The College Roomate gets married....finally. Plus a great story.

                                                      

WAY back in the day....many decades ago, in fact it was even LAST CENTURY....I met this girl in class at Auburn University....and we became fast friends.  Later, we even roomed together for a couple of years.  And we had fun....lots of fun....more fun than should be legal. Okay, maybe some of it wasn't legal...but that was so long ago, I can't really remember the laws of the land during that time period. :)   Moving on..... here we are at Jenny's wedding....a day in which we both were happy to have arrive.  I have prayed for her to find that man and to enjoy the happiness of having him to share her life.  And that prayer has been answered. 

Certainly then, this was an event not to be missed!!  We headed out to the Gulf Coast one weekend at the beginning of May for this wonderful day! It was to be a small wedding, at a sweet location, very casual.   Our hotel was only a mere 3 miles from the site of the wedding.  That's important to note.  We left the hotel at 3:30, a half hour before the ceremony was to begin so we'd have plenty of time.  Our GPS decided to take us the long way around to get there.  I hated our GPS at that moment, and that's important to note.  If we're being honest, I was super glad we were near the beaches and I needed my shades, because I had tears rolling out of my eyes when I saw the clock tick closer and closer to time for the wedding and knew we were no where near the site. To say my heart was heavy, well, that would be an understatement.  I've been waiting YEARS for this day to come, and I was missing it.

When I saw 4:00 hit the clock in the Tahoe....I thought I would lose it.  The kids were quiet as little mice in the back, they knew it was a sad moment for mama.  And all of the sudden my phone rang.....it was 4:02....and it was the BRIDE calling.  As I described it to her later, it was like a surreal moment, experiencing two polar opposite feelings all at the EXACT same time in one millisecond.  When I saw my phone pop up "Jenny's calling".....I felt SO STINKIN' BAD because we were late to the wedding and she was having to call me to see where the heck we were.....and in the same instant, my heart was so full because THE BRIDE WAS CALLING ME.....when she was supposed to be walking down the aisle already.  :)  Instead, she was reaching out to find us, because it was important to her that I be there. 

Now that's just pure sweet friendship, y'all.  That's all I can say about it.  And here's proof....this isn't my pic, but she posted this online and I thought I'd steal it to show y'all.....

                                                          

I answered the phone and said, "Jenny, we're LOST!"....as if she hadn't already figured that out.  At the time of her call, we were still several miles deep in LOSTVILLE.....and probably still 15 minutes or more away from her wedding site.  I could hardly talk I was so upset so I gave the phone to Temple to handle things.  The conversation ended like this:

Temple: "We're on the other side of this highway....still have to come back into town, cross over the main highway, and then start over again....it's gonna be at least 15 minutes, but I can't even say for sure."

Jenny: "Well, we probably can't keep making everyone wait (please keep in mind the groom was expecting to have a bride at 4:00), so we'll probably have to start without y'all."

Temple: "Okay, just WALK REALLY SLOW down the aisle."

And with that, they hung up and my husband broke a few road laws.  Mainly ones that involved SPEED, in regard to it's limits as sanctioned by the D.O.T.

And I am happy to report, that yes, although we were many many miles from the wedding site, and our Tahoe may have arrived sliding into the area on only two wheels in a sharp turn, and no one even breathed in our car during the time the phone call ended until we departed the vehicle for the wedding, and fortunately the Lord saw fit that no police were in our path, and the Lord decided to bless us even more because miracles never cease ...... we were able to see this:

                                                         

That's right.  From the car as we slid into the site, we could see the guests being seated outside.  We unloaded the car and went running to get a spot....and I saw Jenny's sister walking towards me...."go see her, she wanted you to be here so badly, let her know you're here".   So I took off running in to find her and as soon as I stepped in and looked up to say hi I heard the WEDDING MARCH beginning to play!!  I ran in  to give her a big hug....and I got to see her one last time as just Jenny....before she became an old married woman. :)

Later in the night, while getting her ready to leave the reception, we both cried about it.  About how it doesn't really matter if you live in the same town, the same state, or the same area of the nation......or if you get to see each other every holiday or not.....or talk to each other daily, or even weekly at times.....good friendships last no matter the circumstances. 

No matter if the wedding invitations were sent weeks before and the time was set for 4.....and your friend is horrible for not making sure she had the directions correct BEFORE the day of your wedding!!!

