We are back from a very needed vacation. Although, it was go, go, go, we still found time to have fun. We vacationed in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area with Myron's family ... well three of them anyway. We rented a cabin very close to Dollywood and Splash Country.
We went up on Sunday and had the place to ourselves for the night. That night we feasted at one of our favorite restaurants ... Bennett's Bar-B-Que ... yummy!!! Then we walked the strip a little until we had to head back for a grocery run. Do you know how hard it is to find a grocery store in that area? VERY!!!
On Monday, we headed to Splash Country for the day. We arrived shortly after they opened at 10 a.m. and stayed until they closed at 6 p.m. The girls had a blast. I bought a waterproof camera but have not gotten the film developed yet. As soon as I do, I will get the pictures posted. The funny thing is we ran into a young lady that went to the Asheville Catholic with the girls. She just graduated from 8th grade this year and is headed to High School. She is such a sweet girl and we wish her all the best. That night we ate more bar-b-que at Corky's ... not as good as Bennett's.
The in-laws arrived Monday evening.
On Tuesday, we went to see Cirque de Chine. It was a great show. The girls didn't enjoy it too much for some reason. It was raining when we came out of the show so we just decided to head back to the cabin for a night of dinner, movies and games. Dinner consisted of sub sandwiches and pies. The cabin had a theater room that seated on three people but slept twelve ... ummm? Wonder who planned that one. So, Grandma, Grandpa and Bethany headed downstairs for movie time while Kathy, Myron, Sarah and I played games.
On Wednesday, we went to the Dinosaur Walk and Magic Beyond Belief. The Magic Show is what the girls wanted to see. It was spectacular. It always makes me want to know how they do it. But even the magician, Terry, said, "Once you know, the magic will no longer exist." At least that is what happened to him. I have a few shots that we were allowed to take during one of the illusions. It was very dark so I hope you can make it out. I will post all the pictures at one time I think. I need to do some editing to them.
After the show, we headed to Gatlinburg. We walked up the strip and ate at Bubba Gump Shrimp House. It was okay ... nothing to write home about. Then we rode the Sky Lift. Bethany lost a flip flop on the way up. Luckily the gift shop sold them. Then we headed back to the cabin for more games and margaritas.
My battery went dead on my camera on Wednesday night and I forgot to charge it that night ... HUGE Bummer. The one day I really needed it was Thursday. No way was I taking it into a water park on Monday. We ate breakfast at the Old Mill Restaurant and then headed for the "Nature" part of our week to Cades Cove. It was absolutely beautiful. The one drawback was it rained on and off all day. We got stuck in the rain one time trying to hike to the Metcalf Bottoms. Unfortunately we never made it to the Bottoms; we turned around and headed back to the car. I had to rely on Kathy for pictures that day. I am hoping she got some good ones and I am hoping she sends them to me. There was a bear sighting as we were headed out and a huge traffic jam. Traffic jams really stink on a one way road with no "outs". When we finally made it out, we headed straight to Bennett's for some more yummy bar-b-que. Then back to the cabin for more games.
At the cabin there was also a pool table. The girls really enjoyed learning to play. Finally on Thursday night, Kathy and I challenged Myron to a few games ... Us against Him. He beat us like four times, I think. I laughed so hard that night. It was great. Even though he beat us every time, I could see we were improving with each game.
Friday, we headed out. We were going to try to take the girls to The Track but again it was raining. So instead, we went to the Scrapbook Superstore. I bought lots of discounted papers and stickers. Then we headed home to the House to cut grass, wash clothes, and clean up a little. I know there needs to be a change where the house is concerned but I don't know what it should be or how to convince Myron. Please continue to pray that our house will sell.
As soon as I can find some decent pictures to post, I will get them on here. For now you will just have to live the vacation through my words.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Jealousy Issues
I am trying very hard to not feel jealously towards people I know whose houses are selling, but it is very difficult. My friend in Arizona sold her house in 19 days. How does that happen in this economy? Our house has been on the market for over a month with only one phone call of a possible showing that didn't happen. Then I read that another friend who left Asheville last August finally sold their house. Of course, it had been on the market almost of year. Then I read where another friend has had three showings in one week with another scheduled for tomorrow. I don't get it.
And I am finding it very hard to be happy for them. Not a very good Christian thing to say is it. I am definitely putting myself out there.
I was always taught to give it to the Lord and leave it there ... don't continue to dwell on the problem. That is what I felt like I had done. Then I start reading these posts on Facebook and it comes back on my shoulders. I was so excited when we got the one phone call. I knew all it would take is one person to call and see the house. But then something kept getting in the way of him keeping his appointments. I have to tell myself that he wasn't the right buyer for our house.
No, we don't have the most unique house or the prettiest, but it is a great house with a theater room ... a theater room. How many people can say they have a theater room in their house? Well, I guess it is probably a little more common these days. You don't even have to go to the movies anymore. You just recline in the most comfortable chairs ever with a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn and watch your favorite movie or the newest release. No cell phones ringing or people kicking the back of your seat. No kids crying and screaming ... unless they are your own. Plus, we have two master suites. One is upstairs all by itself. It is perfect for the guest quarters.
Well, I have to keep it with God. It is not something I can take on. I have to put my trust in Him that He will send the right buyer at the right time. I would just like Him to send them a little sooner than later. But I have to ask that His will be done, not mine.
Thankful Thought: I don't know tonight. I am having a hard time with being thankful. Let's go this direction.... I am thankful I have a roof over my head, and if needed, I have a house to go to with beautiful views and a theater room (LOL) that is close to some very dear friends.
And I am finding it very hard to be happy for them. Not a very good Christian thing to say is it. I am definitely putting myself out there.
