Weekend with the Mitchells~

 Friday we left for a quick last weekend before full week of school starts trip to the beach!  Mike and Kathryn go every year and we have never been able to go because of football and cheerleading... we jumped on the opportunity to spend some time with our toes in the water!  Ellie greeted us as soon as we got there and we headed to the pool! 

 Savannah got the same illness that my children got around eleven Friday morning and had to be checked out of school... The doctor ordered all the children needed was a little sunshine, some pizza dip, and a good night's rest! 

 I'm not sure what these two are doing here, but obviously something...it's the same thing!

 Aren't they precious?  These two little ones have been friends since before we moved back to LC! 

 Kathryn and Katherine.... It was a lot easier naming Katie Britt Katherine after being around this Kathryn... she is such a loyal friend!  She also waits on us hand and foot while we visit! 

 Caught them smiling!  They act like they are too cool for the camera... but they do smile!

 I'd hold on for dear life too, Ellie! 

 I'm so glad I took my camera... this next series of pictures is a game of "monkey in the middle"... I don't like games, I don't like to play in the pool... a camera is good excuse to stay away!

 Kathryn bought this hat at the Masters this year... KB thought it was awful, but I loved it!  Can't believe I forgot to bring my hat! 

 For those of you who know the hippo story... it makes me smile every time KB sees one and says, "Mommy.... it's a hippo!"  And here is the first of Mark's corny smiles...photo bombs... mess up my family pictures picture....

 This little boy was tired after going to school, riding to HHI, and swimming in the pool...

 We grazed at supper time... Let's see... chicken salad, pimento cheese, boiled shrimp, pizza dip, spinach dip, crackers... and a delicious dessert... The best part... we didn't have to get dressed... and we were able to sit and visit! 

 We got up bright and early to enjoy a day at the beach!  Ben played all morning on the boogie board with Mike and Kathryn... and KB, Savannah, and I tried to get as much sun as possible. 

 They didn't play golf on a course, but they brought their clubs to the beach...

 Drip sand castles, instagram, and texting... ALL DAY LONG! (and a few cheer moves and jumps)

 She reminds me so much of Amberly right here...

 Always representing a little LC.... wherever we go! 

 a little pre-dinner golfing....

 We know the The Crazy Crab is a "tourist trap", but we always go here after the Heritage and walk around Harbor Town... We wanted the children to see where we call from every year!  When we walked in the door a few of our friends from our Greenville neighborhood were there!  Their children have grown as much as ours! 

 The young ones and the daddies walking around looking at yachts....

 These next pictures are my life... I take 100 and get maybe one that works... You will notice there are lots of bad ones... and a few good ones... I deleted the worst... these are the best of the worst... KB and Savannah could be models... they smile... I snap... the picture is good... not so for the rest of our family... Ben and Mark look like howdy doody in most pictures with their corny smile...

 Love this picture of them! 

 She loves her mama! 

 Check out Ben and Mark's smile....

 and their eyes...

 and Mark's smile

 and he is still fake smiling... the problem is he can't stop talking in the middle of the picture...

 even far off... you can still see his fake smile...

 and here....

 notice that Ben and Mark are the same... bless his heart... and his wife... and their children...

 We took a little break and went back to some good posers! 

 These two only need a phone... and they are happy!

 Taking a ball out of the 18th hole! 

 More pictures... the Mitchells were great! 

 Love their bare feet! 

 The eyes...

 the slumped over shoulders

 the sitting up straight and opening the eyes wide....

 the fake smile....

 the closed eyes...

 back to the beauties...

 so sweet!

 and then they fight...

 he's sooooo tired....

 let me get my hair right....don't touch me....

 the closed eyes....

 be quiet sis....

 trying to do better...

 still trying....

 can we gooooooooo

 it's getting darker by the minute...

 and then there is MIKE.... this picture has to be photocropped...to make his eyes open.... I didn't add the part of the story that he got stung by a jellyfish... and then he broke a chair on the beach... and there was a girl playing dead in the water and he thought she was really drowning... he makes me laugh until I cry!  WE all laughed on the way home today about him... so glad he is a part of our life! 

 the real Mitchells.....

