Once upon a time there was a girl

who had a blog. The girl fancied herself something of an amateur writer. While her intentions were to spin out snarky posts in a timely fashion, she recognized her limitations and was instead, mostly content to let her stories spill forth in little hiccups throughout the months.

There came a time that a hiccup turned into something more along the lines of a coma. Almost 5 months passed with nary a word written. In those long quiet days, the girl turned thoughts and ideas over in her mind. "Perhaps I will write about this" she thought. And, "this would make an excellent blog post". Yet, she never brought herself to type the first letter.

Until, at last she said to herself "enough is enough, just write something already".

And so she did.

*Somewhere in that 5 month slumber she managed to waken long enough to have a family photograph taken by one immensely talented camera person*

A Ghost Story...

Mark and I stayed at an historic Bed & Breakfast in Rugby, TN whilst on vacation. We chose Rugby as our base because (1) we had passed through the town a few weeks before and discovered an AMAZING swimming hole, (2) I have a thing for historic homes, (3) the notion of no Internet access, cell-phone signals, televisions, or anything else remotely hi-tech sounded appealing, and (4) after 3 hours of searching for lodging in Big South Fork National Park yielded me exactly -nothing-, I decided it would be easier than wasting another minute of my life.

I had heard of Rugby before our little adventure with the kids a few weeks back. When we arrived at the visitor center, Forrest kept mentioning zombies. I chalked this up to (a) him being a male and therefore interested in all things creepy and (b) that he can be annoying like that. Although, in his defense, the area surrounding the building was a bit surreal. We had to walk through a small wooded lot to get to the entrance, there was a nary a soul to be seen and the little village looked frozen in time.

As I searched and searched for a place for us to rest our heads, Forrest sat across the room from me reading a book. Every now and then (usually as I muttered a less-than-lady-like word) he would offer up a word of encouragement..."have you tried searching hotel-big-south-fork"? To which I would reply "No Forrest, that combination never entered my mind, thank you for reminding why we pay the big bucks for your education". This at the two-hour thirty-five-minute mark of my search.

As I shut my computer down a few minutes later he asked if I had found anything. I replied that yes, I had booked the B&B in Rugby and that it would have to do because I was OVER searching. He says"You should call aunt Lottie (name has been changed to protect her identity) and ask her about that place".

I froze.

"Why"? I asked. But truth be told, I didn't need to ask him "why". Whatever little wisp of fog had been covering the memory of how I had become acquainted with Rugby in the first place began lifting the moment Forrest mentioned my aunt Lottie.

"To see if there are any ghosts" was his reply.

My aunt Lottie, well...how should I put this...well, she is in tune with the supernatural...and no, I don't mean the Jesus supernatural. I mean the traveling around the country, staying at haunted inns, getting in touch with the other side supernatural.

A few years ago she had mentioned that she and her husband loved visiting historic Rugby...the food at the Cafe, the restored Victorian cottages, the charming perfectly preserved library and the haunted lodging. I somehow retained all details except for that last little bit.

My voice may or may not have gone up an octave and I may or may not have shrieked at my favourite son "WHY DIDN'T YOU REMIND ME OF THAT BEFORE"???

"I did" he says...with an uplifted eyebrow and the beginning of a little smirk on his lips.

"No. You didn't". I snap back. (At which point I may or may not have taken a moment to think "how did that kid get so stinkin' cute, his smirk is adorable"). Ummm...where was I???

"Yes. I did. Remember, I kept telling you that there were Zombies in the woods. What did you think I was talking about? You think I just like to talk about zombies? I'm 15 mom, not 10".

He had a point.

It was entirely too late to cancel our reservation. I had booked the room on a last minute deal and canceling was out of the question. So, I called aunt Lottie to find out exactly what I had signed us up for. (Not that I actually believe in ghosts or anything).

After a 15 minute conversation in which I was versed in all of the best spots to see "spirits", the bet way to view "orbs" in the cemetery, which ghost was which and why it haunted that particular spot...I chalked it all up to nonsensicalness and promptly forgot about the whole ordeal.

Fast forward two weeks. We are checked into our suite in the B&B. The B&B is gorgeous and I want to build a house exactly like it.

Because I still have insomnia issues I took a ginormous swig of Nyquil before climbing into the antique double bed. Because I have dry eyes and the air conditioning was irritating my condition further, I removed my contacts. Because there was no night stand on my side of the bed, I passed my glasses to Mark who set them on the table on his side. Because I am courteous, I did not wake Mark and ask him to hand me my glasses when I awoke in the night and needed to use the facilities. Because my husband does not get out in the sun very often, he does not have a tan...in fact, he is quite white. Because my son and aunt filled my head with tales of Casper the ghost the following happened.

When I returned to the room in my drugged-blind-bat state, I saw a big white blob hovering on the other side of the bed! I jumped three feet into the air and cried "Jesus". Which caused the white blob to jump three feet in response! The blob then spoke "Good grief Destry! What is wrong with you???"

Lucky for Casper..er, Mark my gun was on the mantle far across the room. By the way, can you actually shoot a ghost?

Summer...

This summer is absolutely FLYING by. I think the feeling is intensified by the fact that our school system switches to an year round schedule this year (which I am happy about).

It seems like each year we spend the month of June catching up on things...reading, sleeping, playing outside, swimming, eating Popsicles by the dozens, staying up to watch umpteen million Disney movies and endless Deadliest Catch reruns.

At some point, usually as we begin thinking about our 4th of July plans, it hits me..."wow summer break is half way over". Which spurs me into travel agent action. Finding day trips to fill our weekends with, searching out places that are educational as well as entertaining, booking a hotel room for our annual trek to Holiday World, finding a snatch of time that Mark and I can get away together, etc. And in all of that, knowing that I can begin dealing with "Back To School" preparations on August 1st. Except this year, those preparations must be done before August 1st.

