Leah, Bobbie, Gail, Mama, and I gathered at the Rhodes Theater tonight to watch the movie "The Help". I really wished I had read the book first. Then again, maybe I don't wish that. Having taught Civil Rights and the era of racial inequality through many forms of literature, I had never considered it from that perspective. Just like a good book, I have to put myself as one of the characters and wonder how life would have been had I lived during that time.
My family is very fortunate. We have a "helper" who has been with our family since my mama was in the 8th grade. She has kept all my grandmother's grandchildren and even some of the great-grands. She is wonderful, smart, sweet, caring, loving, kind....everything. She was with me on those special occasions of my life. I remember sitting on my grandmother's back porch watching soap operas with her while she ironed. She taught me about bras, tampons, and feminine products that were advertised. I remember on my first day of 8th grade when I became a woman...she and my grandmother came and got me from school and fixed me up! I remember her on the day of Miss Lincoln County Green when I was 16 carrying my dress in for me, making sure it was zipped up, and making sure I had all hair in place. She held my hand with my best friend at the time as we said a prayer my mama taught me~ "Dear Lord, Help me to remember that nothing can happen that You and I together can't handle." She was with me on the day I went to college and helped me move in to my apartment. She was with me on the day of my wedding and made sure I had lipstick, my hair was in place, and I was "proper". Never in that time did I think of her as being not like me. I loved her with all my heart and knew she was special!
KB was born on December 21. At the time Mary was working at the daycare and had a two week vacation. I can remember Mama calling me at the hospital and saying that Mary was willing to come and stay with me when I got home from the hospital for a week. That was a call from the good Lord Himself! I was thrilled. Mary taught me everything I needed to know that week. She taught me to NEVER wake a sleeping baby! KB has been a good sleeper since that first week. I do remember that week as being the first time it was a little awkward...When we would get ready to eat at night, she didn't want to sit at the table with Mark and me. We finally made her and it was all great from there. She even came and sat with me when we moved to Lincolnton after my hysterectomy....She has been with me through it all! Some of the things from the movie really made me think.
I hope I have never made her feel like she was different. I hope I never made her feel like she wasn't important. I hope I only made her feel like she was part of my family. She is so special to Boo-Ma's five grandchildren~ the life lessons of cooking, cleaning, ironing, disciplining, reading, writing...she has done it all. I know that we are lucky to have her in our lives. I know we could never pay her what she is worth. She is so special and deserving of a wonderful life! She has made ours the best!
I can only hope that I would be Skeeter in the movie. I do hope that she would trust me, she would know I would never mistreat her, and she would know I wouldn't take advantage of her. She was my help...not in the sense of a maid... but in the sense of a person who opened my eyes to the life of prayer, a life of motherhood, and life of good living. She helped me see what life was all about and how great it is if you choose to make good decisions! Thanks Mary! I love you!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Christmas 2011
I am currently in my bed typing this post because I don't feel 100 percent and I was cold, tired, and wanted to watch television... but as I started thinking about Christmas I realized that if I don't write all this down I won't remember a thing! I fixed myself a cup of Gingerbread coffee...tastes like it has egg in it... ugh...and decided to write for awhile.
Katie Britt texted me on the morning of her birthday and told me to come upstairs because she was sick... when I got upstairs she was throwing up and wanted a cold rag... oh my...what a day it was. After self medicating her I decided she was getting worse. Luckily Dr. W. was working and he let us come to the ER to get fluids to "pep" her up... We didn't do any celebrating of her birthday and didn't take any pictures. The only way we celebrated was the day after...I cooked lunch and Amberly, Phil, and Mayonnaise joined us. But...my happy, non-demanding child was fine with that! I hate we didn't have pictures, but she doesn't care!
Friday we piddled all day...is that a word??? And then we had SA's engagement party. We let Sis babysit for the first time and she did great. No fighting! Then we headed to game night with our friends. I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time! I think it should be a monthly event!
We spent Christmas eve day at home. I stayed on the couch most of the day watching my favorite trash tv...Real Housewives. We went to church and then headed to Mark's mama's for Dinner... and guess what...forgot my camera! We came home and got ready for bed. This is the first year that Ben was able to help with reading the Christmas story from the Bible before going to bed. I know it probably wasn't the best thing to do, but when I heard his voice~ I made him stop so I could get the video camera and record him. It was precious.
Christmas morning we woke up to rain and two four-wheelers in the driveway... not a good combo, but it worked out just fine! After everyone visited for breakfast, we headed to Jane's to open presents. When we got back home everyone tried to nap, since no one felt great. About five we started getting ready for Christmas supper. Ben told me he didn't feel good and that the shower made his head hurt... within ten minutes he was throwing up... round two of the virus! He is better today, but he missed a great Christmas supper.
Ben has been on the fence about what he wanted for Christmas from mama... he chose an Ipod touch, but still wanted a PS3 too! This morning he decided to get his money he had and let me go buy him one! I have been in Augusta all day with multiple trips to stores trying to find all the parts! I also came home with a new tv because the one we were borrowing upstairs went out! The television upstairs is comparable to toilet paper. You have to have it... Yes, I know I don't have to have a tv in my bedroom, but that is how I go to sleep! I used to listen to music, but when I was about 14 I remember Daddy walking in my room with a pink tv.... so I got into the habit of watching tv to go to sleep. KB and Ben use the tv upstairs for games and watching...so if we didn't have it, they would have to use mine. Not good.... Yes, I am spoiled... but like I said...if you need toilet paper...you buy toilet paper!
We ended the night by going to Mama's and eating leftovers from Christmas dinner. It was ten times better tonight to me. I am not sure if it was because I felt better today, if I was grossed out from Ben being sick last night, or if the food had just settled with seasonings better, but it was delicious!
Finally, my plans for tomorrow...since it is going to rain...are to put up the rest of my decorations (Mark and the children surprised me today and took the tree down!!!!!!) and I am going to decorate for winter. When I moved away from home, I was so depressed the first week of January because all my decorations were down and everything looked bare. I started "fluffing" up my house in January and buying snowmen! Most of my friends have made fun of me at some point because I decorate for every holiday, but I think it helps with focusing...focusing on what is going on next and what I need to be worried about... If snowmen are out, then I don't need to be worrying about spring and so forth! I can't wait to get my snowmen out...you know...so I can "focus" on snow days!!!
Katie Britt texted me on the morning of her birthday and told me to come upstairs because she was sick... when I got upstairs she was throwing up and wanted a cold rag... oh my...what a day it was. After self medicating her I decided she was getting worse. Luckily Dr. W. was working and he let us come to the ER to get fluids to "pep" her up... We didn't do any celebrating of her birthday and didn't take any pictures. The only way we celebrated was the day after...I cooked lunch and Amberly, Phil, and Mayonnaise joined us. But...my happy, non-demanding child was fine with that! I hate we didn't have pictures, but she doesn't care!
Friday we piddled all day...is that a word??? And then we had SA's engagement party. We let Sis babysit for the first time and she did great. No fighting! Then we headed to game night with our friends. I haven't laughed that hard in a long, long time! I think it should be a monthly event!
We spent Christmas eve day at home. I stayed on the couch most of the day watching my favorite trash tv...Real Housewives. We went to church and then headed to Mark's mama's for Dinner... and guess what...forgot my camera! We came home and got ready for bed. This is the first year that Ben was able to help with reading the Christmas story from the Bible before going to bed. I know it probably wasn't the best thing to do, but when I heard his voice~ I made him stop so I could get the video camera and record him. It was precious.
Christmas morning we woke up to rain and two four-wheelers in the driveway... not a good combo, but it worked out just fine! After everyone visited for breakfast, we headed to Jane's to open presents. When we got back home everyone tried to nap, since no one felt great. About five we started getting ready for Christmas supper. Ben told me he didn't feel good and that the shower made his head hurt... within ten minutes he was throwing up... round two of the virus! He is better today, but he missed a great Christmas supper.
