunday and didn't realize that her puppet's ponytail had flipped over the face. There was the puppet, face completely covered, and a big bald spot shining on top of her head. Add to that the "nursing home" look (head back and mouth wide open) that all the puppets had, and I almost fell off the pew! 

Here's hoping everyone has something to smile about this Christmas. Laughter does a body good, so fight off the bad stuff with a little joy!!

Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.


Mark Twain

Now That I Think About It...

You know how sometimes in the heat of a moment you don't really register everything that is going on? And then later, when the adrenaline is a mere trickle, you are able to see things in a whole new light? Well, I'm having one of those times.

Thursday night we had our party for the gymanstics team members. The party was supposed to be from 4:30-5:30, but of course we ran a little over...it's hard to keep that many girls on a strict scedule.Before the party Karissa and I made a mad dash to the Dollar Store to see if we could find any decorations "for cheap" (Karissa's words). I hit it lucky and found a 50% off sale...and Christmas is not even here! Up to the check out, back in the truck, zoom out to the gym, unlock the door, run in and start setting up the tree...wow, no time to think about anything! The girls came in...no one at the same time, of course, and got started playing games. Flip flop Santa (GG's version of Dirty Santa) began and was hilarious. Then it was time to wind up --- or down. I don't know. Anyway, the party was about to be over. Probably because I would be the one opening up the first week in January, I wanted to get the garbage out. Who wants to smell rotten brownies and dip on the first day back? Not me!! So I gathered up the 55 gallon garbage bag and my gifts, my keys, my purse, and I was ready to go. Lauren and Karissa started towards Lauren's car while I went to the streetside garbage can. And then it happened.

Just as I turned away from the garbage can and headed to the front of my truck, a voice came from out of nowhere!!  The man who owns the small tire store next door was letting me know that he was going to be working on the fence. Now, why anyone would be outside in the freezing cold nailing up a fence in the middle of the night is beyond me. But that's not all. The more he talked, the closer he moved. I kept taking a step away. He kept coming. I don't believe he intended to come across that way. He kept assuring me that he knew people who were interested in gymnastics. I kept telling him that they could come in the first week in January to fill out the paperwork.

Weird, huh? Scary, even? I thought so. But in hindsight, that is not the story at all. Here's the revelation that didn't even become clear until, like I said, the adrenaline slowed down. I WAS NOT ALONE. Lauren and Karissa were still there---locked up in the car!! I was fending off a strange man's admiration of the gym and trying to convince him we were closed for the holidays, and Lauren and Karissa were sitting in the car, doors locked, engine running. I have NO doubt they had 911 already keyed and and a finger poised over SEND. I feel sooooo much better just knowing that...I think. So, anyway, I think I know that I'm on my own if the three of us are ever accosted anywhere. At least I know it ahead of time!

The party was great...shopping was wonderful...a lazy weekend is just what the doctor ordered!! Back to work tomorrow...Merry Christmas!!! Just five (5)...count'em...1,2,3,4,5 more days!!!

UPDATE: Lauren let me know that they had hands on the door handle and the window down to hear the conversation. Thanks girls!! I know you would have come to my rescue!!

No More Pencils, No More Books...

At least for a little while that is, because...IT'S HERE!!! Christmas break is here!!! All my tests have been given and papers turned in. IT'S HERE!!

Can you tell I'm excited? Maybe just a little :). I've got some sewing to do, presents to wrap, babies to keep, and tomorrow Robbie and I will go Christmas shopping for the FIRST time. Can you believe that? I can remember when we used to run to town several nights a week as Christmas neared. I shop better when I don't have to buy every single thing in one trip. But now with my getting home so much later and his going to work so much earlier, that's just hard to do. Heck, we can't even remember the last time we went to the grocery store!

The celebrations have already begun. Last night we had our annual team Christmas party at the gym. The girls were so fun and so excited, and the parents were WONDERFUL!!! Thanks to them for all their help! The snacks hit just the right spot, and each girl seemed really excited about her gift. Oh, yeah, now I can tell you about that...

We got each girl a mirror and decorated it with vinyl designs including the name, the level, and a gymanstics clip art and turned it into a wall hanging. I had huge plans to make pictures and post them. I did not get the mirrors until Monday night, and Tuesday I had gym and some sewing that had to get done. So, despite my best intentions, it was Wednesday night and the Cricut was humming along on the dining room table. Bless Robbie's heart, he was such good help. By the time he got home I had been working for hours (we closed the gym due to concerns over the roads icing) and was nearly blind. I have decided that weeding vinyl designs would possibly be a punishment in Dante's Inferno if he had known about such a thing! Robbie fixed supper, cleaned up the kitchen, and sat down to help me. And he was such GOOD help! He helped me line everything up, transfer the designs, everything. He is so good to me.