Last year Forrest began school the first Monday in August. Preparing for that wasn't difficult or time consuming. Uniforms were bought in one place, one check was written to cover text books and the first monthly meal plan. Two reams of paper, one package of pens and another of pencils and off he went. This year, Chloe and Cammie begin school on August 3rd...and the list of school supplies for a 1st and 2nd grader is significantly longer than the list of a 1oth grader.

Beginning today, I am on a sprint to August 10th. Because on the 10th, our life will fall back into the comfortable school year rhythm. Routines will be reestablished and I'll be able to take a deep breath and know that I have a few months respite until the holiday season begins.

Until then, this is what the next three weeks hold:

-Thursday July 16...Leave for Holiday World

-Friday and Saturday...Holiday World

-Saturday night upon return...do all laundry related to trip because on

-Sunday...Forrest leaves for Georgia for his visit with Grandmother Carol in Savannah.

-Monday and Tuesday...get the house in order, grocery shop, plan for sitter

-Wednesday July 22...register Forrest for school, buy text books leave at 10 for Big South Fork National Park

-Wednesday afternoon through Saturday...relax with my husband who desperately needs a break

-Sunday...meet Carol in Atlanta to retrieve Forrest

-Monday-Thursday...school supply shopping for girls, uniform shopping for Forrest, catch up laundry, pack and CELEBRATE MY SOPHIE'S 9TH BIRTHDAY!!!

-Friday July 21st...Mark and Forrest leave with some of the guys from church to sleep on an aircraft carrier somewhere in Alabama...and I leave with all 4 of the girls to visit my best friend that moved back to Indiana (I am still in denial about that and am in no way ready to deal with the torrent of emotions that I am desperately fending off)

-Sunday...return from Indiana in time for evening services at church

-Monday...Chloe and Cammie start school

-Tuesday...catch up laundry and take Hannah shopping for cute outfits for Youth Congress

-Wednesday August 5th...CELEBRATE MS. HANNAH'S 12TH BIRTHDAY...and go to Youth Congress

-Thursday-Saturday...Youth Congress

-Monday August 10th...the day routines return to the Suffridge household

Oh, and Hannah and Sophie have been promised a bedroom makeover for their birthdays...which means painting is in my future...August 5th is my deadline, or so I am told.

Please, don't misunderstand. I am in no way complaining about how hectic the next three weeks will be. When I read back over the list, yes, I feel a little overwhelmed with the inevitable "to do" lists that go along with each bullet point... But I am also overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude.

My life is unbelievably full and rich. I am blessed beyond measure. There are difficulties in my life to be sure. But those problems and issues are tiny when compared to the heaping mountains that are my blessings.

I think about how blessed I am often...and I assure you, those musings are not done in a prideful fashion, but in an incredulous manner. Honestly, I question God about it on a regular basis. For the life of me, I cannot comprehend why he is so generous towards me. I am certain that I am not worthy of his favor.

When I think about the life that I lived before...the person that I was and the path that I was on... and I compare that to the life I live now, the person I am becoming and the path that is before me...there are no words.

From the tiniest aspect of my existence, the minutiae of my day to day, the mounds of laundry and the innumerable tasks involved in keeping a family of seven running...to the major aspects such as praying with someone in the altar, or watching as the 4th of our 5 children was baptized in the glorious name of Jesus, to testifying in the women's prison, I am blessed and oh so thankful.

Everbody is else is doing it...

so I should too.

Right? Right.

Outside my window… it is hot and humid, dark and quiet.

I am thinking… that I should most definitely exercise tomorrow (and every day after that for ever and ever, amen).

I am thankful for…health insurance and the ability to buy medicine.

From the kitchen… I hear the sound of one of my kids rustling grapes out of the fridge.

I am wearing… shorts and a tank top.

I am creating… a backlog of "picture a day" photos.

I am going… to start journaling again...(because you know, I need another wagon to fall off of).

I am reading… absolutely nothing of interest. (so sad).

I am hoping… that I don't come down with the shingles.

I am hearing… my poor little husband toss and turn and moan in his sleep.

Around the house… things look pretty good...just don't open a drawer or closet door.

One of my favorite things… is air-conditioning and route 44 strawberry-limeades in the summer.

Has it really been a month...

since I have posted? Wow. Not good. Actually, it has been a month and two days...if you want to be specific.


What on Earth have I been doing for the past month and two days? Not much.


I really have nothing to say. That's why I haven't posted. Really.


Okay, there have been a few times that I thought about posting...and then decided that I should keep my negative commentary to myself. You know, if you don't have anything nice to say...and all that .


Blogger's block. That's it.


Let me streamline this rambling...



RIGHT NOW:


*I am listening to Forrest and Cameron shoot one another with airsoft guns. It sounds something like this...


-click-

Forrest: owwww!

Cameron: dude, did that hurt?

Forrest: Nah, man. Here let me shoot you. OOOOO...I know turn around, let me see if I can hit the back of your ear.

-click-

Cameron: OWWWWW! Dude, you missed. You hit me in the neck. My turn...cover your face with the oven mitt and I'll try to hit the thumb part.


I should probably stop them before someone gets their eyeball shot out...but the commentary is entertaining.



*I am debating on showering. To shower or not to shower, that is the question.


*My house is really, really dusty. Something is up with the filtration system. I am thinking about writing love notes to my little husband in the dust. I can't decide if that is sweet or weird.


*I need a new book to read. I am open to suggestions.


*I wish I were in Chicago, on the beach, in Alaska, napping in a hammock, driving through Amish country...on vacation anywhere but here.