Ben has been on the fence about what he wanted for Christmas from mama... he chose an Ipod touch, but still wanted a PS3 too! This morning he decided to get his money he had and let me go buy him one! I have been in Augusta all day with multiple trips to stores trying to find all the parts! I also came home with a new tv because the one we were borrowing upstairs went out! The television upstairs is comparable to toilet paper. You have to have it... Yes, I know I don't have to have a tv in my bedroom, but that is how I go to sleep! I used to listen to music, but when I was about 14 I remember Daddy walking in my room with a pink tv.... so I got into the habit of watching tv to go to sleep. KB and Ben use the tv upstairs for games and watching...so if we didn't have it, they would have to use mine. Not good.... Yes, I am spoiled... but like I said...if you need toilet paper...you buy toilet paper!
We ended the night by going to Mama's and eating leftovers from Christmas dinner. It was ten times better tonight to me. I am not sure if it was because I felt better today, if I was grossed out from Ben being sick last night, or if the food had just settled with seasonings better, but it was delicious!
Finally, my plans for tomorrow...since it is going to rain...are to put up the rest of my decorations (Mark and the children surprised me today and took the tree down!!!!!!) and I am going to decorate for winter. When I moved away from home, I was so depressed the first week of January because all my decorations were down and everything looked bare. I started "fluffing" up my house in January and buying snowmen! Most of my friends have made fun of me at some point because I decorate for every holiday, but I think it helps with focusing...focusing on what is going on next and what I need to be worried about... If snowmen are out, then I don't need to be worrying about spring and so forth! I can't wait to get my snowmen out...you know...so I can "focus" on snow days!!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Katherine Britt McKinney
Dear Sis~
I know that you will not appreciate this letter on your 12th birthday, but I want you to know several things before you get too big! This year has been such a year of growth for you! You are as tall as me, you finally have a cute little booty (that has potential of being like mine if you don't quit eating), and you are right on schedule for those pre-teen attitude adjustments!
I can't go through a year and not reflect on the day of your birth. You made me believe that miracles do happen and they can happen to ordinary people. You won't understand until you have your own babies to hold, but there is nothing like it! I love that you have a mind of your own. It makes me laugh and giggle when you roll your eyes, suck your teeth, and want to know why you can't do ANYTHING! FYI, I am 40 and Jane still tells me what I can and can't do~ (and I still roll my eyes at her and suck my teeth... you are my payback)
I can finally say that we need a two bedroom house. For years, I have said all we need is a one bedroom, one bathroom house. This year you have changed and moved upstairs! It is bittersweet. It lets me know that you are going to be okay when you have to go to college one day, but it makes me sad to think that you aren't worried about the dark, nighttime, and spending the night away from home!
I am so proud of you this year. You are trying extra hard to earn your end of the year reward, and I have full confidence that you will succeed. You are blessed with your daddy's "smarts" and I know you can do it!
This year you have started clogging. I have watched you do all forms of dance, but I think you have found your love. It makes me happy to watch you glow as you dance. It's hard to explain, but I know you love it! You don't complain about it, it challenges you, and you enjoy it! Those are perfect things to practice when deciding what you want to be when you grow up too!
I will end again with an apology~ I am so sorry that you were born in December. While there will never be another Christmas to top your birth, I am sure you feel slighted sometimes because parties, presents, and hoopla over your day isn't very evident. Your care-free attitude helps that out... it's wonderful to know you aren't demanding and insist on a party!
I thank you for making my dreams come true. On that day in 1999 when I visited the doctor and found out I was pregnant, I immediately asked God to please let there be a little baby girl in my belly that I could dress up, put make-up on, and wear the biggest bows with smocked dresses I could find! Although some of that isn't applicable right now, I sure am glad He gave me you! You bring tears to my eyes and don't even know it!
I love you Sis!
Mama~
PS... I will buy you something really nice if you will wear a big bow and Christmas smocked dress! JK...I admit it...you are too big for them!
I know that you will not appreciate this letter on your 12th birthday, but I want you to know several things before you get too big! This year has been such a year of growth for you! You are as tall as me, you finally have a cute little booty (that has potential of being like mine if you don't quit eating), and you are right on schedule for those pre-teen attitude adjustments!
I can't go through a year and not reflect on the day of your birth. You made me believe that miracles do happen and they can happen to ordinary people. You won't understand until you have your own babies to hold, but there is nothing like it! I love that you have a mind of your own. It makes me laugh and giggle when you roll your eyes, suck your teeth, and want to know why you can't do ANYTHING! FYI, I am 40 and Jane still tells me what I can and can't do~ (and I still roll my eyes at her and suck my teeth... you are my payback)
I can finally say that we need a two bedroom house. For years, I have said all we need is a one bedroom, one bathroom house. This year you have changed and moved upstairs! It is bittersweet. It lets me know that you are going to be okay when you have to go to college one day, but it makes me sad to think that you aren't worried about the dark, nighttime, and spending the night away from home!
I am so proud of you this year. You are trying extra hard to earn your end of the year reward, and I have full confidence that you will succeed. You are blessed with your daddy's "smarts" and I know you can do it!
This year you have started clogging. I have watched you do all forms of dance, but I think you have found your love. It makes me happy to watch you glow as you dance. It's hard to explain, but I know you love it! You don't complain about it, it challenges you, and you enjoy it! Those are perfect things to practice when deciding what you want to be when you grow up too!
I will end again with an apology~ I am so sorry that you were born in December. While there will never be another Christmas to top your birth, I am sure you feel slighted sometimes because parties, presents, and hoopla over your day isn't very evident. Your care-free attitude helps that out... it's wonderful to know you aren't demanding and insist on a party!
I thank you for making my dreams come true. On that day in 1999 when I visited the doctor and found out I was pregnant, I immediately asked God to please let there be a little baby girl in my belly that I could dress up, put make-up on, and wear the biggest bows with smocked dresses I could find! Although some of that isn't applicable right now, I sure am glad He gave me you! You bring tears to my eyes and don't even know it!
I love you Sis!
Mama~
PS... I will buy you something really nice if you will wear a big bow and Christmas smocked dress! JK...I admit it...you are too big for them!
Our Weekend in Pictures/ Few Words
On the tram to Dollywood...so excited
Not quite as excited as these two who are waiting on everyone to get out of the bathroom.
Sweetest little boy with the snowman!
Fric and Frac with snowman!
Santa's Workshop had a wall to color on... great idea!
Ben's favorite! Driving the old-timey cars!
Nobody wanted to ride with Mark and Phil... poor things.... so they rode together! Makes me laugh! Two Clemson boys who don't care that we laugh at them!
Purple car, two men, both married! Funny!I hate this picture didn't turn out... the only one they would let me take. I loved that Ben was mesmerized by the mountains~ KB on the otherhand...who knows what would make her happy?
So... the pregnant gal wanted Johnny Rockets... Who knew they did Ketchup Art? We didn't!! Mayonaisse~ American Flag, Ben ~ a truck, Sis~ Hello Kitty, and I believe that is Amberly's angel!
Gatlinburg/Charlotte Trip
We are driving from Gatlinburg to Charlotte today. I am typing this as we drive down I-40 listening to Christmas music. The children are in the backseat playing games on IPods and IPads, Mark is singing to top of his lungs #can’tcarryatuneinabucket , and I am in my “melancholy mood”. We are just outside Shelby, North Carolina. Granny and James lived there when I was little…we even lived with them for a few weeks when our house was being built in Dunn, North Carolina. I have really missed her today! We stopped to eat at a hole in the wall restaurant and as soon as I got to the drink counter the lump came up in my throat! It doesn’t matter how good sweet tea is at a true southern restaurant, if they have Cheerwine… you have to get it! One of my favorite memories of going to Granny and James’s house was stopping at a gas station and getting a Cheerwine. They didn’t make them in Georgia, or wherever else we lived, and that was always our treat. Just another sign to me that while this can be a sad or happy time of year… that was Granny letting me know that all was A O K! I love seeing these signs sent by God to let me know that all is well up there with Him and my peeps!
We left Saturday morning to head to Gatlinburg with Marion, Velda, Amberly, and Phil. It made my heart feel good when Ben said, “Mama, those are real mountains!”. I guess the poor thing doesn’t remember our trip a few years ago to the mountains. We are really lucky to live where we live. In a half-day of traveling, we can be on the sunny beaches of the east coast, or we can be in the mountains with ears popping left and right. After spending all day Saturday shopping, we went to the Apple Farm for dinner. It was delicious! The girls hadn’t shopped enough, so we headed back to the outlets until closing time. I am not sure if I did any Christmas shopping for the people on my list, but I sure did buy a lot!
