fickle freckles

I'm Out

2011-04-03T17:58:00.002-04:00

Go ahead and delete me from your list of blogs. I may start again later in life, but for now I'm closing this chapter.

Like playing tennis with a hole in the racket...

2011-03-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

I walked out of my house today just feeling like I have sooooo many things to do. Not so MUCH to do, but so MANY things to do....lots of little crappy chore-like things. Maybe it's the Spring fever (although I am not looking forward to hot weather at all), but I just want a magic wand. Actually, I just want the ENERGY to do the organizing and cleaning- b/c I enjoy it when I'm in my OCD zone.
I also started running..some..and then got tendonitus in my dang knee. I'm looking forward to being able to get back to it. I liked it. And I'm fat. So..

I just finshed the yearbook for my school. Like, submitted it today. shweeww- one major project down!

I am the "poster child" for my school's Jump Rope For Heart this year. It's cool. the AHA decided to get personal and have kids jump for a person to help them and their families understand the cause and hopefully bring in more donations. I hope we are able to do well this year as we have done in the past.

Oh- I finally painted my bedroom (after a long process of de-wallpapering, fixing the wall, getting cabinets put in, etc) It's now a yummy gray and I'm ready to shop for a king bed and new furniture and decorate. Ha!! We'll see about all that.

That's about it..

just wanted to update from last Flu post.

Family Bonding

2011-01-25T22:10:00.002-05:00

Dear FLU-
I love the time you have given all of us to spend together coughing, crying, whining, aching, puking, and sleeping. HOWEVER.... go away!
I'm not a nurse by trait, but I have been for 2 days---that's enough.
So please, take your nasty self and disappear!

Thanks,
Me

2011-01-11T20:50:00.004-05:00

Really. Love. My. Family.
Thank you God for my blessings. Simplicity.

Oh Where Oh Where Have My BABIES Gone??

2010-12-30T21:44:00.003-05:00

Geeeez... People always say how fast time flies and that kids will grow up right before our eyes, but sheeesh! I just spent time looking at old photos and it hit me like a train how fast they really do grow up! I didn't realize how young they were when we moved into this house: Gralynn was just TWO and Gaines was only 4 mos. Now Gralynn is SIX and Gaines will be FOUR on Sunday!!!! This made me sad, but I must say, i LOVE this stage :0) We have been able to do so many fun things with them. Trips are actually enjoyable and like today we went 4 wheeling. It was so much fun. They love each other so much and play so well together. Gralynn has started reading the bedtime stories each night and Gaines is in awe and catching on to most words already. It's such a blessing to have a girl and a boy! I highly recommend it :0)
We have spent this holiday TOGETHER as a family and it has been so amazing! i am so blessed and I just pray that we stay the tight-nit family we are in this coming new year and years to come.
Spend this year being grateful! Happy 2011 to all!

Smelly

2010-12-28T20:54:00.003-05:00

I'm a Bath and BOdy fan anyway---but OMG----the new TWILIGHT WOODS scentage is whaaannderfooolll! I realize scent is a personal pref, but dang, I bought this Twilight Woods on a whim bc it was one of few Bubble Baths and I wanted to get Gralynn some to put in stocking----I added it to their bath the other night and fell in love. So, after 4 long years, I decided tonoight was MY night! i was clearing out the toy dinosaurs and foam letters, lighting a candle, tuning out the noise, avoiding the rubber ducky spicket cover and pouring in the bubble bath for MYSELF. We live in an old house and the only tub happens to be the kids bathroom, so I kicked everyone out tonight, poured a glass, lit a candle and indulged------KINDA.
The point--- I'm heading back to Bath and Body to load up on Twilight Woods.

On a sidenote--- i received a gift from a student earlier, and it was Victoria Secrets Amber Romance----I love too--brough back mems of Lauree when we lived together at Clemson. Girl , we knew when she was plannin to hook up, b/c Atumn Woods was ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!

2010-12-25T20:37:00.002-05:00

Well, we here the Roberts fam have a purdy great Christmas thus far. Nothing too special or whatever, just plain ole family fun. We started the week of festivities by going to Atlanta for a mini vacay to Snow Mountain ( Stone Mountain)and then to the ATL Aquarium. Which, p.s. froggin ROCKS! Do not even waste time and $ going to Charleston Aquarium--take the extra mileage and head on over to Atlanta-- seriously.
We were going to go to Disney, but after this vacay, we've decided to wait on Disney until the kiddos are a tad bit older and can remember and truly enjoy all there is to do!
We enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Eve service at Seacoast and then home to dinner with family. GG went straight to bed early for Santa. Much excitement when the morning came and then off to mom's house for Christmas one----good time hanging with Corry's and other fam. I love how my two play so well with Kelsey's three. It really is beautiful. We will go to Greg's fam tomorrow, which is usually a great time also.

So there. Richly blessed.

ANd ppppps---

I cannot stop thinking about people who are homeless this season. I'm all wrapped niceley in my new Hotel robe from Greg, in my nice warm cozy house, and I cannot imagine what those less fortunate are going through----like seriously---it is a continuous thought. Which means : 1) God is calling me to do something for someone
2) Upon the ineveitable envy I feel every family gathering, I should divert my attention wholly to my blessings!

And so...

2010-12-20T09:01:00.002-05:00

Aside from the slackiness of my posting, a good bit has actually been going on up in this house! This time of year is always super crazy with the ending of half of the school year; Gralynn's bday, Christmas, Gaines' bday, and the general rush-around that comes with this season.
We had Gralynn's bday party at Build-A-Bear this year with a few of teh girls from her class. That was stressfully fun. G did get her American Girl doll, Lanie, from my mom this year. Lanie is now a member of the family and has more clothes than I do! We're on the search for a clothes-holder thingy. Gaines, on the other hand has taken to Bakugan--YUCK!- I suppose it could be worse :0)
I am nowhere close to finishing shopping, haven't started wrapping, and never did cook---I am also in the middle of the remodeling; reorganizing; redecorating this house. Notice I said MIDDLE b/c I just can't seem to get it done! I have a vision of everything being in its proper place and me knowing right where everything is when I need it, but then I see myself being the one to do it and I move to something else..
Oh winter break---you're not off to a good start.

2010-11-02T20:31:00.002-04:00

Have I said this already..? I LOVE FALL. The weather is starting to be just right. Greg teases me b/c even on 40 degree nights I have windows open and fan on. What can I say, I just love the cool air.
I especially enjoyed touring around my hood in the b ack of Greg's truck with the kids on Halloween. They had such a blast as Batman and Batgirl. As they were running up to ine house, a lady in a different truck commented on how cute it was that they were coordinated. She said her two never would do that and now in their preteens, that ship has sailed! It got me to thinking that the time is fast approaching when these two loves of my life may not be so tight. Which saddens me, not only about matching outfits ( i mean i would be obsessive if I had two girls), but about how they play and genuinely love to be with each other. It's really super cute and loving.
For example--every time I take one shopping the other inevitably picks something out for the other. And tonight, Gaines opened his Starburst candy and immediately handed the pink one to Gralynn. They play and cuddle and take care of one another. I can only hope and pray that they will stay this close!!

well, well, well

2010-10-16T20:40:00.002-04:00

And yes, Rossie..if you're reading this I say that with my lips poked out!!
Lately I have fallen more in love my birthed children and my K class. I thought it would be really hard to be around 5 year olds allllllll day and then come home to my two (which is does get to me sometimes, truth be told)but overall, I have never laughed sooo much in the last couple of months. I truly ENJOY my job, which is a HUGE blessing. It's the little personalities my kids have this year that keep me cracking up all day long. For example, we went to the Farm the other day for a field trip and I overheard one of my most prissiest little girls sitting with one of my black boys say " YO YO YO, there go da punkins"..he was seriously teaching her how to talk like a sista! They are just the loviest and funniest bunch of kids. I get to home to my two who are friggin hilarious together. I don't know what's going on lately, but I love it. I feel so blessed to have a silly family. Kids who get my sarcasm and give it right back. Kids (and a hub) who dance like insane, sing the "cool" songs, and talk about real stuff. It may be the nostagia of the season, or the reflection on my blessings, but it;s the little things that make me smile and I just had to write about it.

Nothing super special..just good things goin on!!!

It's the Little Things....

2010-09-29T17:52:00.005-04:00

So, as of late, I work until 5ish (bc I don't have to hurry up and get Gaines by 4 everyday), I come home, clean, more schoolwork, kids bath, bed, then sit for myself (which, PS is getting shorter and shorter)and then head to bed. Sound familiar?
Well, I have found that there a few things that make my day..... (in no particular order)
#1 Especially in this new weather--- good smellin spaghetti cooking
#2 90210- EVERYDAY
#3 Beer
#4 A nice hot shower--with all my shampoos and products :0)
#5 Finding a tip in a prof book that I can use in my classroom
#6 making labels and signs
#7 watching Greg and kiddos play like crazy
#8 Snuggles before bed
#9 Good TV
# 10 Ice cream!!

Dude-- this is just where I am-- ain't nothing special happening in m'life :0)

Tis the Season

2010-09-24T19:15:00.002-04:00

I think it would be really cool if I was one of "those" girls who gets just as excited about football as the fellas! I just don't get it! Perhaps it's bc I never experienced true loyalty to any one of the THREE colleges I went to. In fact, my so-called "loyalty" is to the Gators,but that's by marriage. I saw a COCKS shirt at Big Thursday that I just Loved, but I'm not a "fan" of USC, or Clemson...and they don't sell Gator crap here. I see all these women gearing up for the big game and I just can't get there.
So please. Indulge. Do describe for me WHY and HOW you get siked up for football! If I ever do get there, Greg and I might just last past forever!!!!

2010-08-26T21:36:00.002-04:00

I should really update this thing way more consistently, but it hadn't worked so far! We started school last week and I stay pooped. Gralynn, on the other hand, is pumped. She LOVES it! Our school started a school-wide Positive behavior program thingy and we hand out "Barrel Bucks" when kids are being "PALS". (Pal, the pony is our mascot). She gets like 3 a day and gets so excited! I hear from teachers all over the school that she is always being perfect. Funny thing...that gralynn..b/c when school is out-she shows me a whole new girl! I think 5 is the foreshadow of 16! Dude..not sure how to handle that :0)
Gaines loves his new school too. He gets his Happy Grams everday, too! The teachers told me yesterday that whenever they have to fuss at him he starts to rub their backs and tell them they are beautiful! great---smooth kid on my hands.
Anyhoo--I stay busy. I forget what the first month of Kindergarten is like. It is HARD work. no down time. But I am doing a good job sticking to my guns this year! i'm determined to train these kiddos to be respectful and kind!!!!!!!!
Our favorite time is dancing the Robot Dance. It is totally HILARIOUS to see these little munchins dancing like Robots---like the dancers who do that as part of their "gig". Most of my kids this year really have soul and rhythm too!
Good Times thus far :0)
That's all that's happening with me....sad, I know!

Gullable Me

2010-07-27T11:40:00.002-04:00

Well, I woke up a bit stressed today about FOOD, of all things. And if you're on Facebook, you know what I'm tallking about b/c I posted asking for advice on bfast foods and lunch foods to pack for gralynn. This is the first year I have every had to plan to feed bfast before school. Gaines will eat at his school...but G comes with me to school this...which p.s I am SUPER EXCITED ABOUT!!
So....a friend and I chatted about preservatives. I believe the conveneint foods are making kids crazy these days, but i do not know how to plan and organize myself to cook and prepare fresh foods. I do not know how to meal plan, shop, and cook- so we eat crap! Like all the time!
Wanting to change this---suggestions welcome :0)

As for me being gullable... in my pursuit of healthy knowledge, i clicked an ad for losing 9 lbs in a week...never a good sign..but I did. turns out a real News Anchor did a free trial and blogged about it, posted the link for the products, and reported the amazing results. So I of course click and buy! One of the products is a freakin Mail-In rebate, ha! go figure, but the other was actually free ($1.95 shipping)
Anyway, I did this for two reasons:
1) New season = motivation to change my ways, although I never seem to follow through
2) Drs orders to lose 30 lbs. I was supposed to have lost 30lbs from jan-July, but instead I gained..a bunch, so he extended the deadline to January, giving me another 6 mos!!
Here's hoping :0)
I should get my stuff in a few days and will try it out. If you see me losing weight, you know it works, b/c I sho don't exercise!

