Back to Work

I need to keep a low profile this year! Wonder if that can be successfully done. I will need air in my room before this new plan can begin! The air was out last week, it is still out. Dan came and helped me move stuff around yesterday and he was major pissed at how hot it was. The DARE officer came in and said he wouldn't work in this heat. I still don't feel 100 percent and then to not have a dry thread on me.....

I came home started supper, left and went to WalMart in Forsyth for fabric for the board. Decided I needed the brightest and cheeriest material I could find. Also, saw a cute Santa apron---made me think of Sarah. I need to find a relaxing craft. While going to Forsyth the air in the car stopped working! I am under some type of no air curse!

My paper is still not done.

YUCK!!!

Nothing like a terrible cold, fever, achy bones, etc ..to get one ready to go back to work. Everyone else got over this in a couple of days. It is just hanging on for me!!! YEAH!! The paper isn't written, the house isn't clean, there is another mound of laundry ready to be attacked and I get to start work. Who has the margaritas?

Changing Seasons!

Not only is it time to leave summer behind, but the family is going through a changing season. I once read a book by Chuck Swindoll (or his sister Lucy) about how life goes through seasons. I am amazed that I am remarkable calm about this one.

Yesterday, was all about Matt. We went to take senior pictures yesterday. I couldn't believe how grown up he looked. On the way over we talked about college and how in love he is right now. Yes, Matt and the girl from Florida are at the least a serious phone item. She has traveled to every horse show he has so far this summer. Texas and I think she is trying to go to SC this weekend. I don't see much for long distance romances but who knows.

Gabe has grown a bunch this summer. He is easily 5'4 1/2" right now. It is hard to believe he will be in junior high soon. We go back to the doctor today. He still isn't over having having his first vacation cancelled.

Drew is quickly leaving us to start his new life with Nicole and it is okay. (If I could find something to wear, it would be better.) I think we have found reasonable suits in the appropriate brown color and we are ready to make a purchase.

Me, well I have a paper to write and no idea exactly how to write it. The paper involves a some research that can only be done at school. I am to the wire on a lot of stuff right now and very unemotional about it all. I plan to not get too over wrought, let's see how that works for me!!!

Vegeterian?

I am contemplating changing to a more vegetarian life style. The number one reason is I feel better when I don't eat meat! Now that is a harsh statement for a southern girl to digest!!!!! Several diet books that I have read lately talked about how hard the consumtion of meat is on the body. Makes sense to me!!

So I am looking for some more vegetarian in nature recipes. I bought a box of Couscous. While at the conference this past week they made Couscous wraps and I really liked them. I think I could go there during the school year. If anyone has a great recipe let me know.

SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER

It is hard to believe that one more week and then it is back to work. I have enjoyed learning many new things this summer. I loved the reading conference in June and then this past week in Atlanta helped me understand the vision of the state department so much better.

I am also thrilled that one day I can say, I knew Sarah when. Sarah is in the job she was made for. (I hate ending sentences in prepositions!) I hope that see enjoys every day at work. Plus, I wouldn't mind joining her some day. According to the Social Security info I just got, I've got to work till I'm 66 years and 10 months. As I read this I prayed that God would let me be a Jane Fonda 66, not some I know!!!!

Wedding plans are moving along quickly. I need to get all the addresses together this next week. Nicole is having a shower in Kentucky today, I'll miss that!! Drew and I are going suit shopping today. Plus, he has got to add to the registry!!!

Matt has senior pictures made on Tuesday and has some hair on his head!!! They want to do several poses, but you can't take a horse or the state of Texas as a prop, so I think it is just Matt.

Gabe goes back to the doctor on Wednesday, so hopefully he will be released and can get his shots, so he can go to school.

I need to get two new books: The Children's Writer Dictionary this gives you a grade level for certain words. Also, I need the workbook that goes with Ron Clark's theory.

I need to get busy with doctoral work and school work. This will be my research year. So I intend to do lots of planning. A sabbatical may be in my near future!!!

Work/Vacation

I am off for a week of work at the expense of the state. However, I will be staying at the Renaissance Downtown and get my meals paid for, plus they are paying me!!!! This is my kind of vacation. I should be home on Friday night.

Music of the Day

Today's musical sampling should be, "Mama's Don't Let Your Baby's Grow Up to be Cowboys!" Matt called, can't he stay in Texas till school starts. I won't even go into my thoughts on that or what his Daddy said. (Which was mild)

So to soothe my tortured soul over the middle child, I downloaded more music. Not modern and hip, but golden oldies. I went for Roseann Cash's "Seven Year Ache" and Elton John's "Tiny Dancer". Almost had to add .38 Special's "Hold on Loosely", but found it too moody today!!

Good News at the doctor with Gabe's ear. He pulled out lots of dead skin and said that the eardrum looked pretty good. We go back in 10 days! Seems to think there won't be any hearing loss. Thank you Jesus! Also, felt he may talk softer now!!!!!!! Tomorrow if all holds out I will have the house alone!!!! I told Dad and Gabe they need a man day. Matt is gone. Drew is meeting Alex to look at suits for the wedding. (They don't want Tuxes)

Changing Musical Taste!