And, that is all I've got. Exciting, huh?

edited to add...the Cameron mentioned above is Forrest's friend Cameron, not his sister Cameron.

AND...in regards to showering...I don't stink or anything...a part of me would enjoy a long hot shower and another part of me thinks it would require entirely too much effort.

Some things I know...

* that I am so not good at updating the photo blog. My sister, who deep down really believes in me, suggested that I just delete it. I thought maybe I would...for about a second and then I remembered something else that I know...

* I am stubborn and prone to moments of bratty-ness...which sends thoughts like "It's my photo blog...they're my memories...and so what if I'm 2 months behind...I'm really good at making lists and I will, eventually catch it up." All of that said in an indignant tone, hands on hips, quite sassy actually.

* Growth Groups (small groups, in-home bible studies, etc) begin tonight. My living room carpet is super funky, all of my patio furniture is in the back yard because the deck is being stained tomorrow, the window sill repairs are not complete...people will notice. I care. It makes me CRAZY that my home will be less than *perfect* when 25 people arrive on my doorstep this evening.

* There is nothing I can do about it.

* I am excited about Growth Groups despite of my home-neurosis.

* Today is the last day of school. I might go crazy, then again Ms. Abby will be lending a helping hand on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yay Abby!

* I am more than a little freaked out that my son will be a sophomore next year. Three years left. My heart. is. broken.

Hey there...

I apologize for being MIA...again. It seems like I am always apologizing for that...hmmm...maybe I should update the blogs more often...or maybe just stop apologizing for not doing it. Actually, I am a chronic-apologizer. People are constantly telling me to "stop apologizing", "stop saying you're sorry", "don't worry, why are you apologizing". Hmmm...maybe I have Apologetic OCD. Is there a correct term for over-apologizing? AND, lest you wonder if my apologies can be sincere when given so frequently, I assure you, they are.

Now that I got that out of the way...

I will again say that "I have a list and have been taking pictures and will update the photo blog soon". I know, it's been said before. I promise, it will be said again.

What have I been doing (other than avoiding blogging)? Welll...

1. I got the spring-cleaning bug and cleaned out the laundry room from top-to-bottom. Exciting right? Okay, maybe not...but it looks wonderful.

2. I also cleaned my office...including filing stacks and stacks of papers. (Yes, I am full of excitement like that).

3. I have been converted into a chronic-couponer. Don't believe me? Just wait until you see my fully-organized-three-ring-binder-of-coupony-goodness. Renee responsible for my latest fixation. I can't decide if I want to squeeze her in a bear-hug of thanks...or bonk her over the head with my 10-pound-fully-organized-three-ring-binder-of-coupony-goodness. Seriously though, I am breaking out into splotches on a regular basis as I scoop up boxes of Fiber One bars for the low, low price of sixty-four-cents-per-box...and amassing a collection of deodorant and BBQ sauce. If the world ends and we can no longer shop at Wal-Mart, my family will smell good and I am banking on the fact that we can survive a mighty long time on Fiber One bars and BBQ sauce.

In summation (did I ever mention that I had planned on being a lawyer at one time...this was back in high school...just before I decided that I preferred certain extra-curricular activities over...oh, say learning...moving on)...where was I, oh yes, in summation, I have been a productive person for the last few weeks...and I must say, it has been satisfying. Not satisfying enough to give up afternoon naps altogether...but satisfying enough to skip them for at least a few weeks.

Happy Spring Cleaning! (I am trying to convince myself to clean out the pantry...then again, today might be a good day to reinstate napping).

Ahhh...

I finally began catching up the photo blog. Look for more tomorrow. Now, excuse me while I do the happy dance...

Excuses...

Have I ever mentioned that I. Heart. Guh-raffes? Because, I do. Really. Heart. Guh-raffes. Anyhoo...in case you are asking yourself why a random photo of Sophie appeared at the top of the last blog post...and in case you are currently wondering if this post will be about

Guh-raffe love...let me help you out. My little husband and my favorite sister and others who shall remain nameless *cough* Amy *cough* have mentioned (complained, whined, nagged about) the lack of pictures appearing on the blog. In an effort to please the readership...I am working on posting more pictures...even if said pictures have absolutely no relevance to the topic at hand.

*I chaperoned two field trips this week.

*Chaperoning threw off my schedule and I haven't quite caught up.

*The digital display went out on my camera and I am in denial about it.

*My allergies are going nuts.

*I honestly haven't a two hour stretch of downtime this week. Okay, I did have a two hour stretch and I spent it napping...see the first two.

*Procrastinating is HARDWIRED into my DNA.

*I lost the cord to my scanner...I placed it somewhere safe and convenient so that I would remember...and promptly forgot.

The good news...I pinky promise that I will update at least 10 days on the photo blog...and I will do a post of "Way Back" pictures...

Tomorrow.

A few things that...

are making me happy:

*the sound of Forrest playing "Wish You Were Here" on his acoustic guitar

*sunshine streaming in through the family room windows

*knowing that I am FINISHED with Chloe and Cammie's clothing fiasco

*reflecting on the fantastic bible study at church last night

*A t-shirt that Forrest designed that says -I Mosh For Jesus- seriously, it cracks me up

I am looking forward to:

*a Saturday with NOTHING on the calendar

*cleaning our Hannah and Sophie's closet...seriously

*planting flowers around the pond

*weight loss/fitness contest at the gym beginning on May 1st

*a day at the spa with my oldest friend (Carrie) to celebrate her 31st birthday

I am not looking forward to:

*making myself update the photo blog...I will be happy when I am finished...but I am sooo behind

*painting the powder room

*cleaning out the laundry room

*replacing the family room carpet

are stressing me out:

*the digital display on my camera has gone out (shucks, guess I'll need a new camera...hahaha)

*my puppy that likes to dig up the plants around the pond

*my other puppy that likes to chill in the pond

*updating the photo blog

are on the agenda (feeling inspired):

*scrapbooking

*printing off TONS of pictures

*writing poetry (Did you know that I wrote tons of poetry when I was teenager?)