Day One Highlight

2010-07-10T21:41:00.002-04:00

So, we're here at Fripp in the nicest house we've stayed in; but the deer are scarce this year. Usually there are (and this is no lie) at least 20 something deer filling the backyard, walking everywhere on the island. This is typically our fisrt form of entertainment after we settle in..feeding the deer. But, we got here and no deer so we put some lines out on the dock to fish a bit and the storm came...SO..we waited and waited. As soon as the last drop fell I decided to take Gaines on the golf cart to go on a Gator hunt. We came to a nearby pond and there he was---BIG gator! Now, to give a little background info, I happen to Love alligators and sharks. They totally fascinate me, so naturally I stop to admire the gator. I'm also no idiot (anymore) and I know better than to walk down the bank where the gator is resting his head and torment him by throwing things at him..not to mention this is majorily illegal. Soon after Gaines and I arrived at the scene (still safely in the g cart) these stupid kids come flying around the corner on their bikes. If I had to guess, they were prolly 8, 10, & 12 years old. So the oldest girl gets OFF of her already too close bike and proceeds to walk DOWN the SMALL bank towards the LARGE gator. Now I did this a bunch when my fam vacayed at Kiawah Island, but learned quickly that they snap quick and can KILL you! But I digress...
I was scared for her and frozen with pure entertainment--I could not leave the scene b/c I just knew he was gonna go friggin nuts on these brainless kids. So I watched--gator boy begins turning his his side to side in the water and slowly inched his way out of the water when idiot child throws another something at him!!!! This time gator boy LUNGES FORWARD AND SNAPS HIS JAWS, CLIPPING HER ARM!!!
I just knew for sure I's gonna be on Tee Vee.

jk--no arm clipping, but the gator did lunge and snap. The other kids were like quickly mounting their bikes, while big sister looks at them and says in her countriest voice Ever... "Oh my gawsh ya'll, I reckon we best be gettin on home. It's prawlly close to eatin time". (no emotion towards bout gettin eatin)
>>>> SAD <<<<
I know I just looked at the gator and he looked at me and we both just shook our heads.

Getting Ready...

2010-07-08T09:37:00.004-04:00

Well, we leave for Fripp in TWO days! I am sooo excited, but have soooo much to do to get ready. I vowed that today would be the big "Prep" day..you know, clean up, laundry, shopping list, laying stuff out, etc but in order to do this I have to take a break from working on school stuff!!

I am excited to go to Fripp this year b/c my kids are older and more independent. I was looking back through past Fripp pictures and realized that this has really become a sweet tradition. And even though the kids were small and needy, I always had sooo much fun and found time to relax, sun, swim, and fish. Here's hoping....

Mo Summer

2010-07-05T09:22:00.002-04:00

Summer is usually the time I spend getting all things left undone..done. However, i have been soooo super lazy so far! I've had fun with the kids, and they've had fun playing with each other; but part of me is just ready to set the new routine and get on with it...well, after next week when we return home from our annual Roberts beach trip to Fripp Island. I'm looking forward to going to the beach b/c we have such a good time every year. That, and I'm ready to just go somewhere. Should be more fun this year b/c my kids are older and thanks to Gram and Pop having a backyard pool, they are becoming quite the water babies. They both learned to jump of the diving board and turn flips and swim all over the pool, (with life saving device, of course).
I've started trying to get my self emotionally ready to have Gralynn join me in Kindergarten in August. Gaines will start a new daycare/preschool and it's all happening a wee bit too fast!
So, as I complain about the summer...I think I'm going to try to enjoy the lazy days and playing with my kids :0)

2010-06-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Y'all...it's been , like what...FOREVER since my last post??? I mean, that's only b/c I truly have not much to say, but I'm even tired of looking at the easter stuff so..
Here's my happenings:
1) It's summer. I'm not a fan of summer. I'd actually prefer to have like 5 weeks off to chill, beach; projects around the house; then go back to work with a big ole break mid year.
2) I think Gralynn is going to do gymnastics next year instead of dance. I really want her in acting classes, but don't want to start that toooooo early. We are already at the point of butting heads due to diva-tude; but then she show remorse, so I haven't completely lost her. It's a bunch of teachable moments around the Roberts household!
3) Gaines is a love. He's kind of bad; but a love nevertheless. I seriously tracks hink everyone should have a boy, whether biologically or a close-to-the family kid. He cracks me up all the time, but I have to find the balance of disciplining him and loving him.....ha!
4) We went Charleston to stay with Kels and fam and it was really nice. We did a beach day, which turned out to be a blast and then topped it off with some hundred impossible photo shoots! I love that our kids are tight.
5) I'm obsessed with making school stuff and have become really involved with my school. i don't know why~ I love Oak Pointe, but have never really been a "leader" but I'm slowly finding my way.
6) I'm a little bummed b/c I did NOT lose the 30 lbs I was supposed to by July 6th, but I'll just get fussed at by my cardiologist and enjoy my peanut butter mms.
7) I'm trying to explore God's word more b/c I am a history gal, but have a hard time staying consistent. My friend Keisa has offered to be my "life coach" for a while so we'll see what comes of growing and reflecting....maybe it'll make me actively become a better person!
8) We have a mouse--or mice inhabiting the kitchen cabinet, so I just finished OCDly bleaching EVERYTHING!!! Yuk! Trying not to get too frustrated about this house which is slowly becoming the Money Pit. I love my little old house, though and do not want to live in a cookie cutter, nor do I want to even think about trying to move, but sometimes it gets the best of me.
Other than that boring little update, nothing much is going on...

2010-05-03T21:06:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty sure I'm just keeping this blog alive (barely) so I can go straight to the other blogs I read...

I've just lost that loving feeling, time, and interest. Perhaps it will pick back back up when life get interesting!

By all means, you keep on blogging b/c I enjoy reading other people's stories :0)

2010-04-02T21:07:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Yo!
I can't believe it's this time of year! NOT that has come quickly, though. I love Spring, but dang it's already HOT.
We have Easter Hunt tomm and then church and tons of picture opps :)
I have a huge to do list for my "break"...most of which is shopping and decorating!! YAY!!
1. Paint Gralynn's room and buy her a bed so she'll go to her room-finally
2. Dining room set
3. curtains
4. yard
5. laundry
6. lose many pounds
7. lose many pounds
8. lose many pounds
9. plan for the rest of the school year
10. clean--heavily
and some where in there, I'd like to chill..ha! we'll see bout that one

Well, well, well

2010-02-19T20:14:00.004-05:00

As most others, I too have enjoyed and photagraphically captured memories of the great SC Snow! I loved it. Not even so much playing in it, b/c I don't own cute snowboots, but I loved watching the kids. It also made me appreciate the trees and the range of houses in my hood. The snow looked so pretty atop the different roofs and trees.
While we enjoyed the snow he in the south, Greg has had his share of snow adeventures. While his was at a business trip in Wisconcin, he slippled on an ice patch and broke his clavicle (collar bone). He has been in much pain, but has really managed well. He has been helpful and not really complained. Today he had surgery. His very first suregery ever! He was scared. I, laughed b/c I was like, "it's yo clavicle---I've had my chest cracked open twice and babies out my hootie! no comparison" but I've been advised to love and care for. So here begins the journey of Kerri-nursemaid. PS-- props to those of you who are nurses----SO not for me!!!

K- so here are some pics from snow. I hope I can become a loving compassionate wife!!!

Just an update

2010-01-23T20:45:00.002-05:00

Well Hellllooooo Strangers!
I know it's been a while since I last wrote, but I have been busy, (or lazy)...
I started my EC class at USC and I like it, so far. It's gonna be hard, though. I did finally get some news from the State Dept of Education about my Early Childhood certification and it seems like I'll be ok with this one course + my experience teaching 2nd and K. If this sticks I will be able to teach K next year!!! While all this was up in the air, I explored the idea of staying home, and I even applied to be the Children's Director at my church. I didn't get the job, but that's ok. I'm excited to stay in the same grade level again. I'm ready to settle down and maybe get GOOD at teaching!!! For years I thrive on change...challenge keeps me going, I guess. But ...I'm tired. God really comes through. I've been praying for a solution and peace about my career and this is just what I needed to chill out and prepare for the future.
I got a good report from my cardiologist and he's not ready to crack open my chest, but I do need to lose weight and see how my that helps my symptoms. I never thought I'd be in this position to have to lose weight, but I suppose age and child birthing has made me lose the eat what i want and not gain. That sucks!!! But oh well!
Gaines and I had the tsomach bug this month and I'm hoping Greg and Gralynn steer clear of getting it b/c it knocked me out.
Today the family went to the Zoo in the cold b/c Gaines is obsessed with animals and has been wanting to go. Riverbanks has kind of gone down hill. We were a bit disappointed, but joined anyway so we could go when we want--it's good to get out of teh house and do things as a family.
Next weekend I'm heading to the beach with K team and I am sooooo excited to get away :0) The following weekend my best friends are getting together and we are hoping to start an annual get together. We;ve wanted to do this for years but never seemed to be able to make it happen. I am so ready to spend time with them and reconnect!

And so it begins...

2010-01-11T16:19:00.002-05:00

1. Classes at USC. uh, make that singular- Class at USC for a half-finished certification..should be helpful!

2. Our school district "Shrinkdown" competition. I'm in the group called "Special K"--get it? Kindergarten (K) and it's a diet-ish food brand. I thought it was clever!

3.Living with/raising a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son. What a combo!!!!! they are the epotomy of the "love/hate" relationship, but I am quite enjoying mothering the upper end of toddlerhood.

No big news to share. Hence the piecey posts of late.
I'm just soul-searching and praying that God helps me discern some options, or non-options.
Oh and I go to the cardio tomorrow morning for a routine check up. I had my heart MRI in july and haven't heard any news from it, so I'm a bit nervous. not in my typical panicky way, but in the uneasy, I'm pretty sure a topic of interest will be "Valve Replacement Surgery" and that scares me.
K- that's it :0)

2010

2010-01-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

New Year. Not sure what it'll bring....

Crimmus Time again!!!

2009-12-15T20:31:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year! The giving, the smells, the decorations, and the general joy all around. I love my family and I love the spirit of the season.
I need to get on the ball and have some family pictures made. We decorated the tree, but it's in one of our incomplete rooms. I can't wait to get our house straight.
This month we celebrated Gralynn's 5th birthday at an Art Studio and had so much fun! Gralynn loves art and is now ready to take some classes. She said she'd rather do that than keep doing dance. She was a ballet drop out last year, so I'm determined she will stay in this class!
We are getting ready for Christmas and then our annual Holiday/New Year's party. Up next is Gaines' 3rd birthday, and then my classes begin mid January.
Life is busy, but good. Someone remind me of that when I'm all stressed and hopefully dropping much weight being busier than ever!!

Happy Holidays all! Can't wait to see pictures from everyone's holiday get togethers :0)

GREAT

2009-11-22T20:08:00.003-05:00

Here lately, the demands of being all that I am, and most of you reading this know exactly what I'm talking about, but it's truly so hard being wife, mom, friend, worker, etc. I'm blessed to have all of these demands..trust me, I'm actually not "complaining", just reflecting. Is it possible to do it all? i mean REALLY do it all? See, I don't think so. I keep thinking of a sermon from a while back when my pastor mentioned (in the midst of a much deeper meaning)that God calls us to be GREAT! He intends for us to follow Him, teach others through service, action, and speech, and to use the blessings He gives us to build others up. Easy, huh? Well, yes and no. He equips us to it all, but to GREAT? I'm struggling with that one.
Anyone feelin' me????
Feel free to share insighht. Really.

It's a Good Day to be ME

2009-11-18T20:27:00.002-05:00

You know how you have those "seasons" of your life when you feel like all is right with the world? You might even have things in your immediate surroundings running like you'd always hoped? Shoot, you might even be in a position to make a change, or not, but open to whatever comes your way?

And then.....

WHAM!

Bubble popped
End of story.

That's me.

Ha- go figure.

Rockin' Friends!

2009-10-26T21:34:00.004-04:00

So Gralynn and I set out on our very own roadtrip to the big town of Villa Rica, GA. Now, I HATE to travel, drive especially, but I'm glad we did. We went to celebrate Addison's 5th birthday. Gralynn and Addison actually have never really gotten along well in year's past (age, I guess) but this weekend they were like sisters. This was nice to see since her mommy and me are BFFs. It was cute to watch them dance and color and play together. They had a few little tiffs, due to being tired, but I'm so happy they got to spend time together!
I also had fun hanging out with Cara and the fam. Some things never change....
ME: fickle, A.D.D, crazy, unsure, and just wanting have fun
CARA: responsible, focused, calm, organized..and fun
It's good to have a friend to keep me straight- literally. After spending a whopping 3 days at the Baird household, I decided I would come home to get my house put together, organized, and decorated. I like to call it "active inspiration". So a few hundred dollars later, my house is well on its way to being organized and cleaned up! And p.s. I need to give a bug shout ot to Cara for her patience shopping with me. She's always been the one who could go on a miserable l-o-n-g shampoo shopping trip and never once have I busted her throwing her up wanting to strangle me!!! So YAY Cara :0)
Anyhoo--much needed break for me and G. Must do it again soon.
Myabe I'll have a holiday party at my pad and show off my newly organized cabinets...cuz I know that's why you would really come my party!!

