In-law Visit

We have had a very nice visit with Myron's family. They arrived Friday night before I ever had dinner on the table. The girls were able to open their presents and start playing with some of the items. They got lots of accessories to go with their American Girl dolls.

On Saturday, we went to Chimney Rock. It turned out to be such a nice day. It started out very foggy but eventually cleared up enough that we could see beyond our noses.

A very nice lady agreed to take a picture of us all together with the clouds behind us. It was so beautiful up there.

Kathy set the timer on her camera to take this one. She only had 10 seconds to get in position. She almost tripped. We were laughing which made this the perfect picture. We all look so happy together don't we? Thanks to Kathy almost busting her tail. Not funny ... really.

The 400 foot Hickory Nut Waterfall. Just amazing. A scene from Last of the Mohicans was filmed at these falls.

That night for dinner we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Tupelo Honey Cafe. I can't believe we haven't taken them there before. It is so yummy. It has been featured in Southern Living and on Fine Living channel.

On Sunday, we attended church where there seemed to be more visitors than regulars. It was a very nice service about the Holy Family. We had a visiting priest whose parents are parishioners of St. Eugene. He did such a wonderful job. We had lunch at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. Then did a little shopping. Kathy was looking for a TV and was lucky enough to find one in her price range at Circuit City. Yeah, Kathy!!!

That concludes the short visit with the in-laws. They will be pulling out of here tomorrow morning. Then Myron and I will both head off to work. I hope to bribe my kids with lunch and a movie if they behave while I am at work. We will see out it goes.

My thankful thought is Visiting Priests. Sometimes you just need a change from the same ol' same ol'. We love Fr. John. But it is nice to hear someone else on occasions.

There are TWO today

I have two thankful thoughts today. One really isn't so thankful but I am trying to find the good. The first thankful thought is returned Christmas cards. It just wouldn't be Christmas without at least one coming back. It never fails... every year one card comes back to me usually because I forgot to put a stamp on it. This year, however, it is because someone moved and didn't tell me. Thank you Sheena. So they probably didn't send me a card because I didn't send them one. But I did ... the forwarding has expired. To the Hunter family... you will be getting a card only a little late.

My second thankful thought are in-laws. They are traveling up today to spend a few days with us during the holiday. I am very thankful they are making the 9-10 hour trip this year instead of us. Not a very nice thing to be thankful for but that is what it is. I pray they have a very safe uneventful trip.

Merry Christmas!!!

Yes, it is Christmas morning and we are done with all the Santa and opening of presents. And we have had breakfast.

As I cleaned the kitchen, I was thinking I needed to post a little something. I want to wish everyone a Very, Merry Christmas and hope your Year 2009 brings many blessings.

The girls received lots of goodies from Santa. They both got American girl dolls: Bethany got Felicity and Sarah got Mia. Bethany also received a stable with two horses, pajamas for her doll, and Wowee Alive Tiger cub. Sarah also received a tea parlor set for her doll, puppy play set, and Wowee Alive Lion cub.

We will readying the house for the in-laws that will be traveling for a visit this weekend. Joan, John and Kathy are all coming up and we are all very happy that there is no chance of snow. Please remember them in your prayers that they will have a safe travel.

I will try to post pictures later today ... if there is time. Myron will probably have me working my tail off cleaning the house ... Oh Yeah!!!!

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!

Home Again

The girls and I are back from a very nice visit with my family. We were able to see my brother and his whole family on Saturday. We had a nice steak dinner and exchanged gifts. I think it was a success all around.

Sunday we spent all day in New Site, AL ... where the church my Dad pastors is located. The morning service included Baby Dedication. I was so happy to be there for little Harper's dedication. My girls even sang their school Christmas program songs.

We had lunch with a lovely family ... the Cokers. Wanda made a delicious feast. I especially enjoyed her hashbrown casserole and banana pudding ... yummy!!!

We then took the girls to the Horseshoe Bend National Park where we learned a little about the battle that took place there between the white men and the Creek Indians. The girls were able to get some information to take back to share with their classes.

That night the children of Rocky Creek Baptist Church (RCBC) put on a Christmas program. I had such a hard time knowing which kid was which and who they belonged to. All of them have grown so much. Plus, it has been over a year since I have seen them. It was such a sweet program.

I love RCBC and am so glad I was able to spend some time with the people there. You know the saying that "you can never go home again". Well, it just doesn't apply to me when it comes to RCBC. I always feel at home there.

Monday's thankful thought is ungrateful children. They help to keep life in perspective ... help me to remember to teach them to think of others rather than themselves.

Tuesday's thankful thought is a husband who was at home waiting for us to get home. That is right. Hard to believe, uh?

Friday Thankful Thought

Today I am thankful for my girls. They can be so cute sometimes. I just downloaded pictures from my camera and saw all the pictures I took while the girls were decorating the tree and pictures I tried to take of them at the Grove Park. I really enjoyed some of them and hope you do too.

Tomorrow's thankful thought will be Family. The girls and I will be traveling to Opelika, AL to spend a few days with my family. Unfortunately, Myron will not be able to go with us. He could but the trip would be too quick. I wanted to have a little more time with my parents. Although, we saw them in October; it was a very quick trip to celebrate Sarah's birthday. This time will be more relaxed ... I hope.

Sunday's thankful thought will be RCBC (Rocky Creek Baptist Church). It was my home church before I joined the Catholic church. I love the people there so much. They have really been good to my family over the last ... um ... 21 years? Is that right? Oh my!!!

I will reflect on Monday and Tuesday next week if I don't get a chance to blog before I get back home.

Now, on to dinner....

3rd & 4th Day of Thanksgiving

Okay, so I didn't stick to the daily Thanksgiving assignment I gave myself. But I did think about it yesterday. I wracked my brain for a good 30 seconds trying to think of something I was thankful for on Wednesday. Unfortunately, I couldn't come up with anything. So I moved on.

We were home so late last night, I didn't even turn the computer on. So, I sit here today to tell you of my Thursday Thanksgiving. I am thankful for school Christmas programs. I really am. The girls made us very proud parents last night. You could really tell they were having a good time. Mrs. Rita Pisano is amazing. She writes the programs so that every class has a part. Last night's program was a contest between all of Heaven's angel choirs. Each class was a choir of angels with a unique look and song. There were three judges who were to decide which choir would sing at the birth of Our Saviour. It was fabulous for a small school program. Here are the clips of my girls and their classes.