Sunday morning we got up and ate at Pancake Pantry for breakfast. Anyone who eats with me regularly (and the waitresses at the Huddle House) know that I am going to order an omelet if it is on the menu. Well…there may have been an earthquake because I ordered “pigs in a blanket”. They were very good, but my children’s chocolate chip pancakes looked/smelled heavenly! Sidenote: I am thinking of boycotting restaurants that charge $2.50 for a drink…are you kidding me??? I would rather them charge me more for my meal and include the drink… A drink should be like a fork, napkin, or a plate… you have to have it to eat! Include it in the price!
Yep, after we ate, we headed back to the outlets~ then we went to Dollywood for the Christmas shows. It was very cold, but we had a great time! I love that a commercialized place like this wasn’t afraid of singing gospel music. The first show was bluegrass music and another was the Kingdom Heirs singing Gospel/Christmas music. I know Bobby Carol was there…I felt him. Another sign~
We are almost to Charlotte. “We” have to work tomorrow, so we are going to “help” Mark…you know stay in a hotel and hang out, make a mess, leave our towels on the floor, leave the bed unmade, and leave coke bottles around the room…AND WE DON’T HAVE TO CLEAN IT UP!
Making memories at Christmas~ my final memory of the day… another sign~ I taught middle school from 1994-2007. I had parent conference after parent conference after parent conference with parents who were concerned about their children’s change of attitude, not communicating, and everything being stupid. I always assured them that they would grow out of this stage and become wonderful citizens in the community. God~ thank you for putting those conferences in my memory…because I have a middle schooler right now that thinks everything I do is “stupid”. I have to chuckle and laugh out loud. I am eating my words… hopefully she will remember this trip with fondness and not her constantly saying, “why do we have to do that, why do we have to do this, how much longer until we go home”…. I have been able to remind her frequently when she is laughing that she is having a good time! Let’s hope this last night will be just as fun! Pictures to come later~
We left Saturday morning to head to Gatlinburg with Marion, Velda, Amberly, and Phil. It made my heart feel good when Ben said, “Mama, those are real mountains!”. I guess the poor thing doesn’t remember our trip a few years ago to the mountains. We are really lucky to live where we live. In a half-day of traveling, we can be on the sunny beaches of the east coast, or we can be in the mountains with ears popping left and right. After spending all day Saturday shopping, we went to the Apple Farm for dinner. It was delicious! The girls hadn’t shopped enough, so we headed back to the outlets until closing time. I am not sure if I did any Christmas shopping for the people on my list, but I sure did buy a lot!
Sunday morning we got up and ate at Pancake Pantry for breakfast. Anyone who eats with me regularly (and the waitresses at the Huddle House) know that I am going to order an omelet if it is on the menu. Well…there may have been an earthquake because I ordered “pigs in a blanket”. They were very good, but my children’s chocolate chip pancakes looked/smelled heavenly! Sidenote: I am thinking of boycotting restaurants that charge $2.50 for a drink…are you kidding me??? I would rather them charge me more for my meal and include the drink… A drink should be like a fork, napkin, or a plate… you have to have it to eat! Include it in the price!
Yep, after we ate, we headed back to the outlets~ then we went to Dollywood for the Christmas shows. It was very cold, but we had a great time! I love that a commercialized place like this wasn’t afraid of singing gospel music. The first show was bluegrass music and another was the Kingdom Heirs singing Gospel/Christmas music. I know Bobby Carol was there…I felt him. Another sign~
We are almost to Charlotte. “We” have to work tomorrow, so we are going to “help” Mark…you know stay in a hotel and hang out, make a mess, leave our towels on the floor, leave the bed unmade, and leave coke bottles around the room…AND WE DON’T HAVE TO CLEAN IT UP!
Making memories at Christmas~ my final memory of the day… another sign~ I taught middle school from 1994-2007. I had parent conference after parent conference after parent conference with parents who were concerned about their children’s change of attitude, not communicating, and everything being stupid. I always assured them that they would grow out of this stage and become wonderful citizens in the community. God~ thank you for putting those conferences in my memory…because I have a middle schooler right now that thinks everything I do is “stupid”. I have to chuckle and laugh out loud. I am eating my words… hopefully she will remember this trip with fondness and not her constantly saying, “why do we have to do that, why do we have to do this, how much longer until we go home”…. I have been able to remind her frequently when she is laughing that she is having a good time! Let’s hope this last night will be just as fun! Pictures to come later~
Thursday, December 15, 2011
December 15, 2011 Thursday Thirteen~
1. I wouldn't write tonight, but I am waiting on my youngest to get out of my tub... I wish I could post the video of him dancing and singing to "Hear Comes the Boom" that is playing on level 8 of 10 right now... I can't hear myself think!
2. I just returned from the only Christmas party I will be attending this year. I love seeing people out of their element... it makes me realize that fronts are things that people put up at work to impress/hide true feelings from others... fronts are not weather patterns! We had a WONDERFUL TIME! My mouth hurts from laughing so much...and I love that Mark gets to experience the personalities I work with everyday! Clearly...he can see why I love my job so much!
3. I may need to start on my diet before January 1... I feel like a "fat cow" tonight...whew.... I ate too much!
4. Tomorrow is the day that all teachers live for... I will never forget my first day "before we get out for Christmas" in Woodruff... one of the teachers whom I think so much of... she never curses, goes to church every Sunday, and always had the best solutions to problems (Sorry, Staci... this wasn't you on this account)... She walked down to my room and asked if I was ready to go...I said..."Heck, Yeah~"... she said... I wanted to tell the children "Merry Damn Christmas" because I was so ready for them to leave! Now that is funny to me... people who don't curse to curse in a situation like that... too funny! Teachers be careful tomorrow not to say that!
5. We head out this weekend for Gatlinburg! Excited for the train rides, shopping, and time with the family~
6. Speaking of time with the family... last night we made a memory. We played charades... Mark and Ben were a team...KB and I were a team... I made the words easy so Ben could get the answer right... He was wonderful... KB on the other hand...B L O N D E with brunette hair...God I love her... but she has no common sense! I will never lose the image of Mark acting out root beer for Ben~ it's Ben's favorite drink... I thought it would be easy... to ease the thought...think of a word that rhymes with root and smells really bad and men think it is the funniest thing in the WORLD... it was pretty funny last night too!
7. I am not done Christmas shopping... I have all the parents to buy for... and a few more things here and there... I guess I will do that next week...
8. I have Christmas breakfast/brunch at my house... I wish I could think of something different to serve this year... I have had the same thing for years... breakfast casserole, grits, and fruit!
9. Tomorrow is a half day... I get to come home ( should wrap presents), take a nap, and go to the basketball game! Good luck girls and boys!
10. I am so glad my daddy taught me what a "dose of soda" is... I have heartburn and can't wait to cure it~ See me for details!
11. I am really excited about the almost three week break from work... I have lots of organizing, cleaning, and throwing junk out planned...If the weather will stay like it is...It will all be wonderful!
12. I need to write about my trip to NYC. It was great. I loved it. The weather was cold, the streets were crowded, and the people don't know Southern hospitality!
13. I am sleepy, tired, and ready for bed. "Hear Comes the Boom" is over and now I am going to take my dose, bathe, and get in the bed... besides... I need my rest since I have to work 4 1/2 hours tomorrow! YEEEE HAWWW!!!! Merry Christmas!
2. I just returned from the only Christmas party I will be attending this year. I love seeing people out of their element... it makes me realize that fronts are things that people put up at work to impress/hide true feelings from others... fronts are not weather patterns! We had a WONDERFUL TIME! My mouth hurts from laughing so much...and I love that Mark gets to experience the personalities I work with everyday! Clearly...he can see why I love my job so much!
3. I may need to start on my diet before January 1... I feel like a "fat cow" tonight...whew.... I ate too much!
4. Tomorrow is the day that all teachers live for... I will never forget my first day "before we get out for Christmas" in Woodruff... one of the teachers whom I think so much of... she never curses, goes to church every Sunday, and always had the best solutions to problems (Sorry, Staci... this wasn't you on this account)... She walked down to my room and asked if I was ready to go...I said..."Heck, Yeah~"... she said... I wanted to tell the children "Merry Damn Christmas" because I was so ready for them to leave! Now that is funny to me... people who don't curse to curse in a situation like that... too funny! Teachers be careful tomorrow not to say that!