I hear voices....

2009-10-14T16:41:00.003-04:00

I've always made jokes about me having multiple personalities...because I'm so fickle and moody....but for the past few years, I have picked up dialect and voices. In my classrooms, I always talk with accents and make up my own lingo, but I do it so much and so often I never really notice it. Well, now that I have an assistant with me all day, she is cracking up at how many different voices I use in a single day. This all came about b/c Gralynn has started talking real, REAL "Suthern" like the slow Charleston drawl. But she also says her i's with a major accent. Like nAt for night. I was making fub of someone or something today in my classroom and my asst, Lucky told me that's how I talk... She made me realize that Gralynn is probably picking up one of my many accents I use all the time!
So now the question is...how do I break it???? I mean Charleston talk is cute and suthern, but I do not want it turning into redneck speech!

Things that excite me....

2009-10-03T09:52:00.003-04:00

Life lately has just been, well....BUSY! BUSY BUSY BUSY BUSY as I'm sure most of you two who read my blog experience too. In the same aspect, my life is FULL FULL FULL. And I am so thankful for that. Because of my content state (currently), there are so many things that really excite me-
the weather change
Starbucks tastes so much better in the fall
new TV episodes
the fact that I get to teach an Apple Unit this year!!
planning activities for Kindegarten
watching Gaines learn things from his sister
shopping for new clothes, new furniture, new decor
buying Mums
getting my hair did--(did I mention I'm a platinum blonde now? oooopps)
buying new make up
keeping my windows open
playing outside with the kids
and all the scents and tastes of fall
Just to name a few

When in Doubt....

2009-09-21T19:07:00.002-04:00

Turn to the ones you birthed!
I have been feeling like CRAP the past week. Not achy, not fever, not even any pain--just whipped. I know it's the season and the teaching Kindergarten, and the two youngins at home, and the other stresses that have knocked me out...but if you know me- I have concocted other reasons for my weariness. Reasons of which I will not bore you with, but I'm sure you can figure one of them starts with C and ends in R! I did go to the doc today to have blood checked...mainly tested for Mono--won't find out until later, but oh well. But that's not the reason for this post...

Along with the crap-feeling, I've just been in funk, so-to-speak. Like I can't do too much of anything right. Then my dear Gralynn just came up to me and said "Mom, do you why you're the best mom in the whole big wide world?" "No." I say. She strokes my face and says "because you are the sweetest, kindness girl ever! You are just so super sweet and I just love you".

Spirits Lifted :0)

Of ALL the people...

2009-09-03T17:10:00.002-04:00

I get a SWINE FLU kid in my class! Ok, so that sounded like he's had it and they gave him to me...not so. He was diagnosed today and I have a fear of diseases, so I should be super fun to work with tomorrow! On the way home from school this afternoon, I stopped by Rite Aid and picked up two extra large bottles of Hydrogen Peroxide, got the kids, straight to the shower, cleaned up, washed sheets, and now trying to declutter! At least we have a long weekend ahead :0)

And we're off.....

2009-09-01T21:09:00.002-04:00

Full speed ahead! Just in these past two days, we have started many a new activity...
Gralynn started dance (tap/ballet). I wasn't sure she's like it since she was a ballet drop out last year, but ashe called my mom after her first class last night and said, "Mimi, I WAS BORN TO DANCE!" shocker....she IS my daughter, afterall. It's the choreographed dance that I'm sure she'll take to, but we shall see. She also started Soccer tonight and loves it. She won the "sharks and minoes" game b/c she said nobody was able to get the ball from her. I wasn't there for that part b/c I had to leave to go to her Pre-K meeting, which she starts tomorrow. But I'm happy she likes it. She is sooooo competitive. That, she gets from her dad, not me. On the way to the field I her saying in the car "Please God, please God, please God". I asked what she was saying and she said she was begging God to let her win! I explained it was a practice night and she wouldn't be playing in a game, but she still wants to be the best. I'm sure I'll have to do damage control when someone gets past her, but for now I'm happy she's happy.
Poor Gaines is just being dragged around and wants so badly to be involved.

As for me....well....this is the second full week of school and I have to say that today was really the firts day I can honestly say I think I am starting to love Kindergarten. I know the majority population believes K must be so easy to teach, but if any grade can run your ragged, it's K! It is the hardest job I have ever had! The needs and tudes of 5 year olds is exhausting, but I'm seeing spurts of sweet learning and growing already and it is really becoming quite fulfilling. I have a difficult class, as with each year, but I embrace the challenge and will do my best! Prayerfully, I will be able to sustain the role of "soccer mom" and do all I can to be the best with all my duties this year. As it turns out, I will have to take my two classes in the spring, so I know I will be super exhausted then, but I know all will be well. In the meantime, I'm enjoying being "that mom".

Oh-K

2009-08-20T19:29:00.003-04:00

I started teaching Kindergarten today. I'm worn out. I can't seem to catch a break from USC and actually get in this one course I HAVE TO HAVE by June so I can keep teaching Kindergarten next year.

I don't even know how to comment when people ask, "so how is Kindergarten?"....it's hard. Plain and simple. Especially for this - love the bad guys, prepubescent, smart mouthed, funny as crap, can hold a conversation kids.

But here's the catch... for some strange reason, I feel like K just may be my niche. It is (and will continue) to force me to discover the value in learning, explore the nature of kids' behaviors, and really take seriously just how important my role in the life of a child is. I mean, it's their very FIRST experience in school. It's the basis for all other learning. My class is absolutely adorable...in theory and in appearance. I have to delve into my philosophies and what I value to be best practice and really, truly "train" these little guys. Leaving all self convenience to the side-- absolutely--what can I do to reach this little sponge of a kid, soaking it all up?

Big job. Important job. I think I'm gonna love it!

All Grown Up..

2009-08-07T20:21:00.002-04:00

I've always coined myself as being more of a "toddler mommy" than a "baby mommy". I prefer the interaction and hilarious moments toddlers can offer over the neediness of babes. (NOT that I don't love to hold babies every now and then..) Anyhoo- I have waited 4 years to do the very thing I did today with Gralynn. I signed her up/registered/paid for Preschool, Dance, and Soccer! It's bitter sweet to tell you the truth, b/c I love, love, love this age...but at the same time it's sad to me that she is AT this age. And same for Gaines---he is just a little boy now--no more baby"ness", except for teh diapers, which he should be doing away with shortly (fingers crossed).
So upon all this excitement, I have obsessively shopped on the net for a backpack, dance bag, and soccer bag. And of course I want the cutesy personalized gear, b/c that's just what I'm into. I keep seeing the same 4 designs pop up. And I'm not a fan of the Stephen Joseph bags, not sure why. They're cute and all, but I guess b/c they are EVERYWHERE....
So, if someone knows of a really cute site, please leave me a comment. Or if you just know of a cute brand, etc..let me know that too.

Secret Agent GG

2009-08-01T17:58:00.003-04:00

Gralynn and Gaines are so into this whole "Secret Agent" role play thing. It's really cute to watch, actually. Gaines is trying so hard to keep up with Gralynn's sophisticated imagination, which ends up being his version of role playing whatever SHE's role playing. They make forts all over the house and have become pretty independent when they play. Well, I actually referred to them as "deodorant" while talking to Cara the other day b/c I was complaining about them being right up under me all day, but when they are in the zone---they don't need me and play very nicely together. Gralynn discovered this old voice recorder and decided this was the "WALL-E" the detective robot here to help them escape the bad guys. Gaines had just gotten up from nap and Gralynn was urgently tugging at him wanting him to come and hide from the bad guys. Gaines looked at her and said, "Sissy, there are no bad guys" and Gralynn demanded "Yes there are Gaines! I just got a message on this secret transmitter and we have to hide. Hurry. Over here" So they hid under the kitchen table and decided they could be seen, plus I was vaccuming their feet, they tried another area under a table stand, and finally said : "Mom, bad guys can see us down here, can we just go upstairs and play in our rooms?" Well, of course!!!! I normally have to beg them to go play in another room. But rather than going to the play room upstairs, they are in their bedrooms which means they are tearing them up!
< sigh >

Long time, no post

2009-07-29T20:09:00.006-04:00

I've looked at this everyday and just have not felt like posting. I hate it when that happens b/c I check your blogs nightly and I get so bummed when there's nothing new to read or look at!

So, to summarize the past few weeks (the month of July, really) we have have enjoyed ourselves! Our trip to Fripp Island was wonderful. I think I love going to Fripp so much b/c it reminds me of family trips to Kiawah island when I was younger. One of my favorite things to do is take the golf cart and alligator hunt. I've always had a fascination with sharks and alligators, so when I go to Fripp, I get to play with both! Most of the pictures of posted on Facebook, but here are a few more:

Also, we had a visit from my friend, Monica, and her two kids yesterday. We had lunch and she brought a ton of clothes for teh kids. In one of the bags were the coveted Power Ranger outfits!! Now Gisele and Saint have had these for years...and they gave them up for Gralynn and Gaines. Very sweet. Mine wear them all day long, even though they are super hot. They play around the house "fighting bad guys"! Every time I walk around my house, I spot a new fort/hideout they made..

Parent-Teacher Woes

2009-07-05T19:25:00.002-04:00

So, as of late, I have been in this obsession with my class room for next year and trying to get it straight in my brain exactly HOW to teach Kindergarten. I did two long-term subs in K before I got my real job, but having my OWN digs is different. Plus the team I will be working with is super tight and have everything organized. Luckily, my mom has SOOOOOO much stuff and resources for me to use, it's just a matter of going through it all and organizing it. So in essence, it's kind of a good problem to have :0) And yes, I choose to do this to myself--(change grade level every year)
Secondly, Gralynn is giving me sassy fits! We butt heads..bad! So I turned to my girlfriends and they suggest reading Creative Corrections by Lisa Whelchel (Blair from the Facts of Life) So I buy the book. I haven't read it. Flipped through it a bit and I am excited to learn what she has to teach me about parenting effectively using biblical principles and text!

The other night I started to have myself one of my infamous mini break downs, b/c it occured to me, (as true with many of you) that I am just getting by with 10 different roles and jobs and I don't feel quite like I'm being the WIFE, MOM, HOUSEKEEPER, TEACHER, FRIEND, SISTER, LEADER that I am supposed to be. I mean, perhaps this is why I can never "get it together". So having said that, I'm also in the process of searching for answers about how to either chill, or how to be great at these things....will let you know how that works out for me :0)

Picture Reflections

2009-07-01T21:00:00.005-04:00

As I was organizing all my photos from this summer thus far, I found myself exhausted from remembering all the 100s of things we have done. It seems like every single day we have engaged in some kind of activity or event. Now, I planned it that way, b/c last summer was miserable- me trying to get things done and keeping the kids in teh house watching TV. I vowed to have them out and about and man I sure have!
At this point in the summer (I guess you could say mid-way), I am beginning to get real stressed out! I'm tecahing Kindergarten next year. i am super excited about this, but I have TON of prep work to do. I still have plenty of house projects and mini photo projects to start. I'm also trying to train myself to follow a schedule and a plan so I can have a better school year next year being organized.

Anyhoo-----here are some pics from today's venture to Pine Island with Maria and Alana.

Summa Summa Summertime

2009-06-23T21:18:00.003-04:00

Well, I am just having a great summer thus far. I hope everyone else is too. I got myself a little calendar to help keep myself organized and to schedule playtime with friends and family. We've only been out for a few weeks now, but I have been so busy. Good busy, but busy!
We went to Litchfield Beach with my family last week and had a great time. It was actually the first time my family has gone to the beach since I was a kid. Donald and Greg were not there b/c they had to work, but Kelsey + girls, Kevin, Mom, and me + GG went for the week. It was nice to spend time with the family and watch as the girls and my two played together on the beach. I'm also happy that mom was able to do this for us and that she could start her retirement out having fun with us.

I have much more planned, and much more that I hope will happen before summer's end.