My favorite picture!  Thanks for a great weekend!  We had fun! 

First Day of School 2014 and the rest of the story.....

          One of the biggest arguments Mark and I have ever had was about Katie Britt's first day of Pre-K.  I had told him all summer that he would need to be available to take her because I couldn't... I'm a teacher... I had to be at my school.... I reminded him over and over and over (maybe not that much... but it seemed like it).  A few weeks before school started Mark was giving me his schedule for the upcoming weeks and I noticed that he wasn't going to be in town on the first day of school.  Men aren't sentimental... I am over sentimental... He really considered me just dropping her off at school and leaving her without going in... He was crazy! 
     I cried, I worried, and I prayed.  The week before school started he told me he had asked his daddy to come and take her to school.  At first I thought... good grief... grandddaddies don't do that... it should be a mama or a daddy.  How will I have any pictures of the occasion?  I could have spit I was so mad that Mark didn't change his schedule! 
     Bobby Carol came to Simpsonville to spend the night and he actually followed me and I pointed out the window where to park and which door to go in... I snapped a picture of them going up the sidewalk... That afternoon he was still at my house when I got home.  KB asked him if he would stay for one more night and take her again.  Of course... he did!  They even stopped and got a BLUE bug juice before school... she went to school with a blue mouth!  I got over the fact that neither Mark or I took her, but I truly didn't understand why those events played out until that March... Bobby was so sick... I look back now at the pictuers and wouldn't give a million dollars for that special time between KB and Papa.  For the next few years the tradition was to take KB to school in Papa's truck to carry on his memory! 
     Mark has been able to take the children every other year until last year... Butchie took Ben to school for us and made another special memory!  This year was my turn...
     We were up and ready early, I made breakfast quiche, and we had plenty of time to drop off KB before heading to the elementary school.  (I wish I had walked her in too!).  As we waited outside for the doors to unlock, I couldn't help but think that Bobby would be so proud of Ben... He would love his spunk, his sassiness, and his smarts!  When we walked through the doors of the school a lump hit my throat.  I could see all the mamas and daddies holding their babies hands, telling them they loved them, and kissing and hugging them.  I could hardly talk this morning because of that lump.  I waited at the door of Ben's teacher so she could walk her little girl to her first day... I couldn't talk about to her because I would cry!  After dropping Ben off, I became a school employee and worked for about 45 minutes taking care of a few issues at the school.  As I walked out to the empty parking lot, I heard someone knocking on the window of  a car and the tears started.  We discussed how special the moment was for me to get that opportunity to walk Ben in to school.  For some... this isn't special... doesn't mean anything... but for me... I will never forget the feeling of satisfaction in being able to share that moment with him.   After talking with her, I went to my car and cried.  I cried because I had missed all those times with KB, I cried because I gave up special moments with my own children for other children, and I cried because I don't deserve to have those two precious babies who adjusted quite well without a mama at their every step!  
     Today is one of those days that I will always remember... I will always cherish... I will always love.  They both had a great day... I can see the smiles on their faces and glow in their eyes... I don't even have to ask.  Thank you God for this memory, this time with my children, and most of all for giving me the opportunity to realize a few things before they grow up and don't need me anymore! 

     I also have to say how such a small world this is... When KB was just a three or four years old and we were living in Greenville, Amberly brought her college roommate from Furman to our house to eat supper... I noticed she was pretty good with children and asked her if she was interested in babysitting.  She was WONDERFUL... she even took a job at one of best friend's schools when she graduated... little did we know the diapers she changed about eight years ago would be of a little boy sitting in her class right now!  I couldn't be happier that she has the opportunity to teach Ben! 

