Well my how quickly these weeks are flying by! Drew reminded me this morning that Nicole is coming. So a house cleaning is due today. Gabe is sick! He complained of an earache and sure enough he has one. So he is on antibiotics and laying around. Then there is Matt who I haven't seen in a week. Dan sees him everyday. I actually had someone call yesterday and see if he needed a job!!
Supper at church went well. We had extra food which we took over to a family that has 11 children. I know with that many children there is never enough food. Read a story in the doctor's office yesterday about a couple with 17 children. There grocery bill is $2,000 per month, they live in a 7,000 sq ft house, and have 9 cars. How do you come up with that kind of money!!!!
Tomorrow I am going to do a yard sale with Denise. Hopefully, it will go well. I don't know, we didn't get an add in the paper. If I could make enough to by some school clothes that would be great. I figure Gabe and Matt are going to need around $400 worth of stuff. Everything needs to be replaced!!!! Again how does that women with so many children cloth them.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Books!!
I just finished reading Anne Quindlen's book Rise and Shine. Not my favorite book she has written. I loved Blessings and One True Thing, but this took to long to get going. I think it was on page 228 before I was really hooked. I want to read her book How Reading Changed My Life. Perhaps it will give me needed insight into how I can best help my babies next year.
One of the biggest complaints of 5th graders is, "The book isn't interesting." How do you teach them to stick with it, it may get better. Rise and Shine did get better 40 pages before the end. If I would have given up I would have missed the purpose. Another important trait 5th graders need to learn.
Oh well! Today is going to be spent helping Freda who has got herself in a mess fixing supper at church tonight for 60 people. It should be simple enough. Of course if I was S. I would have a nifty apron for the occassion. I will rely on the blue, white, and yellow one!!!!
One of the biggest complaints of 5th graders is, "The book isn't interesting." How do you teach them to stick with it, it may get better. Rise and Shine did get better 40 pages before the end. If I would have given up I would have missed the purpose. Another important trait 5th graders need to learn.
Oh well! Today is going to be spent helping Freda who has got herself in a mess fixing supper at church tonight for 60 people. It should be simple enough. Of course if I was S. I would have a nifty apron for the occassion. I will rely on the blue, white, and yellow one!!!!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Funerals, Friends, and Friendliness
I went to the funeral today. The chapel was packed. When I got there Robin was at the door, "Hurry," she says, "Jena is waiting to see you!" I rushed in and I am always amazed that no matter how long it has been since you've seen them, friends just fall back into the relationship. Jena was glad I came. Jamie her daughter Matt's age is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I'm so sad they didn't grow up together and get married!!!!
The funeral was short and sweet. Robin said that a funeral is not the time for a preacher to prove what an eloquent speaker he is. The minister talked of God's grace and that our lives can not be defined by a single moment. I understood the point he was making, yet our lives are defined by a moment--- the moment we decide to accept Jesus as our Savior or not. (Lennye's commentary is free of charge!) Yet, his point was well taken, Sally had done many kind and noble things in her life and we shouldn't judge her on that moment she took the life of her mother-in-law and then turned the gun on herself. I felt so sad for the family.
Afterwards Robin and I say in the chapel and talked. Jena came in and sat with us for about 10 minutes. I love the fact that while I am short on family, I am long on friends.
Then I stopped at Kroger for my favorite water and some lettuce. Since I was across the street from the Panera Bread Company, I stopped in for bread to go with supper. The girl behind the counter was so friendly. "I hope you enjoy your bread and have a wonderful night." I was surprised someone who appreciated the effort I was making to shop there.
Next, I couldn't leave Macon without a Starbucks Mocha Frappacino. So I pulled in and the girl says, "I know it is a hot day and I sure hope you enjoy your drink!" WHAT---all this friendliness on a Monday. You never get that here in Jackson, it is like you have bothered them by coming in, especially Ingles!
So seeing friends--even at a sad time--and friendly service can really help to make one's day.
