2014 Year in Review/ What's in Store for 2015?

As I look back over the posts of 2014 and the top hits/most read blog posts, I see the good and bad of the McKinney family... sometimes I wonder why the bad things get more hits, but maybe people find pleasure out of reading the heartache of others... not sure...

January- We were getting ready for snow days and making sure we had everything ready for the power to go out... It didn't, but we always need to be prepared! 

February- KB was disappointed about cheering, but WOW... what a difference a few months makes and how thankful we are that we have seen time and time again how it's all about perspective... thanks Amberly for the letter... your letter is #2 for the year for most read posts!  Your words were just what we needed...and now that wound is healing... and we see how changing our perspective makes things easier to deal with...but most of all... thankful for decisions made that were out of our control! 

March- The big story of March was KB being in Miss LCMS.... I'm still proud of her being Miss Congeniality... because I would have never been that!  Smile and keep being sweet...

April-  I graduated from college!!!  For the third time... I'm so glad that I don't have school anymore... that's sad considering I work for the school system!  Colleges have missed the boat in having "actively engaged" students... If they had that... I might get my doctorate!  It's really simple... if the learner is doing something besides sitting and listening to someone... they learn... really...they do! 

May-  Ben's out of the mouth of babes post received lots of hits... I still tickle at some of the things he says.... he is my child... 99% of the time... no filter... tender-hearted... and quick to forgive those who are ugly to him! 

June- Ben and James went to basketball camp at Clemson... what a great experience it was for them... how in the world will they be able to go this year without a parent...at the hotel???? Ben won't have to worry about that though... he says he is never going to a spend the night camp!  Bless his little heart... he gets that from both Mark and me! 

July-  Our family vacation was spent at Edisto... it was fun, relaxing, and so exciting to wake up with the ocean at our footsteps... when  I am old and retire...I want to sit on a back porch that overlooks the ocean... in a rocking chair... and watch the tide roll in and out.... I'm dreaming of course....

August- The #1 post of the year with the most hits... Faith, Family, and Football.... who knew so many people cared about a little small town who focuses on football?  My heart was filled with the sweet comments about our love! 

September-  Katie Britt started cheering...and Ben decided he scored a 70 on the Ten Commandments... He  makes me laugh! 

October-  Ben's Heart Hurts.... he has had some growing up to do this year... many times when we pray for people... we want them to be better people... but ultimately, it's up to that person and his/her relationship with God... we can't change people... He is learning to continue to pray for those he wants to be better.

November-  We lost our Dabo.... through tears and hard decisions... we are getting better...

December-  Mark still doesn't think this is funny, but we are still snickering about him taking his gun (by accident) into the airport... he is tired of hearing, but I rib him every chance I get.... We are thankful he has a job back with his old crew... I see the spark/thrill of working in him again... he loves a challenge! 

And now... to 2015~

I say every year that I am going to lose weight... well... I may as well say that again... I am going about it a little differently this time... a few years ago at a SPED directors' conference two of my friends said they were going to the car to get a "spark"... I thought they might be going to smoke... or do drugs...or something illegal... but it was actually an energy drink... Mark has a bad habit of needing a kickstart with his job because he travels across time zones... doesn't sleep well in hotels... and never rests easy because he does crazy things in his sleep... so I signed up for this healthy form of  a 5 Hour.... The Spark is my favorite product... and this year to begin the year... I'm going to do the 24 day challenge... I'm excited...I think... I have eaten any and everything with sugar in it since December 1... I know that the inner tube that hangs over my jeans will immediately go down with no sugar and a few cleansing agents... I'm worried about the sugar headache though... let's hope it isn't too bad! 

This past year I went through the Jesus Calling devotional each morning before heading to work... while days weren't perfect, I was able to hold my tongue (or bite it) when I needed to... what a difference getting up a few minutes early has made instead of waiting until the end of the day... I hope I can continue doing morning devotions instead of night ones....

I am also hoping not to pile laundry up in a chair in the laundry room... As I'm typing this.... our house is clean, our laundry is all clean / ironed, and there are lines in the carpet... I'm trying to psych myself up to do a little every day to keep the house in order... I really need a plan of attack... surely the internet has that already done for me... somewhere! 

Blog- I taught a class this semester on the blog and realized that this is my therapy... I don't post everything I write... but I sure do like putting my feelings down on paper and seeing how I change my perspective over the course of a few days.... right now I am reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.... I didn't know this, but...

What We Worry About...
40% are things that will never happen
30% are about the past- which can't be changed
12% are about criticism by others, mostly untrue
10% are about health, which gets worse with stress
8% are about real problems that can be solved....

SO....  worrying takes up a lot of time... when we can only do something about 8% of it.... If anyone is worrier.... you really should read this book... I bought it for all the girls in our office and I'm excited to see if they get as much out of it as I do! 

I hope that I can write at least once a week... even if I don't publish for public view....

I think four things are enough... I'm not going to set myself up for failure...

I'm thankful for this past year~ but I sure am glad to see it end too!  I like fresh starts... I'm excited to begin the year with family and friends... and before we do that... we are heading to our final Christmas event of the year!   Goodbye 2014 !

Merry Christmas 2014 and a Few Other Things!