*redoing Hannah and Sophie's room

Lists...

Yesterday I:

1.brought all of the hand-me-down totes out of the attic...I think there were 5 plus a large bag.

2. brought half of the hang-up hand me downs from the attic... (I have a 12ft rod hanging in the attic *crammed* with hanging clothes in various sizes...6ft worth made it down)...I also found some charming photographs of myself...coming soon.

3. sorted all of the fall/winter clothes into different "categories" (I am all about the categories).

4. caught up Quicken.

5. went to church early to make visitor follow-up calls...it felt very satisfying and I loved it.

6. locked my son out of his room...yes, he is grounded from his room...Yay teenagers!


Today I:

1. signed up to chaperon two field trips next week...Zoo on Tuesday with Chloe and Discovery Center on Thursday with Cammie. (I am not known for my patience with squealing children...so I will be driving my truck, not riding on the buses...and taking lots of deep breaths).

2. burned 278 calories in 40 minutes with my trainer.

3. was treated to a 20 minute hydro-massage because I am the "client of the month".

4. came home and folded 3 loads of laundry because I would really like to be more domestic. Really.

5. decided to take a two hour nap because I felt like jello from the massage, tired from the work out and proud of the three loads of laundry I folded. (I lead a charmed life, I know).

This evening I:

1. am going to spend time (lots of time) making my reluctant younger daughters try-on lots and lots of clothes.

2. will menu plan. Seriously.

3. will be making a grocery list. Honestly.

4. will pay the bills. Wooohooo! Not.

5. will feel accomplished in spite of my two hour nap.

update: 9:30pm
I spent three more hours on the closet fiasco, then paid the bills. Grocery list and meal planning will take place in the morning. I feel accomplished.

Things I am currently procrastinating...

1. uploading, sorting, editing pictures

2. updating the photo blog (see #1)

3. meal planning (hahahahaahaha), grocery list making

4. grocery shopping (see #3)

5. going through the kids closets, dresser drawers, hand me down totes

6. putting away the laundry (see #5)

7. cleaning out my closet

8. making 3 phone calls

9. catching up quicken, paying the bills

10. thinking about the things I am procrastinating- DONE

Just listing them all out is enough to have me scurrying back under the covers for a day of rest.

A few things...

1. There will be no "Way Back" post this week. I have been busy...and I need to get a tote full of incriminating photos out of the attic...I promise to make up for it...I'm thinking a picture of me with black dreadlocks would be worth the wait...then again, maybe not.

2. Spring Break-Take Two...has been rather uneventful. Although, the following conversation took place...

Scene: Looking for yard sales with Chloe, Cammie and Sophie (we had an hour to kill while Mark was finishing up a men's work day at church)...

Cammie: When I grow up, and I'm a mom, I'm gonna take my little girl to yard sales so she can spend her two dollars.

Chloe: Me too.

Sophie: Me too.

Cammie: If I'm gonna be a momma, that means I have to have a baby, right?

Me: Yes. (Clueless to the conversation that is about to open up).

Cammie: And that means (this is where realization dawns on me....here we go, another V-word phobic talk)...that it will have to come out my.....????

Me: We've talked about this already. (Internally praying that we stumble upon a yard sale...pronto).

Cammie: I know, but I don't think a baby will be able to come out of either one of those places.

Sophie: What places?

Chloe: Your tutti.

Cammie: Or your booty.

Sophie: WHAT?!?!?!?!?! A baby comes out of your tummy.

Cammie: So which is it...the tooty, the booty or the tummy?

Me: Definitely not the booty.

Sophie: I think they CUT it out of your tummy.

Cammie: I am definitely not gonna be a momma.

Chloe: Me either.

Sophie: Me either.

Does anyone know of any good detailed books? I need to educate these poor children.

3. I realize that I am way behind on the photo blog...what else is new? I have taken the pictures, I have a list...update coming soon.

4. The pic of the week and the photo blog will be up next week...tomorrow morning we leave for the farm for our family's Easter gathering. Woohoo for piling 7 people and 2 ginormous dogs into the truck for a 90 minute drive, woohoo for target practice, woohoo for egg hunts and bonfires, cousins and crickets, 4-wheelers and creeks.

5. Pedicures rock. Seriously.

On parenting...

Most days, I pray that God's grace is enough to cover my inadequate parenting...especially in the teenager parenting arena.

Occasionally, one of the kids or the teenager do or say something that gives me a glimmer of hope that they will indeed turn out well.

Conversely, there are times that the kids...especially the teenager...does something or some things that cause me to scratch my head (more like pull my hair out of my head) and think to myself...surely I am not doing this bad of a job am I???

On those days I pray that God's grace will (A) help me to not beat the living day lights out of the teenager, and (B) help me make it through to the next glimmer of hope.

Seriously, whoever said that being a parent is "the most rewarding job one can have" was either a liar or suffering from delusions.

Time Travel Thursday?

Umm...it doesn't have the same ring to it, does it? Way back Wednesday definitely sounds better...but today is Thursday...and I allllmost typed "Way Back Wednesday...on Thursday" but I knew that I would be setting myself up for many more posts titled "Way Back Wednesday...on some other day".


I decided to open my oldest digital file to find a photo for today. This picture was taken with my very first digital camera...(until this point I had been a photography "purist"...a picture just wasn't a picture unless it was captured on film). There are very few digital pictures until 2005...I held out as long as I possibly could.