The funeral was short and sweet. Robin said that a funeral is not the time for a preacher to prove what an eloquent speaker he is. The minister talked of God's grace and that our lives can not be defined by a single moment. I understood the point he was making, yet our lives are defined by a moment--- the moment we decide to accept Jesus as our Savior or not. (Lennye's commentary is free of charge!) Yet, his point was well taken, Sally had done many kind and noble things in her life and we shouldn't judge her on that moment she took the life of her mother-in-law and then turned the gun on herself. I felt so sad for the family.
Afterwards Robin and I say in the chapel and talked. Jena came in and sat with us for about 10 minutes. I love the fact that while I am short on family, I am long on friends.
Then I stopped at Kroger for my favorite water and some lettuce. Since I was across the street from the Panera Bread Company, I stopped in for bread to go with supper. The girl behind the counter was so friendly. "I hope you enjoy your bread and have a wonderful night." I was surprised someone who appreciated the effort I was making to shop there.
Next, I couldn't leave Macon without a Starbucks Mocha Frappacino. So I pulled in and the girl says, "I know it is a hot day and I sure hope you enjoy your drink!" WHAT---all this friendliness on a Monday. You never get that here in Jackson, it is like you have bothered them by coming in, especially Ingles!
So seeing friends--even at a sad time--and friendly service can really help to make one's day.
Weekends!
Weekends should be for resting! Why is that never the case around here. I don't think anyone who exists in the world of large animals has free time. It is 7 days a week with no exceptions. Our weekend went like this:
First, we looked for houses again. I think we are now considering Turtle Cove. That was until this morning when Dan called at 6:30am and said that the rent house with the barn is now available. Here is the problem----When your house is attached with the barn, if the barn lease falls apart, then you have to move too. So this is more discussion and part of the reason we never make a decision.
Second, there Dan's Sunday School class. We planned a cookout and no one came! It was at Denise's house so at least her and Shelby were there. I think Singles Sunday School Classes are hard to motivate!!!!!!! Especially, when the teacher is working 14 to 15 hours a day 6 days a week and 7 hours on Sunday. Then he is married to a crazy woman working on her doctorate.
Then there is the #1 son and his desire to get married. He did start his new job today. Hopefully it will move to full time fast!
I'm so glad weekends are only two days, although around here they just blend with the rest of the week.
I need to add some clarifications to my last post. Yes, we have thought about another state. Land in Oklahoma (HA! HA!) is very reasonable. But, Dan would have to rebuild his clients and that seems overwhelming. To run Dan's business takes about 40 acres at the least. One of the problems right now is the distance from Dan's work to home. So we forever wrestle with the issue do we get a house or do we get land? Because out here both are not affordable. Hence, the $500,000 house/land.
On the new work schedule we are all teaching subjects. Reese/Math, Brannan/Language, Harper/Science and Social Studies, me Reading/writing. Just tell me what you want.
Today, if I can change my dentist appointment I am going to go to Macon for Jena's mom's funeral. I will pass on the Grandmother's funeral. Although according to the timing I think they may be overlapping. This is so sad and my heart goes out to Jena and her family.
First, we looked for houses again. I think we are now considering Turtle Cove. That was until this morning when Dan called at 6:30am and said that the rent house with the barn is now available. Here is the problem----When your house is attached with the barn, if the barn lease falls apart, then you have to move too. So this is more discussion and part of the reason we never make a decision.
Second, there Dan's Sunday School class. We planned a cookout and no one came! It was at Denise's house so at least her and Shelby were there. I think Singles Sunday School Classes are hard to motivate!!!!!!! Especially, when the teacher is working 14 to 15 hours a day 6 days a week and 7 hours on Sunday. Then he is married to a crazy woman working on her doctorate.
Then there is the #1 son and his desire to get married. He did start his new job today. Hopefully it will move to full time fast!
I'm so glad weekends are only two days, although around here they just blend with the rest of the week.