5. We head out this weekend for Gatlinburg! Excited for the train rides, shopping, and time with the family~
6. Speaking of time with the family... last night we made a memory. We played charades... Mark and Ben were a team...KB and I were a team... I made the words easy so Ben could get the answer right... He was wonderful... KB on the other hand...B L O N D E with brunette hair...God I love her... but she has no common sense! I will never lose the image of Mark acting out root beer for Ben~ it's Ben's favorite drink... I thought it would be easy... to ease the thought...think of a word that rhymes with root and smells really bad and men think it is the funniest thing in the WORLD... it was pretty funny last night too!
7. I am not done Christmas shopping... I have all the parents to buy for... and a few more things here and there... I guess I will do that next week...
8. I have Christmas breakfast/brunch at my house... I wish I could think of something different to serve this year... I have had the same thing for years... breakfast casserole, grits, and fruit!
9. Tomorrow is a half day... I get to come home ( should wrap presents), take a nap, and go to the basketball game! Good luck girls and boys!
10. I am so glad my daddy taught me what a "dose of soda" is... I have heartburn and can't wait to cure it~ See me for details!
11. I am really excited about the almost three week break from work... I have lots of organizing, cleaning, and throwing junk out planned...If the weather will stay like it is...It will all be wonderful!
12. I need to write about my trip to NYC. It was great. I loved it. The weather was cold, the streets were crowded, and the people don't know Southern hospitality!
13. I am sleepy, tired, and ready for bed. "Hear Comes the Boom" is over and now I am going to take my dose, bathe, and get in the bed... besides... I need my rest since I have to work 4 1/2 hours tomorrow! YEEEE HAWWW!!!! Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
December 14, 2011
Someone is a year older today... I have written and said before that the perfect child in our family is Guille! He is... or at least everyone thinks he is! I love knowing so many things about him that don't make him perfect. It's his birthday... and you know... payback is .... you know...
10 Random things about Guille...
1. He has pulled me out of the car before by my hair at the stop sign in front of Mama and Daddy's house because he didn't approve of me being in the car I was in!
2. I have a picture of Marion, Velda, Amberly, and me on the front porch at my house when Amberly was a baby... in the glass door behind the picture...Guille's butt... I learned what a "moon" was that day.
3. When he was in high school, he painted his name in the road when he was supposed to be working for the city painting fire hydrants.
4. He laughs until he cries when he has done something to pick on someone.
5. I almost wet my pants one night when he called a certain someone and told them that he was going to turn them in for not celebrating a national holiday.
6. When I was too little to know better...I encouraged him to "load" Boo-ma's cigarettes with the small bomb that would make them blow up when she lit them. Bless her heart...gave her a heart attack everytime.
7. If I wanted to make him really mad...all I had to do was call him shrimp, or anything to do with being little... and he would turn into a giant and beat the snot out of me.
8. There is a hole in my door at Mama's house from where he kicked the door in chasing me. (It's a small wonder we never had to call 911 when Mama left us at home during the summer by ourselves)
9. When we lived together at Georgia Southern... he picked on all my friends and me for watching 90210...but he was in his bedroom watching the same thing!
10. He could have gotten in so much trouble...so many times... but he always had enough sense to leave before trouble got him! So many parents were fooled on the weekends when their children would say..."Guil will be there"...those were the magic words...if he was there... there wouldn't be any trouble!
I say these ten things above because I don't want him to get the big head... being so old and all...
but...
1. I am so appreciative that he loved me enough to get me out of that car!
2. I am so glad he shot that moon and I have the picture... I know he will never get involved in politics because I would so expose him on it!
3. I think we all learn from mistakes we make...if painting his name in the road was the worst thing he ever did...then so be it!
4. I love to listen to him tell when he has picked on someone... many times the person doesn't even know it...
5. I'm thinking I need to encourage him to make a few more phone calls this year... they could be on youtube and we could make money!
6. I think that Boo-ma would be so proud of her grandson working at her brother's bank...she wouldn't care if he loaded those cigarettes everyday!
7. We don't physically fight anymore, but he does still pick on me... I wouldn't trade it for anything... we pick on those we love!
8. It has been almost 30 years since the door has needed repair... who cares now...we can blame on the grandchildren!
9. It hasn't been that long ago he called and told me 90210 was on... I knew he loved that show!
10. He was and still is a good influence. He doesn't put up with nonsense, he is very honest about his beliefs, and he has saved many lives driving them around because they may have been too intoxicated to drive.
We don't do birthdays in our family... this isn't his present or a card or even a phone call for him... this is a memory~ that is what I like anyway... memories to make me laugh and cry!
Happy Birthday Guille ~
10 Random things about Guille...
1. He has pulled me out of the car before by my hair at the stop sign in front of Mama and Daddy's house because he didn't approve of me being in the car I was in!
2. I have a picture of Marion, Velda, Amberly, and me on the front porch at my house when Amberly was a baby... in the glass door behind the picture...Guille's butt... I learned what a "moon" was that day.
3. When he was in high school, he painted his name in the road when he was supposed to be working for the city painting fire hydrants.
4. He laughs until he cries when he has done something to pick on someone.
5. I almost wet my pants one night when he called a certain someone and told them that he was going to turn them in for not celebrating a national holiday.
6. When I was too little to know better...I encouraged him to "load" Boo-ma's cigarettes with the small bomb that would make them blow up when she lit them. Bless her heart...gave her a heart attack everytime.
7. If I wanted to make him really mad...all I had to do was call him shrimp, or anything to do with being little... and he would turn into a giant and beat the snot out of me.
8. There is a hole in my door at Mama's house from where he kicked the door in chasing me. (It's a small wonder we never had to call 911 when Mama left us at home during the summer by ourselves)
9. When we lived together at Georgia Southern... he picked on all my friends and me for watching 90210...but he was in his bedroom watching the same thing!
10. He could have gotten in so much trouble...so many times... but he always had enough sense to leave before trouble got him! So many parents were fooled on the weekends when their children would say..."Guil will be there"...those were the magic words...if he was there... there wouldn't be any trouble!
I say these ten things above because I don't want him to get the big head... being so old and all...
but...
1. I am so appreciative that he loved me enough to get me out of that car!
2. I am so glad he shot that moon and I have the picture... I know he will never get involved in politics because I would so expose him on it!
3. I think we all learn from mistakes we make...if painting his name in the road was the worst thing he ever did...then so be it!
4. I love to listen to him tell when he has picked on someone... many times the person doesn't even know it...
5. I'm thinking I need to encourage him to make a few more phone calls this year... they could be on youtube and we could make money!
6. I think that Boo-ma would be so proud of her grandson working at her brother's bank...she wouldn't care if he loaded those cigarettes everyday!
7. We don't physically fight anymore, but he does still pick on me... I wouldn't trade it for anything... we pick on those we love!
8. It has been almost 30 years since the door has needed repair... who cares now...we can blame on the grandchildren!
9. It hasn't been that long ago he called and told me 90210 was on... I knew he loved that show!
10. He was and still is a good influence. He doesn't put up with nonsense, he is very honest about his beliefs, and he has saved many lives driving them around because they may have been too intoxicated to drive.
We don't do birthdays in our family... this isn't his present or a card or even a phone call for him... this is a memory~ that is what I like anyway... memories to make me laugh and cry!
Happy Birthday Guille ~
Friday, December 9, 2011
Christmas Cards Make Me Want to Say Words...
When you have two children.... unless you are organized, a planner, and have extra time on your hands... you have to do your Christmas cards yourself! I can't get both my children to smile at the same time...
This was going to be the BEST shot of the day... I cut her head off... Yeah Me!
Always the goofy shot and the I don't want to do this right now!
The dog always thinks he needs to be in the picture!
Sis, I'm gonna hit you if you say one more thing to me!