 We began our Christmas holidays playing basketball... actually, I only saw the last quarter of the boys championship game... and they won in an exciting finish!  Friday and Saturday nights are a blur besides dreaming of chicken fingers and french fries... who knew we could cook that much!  Sunday was KB's birthday and she spent it at a Christmas gathering.... I decided to take a long winter's nap and caught up on some of my sleep...

 Monday we headed to the Clemson basketball game... it was wonderful because hardly anyone was there... at halftime Santa came on the court and all the children were allowed to come out and shoot baskets... they also gave us Tootsie Pops... it was a first for me... I had never had one! 

 We ran into one of my former students... Lucky or not, she had me in the 6th grade and the 8th grade.. I have watched her grow up since she was about four!  KB is much taller than her now! 

 We tried to get KB and Jack to be children.... but they wouldn't go on the court!  We shopped til we dropped on the way home from Clemson and pulled another late nighter...

 We were up early Tuesday morning for someone to go get her license... and her life (and mine) haven't been the same since... she is up and ready to go in a quick second... she wants to drive everywhere! 

 We spent Christmas Eve at the farm enjoying hot dogs and hamburgers... and of course, Jim's homemade french fries... they were delicious....

 He was so excited for Christmas....

 I forgot I had ordered these pajamas back in October/November.... my life has been a whirlwind lately and I felt I didn't have Christmas together... but it turned out perfect! 

 BC and JMac visited Christmas morning and can you tell that she was stealing this necklace???

 We went at lunch to Mama and Daddy's to open presents and Butchie made it to the chair.... Aren't they precious! 

 Christmas Supper was moved to my house... and KB had to drive to pick up her date.... I let him drive home.... I can see many fights in the future between these two and driving...

 After we ate Low-Country Boil... which I have pictures of but they are on my camera...that Mark has with him right now... we played charades...

 I think the choices were too easy, but we had a lot of beginners! 

The day after... when you put things together... and clean up the house!  My house is bare right now... all Christmas is put up.... I'm excited about redecorating...and organizing....

Today we have basketball games for KB and Ben has headed to a Tajh Boyd camp.... I think I might need to go back to work to get a break.... I have had a wonderful week off so far... my children loved their Christmas presents... I got new dishes... and I'm saying I gave Mark a car for Christmas... but I'm driving it!  All is well in the McKinney house!  Busy week of finishing off Christmas with the McKinneys, more basketball games, and a day of shopping in store... I had to clear my phone of pictures for many more to come!  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! 

From Mohawks~To Bows~ To Basketball/Cheer Shoes~ To My Heart

I can hardly believe that you are 15!  I pinch myself sometimes because I know that this life can't be as great as it seems.

God gave me my very own baby doll to dress in smocked clothes, big bows, and lacy socks.... but where did she go?  How did she grow up to be just about perfect in my eyes... sometimes you don't wear enough lipstick... and you don't want to be all fancy and dress up... and you don't keep a room as clean as I like it, but I sure do love everything else about you.  Your work ethic is beyond anything I ever hoped for... I'm sorry I call you a nerd too often... I am overjoyed at the perfection of learning you strive for. 

 

I sit in awe and think about everything you have ever attempted you have been good at... that's pretty neat.  I know a mother should never tell her daughter that she isn't good at something, but I haven't let you trying singing for a crowd on purpose!  I still love you, but you and I both know your areas of excellence.

I love that you spend your free time reading.  You are reading books that I would never even try... you are finishing books that are thicker than the Bible... AND YOU LIKE THEM... I'm not sure where you got that bug for the love of reading, but keep it up...

My favorite thing to watch you do is perform.  You shine whenever you have on a uniform/costume.  I still wish you would chase the dreams of dancing on Broadway.... I promise I will move to NYC and come see you every night!  I know that is what you want me to do!

Your smile... and your laugh... and that silly giggle.  It's music to my ears... you laugh often... and you laugh at the SAME things I do... We have that special connection that we can look at each other and laugh without anyone else knowing we are doing it.... We can even hide from Daddy when we are laughing at him. 

My Sis.... you have made being a mama so easy... so far.  I can only hope that you will continue to be the sweet little girl that you have always been.  This past year I let you ride home (less than a mile) with someone driving other than a family member.  Just remember the text messages I sent the entire time... don't be trashy... don't let anyone drive fast while you are in the car... and don't let them look at their phone while they are driving....

And now it is your turn... thank goodness your birthday is on a Sunday.  That means I have an extra day without you driving... I can't believe that you will be able to drive me now.  Just remember that I'm like Papa was... I take my "switchkey" with me everywhere I go... and I always like to drive!  I worry about you behind the wheel of a car... even though you have brown hair... I really think you have the blonde tendencies.  That's not an ugly statement...it's just true.  I have said often that God doesn't give both brains and street smarts.... let's just say Ben and I have the street smarts in this family.



I'm so glad your "birthday party" will be spent at a Clemson basketball game... that's pretty easy on my part!  I'm hoping you will let me stop and get a few Christmas presents too.  I'm sorry that there is nothing you want except clothes for Christmas... it was so much easier when you were little and wanted a toy or something...

I love you KB.... Thanks for being my puzzle buddy... my Monday night companion to Augusta... my pick on Daddy partner... my friend.... I love you Sis!  Happy Birthday to my favorite 15 year old!  I'm not sure what I did to be so lucky to have you... but I thank God for you often... I'm so PROUD of you... through choices and decisions you have made now...and will make later... I'll always think of you as that little girl with the Mohawk... who would do just about anything for a pi pi and a blankie... that's how I got you to smile in the first picture.... and now...it just takes some diamonds and pearls for a smile... but that's okay... you will always be my baby! 