This one was taken on November 3, 2001...the day we brought Chloe home from the hospital.


I loved this gown and hat.


I loved this car seat (it had giraffes (pronounced: guh-raffes) printed on it).


I loved her little squishy face. (I still do).

Way Back Wednesday...on Saturday.

How many of you guessed that I would miss Way Back "Wednesday"? Never mind, don't answer that.

I feel bad about disappointing everyone that clicked over here on Wednesday expecting a blast from my past. (Okay, so there were probably five people that clicked over...but don't tell me that, my fragile self-esteem can't handle the knowledge that only five people read my blog).

Anyhoo... I thought I would try to make it up to you five by posting some priceless pics of...myself.

Let me preface this picture posting by telling you that the following were taken at age 17. At 17, I had several body piercings, my hair changed color on a monthly basis, and I was opposed to any type of UV light touching my skin (and therefore my complexion was a whiter shade of pale). To say that I was not the "Glamour Shots" type of gal would be a huge understatement... but my mother-in-law (at the time) prodded me into going.

And now...without further ado...I present: Glamour Shots!!!

Okay, if I am being objective, I would have to say that this first picture isn't too bad. The mushroom puff hair-do does leave something to be desired, but in general it's not terrible.


Moving on... shot number two...

Oooohhhh...look at the red finger nails. Why did they tell me to hold up four fingers? Does this strike anyone else as odd? Nevermind that this picture also accentuates the fact that I was in dire need of having my roots "done".


Photo numero three...or what I refer to as "Peacock Pose"...

Seriously, what is up with the feather boa? Why am I holding it above my head? I look like a turquoise and white peacock in dire need of having it's roots done.

Now, for the fourth and final pose.

Perhaps their intentention was to make me look like some sort of biker babe...hmmm...not so much.

I remember posing for this picture. Not only did I have to don an itchy emarald green bustier...but I was required to bend in contortions of an unnatural nature in order to get my head to look straight on my asymmetricaly bent shoulders. Perhaps I had to hold my shoulders in that position in order to offset the weight of the ginormous chandelier earrings?

My friend Murphy

Background:
Until this year, I had two school schedules to navigate...Forrest's Sumner County schedule and Hannah and Sophie's private-school-loosely-based-on-Metro's schedule. Sumner county and Metro rarely have spring break at the same time. In fact it has only happened 3 times in the past 8 years. 2003, 2005 and 2008.

Technically, we are supposed to have Hannah and Sophie every other spring break...but if their spring break and Forrest's spring break fall at different times, we let their other mom have them. If it works out that everyone is on break at the same time, we take a mini-trip with the kids. In 2003 we went to St. Louis, in 2005 we went to Florida and last year we went back to St. Louis.

This year we moved to three schedules, Hannah and Sophie on their Metro-ish schedule, Chloe and Cammie on the Sumner county schedule and Forrest on JPII's-we-make-our-own-schedule-that-has-absolutely-nothing-to-do-with-either-one-of-the-other's schedule.

A few months ago I wrote the words "spring break" on my calendar...from March 16th through March 21st. I talk to "D" (other mom) and we decided to split spring break this year.

Timeline:
March 9 (Monday): Mark and I return from Vienna.
We find out that Cammie didn't feel well and had missed school.

March 10 (Tuesday): Cammie and Chloe both say they feel bad (we think that they may just
want to stay home because they missed us).
By lunch time they both have fevers.

March 11 (Wednesday): Both girls still have fevers.

March 12 (Thursday): Both girls still have fevers but they are considerably lower.
I check my calendar and see SPRING BREAK written in big letters.
I call Mark and ask if he would like me to check on last minute deals for a cabin in
Gatlinburg. He says yes.
I find a great deal on a great cabin and book it for Sunday through Tuesday.
Two hours later I am on the phone with Rachel and I tell her about the great deal
I found and how we are leaving right after church on Sunday.

Rachel: "You do know that it's not spring break, right"? she asks slowly.
Me: (thinking that she is talking about the current week we are in since my kids have
missed so much of it)..."Oh, I know, that's next week".

*crickets chirping*

Rachel: (more slowly than last time) "Nooooo. Tomorrow is teacher's in-service. They have
school on Monday, spring break is around Easter".

Me: silence... followed by "Oops".


Did I mention that there is a no-refund policy on last-minute cabin rentals?

I tell Mark and we decide that since the girls have only missed a few days this week and two days in November that we will go ahead with our plans to go to Gatlinburg...what's the harm in missing two more days?


March 13 (Friday): Teacher's In-Service, No School
Both girls are fever free.

March 14 (Saturday): Everyone feels fine.

March 15 (Sunday): Everyone feels fine.
Drive to Gatlinburg after morning service.

March 16 (Monday): Everyone feels fine. Have a great day hanging out together.

March 17 (Tuesday): My friend Murphy comes to visit. You know Murphy right? As in
Murphy's Law.

Chloe wakes up and promptly pukes.
On the drive home Cammie comes down with a high fever.

March 18 (Wednesday): Both girls have fevers.

March 19 (Thursday): Both girls have fevers.
Go to doctor, both have some sort of viral "thing".

March 20 (Friday): Chloe wakes up better but can't go to school until she has been fever free
for 24 hours...it has been less than 12.

Cammie still has a fever.

March 21 (Saturday): Both are fine and fever free.

March 22 (Sunday): Chloe is fine...Cammie has a fever after lunch. She has developed a
sinus infection.

March 23 (Monday): Chloe is finally back in school.
Cammie is at home fighting off a sinus infection.

This is what my friend Murphy taught me:

Planning a trip when your kids have "only missed a few days"...could turn into one of them missing 8 days in a row and the other missing 9 and counting.

One blonde moment while filling out the calendar and I am well on my way to being turned into the police for a truancy violation.