Okay, don't get excited NO and I mean NO ONE will ever take the place of George. But I have found a few interesting tunes added to my IPod Playlist. Yes, Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape" and today Dido's "White Flag" are some of my favorites. How do these chicks hang with my southern rock/country leanings? Who knows!!!! Of course, Bonnie Raitt has always held her place in my heart.

Why does music connect to times in our lives? One song when we dated that has always had a place in my heart is The Judd's "Mama He's Crazy." Of course, George has the most songs on the story of our life.

The Best Laid Plans!

Well, guess who isn't going to St. Simon for the reading conference? ME!!!!!!!! Gabe's ear is some kind of serious ear infection. The outer ear is swelling. Yesterday, the ENT said he needed steroids and $100 ear drop medicine and another appointment before the weekend! Well, I took the perscriptions to CVS for them to fill. Only when I go to pick them up, they don't have the drops, they don't call to find them, they just go "Oh well, maybe tomorrow". I looked at the girl and said, "You couldn't call before all the other pharmacy's closed in town, or call and find me some somewhere?" Apparently not!!!!

With Gabe's continuing ear issues, the trip to St. Simon was cancelled. Which took an act of congress. Then I had to pay one nights lodging for not allowing 3 days notice. Which really was no big deal, I would rather be home with the sick one! Of course now Dan and Gabe are disappointed that they aren't going anywhere.

I MUST clean house today! This is important. Also, the reception guest list must be finalized and a total sent to the in laws. I did order a dress this morning.

I would also like to continue house hunting. It is so confusing and time consuming!

Motherhood!

Gabe has a ruptured eardrum! I am not happy with doctor who two weeks ago prescribed antibiotic and no ear drops! Anyway at the horse show Saturday he loses it! Cried hard all the way home (2 1/2 hours). I wanted to scream. Sunday we went to doctor again. Today I called and ENT to get an appointment. I have one Wednesday. Then the doctor called to say they couldn't get an appointment with an ENT. So I informed them already taken care of!!! They asked how --- perhaps the pain in a mother's voice who has heard a big 10 year old scream for two days! Dr. prescribed codine for G and that has helped some.

The wayward son, went off to Fort Worth and won Reserve Champion in the 18 and under cutting at the Paint World show. You go Matt! He is back to Fort Worth on Thursday for another show. No wonder we don't do vacations people around here are too busy going to horse shows.

Lover boy is home again from his weekend with Nicole and family! We need to be looking for a suit! I don't know how we will get all this done.

Dan is exhausted. He can't even think anymore. I will be glad for him to get a rest. I hope we get a chance to talk during our working break this weekend. Lover Boy will have to take care of livestock and sick boy.

Dear Lord, help this bunch!

Happy 4th!

Well it truly is a happy day! Yesterday, I heard from the bank that we have been preapproved for a house loan! With Dan being self employed I could hardly believe it. Now comes the part I've struggled with, where do we live. I don't know! There are some wonderful houses being built over in Covington on the Jasper county line and you know if I don't live in Butts I want to live in Jasper County. Dan wants to buy land! When you experience the drama of my life it is no wonder I am so FAT!!!!!!!

Matt went on a date last night with a hot little girl from Miami. Go figure. He called and asked if he could stay out an hour later and they were just laughing it up!!! I'll report more later. He leaves tomorrow for the Paint World Show in TEXAS! Comes back on Monday and lives for the Summer Spectacular on next Thursday. I need him to slow down and figure out how he is getting senior pictures done.

Drew is calmer now that the engagement is official. Yet, there is still much to do. We have to get clothes lined up and all that stuff.......

Yesterday, I cooked all day to take food over to Freda, who is doing great after surgery. I made Ricky French Dip Sandwiches, which I need to make and bring to school one time. Freda got nice potato soup (I put drop dumplings in mine, so it is different). Then I made Banana Split Cake and Yum-Yum Cake. Ricky called about nine and said it was all wonderful. Today I can't decide whether to throw a burger on the grill or do Beer can chicken (which is wonderful).

We will be off to the fireworks tonight!! A 10 year tradition.

Ain't Love Grand!!

Well Drew popped the question. Gave her the ring. They want to be married by September 8th. The practical side of me could scream. Yet, some good friends have reminded me that they will figure out life together and it will be okay. And you know what so will I!!!!!

We are still on the house thing. We have got to move closer to Dan's work and for the short period of time that Drew is with us --he works over their too. Then when Matt graduates he wants to go to Perimeter College off Hwy 11. (the new one they are building, so he is there too.) That really leaves me and Gabe as the hold outs. I like Butts County! I hate to move!! Each are excellent points. If I move I want to move to Monticello, which helps no one get to work easier. I'm trying not to be obstinate (stop laughing!!!!).