We pick up wherever we leave off....it's like time knows no bounds....it's what a real friendship is about.  I am blessed to have her friendship....and to have a new friend in the groom who was willing to put up with such shenanigans!!  Everyone I met at the reception would say, "oh, so you're the Kimberly they were talking about".....or    "you're the one who made us all have to keep waiting for the ceremony to begin"......how embarassing!!! Eventually, by the end of the night, I think I had talked to just about everyone on the bride and grooms respective sides to apologize for my time management/directionally challenged shortcomings.  And they were all sweet to forgive. :)  In fact, they even let us have some cake!!

At the reception, not only was the chocolate fountain with fruit a big appeal to our kiddos, but they loved the BBQ....and it shows.

Baby Girl with Aunt Jenny....pretty brown eyed gals!

Baby Girl could hardly wait to jump into the pool at the clubhouse during the reception.  But you can't keep her off the dancefloor, even dripping wet and a bit chilled, she had to stop and join in a round of dancing before heading out again! Certainly, getting to swim at a wedding made this move to the top of the kid's BEST WEDDING EVER list.

The wedding was beautiful, Mrs. Patsy made me laugh out loud on more than one occassion, the reception was great, Mr. Bo's gumbo was divine as usual, lots of memories were made.....and my kids had a blast dancing the night away with "Aunt Jenny".  This laughable moment may have came upon Middle Child returning from the pool to the dance floor to show his latest party trick....the stomach roll.  Which had many folks cracking up....including the bride.

                                                   

Later in the evening, I had a chance to grill the groom, Thor--   sure he may have played collegiate football, and he's a big guy, but he doesn't scare me, not one little bit.   I laid down my demands and he assured me he's gonna take good care of my Jenny. I believe him. 

Jenny......best wishes as Mrs. Thor. :)  I love you bunches and miss you already!! 

Tonsillectomey, Smonsillectomey.....she's still at the top of her class.

                                                               

Yes, she survived her surgery.  Yes, she stayed out of school the full week, just as the doctor suggested.  And to be honest, I think that hurt her worse than the surgery itself.  However, she diligently contiued her studies while homebound.....inquiring every afternoon of her brother if he had stopped by her classroom to gather her work for the day. She LOVES school....in fact, I'm certain she'd be the only child I have who would volunteer to go year 'round if it were offered.   

At any rate, she did great work all year and on awards day it paid off.  In her classroom she received a multiplication award which included a free movie rental, as well as the classroom "cheerful cheerleader".  That's her alright. During the school awards assembly, she received All-A Honor Roll, Highest Academic Average in Language and one that encompasses more than just her academics, several other factors are taken into account as well, Most Outstanding Student. 

She just smiled so brightly when we were at home later in the day.  I said, "Baby Girl, do you realize you have gotten that award every single year you've been in school?"......To which she replied, "Yes, m'am....I don't know how I do it.  I just do my work every year the same way."    

I guess every year she just has the best teacher ever who prepares her for the upcoming year to be the best she can possibly be.   I know you all probably get tired of seeing this similar post year after year, but undoubtedly, Baby Girl has been blessed with having the BEST of the BEST every year.  Seriously, her first 4 teachers have all been PHENOMENAL.....and we couldn't have asked for more than PHENOMENAL, now could we? 

A big thanks to this fine lady, Baby Girl's teacher, who consequently also taught Elder Son at this age.  She's the cream of the crop and Baby Girl loves her so much!

Now, let me say, my boys received awards as well.  However, they don't feel the need to be photographed so much anymore.  In fact, I bet if I'd walked into the high school with my camera for awards day, Elder Son would have acted as if he didn't know me!  However, he doesn't scare me, but it was coming an absolute downpour and thus I didn't bother with the camera. 

Elder Son did receive honor roll this year....A-B honor roll.....of which I'd like to take this moment to clarify the "B" portion of that....but don't get me started.  Let me just say that he finished the year with all A's as his final scores in every class.  Regardless, we are proud, first year of high school, very involved in sports and activites, honor roll....nice job!  Plus, he received an even better award than that....I know he's smart, I don't need the honor roll certificate to tell me that, but he also was awarded the Good Citizenship award.  Way to go, Elder Son!