New things...

1. Obviously the background on the blog has changed. I realize that it is a little on the feminine side, but I like it...except for those little round things that I assume are meant to resemble brads, those I could do without.


2. We went to Gatlinburg for a mini-spring break trip with the kids. Funny story...coming tomorrow. The "new" thing is this:







You may be wondering why I consider a pot of Taco Soup a "new thing"...then again you may not be, either way, I'll tell ya'. This picture of taco soup represents eight years of vacations and good intentions.

Just about every vacation we have ever gone on (especially the ones with kids) we (meaning "I") have made plans to cook meals in our room/cabin/campground. Plans that included a menu, the purchasing of provisions, and cutting down on the costs of our trip. Every single time we have fell victim to the "we're on vacation, why should we cook and clean up...what kind of vacation is that???" mentality.

Camping at Land Between the Lakes? Hot dogs on the grill, baked beans and s'mores? How about ditching the tent and heading to Miss. Patty's for pork chops instead??!!

St. George Island, Florida where there are only two restaurants? Spaghetti and garlic bread in the kitchen? Ooohhh...I think I remember seeing a seafood restaurant on the drive-in...it's only 45 minutes away, why not??!!

Holiday World? Cereal bars in the room for breakfast? We could eat a real breakfast at the Denny's next door instead!!

And that is a brief history of our cooking on vacations saga.

Until this time.

We planned on eating four meals in the cabin...and we did!!! We ate dinner (spaghetti, garlic bread, brownies) in the cabin on Sunday night after we arrived. Mark made pancakes and bacon for breakfast on Monday, we had grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch and then, taco soup for dinner that night.

*sniff* I am so proud of us *sniff, sniff*

3. I have been thinking about posting more often. Really, I have. And not only because my sister, Amy, and various others (you know who you are)...have been requesting that I (nagging me to)update more regularly.

In a previous post I covered the issues that hinder my posting process. Annnd I am fairly certain that we have established that I have OCD. The good thing about OCD is that it positively thrives on "themes". So, I thought if, maybe, I came up with a few (somewhat corny) themes for certain days of the week...perhaps it would help me to post more than once or twice a month.

Obviously I like the "random" lists, so I plan on doing one of those each week. That "theme" doesn't strike me as too corny.

So, are you ready for the corny one?

I'm thinking that "Way Back Wednesday" could be fun.

What is "Way Back Wednesday"?

Well, obviously it will take place on...you guessed it...Wednesday. Annnnd it will feature pictures.

What kind of pictures?

Pictures like this:

Me, age 3... getting a bear hug from Billy Bob. Surely you know who Billy Bob is. Showbiz Pizza's Rock-afire Rockstar, that's who. Until that silly mouse known as "Chuck E. Cheese" came along, it was all Billy, all the time.

And there will be pictures like this:

Me. Circa 1982. Clutching my E.T. doll that Santa had brought me. See those hard, plastic eyeballs on E.T.'s big, misshapen head? Well one of them melted and...It.Traumatized.Me.

Seriously. To this day, I can't think about E.T. without picturing his little melty eyeball.

Do you see that look of woe on my face? Deep down, I must have known that his demise was imminent. One day, I left him lying on the living room floor...and the floor heater turned on (you can find a pic of an old floor heater here). I found him with his little eyeball melted into a stringy, plastic mess of a puddle. Sad day.

And, sometimes there will be pictures like this:

Forrest. Age 2 and a half. Rockin' the ninja costume...except for the work boots. What was I thinking? Ninjas do not wear work boots. Poor kid. (Obviously my OCD had not kicked in at this stage in my life. Because now? There is NO way I would let my ninja out of the house wearing work boots. I would color those puppies black with a sharpie if necessary).

And that's all I've got for tonight. You may be wishing that I had stuck with bi-monthly posts before this is all over with.

Touching base...

1. Vienna was fabulous! Pictures and details coming soon.

2. Cammie has added more to our ongoing birds-and-bees discussion...those details too, shall follow.

3. Forrest has a girlfriend and they are going to a youth service and fellowship this weekend. Together. In the same car. Lord, help me. BUT, it is our car and we are going too...a nice old-fashioned "family date". We like the "make sure a bible can fit between you when you sit together" way of thinking. Fortunately our truck has captain's seats...so there is a nice wide aisle between them.

4. I know I am way behind on the photo blog. I know. It is causing me much woe. Oh, no. Ummm...is that tacky poem helping to distract you from the fact that I am way behind on the photo blog? The good news is...I have taken the pictures, I have a list, I am going to update...tomorrow! Fo' real.

5. I have a great life, and I am so thankful for it. It's something I think about on a regular basis, but I don't say it often enough. Life, is truly good.

Somehow I missed a week...

of Randomness posting...so in order to make up for it, today's list of Randomness will be longer than the previous Random lists...


1. I heart Facebook. In the beginning, I did not heart Facebook. It brought back some serious high school angst issues. Umm...wait, in high school I was to involved in recreational activities to actually care what anyone thought...let's make that junior high. Yes, it brought back junior high angst issues. So, in the first weeks of joining, I didn't send out any friend requests for fear of being rejected...it felt sort of like asking one of the girls with the perfectly tight-rolled jeans, two pair of co-ordinating scrunch socks stuffed into a pair of Eastlands with the curly-q laces and requisite 10 inch bouffant if you could sit in the vacant seat next to her at the popular girl table only to have her roll her eyes and say "what-evvver". I cringe just thinking about it.

Instead, I was content to let my little inbox fill with requests from people. People that had I been asked, I would have been sure couldn't care less about status updates that informed them that "Destry is..(insert silly activity/ thought/ emotion)....".