2nd Day of Thanksgiving

Today, I am thankful for good friends. Four of my friends came over for Breakfast and a movie. We had a very nice breakfast and then headed downstairs to watch The Holiday. We laughed, some cried, and chatted. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. I think this should be a regular event ... not just at Christmas but every month. I will have to think on that one.

"CRACK"

I feel on the verge of cracking. Tonya, you will never know how good you made the loony bin sound. That absolutely sounded like a piece of Heaven to me. I do not want to have to think, decide, or do anything. I have lost my Christmas Spirit and am unsure how to even go about finding it.

Actually, I know what some of my problem is ... I'm tired ... very tired. I really felt this morning like I had just gone to bed and I was getting up. I need a good, looooong night's sleep. So hopefully tonight, I can go to bed early ... maybe right after I put the girls to bed. That sounds really good right now. That's where being heavily sedated would come in very helpful.

I am very glad that I don't have to cook dinner tonight. Myron grilled out last night so all I have to do is reheat everything. YEAH!!! There is something to be thankful for and feel genuinely happy about.

I hope that soon I will have something positive and uplifting to write about. I am actually tired of hearing myself complain. Maybe I will start blogging about something I find to be thankful for each day. There is an assignment for me. Plus, it will make me blog on a daily basis. We'll see.....

Until another day.....

Sunday Evening

I finally feel like I am coming to the end of the mad rush to make sure everyone has a Christmas present from us. I finally decided to just give up on the niece and nephews and just get them gift cards. Except one, who did give my Mom a list of lots of things. He is getting an actual gift from us. The others can just make due. I am at a loss of what to get teenagers. Their list either doesn't exist or has items too expensive for me.

The tree is finally decorated after sitting in my kitchen for almost a week. As I cooked dinner Friday evening, I put the lights on the tree ... multi-tasking is the only way to get anything done. I got to the last strand of my regular lights. When I plugged it in, only half of the strand worked. UGH!!! They were all working Wednesday night. Bethany decided she wanted to help me and was holding the special lights (just bigger bulbs but I put it on last). Anyway, I guess she got tired of waiting or something because I looked down and there were bulb fragments on my kitchen floor. I just about lost it. Here I was trying to get the tree ready so they could hang the ornaments, I have a strand that only half the lights are working and a strand with broken bulbs on it. Of course, I only had three replacements so that strand went back into storage until I can find the time to buy new bulbs. At this point, I was about to just throw all the Christmas out in the yard and forget it this year. I am at that point right now. BAH HUM BUG!!! Have I said that before?

I am having some of my friends over Tuesday for Breakfast and a Movie. I don't know what movie we are going to watch. I wanted it to be a Christmas movie but I can't seem to make a decision. I will just have to see what Movie Gallery has to offer tomorrow. The part I am more worried about right now is my house. It is a total disaster. I cannot for the life of me find a way to keep it somewhat tidy. Last week was so horrible; although I prayed for a snow day ... a real snow day that closed the schools. I knew it would force me to stay home and then I could have cleaned all day even though the girls would have been here. I can find so many other things to do once I am out dropping the girls off at school. Plus, I had to work. I schedule ministers at our church and had to get the next quarter schedule out.

Of course, that is a whole other issue. I don't even want to go into how uncooperative people can be. It doesn't matter how the schedule goes out someone has to complain about it. Since it is mostly done by e-mail, I think I am going to start ignoring the e-mails. I will read them but not respond to them. I know that sounds unprofessional and maybe a little childish but I can't say what I really want to say like " GROW UP!" "BE PATIENT I AM STILL LEARNING!" "It's a COMPUTER PROGRAM ... I have no control over how often one person is scheduled." "Maybe the computer knows I don't like you so it is not picking you."
Okay Wendy, take a step back. Where is your Christian attitude?
Probably the same place my Christmas Spirit is gone on vacation to. Only they both forgot to take me with them.

I am doing way too much complaining. Let me think of something positive to say... hmmm ... uh ... um ... okay, well... I'm still thinking .... I'll try this. I get to see my parents next weekend. The girls and I are going to head down on Saturday to spend a few days with my family. Myron doesn't have much vacation left since he took a week for the beach and a week for Disney. What time he has will have to be taken when his family is here visiting. So he will be left behind to all the projects he says he doesn't have much time for. It will be nice because we can go to church with my parents on Sunday which I am looking forward to. I think I need a good dose of Baptist preaching, worshipping something right now. I can't seem to find the joy in life. I think I need a break and Christmas will help with that, I hope.

I am sitting here like I have nothing to do. There is laundry, dishes, and clutter just waiting to be dealt with.

Good Night!

Happy Birthday Myron!

That's right. Today is my hubby's big day. Unfortunately for him, he had to work but was home before the girls and I ate dinner. So we sat down as a family to eat. I picked him up from work and took him out for lunch, also. He got the movie Dark Knight and a gym system that hooks on the door. I don't know ... it was something he asked for so I bought it.

This has been a very hectic week. The PFA had their annual Santa Shop this week. Two of my very dear friends were chairing it so I was involved a great deal. Between volunteering there, working and trying to get Christmas shopping in, I am frazzled. I am making myself sit down tonight to try to address my Christmas cards. There will be NO letter this year. I just don't have the time or energy to write one out and I don't want to rush something like that.

We did get our tree last Saturday. It is still sitting in my kitchen undecorated. The lights were working and as you have already read, I haven't had the time to work on them. Which means the ornaments can't go on until the lights are on. Myron and I finally switched out the blown bulbs tonight. Hopefully, I can find some time tomorrow to put the lights on and then the girls can decorate on Friday. I still don't have my nativity scene or Christmas village up. I'm thinking it just may have to pass this year. I fell in the Bah Hum Bug mood this year as far as decorating. I just don't feel like finishing it because my house is in such a mess. There is laundry everywhere and dishes piled in the sink and on the counters. There just aren't enough hours in the day. And I don't live close enough to school or work to run home long enough to get a load of laundry going. I have to factor in drive time when planning a trip home. It is really bugging me this week, can you tell?