I need to add some clarifications to my last post. Yes, we have thought about another state. Land in Oklahoma (HA! HA!) is very reasonable. But, Dan would have to rebuild his clients and that seems overwhelming. To run Dan's business takes about 40 acres at the least. One of the problems right now is the distance from Dan's work to home. So we forever wrestle with the issue do we get a house or do we get land? Because out here both are not affordable. Hence, the $500,000 house/land.
On the new work schedule we are all teaching subjects. Reese/Math, Brannan/Language, Harper/Science and Social Studies, me Reading/writing. Just tell me what you want.
Today, if I can change my dentist appointment I am going to go to Macon for Jena's mom's funeral. I will pass on the Grandmother's funeral. Although according to the timing I think they may be overlapping. This is so sad and my heart goes out to Jena and her family.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Oh Me!!
I've always kinda of known I have issues with whiney people, but today I know for sure I do. I just don't do whiney!!!! The older I get I don't do dumb either!! Pay attention, look sharp, and let's get the job done.
We learned of our new schedule for next year today and it is going to be a lot of work in a little amount of time. But that is okay! I think I kind of like knowing that I only have to write two lesson plans, and I will know it is getting taught. I actually am looking forward to my computer and my room! I just wish I was artsy and could come up with an open inviting room!!!
The Gabester is home from a long week at camp. I don't know how much he learned of Jesus, but he has new pranks that he can use when needed.
Dan called while I was working and said he found the perfect place for (deep breathe) $500,000. We probably could afford it if we didn't have to pay barn rent and could just being paying on our own land; however, there is the problem of a down payment.
I do want a house, and I do want perfect. I just don't like change!!!! I am content with my life. The only thing we need to do is make things better for Dan. Oh for a normal job, vacations, and the stuff ordinary people do!! I vote for the mundane!
We learned of our new schedule for next year today and it is going to be a lot of work in a little amount of time. But that is okay! I think I kind of like knowing that I only have to write two lesson plans, and I will know it is getting taught. I actually am looking forward to my computer and my room! I just wish I was artsy and could come up with an open inviting room!!!
The Gabester is home from a long week at camp. I don't know how much he learned of Jesus, but he has new pranks that he can use when needed.
Dan called while I was working and said he found the perfect place for (deep breathe) $500,000. We probably could afford it if we didn't have to pay barn rent and could just being paying on our own land; however, there is the problem of a down payment.
I do want a house, and I do want perfect. I just don't like change!!!! I am content with my life. The only thing we need to do is make things better for Dan. Oh for a normal job, vacations, and the stuff ordinary people do!! I vote for the mundane!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Laughter and Children
Once upon a time in Oklahoma!!!!! (I just read M's comment.) I found out that humor was more fun than crying, so I kept it. Also we all know that fat folks are jolly! On a serous side wouldn't you hate not being able to laugh at situations, yourself, and others! What a great stress relief laughing can be.
Now on the subject of parents having favorite children. I think we all try to love our children equally, but may lean towards one over the other. The oldest at my house is moving into adulthood at a rapid pace. Finally, got a vet tech job yesterday, that might turn into fulltime in a few months, and was already mentioning the "m" word. Along with graduate school, and I am saying nothing. I've tried over the last few months to gently guide and he doesn't want to be guided!!!!! So my lips are sealed on the subject!
The middle child would be content to bum around the US going to horse shows. Just catching a ride with whoever, like a darn bull rider!! He is going to break me this summer. Him and his daddy!!! (Who is fighting the restless spirit.) It is hard to believe I only have one more year to try and get incredible amounts of knowledge in his head!
Then there is the precious baby (who is ten). He is off at children's camp. I've missed him. He is growing up. It is hard to believe he will be in junior high. I hope that his social skills somewhat improve before August.
In the mix of all the child rearing issues, we are trying to decide on a house. I found one I really like, but the cost would strain our budget to the max. I don't like that feeling, since the budget feels strained now! It is sad that I have a masters degree in education and working on a doctorate, which next year without the dissertation will pay T-6 pay. Yet, I struggle to find money every month and owning our own home is a dream. I did find another one in Monticello (easier on the budget), but I don't like the neighborhood. Of course everyone wants this done before I go back to work in 4 weeks (I'm spending the week before in Atlanta working).