Happy Birthday!

I HATE Obama-Care, Mark almost got arrested

Simmer down... I didn't say I hated Obama... I respect the position of president... but I really do hate Obama-Care.  Last Saturday Mama got a call that Daddy's INR levels were 8.9 and they are supposed to be between 2-3.  Daddy and I headed to the hospital and he was admitted for some tests and to try to get the levels down.... He has been hurting in his shoulders and hips for several months and the pain is getting worse... He looks absolutely terrible and feels worse than that.  I thought we would have some answers when he left the hospital, but they exhausted their efforts and we decided to try a bigger hospital.  They told us they couldn't keep us because he didn't have a diagnosis.... If I've heard that ten times this week... I've heard it 100!  The ER doctor there told me that I could put him in a nursing home if I couldn't take care of him at home... Really?  And then... he sent us home... even after I told him that Mama nor I could put him in the shower, walk him around, and/or lift him.... And... yesterday, it happened... he fell in the shower.  Thank goodness Mama was on the phone with Guille and he came to help.  We had to call the ambulance to take him to the ER because he was in so much pain... Round 2 at the ER... and yep... we were sent home again.... each doctor and nurse look at Daddy in awe that something has not been diagnosed, but they can't do anything about it... they aren't allowed to keep us... I guess you have to be hooked up to a ventilator to stay... and maybe then they would just give you a portable one and send you home....the doctor that we think we need to see the most is scheduled for the end of January... another month in a half... to say I am frustrated... is an understatement.... I don't like seeing Daddy in pain... I don't like answering questions that Ben has about if "Butch is going to make it"... and I sure don't like seeing Daddy go down every day.  I've been really strong, except twice.... I have laughed a lot to keep from screaming... and I have prayed more in the last two weeks than I ever have before... My devotions are all centered around anxiety, fear, and worry.... it's all about timing.  I know all the things I'm supposed to say about it's in God's hands and He will do what's best, I know I'm supposed to take it on the other cheek when we get somewhere to find an answer and smile about it, and I know I should cast my anxiety away.... but good grief it is hard... there is nothing to say or do to make anything better... I feel like Malynn in Steel Magnolias... I just want to hit someone.... anyone want to be Weezer?  I want to tell all the people who are crossed up with their families to make sure that when that person is gone you are going to be okay with it.... I can't imagine not having my family right now... We have pulled together and are trying our best to make him comfortable... other than Guille and Mark picking on him about finally being able to beat him at golf... we are being really nice!  I love my daddy... I'm a daddy's girl... and I know that no matter what happens... I won't go down without a fight... I have just enough South Carolina redneck and Georgia charm to get what I want.... and if I don't... I'll keep trying... He would do it for me.... and I'll do it for him!  He's my daddy.... He works everyday at job.... he hasn't retired yet... and he isn't using Medicare.... and yep, that's a penalty.... I guess if he decided to sit at home everyday on the couch and eat Doritos and drink Coke he could get some help.... we have gotten some laughs though.... the nurses and doctors ask him if he drinks alcohol or smokes.... he tells them he quit several years ago...and I quickly respond with "and that's when he started going down hill".... they laugh and so do we!  I don't talk about Daddy because I cry, but I have appreciated the sweet text messages that have been sent.... I'm not sure what I would do without them!  

And now to Mark.... well.... he carries a concealed weapon.... which he has a permit for.... but Wednesday he forgot to take it out of his suitcase when he got to the airport... he had been in Atlanta and quickly changed his suitcase out and made it to security checkpoint...with gun.... his story is a lot funnier now....it was scary at first... he didn't get arrested, but I bet he will double-check from now on....KB and Ben have giggled and giggled about their daddy being on the news and in the paper.... 

The article that made him famous.... without his name of course... he didn't do anything illegal.... 

http://www.wjbf.com/story/27606124/tsa-finds-loaded-handgun-at-augusta-regional-airport

 And.... I missed my trip to San Francisco.... with Daddy being sick... and the children being busy.... and just this time of year... I decided to cancel my trip Monday.... I blame it on all the above... but I also saw the weather.... and of course that was in the news too.... schools shut down in San Fran and two inches of rain every hour.... I'm glad I stayed back... I would have been miserable.... 

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:6.  I'm hoping my path straightens real soon.....

The Dinner of a Champion

First of all.. my heading should be "My Dinna"... When Daddy was growing up the lady who cooked for them would say, "Dinna Ready".  So... that has passed on to us and we say Dinna instead of Dinner... we do that with a lot of words... leave off the last consonant... and I want to get that just right!

Secondly, this was one of the writing topics for my teachers in their professional development class... I never knew how much Macy and I are alike until we sat for these few hours each week... I'm sure our grandmothers, who were "double first cousins" are sitting and smoking laughing at our similarities.  Macy and I like to eat... and there isn't much that makes a better night than a good meal and few laughs...

So... my dinna for the Champion's Dinner would be the following:

Everyone would enter to three appetizers...that's the rule... that's how many should be served when having company... I would want Rosalyn Carter's Cheese Ball with Jelly in the middle, Toasted Pecans, and Cheese Straws... (Mama, I know that is two cheeses, but it's my dinna)

For the first course of soup and salad... I would want Arizona Steakhouse in Greenville to make me Prime Rib Soup... and I want a salad from Outback that has the dressing hidden in the middle on a cold pewter plate with softer than normal croutons. 