I love looking at pictures of people from high school and middle school and seeing how their lives have turned out. I'm also fairly certain that more than one person has been surprised to check out my profile and find that not only am I off drugs and loving Jesus, but that I am also a Republican. (Honestly, I'm not sure which of the three have caused the most head-scratching).



2. Cammie has figured out that there is more to this whole "how do babies get in your tummy" thing than we are telling her. Her last question was "how do babies get out of your booty"? "Jesus helps the doctor...and ummm...it's not the booty" was not a sufficient answer. "What do you mean it's not the booty" she asked. "Errmm, umm well, it's the tooty, not the booty" I answer. Followed by a quick "Are you thirsty, do you want some Coke"?


Cammie does not fall to diversionary tactics that easily. When I offered up Coke near bed time, she recognized that I was trying to get out of the conversation. She said "No, it's almost bedtime, I can't have Coke. How does Jesus help the doctor get the baby out of the TOOTY"?


I know that I need to sit down and draw diagrams and use appropriate terminology. For some reason I am not ready to use the big "V"-rhymes-with-angIna-word with the 5 year old. So, I did what any other "V" word phobic mother would do and said "Jesus helps the doctor study in college to know how to help the baby come out. I've never studied to be a doctor so I'm not sure how that works. Are you sure you don't want some Coke"?


To which she replied "Oh, so you don't know. Maybe the baby does come out the booty and not the tooty. I'll ask the doctor. Can I have a BIG glass of Coke"?


Needless to say, I am summoning my inner OB/GYN to talk with her the next time she asks. In the meantime, I gave her a big glass of Coke.



3. How many electrical outlet adapter thingies should I take to Austria? This question has been causing me some serious insomnia.

4. No, I am not going to the place "that has all the kangaroos" nor am I going to the place "where you have to get around by boat". The first would be AUSTRALIA and the second would be VENICE. We are going to Vienna, Austria. You know, that place that Mozart and Beethoven hung out.

5. February has been almost as boring as January. I am reminding myself that the kids will be out of school in three short months and I will be longing for some "down time"...and trying to make the most of it while I have it.

And there you have it... more randomness. Now, this list only had 5 things, but the first two were long. I hope that counts as a "longer" list of randomness.

Random is good...

1. I like theses random posts. They are so liberating...no pressure to format amusing sentences into proper paragraphs. Yes, random is good. (It is especially good in that it allows me to post at least once a week...which allows me to avoid the "why don't you update your blog more often" question from my sister).



2. My husband is watching an incredibly dumb movie right now. I have spent the past hour and a half of my life perusing facebook while trying to avoid losing brain cells to his dumb movie.



3. Winston will celebrate his 1st birthday tomorrow. He weighs 160 pounds. I am so glad that none of my children weighed 160 pounds on their first birthday.



4. The sun was shining bright today...evidently sunshine motivates me...I completed 8 loads of laundry.



5. Forrest currently has all A's and B's...for the first time since the 3rd grade. Don't worry, I'm not holding my breath to see if this lasts until report card day. Instead, I am basking in the glory of being the parent of a studious child for the entire day and half that I am able. It makes me want to buy one of those "My child is on the Honor Roll" bumper stickers. Knowing that Monday would see me with a sharpie in hand adding "not" between "is" and "on" has prevented me from doing so.



6. One of my favorite things about owning a handgun is that I am now able to say things like "If you keep on naggin' me to cook dinner I'm gonna bust a cap in yo' butt". Unfortunately Mark is a better shot. Fortunately he hasn't used his gun to threaten me into cooking dinner.



7. I wonder how much weight I can lose before our trip in 5 weeks. I plan on going Richard Simmons crazy from now until then to find out.



8. Speaking of our trip...I have entirely too much to do between now and then.



9. Somehow I have managed to keep the 2009 photo blog up to date for the month of January...hold your applause.



10. I am going to bed now. I know better than to stay up this late on a Saturday night...I'm such a rebel.

10 Random Things...

1. January is boring. I love January.

2. Our backyard finally dried out. It's supposed to rain tonight. Go figure.

3. I have lost two more pounds. Down 14 total.

4. I am on "G" in the Sue Grafton series. (See number 1 above).

5. Pedicures in the winter are better than pedicures in the summer. Who knew?

6. The 2009 photo blog is caught up.

7. The laundry is not.

8. My little husband has to go to Vienna, Austria for a conference. I get to tag along.

9. Forrest gets his driving permit in 5 weeks. I'm afraid to call the insurance company...

10. Sorry that this is a rather boring list. (See number 1 above).

Weather and weight loss...

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I say things like "it's hard to get into Christmas mode when it's 65 degrees outside" and "I wish we would get 4 or 5 inches of snow". I am perfectly happy with cold weather and overcast skies...until New Year's Day.

In my land Spring should occur on January 1. While I know that Winter didn't even officially start until December 20th, it still feels like we should be ushering in sunshine and warmth along with the new year. What's the point in cold weather after the holidays are over? Don't you have that sense that once January arrives "Spring is just around the corner" rather than "Spring is months away". Seriously, when I wake up on January 14th and the temperature outside is 18 degrees, I am momentarily surprised and I feel just a little disgruntled that the warm weather I keep expecting has been kept from me for yet another day. March 20th seems so very far away. Sometimes I rebel by not wearing a coat...ha! Take that Winter! Never mind that I'm the one freezing to death.

Weight loss can be a bit like that for me too.