Oh the joy of it all!!!
Now on the subject of parents having favorite children. I think we all try to love our children equally, but may lean towards one over the other. The oldest at my house is moving into adulthood at a rapid pace. Finally, got a vet tech job yesterday, that might turn into fulltime in a few months, and was already mentioning the "m" word. Along with graduate school, and I am saying nothing. I've tried over the last few months to gently guide and he doesn't want to be guided!!!!! So my lips are sealed on the subject!
The middle child would be content to bum around the US going to horse shows. Just catching a ride with whoever, like a darn bull rider!! He is going to break me this summer. Him and his daddy!!! (Who is fighting the restless spirit.) It is hard to believe I only have one more year to try and get incredible amounts of knowledge in his head!
Then there is the precious baby (who is ten). He is off at children's camp. I've missed him. He is growing up. It is hard to believe he will be in junior high. I hope that his social skills somewhat improve before August.
In the mix of all the child rearing issues, we are trying to decide on a house. I found one I really like, but the cost would strain our budget to the max. I don't like that feeling, since the budget feels strained now! It is sad that I have a masters degree in education and working on a doctorate, which next year without the dissertation will pay T-6 pay. Yet, I struggle to find money every month and owning our own home is a dream. I did find another one in Monticello (easier on the budget), but I don't like the neighborhood. Of course everyone wants this done before I go back to work in 4 weeks (I'm spending the week before in Atlanta working).
Oh the joy of it all!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
What A Weekend!!!
I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had in a short time. The reunion was amazing! The only down side was being so FAT!!!! Otherwise, I felt great about my life after 30 years. It was hard to believe how some people had changed and how others had blossomed. Two of the girls in high school that weren't in "The Group" were the friendliest and most fun to be around. One friend had become so bitter it wasn't even funny. Others had become friendlier.
One of the coolest things was at breakfast some of our old teachers came. It was funny to see Johnny Ray walk Mrs. Cochran (now 92) to her car, carrying her purse. We all looked out the window and laughed remembering 30 years ago she wouldn't have let him near her purse. We also saw the girl's basketball coach and his wife. Since retirement he has spent his time creating a museum to Gene Autry and the singing cowboys of the 40's and 50's. It just so happened that on Saturday they were hosting Gene Autry Days (Gene Autry is a little community outside Ardmore). We decided after greasy burgers at Hamburger Inn to go out and we had a lot of fun. Dan could have stayed all day.
I think like most seniors we missed the most likely to succeed! The one we voted doesn't even work! Yet, one of our classmates is now the CEO of a company called Boots and Coots (formerly known as The Red Adair Company). He caps oil well blowouts plus more stuff!
Then there was the one beauty in high school who now has rotted out teeth. She's a meth addict. Then the ones in federal prision, and those just getting out. What a weekend!!!
All in all we had a grand time. Dan was at his best. He didn't know a lot of people I went to school with, but fit right in.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Overloaded Brain Matter
I loved the conference in Perry! My mind is absolutely spinning!! Jeff Anderson the author of Mechanically Inclined (which has to do with grammar) is my new favorite person. Also, heard a man named Dr. Cooper, he has written a book called, The Struggling Reader: Interventions That Work. It fits right in with RTI and will be a great asset. Then, got to hear THE SISTERS and so many great ideas. A professor and author by the name of Dr. Gail Thompson from California will go into my memory bank as a reference for the future. She may be able to help me with my dissertation.
Then with all this knowledge and excitement in learning, I returned to the nasty house. I am struggling to be nice!!! I don't see how you can sit here all day and wait for me to come home to do all the housework.
I have a couple of papers due Sunday and this will end my research class. I need to work on writing lesson plans this summer, since that will be included with my research. I need to get all the books from the folks I heard this weekend and then get started. Of course it is hard to come up with a couple of $100, just for more books.