Head cut off...he looks down... H E L P
We were going to spell out Joy...this was the Y
This was the O
This was the J
Ugly Words.... that is what Christmas cards make me want to say... not Merry Christmas, We have JOY, or Have a great year... they just make me want to curse!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thursday Thirteen- December 8, 2011 ~ Random
1. We had a great trip to Charlotte this weekend. I loved having the opportunity to go off with friends and make special memories.... the kind where you laugh until you cry~ And...to top it all off... I loved that Clemson won! Can they win the Orange Bowl?
2. I wish that I could stop my children from growing. I have enjoyed many stages in their lives. I loved when they were babies and I could hold them for hours. I loved when they learned to talk and tell me what was wrong with them. I loved to watch them sleep with their butts in the air and feet tucked under them. I loved to watch them learn new things... like brushing their teeth, putting on their clothes, tying their shoes...all that! BUT... I love this stage. They are perfect right now. I can reason with them, I can convince them of right and wrong, and I can bribe them like no other~ I know it is coming... really soon...before long they will be totally against me! Wouldn't it be nice to freeze time?
3. My drink of choice right now is Apple Cider for the Keurig... it isn't getting old to me like some of the other flavored coffee drinks! Keep it coming...don't make it a clearance item!
4. New York City...here we come! I am very excited about seeing all the grand hoopla of the big city at Christmas time! I hope my children will behave and my mama survives once again with them for the weekend.
5. When I get rich... I am going to have someone come put lines on my carpet everyday, load my dishwasher, and put my clothes away that I washed/dried! Can you tell what I need to be doing?
6. As the days tick off in December, I am considering not doing Christmas cards... I mean with Facebook and email now, why can't I just put a current picture of my children on the internet and everyone can see it! ? !
7. Karma, I told you so, what goes around~ comes around, You reap what you sow... all that... whether you believe it or not... sit back for a little bit and realize that irony is just that...irony!
8. My daddy is working at the Georgia Dome this weekend with the state play-offs. This time last year he didn't get to go because he was so sick. Thank you God for answering prayers... I love having my daddy here...who will I pick on when he leaves???
9. I am trying to listen to music (Sara Evans...love her music...the fast and slow songs)... but I am nosey...and the scanner keeps going off...must be a full moon!
10. My heart is full today~ I love when students tell me tests are easy and that they were OVER PREPARED FOR IT! I have to wait a few days before I find it if they told the truth or not!
11. Although I will be in NYC this weekend, I am semi-jealous that mama is going to see Vince Gill! She loved him when I was in high school and college... she made us go anywhere within a 300 mile radious to see him perform... I honestly have seen more times that some of my family members~ He is a great performer, musician, and song writer! FYI , his song with Sara Evans "No Place that Far"... great song!
12. I have to hurry because we are about watch "Wheel of Fortune" as a family... I have to win!!! Can't wait...makes me think of Mark's daddy...we used to call him in the middle of it give him the answer if we knew it... the apples just grow and fall right off the tree!
13. No oyster stew tonight...grilled cheeses and tomato soup... not as good as Mama's, but she deserved the night off!
2. I wish that I could stop my children from growing. I have enjoyed many stages in their lives. I loved when they were babies and I could hold them for hours. I loved when they learned to talk and tell me what was wrong with them. I loved to watch them sleep with their butts in the air and feet tucked under them. I loved to watch them learn new things... like brushing their teeth, putting on their clothes, tying their shoes...all that! BUT... I love this stage. They are perfect right now. I can reason with them, I can convince them of right and wrong, and I can bribe them like no other~ I know it is coming... really soon...before long they will be totally against me! Wouldn't it be nice to freeze time?
3. My drink of choice right now is Apple Cider for the Keurig... it isn't getting old to me like some of the other flavored coffee drinks! Keep it coming...don't make it a clearance item!
4. New York City...here we come! I am very excited about seeing all the grand hoopla of the big city at Christmas time! I hope my children will behave and my mama survives once again with them for the weekend.
5. When I get rich... I am going to have someone come put lines on my carpet everyday, load my dishwasher, and put my clothes away that I washed/dried! Can you tell what I need to be doing?
6. As the days tick off in December, I am considering not doing Christmas cards... I mean with Facebook and email now, why can't I just put a current picture of my children on the internet and everyone can see it! ? !
7. Karma, I told you so, what goes around~ comes around, You reap what you sow... all that... whether you believe it or not... sit back for a little bit and realize that irony is just that...irony!
8. My daddy is working at the Georgia Dome this weekend with the state play-offs. This time last year he didn't get to go because he was so sick. Thank you God for answering prayers... I love having my daddy here...who will I pick on when he leaves???
9. I am trying to listen to music (Sara Evans...love her music...the fast and slow songs)... but I am nosey...and the scanner keeps going off...must be a full moon!
10. My heart is full today~ I love when students tell me tests are easy and that they were OVER PREPARED FOR IT! I have to wait a few days before I find it if they told the truth or not!
11. Although I will be in NYC this weekend, I am semi-jealous that mama is going to see Vince Gill! She loved him when I was in high school and college... she made us go anywhere within a 300 mile radious to see him perform... I honestly have seen more times that some of my family members~ He is a great performer, musician, and song writer! FYI , his song with Sara Evans "No Place that Far"... great song!
12. I have to hurry because we are about watch "Wheel of Fortune" as a family... I have to win!!! Can't wait...makes me think of Mark's daddy...we used to call him in the middle of it give him the answer if we knew it... the apples just grow and fall right off the tree!
13. No oyster stew tonight...grilled cheeses and tomato soup... not as good as Mama's, but she deserved the night off!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
December 1, 2011 ~ Thursday Thirteen
Thursday Thirteen~
1. I was so excited to get the call that Oyster Stew is being served at Mama's tonight. I wonder what my children will eat? They can eat the cheese and crackers~
2. I can't wait for this weekend. Even though those Tigers have gotten on my nerves and caused me not to watch them the past two weeks....I am looking forward to going to Charlotte this weekend to watch them live in person!
3. Sometimes I feel the need to apologize to my students from previous years. The things that the state of Georgia and the United States think they need to know is somewhat outrageous! I didn't realize this until I had children. Sorry students!
4. Our elves took Mark's truck for a ride this morning. We looked and looked for them. When Katie Britt got into the car.... Susan, Ho Ho, and two of my taller elves were driving the truck. I think they should have left it cranked so the frost wouldn't have been on there when we got in... no such luck.
5. I see that snow is forecast for next Saturday. Wow... that would make two years in a row we have had snow before Christmas. I will be leaving for New York that morning... I would HATE to be stuck in New York and not be able to get home due to the weather!
6. I offered KB a wooden pencil~ "I don't want that...it is nerdish". WHATEVER! This generation just doesn't know the value of a wooden pencil. That was my saving grace... whenever I zoned out and needed a break from my work...I would break my point and go to the pencil sharpener! Wonder what they do for entertainment in class?
7. I just pulled off the November page to the calendar. I love a fresh, clean month to be able to fill in~ someone...has written her birthday all over the 21st and ruined my neatness.... might have to hurt her!
8. Ben and I have blown our driveway off at least three times in the last two weeks... I sure wish that a good windstorm would come up tonight so I would know I was done with that chore! Good grief I didn't know we had so many leaves!
9. Mark was kind enough to leave me his truck to drive these last two days. R E D N E C K~ I can't love driving the truck~ it is handy, but I still don't think an F250 is appropriate for a 40 year old woman to be running errands, picking up kids, and driving to work in~
10. I have simplified my Christmas decorations this year, but I need to put something on my kitchen table. Some people may come over and say, "Oh, she must eat there and that is why she doesn't have anything on it!".... truth...we don't eat there except once or twice a week... It is bare, blah, and boring! Need to get on that tonight!
11. Today I am jealous of the people who work four tens. I would love to have a weekday to shop instead of going on the weekend. Too many people and children!
12. Weight Watchers is calling my name come January 1st! I want to be so skinny this summer that everyone tells me I look like I have an eating disorder. Now... I know that no one would ever be able to accuse me of that because I love to eat, but I sure would love to make them think I do!
13. Final random thought, I had to do this early tonight instead of after supper because the "cleaning lady" is coming tomorrow. I am guilty of fluffing before she shows up! Mark and the children think I am crazy because I straighten up before she comes, but I want her to clean...not decide where my shoes go!