Let's see... I still have to help Bethany make an instrument and go over spelling words with both girls before Friday. We also have violin tomorrow afternoon. And I have to decide about dinner. Can you believe it? We just finished dinner a few hours ago and I am already having to think about dinner for tomorrow.

Oh, did I post that I hurt my neck? You will never guess how I did it. I ate trail mix. Can you believe it? My jaw felt like I had been chewing a hard piece of gum for hours when I was done eating the trail mix. By that night, my muscles were tightening up and by Tuesday, I couldn't turn my head. It was very painful. But nothing compared to the hurt my Chiro put on me Thursday morning. Oh My Gosh!!! It was worse than childbirth. She kept telling me to breath and I kept asking how was I supposed to do that. It was awful. But I am much better now. Just a little discomfort but much better.

I have got to get in the bed. I am exhausted. These cards will just have to wait another day.

Good Night!

Snowing .... AGAIN!!!

Maybe school will be out tomorrow. One can only hope. Not that I want the girls to miss any school right now. It will just mean they have to make it up some time and it could mean Spring Break. And I know I don't want that.

I was hoping school would have been closed today. There was talk of a system moving in last night, today, tonight kind of thing. It has snowed on and off all day. This morning was a little scary because there was snow on the driveway. Now, our driveway is pretty steep and just starting out down it is a little overwhelming. I was so scared. I knew I didn't want to slide down the driveway. But we made it safe and sound.

I just wanted one more day of Thanksgiving vacation. A day of not having to get up early. I would have loved to sleep in just one more day. But not today. I had to get up and get going. No laying around for me.

There, Tonya... two updates in one day. How was that?

Oh My!!! Where have I been?

I know, I know... My friend, Tonya, has been on my case yet again to update the Blog. I just seriously have not taken the time to do it. I don't even know where to start. The last time I blogged, I see, was Nov. 4th (Election Day ... let's not go there).

We left on Nov. 8th for Disney.

We drove to Charlotte and caught a plane to Orlando. We were there until Sun. Nov. 16th. We had such a good time. Although we were there for 8 days, we still didn't see everything. It was so overwhelming. But we did try very hard to keep the girls happy by going where they wanted to go and doing the things they wanted to do.

They ended up with 37 autographs. WOW!!! That is waiting in line for 37 people to sign a little piece of paper. I bet you can't guess what the longest wait was? If you guessed Tinker Bell, you would be right ... 90 minutes was the wait. And we waited every bit of 90 minutes to get Tink's signature. But I have to say, it was probably worth it.

Our first night there, we went to the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. As we drove in, the castle came into view. Sarah got so excited "there's the castle. Look Mommy, there is the castle." She was bouncing in her seat. That was a very bright moment of the trip ... just seeing her face at that moment.

We also had our little girls turned into princesses. Not that they weren't princesses before but after their adventure to the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique, they became real princesses.

Bethany before...
Sarah before...
Our little Princesses.

They had so much goop in their hair. They normally have bangs but you couldn't tell it after the makeover. It was fun though ... just not for Daddy.

At the Princess Luncheon, I had my picture made with Ariel. She is my favorite princess. How fun was that?

Animal Kingdom

We really did have a good time. Sarah keeps asking when are we going back. I would pack my bags tomorrow if I could. I would love to go back and see some of things I didn't get to see.

Well, this is the best I can do for now. My computer is so slow at downloading the pictures. I would love to share all of them with you but just don't have the time to download them all. I will try to be better with my updates.

Riding Lessons

My girls started horseback riding lessons today. They have been so obsessed with horses the last year or more. They did a "horse camp" over the summer where they got to ride horses for a few hours each day for a week. They had such a good time there. So I finally looked on-line and came across a farm that taught riding lessons. I have to tell you... I have learned a lot about riding lessons in the last three days. I knew there were different saddles but didn't realize there were different techniques. I just wanted them to learn basic riding skills, nothing too fancy. Anyway, I found this lady that teaches Hunter Jumper. They ride an English saddle and have to wear jodhpurs (special pants that have extra padding on the inside of the leg). So I was on the hunt to find these special pants. We ended up at the tractor supply store in Weaverville where we met this very nice young lady. She started talking about the different riding styles: western versus English. In the end, she recommended English style because it is a little more difficult and the gist I got was that if you can conquer English, western is a piece of cake.

I found the special pants yesterday which was not an easy task to complete because the store I went to didn't have a lot in the girls' sizes. Today, we headed to the farm for their first lesson. Most of the time was spent just learning a few basic things: grooming, safety, etc. Then they got to ride on Honey for a few minutes. I have a few pictures and movies I would like to share with you.

Bethany riding Honey with Ms. Julia

along side.

Sarah riding Honey with Ms. Julia

showing her how to hold her hands.

Trick or Treat?

The girls had a fun filled Halloween. It started on Thursday with a Halloween Parade and Party at school. Then on Friday, they went trick or treating with friends. Here are some pictures from both events. You will be able to tell which event is which because Sarah's face is painted at the school events where Bethany's is not, and Bethany's face is painted on Halloween where Sarah's is not. I don't think Sarah liked the face paint. She said it made her itch. Bethany wanted to save the face paint until Friday.

Vampiretta with her two friends Sharpay and Little Red Riding Hood

Little Ghost and Vampiretta

Little Ghost with her very dear friend
Tinkerbell


Wife and Husband Vampires.
They were too cute.
And it wasn't planned.

Car Update

I had the rental all week last week. I turned it in Saturday and picked up my car, which is still not fixed. So after two new parts, they have decided it is a fluid that goes in the transfer case. Don't ask me what that is; I have no idea. I am back there on Friday for two hours to have the fluid from the transfer case replaced. The only bad thing is that the girls are out of school. Luckily there is a mall and K-Mart within walking distance. I will have to put the "No" Mommy on duty that day.

I tell you... I get so tired of saying "no" all the time and watching their faces fall. I tell them they wouldn't have to deal with disappointment if they didn't ask for everything when we went to a store to "LOOK". They still don't get the meaning of just "looking".

Home Sick

Bethany came home from school yesterday with diarrhea ... Lovely. She had it at school but didn't tell anyone. She said she got tired of having to go to the bathroom every few minutes. Other than that, she is fine. She has been eating and playing like normal. This morning she got up and went to the bathroom three times before we left for school. So I decided to keep her home. Only, now she hasn't gone to the bathroom once since we dropped Sarah off at school at 7:50 and it is now 9:30. Better to be safe than sorry. Then I find out that there are others (students and staff) out with the stomach flu or similar symptoms.