Last night, I made out a mini-will. I may go revise it after Drew's comments last night!! My toughest question is what would I do with Gabe. He would hate being separated from his brothers! At 22 I could have taken care of a sibling; of course I had taken care of a dying mother for four years! Everyone best pray the plan doesn't crash.
Today promises to be full of activity.
1. work on paper
2. beauty shop
3. pack suitcase (I still don't know what to wear)
4. make sure the children have back up money and a will!
5. Try to enjoy myself and remember that this is fun!!!!!!
Then with all this knowledge and excitement in learning, I returned to the nasty house. I am struggling to be nice!!! I don't see how you can sit here all day and wait for me to come home to do all the housework.
I have a couple of papers due Sunday and this will end my research class. I need to work on writing lesson plans this summer, since that will be included with my research. I need to get all the books from the folks I heard this weekend and then get started. Of course it is hard to come up with a couple of $100, just for more books.
Last night, I made out a mini-will. I may go revise it after Drew's comments last night!! My toughest question is what would I do with Gabe. He would hate being separated from his brothers! At 22 I could have taken care of a sibling; of course I had taken care of a dying mother for four years! Everyone best pray the plan doesn't crash.
Today promises to be full of activity.
1. work on paper
2. beauty shop
3. pack suitcase (I still don't know what to wear)
4. make sure the children have back up money and a will!
5. Try to enjoy myself and remember that this is fun!!!!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Issues Abound
I am a prisoner in my own home. Dan gets up at 4am, which isn't bad, I like the mornings. However, with all my extra people I can't move around in the morning. Right now Drew is on the couch asleep and Nicole is in Matt's bed. Matt is on a blow up mattress in the laundry room, so he can hear his dog and take care of him without involving me! Gabe got to keep his bed. With this cronic backache right now, I need to be moving around!! We are going to look for a bigger house. I want all the kids to feel like they can come and go as needed, plus bring friends home.
This leads to the next problem--feeding everyone. I definiately need to plan menus. You know how you always hear about families of 8 living on $500 a month groceries. I need to know how to do that. We are more like the family of 5 living on a $1,000 a month grocery bill. I listen to financial advisors and still don't know how they do it! Thank God gas prices dropped .10 cents this weekend.
Today, Gabe is off to Bible School and Ryan, the neighbor is going too. I'm even going to let the van pick them up and drop them off. I'm off to the chiropractor. I've already started looking into all the workshops at the conference and there are a lot of GREAT ones to choice from. Wish Sarah was going with me!
Then there is the reunion in Oklahoma and me feeling having the guilt issues over what I should do! I know Linda wants me to stay there. But if I stay at Brenda's I can go to a party Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday night. Yet, then I won't be spending quality time with Linda, which is what I think I have to do. On Sunday, I need to see my Dad. Also, time must be made for the obligatory trip to the cemetery. Boy, a mini vacation is even difficult.
Then to top it off my dissertation proposal needs to be finished before I head to Oklahoma.
So is life today in our fast paced world. There are days when I would like to just watch the waves blow in and enjoy life!
This leads to the next problem--feeding everyone. I definiately need to plan menus. You know how you always hear about families of 8 living on $500 a month groceries. I need to know how to do that. We are more like the family of 5 living on a $1,000 a month grocery bill. I listen to financial advisors and still don't know how they do it! Thank God gas prices dropped .10 cents this weekend.
Today, Gabe is off to Bible School and Ryan, the neighbor is going too. I'm even going to let the van pick them up and drop them off. I'm off to the chiropractor. I've already started looking into all the workshops at the conference and there are a lot of GREAT ones to choice from. Wish Sarah was going with me!
Then there is the reunion in Oklahoma and me feeling having the guilt issues over what I should do! I know Linda wants me to stay there. But if I stay at Brenda's I can go to a party Friday night, Saturday morning, and Saturday night. Yet, then I won't be spending quality time with Linda, which is what I think I have to do. On Sunday, I need to see my Dad. Also, time must be made for the obligatory trip to the cemetery. Boy, a mini vacation is even difficult.
Then to top it off my dissertation proposal needs to be finished before I head to Oklahoma.