1. I was so excited to get the call that Oyster Stew is being served at Mama's tonight. I wonder what my children will eat? They can eat the cheese and crackers~
2. I can't wait for this weekend. Even though those Tigers have gotten on my nerves and caused me not to watch them the past two weeks....I am looking forward to going to Charlotte this weekend to watch them live in person!
3. Sometimes I feel the need to apologize to my students from previous years. The things that the state of Georgia and the United States think they need to know is somewhat outrageous! I didn't realize this until I had children. Sorry students!
4. Our elves took Mark's truck for a ride this morning. We looked and looked for them. When Katie Britt got into the car.... Susan, Ho Ho, and two of my taller elves were driving the truck. I think they should have left it cranked so the frost wouldn't have been on there when we got in... no such luck.
5. I see that snow is forecast for next Saturday. Wow... that would make two years in a row we have had snow before Christmas. I will be leaving for New York that morning... I would HATE to be stuck in New York and not be able to get home due to the weather!
6. I offered KB a wooden pencil~ "I don't want that...it is nerdish". WHATEVER! This generation just doesn't know the value of a wooden pencil. That was my saving grace... whenever I zoned out and needed a break from my work...I would break my point and go to the pencil sharpener! Wonder what they do for entertainment in class?
7. I just pulled off the November page to the calendar. I love a fresh, clean month to be able to fill in~ someone...has written her birthday all over the 21st and ruined my neatness.... might have to hurt her!
8. Ben and I have blown our driveway off at least three times in the last two weeks... I sure wish that a good windstorm would come up tonight so I would know I was done with that chore! Good grief I didn't know we had so many leaves!
9. Mark was kind enough to leave me his truck to drive these last two days. R E D N E C K~ I can't love driving the truck~ it is handy, but I still don't think an F250 is appropriate for a 40 year old woman to be running errands, picking up kids, and driving to work in~
10. I have simplified my Christmas decorations this year, but I need to put something on my kitchen table. Some people may come over and say, "Oh, she must eat there and that is why she doesn't have anything on it!".... truth...we don't eat there except once or twice a week... It is bare, blah, and boring! Need to get on that tonight!
11. Today I am jealous of the people who work four tens. I would love to have a weekday to shop instead of going on the weekend. Too many people and children!
12. Weight Watchers is calling my name come January 1st! I want to be so skinny this summer that everyone tells me I look like I have an eating disorder. Now... I know that no one would ever be able to accuse me of that because I love to eat, but I sure would love to make them think I do!
13. Final random thought, I had to do this early tonight instead of after supper because the "cleaning lady" is coming tomorrow. I am guilty of fluffing before she shows up! Mark and the children think I am crazy because I straighten up before she comes, but I want her to clean...not decide where my shoes go!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
It is true...the apple falls right off the tree and sprouts again...God bless my grandchildren!
The older I get... the more I understand the saying ~ "The apple don't fall far from the tree". Growing up, I was never told I could be the President of the United States, that I could fly to the moon, or that I would be the next Lorrie Morgan. My mama was honest.
She knew I could never be the President of the US because I have a way about me that let's people know instantly if I like them or not. I am not sure that is something to brag about, but I have never been accused of being two-faced. I usually tell it like it is and don't hold back!
She knew I would never go to the moon because I would be miserable that far from home. I am a home-body and I don't like being anywhere else. Ask my friends growing up...I didn't spend the night away from home. In college, I came home all but about five weekends... I like home. Now... I like for the action to be at my house...if it isn't... I usually don't want to go.
Finally- she never told me I could be a singer. She led me far from that. I can't sing... Mark says I make up my own words to songs that make no sense. My children beg me to stop singing in the car. I sit in church and listen to those around me because I feel sure the verse about making a joyful noise to the Lord doesn't apply to me~ I know I can't sing.
I commend her for being honest with me. Isn't honesty the best policy? Honesty isn't always being nice though. My feelings were hurt often. I can remember several times coming in from winning a pageant and thinking I was tough stuff... quickly to be knocked off my high horse with a comment that would begin with...."I know you won, BUT you know you could have answered that question better, or your walk was too fast, or you didn't make eye contact like you should have." She always let me know that I wasn't perfect. I am not so sure everyone was raised like me. They should have been though!
This leads me to... my children. Tonight riding home from dance, we were singing to the tops of our lungs when I realized that I was going to have to be real honest with both of them and tell them they CAN'T SING EITHER! I have been telling KB since she was four and sang in the church choir to just move her mouth. I thought she might grow into a singer since she liked it so much...N.O.T. I am not trying to limit their dreams or future plans, but if you can't sing...you can't sing. Ben verified tonight that he can't sing either... he hollers. Bless both their voices! This is the third generation of non-singers. Dormant gene!
I was recently accused of being mean and too hard on my children. I didn't know that being honest was being mean to your children. If your mama can't be honest with you...then who can? Having your feelings hurt every once in awhile makes you a little more thick-skinned and able to deal with real life issues~ Hopefully, my children won't be scarred for life with my honesty. I wasn't~ I think I have planted two seeds that can be whatever they want...except professional singers.
She knew I could never be the President of the US because I have a way about me that let's people know instantly if I like them or not. I am not sure that is something to brag about, but I have never been accused of being two-faced. I usually tell it like it is and don't hold back!
She knew I would never go to the moon because I would be miserable that far from home. I am a home-body and I don't like being anywhere else. Ask my friends growing up...I didn't spend the night away from home. In college, I came home all but about five weekends... I like home. Now... I like for the action to be at my house...if it isn't... I usually don't want to go.
Finally- she never told me I could be a singer. She led me far from that. I can't sing... Mark says I make up my own words to songs that make no sense. My children beg me to stop singing in the car. I sit in church and listen to those around me because I feel sure the verse about making a joyful noise to the Lord doesn't apply to me~ I know I can't sing.
I commend her for being honest with me. Isn't honesty the best policy? Honesty isn't always being nice though. My feelings were hurt often. I can remember several times coming in from winning a pageant and thinking I was tough stuff... quickly to be knocked off my high horse with a comment that would begin with...."I know you won, BUT you know you could have answered that question better, or your walk was too fast, or you didn't make eye contact like you should have." She always let me know that I wasn't perfect. I am not so sure everyone was raised like me. They should have been though!
This leads me to... my children. Tonight riding home from dance, we were singing to the tops of our lungs when I realized that I was going to have to be real honest with both of them and tell them they CAN'T SING EITHER! I have been telling KB since she was four and sang in the church choir to just move her mouth. I thought she might grow into a singer since she liked it so much...N.O.T. I am not trying to limit their dreams or future plans, but if you can't sing...you can't sing. Ben verified tonight that he can't sing either... he hollers. Bless both their voices! This is the third generation of non-singers. Dormant gene!
I was recently accused of being mean and too hard on my children. I didn't know that being honest was being mean to your children. If your mama can't be honest with you...then who can? Having your feelings hurt every once in awhile makes you a little more thick-skinned and able to deal with real life issues~ Hopefully, my children won't be scarred for life with my honesty. I wasn't~ I think I have planted two seeds that can be whatever they want...except professional singers.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
I L.O.V.E. Lincolnton with every ounce of being in my body...
I love the good, the bad, and the ugly of Lincolnton. I love that when I moved back here one of my friends from the "city" gave me a towel that says ~"the good part about living in a small town is when you don't know what you are doing...everyone else does"! Oh how true that has become. I love that everyone knows me... trips to the grocery store that should take 5 minutes take 20 minutes because I like to talk ~ a little! I like to catch up about my friends when I see their parents, I like to tell parents how their children are doing in school, and I like to find out how my own children are doing. I like that everyone knows me and at 40 years old... people feel obligated to call my parents and tell them I am doing this, that or the other! For real... not kidding...they hear what I do all the time~ . And all that is the good~ It keeps me honest and straight!
The bad part about living in this small town... I moved away once. I have been in other towns where when I came home from work, NO ONE CAME TO VISIT! I forget this sometimes. I come home, put on my pjs, and then ... knock at the door. This leads to the fact that I don't "fluff" my house everyday. My mama... she fluffs in the morning before she leaves and she fluffs before she goes to bed. You can eat off her floors, have a snack and coffee, and relax in a house that feels like it was just cleaned by Molly Maids. My house isn't like that. I like to sleep until the last minute in the mornings... no time for fluffing! I like to stay on the computer at night, read books with Ben, talk to KB, or take long, hot bathes at night... no time for fluffing. So... the bad is being caught off guard when a visitor comes by. I forget where I live sometimes!