The main course would be Sonji Aycock's prime rib (medium rare) that Mark has gotten pretty close to cooking... with a side of creamy horseradish, stuffed potatoes like those that White Columns used to serve, and a loaf of "brown bread" with flavored butter on a marble slab for me to eat until I couldn't eat anymore...

My desserts would be Mary's Japanese Fruit Cake, Mama's Chocolate Delight, Velda's Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, and just one of Laura's Lemon Squares that are really circles.  I know one should only have one dessert, but again, it's a dinner party... everyone doesn't want the same thing.  I always sample all desserts available... I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings...

To drink... I would want Mark's grandmother's sweet tea that was as close to syrup as it could be...

As a party favor, I would want everyone to go home with a handful of party mix because just about every night I leave Mama's... I grab a handful as my snack...

I'm sure if I ate all this I couldn't get a ball off the tee the next morning, but I sure would need to walk the 18 holes at the Augusta National to get some of those calories off! 

December is the month of free eating... I am trying my best not to over indulge, but after writing this... I think I need to head to the kitchen for just a little snack...

What's your favorite? 

And November is Over... in just a few hours

I think this has been the best Thanksgiving break I can remember in years!  Not having Monday and Tuesday off, we were forced to stay in Lincolnton and not travel or make plans.  I liked it that way... even though I had been looking for a few months to try to find tickets to NYC for the Macy's parade... thank goodness they were never in my budget!  It was a little frightening with the verdict released and riots. 
Wednesday we started decorating for Christmas and undecorating from fall...I've been accused of overdecorating for every holiday... I like it that way!  It's not as bad as it could be....  I cooked lunch and then we decided to head to the movies for the afternoon.  We met Michelle and her children and then ate at Cracker Barrel... I forget how much she makes me laugh!  We watched the movie about the big white blow up thing that saves everyone... I don't think it falls into the category of a Nemo or a Gone with the Wind, but it was okay... 
Thursday morning we got up and did a little more decorating and then headed to Jane's to feast... Of course I ate too much... I said I wasn't going to do it... and I did it!  After we ate, we watched a little football and relaxed.  Mark and I had a little business in North Carolina Friday morning, so we decided to head up early and spend the night.  We made it about 9:30 and decided to see what all the hype was about with Black Friday shopping... We still don't have an answer... I am not sure there is anything that would make me stand in those lines and wait for hours to check out...and on top of that ... miss my sleep... 
We headed back to Lincolnton Friday afternoon and enjoyed leftovers!  I decorated a little more Friday night... and decided that I would finish later... Saturday was a big day... we got up and fluffed everything and BC and JMAC came over to watch the Clemson game and eat.  BC did the main part of pork tenderloin and "greasy rice", and I added a few sides (I actually sent Mark to get the leftovers from Mama)... I became really nervous during the game and the energy worked in my favor... I got all the laundry done... I got all the ironing done... I washed the windows where the bird who wakes us up every morning has been pecking on the back door.... As Clemson fans we know not to get too excited until we see 4th quarter 0:00.  It was fun to win, but then we flipped to the Ga/Ga Tech game and realized our game was pretty boring compared to that... all we could think of was how glad we were that we didn't have to wait all day for the game to be played... it was nice to have a relaxing afternoon when the game ended... Mark and JMac behaved themselves and didn't hit anything or throw anything during the game... We ended up going to visit Daddy for one of the late games... and then Mayonnaise, Velda, Mama, and I rode around and looked at lights while the children played basketball. 
This morning we headed to church and then spent the afternoon piddling with decorations... I think I need a talent... like making bows... or making live wreaths... or covering old pillows... I need all that done, but I know I don't want to attempt that!  Tonight we had a guest pianist / singer at church and he was great.  I love someone who can play the piano like that.... I think I need that talent too... After church we went to Mama's to eat TacoRing.... it was so good after eating Thanksgiving food all weekend...

I am sure that one day I'm going to look back and regret not taking pictures over the week.... but it was a stress free week... I did lots of shopping on line... and made lots of decisions about things I need to get... I'm excited about a mini-vacay for me next week... I'm excited about December events... I'm excited that we have three weeks of school before we are out for Christmas... It's amazing what a little break will do for the soul... Those things that were weighing on me last Monday and Tuesday... aren't really important right now... It's breaks like these that let me know that priorities are important... Faith and then family... and that's what I've tried to focus on this week of thanksgiving... I'm so thankful for all members of my family... they drive me crazy... the get on my nerves... they can be "demanding", but they are mine and I'm so glad I get to spend each day with them... Tonight as we settle back into a routine... I'm so glad we have had these laid-back days of doing what we want .... when we want... but I'm also grateful for a job. 