And what about Middle Child?  Oh, he did well too, but like Elder Son, he's not so much into the getting your picture made business. In fact he was more worried about getting back to his room after awards assembly because his class was having a grill out party.....clearly he has his priorities in order....it is food that fuels the brain afterall, right?  :)  He was awarded All-A honor roll and was also recognized for having been chosen by Duke University, for the second year in a row, to be tracked due to his high scores on the national testings.  You must score in the 95th percentile in Math and Science for this recognition....meaning that you have scored better than 95 percent of the nation in your age group.  Middle Child scored in the 99th percentile. 

Way to go....smart like your mama....or maybe not. I know, I know....it really comes from your father, but unfortunately your father doesn't have a blog, so I can say whatever I want!   Actually, what your father always says is that he doesn't put much stock in those test scores....so maybe he'll let me take the credit just this once.  ;)

Tons to report....

but not a lot of time to get it accomplished. 

However, I do intend to work hard this weekend getting some overdue and some current posts together, and reading up and commenting on all my friend's blogs.  I just need to gather my thoughts....and my breath.....you know they say a brain works better when it's not depleted of oxygen. :) 

I do have some FANTABULOUSO (it's a word, trust me) news to report to you rightthisveryminute......

We are not entering this new season as we did last year....with our now infamous event on the last day of school that kicked off our summer!  Even though we survived, a stressful couple of days at Children's Hospital, two surgeries during the last year, and a lot of inactivity for my precious Middle Child......I'm ever so grateful for that to all be behind us. 

And just for good measure, I went with the kids to their last day of school, and allowed them to walk very gingerly down the hallway to deliver their teacher gifts.  Of course, we checked in just in time for Middle Child to attend PE class.....ooops.  Although I would have liked to have wrapped him in bubble wrap and sent him on his way (Little Giants...cute movie), I let him rip and romp like any normal boy would.  But only for a short time.....I checked them right back out shortly thereafter, there's no need in pushing my luck.  Or at the present, pushing my limit, my stress limit that is. :)

We survived another year......and can't wait to get this party started for summer....with no broken femurs to get in the way! :)

Because there is an end.

Currently I stay behind.  Behind on laundry.  Don't even ask how many loads, I'm scared to think about it. Behind on the blog.  Behind on taking pictures, real pictures instead of blurry phone related ones.  Behind on emails.  Behind on mailing out our H3 scripture cards for the month. Behind on texts. Behind on having all our end of year teacher gifts complete.  Behind. Just behind.

Is this fast pace consuming you as well?  Raise your hand if you feel like you're running EVERY WHERE YOU GO???  Even in my sleep.  Because really, does it not seem like we/they or whoever, pack aboslutely anything and everything we can, usually about 2-3 months worth of stuff, into one little three letter word on the calendar----MAY.

And then I say to myself.....and to several other friends.....just hold on....MAY will eventually come to an end.  It has to.

It's what you call a DYNASTY.

Cleverly enough, these two fine friends have paired up together since Kindergarten, for one particular race, every year when FIELD DAY rolls around.

Undisputed blue ribbon champions....for what is now the 6th year in a row. See, I told you it was the makings of a DYNASTY.  Why they might even start naming it after these two. 

And might I add, there's yet to ever be a "close" second.  I tell you they stand head and shoulders above the rest, or, at least Middle Child's friend "Big E" stands head and shoulders above the rest.  Middle Child just holds on for the thrilling 16 second ride of a lifetime! 

(P.S.---this is how crazy my life has been lately....again these pictures were taken with my phone...excuse the quality.  I am just too busy to remember the big camera, or too lazy to lug it around to everything.  And sadly, these are the only two photos I have of the day's events....which happened a couple of weeks ago...I stay so behind these days.  However, I am happy to report that the children from House of Bowling did not disappoint in their quest for the best on Field Day....Baby Girl and Middle Child brought home blue ribbons in almost every event they entered!)

Baby Girl Update

Just to let you know that the post-op visit went well.  The Doctor said her throat doesn't look "good", but it certainly looks as though it is healing as it should.  It's just not a pretty picture in there.  However, pretty doesn't matter right now, but recovering the best way possible....it matters.

She's been doing awesome....basically surviving for many days on sweet tea!!!  Each day she's eating a little more but we're trying not to push it.  And each day, she's talking a little more.....or a lot more. ;)  In fact, that's one of the stories she told the doctor:

Doc:  So, do you have any questions?

