Holidays 2016

I had all intentions of writing this blog before I started back to work... but that didn't work out like I planned.  Our holidays for 2016 were busy, busy, and busy!  We had doctor appointments for the first two days of the break and then Mark and I headed to Tennessee to watch basketball.  Ben was supposed to go with us, but James invited him to spend the week in Lincolnton with him.  I can't believe he would rather spend time with someone his age than his parents... I mean, really, I thought we were the coolest parents ever.  It was all good though... everything worked out like it was supposed to for the week.

This picture makes me laugh all over again... We all have those friends at work that are with us through thick and thin... these are Mark's buddies who treated me just like one of them that day.  It was so good to see their smiles and hear their stories... and most of all, watch three men who have been through company changes and ridiculous work loads just sit back and relax!  It also didn't hurt that the food was amazing.  Mike- I know Mary is smiling down on you... I pray for you often.  You are a strong, strong man.  I know the Lord has great things in store for you!  

 
 We were able to spend time in Tennessee because KB's basketball team was in a tournament with girls from all over Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.  It was quite an experience, and I think we all agreed we know why Tennessee has such a phenomenal women's basketball program.

 We arrived back in Greer just in time for Christmas Eve.  I was so excited to host Christmas Eve this year.  We had a house full and many, many laughs!

 This was our dessert bar.  I finally learned how to make creme brûlée, and my children think we have to have chocolate fondue at everything!

 JMac and BC got those balloons that we love ready for big popping!

 Those children are sitting on the edge of their seats waiting on their turn!

 Katie Britt could possibly be upset that Matt beat her at the money game!

We needed a few more presents to open so the entire floor could have been filled... just teasing... we had too many! 

 Lisa brought Baby LeBron for us to unwrap with all kinds of goodies... we may have said a few words that weren't nice about the frustration, but never let it be said that we don't love a good game and "friendly competition".

And then I thought it'd be fun to have a gingerbread decorating competition... things got ugly --quickly.  And the ugliest... were the two oldest participants... Lisa and Mark!  But they had fun... they laughed.... and they made lots of fun memories.

 The Christmas pajamas this year were Clemson... I mean we celebrate Christmas all year... let's celebrate Clemson too!  These two can't be serious about anything...

 That may have been a "Wet Willy"...

 We always read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve out of PaPa's Bible.  This year was a little faster... not as many words stumbled over... and the questions about the story were answered with no problems... I mean don't all parents check comprehension skills?

 I can't help but hope that the light of the Lord shines on those two for the rest of their lives!

 For the first time ever, the children requested that Santa wrap everything... at first I thought UGH... that is not a good idea... but let me just say... this season of our life with being able to go to bed... and go to sleep... and not creeping around like church mice... IS WONDERFUL... I loved it... of course Santa had hidden a few presents that never got shaken or guessed about what might be in the box!  I love surprises.

After our traditional breakfast of quiche, grits (enough to feed an army) and fruit... we were ready to head to Lincolnton... BUT... BC said she would take down the kitchen tree if I would give her the bags to put things in... so I did... and that started us taking down everything... so by the time I left Greer that afternoon at 2:00... Christmas was gone from my house.

 I am thinking that Ben will sit in Butch's lap to get his back rubbed until he is 20... let's just hope Butch sticks around long enough for that to happen!

 New Year's weekend we invited Phil, Emmie, and Huddy to come visit, eat, and watch the ballgame. We also played lots of Clue games, matching, and laughed at all the crazy things those Tiger boys do!

 I mean doesn't everyone use Clemson helmets for their centerpieces on New Year's Eve??? Mark cooked us a fancy prime rib to go with those fancy helmets!



 Huddy is grown... these two were bored during the game, and I got this message... I love it!  Needless to say we were thrilled that Clemson won... now I just have to talk Mark out of scheduling an "appointment" in the Tampa area on the day of the National Championship.

 For the first time in many years, I had to cook lunch for New Year's Day.... I LOVED IT... I want to be Paula Deen.   Brown rice, Granny's sweet potatoes, corn bread, rolls, slaw....

 Pork roast, corn, turnip greens, cooked tomatoes and black-eyed peas.... It was delicious... even if I did cook it!