So is life today in our fast paced world. There are days when I would like to just watch the waves blow in and enjoy life!
Friday, June 8, 2007
My How Time Flies!
Drew returned yesterday from his visit with the girlfriend! We have had a talk about his future. Seems that Penn State is in the picture again. And girlfriend likes Penn State, so we will see. But, until something arrives he is to get a job! (I must admit starting sentences with conjunctions is strange for me!)
Matt has decided to have Nick come for a sleepover tonight on his way to a horse show! Where I am suppose to put Nick I have no idea. I guess the more the merrier. Which leads to my next adventure. We have to have a bigger house! So I guess that will be my job over the next few weeks. I am still leaning at moving toward Monticello! It is a town that feels like home everytime I go there.
I need to work on a couple of applications that need to go to the doctoral committe. I am at the point of getting my personal committee for my dissertation.
All my shopping yesterday go me nothing! I guess Omar the Tentmaker is not making things that make me look 100 pounds lighter! Plus, after yesterday I believe we should shoot whoever in fashiondom decided to make empire waisted shirts for fat women!!!! I looked like a beached whale.
The chiropractor gave me a book title to get, some minerals (that did help no leg cramps in the night), and a ph balance kit. I am all over this! I also am sporting a huge bruise on my arm from some blood work. (I could never shoot up drugs, I would be a massive bruise!) Hopefully, he will determine if there is another autoimmune disease taking over my body.
Today, I must finish up the horse show. Mail a bunch of packages. Look online for a digital camera to take to the reunion. Also, need to write a little will for the boys, just in case! In the last few days, I do have my summer reading. I have an Andrew Greely book, "The Bishop and the Old Neighborhood." If you've never read Greely - I strongly recommend everything. Also, I got the Anne Quindlen book entitled, "Rise and Shine." I love Quindlen!
Matt has decided to have Nick come for a sleepover tonight on his way to a horse show! Where I am suppose to put Nick I have no idea. I guess the more the merrier. Which leads to my next adventure. We have to have a bigger house! So I guess that will be my job over the next few weeks. I am still leaning at moving toward Monticello! It is a town that feels like home everytime I go there.
I need to work on a couple of applications that need to go to the doctoral committe. I am at the point of getting my personal committee for my dissertation.
All my shopping yesterday go me nothing! I guess Omar the Tentmaker is not making things that make me look 100 pounds lighter! Plus, after yesterday I believe we should shoot whoever in fashiondom decided to make empire waisted shirts for fat women!!!! I looked like a beached whale.
The chiropractor gave me a book title to get, some minerals (that did help no leg cramps in the night), and a ph balance kit. I am all over this! I also am sporting a huge bruise on my arm from some blood work. (I could never shoot up drugs, I would be a massive bruise!) Hopefully, he will determine if there is another autoimmune disease taking over my body.
Today, I must finish up the horse show. Mail a bunch of packages. Look online for a digital camera to take to the reunion. Also, need to write a little will for the boys, just in case! In the last few days, I do have my summer reading. I have an Andrew Greely book, "The Bishop and the Old Neighborhood." If you've never read Greely - I strongly recommend everything. Also, I got the Anne Quindlen book entitled, "Rise and Shine." I love Quindlen!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Greetings from Exhaustionville!
It is hard for me to understand why I stay so exhausted. Wait could it be that in the last 10 days I have:
1. Lived through the last week of school.
2. Drove two hours to do a HUGE horse show!!!
3. Finished up at work.
4. Cleaned the worlds nastiest house.
I guess that could explain my exhaustion. Today it is a trip to the chiropractor and then a shopping trip. On the 15th we will be OKLAHOMA bound. I can't wait, even if it is a quick trip.
1. Lived through the last week of school.
2. Drove two hours to do a HUGE horse show!!!
3. Finished up at work.
4. Cleaned the worlds nastiest house.
I guess that could explain my exhaustion. Today it is a trip to the chiropractor and then a shopping trip. On the 15th we will be OKLAHOMA bound. I can't wait, even if it is a quick trip.
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