I have plenty of stuff to keep me busy while she sits at home. There is laundry to be washed, folded, ironed and put away. There are bathrooms to be cleaned. There is a guest room to be re-organized. I'm not sure how that got out of hand but it looks like a bomb went off in that room. Oh, and the never-ending hot spot... the girls' room. I just want to take a very lard trash bag in there and throw everything away. It is so disgusting.

I am off to iron. That has got to be done today. Otherwise, Myron will have to wear the same pants every day and possibly the same shirt.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

That's right. It snowed for the first time this season. It is October 28th ... just crazy. But very beautiful.

Bethany's Face

I know it is not a good picture. I messed up. I didn't pay attention to the light coming in the window. Hopefully, you can make out the paint job. Can you guess what she is?

I Voted

Yep, I did. We got up this morning and went to vote. It was very nice to go ahead and get it over with. Plus, there were no lines ... YIPPEE!! We were so unsure how Myron was going to get his vote counted with him working two counties away and not getting home until after the polls closed. We got a card in the mail showing early voting hours from 9 until 1 on Saturday. Well, that worked for us. We loaded up the girls and drove on over.

This afternoon Bethany had a birthday party to attend. They had a clown there that was doing face painting and balloon characters. Bethany's face was so well done but you will never guess what it is. I will try to post a picture tomorrow.

I am supposed to be downstairs helping Myron paint but he gave me a glass of wine that is hitting me pretty hard tonight. And I haven't even finished the whole glass yet. It must be pretty strong. The sad thing is... I don't really like it but am trying to finish it. I don't like being wasteful.

Okay, I have got to get off here. I am watching a Christmas item on Ebay and have to be checking on that in a few hours.

Have a good night!!

High School Musical 3

That is right. We went to the opening day of HSM 3 at the movies today. This was my first time ever seeing a movie on opening day. Our school and Asheville City Schools were out today. I ordered our tickets a few weeks ago on-line. I went last night to pick them up so we wouldn't have to wait in line today. I found out that the theater had already sold over 100 tickets for Friday and were sold out on Saturday. The theater was crowded but not packed. There were still a few seats available.

I found out that the theater opened at 12:30. We got there around that time. We were the first ones there. We joked that we were surprised that there weren't campers out in the parking lot. But it wasn't bad at all.

A couple of us Moms were tearing up at the end. I mean, they are graduating. There can't possibly be another sequel. Zac and Vanessa make love look so easy. I am definitely living through my girls right now. I really enjoy watching those movies.

A Whirlwind of Happenings

I know, it has been a while since my last post. I just haven't had the time to sit and type out everything. Here is a recap of the last week and more.

Last Wednesday, Bethany started her First Reconciliation classes. So we have very late nights on Wednesday for six weeks. The girls get out of school at 3 p.m., Bethany has choir at 5 p.m., and her class starts at 6:30. So while Bethany is in choir, I get dinner from somewhere. When Bethany gets out of choir, we eat dinner before her class. Tonight, Sarah and I started a puzzle. I bought one of those Stow-n-Go puzzle mats. As far as I can tell right now, the pieces are still rolled up.

On top of that, my car is in the shop. A little over a month ago, the car had some electrical problems where a brake light went out, the cruise control quit working and an ESC OFF light came on. It was kind of freaky. At the same time, it started vibrating as I accelerated up hill. I went in the first week to have the car evaluated. And of course, they had to order the part. I think that was on a Tuesday. I was told that if the part was ordered by lunch time on Tuesday, it would be delivered on a truck that same week. On Friday, I finally called and found out the part was in so I scheduled an appointment for the following week. When I get in to KIA, I find out that there were TWO parts that needed to be replaced not just one. I didn't know this before. So one part was there but the other was not. This means I have to go back the next week. At this point, I am working on week number "3" and during a gas shortage. It is not like KIA is in my backyard. It is not in my general driving direction. I have to make a special trip out. Oh, and I have to wait for the car each time also. When I go in for the 3rd visit, I remind the guy of the vibration in the car (which I had mentioned the first time I was there). They take it out for a test drive and do feel the vibration (duh?... like I was kidding). But guess what? They have to order the part. So, I head back out there for week number 4 to get the CV joint or something like that replaced. Only it doesn't cure the vibration. So they have to order another part ... a transfer case. I am now on week number 5. The part this time is going to take all day to replace. Well, I don't know about you, but I can't be without a vehicle for more than 6 hours. I have kids to pick up from school at 3 p.m. and don't just live around the corner from the school. It is not like I can walk home. Oh, and they don't loan cars out. They just expect you to figure it out on your own. Now let's take a look at my situation: both our families live in AL and can't help us. Myron works in Flat Rock (south of Asheville); we live in Mars Hill (north of Asheville) and the girls go to school in Asheville. So it is not like their little courier service can drive me all over the place. Myron can't drive me back and forth ... that is just ludicrous. So I tell them, I can't be without a vehicle all day especially not knowing exactly how long it is going to take. Well, they hear and understand and give me a rental for the day. On Monday, I dropped the car off and picked up the rental. Tuesday at 2:30, I call to find out the status of the car. The transfer case was replaced but again it didn't fix the problem. They had to call some kind of KIA expert in to take a look. I was informed to keep the rental for another night. Now, just imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't gotten the rental ... complete chaos, I tell you. Well, this morning I wake up stressing over my day. I am thinking about my evening especially. Once the girls are out of school, I have to get their homework done before choir and First Reconciliation. There would be no time to return the rental after 3 p.m. I give them a little call this morning just to let them know that if I was not able to pick up my car before 2:30 that it just wouldn't happen today. I have too many after-school activities to add that to the mix. At 2:30, I get a phone call from KIA saying that the "expert" is in Raleigh and would be there all week. There was no way he could get to Asheville. He has given them some things to try.

One more night, I am in the rental. Which I have to tell you is not so bad except it is a gas guzzler. It is a Chevy Malibu. Myron came home the first night asking when he could take it for a test drive. Then Tuesday morning, he got up saying he was going to take the Malibu to work and I could have the truck. Which, as it turned out we could have done but I thought I was returning it that day so I didn't let him. The girls like the white car better because it is shiny ... like my KIA isn't.