 I love this picture... we decided to leave up the Clemson helmets for this meal too.  I'm sure that it doesn't go with my dining room, but we were celebrating still!

 Huddy wanted to play with the mustaches before he headed home.  He is growing so much... he is so smart... and he has the sweetest little heart!   He said our blessing at lunch and brought tears to my eyes!

 And then... YES... I took a nap for the first time the entire break... KB and I snuck the cat inside because it was rainy and cold... forgive that pregnant looking belly... I'm working on that now!  I couldn't believe that I didn't get a nap the entire break, but those two hours Sunday afternoon were marvelous!

 Last night, we had leftovers for supper.  I took a picture because it was my "Last Supper"... I've eaten myself into misery!  Those holiday traveling and special nights pack those pounds on...

 After we ate, we decided to ride up the road to Clemson... to see the boys when they got off the buses after landing at the airport.  Oh what fun to stand in the rain with everyone yelling and so excited.  Those boys looked tired and ready to be home, but they were very nice to everyone!

 I tried the selfie thing... Those two in the back made fun of me!

I started back to work today and survived.  The children come back tomorrow, and then we are in full swing with basketball for both KB and Ben.  One of my resolutions is to write more this year... last year was full of change and things I didn't know how to write about... I'm hoping that I can get my thoughts down... with our jam packed schedules though... if I don't make it back until summer... we have had a great first semester back in South Carolina! I love my job... I love it!  

I'm so proud of KB and Ben... for adjusting to change... for continuing to work hard in school with success... for trying new things... and for spending more time than ever with me.  It's been a wonderful 2016... I pray that 2017 is even better!  

She's 17!

Dear Katie Britt,

 I feel like this post may reflect our lives in more than one way!  I am sitting in a hotel room in Virginia working on your birthday post!  We've just left Bristol, TN, watching you  play basketball in a tournament.  The pictures aren't uploading in order, but I can't let the day go by without talking about your birthday!  I have been very slack about writing, but I promise to do better.  I love that I have your computer with me... I went through and chose pictures that you liked... that way I can tell my side of the story that goes with them.  It's been a crazy year to say the least... lots of things have changed and we are all better for them!  

The prom... your first time going to the prom in Lincolnton... and you were beautiful in my eyes.  I love this picture of you... it's rare not to see you smiling, so seeing this picture and the solemn look made me smile.  It's a rare moment caught on camera.  

 The first weekend in December we traveled to Orlando for the ACC Championship.  Between your schedule and Ben's, we couldn't make it to any games this year.  One day we may get back on track to go to Clemson on the weekends!  I'd rather watch you and Boo than them though! 

 At the athletic banquet in Lincolnton~  I'm so glad you got our of your box and played a different sport... and now you are continuing that in Woodruff.  

 Our prayers were answered.... long before we moved back to Greer, I prayed for you to have an easy transition.  I know it may have seemed selfish at the time to make you up and leave your comfort zone, but I promise that Daddy and I prayed our way through it.  I don't want you to ever forget that!  I never dreamed your easy transition might include a boy to go with it.  You have chosen a respectful, kind, and sweet young man!  We can't ask for much more!  

 This summer you went to the beach and made lots of new (old) friends!  The girls you started school with were all there to welcome you back to South Carolina.  

 I never thought I'd see you in any colors besides red and white, but I'll have to admit that you looked pretty cute in "maroon" and gold... or maybe burgundy and yellow!  

 While everyone else around you was getting class rings, you were making a decision that you really didn't want one.  Jane was kind enough to buy you your first David Yurman.  It's beautiful, and I'm so glad you picked something that you can always wear.  

 This summer while Ben was sweating at Clemson football camp, you were stalking Dabo.  He told you how much you had grown, and I will forever love him for sending you a note about moving from Georgia.  Wonder what he might think if you don't even go to Clemson???  I'm sure you will be successful wherever you go, and I want you to know that you can go anywhere!  

 This picture was taken at the dam in Georgia.   It wasn't long before we decided to pull our plug and move back to SC.  

 At Easter this year, we knew we would moving to Greer and attending Woodruff schools.  We did everything we could to be in control and go to a private school, but sometimes God intervenes and opens doors that we never dreamed of.  