I had all intentions of taking pictures of our decorations, the new elf "Clem" who arrived even though we know about the Christmas spirit, and a few pictures of the new creature who has decided that staying in my house is more fun than being outside... but I have nothing... I guess if someone wants to see it... they will have to head on over~ 

Thanksgiving at Mimi's

I'm not too sure why I didn't feel the need to pull out my camera and take lots of photos for our Thanksgiving gathering yesterday... It could have had to do with the fact I didn't get in the bed until 4:15 AM!  We arrived at BC's and JMac's on the beautiful sunny day that screamed "Pull the Camaro out, let the top down, and go ride"... somewhere we got lost in the part that it was extremely cold.  Jack, Katie Britt and Ben enjoyed riding and "hausin" the motor!  Betty Carol said she hoped Jack had sense to not throw Ben out of the car!  KB wanted to drive on the real road.... the things / decisions we make on little sleep will come back to haunt us. 
Jack and KB wanted to go show Pat the car so we all piled up - no seat belts on- and rode down WhiteTown Road to see Pat... she wasn't there, but Donna's Mustang was... The children got in...but no keys!  I'm sure it's just a  matter of time before it will be pulled out to make laps at Thanksgiving and Christmas too! 
BC cooked pork tenderloin, corn, mac and cheese, green beans, rolls, sweet potato pie, and a pound cake from the "pure women" was for dessert... Needless to say I had to nap after all those carbs... I perched right in the middle of the floor with "a piece of cover" and a pillow... I'm not sure that I saw any of the second or third quarter of the Clemson game...
After my nap we talked a little Common Core, assessment, behavior, and how to deal with people... It was fun!  Ben made sure we all had our names for Christmas... I didn't get the name I wanted because I have a free dog to give away... I think it was set-up...
The best part of the day for me was my message that I only had to bring the ice!  I'm so thankful for that! 
We have a busy day today... a busy week... and a busy December right around the corner.  I'm glad for peaceful days with those who love us and have our best interests at heart. I'm often reminded how lucky I am to have in-laws who I can be in the room with and not fight.... it's even better when they don't bother you or take inappropriate pictures of you while you are napping! 

I Start a Diet EVERY Monday....

     It's that time of year that everyone starts talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings... and parties, events, and socials that must involve eating.  I personally think the best thing in life is sitting down to a great meal with family and friends... or option 2 is having a plate full of dips that I can make myself almost sick over...
     My children don't help my matters any... they eat any and everything they want... and it isn't fair... I want to eat all that too... this afternoon Ben and James have eaten 8 HUGE peanut butter cookies that I made them.  It was so hard not pinching just a bite off them... It's so hard to walk by the candy bowl in my kitchen and not take some... I have a treasure chest in my office with all the different types of chocolate kisses that are made... everyone likes to make laps through there to pick up a bite or two.  As I sit here now... my mouth is watering because I know that Mama is making potato soup for supper.  Many times I think why do I worry about my weight... but then I'm miserable when I get to a certain point. 

So... why would I include these thoughts on my blog to my children... KB... I feel sure one day you will do the same thing... you will start that diet every Monday... and possibly make it to Friday before you cheat... but every ounce you lost during the week will be gained back over the weekend.  I tell you this to let you know that it is okay... and we really can't do anything about it... It's how God made us... I do often wonder what skinny people worry about every day... I mean... when I worry... I want to eat... I worry a lot... Skinny people obviously don't have worry in their lives because they can eat what they want... I remember my high school health teacher telling me that we either eat to live...or live to eat... I'm in that second category... I would love to know what the people who eat to live think about all the time... I think about cheese, and bread, and chocolate, and Oreos, and pizza, and chocolate some more...

I know this blog has no meat to it... it isn't interesting or informative... but I'm trying my best to entertain myself while the potato soup is cooking... yeah... I'm thinking about that too.

Things I've Done this Weekend.... and the THING I Didn't Do....

1.  All rooms downstairs are dusted, cleaned, swept, and have lines on the carpet.
2.  All clothes are washed, folded, ironed.
3.  The refrigerator is stocked for the next week.
4.  My village is up.
5.  The driveway and porches are leaf free... until the wind blows again.
6.  I have been to Sunday School and church this morning.
7.  We went to see Mamma Mia last night.
8.  Ben has found out about Santa and that led to a big discussion about the Spirit of Christmas. 
9.  KB has had pictures taken for a pageant.
10.  My children have been introduced to the gypsies. 
11.  There have been several basketball and football games in my yard.
12.  KB has been to get her dress hemmed. 
13.  I've planned a Christmas party (in my head).
14.  I have answered millions of questions about our football bus ride for Friday night.
15.  I managed to cook lunch yesterday... before I went to the store today...and we had plenty. 
16.  I saw Mark off as he headed to San Francisco today. 

I could go on and on... but the one thing I didn't do... I DIDN'T GET A NAP... I'm thinking positively that since I have all these things already done... this week will be smooth sailing... I have lots of appointments to make and no time at home... I know I shouldn't anticipate an easy week because God's sense of humor always trumps my organization.  But... as the Boy Scouts say.... "Be Prepared"... I'm prepared for the busy week... and looking forward to the holiday season that is quickly approaching. 

Those were the days....

 I probably should just let the letter and pictures speak... but I have to add my two cents in... I often wonder how in the world I made it in Greenville without my family to help me every day.... but then seeing these pictures... I know God sent several little angels to help us out.... I love looking at how much KB has grown... and now I also know that she gained her class, her personality, her common sense, her love for Clemson, her charm, etc.... from these core people who are were huge part of life when we lived away from Lincolnton....