The girls are out of school on Friday along with a few other schools. We are off to see the opening of High School Musical 3. I am very excited about it. I think I am more excited than the girls although they do like 1 and 2. We are going to meet friends at the mall to eat lunch then head over to the movies. I have a feeling it might be a little crowded. We were hoping we were the only ones going to be out but no such luck.

The girls have been going back and forth about what they want to be for Halloween. They have finally nailed it down. Bethany wanted to be a vampire princess but I don't think I bought her the right costume ... it will just have to do. Sarah wants to be a ghost. So I am going to turn an angel costume into a ghost costume somehow. I haven't quite figured it out but I hope to this week.

I think this has gone on long enough. I will try to be better.
Good Night!

The Morning Moon

I wish I could show you what the girls and I saw this morning. It was the most beautiful sight. As we pulled out of the driveway, I looked up and saw the moon. It was so full and bright at 7:30 a.m. We were running a little late so I didn't have time to stop and take a picture of it. I thought, too late, to give Bethany the camera so she could get a shot of the moon. But all she got were trees. I guess she snapped a few seconds late.

I have to say it was like God was shining a light behind the moon. It just glowed in the early morning light.

Spectacular!!!

Bethany's Habitat

Bethany had to turn her habitat in on Friday the 10th. Fortunately it was finished late Thursday evening. It was turned in Friday with the glue still wet. The white globs on top of the trees is wet glue.

On Monday, I went into the class to help form animals out of model magic. Then the kids painted them. I will try to post a picture with the animals inside their habitat when I can get a picture of it.

Another Quick Update

I know it has been a week since I last posted. I just really haven't had time to sit here and type out everything that is going on.

But Sunday, we went shopping for the girls new comforters. The ones we had were dry clean only. So everytime they got sick, I had to wash them in the washer which made the batting inside clump up more. Luckily they agreed on the same one and wanted the canopy too. We came home and rearranged their room and put on their new bedding.

They already had butterflies hanging on their walls. These comforters work very well with those.

Bethany enjoys her new sheets and comforter

Sarah is stuck in the corner but seems to like it just fine.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

That's right... Today, I turn "36". I have had a very good day. Myron and the girls gave me cards and the printshop software this morning. I did a little shopping by myself after drop-off. Of course, only Target is open that early in the morning. After I knew other stores were open, I ventured to Michaels, TJMaxx, Ross, Halloween Superstore, and Shoe Carnival. I just walked around, tried on a few things and enjoyed the alone time. I then met five friends for lunch. We went to Rezaz (?). I have never been there but it was very good. It is a Mediterranean restaurant. They bought my lunch and shared a piece of very delicious chocolate cake with me. I got a card, flowers and a shirt. I feel very blessed to have such thoughtful friends.

I am usually a little depressed on my birthday each year. I guess I let things get to me that shouldn't. I wasn't at all excited about this day yesterday. But I have to say that it has definitely turned out to be a good day. The topping on the cake will be if Myron comes home at a decent hour tonight. That will be a very nice surprise.

Too Much for a Title

Things have been so crazy around our house lately. Just today, I finally felt like I could take a breath; although, I still have a pile of things to get done.

But I do have to report that my baby girl turned "6" on Saturday. That is "6" going on "16". She thinks she is so grown up. And because she turned "6", she thinks her teeth are going to just start falling out. I can't seem to make her understand that it will take awhile for that to happen. Bethany was almost "7" before she lost her first. There is no telling when she will even get a loose tooth. She was 13 months old before she got her first tooth.

We traveled to Opelika, AL to Pop & Nana's for Sarah's birthday celebration. Myron's family drove up from South Alabama to be there. Of course, my brother and his family still live in Opelika so they just drove over. Everyone was there except Kathy, Myron's sister. She was laying on a beach somewhere relaxing, I hope. Also, my very dear friend, Renee, and her two kids drove up from Montgomery to be there. It was a very nice birthday. Sarah was showered with lots of gifts. She got the Our Generation doll, horse and scooter ... which were the only three things she asked for.

And as always, Uncle Mark created another masterpiece.

While we were there, I tried to get a good shot of both the girls. Bethany was not being very cooperative. But Sarah gave me lots of smiles and was very willing to pose for a picture.

Now that the party is over, we are in project mode. Bethany is doing a tropical rainforest habitat. It is due Friday. Fortunately we got home yesterday and was able to start working on it. That is so Myron's thing. I knew Sunday would be the only day he could really devote any time to it so we tried to get home in time to get some of it done. At least he does have an image in mind and an idea of how to make that image come to life. Now we will be working on it a little each night. He will have to give me directions on what we can work on each day. I will be working on the report with her this weekend. It is due next week. Oh joy!!! I will try to remember to take pictures to share with everyone.

Just a Quickie

I don't have a lot of time to go into many details. This is just a highlight of all the stresses in my life right now. My kitchen is in total chaos along with the rest of the house. Sarah's birthday is on Saturday. My baby girl is turning the Big "6". I can't believe it. I am not sure when I am going to get my house somewhat clean so I am not coming home to all the dirt and clutter. Bethany has a project due next Friday, which means we will have to get our tails back home Sunday to get to work on that. She has to make a Tropical Rainforest habitat in a shoebox. You know, that is just more Myron's kind of thing ... not mine. So, if I want him to help her with it, we have to get back home Sunday. I will have to help her write the report that is due the following week.

Then there is work .... I can't seem to find enough hours to go in to even do just a little. And when I do go in, I feel rushed because I have to leave to go up to the school for something then go back to work. It is just very disruptive.

On a good note, I have walked every day this week, so far. I do have plans to walk in the morning also. That is if my knees are not hurting too bad. I have planned to go to church with the girls at 10 and I have to cover lunch from 12:15 to 12:45 in the 1st grade class ... which means I won't get to work until around 1 and will only have 2 hours to get anything done. UGH!!! Oh and at some point tomorrow I have to pack because we are going to my parents' house to have the big Family celebration for Sarah on Saturday. Hence the statement earlier that we had to get back home on Sunday.

Okay, I will just have to write more later. I have got way too much to do and I am already ready for bed.

Good Night!!!

Yet Another Gas Update & more .....