 This was your first competition in Woodruff!  You looked happy, and I knew you were going to be just fine! 

 This picture was taken your first day at cheer camp.  The smile on your face says it all... You have transitioned and made your place back where you started.  I honestly feel guilty asking God for one more thing... He made your heart and ours happy again... and that's all we can ask for.  

 At your demo before competition season... 

 Homecoming night with Daddy... I'm so sorry that I forgot to put the camera card in the good camera... needless to say, I thought you were gorgeous!  

 And Matt... he has made you smile, laugh, and never cry... I sure do wish you loved us as much as him!  

 Our last night in Lincolnton, Thomas gave you a picture that hangs in your room, sand your favorite animal... Clifford!  The perfect gift from your favorite!  

 The National Championship via Las Vegas... what a fun trip we had!  I'm glad we all agree we don't have to go back again!  

 And where would you be without MG????  Your first very best friend... back in March when I thought you would be going to private school, you begged me to take you to Woodruff with me while I went to visit.  As we walked into the front doors of the high school, the first person there was MG.  We toured the school, I asked questions, you asked questions... and then we sat in the parking lot for a few minutes.  I remember you looking over to me and saying, "Mama, I really want to come here!"... I knew I'd never change your mind... and for that, I'm so glad.  I know MG played a big part in that!  

 You were selected at Miss Sophomore for the LCHS pageant.  

 In May, we went to Charlotte for the golf tournament and talked the entire way about how much closer we would be the next year!  

 You dancing as a rat in musical theater made my heart smile!  I love watching you perform and I know that dancing is still your heart!

 We brought in the new year in Miami watching Clemson.  What a great game... that led to us getting to go to the National Championship.  

 I love this picture because I can look at both of you and see how happy you are... I loved teasing you and saying we have to move back to Lincolnton and y'all quickly yelling NO.... Thank the Lord you two are happy!  

 We snapped a picture during Thomas's senior picture session!  I'm so glad you two have adjusted well.  I love that Ben looks up to you... I love that comes to you when he needs something ... and I love that you are both so darn independent that life is pretty easy now!  

 Your very first stunt group in Woodruff!  

I'm ending with this picture because who knew that years later you two would be on the basketball court playing instead of cheering!  Two precious, sweet girls that I'm so glad have been reunited.  

Thank you KB for being who you are... your good decisions, your bad decisions, your smart moves, your silly moves, your crazy times, your sad times, your funny times... they make you who you are.  I love you little girl... I wish you were still in a bow and smocked dress, but I understand that life moves on and you have to grow up...  

Seventeen isn't really a big birthday.... but I want you to know that no matter what age you turn I love you with all my heart.  Keep working hard, decide what you want to be when you grow up, and dream as big as the stars... because you can do it!  You have so many opportunities ahead of you, and I can't wait to see what you do!  

Love, 

Mama

First Day of School 2016-2017

Dear Sis and Boo, 

One day you will look back and ask why there aren't any posts from the past six months, and I am going to quickly remind you of all the changes that have taken place!

Let's blame it on Daddy.  From the time the both of you were old enough to hold your heads up, you have been attending Clemson events.  He was even so sure that Sis was going to go to school in South Carolina that he enrolled you in prepay tuition.  When you were little, it seemed so far away.  We moved back to Georgia, but we knew that you still had that option in South Carolina to attend school at the locked in rate.  As the years passed, we realized that it was quickly approaching the time to either move or give up this option.  

We thought we were going to outsmart the system, and just buy a house right across the border in Carolina.  We even took you in the winter of 2015 to a house in Savannah Lakes on the golf course and choose a room.  We were going to put our house up for sale and everything would be perfect.  What we didn't know at the time was that the plan wasn't going to work out like that.  Later that year, I had a whirlwind experience at work and began doubting my position.  I felt like a turtle in a shell and didn't like it!  Looking back now, I am so glad that I experienced this!  I am firm believer that trials and tribulations make us so much stronger.  As the year went on, we knew we needed security and happiness.  