 My favorite story of Jefferson is when I was in the hospital with complications waiting on KB to be born.... Jefferson was at the hospital visiting me and decided to walk with us to have another ultrasound done.... as I was being rolled to the other side of the hospital, Mark got a call and had to answer some questions for work and waved Jefferson on in with me.... Little did either of us know that the ultrasound technician thought we were married and pulling my gown up all the way wouldn't be a problem... I quickly had to tell her that this was not my husband.... I am sure she wondered why I had two men with me by the end of the ultrasound.... Needless to say.... Jeffo is a close friend.... to both Mark and me! 

 This picture is when Kennedy and Karsen entered into the mix of things...

 All our single or newly married friends let us bring KB over for game night... dinner.... gatherings... I think they really enjoyed her looking back...

 Jeffo and Tater often kept KB when we had emergencies.... like the day Ben was coming.... and often they would just come and get her to play....

 I wonder if she bopped him upside the face with her sippy cup.... I love how much love is in these pictures...

 I still can't tell the twins apart... so I know I shouldn't even try with this.... she is going to be a good mama one day! 

 Hightowwweerrrrrr.... KB loved Hightower...when he wasn't off with other women.... KB still remembers the donkey who made noises that he gave her... she carried that thing around all the time... to this day... when we pass a donkey on the side of the road... KB yells out "Hightowwweeeerrr"....

 This was at Tatum and Jeffo's shower.... I would love to see her one more time with the crocheted blanket and pi pi she carried all the time... KB was often called Maggie Simpson.... but she outgrew it... One day... I hope her children and Ben's will love a blanket and a pipi as much as they did.... those creature comforts sure are nice for a mama and daddy when the baby wakes up in the night! 

And last... but most definitely not least... Stan and Miko... I think Miko was a little scared of you at first, but Kathryn knew exactly how to take care of you.... She took care of me too... she smuggled apple pies from McDonalds into the hospital several times... she provided a listening ear for my complaining.... and she was always ready and willing to babysit you when we needed her.... I would have never made it with her!

These pictures arrived in the mail this week and no matter how fast email, facebook, instagram, and all the other social media is... it sure is nice for someone to take the time to write a letter and send pictures... Makes me love them even more....

We need to get together again soon.... and I guess we should all bring our children so we have some pictures with ya'll at this age too!

When Little Boys Cry....

Ben's had a hard few months... for several reasons... He is growing up fast and realizing that life sometimes throws curves that no matter how hard you practice... you miss the ball and strike out.  I'm not real sure if there is anything that breaks my heart more than to see him cry.  I've held his head in my arms many times lately and let him cry. 
I guess I should worry if he is weak... but I know he isn't... in my heart, I know that those tears he is crying are making him stronger and making me prouder.  I'm a crier.... I cry when I'm happy, I cry when I'm sad, and I cry when I'm angry.  I cry when I say things I shouldn't, and I cry when I think of things I should have said.  He gets it from his mama....
I think reality that his favorite little buddy isn't coming back to chase him on the four-wheeler, or ride with him in the golf-cart, or shoot basketball with him, or share an afternoon snack of pepperonis is hitting him.  The tears keep flowing when he gets with me.  I'm proud that he knows how to hold himself together... and I'm proud that he isn't afraid to let his emotions show behind closed doors. 
When little boys cry... it makes their mamas cry too... it makes their mamas want to take away pain... and sometimes I lose my place and think I might even go buy him a new friend tomorrow... AND THEN I SNAP BACK TO REALITY.   

Ben's comments tonight about "It's sure hard to lose a good dog, My heart hurts real bad, and I'm gonna miss playing with him everyday" let me know that dealing with death isn't too easy at any age... sometimes it hits immediately like it did with KB... and sometimes it takes a few days... whatever the time frame for dealing with death... I wish there was a magic wand to take away the pain... May my children find faith in their prayers for healing hearts~  


Ben- I wish I could take your hurt away... I'm glad you aren't afraid to cry... I hope that time will heal this wound and the tears will dry up soon... I want to see your smiling face at night again....  I love you, Boo!  

Love, Mama

Dear Sis and Boo,

Today hasn't been the best of days for our family.  I'm sorry that at 14 and 10 you are both learning that doing the right thing is always right... but it isn't always easy.  I'm proud of your strength, your courage, and your understanding. 

Being mad, upset, and disappointed with your parents is part of life, but remember that we are here to protect you, provide for you, and make your life as easy as possible when we can.  I know your hearts are hurting and the tears are flowing, but one day you will look back and understand that life isn't always easy. 

Years from now when you remember this day know that Daddy and I love you both so much.  We hurt when you hurt. I have found comfort today praying and dreaming about what things are like now...

I picture straight teeth, a normal tongue, and two boxers riding in the back of the truck with Papa. 

Love,

Mama

It's Betty Carrot's turn!

I'm fortunate.... in many ways... but one of my blessings in life that I take for granted often and don't thank enough... my mother-in-law.... Tomorrow morning she wakes up and will turn I can't tell anyone.... I'm sure that her birth certificate is wrong... she says it is... 

Her story.....

 1.  I met Betty Carrot for the first time at an LCA ballgame... she had a red bandana tied around her head... she was yelling loudly....and spoke quickly to get right back to the ballgame... 

2.  Mark and I dated for five years... I learned so much about her in that time... I was intrigued by her stories... and loved hearing her talk about her life!  

3.  The thing about her that impresses me most is that she is a perfect example for struggling children who have no parents.  Her story of growing up at John de la Howe with her sisters and brother is one that I have heard many times... It was sad the first time I heard it, but I'm so thankful for her attitude of not giving in to what most people think about children without parents... she was a "good girl", a "hard-worker", and from stories I hear... she was loved by many.... she has worked hard to be successful and believes that everyone has potential....