Baby Girl: (raises hand) (even though she doesn't have a ? but does have something to say)--You know what my Uncle Will said yesterday?  Well, I was at my Granny's and I started talking a lot, and my mama said "now you know you're not supposed to be talking a lot", and my Uncle Will asked why and she said, "well the first sentence on the instruction sheet says to KEEP THE PATIENT AS QUIET AS POSSIBLE".  And then you know what my Uncle Will said?  He said, "well, she's YOUR daughter, so that's impossible, isn't it?"

Yes. My brother is a laugh a minute.

They can remove her tonsils but they can't take her spunk, that's for sure.

We even let her out of the house for a couple of hours....late in the evening, so she wouldn't get overheated.  She sat through one inning of Middle Child's baseball game, and then through a couple of innings of Elder Son's baseball game, and then PawPaw took her home to rest.

Spoiled, yes.

Loved, even more.

She's really doing well. We did have a bit of a setback last night with her waking at 3AM for pain medicine.  She's been sleeping through the night for a few days without needing anything.  A minor setback though, she's back doing great again today.....and beating me at Mancala numerous times.

Guess what we've been doing these past few days.....

First off....excuse all these pics.  They were taken with my phone and I realize they are not the best to put on the blog, but I've been too tired to pull my NIKON out for over a week....call me lazy if you must, but I have taken the easy road for a change and if all that suffers are a few posts on the blog with blurry photos then so be it!! :)

What's been going on at the House of Bowling has involved a whole lot of this: 

as well as this:

Okay, so really that picture of the ice cream is a lie, you can almost always find that much in our freezer if not more on any given week, but lately we've been stocked up because of this sweet Baby Girl:

Who you see in the photo above, all ready to be wheeled back for her surgery last week....with her pink polka dot blanket tagging along to the operating room.  This was very early in the morning....before roosters crow, even.   And doesn't she look like a beauty queen?....oh, to be youthful again, with unblemished skin and bright eyes. 

I did not take a photo of her after surgery....why? Well, frankly it was because she was crying and upset and a little scared. Not a pretty picture.  Her surgery was done as an outpatient at a surgical center instead of at a hospital.  It was a great experience.  Instead of having to wait until she had been in recovery for an hour after surgery, the doctor came out to speak to us as soon as he degloved from the operating room, and shortly thereafter a nurse wandered back to take us to Baby Girl.  So we were able to be the first people she really saw once she was waking up.  Actually, I was the first person she saw, or remembers seeing, and she scared me half to death.

She had huge tears in her eyes and was trying to talk to me.....very much animation. I, of course, couldn't understand her because she was only fresh off the the cutting block, and her throat was extremely swollen, she was still a bit out of it, and was in some pain.  In fact, she wasn't supposed to even be trying to talk to me....but please remember who we're dealing with....she's a talker, regardless. 

I kept leaning down getting right in her face trying to understand her.  I was worried she was trying to tell me she was in serious pain, or that she couldn't breathe or something like that.....so I kept asking her to repeat herself. 

She just kept saying...."wonk wonk wonk wonk, wa wonk wonk wa".....like the teacher in Charlie Brown.  :)

Finally, after about 10 tries, I figured out word by word.....and she said:

"You've got four eyes!!!"

Oh, anesthesia, how I love thee.

Really, Baby Girl did great before, during and after surgery.  And she's been a real trooper of a patient here at home.  She's resting a lot and trying to follow the doctors orders.....but being "as quiet as possible" is quite an undertaking for a girl like her.

We've played a few rounds of this:

As well as many lessons from her brand new dry erase board.... while we are having "homeschool"....the only catch, she's the teacher. :)

So far, I've had a refresher course in shapes, addition, subtraction with borrowing, line segments, homophones, vowels, etc.etc.....and to think she's only had the board for a few hours......

......oh, the fun this week holds. Imagine how smart I will be by Friday. Pray for me.

Actually, don't worry about me, I can handle it. Surely I can survive this. Right? 

Do pray for Baby Girl.  Specifically, for her to recover quickly.  She's already on the mend.  Her surgery was actually more than we knew it would be until that morning when they checked us in....she had her tonsils and adenoids removed, and she also had her uvula (the thing that hangs down in the back of your mouth where your throat is) cut down a little and then cauterized.  OUCH!

We have a post-op visit scheduled for today and hopefully the doctor will give Baby Girl a good report.  We'll let you know. 

However, I might not be able to have much computer time.....what with all my nursing skills to tend to, the tivo'ed episodes of toddlers and tiaras we have to watch, making big piles of macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and rolling up bread into little toddler size bites, plus the various homeschool lessons....there's not much time left in the day for the blog.  Maybe the "teacher" will give me a break for free time soon and I'll talk to you all again ASAP!!