When we returned from the National Championship in Arizona, many things began to unfold that I felt like were my fault.  Was I too worried with work, was I too focused on trying to control things, was I trying to map out your lives without considering what was actually best for you... and not me.  My heart has never hurt as badly as it did during those months.  Through all the conversations, the "talks", the prayers... Daddy and I decided that moving was the best thing for all of us.  I knew it was the best thing because I would no longer be the one who was in control of everything.  I would have to get out of that boat that I had been comfortably riding in to walk on the water a little while.  

In February we tried our best to get you enrolled in a private school that we fell in love with immediately.  We visited, we shadowed, and we were ready to start.  I had no job, we had a house to sell, and we needed somewhere to live.  Out of the blue, my old school system called me to ask a question, and I shared that we were planning on moving back to the area.  I didn't really want to work at the old school because I wanted to be with the two of you.  I wanted to be on your schedule.  As the weeks went by, I kept having contact with the old system, and I kept feeling like I might need to just visit.  The morning I decided to come "talk" to them, I ended up pulling into the LC schools, checking you out, and letting you come with me.  We entered the front door of the high school and your best friend from K-5 and 1st grade was standing in the lobby.  She had no idea you were coming, and you embraced each other just like you did when you were little.  As we walked down the halls of the school, I knew immediately that everything had happened for that moment.  The feeling can't even be described of the security and comfort I had.  I knew that I would be working there for the upcoming school year if they would hire me again.  I will never forget getting in the car as we were leaving and Sis saying, "Mama, I want to go to school here!"  As we drove out of the parking lot, my eyes were filled with tears because you had felt what I felt.  We decided to head over to the middle school and let Ben see if he liked it.  Walking back into the building with the same people who were there for both of your births reminded me of visiting long lost friends.  They were so welcoming, so loving, and so caring.  It had been decided that we would come back to where you started... without ever talking to Daddy!  

In the next few months, we had decided on a place to live.  For the first time in my twenty years of marriage, I can honestly say we have a home that I love!  There is something comforting about walking in and never wanting to spend the night away from it.  Jane and Butch's house will always be my favorite, but this one is second!  From sleeping on the floor waiting on movers to get our furniture here, to picking out carpet, to choosing paint, and now waiting to spruce it up even more... I know that you two love this house as much as I do.  My favorite time is at night when I walk by your rooms and see you snuggled in your beds, under your soft blankets, (and those darn phones) and hearing you say, "Night, Mama!  Love you!"  

Today was your first day and my first day with students.  I shared last night how nervous I was, but I don't think either of you knew just how nervous I was.  I prayed and prayed for an easy transition to this school year, and I couldn't have planned it any better.  I let go of control, and I have realized that things work out like they are supposed to be!  When I drove out of Staci's driveway this morning tears flowed as I looked back at one of my very best friends including Boo with her boys in a picture.  She has been through thick and thin with me... from the births of my babies...and now to Ben going to his first day of middle school.  I believe she was put in life to make this transition back easier.  Ben went to a new school today, but he wasn't considered new because Staci had us over with lots of little boys all summer for Ben to meet.  When I saw him this afternoon, I didn't even have to ask how his day was... I could see it on his face.  He told me how great each of his teachers were and how much he loved it already.  I know the newness will wear off, but I also know that each of his teachers love what they do and will take care of him.  For Sis, I sat in the gymnasium this morning with the entire student body of the high school and couldn't help but have cold chills.  The respectful manners, the class, and the attitudes of the students were contagious.  I have never been with a student body who was so well behaved.  Again, I felt that everything had worked out like it was supposed to be.  I had to wait on KB to get home from cheerleading to find out about her day, but she came straight to my bed ( I had to take a nap because I was just about dead) and told me about her entire day!  She giggled and laughed for a long time... it's been a long time since she has looked this happy!  

As I reflect back on these last few months, I couldn't have done it without the prayers, texts, and words of encouragement (especially this last week).   I know that Someone is in control and HE took care of everything for my family.  Thank you Lord... seriously... for making this transition easy, for all the heart breaking things we have been through, for all the tough decisions we have had to make... I have truly been humbled and know that stepping back and letting things work out is much better for everyone.  

I have smiled tonight with your messages and phone calls from people asking about your day!  I'm glad that you can tell them how happy you are.  I hope you will always feel loved even though your family is not right next door or just a bike ride away.  We are blessed... don't ever forget that!  

Love, 

Mama