On Saturday, we received a phone call from other Auburn fans. We have been trying to get together to watch a game without success. I spoke with Courtney last Sunday in church about getting together for this past Saturday's game because it was early and wouldn't interfere with bedtimes. Mark and Courtney have two little girls: 4 years old (I think) and a year old.


Well, my mother raised me right (somewhat). I don't usually go to any one's house without taking something to contribute to the menu. I had already planned to make some spinach & artichoke dip for Myron and I to munch on during the game. So I fixed that. Then we needed to make a dessert. Myron asked that I make a Butterfinger cake which I don't think I have made since we were in Florida. Off to the grocery store he goes, while I get the cake baking. While he was at Ingles, he noticed they had gas and there was no line. Promising, right? We really kind of felt like we were coming out of this gas crisis. Well, we head out to Mark and Courtney's with our two little girls and our food donations. Myron says to me to stop at Ingles to top my tank off even though I had a half a tank. When we pull in, there are bags on the handles and the drives are blocked. We head back across the street to the Shell station where a tanker has just pulled in. There were a few people there but no line. I was glad we stopped because the only two stations at the exit Mark and Courtney lived off of were empty. This is getting so frustrating. One good thing was the D&D just down from our house got gas late Saturday afternoon. And it is much cheaper than some of the other places like the Shell station we filled up at earlier in the day.


Even today, there was only one station with gas out of the six stations I pass going to school. Last week, AB Tech canceled classes from Thursday until Sunday. Buncombe county and Asheville city government offices closed Thursday and Friday (if I remember correctly). Then today Buncombe county and Asheville city schools closed for the day. Some businesses in the area even went to 4 day work weeks. I also heard the all the gas stations were supposed to close yesterday but I don't think they did. I know the D&D was open and I think the Shell station in Weaverville was too.


On a good note, Auburn beat Tennesse on Saturday. On a bad note, Alabama beat Georgia. Alabama is turning out to have a very promising team this year. That is very scary for the Auburn team who is not having a promising year so far. They just cannot seem to get their act together. Better luck next week when they play Vanderbilt.

Sarah turns six on Saturday. We will be traveling to Opelika, AL to have a big family birthday party for her. Myron's family drives up from South Alabama, we drive down, and we meet half way at my parent's house. My parents have been working very hard to remodel parts of their house. They pulled all the carpet, except what is in the bedrooms, and put in hardwood flooring. The whole kitchen received new cabinets, granite counter tops, new appliances and tile flooring. Plus, Mama has been very busy painting all the rooms. Oh, and the bathrooms also got tile flooring and granite counter tops. It will definitely be a transformation for us when we get there Friday night.

I have not had a lot of time to plan Sarah's party. Things have been so stressful. The biggest stress being the gas situation. I have not been driving back and forth between school and home so my house is a total disaster. I can't tell you the last time I dusted, vacuumed, or cleaned the bathrooms. I have swished the toilet but that is all. I am so embarrassed and can't seem to find a way to get out of all this mess. So the party has been the least of my worries this last week. I guess I just think it is going to take care of itself. Luckily, all I have to really do is make sure the pizzas are ordered on Friday. If that is not enough, then oh, well. Because that is about all I can do right now. I still have to go get her a present and party plates. I guess I will take care of that on Wednesday (fingers crossed).

Another Gas Report

So Myron got home around 9 p.m. last night. He waited almost 2 hours for gas. Of course, he was one of the last. They were yelling to shut the lines down when he pulled up.

I still had half a tank this morning so I wasn't worried about getting back and forth to Asheville. But I knew I was going to be searching for it tomorrow. I felt somewhat hopeful as I drove in this morning. I saw a tanker getting off the interstate at the New Stock Exit and a line of cars behind it. Then when I got off at the next exit, there were cars backed up at the Hot Spot which had gas yesterday but ran out. They must have gotten another truck last night. Then I drove down a ways and there were cars backed up at the Citgo. I had talked to a friend who was at the BP next to the school waiting. So three out of the five gas stations on this little strip had gas ... promising, right? NOT!!! All the stations were out by the time I came through to go home this afternoon.

I had to stop in Weaverville to drop off movies we had rented and I saw the Ingles across the street was pumping. Hope once again. There was only one way in and one way out. So I got in the "in" line and waited. But I didn't have to wait long at all. I probably waited 15 minutes if that. There were store managers, police officers, and firemen (I think) out directing traffic. There were two lines. When I pulled up to the first Manager, he saw I had children in the back. So he put me in the shortest line. How considerate of him to even notice. I was absolutely amazed at how well the whole process went. I can not sing their praises enough.

I have to say that I feel so much better with a full tank of gas in my car. Some people have been complaining because people with half a tank of gas are "topping off". Well, I have to say ... I am one of those people. If people didn't wait until the last drop of gas was in their tank to fill up, they wouldn't be in such a tissy about the "Toppers". They too could be a "Topper". And the other thing is: I put less than 8 gallons of gas in my car, which left a lot more for others. I'm not waiting until desperation sets in to get gas.

Tomorrow is a new day. This eventually has to work itself out.

Gas Report

Okay, Myron called and the Shell station in Weaverville does have gas. But he is in a very long line. Hopefully the station will not run out before he gets his turn. He probably got there about 7:10 p.m. tonight. I will be curious to see what time he gets home.

What a mess!!!!

I am so scared, frustrated and confused. I feel like our area is slowly dying. We have been in a gas crises for two weeks now and it is getting worse ... not better ... WORSE. Second grade went on an all day field trip, which should have been canceled. It was about 30-45 minutes drive to get there. Every gas station was empty. I tell you ... that is one scary sight. A few of the ladies were getting close to empty. The gas stations that do have gas have so many cars waiting that it's unbelievable. I think in the 35 miles we traveled, we saw two stations that had gas and saw 15 to 20 that are empty. But we could not wait in the lines because we had to get back to the school.

Poor Myron, had enough gas to get to work this morning and barely enough to get home. There is nowhere I can tell him that has gas. There was one station in Weaverville that had a tanker in front of it at 3:30 this afternoon, but the pumps were not open. That was the only ray of hope for gas I could give him. So tomorrow he will probably have to take my car, which has 1/2 a tank of gas, and I will have to drive around town looking for gas for his truck. The only down side to that is I won't have enough gas to drive very far.