Thursday I had exams at school. Thank goodness Karissa had offered to grade Wednesday's exams! In desperation, I called a student who did not have to be at school, and she agreed to come and help me...again with the gym gifts! You should have seen us...we were like an assembly line. She glued the hangers on, I wrapped the mirrors in tissue paper. She made the name tags while I cut the cellophane. I held the package while she tied the ribbon, put the name tag on, and voila!! Done. In record time. THANK.YOU.KELSEY!!!

But I digress...back to last night... After the party, I drove back to school to watch the children's Christmas program. One word: PRECIOUS!!! I have heard bits and pieces of it for weeks, but only last night did I see it all put together. Ms. Daun did an AMAZING job with the kids. The only disappointment came at the end of the show. The theme was based on a cruise ship, and Grace had heard the script for weeks. Imagine her surprise when she discovered that the line "Stay with us for fireworks and other fun activities" was just that...a line. She said, "ZiZi, they were just tricking about the fireworks." So we have a plan...we are going to shoot fireworks sometime over the break, with "our whole, whole, entire family, which is about 1000 people" (Grace).

The best part of last night was yet to come. We got home (I had met Robbie and the family at the school) and I looked at the Cricut. Then I thought about all the sewing. And then...I WENT TO BED. Just went to bed and went to sleep. Left it all for today. And you know what? The sun will still come up today and the projects are still here. Sometimes, you just have to have some down time. I sure feel better for it.

Merry Christmas!!! Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Fantasy in Lights--With Pictures!!

What a great weekend! Our family went to Callaway Gardens to Christmas Village and Fantasy in Lights. Ahhhh-mazing....just so amazing! Words cannot describe what those people can do with Christmas lights! We rode in the FREEZING cold...that cold front came through right before we boarded the train...and saw marching soldiers, changing seasons, the North Pole with Santa's busy elves, the animal kingdom, the nativity, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas,"snowmen, and so many other fantabulous sights! The kids (big and little) were fascinated...well, Dylan didn't quite make it through the ride, but he tried, bless his heart.

It was our first tiime driving that far with all the kids. Carsyn has made friends with her carseat and they are getting along exceptionally well now. Daniel and Kaylee rode with us and slept from Montgomery to Pine Mountain. Dylan and Grace rode with Josh and Vicki and talked the entire way there and slept the entire way back. And get this...Grace took a picture with SANTA!! Maybe I should explain. She is terrified of Santa in person. He's a great person to talk about, and she wants him to come see her...she just doesn't want to see him. This year when he made a surprise visit to her house, she hid in the kitchen! But this Santa was the REAL one...not just any old helper. The boys never had a question that they wanted to sit with him. Kaylee took a little convincing but having the crowd around her seemed to make it ok. And Carsyn...well, she was just completely mesmerized by that beard and his sweet voice. We got some great pictures! 

Then today we kept Carsyn so that her mama and daddy could check out Santa's progress. She was so sweet...in such a good mood all day. Daniel just could NOT stop loving on her.

Finally, right before Robbie took Robert's kids home, Dylan (a die-hard Alabama fan) gave the quote of the week: "ZiZi, will you change these sheets before we come back?" " Sure, Dylan, but why?" " 'Cause these sheets are red and Cam Newton is orange and blue. "

Praise the Lord!! I may have a convert!!

Pictures from Callaway Gardens:

 Everybody wanted a picture with Rudolph!

 Face painting!!

 Carsyn just couldn't handle any more excitement.

 Rudolph is not the only one with a shiny nose.

 Carsyn in really fascinated with the REAL Santa (Grace's description)

 Kaylee and her snowgirl

 Carsyn and the Gingerbread Man

Riding the train through Callaway Gardens

Winding Up...and Winding Down...

Isn't it strange that just when we are "winding up" for Christmas we realize that the year is "winding down"? School has been soooooo busy. My kids are just awesome...a little piece of heaven I get to see every day. I know, I know...teachers aren't supposed to say that. We're supposed to wear shirts that say "Three reasons I teach: June, July, and August" and live for the holidays away from our students. But I don't feel that way. So that's why I've been so busy in class preparing them for semester exams...and they have worked SO hard! I'm so proud of them!!