Expert?

2009-06-12T21:02:00.002-04:00

How does one get to be a guru when it comes to products? I'm currently looking to by a Juicer, but I'm having to research first so I don't end up with a piece of crap on one hand, or spend too much $ on something I can't figure out. Upon my internet-based reading, I came across several websites that appear to be self-proclaimed gurus. Like, this guy in Charlotte whome I've never heard of has his own website and does videos of himself trying out products and giving HIS "expert" opinion on them. So why would I trust his opinion? Heck, I'm a product junkie, just ask any of my friends from high school...perhaps I could start my own advice/opinion/product endorsing website!
I'll start here with a few of my own "taste tests"... (and I bet you guys are gonna go right out and buy these things JUST b/c I said so!! right?

LAUNDRY DETERGEANT: Tide- powder-(way more for your $ in powder form)
- the new Arm and Hammer 2-in-1 dryer sheets ROCK! Way softer and fresher than bottled softener in the washer and dryer sheets. Cost and space effective too

Floor Cleaner: Orange Glow is the best on hard wood floors. Beats out Swiffer any day!

Toothpaste: Crest paste. period. nothing fancy

Diapers: LUVS
Wipes: Target brand- moisture, thickness, better than other brands

Zit Cream: old faithful by far---- Clean and Clear Persa Gel
Face Soap: the Oil of Olay line is awesome!!!!!!! best ever- I swtich up the specifics, but love the whole line

Make up in general: Lancomme mineral powder beats out Bare Minerals! and the concealer is the best I have EVER used!

Mascara and Lipstick: (feel free to advise) I have yet to find a favorite and I am a mascara/lipstick Queen!

Soap; Good ole Dove bar-the white one, no swirls or funky fruity scent

No clue on hair products- I keep changing my hair

And that's my first submission of Kerri's Best Products

Turtles... Gotta Love 'Em

2009-06-08T20:46:00.003-04:00

My kids love having my classroom turtles, Sally and Sammy, home with us. I'm awaiting a large tank to keep them in for the whole summer, but right now they are in small tank (that I happened to break today!). I let the kiddos out to crawl around..Sally and Sammy go to crawl around too :0)and Gianes and Gralynn were having the funniest conversations with the turtles.

In other news, Gralynn started VBS today at Union and had a really good time. As it turns out, Kelsey's good friend, Debbie, is her teacher this week. And next year I hope to be teaching Debbie's son in 2nd grade :0)

Tomorrow we are FINALLY getting the carpet replaced in the room over the garage. This orginally was going to be the Greg's "ManRoom", but alas I convinced him it needs to be the kids playroom. So- I won out --now I get to organize and decorate once the carpet is in. YAY-- love projects.

And lastly, Kelsey and fam are coming home this week and I cannot wait to see them, but more to get my hands on Raegan. The last time I saw her she was tiny.

I am off to a good summer. My little "fruit/veggie/liquid diet" has started and I feel better just knowing that I am doing something good for my health.

My Big Boy's Night Out

2009-05-29T22:13:00.006-04:00

Tonight Gaines went to spend the night with Gram and Poppa. Greg and gralynn went to see the movie "Up" and said it was awesome! And me? Well, I had a night to myself....chopped my hair off, went to tan, grabbed a Starbucks, and went out with friends to Mexico. Needless to say, I had a good night. But I do miss my Boy :0)

Bragging Rights

2009-05-23T20:21:00.002-04:00

Well, I never thought I'd see this sweet little side of me when it comes to giving Greg props, but I just have to. It's funny that when you sit back and reflect on your marriage, you can almost literally see a timeline of growth. Like, I feel like I have watched Greg grow into the man he is today and though we've had our share of tiffs, it's an obvious blessing that God brought us together.
I feel like he's more in tune with my needs: My need to shop, my need to huff around, my need to organize or rearrange, my need to eat everything in the house, my need to get my meds refilled so I don't wander about the Target parking lot in tears searching for my van today!, my need to just be retarded, my need to plant something, paint something, or tear something apart, my need to sleep or rest b/c I have no energy, my need to still watch 90210, my need to change my appearance every so often, and my need to go do something just for me.
I have watched him single-handedly create his swim business. I've watched him become a man who helps with the kids, the house, the yard. And I've watched him become an amazing father and leader of our family.
I'm sitting on my couch typing on the laptop he bought me just b/c I said I thought I needed another one that did not belong to school. I'm looking out my window at the massive mess in our yard that he made from chopping down part of the jungle left here by previous owners, just b/c he wants us to have a really nice yard for our kids to enjoy. And I'm washing the new stuff I bought today with the money he earned from teaching swim lessons this morning. Oh, and we're about to watch a movie he picked: Bride Wars, just b/c he thought I'd enjoy it!
Sweet Guy I have! I do love him :0)

Let's Celebrate!

2009-05-20T21:05:00.004-04:00

MOM'S RETIRED!! This was a very tough decision for my momma, but I am so unbelievably happy for her. I only hope that she will fully enjoy her new freedom and embrace all that life has to offer!
The kids and I had the pleasure of heading over to NRES for mom's school retirement party. Unfortunately, we arrived just as mom was giving her "speech" which was proceeded by Gaines running up to her screaming "MimiMimiMimi" and interrupted her speech with his talents of holding is nose and making blowing sounds. His flair for the spotlight continued with me literally chasing him all around the school! Somehow we managed to get a few pics in the mix.

The 30, I mean almost 31 year lazy streak!

2009-05-16T22:17:00.002-04:00

I have NEVER been one to work out. Even in college when it was so cool to buy "workout" clothes and go to the gym, get hot body, and socialize I was never motivated-physically. Now in my head---oh yeah--I was all about trying to be skinny and wanting that oh so sleek physique, but it never literally registered into any kind of grand action. Then when my cardiologist gave me the out and said I would probably never be able to be one of "those", I was happy b/c it justified my sedentary lifestyle. But now, not so in love with my current bod, I wish something would enable me the energy and gusto to be one of "those". You see, I'm kind of an extremist when it comes to just about everything in my life. It's all or nothing. And now I'm kind of sad that my head is wanting to be a work out girl and I physically can't do it. Dang, I can hardly dig a dang hole in the yard to plant a flower without having to sit down, but yet I'm not ready to have my chest cracked open again to get the valve replacement I need to gain the stamina to do it! The advice I was given was to wait until I'm like 40 before undergoing another open heart surgery b/c there is no telling how long the valve thing would hold--so best to wait it out until I truly have NO energy at all. So I guess my next best plan is to, I don't know...not eat so much! Ha- what a novel idea!!!! So yay- I'll be the thick girl with no energy while all of my friends are working their hot bodies :0) (Not that I would actually partake in the exercise way of life if I could) If only there was a magic pill without side effects that would make me skinny while stuffing my face and sitting on my butt!!!!!

Huh?

2009-05-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

I got nothing...just wanted a change! Keep Kayleigh's family in your prayers---the Freeman's blog is linked to mine if you wanna catch up.

Enjoy

All My Children

2009-05-03T20:01:00.003-04:00

When I refer to "my children" in this blog title, I am talking about the ones Greg and I raised in Jacksonville. We started our ministry with youth in 2001. That same group of kids is now graduating college, getting married, having babies...growing up. I just got back from my second youth wedding in Jax. To give background, Greg worked at Beach methodist Church. This church is THE foundation for my faith in God as an adult. Something clicked, I felt the love Jesus has for me through the people at the church, and genuinely fell head over heels with this group of kids. We were there for 2 1/2 years and left for various reasons, but they are the still MY babies. I had an awesome time last night celebrating with my friend Katie and all my kids, families, and friends.
As a bonus, I bought the one piece 70's jumpsuit to wear, but did not have a decent pair of shoes to wear with this outfit, so Katie and I left our hotel room 15 minutes before the wedding started, ran in to the hole-in-the-wall shoe store and found a gazillion awesome pairs of shoes! I only had time and money to buy one pair, though. I love it when that happens----zoom shopping and finding the perfect shoe :0)

Is this a Blessing or a Curse???

2009-04-20T20:54:00.007-04:00

))

So Gaines is almost two and half now and in the recent past, I have learned the pure joys and agonies of having a boy. I mean, if you have a little man of your own- you get that there is just something so special..can't describe it, but I thought I was headed for some hard times in connection with his all-boy behavior. As of late, he has become OBSESSED with puzzles! I thought to myself, Oh this is cool...he sits still and focuses on his task, staying out trouble- so YAY. Go ahead with that, kiddo. Well, today was a test, b/c it was beautiful outside. After school we all went outside to play, run, garden, swing, etc. What did Gaines do? Run back inside, grab two puzzles out of the closet, plopped down at the table on the deck and stayed put..... for 1 1/2 HOURS!!!! He wouldn't even get up to play ball or dig in the dirt with Gralynn and me! So I wonder, does this mean I have an unsociable chess player on my hands, or should I be grateful that my boy thoroughly enjoys thought-provoking toddler activities??? (if his language wasn't what it is, I'd start freaking :0And then, there's Gralynn.... Greg gave her my old MP3 Player...she's a just a rocker. Period.

Pre Easter Events

2009-04-11T21:45:00.002-04:00

Today was a wonderful day! We started out getting cars serviced and then headed to an Easter Egg Hunt at the Sinclairs church. Gralynn and Gaines had a great time with Addison and Carsyn! Then we headed over to Greg's parents for our annual egg hunt and dinner. The kids always have a great time at Gram and Papa's. Tomorrow we will go to church and eat lunch at Mimi's. I have put my favorite pictures on the slideshow from today. More to come tomorrow!!

Ta Da!!

2009-04-09T21:46:00.007-04:00

Here are the before and afters of my laundry and downstairs half bath. Still small rooms--no knocking down walls....YET :0)..(ok, based on the pics, it is really the AFTERS, then the Before pictures)

AQUARIUM

2009-04-07T19:39:00.003-04:00

Today the four of us took off to Charleston to go to the Aquarium. The guys were here working on the rooms, so we felt the need to get out the house. The weather was freezing and the entry line was soooo long, but we had fun just getting away. We also stopped at the Tanger Outlets for a second where I literally ran into Katie and her family! We were axtually supposed to hook up yesterday when she was in town and I completely dissed her (by accident), so I'm happy we got to see each other, even if for a brief moment in the middle of the Gap!
I finally figured out how to create a slideshow, so here are the pics from today. When the rooms get finished I will post Before and After shots.

Phase Two....hundred and something crazy!

2009-04-05T19:51:00.006-04:00

"Let's start with a plan" are words I never actually put to good use. It's more like, what area is driving me crazy right now. I managed to change around the three rooms I mentioned in my previous post, but now they are just packed of all the stuff I actually have to organize and place. My biggest dilema right now (concerning the house) is color. I don't know my "style" and it's driving me crazy!!! Honestly, I need an HGTV representative to come on over and tell what the heck to do. The funniest part to me is that my completely unmotivated-to-do-house-stuff husband decided he would dig up the half placed pavers the old couple left for us and start to create a true walkway from driveway to back deck. This would be the job we did ALLLLLL froggin day today! The people are coming tomorrow to begin the bathroom renovation and therefore I had to complete 900 loads of laundry so we can move out the washer and dryer so they can lay the tile. I was hoping to paint the laundry and bath before they came, but I could not decide on color.

I soooo do not get how you people build houses. It would drive me nuts to have to make all of those decisions. (Although it would prolly be fun if I had an unlimited budget).

Anywoo, here are some pics from the walkway creation. Gaines was true help~

PS- Not sure why my boy had to wear this hat!

Phase One

2009-04-02T21:04:00.004-04:00

My house is an old house. It's very similiar to the house I grew up in and I love it. It's not fancy, or huge, or stuffy. In fact, the old couple who lived in it previously were here for 28 years! They have done some renovations, like updating the kitchen and adding a large wrap around porch and sun room. Thus, creating three dens. By three dens, I mean three rooms that could serve as many combinations of TV room, study, play room, dining room, living room, etc. Now if you know me, this is both a dream and a curse b/c I do love my options, but sheesh, I can NEVER make up my mind. SOOOO, I called my mom the other night and said 'I think I have it---I think I have figured out my house"! Meaning, I've decided to change things up AGAIN. So here begins phase one- organizing, moving, and streamlining the Playroom. I'm trying to sell my dining room suit b/c I don't like it, don't need it, and would rather have the space. (Traditional house layouts and uses have never been an interest of mine). SO- we have a closet under the stairs in the "dining room/ living room" at the front of the house. The closet already has built-ins, so I've decided: THIS is the new playroom. No, the kids don't have to stay in the closet and play, but their stuff WILL be stored neatly dangit!