Family Carnival

Last week we had company....grandparents and great grandparents....the best kind of company to have!  Of course, my kids love to entertain....and we had yet to have a Family Party for the month of May.....so their creative minds came up with a carnival.

Complete with every stray piece of something they could drag out to the front yard......8-10 giant orange highway cones,  partial pieces of a LL Bean croquet set, some plastic milk crates, various balls, frisbees, bats, bottles, and tons of recycled prizes for the guests!!! :)   Recycled prizes from our garage and toyroom.  For instance, Grandmama (83) and Grandaddy (82) played two carnival games and each won a pair of roller skates.  Well, let me take that back, Grandmama won a pair of white roller skates trimmed in pink with pink wheels and butterfly designs.....and Grandaddy won a rocking pair of black and blue roller blades.  Roller blades.  I bet they are on the wish list of every elderly person, right??  :) 

The guests were offered free admission, but had to purchase their supper plates, drinks, and snacks from the carnival concessions.  Money makers.  The manager (Middle Child) said he had to charge for something because he had "hired" out various acts to perform for all of us. Oh, the joy of waiting for those said performances....we were all waiting at the edge of our seats!!! :)

• The Carnival manager.  Nemo cup = the bank vault.  Numerous quarters and a few dollar bills are inside the colorful clown fish.

• Our first act....a show stopping gymnastics performance starring Baby Girl!!!

  

  
  

  
  

  • Act #2---Elder Son gave an awesome Yo-Yo show!!!   

  

  
  

  

  
  

  And these folks couldn't have had more fun if Barnum and Bailey would have pulled into the front yard.
  

  

  
  

  In fact.....I'd bet a 1000 to 1 odds those folks at our family carnival would call our evening under the stars....the absolute GREASTEST SHOW ON EARTH!!!

Science Fair.....a "Tweet Treat"

Baby Girl just so happened to win 1st place at the Science Fair at her school in her grade division. YAHOO!!!!  And that meant she was to compete in the County Fair against other schools in her grade division.  Where sadly, she did not place in the top 3, but her project still rocks if you ask me....the mama....who thinks her kids and their projects are awesome regardless of the opinion of others. 

So, here I present to you, "TWEET TREAT".....a science experiment involving different bird seeds and the most popular choice of the birds who hang around our neck of the woods.

Seriously, look how precious this "take a look" note....that leads you to view her adroably cute bird inspired science journal that holds all the data she gathered for over a week of observation, her conclusion, and a special page where she states why she thinks the birds didn't eat a lot of birdseed during this experiment.....reason #1--thunderstorms.....reason #2---Mr. Jingles, our cat.  :)  Gotta love some kid humor thrown into the science fair!!!

Can you read this side of the project board....with the Question? and Hypothesis displayed.....

Baby Girl gives her scientific guess as to which birdseed the birds will like best (she thought it would be the fruit and nut blend) based on this thought "it's like a mixture of joy to the birds". 

So maybe it wasn't the MOST scientific reasoning....but she's 8 and adorable and had the best time feeding the birds and crafting this project with brightly colored feathers and using all manner of markers and paper and glue and such and presenting her science project to the judges, that sweet little voice.....

and to me.....that just makes her a pure mixture of joy to my soul!! 

I'm proud of the first place blue ribbon she won at her school and proud of her efforts at the County level as well.....but most importantly, I'm proud of Baby Girl just for being Baby Girl.

Krispy Kreme....where field trip dreams really do come true!! :)

I took the bait and went on the sabotaged field trip, cleverly designed by two of my favorite teachers ever, and ladies I like to call friends....or at least I thought that's what I called them, until they put me in a small room where thousands of fresh donuts were being made and it was like they stood behind the glass mocking my love affair with all things yeast risen and glaze laden.

I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Krispy Kreme!!  And my life will never be the same after having a donut right off the assembly line.....it couldn't have been a second fresher than it was....and it completely MELTED in my mouth----who cares if you experience 3rd degree burns in your mouth.....a small price to pay for a little piece of heaven if you ask me. 

 A few days before our trip, a friend had texted me to say she was headed on a field trip with her daughter to KK....and was thinking of me.  I texted her back to say that she was skinny enough not just to think of me, but go ahead and eat a donut for me while she was there!  I further texted to say that I would be on that field trip soon and planned on eating my donut without guilt, but rather with pride as sharing a bonding moment with my Baby Girl!!