Now to the reason I am writing this...THE U.G.L.Y. I love Lincolnton...with all my heart. BUT... today I had to go to the doctor in Greenville. As Mama and I were coming back and looking at all the small towns from here to there, she made a good point. She said that our Christmas decorations were ugly as "insert an ugly word". It made me laugh. I think it is funny to hear her say ugly words. She doesn't say them unless they are absolutely necessary. And tonight they were... My questions about our lights are this... why do we have some colored? some white? some out? some on? some off? some that I can't make out exactly what they are? My point??? let's have all white lights... that way there is no question about what color to put back in them when they go out~ and white is pretty... a snowflake should be white, an angel should be white, and a star should be white. Petty that I am focusing on this... I know... but hey, if that is the only UGLY thing about Lincolnton... then so be it!
The bad part about living in this small town... I moved away once. I have been in other towns where when I came home from work, NO ONE CAME TO VISIT! I forget this sometimes. I come home, put on my pjs, and then ... knock at the door. This leads to the fact that I don't "fluff" my house everyday. My mama... she fluffs in the morning before she leaves and she fluffs before she goes to bed. You can eat off her floors, have a snack and coffee, and relax in a house that feels like it was just cleaned by Molly Maids. My house isn't like that. I like to sleep until the last minute in the mornings... no time for fluffing! I like to stay on the computer at night, read books with Ben, talk to KB, or take long, hot bathes at night... no time for fluffing. So... the bad is being caught off guard when a visitor comes by. I forget where I live sometimes!
Now to the reason I am writing this...THE U.G.L.Y. I love Lincolnton...with all my heart. BUT... today I had to go to the doctor in Greenville. As Mama and I were coming back and looking at all the small towns from here to there, she made a good point. She said that our Christmas decorations were ugly as "insert an ugly word". It made me laugh. I think it is funny to hear her say ugly words. She doesn't say them unless they are absolutely necessary. And tonight they were... My questions about our lights are this... why do we have some colored? some white? some out? some on? some off? some that I can't make out exactly what they are? My point??? let's have all white lights... that way there is no question about what color to put back in them when they go out~ and white is pretty... a snowflake should be white, an angel should be white, and a star should be white. Petty that I am focusing on this... I know... but hey, if that is the only UGLY thing about Lincolnton... then so be it!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sisterly/Brotherly Love
I gave in last year to a perfect tree. Not that I ever had a perfect tree, but I decided my children were old enough to decorate our tree and place ornaments where they thought they should be. It was precious. Katie Britt had a side and Ben had a side.
Ben decided this year when it was time to decorate that he would rather play the Playstation. Katie Britt wasn't real happy about putting ornaments on the tree, but with a little persuasion/force... she put the ornaments on the tree. I am not sure why I would be surprised by the placement, but as I sat on the floor of the den this afternoon... I couldn't help but notice.
Ben decided this year when it was time to decorate that he would rather play the Playstation. Katie Britt wasn't real happy about putting ornaments on the tree, but with a little persuasion/force... she put the ornaments on the tree. I am not sure why I would be surprised by the placement, but as I sat on the floor of the den this afternoon... I couldn't help but notice.
I honestly don't ever remember our Christmas tree growing up having any special meaning. I am not even sure we put one up at all... we lived far away usually, and then when we could come home for Christmas after school was out there really wasn't a reason to have a tree in our house. I do remember Boo-Ma's tree though. It was perfect. Mary placed each ornament in a perfect place. I also remember Leah, Bobbie, and me singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and pointing to the cross-stitched ornaments as we sung. I can remember going to my great-grandmother's, Jett, and her tree had those bulbs as big as my hand on it. They were hot too! I didn't begin to really notice other people's Christmas trees until we would ride around in town at night peeking in the windows of homes. Those were the best! We would trash talk this house or that house for having colored or white lights, big or small lights, real or fake trees. It was fun! Never in my time did I think to myself that it didn't matter whose house it was...they thought their tree was good enough for their family.
In my late years of elementary school and Guille was in 8th or 9th grade (I say this because he was old enough to know better), I can remember sitting by our tree in the foyer and thinking how beautiful it was. I remember Mama going in after we had gone to bed and fixing every ornament and putting it in the proper place. It was a tree to be proud of espcially since everyone could see it from the road! Anyway, one day during Christmas break, Guille came to my room and said, "Let's go look at the presents under the tree!". I was all game for that! We shook, smelled, and squeezed. Finally, he said, "Let's open one of our presents. You can open one of mine and I will open one of yours." I actually thought about it for a minute before I agreed, but I agreed. Besides... he always got to open presents early because his birthday is December 14th. (unfair in so many ways)
As I opened up the game for the Atari or Nintendo, I had a sick feeling in my stomach. I knew that it was a big mistake. It was the very gift he had asked for the entire season. His Christmas would be spoiled if I told him. But... we agreed. He didn't seem to care. He was grinning from ear to ear. My gift that he opened? A phone jack, which lead to other presents on Christmas morning like a phone cord, a phone, my own phone line. We neatly wrapped the presents back up and I am still not sure that Mama knows we did it! I know it ruined Christmas for me. I also felt like I had betrayed that beautiful tree... by being dishonest.
When Mark and I first got married he traveled every week. He would bring me back a t-shirt from the city he had been to visit. After about three shirts in a month, I suggested he begin bringing me Christmas ornaments. So he did. I have them from all over the United States and world. Our first Christmas the bows from my wedding and the ornaments we had collected were on my tree. I loved it. Thinking back now though...it was probably pretty sad.
This Christmas for the first time in many I have to laugh... you probably can't tell from the tree, but all of the special ornaments from my childhood and first years of marriage are at the back of the tree. Any ornament with Ben's name on it, or an ornament that he has made, or an ornament that looks "boyish" is hidden among the branches... the only things that are visible are Katie Britt's! When I pointed that out to her, she just smiled! Poor Ben hasn't figured it out yet, but when he does I have a feeling that he will "fix her up"!
I love this bond that sisters/brothers (and cousins) in my case have for tree decorating. I am sure I will remember this Christmas as the one where I counted down the days until Ben notices that none of his ornaments are really visible from the front of the tree.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas~ the most wonderful time of the year!
Thanksgiving is over... I am feeling at least 10 extra pounds... I hate it too! Extra weight means an extra bad mood! I wish I wasn't an emotional eater, but I am. I enjoy good food better than anything else in the world! I have just about eaten an entire Paula Deen spice gooey butter cake. I took the remaining part of it to church tonight... so I wouldn't be tempted to finish it off.
After two losses this weekend, I have been eating like a horse. I considered just saying, "oh well" until after Christmas, but that might mean that I would gain 10 more pounds. I am going to try to keep my mouth shut for a few weeks!
I have also made an executive decision that I am not decorating every inch of my house this year. My den is "elfed" out, but no where else in my house has anything Christmas. I am not sure why, but that is what I am feeling! Today I could have spent my time decorating some of the rooms, but the family did a little something cultural~ Yesterday, I was reading the morning paper, and an advertisement kept showing up in the corner of my eye. "The Nutcracker"... I had been as a child and enjoyed it. KB loves dance, Ben loves a story, and Mark... not sure why he wanted to go, but he did! We left after Sunday school and headed to Augusta.
Needless to say, it was a good event. I am sure my children will never forget it! While I enjoyed the show, the message, and the dancing, my family enjoyed snickering at the man in the tights who obviously forgot his pants. It was OUTRAGEOUS! I am thinking that it has to be outlawed in some countries for men to have on those see through, white, tight-fitting pants. We could see everything~ I tried not to focus on everything, but HELLO...it was all there to see!
After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for a snack, we headed home and I decorated the outside porch. I trimmed down on that too! I put my red carpet out, a wreath, and my little trees by my door. I am going with the theme "simple, but elegant" this year.