If you're up for redecorating or shopping--come my way, cuz it's the kick I'm on!!

Oh and---Greg and I were going to NYC this weekend through Tuesday while the bathroom renovation takes place, but we've (I've) decided to use our money for more projects :0) Plus, we have those two children that can't take care of themselves.....

Out of the funk and into the OCD!!!

2009-03-29T21:06:00.002-04:00

YAY! yet another side of Kerri for my fam to deal with. Never a dull moment around here. For those of you who know me well, understand that I am about as extreme and fickle as they come. I've been letting everything go--just not wanting to do a dang thing. Like to the sad point where I;d look at something on the floor and just leave it there, eehh. Now I'm on a decorating kick. Wentn to mom's today to look through mags and start a file of what I really dream my house could one day look like. I hope my organizational stride lasts, b/c Spring Break is just around the corner and I could sure be productive!

Talk About a Funk!!

2009-03-26T21:17:00.002-04:00

For the past several weeks, well the whole month of March really, I have felt like crap, looked like crap, eaten crappy, and acted crappy! Last night I had a weird dream about being out somewhere and not seeing Gralynn and Gaines for a long time. It scared me so that as I got in my car this morning early to go to work since Greg was taking them to school today, and I turned my car around just so I could peek in on Gaines and whisper I love you, hug Gralynn again in fear that something awful was going to happen today! I thought I was literally going to have a nervouse breakdown when I got back in my car to head to school.
March has actually never been a good month for me. It's the month my PaPa died, the year I was in my first house fire, the month I did NOT get pregnant and had myself convinced I was barren (turns out I got pregnant with Gralynn the very next month :0)), and I tend to have my worst panic episodes during the month of March.
HOWEVER, the good news is March 2009 is a month I have consistently spent time with the Lord learning and praying His word. SO, my plan: to get over it. As of right now, I am deciding to clean the house, see the silver lining, and enjoy my family more.

SPRING IS HERE!!!

2009-03-21T21:11:00.004-04:00

I am so thankful for seasonal changes. I love how just when the weather, the plants, the sun going down early gets old, God changes it all up! Our yard is in need of a major landscape miracle, but I enjoy change, so it should be fun to plan..and buy...and plant..and design. If only a huge chunk of money would come my way, I could do what really needs doing. Which is ironic that I say that b/c I just finished my devitonal about beinng Satisfied. Ha..that is one of my biggest weaknesses. I can never seem to be satisfied. I wonder if being totally satisfied with the Lord includes not wanting to make major home improvements??? The good thing is, I am becoming more satisfied with who I am. It's taken a long time for that, but I know that the Lord made me the way He wanted to, so that should, and is becoming enough for me.

Today, I lazed around and watched HGTV all day. I'm beginning to think that HGTV is about as bad for me as Googling medical issues!!! But my mom told me that if I want to REALLY make chnages to my house--changes that will actually STICK, I should do my research. So I am planning to notebook designs and layouts and decorative ideas to get my house looking good. I am so fickle with everything that I can never settle on one thing.

We grilled out tonight- steak, taters, steamed asparagus, the works. it was the first time in a long time, that I felt the spring fever starting to hit. I managed to halfway change out the closets and rearrange furniture. I have such an odd house and I have a hard time finding a perfect fit! I want all new everything!!

Tomorrow I hope to spend some time playing with my camera and taking some great pictures of the kids, buying frames, and decorating some more. We'll see just how much I get done.
Anyone wanna come over and give me some decorating advice?? Maybe foot the bill??haha

Job (as in bible, not occupation)

2009-03-16T20:42:00.003-04:00

Read Job 38-42. The Lord cracks me up. Like I think in the heat of explaining to Job just how powerful He is, He cracked a funny and even used some Sarcasm!!
I don't know why this struck me, really, but it did. It makes me think that this issue of pride and disrespect for authority for adults kids have today actually began "way back when". If only we were allowed to talk to kids the way God talked to Job!

A Day of Rest

2009-03-09T21:13:00.008-04:00

I woke up at 1:30 this afternoon. Hallelujah! Much needed rest :0) I took a Phenergan (sp?) last night before bed in the hopes that it would alleviate some nausea. It did not hit me until I went upstairs to brush my teeth. For the first time (in real life, not my panicky state), I got all dizzy, sweaty, and lost complete control of myself. I passed out coming out of the bathroom. I hit my neck and shoulder on the corner of my dresser and Gralynn found me, woke me up, somehow I got to bed, but still could not talk or walk. This freaked Greg out. Shortly I got myself together and we realized it had to have been the meds kicking in! HARD! So needless to say, I slept! I still felt real yuck most of the day, but I was able to play outside with the kids around dinnertime. I took some shots of them on the playset.

PS- Thanks for the well wishes :0)

YUCK!

2009-03-08T20:31:00.002-04:00

And now I have the pukies! Nice! No school for me tomorrow. I hope to be over this soon. It brings back horrible memories from pregnancy. ugh.

there will be no picture to accompany how crappy i feel. gaines can look cute, but not I!!

Poor Boy

2009-03-03T20:25:00.005-05:00

Well, yet again, Gaines is sick. But this time not with the snotty funk. Even better---the poopies and throwing up! He is soooo stinkin pitiful when he's sick. I never want him to feel bad, but I gotta tell you..he just might be the sweetest little guy ever. He just likes to cuddle and laze around. I got home today and he was so lethargic and pale. It was kinda scary. Poppa stayed home with him today after Greg left for work. I took in doc-in-a-box and the lady at the counter told me, "You know it's gonna be a wait, right?" I looked around at the packed box and said "yes, but will it be THAT long?" She looked at me and said, "Honey it's gonna be LLLOOOOOONNGGGGG wait!" So I decided to take him home and doctor him up myself. He got his color back and began eating and drinking, so I feel a little better now. Greg will stay home with him tomorrow b/c we have Pajama Day at school. You know how long I've waited to wear PJ's to school??? I can't wait! Anyway, here's hoping he feels better soon!

Oh and Gralynn said she wants to be sick b/c Gaines is sick and he got to miss school and stay home with Poppa all day. No thanks!

Gralynn on God

2009-02-24T20:41:00.003-05:00

Gralynn and I have ritual. Hold your judgement, but she still sleeps with me in my bed. EVERY night. I happen to love it, and yes I know she has got to get of the bed..blah, blah, blah. However, this is not the content of tonight's post. The ritual is she says "i love you Jesus, thank you for everything. Amen" Then we exchange "I'm so happy to be your mommy, with I'm so happy to be your daughter and Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I love you. Kiss kiss roll over and snore. Well, Greg and I are trying somewhat to get her at least interested in sleeping in her room. SO, she plays more in her room and naps in her room. Tonight I tried something new. We got all cozied in her bed and read from her God's Little Princess Devotional. We started with teh story of Adam and Eve and how Satan tempted them with the fruit, thus sinners were born. She has been referring to "bad" people as Shooting guys, so we tallked about how not all "bad" people actually shoot...
But the rest of the conversation was a bit cute so I'll follow my friend Marianne's template in kid conversation:

G: is Satan a bad guy?
Me: yes- he is the opposite of God
G: so that makes God like the goodest of all, right?
Me: yes it does and God is always with us.
G: she looks around the room
Me: I say He is even with us right now.
G: looks around some more and then all of sudden Greg's footsteps in hall. (Heavy feet on hard floors)
I thought her eyes were gonna pop out of her head!
Me: oh, that's just daddy.
G: So we need to always listen to God?
Me: yes, He is Love and helps us always
G: Does Satan have a wife and kids?
Me: no--he a lonely guy
G: does he drive a car? because if he does then he drive to our house and get me
Me: no, Satan does not drive a car, but God lives in your heart and so Satan can never hurt as long as you listen to God and do what He says.
G: then I'm gonna listen to God because i don't want to a bad girl

Then Greg and I proceeded to tell her that God wants her to sleep in her room.
G: I don't think God is really saying that b/c He doesn't want me to be scared.

It was a nice try, maybe we'll try again tomorrow, but I had fun listening to her comprehend the good and bad.
If you don't talk to your kids about God, you should. They want and need to know about His love for all of us...not to mention you may get a good laugh out of the conversation!

2009-02-20T20:37:00.002-05:00

My loving husband can actually be sweet sometimes. He brought me a Starbucks and these flowers at school today. It was very sweet. We have started the Love Dare which is a Christian-based book about reconnecting with your spouse. It correlates with the movie Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron. If you can get past the lame acting, the message really is eye-opening. Anyhoo, the Love Dare is a 40 day "be nice to your spouse" kind of book. The point is that while you engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, the Lord actually softens us to the needs of others. Now, in all honesty, neither Greg nor I have actually opened the book! Our small group might kill us tomorrow when we're supposed to share our experiences, but I believe that just paying closer attention to your partner and giving of yourself helps. Especially when you hit a long slump. We are going on a double date tomorrow night after our Yard Sale and my hair appt. Then Sunday morning we are Dedicating Gralynn and Gaines to the church. (it's just an act of loyalty and symbolic of our acknowledging that we and our children belong to God). Baptism is believed to be a personal choice of people who are able to decide for themselves to take this step in obedience. We have never gotten our kids baptized/christened b/c we haven't had a home church. Oh well. Hopefully by our example, they will take that step on their own!
So that's this weekend update.

hug hug kiss kiss

I know a Bully

2009-02-17T21:01:00.003-05:00

I'm going to conduct myself during this brief release of frustration in a manner in which would make my mother proud...
Just keep in mind that it would be super easy for me to be very ugly and shallow about this particular person, but I am choosing to handle myself with dignity...
SO, here goes...

There is a bully that I know, she really is not nice, i wish I could teach her manners, to tame her vocal bark, to place a silver lining around her negativity, to shake her into decency, I'd settle for pleasantry, or maybe even sincerity, but in reality she's just negative, she'll talk trash to whomever will listen, she'll find the tiniest thing to emphasize and never give credit where credit is due, everything is a complaint, complaint, complaint, did I mention she likes to complain, it must be hard to feel that way every day all day, and to never even make amends, how does that not wear her down, I wonder if she chose this path, or if it's all she's known, I wonder if she's one of those who feels better by putting others down, I wonder of she knows how her attitude drags others down, or maybe that's her plan? Who knows...all I know is, it's mean.

I'm done.

2009-02-11T17:49:00.002-05:00

I really have nothing to say, just wanted a change since it's been a while since my last post. I'm heading out to eat Mexican, which makes me soooooo happy! I am loving this weather and had a good day today. Ummmm...I'll be checking back in with my nightly blog list later.

Crossroads...

2009-01-31T18:27:00.006-05:00

I'm 30. That's not old, but it is "old enough" to want to adapt my lifestyle to one that helps improve my overall health. I've become rather enamored with TV shopping products. I could sit and watch one after the other and be ready to order whatever is being sold! If it weren't for Greg, I might turn into one of those old ladies who stockpile millions of products around the house.
However, I am becoming more aware of healthy eating habits. The initial thought came when my cardiologist said, "Now kerri, you just will not be able to exercise like regular people.. you may be able to walk-low-impact, but working out..not so much". Option: have my chest cracked open again to fix my valve, and THEN I might be able to workout. Now for those of you who know me, that's a joke. Are you kidding? I was relieved. I HATE working out. Just never been one of those. So, I figure, I'm not a gym rat, but I can control what I eat. The second realization about healthy eating came along with this Daniel Fast I've been on. 20 days so far, actually, truth be told, this last week I HAVE been eating normally at home and/or for one meal. But the rest of it is fruits and veggies only. I just saw the ad for the Jack Lalanne Juicer and now I sooooo want to be a juicer! (not the machine, but a person who juices) ALL fruits and veggies, peeling and all can be juiced and ingested in seconds. There used be days I'd go without a single glass of water or a single fruit or veg. And I felt like CRAP...
Looking for practical info on organics and healthy eating.
PROBLEM: Greg is a horrible junky. My kids are becoming junky and I feel it is important to teach them healthy eating habits, but the hub won't support it.... I know this b/c upon starting the Fast, the man came home and baked choc chip cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK--thoughts? comments? help?? tips???