I did savor every stinking bite of my HOT!NOW! fresher than fresh donut.  And I also savored every Japanese culturally inspired bite of all the food they served me at Tokyo.  And then I called it quits.  Someone had to put an end to my misery and the only way I could do it was to skip out on the afternoon movie....complete with coke and buttered popcorn.  Well, that was the only way other than cutting off my arms to keep from forcing any more food into my mouth!!  The field trip was fun....and the food was great. But it was such a neat time to sit back and watch those litte children enjoy these moments socializing with each other. 

Basically that's all the pics I have for this field trip.  Why?  Because I was too busy EATING to break out the camera, that's WHY!!! 

Furthermore, all these pics do for me is make me even hungrier for a HOT!NOW! right now.....in fact, I may or may not have just licked my computer monitor trying to get that last little bit of warm glaze off Baby Girls' lips.

A love/hate relationship with educators....

So, I'm off to a field trip with Baby Girl this morning.  And I'm trying to decide whether or not Baby Girl's teachers love me or hate me.

You see, we're heading to Krispy Kreme for a mid morning doughnut tour....

Followed shortly thereafter with our lunchtime at Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse....

And summed up with an early afternoon snack of coke and popcorn......as in movie theater buttered popcorn (and of course you know that is divine when coupled with a box of milkduds).

So, either they love me and have planned the entire field trip around my absolute favorite food groups......

Or they hate me and are sabotaging my dieting efforts.

Because, clearly, they will twist my arm to eat it all. Clearly.

Hiding His words in your Heart......May's Verse

I ask my husband a TON of questions....a TON.  Sometimes I ask so many it becomes annoying....just ask him. :) Especially during a movie....that he is currently trying to watch.....that I don't understand!! :)

I ask my Mom and Dad a bunch too (there's wisdom in the ages, you know).  I ask quite a fair amount to my in-laws as well (they are really fantastic folks).   And of course I have many close, trusted friends and family who I seek counsel with at times. 

Sometimes I want answers, opinions or their thoughts on the matter and sometimes I just want a sounding board. 

Have you ever been confused?  Have you ever not known the answers?  Needed help finding the answers?  Without having someone use a condescending tone? What about just wanting to talk through some ideas, some questions, some concerns? 

Unsure about future decisions?  Making choices for jobs, church decisions, school issues, family moments, home relocation, friendship renewals, parenting dilemmas....anyone relate????

Have you ever needed some advice?

Some good advice?

Some real honest advice, that might hurt a little going down, but in the end you know it's right?

You know, some real solid guidance....

Solid.  Rock Solid.

Well, it just so happens there's a verse that tells us we can have just that.....Rock Solid Answers....if we only just ask.

"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,

who gives to all generously without criticizing,

and it will be given to him." 
~~James 1:5

So....all you need to do is ask. When a heavy burden is upon you, and you need help finding answers, yes, it's okay to ask your husband, your mama, your BFF....but in the end, make certain you are spending time having conversations with the Father, listening to His wisdom. 

The wisdom He so freely gives.  He loves helping....it's in His genes.

The Drama of Life....

Do you ever just get tired of it?  I sure do.  Sick and tired of it. But fortunately,  I have a Father to look to for renewal.....as He says in Isaiah 12:2....The Lord, is my strength and my song.

I'd much rather be depending on His strength and song than on what this world offers me in the way of that sick and tired feeling.   Because really, life here in this wordly place is but a vapor....and that is something I am daily becoming more and more thankful about.  :)

Have a great weekend and stay dry if you can!

You can't keep a good girl down....

Baby Girl has been sickly this week.  Enough was enough. I made the call and we have an appointment next week to meet with the Doctor to schedule surgery on her tonsils.  She's a little scared just at the talk of it....but we're making progress. 

And right now, the good news is her fever is gone, she's feeling much better, and her spunky self is back to normal.....as witnessed by this declaration yesterday at home:

"What would you like for lunch? Do you feel like eating something? How about a hot dog, or peanut butter sandwich, or some plain noodles?"

"I want a hot dog."

I head to the kitchen and hear....

"Mama, I want a hot dog, but don't forget my appetizer too."

Apparently, we've watched a few too many episodes on Food Network. But at least I know she's well.  