Changes~

     I hated baby dolls growing up.... I think Mama bought me about five or six throughout my younger years... but I didn't like them... I loved holding a real baby though!  I liked real things!  For little girls...if you didn't play dolls... you played school.  That was me!  From the time I can remember...even way back to when I was four years old... I played school.  I mocked my teacher and everything she did.  I had a coffee cup in my room, a chalkboard, and a real grade book.  I had a cat named "Doober" who had to raise her hand for free lunch everyday... and she got in trouble for always sleeping in class.  I was in my element... I loved talking and acting like I was in control of the classroom.... the best days were when I was at Boo-Ma's house and Leah and Bobbie would have their own rooms too.... And look where we are now! 
     I'm not real sure where this post is going, but I know that I am sitting here tonight writing because I need to capture this memory...good or bad.  It's one of those times that I feel like I am on the verge of tears.  Many people email me and tell me that my post has made them cry... that is not my intention... I just write what pops out of my fingers... no filter... tonight... that emotional build up is overwhelming.   I'm afraid it will be who tears up!   I have a lot going on in my life right now... I almost had a nervous break-down yesterday afternoon because I sat in an MRI machine for an hour ( something is obviously wrong with my back because I can't bend over, stand up, or sit down without lots of pain)... I have a thirteen year old who is starting her last year of middle school tomorrow and it scares me to think that it seems it was just yesterday that she went to Pre-K.  I have a little boy who knows more than he should about lots of things... and seeing his heart these past few months has kept me teary-eyed.  But I think the thing that bothers me most... is the teaching. 
     This past year has been hard...for lack of a better word.  I didn't say no to anything and stayed in a "mess" all year long.  It didn't take but about two months of the new job for Mark to say that something had to give.  I can remember sitting at the Huddle House (he is such a romantic date) and him looking at me and saying, "You are doing a great job trying to raise everyone else's children in this town, but you are leaving your two behind!".... It was that night that the idea of me giving up a few things came to being.  I kept a lump in my throat at each event... at all the ballgames, at all the matches, and even in the classroom... I knew that I would give up coaching and teaching. 
     After being in the classroom almost 20 years... I won't be there anymore as a teacher.  This next year will be filled with wonder and excitement... and I am guessing a little bit of sadness.  I will miss the children and the excitement of game day, I will miss being in the know of all the fun things, and I will miss the friendships I made with some of children and teachers.  I'm not missing spending the night in a dorm, creating the football program, and riding on a bus to the games!  In all honesty though,  I am going to miss cheerleading and golf!  I'm going to miss the classroom the most.
     Working part-time is going to be good for me.  I can already tell that some of the things I have missed the past thirteen years being a mama are finally getting done.  This afternoon I made little treats for all the third grade children in Ben's class.   Not much.... but I had time to do it!  (Mama came and helped me too!)  I'm excited that for the first time I get to take my children to school... I'm excited that I get to pick up my children from school... I'm excited that I get to be with them and hear all about their day firsthand instead of over the phone! 
    This past year has made me realize what a blessing my children are to me... yes, they drive me crazy at least once a day, but I am so lucky to have them!  I know I can never replace this past year of being gone except for a couple of hours each day from them, but I am going to do my best to make it up to them this year!  It's a shame KB doesn't think it is cool to hang out with me...except maybe when she needs my debit card!  Ben has already ordered a "homemade" snack for tomorrow afternoon! 
     Tonight I go to bed with butterflies for my children, my children's teachers, and for me... we all start a new journey tomorrow... may we make the most of it, may we find the good in every moment, and may we make memories that last a lifetime! 