Worry and Realization

2009-01-26T20:36:00.002-05:00

I'm such a hypochondriac! SHOCKER! But this morning I was putting my face on and noticed how big my face is. My lymph nodes are swollen and my neck is thick. I have the sniffles, but the first thing that popped in my stupid head is "I have lymphoma". I could not get it out my head. I went to my nurse at school today (and she knows I'm a freak, but is sooo nice in site of it) and said I probably have some drainage and not to worry about it! HA! Have you met me? I am a little scared, but I'm more upset that my mind goes straight to some tragic end. In church and in small group, we have been talking about storms in our lives and how the Lord works. So naturally I concur that all this "prep" talk is just to get my mind straight that I am heading for a major storm! I pray that it;s not and most people brush me off, but still...you just never know.

On a lighter note, I am actually happy in my life right now. I love my job and my church, family and friends. I really am very blessed. I've been on this fast for two and half weeks now and it ends this sunday. I haven't experienced the spiritual side of it, though. I don't know if I know HOW to have to have these deep thoughts with God-through the act of fasting, but I have come to realize of eating right and taking better care of myself. For that, I feel I have learned a little something.

I was so happy to hear a dear friend of my who shared a testimony with me today. She looked different and acted differently today. She told me that after 20+ years of marriage with a husband who puts her down and has kept her in a tailspin of low self esteem, she cried out to the Lord this weekend and He spoke to her saying "You are listening to the wrong words". Inaudibly, of course, but she knew this was His Hily Spirit reminding her that her worth does not lie in her husband. he's just a man. Her worth and yours and mine lie in our Father. Not in people, even our hubs. Who, by the way, we ladies typically put a lot of pressure on to be our saving grace. It is not their responsibility to fix us or to create esteem in us. granted, they shouldn't put us down either, but they are often times just kind of stupid :0) We shouldn't put everything in our men. They are JUST MEN. I've known this little fact, but self-loathing I am, I often forget this tidbit and rely on others to build me up. I'm going to try to see myself as He sees me. And I think it's our duty to our daughters, especially to teach this early on. Most little girls get their esteem from their fathers and when their fathers turn out to be "not so perfect", it just wrecks their little images! So, not that I am a feminist by any means, but it is important to realize WHY God lets US birth the babes and not those silly men!!

Good Day

2009-01-20T21:14:00.008-05:00

SNOW, NAPS, OBAMA, AMERICAN IDOL......

shoo

2009-01-11T21:28:00.002-05:00

"If Not YOU...then WHO?"
"If Not NOW...then WHEN?"

I learned a great message at church today having to do with God's Will for our lives. Our pastor used an illustration about being in the God's circle, putting Him at the CENTER, and re-prioritizing our lives to allow for God to work within each of us. The short and sweet of it is this:

There are 5 basic areas of life in which God calls us to work. Work on ourselves WITH HIM to create a balanced, productive life all the while living out God's will for each of us.

WORSHIP: Do we give God the first hour of each day? Do we give God the first day of each week? Do we give God the first part of wallet? Do worship to praise, rejoice, show gratitude, and listen.

CONNECTED: Do you regularly put yourself in God's family? Don't be casual with your commitments

GROWTH: Are you growing daily in Wisdom, Stature, Spirtuality, and Relationally?

SERVICE: Are you using the gifts God gave you to make a difference in your church, community, and world?

SHARING: Are you actively and effectively sharing your faith daily?

Remembering that NOTHING is impossible for God and for those who believe, ask yourself if you align your life with the way God intends you live...what will your life look like at the end of 2009?

Some Words of Encouragement

2009-01-06T20:23:00.003-05:00

Here are some "aha" quotes taken from my Beth Moore Devotional : JESUS 90 Days with the One and Only

1. Our surrounding dynamics, regardless of length and depth of defeat, have absolutely NO bearing on what Christ our Lord CAN do

2. If we don't have bold faith already, start asking God for the faith we lack. It's ok..just ask and you will receive.

3. Thank you Lord Jesus for choosing to be powerful in us.

4. If we have boldness when certain empowered believers are close by, but we lose it in their absence, could it be that we are sipping out of their power shaker of faith instead of filling our own?

5. We cannot afford to wait for the atmospheric conditions to be right before we act on the power of God.

6. The Lord does not want our confidence regulated by our audience

7. Knowing and pleasing Christ must be my ultimate goal

8. He purposely created us with free will and affections so that we could choose Him and love Him in the midst of many options and much opposition.

9. I encourage you to break free from the traps set by approval and accusation. We are called to live our lives above reproach. Christ was blameless, yet was blamed continually--this did not change Him, nor should it change us or make us stray from our Christ directive.

10. Jesus: He was a man who could preach an annointed sermon, then change a flat tire on the way home church! Christ came to show us that deeply spiritual is actually very practical.

I just don't get it!

2009-01-03T21:06:00.005-05:00

Seriously I need the Supernanny to come train Gaines. Why does he have to be SOOOOOOOOO, how do I put this?? wild and into everything, crazy as Hell! Maybe it's b/c I'm a girl and I'm "mommy" and therefore he thinks he can win me over..(ok, ok, so he has won me over a time or two), but he does not act up around Bobby (greg's dad) or Greg for that matter. Tonight at Mimi's we had a last little dinner with Kelsey and the girls and the word of advice was to "find my voice" to use with him. Upon bathing him, he kept trying to do whatever he does to cause trouble and I did it! I said sternly "No, Sit Down". and HE DID! Reese looked at me gave the thumbs up and said I think you found y our voice. So yay...for about 4 minutes. I don't get these multiple boy moms and how they do it. Don't get me wrong, now, That boy is my heart- I love him like no other, but I am slap worn out. Any advice???

On a loving happy note, my crazed man had a wonderful birthday Friday. Family came over to eat. we had cake, ice cream, and gifts. It was just a nice gathering. Here are some pics:

Miss Congeniality

2009-01-01T20:49:00.003-05:00

OK, I knew there was a solid reason why I am so enamored with Sandra Bullock. I had a conversation with my wonderful husband about a lot of different things, but the part that stuck out is that I am basially the Miss Congeniality of women. Now I believe he was trying to pay me a compliment, but I can't shake this. I mean, I actually have never thought of myself as "pretty", the "you have a the coolest personality" is not the compliment I wanted my husband to say about me!! Haha
In other news, here are my New Year's GOALS for 2009: (in no order of importance)
1. Speak kindly to Greg and my kids
2. Teach them how to act and behave, not just react and reprimand
3. Actually lose this damn weight! Goal--much gone by the time I see my cardiologist again in June.
4. Maintain current hairdo---not grow out, cut differently, etc
5. Continue devotional
6. Complete house renovations
7. Get Gralynn in her own bed
8. Love the Lord, more..daily
9. Try to see myself as the Lord sees me
10. Mend broken/strained relationships

Christmastime

2008-12-27T20:43:00.014-05:00

I had a wonderful Christmas and I am looking forward, well kind of, to the next week off of work. I have soooo many unfinshed projects that I/Greg and me MUST complete! Not to mention the massive schoolwork I have ahead of me. Spending time with family and friends has been a treat. Today Greg and Donald went shooting and Gralynn spent the day at Mimi's playing with Reese, Rynn, and Raegan. Gaines and I had a fun day in our pj's playing and cleaning. I do love a lazy day! I'm going to attempt to pist a slideshow of holiday photos and hopefully manage to send out New Years cards. Enjoy..and write me a note if you actually read this! haha
OK...nevermind, I don't have a picasa account, so I'll just add a few photos! Darnit!

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-21T13:13:00.005-05:00

Yesterday Mimi took all of her girls to see the Nutcracker at the Koger Center. I had actually never been to see it before and was completely into it. Gralynn was so mesmerized the whole time. Afterwards we got to go tour backstage and take pics with props and then meet the dancers. Gralynn was scraed to death of the fake fire and the Hansel and Gretel house, but Reese held her tight to get a picture.

I have had two Christmas Parties, birthdays galore, what seems like never-ending daily shopping! I love this season.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-10T20:19:00.008-05:00

I LOVE this season! I was reading my devotional tonight sitting in my dining room looking at Christmas tree, which by the way, is not the prettiest thing ever b/c it's filled with broken ornaments, but that's us! How fitting!
Not to get too deep, but I did a writing lesson with my students today about giving to those less fortunate. I had them pick three things that they own that they would be willing to give away to a child in need. The majority of my class said they would give their raggedy books, broken TVs, and other useless belongings. I was heart-broken of how non compassionate today's kids are. I only two say they would give warm clothes. One of mine, a very new student said she would give a someone a place to stay if they needed a home. This, b/c she is currently shacking up with her aunt and is living in a tiny house with 9 kids and three adults! It broke my heart that we don't teach our kids about helping others. I will be doing more lessons on character in my class with hopes of instilling some sort of giving spirit. Granted, they're 7 and 8 years old, but still.
On a lighter note...Gralynn had a great bday on Monday and we will have her party on Saturday. Here are some recent pics from December thus far..

Thankfulness

2008-11-29T20:46:00.006-05:00

Short and Sweet. During my devotion tonight, the key question was "How much does God live in your household?" Setting aside letting God in during a crisis, truly...how much does God REALLY live in my house? I wonder what that looks like. Like, does it consist of Family Prayer Time, consistent meal time blessings, reading the bible as a family??????? I am surrounded by people who live their lives on all kinds of "levels" of Christianity. I just want MY household to one the please God. So, my priority and prayer: To make a room for God in my house!

God lives here, yes, I am fully blessed. And blessings, I am convinced, ONLY come from God.
So thank You!
As of a Turkey Day update: we all went to the Roberts house, my mom and brother included, and we had a great time. Gralynn, Gaines, and Jake really enjoyed jumping into the leaves and then playing "football".

Sheesh!

2008-11-22T20:59:00.003-05:00

OK-- I have now tried so many sinus medications I could likely become a spokesperson for what DOES NOT work! When is this ever gonna go away?
On another note, I am so ready for the holidays. The whole Fall season is my absolute favorite. Some thing about the colors and crsip air makes me so nastalgic. I am determined to go all out for Christmas this year. I usually just throw together mismatched decorations and call it a day, but I really want good quality new stuff. I feel like I'm at some kind of growing up stage. Like early in marriage and 20's it's fine to have all kind of hand-me-downs and decorate with whatever is available...but eight years later and living in a nice house makes me want it to be pretty and have nice things. SO, mom and I will be shopping tomorrow! I love being able to spend time with her, now that she feels better.
I'm also really enjoying teaching my crazy class and momming toddlers. I can't believe that Gralynn will be 4 in few weeks and Gaines will be 2 in another month. I talked to a friend the other day and we were talking about "done" having kids. I think for me, having a boy and girl makes it easier to be done, but I also am ready to enjoy going places with them. I love watching them grow and learn. But then I think if I KNEW I could have twins next time, I might want more. I really don't want just three and for me, the whole pregnancy thing is such a health concern. BUT whatever the Lord wants for my life--I will embrace.
I've been doing a devotional by Beth Moore, called 90 Days with the One and Only. It's really opening my eyes to Jesus, the man. I mean, He is a REAL live person who experienced all that we experience just b/c God wanted us to be able to relate to a personal God. I can't get over how amazing that is! I have always loved Jesus and believed in Him, but I'm getting to know Him more and I'm falling in love with Him. I have a god friend who is so knowledgable and passionate about her faith. I never knew how she got that way, but I;m beginning to understand. I can only hope that my children will grow to love Him daily as I have!

Intuition

2008-11-12T16:44:00.002-05:00

My blogs are getting far and few between one, because I don't really think anyone reads them, and two b/c I don't have too much to say. I love reading other blogs though. Those of you who blog for the purpose of keeping in contact with friends and family. My family doesn't get into the whole blog thing and my mom thinks it's dangerous to use the internet for anything but google and email!
BUT... I have a story that I found interesting so I'll share. My 2nd graders are really getting into the whole community thing and writing about pictures they draw, or is it drawing about what they write? Anyhoo, today as a class we wrote a friendly letter to a pretend friend living in another country. Our focus was to describe America to this "friend" and get him/her excited about the pretend visit to our country for the holidays. Well, we brainstormed things we love about living in America and things that are important to them. They said the usual things like playing video games, reading tons of books, going to the movies....etc. Then we brought up the election and how our country just elected our first "brown president". Now, keep in mind I have ONE black girl in my class, 2 Asian kids, and the rest are white, white, white. So, they got on this discussion about whether or not we should write "black", "brown", or "African American". My black girl turns to the class and says 'I'm African American". My Autism boy shouts back, you;re brown. ANother kids goes, "no, no, no...you don't call them brown, they are 'black'. Then she turns to me and says- "I am black, right"? and I respond with "O- you a black dude" and she says, "no I'm a Black dudette". Then my intuitive boy says, yes- you are black, but we SHOULD say African American. To which my Autism kid says under his breath, but loud enough for all to hear "Well, I'm lloking at her and she looks brown to me"! So we decide that we should write in our letter that we just elected our first African American president, Barack Obama. Now, I happen to be a huge Obama fan, so I spice it up a bit by adding that we made history.....blah blah blah. Now it's time for each student to write and illustrate his or her favorite part about living in America, or what the "friend" can expect to see during the holidays, etc. My PC boy who suggested we say African Americans did a most fabulous illustration of a brown man (who truly looked like Obama) standing at a podium with a flag behind him and intermixed a bunch of white and brown circles gathered in front of President Obama! I love it! He suggested that both groups of people should respect the President. I happen to agree!