If I have eaten well for two weeks. And if I've done an hour of cardio plus strength training five days a week for those two weeks. And if I've drank so many bottles of Dasani water that I start to feel guilty about the amount of plastic I am shipping off to the landfill...it seems like on day 15 I should wake up skinny. Right? So when I step on the scale and see that I've only lost 12 pounds, I am momentarily surprised and I fell a whole lot more than a little disgruntled. My goal seems so far away and in the past, this has caused me to rebel...by say eating a Quarter Pounder and washing it down with a large sweet tea with no ice. Fortunately, I realized that I was sabotaging myself...not exacting revenge on my scale for reflecting a frustrating number and I decided to change my rebellious ways.

Hopefully March 20th will bring a much lower number on the scale along with the sunshine and warm weather.

Wherein Cammie asks another loaded question...

On our way to church we pass a certain restaurant on Two Mile Pk (Two Mile Pk was actually changed to Rivergate Parkway a few years ago... I happen to think that it is wrong to rename a road that has a perfectly good name to begin with...and, if you have lived 28 years calling it one name, it is rather difficult to adapt to the new name...thus ensuring that when a newcomer says "it's on Rivergate Parkway" you fix them with a blank stare and search about your brain trying to get a mental image of "Rivergate Parkway" all the while wondering how said newcomer knows about a street that you don't and you have lived here all of you life...until recognition finally shakes something loose in your brain and your blank look is replaced by a knowing look and with a smile you say "oh, you mean Two Mile Pk")...anyhoo...we pass a certain eating/drinking establishment on our way to church.

This establishment is tucked under the 65N overpass and it's set back a bit from the road. The building is sided by tall lengths of grey paneling and honestly, it appears more than a little drab. In the last couple of years, it looks like the owners tried to spruce the place up by erecting day-glo orange palm trees out front and stringing large globe Christmas lights around the perimeter. On Saturday afternoons it is the home of biker rallies.

Let me begin this next part by saying that we eat out on a regular basis...and by regular I mean entirely too much. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many meals a week we eat out. (This is where I mention that I have cooked the last three nights in a row and have dinner simmering in the crockpot for tonight...working on that whole "better" wife, mother Destry thing). Our kids are accustomed to trying out new restaurants. They know where all of the good (decent would be a better word) places to eat in Rivergate/Goodlettsville are...and they know that if a new restaurant opens, we will inevitably check it out. With all of that I mind, I'm actually surprised that the following conversation hasn't occurred before now...

Scene: Mark, Forrest, Chloe, Cammie and I on the way to mid-week service last night. Mark and I are chatting about something that happened at his work, the kids are actually being quiet for a moment. We drive under the 65N overpass and Cammie pipes up...

Cammie: "Why don't we ever eat there"?

Me: (absently because I am in the middle of an actual "grown-up"conversation" for the first time in hours) "Where, baby"?

Cammie: "That place with the orange trees".

As I am swiveling to see where she is pointing, realization strikes me just before my eyes land on the sign with the little owl mascot.

Me: "Which place"? I ask, stalling as I cast about for an answer.

Chloe has a keen interest in trying out new restaurants and she joins in the conversation..."That place over there with the orange trees and the owl on the sign".

Forrest: snickering in the third row seat..."Yeah, why don't we ever eat there"?

I take this moment to jab Mark with my elbow...a gesture that asks the question why do I always have to answer the hard questions? He gives me a deer-in-the-headlights look and murmurs, an "Uhhh"...

Me: "Well, Cammie, we don't eat there because the waitresses don't wear enough clothes".

Forrest: "Way to be honest mom"...still snickering...

Chloe who is offended by public displays of flesh (you should hear her when she spots someone mowing the lawn sans shirt) says "Ewww, that's disgusting. In a restaurant"?

Cammie: "Oh, so that's why we don't go there".

I think the conversation is over. I am wrong. Two seconds later...

Cammie: "Have you and Daddy ever eaten there"?

Mark and I exchange a glance, Forrest's snickering is now an official laugh...

Me: "Yes, we have".

Cammie in a jubilant voice says: "I knew it"! Then after a pause, "You ate there before I was born, right"?

Me: "Yes, before you born".

Cammie: "When I was in your tummy"? Perhaps she is thinking this would count as her eating there as well, something that would inevitably be used to taunt her sister.

Me: "No, not while you were in my tummy".

Mark and I are giggling by this point. I reach over and turn the radio up a few notches louder in order to discourage further conversation about dining at H00ters. I don't think explaining that it's the only place that you can get Buffalo Shrimp would have helped the situation.

New Year...

Last year my One Little Word was "discipline"... let's examine how that worked out...

-I wanted to be more disciplined with diet and exercise. I am happy to report that I lost a total of 152 pounds in 2008. The only problem...well, I also happened to gain 151 pounds in 2008. So, as I sit and type this I am down 1 pound from the same day last year.

-Another area that I wanted to be more disciplined in was bible reading and prayer. While I did read and pray more in 2008 than I did in 2007...it wasn't nearly enough for me to consider myself disciplined about it.

-My photo blog is also something that required discipline...and we all know how well that worked out. I am currently behind by a month and a half.

Discipline was obviously not the word for me. I'm not sure what my new word will be for 2009.
I do know that I have been going to the gym for the last month and I have lost 10 pounds and that I have more stamina than I did at this time last year.

Even though I haven't prayed as much as I should or invested as much time in the word of God as I should...I am thankful that His mercies are new EVERY DAY. Today can be the start of a renewed commitment.

While I haven't been consistent with posting the pictures on the photo blog, I have taken them and have a list so that I can catch it up...and I AM going to catch it up. My OCD says that I have already messed it up...but you know what... I don't really care. It's my photo blog and I want to be able to print the pictures and have a record of our 2008. AND furthermore...I am going to give it another try. Look for a link later today. The original photo blog will be updated within the hour with another installment of catch up photos.

I love January. It always seems full of hope and promise. A clean slate and another chance to be different...to be better. Maybe that will be my word...better. Not disciplined, not perfect, but better.