Ben's Story~

     When I was pregnant with Katie Britt, all I could do was to pray for her to get here safely and I wouldn't have to worry anymore.  Somewhere along the way to parenthood, I never got the message that after the birth is where the worrying really begins.  It was the same with Ben.  From the day I held them in my arms, I knew they were gifts... and I would constantly worry about every aspect of their life. 
     This week I attended the funeral of my forty-four year old cousin who lost her battle with Lupus.  As I stood looking at the hundreds of people gathered to honor her, I was in awe that she touched that many people in her short lived life.  As I listened to the preacher discuss how her life had been such a struggle... she had a baby die of SIDS, she had arthritis, and she had Lupus on top of her mama having cancer... How did she have the will to live?  Each person who knew Karen discussed how she was a fighter.  The preacher talked about her and witnessing to everyone she could in the hospital.  After the graveside service was over, her mama told me that Karen had planned her own funeral.  I have thought a lot about that the past few days.  I find comfort in knowing that she was at peace and confident that she would enter Heaven's gates, but I also know that as she looked in her son's eyes she couldn't help but be angry she would miss important events in his life.  And then I thought about myself... I thought about how great it was for her son to hear how much his mama loved Jesus, how she fought to live, and how everyone in that building knew she was healed in Heaven now.  What greater gift could there be? 
     Tonight I am still teary-eyed from thinking of the past few months events in Ben's life.  At the beginning of the summer, a sweet, newly-engaged couple walked the aisle of our church to join.  As soon as Ben saw this young man who he had admired and looked up to while he played football... he turned to me and said, "Mama, I want to do that!".  I was so surprised and shocked because we had never really discussed any of this with Ben except through casual conversation.  I left for a conference the next day and got a text that week from Mark that told me Ben had prayed for Jesus to come into his heart.  The next week, Ben and Mark went to visit the preacher.  After discussing things with them, he suggested that we talk with Ben some more and come back when he was a little more sure of the real reason for joining. 
     Throughout the summer, Ben has been a witness to many things that involve him asking more and more questions and seeing the importance of being a part of the church.  At the very last minute, he was able to attend a football camp at Clemson.  He left the house planning on playing football all weekend, and actually heard from some former players and coaches who gave their testimony. His eyes lit up when told me of the stories.  Katie Britt attended River of Life this year and Ben went the last morning for the final service.  The music was great and the song "Child of the One True King" was played.  The goose bumps, the clapping, and the spirit were all over him.  I fought hard that day to hold back the tears because I could see him changing.  Mark and I both told him when he was ready to walk down he could go.  We both agreed we didn't want to make him walk down... it needed to be his decision.   For the past three weeks of church he has struggled, gotten as close to me as he could, and wanted so badly to walk down the aisle.  I bought a book at the drugstore a few weeks ago that he and Mark have been reading every night.  This past week there was a prayer about courage.  We need to have courage to do things when we are afraid. 
     This morning Ben had courage.  He took that step out and walked down the aisle.  The emotions can't be described how special that moment was and that I was there to witness it.  What greater gift can he give me than to know he has asked Jesus in his heart.  To hear his side of the story is precious... I wish I could videotape him.  He told me he was "bout to cry when they voted him in"... he got to shake everyone's hand and got more hugs and kisses than a newborn baby! 
     There were so many people there today that have touched my life, his life, our entire family's life.  We shook their hands, but I also couldn't help but think of those that weren't there who would be so proud of him today.  Mark's grandmother's sister, who doesn't come to our church, was there... I think she represented Mawmaw today... One of my cousins who looks just like my great-granddaddy was there... I know Boo-ma would have been so proud of him and given him a little bag of candy in a brown paper bag... I know Granny was looking down saying "He had the BEST time at church today"... Ben has made some special relationships with others that were there as well... His favorite golfers from my golf team, our next door neighbor who told him he made him cry, and a sweet little boy who told him "Ben, what you did took a lot of courage and I don't think I will ever be able to do it".... From old to young, these people are his foundation... they are the ones he looks up to..they are the ones he will look to for guidance... what a blessing to be a part of those believers...
     Ben~ One day you will look back and read this and I want you to know that you can play football for Clemson, be President of the United States, own your on grass-cutting business, be a policeman, or a doctor...and I am more proud of your decision to ask Jesus in your heart than anything else!  Your decision will guide you throughout the rest of your life... if you stay focused on that...you can do anything!  I love you Benny-Boo-Boo.... my heart is full, my eyes are teary, and you have given me such joy today! 
     I have always heard that life goes full-circle... and life goes on.... My prayer tonight is Ben's heart will be like Karen's... I want him to be a fighter, an influence to others, and to make his mark on the world in all that he does...

Signed,

Proud Mama