4.  It's funny how the world is so small... I'm sure when she was checking out of John de la Howe on the weekends to stay with my grandparents she never dreamed that one day their granddaughter would be her daughter-in-law.... It's funny that she went to high school with my daddy.... and years later we met... our family moved away from Lincolnton before I was born so she never knew I existed...

5.  As I sit and think about the many conversations we have had... I hope I don't forget a single one of them... They will be out of order, but they are her.... and the order they come in will model our conversations...we jump from one thing to the next all the time and we know exactly where we are... 

6.  I think my all-time favorite conversation with her was heading across the Georgia/Carolina bridge on the way to Lincolnton right before Bobby died... we cried together... we decided we would make Bobby live on for the grandchildren and children even though he wouldn't be with us much longer.... 

7.  When  I had my hysterectomy, she stayed with me at the hospital... she watched me like a hawk... and she knew that I was getting sicker and sicker... I'll never forget her telling the doctor when he came in that the pain medicine he was giving me was making me sick... he looked at her like she was crazy, but she told him that she had timed it... and every time they would give me the medicine that I was sick 30 minutes later... she told him to quit giving it to me... to give me something to sleep for a little bit and I would be better by the afternoon... she was so right.... that night as I was finally coming back to reality after two days of being knocked out on meds... she told me I needed to eat something... I told her I couldn't think of a thing I wanted...she grabbed her purse... walked out and came back with a pack of Toast Cheese Crackers and a Diet Coke... It was wonderful!  I was perfectly fine after that... 

8.  Speaking of meds... she is my walking pharmacist... I don't want to get either of us in trouble, but if I am throwing up... she hooks me up with a little something to stop the nausea... She has also been known to help other family members of mine out too... the funniest is when we thought we had suppositories for nausea and they were for something else... and Mama was passing them out... thank goodness we have family who can read!  

9.  We have done some crazy things... she taught me how to "play shop"... many a Saturday have we spent all over Georgia and South Carolina... I remember running into her in a store and she had a buggy full... I asked her was she getting all that... and she replied, "No, I just put everything I want in a buggy... and then I'll decide later what I'm buying"... the thing I haven't learned from her yet... I don't ever put anything back....

10. She also taught me how to try on clothes without ever going in a dressing room... I know how to tell if pants are going to fit... and if dresses are long enough... It's amazing the little tricks she knows....

11.  When I was put in the hospital for the third time while I was prego with KB... she showed up at the hospital and told me that she felt like she needed to be there... she was right... KB was on the way and we needed all the help we could get... 

12.  When Mark first graduated from college, he had a job at Milliken... he was working third shift and called me one morning to tell me that the man who was training him had shot another man in the parking lot... I could hear the fear in Mark's voice... I told him to quit immediately and don't worry about it... he would find another job.... He didn't listen to me... I called her... and we rode to Clemson... to follow him to work and make sure he got in the plant safely... she finally talked him into quitting... while some told him he would regret that and never make it... he has done just fine... 

13.  For my wedding showers... she never gave me what she was supposed to give me... my kitchen shower... she gave me a pocketbook I had been eyeing forever with three dollars in it...she told me I could go to Hardees and buy a kids meal.... for my lingerie shower... she gave me a big long t-shirt with a black spider on it....she said I had trapped Mark and that would be the perfect shirt to represent that...

14.  I have played so many games of Difficult Rummy with her that I can't even count that high....  

15.  She has taught me to cook Salmon Patties and Potato Soup.... 

16.  She loves to steal shoes.... my shoes... I can think of two times that she would say let me try those on... and then tell me she needed them.... 

17.  She taught me how to bargain shop... she never pays full price for anything.... 

18.  When I would call her to come to Greenville because I was bored while Mark was traveling... she would come and shop for the afternoon to keep me company...

19.  She has a lazy eye.... we try to help her out when we take pictures... but sometimes it doesn't work in her favor!  She makes us laugh trying to hide it in the pictures!  

 

20.  She introduced both my children to sweet tea... at a much younger age than they should have known about it!  

21.  She taught me to stay in my jamas all day and get lots of work done...

22.One week at the beach with her and Bobby let me know exactly where Mark gets his "picking on everyone" from... she doesn't like sleep... she wants everyone up and talking... with no television on...

23.  She taught me that no matter how hard-headed this little boy is... he has hope to be okay because his daddy turned out fine...

24.  She has taught me that spending time with my children is precious.... digging in the sand, reading a book, or riding in the car....

25. 

She loves the little sheep in the picture... and the Little Bo Peep... I was so glad she was there that night... Ben's outfit sure was cute... but to hold him in that hot outfit... wow... thank goodness for grandmas!  

26.  Hugs and Kisses.... Mark, KB, and BC... they don't ever leave anywhere without hugging and kissing... she has passed that on to KB....

27.  She has taught me that even though I married into the "McKinney Luck" of nothing going right the first time... always stand by your man....

28.  She never carries a purse very long... I think I'm secretly hers in that regard... 

29.  I don't have in-laws to love yet, but when my children get married... she has shown me how to love their "choices" just like mine! 