I wonder how everyone else is fairing. My Mom (in Opelika, AL) tells me their area has gas just at unsightly prices. Right now, I will take the unsightly price over nothing at all. My Mom-in-law (in Foley, AL) told Myron they are not having any problems getting gas either. So why is it our area is suffering so much.

Oh a happy note, Sarah went on a field trip yesterday to an apple orchard. She got to go on a hayride, walk through a corn and sunflower mazes, and pick apples. She seemed to have a very good time. Today, Bethany went on a field trip to the Pisgah Forest. It was very beautiful there. I got to go along also. We went on a hike, played games, learned about bats and fed the trout. We had a really good time. I will try to post pictures. I just wanted to get my thoughts down while I was thinking about it.

Sunday Happenings

We went to 11 a.m. Mass this morning. And when we came out Myron said "let's go to Tupelo Honey Cafe for lunch." I was all over that suggestion. You know how you go visit strange towns and you are not sure where to eat. So you ask the locals where to go and of course they suggest places like Texas Roadhouse or Mellow Mushroom because they have no clue that these are actually chains (that is what happened to us when we moved up here). We wanted to try some place that was only in Asheville, you know, a signature place. Well in Asheville, we have found it to be Tupelo Honey Cafe. And if you ever watch the Travel channel and they are talking about Asheville, they almost always mention Tupelo Honey Cafe (THC). It is very yummy.

Anyway, I got off track. The bad thing about THC is the wait. When we get there at almost 12:45, it is an hour wait. So we head up the street a little ways to Mayfels. Which is very good, don't get me wrong, but it is not THC. It is very, very different. But I can say, I am branching out on the things I eat. I had a muffalata (?) with an olive salad on it ... different, but good ... with sweet potato fries. It was very good.

Then we headed to Best Buy because, now that Myron has a working radio in his truck, he wants to listen to good music. While we were there, the girls got to play the Wii. I told Myron that has got to be our together Christmas gift this year. I think we would all benefit and enjoy that game system.

As the weekend comes to an end, I have to start thinking about the week and all our happenings. Monday, Sarah has an all day field trip to the apple orchard. They are going with their big friends ... the 6th graders. Tuesday, Bethany has an all day field trip to the Pisgah Center. They will be hiking, learning about habitats, and learn about bats. Wednesday, I have to work. Thursday, I have to have another part replaced on my car. Friday, the school is having a Rummage Sale on Saturday so I will be helping get everything organized. So already a busy week and it hasn't started yet. Plus tomorrow is the weigh in ... YIKES, not after eating a muffalata for lunch and blackberry cobbler for dessert. I may have to pass on the weigh in.

AU vs. LSU

What a bummer!!! Auburn lost to LSU 26 to 21 (I think). I was so bummed I really can't remember the score. But I have to say Auburn didn't go down without a fight. It was definitely a fight to the very end. WAR EAGLE!!!!

Happy Birthday, Nana!!!

Today is my Mom's birthday. I'm sad I am not with her to celebrate. The girls are out of school today and tomorrow so we called Nana bright and early this morning to sing Happy Birthday to her. I am still going to try to talk to her again tonight. I want to see what she has to say about her presents. It would have been a great weekend to go see my parents but we are going to be down there in two weeks. Maybe we should have planned Sarah's party for this weekend. But we will be celebrating her day on her actual Birthday. That will be much better.


Of course, the house is totally destroyed because the girls are home. Not that it was in good shape before. But it is MUCH worse now. Tomorrow is definitely going to be a cleaning day ... not only putting things away but throwing things out. It is amazing how much mess they can pull out in just a few minutes. And yes, Mama, I know it is my fault because I don't stay after them to pick up when they are done. But they are playing so well together and it is hard to fuss at them when they are being good. But tomorrow is a NEW day. There will be lots of fussing and complaining coming through these lips.
Here are a few pictures to show how bad the girls' room is right now. I just want to take a huge vacuum cleaner or shovel and get rid of all of it. Of course, I know I am not helping. I took the sheets of their bed to wash today and haven't gotten them put back on. So their covers and pillows are all over. But how overwhelming is this:

"Turn the Radio On..."

I posted on Sunday, I think. And forgot to tell a somewhat funny little story. As some of you may know, Myron has been commuting from Mars Hill (where we live) to Flat Rock, NC every work day since December 11 (or so), 2007. This is about an hour drive for him down and an hour back. That is two hours on the road every day ..... without a RADIO!!!! (HA HA HA) Can you imagine two hours stuck in your car with no noise, except maybe the wind blowing through the window if it happens to be down. The funny thing is that it will come on ... just out of the blue for no reason and will play for a few days or hours and then go out again. He spent one afternoon taking it apart and trying to figure out what was wrong. It worked for a few days, then went out again. So, finally a few weeks ago, he decided to replace the radio. We went to Wal-Mart on Sunday, and he bought one. Came home and installed it. Wa-la, it works. He is now jamming out and listening to the radio again. I guess his commutes are a little easier on him. I haven't thought to ask. He has been coming home so late. All these months.......

Drum Roll Please......

And the final result is .... 3 pounds lost. I know that is good and all. But considering I lost 7 pounds the first week the first time I did this, it was a little discouraging. Plus, it would have been nice to go below a certain mark on the scale (of which I am not going to disclose). I just have to try harder. I got the walking down last week but I guess I cheated a little too much on the eating. Or maybe it was the lack of weight training. I don't know. All I know is that I have to change something this week.

Goings On...

I am surprised to see that my friend, Tonya, has not been after me to update my posts. But after reading her blog, I realized why. Her life is crazy as always.

The biggest thing going on with me is trying to be a healthier me. I am not going to call it a diet because it is not. It is a new eating plan. A plan that is going to help me be a healthier person. I did get on the scale Friday and was 3 pounds lighter. Which is very good. Monday is the official weigh-in. The number that gets reported in my book. I will be interested to see what the scale has to say tomorrow. Anyway, I did get 4 days of walking in this week which I am very proud of. My Chiropractor will be very excited to hear this news since she has been asking me to walk for about 6 months now.