October End

2008-11-01T20:12:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe this month has flown by so fast. It's all catching up with me, though. I never did get that family photo I wanted, or finished the upstairs, or even took the kids to the pumpkin patch! I don't even think I really put out decorations. Mom and Kels are calling this "The Halloween that came and went". Same for me! Last night was pretty uneventful. G and G dressed up at Sandra's and had a mini party with friends. Then Mimi, Gram, and Papa came over for supper, helped get the ids dressed again and then we took off to Trick or Treat. Now, due to the fact that I live on a street where literally all my neighbors are retired, we skipped over to the next street and Halloween partcipants few and far between. I was cracking up b/c the 3 elders who gave out candy said "Oh, I have grandkids about their age". We made a decision to hop in the mini and venture over to another subdivision next year! So here they are: Cinderella and the Scarecrow. I know, I know, I should have saved Gralynn's dress up as Dorothy for this year..but oh well.

ummmm...

2008-10-18T18:30:00.002-04:00

I was thinking I had something brilliant to write about, but as it turns out.. I got nothing.
I did closets all day long and finished about an hour ago. I am enjoying the Fall weather...FINALLY, we'll see how long it lasts. And I am dang determined to get a professional family picture made, finish the upstairs remodel, work on my scrapbook for Gaines, stop eating Quarter Pounders, and take the kids to a pumpkin patch! All this before November. If Only....

In the meantime I will be getting things prepared for my first Tastefully Simple Party tomorrow at my assistant principal's house. So excited!!!!!! Food, Friends, and Money--does get better? (don't answer that)

Easy Peasey

2008-10-12T17:36:00.001-04:00

LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE.

The rest will follow! I'm so happy to be part of a church who believes these two commandments to be the foundation of The Church. Finally, someone got it!

WOW Award

2008-10-02T20:33:00.003-04:00

Got this in an email today from a friend. It's an interview with Rick Warren. It's long, but very insightful and affirming. I've tried to live out bits and pieces of this same way of life, but as usual I come up short. It's good t o be reminded, point-blank: We were made for God and God alone!

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, "Purpose Driven Life” author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said: People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body--but not the end of me.I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, "which is my problem, my issues, my pain." But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72 First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.Painful moments, TRUST GOD.Every moment, THANK GOD.

UPDATES and Downdates

2008-09-24T21:12:00.003-04:00

So, I'm an aunt again to a sweet little Texan, named Raegan Isabella Corry. I wish my sister and fam would hurry up and move back home. They've been gone forever and it's getting old!
My mom is on the upswing from her traumatic experience and I just pray that the Lord heals her completely.
I think I've finally found my calling.....I'm thinking of getting my masters in Special Ed Emotionally Disabled and move into Autism. Those kids have my heart. I've had much hands-on, literally, experience with these kids in the 23 days we've been at school and I just love them. It's been tough juggling the "regular" kids AND them, but all-in-all I've found my strengtths as a teacher. I've also found my weaknesses! I wake up each morning knowing that I will face a major challenge and I embrace the challenge. But I refuse to let my other students suffer. I can tell they are aching for my attention and affirming them through my actions b/c they, even the boys, are always fighting to sit by me and hug me, hold my hand, and read to me. I welcome it. I love it. But there's only so much of me. And then I get to come home to the kids I birthed. I get to the point where I feel.."when is it MY time?"..but then the Lord tugs at my heart strings and reminds me that He will sustain me and guide through each and every challenge. And I'm constantly reminded that IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! If only I had a saint's heart!! I get irritated at people who pass me and ask.."how's your runner?" and "how's your stabber?" and other crap like that. I'm sooo invested in these kids and it burns me when people make light of the heartache these kids go through. Crap that we would never want in our worst nightmares. So I'm venting and I hope it doesn't bite me. But this is the first year I have felt purpose and I want so badly to serve and succeed in my purpose.
The flip side is I don't want my other relationships to fall short of what they deserve. And so...I juggle. We all do in whatever it is we do. I'm just so happy that I have God on my side, beacuse honestly, I would have given up the first breakdown.
OK-- I have nothing more to say...I'm looking forward to seeing my besties this weekend and just spending time hearing about other people's lives!

Inconsistenct=ME!

2008-09-21T21:08:00.002-04:00

Oh Friends,
plans that I make, visions I have, and promises I say out loud are so with good intentions~ I've always known that I am "fickle", hence the blog title, but it seems the older I get, the more serious items go through inconsistencies. Like, it used to be the arrangemnt of my room, the way I would organize myself, the color, cut, style of my hair...things that really didn't affect others, but now my inconsistencies come with a price.
I think I am just learning so much and into so much right now that I can't keep it all straight. My stress is the inconsistencies I have within my classroom and my own spiritual journey. As far as routine goes on the homefront, we've got a pretty set routine, but sheesh.... I wish I could be that dependable person. I set up everything to be routine in other aspects of my life, but then it all falls to wayside. That is soooo frustrating. I'm not gonna write about it all, becuase that would be way boring, but I'm in a season where I want everything "just-so" and I just don't have the stamina, interest, or motivation to keep it going!

Is this normal??

Great Day Almighty!

2008-09-07T21:37:00.002-04:00

My eyes have been ah opened. My ears have been ah burning. My mind is put at ah ease....OK, so perhaps I beez in the holy-rollin mood at the moment, but the truth is I learned a valuable lesson at church today. The short of it is that the Lord wants us to be GREAT at ONE thing. Not "so-so" at a bunch of stuff. As a woman, a mom ,teacher, friend, daughter, wife, heathen, etc.... we, especially, tend to run ourselves ragged trying to be so good at so many traits. When in the sweet reality that is God, He calls us to be great at what we do. And the best part is if we just pay attention to Him and come face-to-face with our assignment, He will provide all we need to be Great at it! This is not to say that we become crappy at everything else, but it is a nice chill out pass given to us by God that says....OK so maybe I can't be the Best mommy, maid, and teacher all at the same time. But at least in their perspective seasons it's ok to prioritize. The bottom line is when I get to that point in life (or death) I want Jesus to look at me and say "Well done, Kerri"....(no pressure) haha

Oh and Katie---if you be reading this, let me give you a shout out and say to you that I do think you are wonderful at what you do and so what if you don't school your kids every moment of the day---you school others by being YOU! and you dance with yo kids, and make memories that will be treasured forever!! I luvs you :0)

2008-08-27T22:50:00.002-04:00

Can I just tell ya that I LOVE my friends!!! I went through a period where I didn't feel connected to people. Could be that I now live in a hood where my neighbors are retired?? I love my hood, just miss the walking across the skreet to "hang out". Man, hanging out....how I miss those days.
But now that I am back to work and have discovered new connections, I am just blessed. I learn from so many wonderful women around me through school, church, community. I am seeing and feeling the support of loved ones and enjoy being around people. I guess sometimes as we get older we realize that all friendships may not last, but new ones are born.
I love that the people around me confide in me and trust my thoughts. I mean, there are some people who are just really going through some hard times and I am happy to lend a hand, an ear, and some cases a good swfit kick!!! (with love of course)
It's nice to sit in a good spot. And it's nicer to know with confidence that God resides in me and will carry me off this "Mountain Top" season in my life into some valleys as we all will and have experience, only to teach me that He is God and He is all I need. He blesses me with such peace about my life that when crap happens, I know there is a purpose for every single detail He provides me with.
I just can't get it inti words how abundant His love is and daily I am saddened by the fact that there is a slew of people who choose to not know Him. I just don't get it. I'm learning daily just how vital it is that believers SHOW those around us that He is God! Period. I mean, I learned tonight that there is a whole new world that exists just above us. A world that we cannot fathom b/c it is beyond our human capabilities. But a world that we will one day live in. It's liberating and exciting and scary....but it's there! There is not enough time to be stagnant in our faith and our mission to bring others to Christ. I mean, my current situation with my 2nd grade class---it's been a difficult start, but I stand tall and remain faithful that these kids were put with me for a reason. I've learned that nothing happens by chance. God intends everything. Had I not known this, I could have lost my sanity, my love for teaching, and thrown my hands up only to go to work everyday hating what I do. But instead, through Him, I am able to put my actions in perspective, stay true to the mission I am given and see these kids as treasures. This is not how I would have reacted even a year ago. I'm learning that it's not about me and I will only endure what I can handle!
So thank you God for being powerful, all-knowing, and in control! It amazes me that a God THAT big would desire to know me intimately!

Drum roll...

2008-08-20T22:06:00.004-04:00

Ha ha..just kidding. Nothing big going here!
Actually, I've had an eventful past few weeks, but just have not had it in me to blog about it.
The short and sweet:
I start school tomorrow.2nd grade. Very excited. I met my kids on Monday night. They are soooo stinkin cute! This one little boy came in and ran around the room, jumped in my cool dish chair, looked all around the room, threw his hands up and yelled " This is AWESOME!!!" That just made my year. The enthusiam. The innocent anticipation. The un-filtered emotion of excitement...never got THAT response from my 5th graders! :0)

A few weeks ago my dad called out the blue. Haven't had a realtionship in about 4+ years. He was sober and apologized for our past issues, and implored me to sit down and have a heart-to-heart. That whole conversation, though short and shocking was what I needed. Even IF nothing comes of it---that recognition of wrong doing and hurtful pasts with the conclusion of apology and restoration was indeed an answer to prayer! I don't know how the Lord does what He does, but man He is good!

I managed to gain lots of poundage, but I'm down with that. Working on gratefulness and self-confidence.

My mom had a semi-good doctor's report about some of her health issues, and yet..another prayer answered.

I'm learning SOOOOOO much from my bible study and feel like I'm home. I'm getting a grip on my anxiety and fear of death and I'm actually seeing things clearly for the first time in a very long time.

And lastly (for this entry anyway)...I'm just happy :0)

Here are some new pictures from our lake outing:

So Much to Say, Too Little Time

2008-08-14T07:09:00.002-04:00

I really just wanted to change my blog up a little. However, a lot has been going on in the day of the life of Kerri Roberts. Today is the first day of school for teachers and I am nervous. Nervous b/c at the beginning of the summer I made a "vow" so-to-speak to myself that I would not put myself in the midst of gossip, etc. Based on present community happenings and the joy of seeing everyone after a summer break, I am shaky about standing my ground.
SO----I'm off. Will post later about more important aspects :0)

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-08-04T20:57:00.003-04:00

My girl Robin posted a blog about the things she loathed. So I decided to blog about the things that make me smile. Some are ongoing and some are random happenings. You decide which is which.

Let's begin with the kiddos:

I love it when....
1. Gaines and Gralynn stop wrestling and just hug for a moment
2. When Gralynn first wakes up and puts her hand behind my neck, stretches, and says "I just love you."
3. If I've been gone away from Gaines and I enter the room only to be greeted with the biggest smile and he stops what he is doing, screams "Mama" and runs over to me and gives me a great big hug
4. The smell of freshly bathed kids in their pj's and Gaines doing his ritualistic naked run around upstairs before bath
5. When all four of us play on my bed together, laughing and tickling
6. Watching Gralynn dance and sing when she thinks no one is looking
7. Telling Gralynn special "Doris Dailey" stories at bedtime and rubbing her back
8. I love that I'm the one Gaines runs to for comfort...right now anyway
9. Looking in my rearview mirror and seeing brother and sister share a snack
10 Watching them both learn and discover something new (I'm a teacher, of course I like that!)

Now to other favs:
1. dryer sheets
2. warm out-of-dryer clean sheets
3. my new shampoo--Pantene for long, lustrious locks
4. no lines at the store
5. when I make a meal and Greg actually likes it
6. my time at night watching shows with Greg--even though we're both on our laptops
7. when I learn scripture with fresh hears
8. when I get phone calls from dear friends
9. naptime
10. 4am- it's the best time of the day. I used to set my alarm for 4 am in my house on Cheshire and sit at my window seat watching and listening to the calmness all around--my reflect time..now I just wake up, no alarm needed!