30.  I think she passed her lazy eye on to JMac in this picture!  This was the night she got engaged!  

31.  She comes to games.... and runs the taxi to get them both to where they need to be when Mark and I can't do it....

32.  This was taken today... at her party.... Ben had a fabulous time riding the four wheeler... driving a truck... and spending time with his Mimi....

 32.  She even lets dogs in the garage... Mark said they had every animal in the world growing up... living in the house... I think she let them do whatever they wanted that wasn't going to kill them! 

 33.  Summit is her dog... can you tell that she doesn't feed him enough.... even though Summit has torn up things... and made messes... she still loves him... we should all learn from that! 

 34.  Two of her grandchildren who are so much like her... they have many traits that I know come straight from her... one of them is their diligence to do something... they are both that way... they are determined and will fight for what they want...

 35.  Her favorite... she loves Mark more than any of us... he can do whatever he wants... she did something right though.... he is a good daddy... a good husband... and he loves us! 

 36.  Our favorite things to do at her house... sit and chat... can you tell that Hannah and BC sit just alike? 

 37.  And .... Ben had a few card tricks... she played along with him... He is ten... but we still have treat him like the baby... we think he is her favorite too...

 38.  She "made" Lisa be the guinea pig for all Ben's experiments...

 39.  We try hard to get good pictures of her... but she won't be quiet!  I told her to be sassy... I'm sure she was telling me just how sassy she could be! 

 40.  Her best little boy... she always wants his name for Christmas... and she always gets him more than he deserves...

41.  She can sing... and loves music in the car... I think I've learned more songs that have "stuck" with me... Have you seen Martin Luther... and Anne Murray.... she gets stuck on a song and it doesn't stop! 

42. She looks so warm in this picture.... and that reminds me that she always has a little piece of cover... in the car... on the couch... on the arm of a chair... always keep a little piece of cover...

43. I see her in each of these four "grands".... they all are unique in their own way.... but she has made  her mark on them... whether it be internal or external... she is a huge part of who they are... she raised their mama and daddy... and made them who they are...

44. I have to put this picture of one of KB's bday parties... BC was supposed to be watching Ben... and he decided to take a chunk out of Hannah Montana's face on the cake... KB and Ju were ready to kill him!  But... if Ben was happy... everyone was happy...she taught me that! 

45. And it was her idea to let all the little boys who came to Ben's 4th bday to blow out the candles... let's let them all be happy! 

46. And she can fix anything that anyone places in front of her.... 

47. And this is over half my pictures of the hundreds I have of this family... BC's eyes shut, Mark with a fake smile... and my children posed perfectly! 

48. She loves a good joke... this watch... a joke... that she still laughs about... and now the watch story has passed on to Ben.... 

49. Christmas morning traditions... the girls in the family checking out everything....

50.  These next few things.... a list of things that I know she will always be remembered for...

51.  A white soft blanket that was made while Bobby was sick that Ben still sleeps with every night...

52.  A black and white soft blanket that KB uses on her bed to sleep with at night...

53.  A boiling pot that was given to me that has cooked more grits than I can even imagine...

54.  A gravy ladle that I use for my potato soup

55.  A tomato knife that is used for lots more than tomatoes...

56.  She taught me to play ladies' golf... the kind where we look over missed shots and call them practice swings... to only carry a 3 wood, a putter, and a 7 iron...

57.  I have lots of her books from where she helped teach Pre-K / K-5 at LCA... her dedication to whatever she is focused on is apparent in those books... I'm so glad to have her handwriting in them to look back at....

58.  I love to listen to stories of Mamaw and Papaw and how they talked... and how much they loved her and took her in as their own.... she took care of them, their parents, and lots of other "stragglers" who happened to stop by....

59.  I'm grateful she let me stop by her house and stay awhile... and be a part of her life...

60.  She has always supported me... in good and bad... she is the person I call when I'm worried about things that "don't really matter" or things that "I can't control"... and for some reason... I think she takes all my worry away... I'm betting she prays for the situation and it all goes away... and the best part...she never asks me again about what I tell her... she knows I will tell her how it all works out in my own time... I respect that about her...

61.   Betty Carol, Betty Carrot, BC, Mimi.... her many names... I'm lucky to call her mother-in-law... and for welcoming me into her family... I can't imagine being able to love KB and Ben's spouses as much as them... but she has shown me that I can...

62.  Having known her almost 25 years... she couldn't help but rub off on me... so that is why.... I buy things and hide them from myself... I put things in odd places trying to hide them from the children and find them months later...

63.  I love to use her terms like "fluffing the hosue" and "taking a showver"....

64. I'm thankful for her relationship with JMac... Words can't express how lucky I feel for us to have him in our lives... and she is a huge part to that... she is sassy, she is bossy, and I love following in her footsteps and letting Mark do for me like JMac does for her! 

65.  Katie Britt and Ben don't realize the love she has for them right now, but one day they are going to look back and realize how lucky they are...

66. And her smile... there is nothing like it... her laugh... her giggles... and her snickering.... it's music to my ears....

67. What a "grand" picture this is for memories... KB and Ben's grands... who will watch them in pageants, play ball, and walk aisles for special events.... the love they  have for them is unconditional and may they never forget that...

68.  BC also taught me not to use "hisself"... and how to properly use who and that.... We have had quite a few grammar lessons in our car rides...

69.  I'm hoping the memories made today and those to come are just as special to her as they are to my children and to me....

70.  Happy Birthday BC.... I never said how old you were.... Love you!