Finally, I watched "The Grace Card" at church tonight. It was a great movie. Bitterness can ruin someone's relationship. In some cases it can cause a barrier for no relationship at all. I am thinking I might need to carry a grace card around with me! A fault of mine... I have a hard time forgiving someone who has done me wrong or hurt me. Tonight, I am waving my grace card at all those nasty comments about Lincoln County football and Clemson football... I am going to be over it! Thank you Lord for YOUR grace... I need it!
After two losses this weekend, I have been eating like a horse. I considered just saying, "oh well" until after Christmas, but that might mean that I would gain 10 more pounds. I am going to try to keep my mouth shut for a few weeks!
I have also made an executive decision that I am not decorating every inch of my house this year. My den is "elfed" out, but no where else in my house has anything Christmas. I am not sure why, but that is what I am feeling! Today I could have spent my time decorating some of the rooms, but the family did a little something cultural~ Yesterday, I was reading the morning paper, and an advertisement kept showing up in the corner of my eye. "The Nutcracker"... I had been as a child and enjoyed it. KB loves dance, Ben loves a story, and Mark... not sure why he wanted to go, but he did! We left after Sunday school and headed to Augusta.
Needless to say, it was a good event. I am sure my children will never forget it! While I enjoyed the show, the message, and the dancing, my family enjoyed snickering at the man in the tights who obviously forgot his pants. It was OUTRAGEOUS! I am thinking that it has to be outlawed in some countries for men to have on those see through, white, tight-fitting pants. We could see everything~ I tried not to focus on everything, but HELLO...it was all there to see!
After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts for a snack, we headed home and I decorated the outside porch. I trimmed down on that too! I put my red carpet out, a wreath, and my little trees by my door. I am going with the theme "simple, but elegant" this year.
Finally, I watched "The Grace Card" at church tonight. It was a great movie. Bitterness can ruin someone's relationship. In some cases it can cause a barrier for no relationship at all. I am thinking I might need to carry a grace card around with me! A fault of mine... I have a hard time forgiving someone who has done me wrong or hurt me. Tonight, I am waving my grace card at all those nasty comments about Lincoln County football and Clemson football... I am going to be over it! Thank you Lord for YOUR grace... I need it!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
My Ben is smart... I have said before that he has more common sense than anyone living under this roof. One of the things that I love about him most are the simple things that make him happy. This week his big accomplishment has been blowing a bubble. Who knew that someone would smile, be thrilled, and have to beg to have his picture taken doing this! So...for his memory, I am adding this picture of him blowing a bubble! I feel sure this goes right up there with the geniuses of the world!
Two precious children I am thankful for~ they bring me to tears quite often. I can't believe how big they look in this picture. May they be blessed this year with good grades, a happy homelife, and memories of great times and fun with their mama and daddy!
The mens' table!
Wondering if this is really happening...
Two precious children I am thankful for~ they bring me to tears quite often. I can't believe how big they look in this picture. May they be blessed this year with good grades, a happy homelife, and memories of great times and fun with their mama and daddy!
The mens' table!
Ben and James loved their placecards... who knew a piece of paper could cause joy!
Girls' table!
Sis and I eating in the dining room~ and eating on the china that "they don't make that anymore" .... She is 11... I am 40... first time for both of us!
The COOKER!
Mama's tray that I really love... thanks Velda and Amberly! I would cook if I had this!
Jim's dessert was his fingernail flan.
Jim's dessert was his fingernail flan.
Daddy almost made it until clean up time before he went to sleep.
Mark was "raised right"...He is the only man in the house who helped clean!
These sweet boys played in the leaves while we cleaned up!
Guille carved the turkey so he didn't have to help clean up. He was Sooooo tired!
At the beginning of this week, Mark began bugging Lisa about what she was bringing to Thanksgiving. He told her I was bringing the two desserts~ she said she was only bringing three people. Well... she brought the men Indian headgear that had to be worn the entire day and the women had "monogrammed" handkerchiefs to wear. (They were monogrammed with a nice black sharpie!)
Mark is game for anything!
Mark is game for anything!
Wondering if this is really happening...
Squaw Ben
and the final shot of the McKinney Thanksgiving with the men in their Indian outfits! Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I know he is happy... I don't even have to think about it!
The first time I met "Bobby Carol"~ Mark and I had gone to a Long Cane Academy football game, and Mark decided we needed to go to White Town to see his daddy. I remember walking into the house and seeing a man sitting in a blue recliner with a hat on, a lamp sidesways, glasses on the end of his nose, and a newspaper in his hand. For some reason these details stick out because that was him~ that was the daddy of the boy I was falling in love with! His first words to me were, "I didn't know Butch had a girl~ I thought he only had two boys! I can't believe I didn't know about you!"
Several years later I remember having a conversation as he sat in the same blue chair~ he told me about how Mark "used" to love him and they did things together before I came along. He wasn't being ugly. He was being honest. Now that I am a mama... I totally understand what he was saying.
I remember seeing him for brief minutes on holidays. Bobby Carol didn't like holidays... Now that I am an adult....I totally understand what he was thinking.
It wouldn't be until years into my marriage that I got on the same page as him. Bobby was sick. He almost died. Almost losing someone makes you realize the lack of time you spend with the people you need to be with. I watched Mark worry, be afraid, and make himself sick over making his daddy all better. For the first time in my life I understood what it meant when people said, "Good things happen in bad situations"~
Through Bobby's cancer and illness he had to be in Greenville all the time. He had to have new friends who would accept him for who he was. He had to find something to keep him busy. He did!
I know without a doubt that I became pregnant with Ben for Bobby. I will never forget the day that I found out I was having a boy. Bobby had to come for a visit to the doctor and I called him on the way. He said to put something on the door so when he drove up he would know! We hung a blue blanket and couldn't wait for him to get there. I videotaped it and wouldn't take a million for it! He was so proud. Standing in his overalls he grinned from ear to ear!
The day that I called to tell him that I was going in for an early delivery he told me "wait". Well... babies don't wait! He made arrangements and got to Greenville ASAP~! Those next two years he came almost every weekend to play cards in the neighborhood and visit with us. Ben's first words were "Papa and Gofcar"... Bobby loved to ride him on the "gofcar". During this time Bobby and I grew pretty close as well. I began to fix his favorite foods, wait on him hand and foot, and I even gave up my crossword puzzles in the newspaper so he could work them.
When Bobby became so sick and we knew that his time here with us was ending, we went to the house and sat in his blue chair~ a lot. Ben would go back to his bed and jump, jump, and jump on him. Those last days were so hard. They were hard because I was selfish. I wanted Bobby to see his only grandson grow up into a fine young man. I wanted him to buy him things that grandddaddies think little boys need. I wanted him to be his hero like he had been to Mark. God didn't see it that way though. Bobby's body was worn out. He needed relief. He needed to be pain free. On one of the last visits, he told me that he loved me and that he was glad I thought like him. I was always cold when he was cold, I liked to work the crossword, I liked to read the newspaper first thing in the morning, and I loved a chocolate delight. He told me I was a good girl... wow what a few words can do to your heart!
That Friday, we waited and waited. We knew it would be soon. Finally, we decided to go to bed and rest. For the first night, in several, everyone in the house slept peacefully. At 6:45 AM, I woke up to Ben standing in the Pack-n-Play talking. I picked him up, went into the den, and woke up Mark. When we walked back to check on Bobby we knew he was gone. I still can't believe the strength that Mark had to wake his mama and tell her. I told him to hold Ben so she could see him and love on him when she heard. When the coroner arrived, she asked what time it happened...I told her that I got up at 6:45 and started the cycle because Ben woke us up. She said, "Well, that is the time of death. Let's say that he came by and kissed his grandboy goodbye and woke him!".
The next Christmas "Uncle Tim" had a bag for Ben. In the brown paperbag was every truck you can imagine that a little three year old hand could hold. Tim told us that Bobby would have wanted that! He was right~ Bobby would have bought that and more because Ben loved them!
The years are passing by, but I can't help but think about the things that Ben does now that Bobby would have loved. I know he is happy tonight... I don't even have to think about it! Mark took Ben to "the land" to hunt on the four wheeler. They are spending the night with Mimi tonight.
This year I am thankful for my memories of Bobby Carol. I know you are with us and you are smiling. Mark is doing a great job with Ben. He is a good daddy~ He learned from you! Miss you... I am waiting to sit in your chair Thursday!
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