So now it's your turn....I LOVE reading comments from the two people who read my silly blog HINT! HINT!

Just My Thoughts...

2008-07-31T17:12:00.008-04:00

Upon joining the network Facebook, I worried about having my life out there for the world to see. Admittedly not for sake of being stalked by a crazed lune- (although it crossed my mind), but for the mere fact that I wasn't sure my life was "up to par". Like I lead a very normal life. I married, two kids-girl and boy, a dog, a cat, a nice house in an established neighborhood, we're not rich, we're not poor, I teach elementary school, and my husband is super duper normal. I have no talents to speak of and I'm not an exotic traveler. So why would I be ashamed of my lifestyle? I'm not "ashamed"...I'm richly blessed. I know that in my heart.. but there should be no comparison at all. What matters is who God wants me to be, right? So I added some new friends to Facebook today. It's funny they are called "friends", but I guess that is the best way to sum it up and make people feel good about themselves. The point of this little entry is that I came head-to-head with my insecurities and God intervened..beautifully. Those people who were once in my life and led a no-so lawful life made me feel like I wasn't cool if I did not engage. So I dabbled back in the day, but we're THIRTY! Time to grow up. I'm proud of my plain accomplishments. I'm proud of my husband and our family. I'm proud that my life in in God's hands, and I'm proud of the people that I can call Friends- not the label, but the real deal.

I consider myself grounded in my faith, but to be shaken by something as petty as this is pretty scary. I do not understand how or why people choose not to love the Lord. Why would you not want to be in His plan and live His way? But the fact is, people do. And I have to make sure that I grow my children to love God and live in His word so that when they face questions, doubts, etc on all levels, they too will have the peace that I experienced in this mere example of daily struggles we go through.

I'm in the process (actually the beginning stage) of trying to commit to learning scripture. So here's it for this week:

Phillipians 4:6-7 "do not worry or be anxious about anything; instead pray with Thanksgiving to the Lord about EVERYTHING. Tell Him what you need and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace that passes all human understanding."

Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me A Match....

2008-07-28T20:22:00.002-04:00

I have these two friends, one man one woman who are both single, single, single. The man is quite a bit older, but I have known him for at least 12 years. The girl- I've known for several years but only recently began having relational conversations with her. Anyhoo, these two kind souls have really been on my heart lately. I just think they are both such wonderful, God-loving people and could truly bless another individual if given the chance for love. I'm not sure they would be "right" for each other, but I'm seriuosly thinking of trying to connect them. I have actually never really set anybody up that made any history, but I enjoy the game. If only it would work out for them. So these two have been in my prayers and I hope the Lord blesses them both with true love.

On another note-
I spent this day at school. I worked my tail off getting my classroom organized and had to call mom in for reinforcement and vision. So I feel more complete and more ready for school. And now I've lost my train of thought b/c I had to call Cara and wish her happy 30th bday and then Greg said he signed up on Facebok, so I have to go check that out....

Be back when I'm not having a major ADD spell :0)

All I Had to do Was ASK....

2008-07-26T15:00:00.003-04:00

I wrongly assumed that my dear husband, being the computer savvy guy he is, would be empathetic to my silly stressing over this template thing. I was wrong! And ironically, in my bible study, the ladies discussed how men truly just do not do without being asked. Period. In fact, one lady offered up a piece of advice given to her before she got married some 16 years ago which was this, "Two things you need to do to maintain a happy marriage...: ASK and say THANK YOU!" I had that, dangit, and I just did not do it. I did not ask him b/c I know that he thinks blogging is stupid. Big deal---half the stuff he does I see is pointless :0) (I know he's reading this)

All that to say, Greg fixed my two day issue with uploading this background in about 30 seconds! I hate that!
Oh--- "Thank You, Greg"

Frustration Station!

2008-07-26T11:21:00.007-04:00

So I wanted to change my template to something cute that I found, (actually heard about from a friend) on www.suckmylolly.com, but I have tried for two days now to get the thing to work and it's not! Obviously. I hate these ugly Blogspot templates and I am too aesthetically-obsessed with silly details. I even signed on to Xanga to start a whole new blog, but it took too long to upload pictures 47 times that I gave up on that too! Sheesh! I realize in the big picture that this is a huge waste of my time and effort, but that's what I do!
I'm going to continue trying...unless I feel myself wanting to throw the computer across the room. Technical stuff sucks!

Tribute to Bunky

2008-07-21T09:39:00.004-04:00

Sadly, my uncle Bunky passed away Sunday morning. He was my mom's older brother and the last of her blood relatives. Although it is a shock and utterly sad, Bunky (Reese Joye) was the wealthiest and most successful member of my family. He held true to values, family, and faith. He died in his sleep after spending his last days doing the things he loved to do. His death is completely unexpected and just goes to show that the Lord will take us when it is time.

Here is some official word on my dear uncle:

Reese Joye, a nationally known Lowcountry attorney, leading expert in DUI law and pioneering personal-injury litigator, died Sunday. He was 70.
Joye was attending a conference in Massachusetts when he was found dead in his hotel room Sunday morning. A cause of death has not been determined, but no foul play is suspected.
As news of his passing reached Charleston, friends and colleagues recalled Joye as a tenacious attorney who worked long hours, did his homework and was always the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom. His firm holds the record for the largest personal injury verdict in state history.
"Reese was certainly a lion of the Charleston trial bar. I learned a lot from him," said local attorney Paul Gibson, a longtime friend. "He will certainly be missed. He raised three immensely successful children. He packed a lot into his life."

I love you Bunky

Better Days...

2008-07-18T21:25:00.002-04:00

My best friend, Cara, just gave birth to her 2nd little girl, Carsyn Greer today. That in itself is a huge blessing for them as they had some struggles early on. I also talked to a good friend of mine about my issues with Gaines (not feeling the bond and typical boy stuff) and she made me feel soooooo much better about my momming. I'm also happy that I have reconnected with many, many friends and former students on that silly thing called Facebook.
There is still so much I have to do and the stress will continue, cuz I'm a girl, a mom, and have a full-time job....but I know that all will get done. just feeling relieved b/c I know God will carry me through everything!

Also, I feel blessed to have a friend named Keisa who was my college roomate at Lander. She is giving her life as a missionary traveling the world rallying to stop child pornography, child prostitution, and child selling. I know there's a ton more she does, and I am amazed at the work God is doing in her life. She is completely selfless. She does not get paid and has to raise her money for every single thing she does just to live. She's done this for 8 years now and has not lost faith. She relies on prayer and the support of those who love her make differences around the world, literally! ijust don't know that I would be able to do that!

Today was better and tomorrow I get to spend the day with mom shopping for fabric and just being together.

Argh and Ugh!

2008-07-16T15:25:00.004-04:00

I'm so annoyed right now. I can't even tell you at what, really, I just am and I hate feeling like this. I haven't had much of a bad day or anything. Gaines had some checkups today and t hose went fine. I mean, he has an aversion to all doctors, but the reports aren't bad. But yes, ok let's start there. First of all his apt with the ENT was ridiculous. Literally, I keep Gaines from tearing up the room (or try to) for the doc to come in, look at his ears, and throat and say, looks good. Then I have a fight with the receptionist over a bill, pay my $30 and leave. Go grocery shopping...AGAIN..., pick Gralynn up from Hi-Stepper Dance Camp and come home to nap. Then he has an 18 mos check up with pediatrician. I hate going b/c it's so weird. He always has some remark about how hard I am to read. Why does it matter? And I'm very easy to read, right? I was told that I missed Gaines' 15 mos appt, so they had to combine all three shots today. I wasn't aware he had a 15 mos. check up....guess I suck as a mom. Then I ask doc to check out his left eye b/c it's kind of wandering and it looks perfect ..today. I insist, b/c he does have it, just like his Papa and I want to know my options. Doc says he'll send us to the Opthamologist, blahblahblah. Ok--so then I lose my keys only to find them in my very cute new big bag after reentering the office and showing everyone just how scatter-brained I am. I run into a couple who are "special" clients of the office and that just bugs me. THEIR kids pictures are plastered all over the place. Stupid, I know. OK--- so then I just feel like a single mom so much of the time, but I know that Greg is working very hard and it is paying off. I just want the big cake and eat it too. Which brings me to my next thing....I CANNOT stop eating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And no, not pregnant, just have a food addiction. THEN I get an email from my pricipal asking me to stay out of my room b/c the flors are being waxed. Duh, I knew that. I went a month ago with permission, but apparently the custodians told him I had a file cabinet on the tile floors today, so his subject headline was "Your visit today"....seriously? I've been to my classroom twice. Its a friggin wreck and I have soooooooo much to do and no time to do it. School starts in a month and I just cannot see a break in the future. I hate asking people to watch my kids. Nobody seems to understand this need I have to work, like teachers can literally just leave for the summer and only return the day they have to and be ready. It's impossible! I want a nanny and then feel guilty that I need this time away from my kids. I know myself....if I don't do it when I need to it will never get done and then I will not start off the year ina new grade level the way I need to and then I 'll never catch up and then my year will be a disaster and then I will not become a great teacher like I want and then all the fight will be for nothing b/c i will not be able to put my theorires to work successfully! AND...I have a gazillion house projects, but mostly, I just want to chill.

I suppose I was able to wrap my brain around my frustratons afterall. Thanks for reading. I feel better, but you probably feel like I'm a crackhead!

Father, I Need You

2008-07-12T21:02:00.004-04:00

Dear God,
Make me not envious. Create in me a clean and grateful heart for the abundant blessings you have given me. Help me to use my gifts and your strength to be a better person and a wise judge of character. Fill my heart with Your love and let THAT be enough.
Amen

Top Ten Vacation Events/Perks

2008-07-08T22:21:00.004-04:00

1.There are plenty of people to help with Gralynn and Gaines.
2. I get to sleep in and take afternoon naps! Can I get an Amen???!!!
3. All my meals are prepared, cooked, and cleaned up..thanks to my gracious sister-in-law, Jo!
4. Gaines loves the beach/waves. Gralynn is content with fishing off the dock and riding in the golf-cart, Gator-Hunting.
5. Greg and I went bar-hopping and shopping in Beaufort today. That was fun just being with him.
6. While in Beaufort, I got great deals and lots of free stuff just because the owners wanted to give stuff to me. That never happens in Irmo!! In fact, I found a cool purse and matching wallet--which would have been expensive+ a pair of earrings. The lady gave me 20% off the purse, $5 off the wallet and threw in the earrings for free!

7. I scored a high 185 on Wii Bowling!!
8. I'm gettinng great pictures, though it's bugging the crap out of everyone else that I have my camera in hand at all times!

9. Did I mention we found the very best Vodka Martinis (very dirty, extra olives a.k.a Creek Water) in town???
10. I managed to get smooched by a wild deer today! Can I charm 'em or what?

HAPPY FOURTH

2008-07-04T11:16:00.003-04:00

Well, it's the fourth of July. Our AC is broken, I have clothes strewn all over the house-packing for our trip To Fripp Island, both kids are whiney as crap, and I'm wondering if it's too early for a beverage???

On the flip side, I'm looking forward to my trip. Since writing my last blog I felt guilty for complaining about Gaines and have since been enamored with my blessings.

So- here to say...whatever you do today, enjoy yourself and count your blessings!

Girls and Boys

2008-06-30T16:12:00.006-04:00

Holy Crap! The differences...I guess it' s just that season where Gralynn is 3 1/2 and is such a Girly-girl, and then Gaines 18mos is such a boy-boy. I never had these issues with Gralynn. Sure she was and still is attached to me, but sheesh...she was one I had to keep my on. I told her "no", she asked why, I explained the danagers, she said ok. Gaines...ha! I'm really struggling here with how to teach him No, and Stop, and pinching does not equal tickle. I love the boy. We have a bond like no other, but OMG. Seriously, does Super Nanny help with really little ones? Just this past week, aside from the usual destruction and not-so-nice affection, he has managed to nearly knock a crack in our aquarium with a whisk, completely desensitized the cat by pulling on his tail and holding him by his butt, draw all over a table I JUST painted for my classroom, rearrange the shelves in the fridge, permanent marker the floors in the playroom, figure out how to crawl up steps, throwing everything he can get his hands on, avoid getting dressed, and unscrewing knobs.

I do love him dearly. When he's not a terror, he's absolutely the sweetest child ever. I just wish i knew what to do to keep him sweet. I hate stereotypes when they come true!!!