I do want to talk a little about a football game that was played yesterday: Auburn vs. Miss State. I have to say that game actual sucked and that Auburn really deserved to lose (although, they didn't). The did win 3-2. I will be greatly surprised if my parents still have a TV the next time we visit. I am sure my Dad had a few words to throw towards it if not a shoe. And the 2 points Miss State did get was given to them by Auburn. Because there was a holding penalty in the end zone. Holding... this is a penalty I don't really understand. But these boys know they are not supposed to do it yet they do. I can't tell you how many yards Auburn lost yesterday for "holding". I mean, really, how else are they supposed to stop the defense if they don't put their hands on them to stop the guy from getting by. I just don't get it. But WHATEVER, no on asked my opinion. And the other thing that "got my goat" is there would be a flag on a play that was awesome. Chris Todd threw some amazing passes yesterday and the receivers ACTUALLY caught them (that was a miracle in itself). But then it would be called back because one of the offensive lineman would have a penalty called on him. Sometimes holding; sometimes something else. Just pure stupidness.

So next Saturday, Auburn plays LSU. I do not hold out much hope that Auburn will win. In fact, I believe they will get creamed. There is a teacher at the girls' school that is an LSU fan. So we do lots of talking. Just today we ran into her and hubby at Wal-Mart. One good thing I heard out of their mouth today is that LSU has never won at Jordan-Hare. But there is always a FIRST. And there is the fact that Auburn will plan and practice a little differently for this game than last week's. I will still cheer them on and throw a few of my own words at the TV if I have to. It's a shame I can't call someone up and yell in their ear ... someone that it would matter to ... like the COACH or even a player.

One more thing, I don't know how gas is in your area, but it is unreal here. I do believe I remember someone saying that it would get over $4 before the end of summer. This is definitely the highest it has been for us. It was a little amazing and scary to see how fast it all went up. We had an article in the local paper on Tuesday saying the pipeline would be shut down and that if you hadn't gotten gas that day, expect the prices to be higher on Wednesday. But they weren't. They didn't go up until Friday. I have to share this because it absolutely blew my mind. We have a little gas station, actually two, just down from our house. But there is only one I want to mention right now. On Thursday gas was $3.75 a gallon at this little store. Friday after walking, I came home to shower. When I passed the station at about 9:20 a.m., gas was at $3.84 a gallon. Okay, so that wasn't so bad. When I passed the station less than an hour later around 10:15 a.m., gas was at $4.75. OUTRAGEOUS!!!! I was shocked, totally shocked. I couldn't believe that they would go that high. Now I understand the whole supply and demand thingy from economics but that is taking it a little too far. No one else has gotten that high. The next highest is $4.39. I don't know how they determine who is price gouging, but it would seem to me that this little store might be pushing the boundaries. Just my thoughts.

Okay, enough for tonight. I have got to finish dinner and get my girls ready for bed. Back to school for just three days this week.

Healthier Me And More

Well, I am finishing up Day 3 on a healthier me. I walked yesterday and today with a friend who makes me really work to keep up. I always feel so much better after walking with her. My face was so red. It has been a bit humid up here in the mountains, so I was really sweating at the end of the walk.

My eating has been pretty good. Of course, Monday we went to the fair ... need I say more. I did eat a few chips and salsa yesterday and some cheese bunnies today. But I did walk for an hour each day. And when I exercise, I am supposed to eat more carbs (yes, I am justifying). The scale will have the final say about those mistakes.

I made the mistake of getting on the scale yesterday and today. Yesterday there was no change which I really wasn't expecting there to be. But today it went down 1 pound. I can't very well snub my nose at one pound. But I would have been a little happier with something more, like 30 (ha ha ha). I will try to hold off a few days before I get back on. I will try to give my metabolism a chance to kick in.

Oh I do have to say that my temptation has been challenged BIG time at work. Fr. John celebrated 25 years in the priesthood this year and was honored at church on Sunday. Someone brought a cake with butter cream icing with a picture of him on it. Lots of jokes were flying around the office yesterday ... Poor Fr. John. Anyway, that is one of my most favorite things in the world. The icing is so sweet but works so well with the cake. Mmmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. And you know how there is always a trail of icing left around the edge of the cake? Well, I wanted so badly to just get a big glob on my finger and savor the moment. But I TRIUMPHED!!! Yes I did. I have resisted the urge to take just ONE bite. Because one bite always leads to another then to another ... well, you know how it goes. So hopefully, the scale will be nice to me for not eating the cake.

On another note, my sister-in-law (Kathy) called me tonight to inform me she won a cruise to the Bahamas. I was like "and you are calling to invite me to go with you. Sister, I am packing my bags now." But she just laughed and said "Uh, No!" But true enough, she did win and she is setting sail on December 7th for 5 days and 4 nights. Congrats, Kathy. Make sure you take lots of pictures. I want to know all the details ... well, maybe not all but most.

NC Mountain State Fair

What a blast!!! We had such a good time at the fair. The girls actually got to ride some of the bigger rides. One of them was called the Super Shot. It is similar to a Free Fall. It goes up in the air very slow then drops very fast. The girls sat there and watched it go a few times. Then went running to get on. I wish I had been better prepared with my camera to get a picture of their expressions when it came down. They both had their mouths wide open but you could tell they were holding their breath. They didn't scream once. It was so funny. But then they started smiling and said they didn't want to do that again.

We walked so much back and forth from one end to the other. We ate very greasy, nasty food. The girls each got to play a game. Sarah won a crown and Bethany won a stuffed rose. When Bethany was trying to decide which game she was going to play, she chose based on what toys were given away. Of course, she wanted the biggest thing they had but got the smallest. They have this new system now where you can trade up. For instance, two smalls makes one medium and two mediums makes a large. So we set there and figured up it would take approximately $16 to get a stuffed unicorn the size of a webkinz. I have to say the webkinz are much cuter.

So another year has gone for the fair. We will look forward to it again next year. The girls always have so much fun riding all the rides and going through all the mazes. It really is a great fair.

Here they are on the Carousel.









This was just one of the roller
coasters. There was another
one that was more fun, but this
one was faster. The little girl
sitting behind the girls is Brittany. Her
Daddy works for Myron, and she
is Bethany's age. So they had
a playmate some of the time.









This is a picture of the Super Shot.
I took it through a glass that is why
it is a little foggy.









This is the other roller coaster.
It was a caterpillar.









And we couldn't go without a
ride on the slide.









The girls take a little trip hang
gliding.

They even went through the
scary ride all by themselves.
What brave little girls!

Of course, we couldn't leave
without taking a spin on the ponies.