And then of course, the sewing.  I am always amazed by the fact that we have 365 days from one Christmas to the next, but wait until the last two weeks to decide we need gifts. Don't get me wrong...I'm thrilled that people need my skills. I plan on sewing being my "retirement" job. And teaching the girls has been so much fun! I've thought about having classes for people who want to learn. But sometimes it gets a little tricky fitting everything in.

Gosh, it sounds like I'm complaining...and I don't want to sound that way! Life is awesome, and I'm so thankful for the opportunities I have...for the lives I'm given to touch at school...for the skills God has given me. And for Robbie. Last night we went to Josh and Vicki's house. There was to be a surprise visit from Santa. Carsyn loved it...his beard was just too much to pass up. Grace hid in the kitchen! It was hilarious!! She finally agreed to stand beside him if Lauren was with her and get a picture, but it was not her dream come true. When she opened her present and found new Christmas pajamas, she was excited, but she was more excited that Santa was gone and she wouldn't have to actually look at the REAL Santa on Christmas Eve. When we left, I thought we would go home and I would sew again. But Robbie had different plans, and I'm so glad he did.

We went to Andalusia and ate...I can't remember the last time we had time to do that. While we were there, he started asking about someone that I have prayed about...I was amazed at how God has worked to bring that around. That conversation sprang into the most fun I've had in ... well, longer that I can remember. We did the thing we agreed on last year when Robert was not with us any longer, but for someone we know and someone who is special. We had a blast!! I'm too excited for words. I so wish I could tell all the details, but that's another one of our conditions...we didn't do it for recognition, so we don't talk about it. But I'm SO EXCITED!!! I hope it is taken in the spirit in which it is given. I'm so excited!!!

And now I'm at the end of a week that seemed it would never end and yet went by so fast I couldn't keep up with the days. Tomorrow our whole family (what Robbie and I did) are going to Callaway Gardens to see the lights. It's the first time we've done that, and the first time we've taken Robert's children on a trip this long. We are going to have so much fun!!! And then we are planning to keep Carsyn Sunday afternoon while David and Lauren go to check on Santa's progress. Fun, fun, fun...Check back later...I'll tell you all about it.

I'm Sorry, Ma'am, We're Out of _______

You can just fill in that blank. This weekend has been one frustration after another when it came to eating. Let's recap:


Our state gymnastics meet was this weekend. Now, the state meet splits up even the gymnasts from the same gym in the same level. So, Lauren and I had NINE sessions in three days...and SIX of those were Saturday. Whew!!! We barely had time to go to the bathroom.

Friday night we had only one session, and when that was over we dropped Lauren and Carsyn off at the hotel and Vicki and I went to Zaxby's to get some food. Simple really...just chicken sandwiches and drinks. All we asked for out of the ordinary was salt. Just salt. The waitress had the sweetest smile when she said, for the first of the many times this weekend, "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of salt." Out of salt??? With grocery stores and Sam's not two miles away. What the heck???? Must have just been a freak thing, right? Wrong!!!

We weren't really worried about what we would eat Saturday. The neat thing about the meets is that the hosting gym has a coaches' hospitality room because we really don't have time to leave to eat. Well...let's just say that all the gyms this season have really fallen down on the job. Several times we have had 8:00 meets and the breakfast food would not be there until 10:00. What are they thinking???

This weekend had to be the worst, though. Now don't get me wrong-- we love the Bama Bounders and their meets, and Mr. Mike is wonderful to work with. Most of the problem lies with us--we are PICKY. However, I will have to admit that I do not believe I have ever seen sweet potato casserole and rice and chicken nuggets served together. There was absolutely nothing we would eat...all day long.

Carsyn did sooooo good for such a looooong day, so when Haley's meet started I gave Lauren a little break and then Vicki and I took Carsyn and got her out. We had not been gone long when Lauren sent a text saying that the meet was going by really fast and we could come get her. Of course, the plans were for an immediate stop at some fantabulous place to eat. Vicki, Lauren, and I were starving!! We were thinking Applebee's but saw Panera Bread first. Although sandwiches weren't exactly what we had in mind, we all knew the macaroni and cheese would make everything ok. So we got out, unloaded the car seat, tried to keep Carsyn asleep, and went in to give our order. The sweetest young man took note of the plain turkey sandwiches on country bread with American Cheese, and all was going well until...Lauren: "I want macaroni and cheese with mine." Waiter: "I'm sorry, ma'am, we are out of mac and cheese." What???!!! Out of their own signature dish?? Unheard of!! I'm sorry to say that Lauren did not handle this well. With a look of pure disgust, she said, "Well, I just don't want anything from here" and turned and walked out. I could tell that Vicki had never seen Lauren really, really hungry.