Amazing Beauty....

These beautiful irises were found at the entrance to Ruby Falls.....they were too cool not to shoot, especially since they were dressed in my favorite color!!  The morning dew drops and crawly friend just made them even better.



 I'll be back soon with a "real" post, where I have to use my brain.....or what's left after this year's science fair dilemmas.  Have I mentioned lately how much I loathe these projects?

Any guesses for this one?

Any guesses what this is?

Field Trip with The Middle Child = Road Trip Fun

The Middle Child and I ventured out bright and early one morning last week to catch a ride on the charter bus for his field trip to Chattanooga, TN.  Making stops at Ruby Falls, touring the caverns, watching an imax movie and finishing the day at the Chattanooga Aquarium.  Always a favorite.  Every time I go, I'm amazed at the creatures swimming in the waters made by the hands of our God. 

Some favorites from the trip:

• the cool air inside the cave
•  the fun names they give the stalagtite and stalagmite creations....you'll see a "chandelier" in the pics
•  the sound of the falls, named Ruby for the explorer's wife, water splashing down is just a unique sound
• my group of boys during the trip...they were so energetic!
• the miniature seahorses that were hanging onto a blade of grass....a blade of grass, folks, now that's small
• sea nettles...beautiful, but hope I never encounter one while swimming in the sea!
• touching the stingrays and sharks--cool
• big huge sea turtles and spiky tortoises
• hearing the children giggle when they caught a butterfly on their finger
• watching the butterflies have a snack
• leopard print and polka dot sting rays.....NEVER seen these  before....SO COOL....especially as I have such a love affair with all things polka dotted!!  If you've never seen them before, you'll be amazed too.  God makes some real beauties....they are extremely poisonous, much more so than the regular looking stingrays, but their pattern is gorgeous!!

Enjoy the few pics from our road trip fun:

I told you.....they are truly unique looking, huh? 

Brothers.

A fab Saturday on the PLAINS....

.....of God's country, Auburn University!!  Last weekend we traveled down to our collegiate alma mater for the A-Day football game.  Which, for those poor souls who aren't familiar with some good ol' SEC football, that means it was Auburn's spring practice, where you get to see all the new recruits, scope out the up and coming quarterbacks, see your favorite running back that you've been missing dearly since the bowl game, eat some stadium food, soak up the sun with great friends and family on a fantastic Saturday in one of my ABSOLUTE favorite places, ever.

 Nana with the kids:

We also were able to tour the new Auburn Basketball Arena that is still under construction, but will be opening this fall. I had to take a picture of this wall panel high above the seating, it is so true for any faithful tiger fans:

There's always friendly faces to find while visiting any event in AU, and we hadn't been on campus 15 minutes before we met up with one of my oldest and dearest friends, (we not only grew up together from childhood, cheered together in high school, but also attended Auburn together as well).  Our kids enjoyed a full day of playing together all clad in their AU attire!!

After testing the seats in the new arena, it was time to get to the stadium for the REAL action:   FOOTBALL....oh, how I love thee.  

And Mario, Mario, I love the way you run the ball out of the backfield, too.  

And here's what everyone came to get a look at for the upcoming year:  Cam, the rising star at QB.  And with a 6'6", 250 lb frame....this constellation of stars may just align in his favor, come fall.   I can't wait to see him in a game situation take the snap and RUN CAM RUN.

The Middle Child wanted badly to get closer to the action, so we let him belly right up to the ESPN camera in the endzone.  See him at the ledge, right near the feet of the camera man?

Getting even more relaxed and acclimated to his surroundings:

And finally just perching himself as if he's watching it on TV at home, but all the while, he was ready to leap to the field of play, should they need him to call a play at any time.

After the A-day game, Auburn's players all assembled back on the field for an autograph session.....and our boys were somewhere scattered in this mix.....seeking out the signature of #27 and soaking up every moment from being on the field in Jordan Hare Stadium. 

Because they want to focus hard, learn what they can, and aspire to wear one of these off the rack on game day sometime in their future:

Now Baby Girl.....well, she wasn't in line for any autographs, but let's just say she was focusing hard too.  You can find her, along with my friend's two daughters, in the center of this photo practicing their own skills for the future.

Because one day....she wants to be one of these, for real:

I love Auburn.  Such wonderful memories, made from the early 90's clear through to this past weekend. 

War Eagle, and bring on September, I'm ready for some football!! :)