We finally found Applebee's and the food was great, Carsyn was good, and the waiter was gracious. We decided that it was time for Carsyn to get in, so I would stay with her in  the room while Lauren and Vicki picked up a couple of things and get some dessert. Diapers- check. Shoes - check. Then for the dessert. At Sonic the girls were told that a hot fudge sundae would be impossible because the hot fudge machine had just been cleaned and it would take a long, long, long time for it to heat up because it had to get very, very, very hot. Another way of saying, "We don't really want to do this order. Please go somewhere else." So they did. Lauren drove to McDonald's and, with great hesitation, asked for a hot fudge sundae. No problem! Reese's McFlurry? No problem! Chocolate milkshake? No problem. Until she drove to the window. Vicki's hot fudge sundae came first. Then my chocolate milkshake. But where was the Reese's McFlurry? You guessed it: "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of Reese's." Are you kidding me??? Lauren settled for an M&M McFlurry, but not before giving the entire story to the poor window worker.

Sunday was the last day...had to be better, right? In some ways it was. I did the 8:00 meet so Lauren and Vicki could rest and get packed up. Kathryn did a great job! Then Lauren came to stay with Becca (who had an awesome meet!!)  and Vicki, Carsyn, and I went to Target and Shoe Station, and the Dollar Tree. We were to pick Lauren up right after the meet and we would go get some lunch. After seven (7) U turns, we finally decided to go back to Zaxby's. Easy order again-- chicken strips, chicken sandwich, club sandwich. All was looking good. There was a slight problem with our drinks: Zaxby's wanted us to have bottled water, but we wanted ice in a cup. I finally convinced them that despite the fact that we would be charged the same, we really preferred the cup. Driving up to the window, I was proud of the fact that at least our last meal in Tuscaloosa would be without a hitch. And then it happened. At Vicki's request, I asked for just a few packets of ketchup. "I'm sorry, ma'am, we're out of ketchup." Ha!! Can you believe it? Out of salt AND ketchup? Wow!! Double Wow!!

Oh, well, the chicken was good and all of it made for a good laugh...if Lauren is ever actually in the mood to laugh about it!

We are so proud of all our girls...outstanding effort from each and every one!And so proud of Carsyn--such a long weekend and she was a trooper! I'm sure there are many more of those meets in store for her!

Just Another Manic Monday...and Tuesday...and Wednesday...

I've not blogged this week because it's been...well, MANIC. We had the kids all weekend and Thanksgiving so many times. Our state gymnastics meet is this weekend, and we are counting down the days at school until semester exams. I'm constantly thinking about Christmas and the decorating to do and the presents to buy. I have term papers to grade and clothes to wash and tests to make out and sewing to do and clothes to pack...and in the middle of my "drama" I find out that one of our students has actually thought about suicide.

How sad. How incredibly sad. To be so young and feel so hopeless. I can't imagine feeling so alone. Even in the darkest moments of my life---and some have been pretty black---never did that thought occur to me.

When I was student teaching, one of my students shot himself and bled to death on Valentine's Day. All these years I have wondered if things might have turned out differently if he had been able to talk to us--it was Friday,though, and everyone was ready to leave and I had a doctor's appointment. It taught me a lesson though. I've never turned a child away if he said he needed to see me --- and I won't.

At a time when life seemed just a little overwhelming, I am reminded of my goal of ThanksLiving. I'm thankful that we have clothes to wear, that I have a job, that my skills are needed and/or desired, that my children and grandchildren are healthy, that we have traditions to follow and are making new ones,  that I have money to buy gifts with, that our girls are doing well in gymnastics, that I have a vehicle that needs its windshield de-iced and needs gas, that I have a house to decorate and invite my family into, that all of us know that peace of having a support system through our family, friends, and church, and that we all serve an awesome God.

Thank you, God, for the many blessings in my life!!

I really want to put a picture of my Christmas trees (no typo --- we have 4) and put on here, but my modern-day technology is not cooperating. Maybe later...

Ok...it's LATER! How cool is this? We have our own Christmas forest :)