I was always taught to give it to the Lord and leave it there ... don't continue to dwell on the problem. That is what I felt like I had done. Then I start reading these posts on Facebook and it comes back on my shoulders. I was so excited when we got the one phone call. I knew all it would take is one person to call and see the house. But then something kept getting in the way of him keeping his appointments. I have to tell myself that he wasn't the right buyer for our house.
No, we don't have the most unique house or the prettiest, but it is a great house with a theater room ... a theater room. How many people can say they have a theater room in their house? Well, I guess it is probably a little more common these days. You don't even have to go to the movies anymore. You just recline in the most comfortable chairs ever with a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn and watch your favorite movie or the newest release. No cell phones ringing or people kicking the back of your seat. No kids crying and screaming ... unless they are your own. Plus, we have two master suites. One is upstairs all by itself. It is perfect for the guest quarters.
Well, I have to keep it with God. It is not something I can take on. I have to put my trust in Him that He will send the right buyer at the right time. I would just like Him to send them a little sooner than later. But I have to ask that His will be done, not mine.
Thankful Thought: I don't know tonight. I am having a hard time with being thankful. Let's go this direction.... I am thankful I have a roof over my head, and if needed, I have a house to go to with beautiful views and a theater room (LOL) that is close to some very dear friends.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Massive Update
I cannot believe that it has been almost two months since my last entry. Where has the time gone?
I guess I will try to hit the highlights...
In May, Myron accepted a new job that has moved us to the Greenville, SC area. Not that he was looking or anything, it just happened to fall in his lap. It is an opportunity he just couldn't pass up. His career has taken him from making paper to printing paper to converting paper (whatever that means). All I know is that the company coats and dye cuts paper for Little Debbie snacks; of course, there are many other things they do also.
In June, we hit the ground running trying to tie up loose projects at the house and get it ready to sell. My Mom was supposed to come for a visit but decided to fall and hurt herself so she didn't have to come (ha ha ... just kidding). She did finally make it up but had to put it off a week. I know she is in a lot of pain and unfortunately still is. I guess she has torn a ligament or something in her shoulder. Her physical therapy is not working. So I guess she is facing surgery in the near future. We did finally get the house listed. We have had a few Realtors come by to look at it and one person called two weeks ago wanting to see it but was unable to make it. Hopefully he will call again.
Myron's Grandmother was put in the hospital and was deteriorating quickly. We decided to head down there to see the family. Now after we have visited, we find out she is sitting up in bed, off the respirator and is trying to talk. But after having a tube down her throat for some time, she is having a hard time. Then his Grandfather was put in the hospital (different hospital) for something and has to have a valve replaced in his heart.
Now into July, we moved to our apartment in Greer, SC. We were lucky enough to find an apartment building that is fairly new and the apartment we were assigned to has never been lived in before. That was very attractive for us. The address is Elizabeth Sarah Blvd ... which is Sarah's name backwards. We have really been enjoying the pool. I am working on a tan ... something I haven't done since I was in college. My tans over the years have been ''farmer's" tans. Now I can actually work on a decent tan line; Whoo-hoo!
We have a vacation coming up at the end of the month. We will be spending five days with part of Myron's family in Gatlinburg, TN. That should be fun. We will be taking the girls to Splash Country for some water entertainment. I'm not really looking forward to that ... not my idea of fun to walk around in a bathing suit all day, but we will do anything for our kids, right?
Other depressing things have happened since my last entry but I don't want to go into all the details. Highlights are as follows: music minister at our church was arrested and charged with, in the end, statutory rape (and other things) and priest was arrested and charged with deleting evidence off music minister's computer. It has been turmoil in our school and our church. But my family has moved on ... in more ways than one. There are so many people to remember in our prayers regarding these incidents: the victim and her family, the church parish and office, the school principal and faculty, and lastly, the music minister and priest. Although, I may not like the choices they have made, it is up to God to see to them. I can only pray that God's will be done.
My week is off to a some what busy start. Bethany has a workbook she has to have completed before she starts school on August 17th. Of course, they have been out of school since June 3rd and we just got the book last week. She has some catching up to do. Plus, we are still seeing Miss Holly for violin lessons. So, we are driving back on Wednesdays right now and we try to throw a play date in while we are there. And there is the pool to get to. Can't let my tan start fading now that I am getting one.
I think I have said enough for one night. Nothing too funny or exciting really going on. Well, unless you call a move exciting. I would be really excited if someone would call to look at the house or even put in an offer that we could discuss. The no activity is going to drive me nuts.
Until another day.....
I guess I will try to hit the highlights...
In May, Myron accepted a new job that has moved us to the Greenville, SC area. Not that he was looking or anything, it just happened to fall in his lap. It is an opportunity he just couldn't pass up. His career has taken him from making paper to printing paper to converting paper (whatever that means). All I know is that the company coats and dye cuts paper for Little Debbie snacks; of course, there are many other things they do also.
In June, we hit the ground running trying to tie up loose projects at the house and get it ready to sell. My Mom was supposed to come for a visit but decided to fall and hurt herself so she didn't have to come (ha ha ... just kidding). She did finally make it up but had to put it off a week. I know she is in a lot of pain and unfortunately still is. I guess she has torn a ligament or something in her shoulder. Her physical therapy is not working. So I guess she is facing surgery in the near future. We did finally get the house listed. We have had a few Realtors come by to look at it and one person called two weeks ago wanting to see it but was unable to make it. Hopefully he will call again.
Myron's Grandmother was put in the hospital and was deteriorating quickly. We decided to head down there to see the family. Now after we have visited, we find out she is sitting up in bed, off the respirator and is trying to talk. But after having a tube down her throat for some time, she is having a hard time. Then his Grandfather was put in the hospital (different hospital) for something and has to have a valve replaced in his heart.
Now into July, we moved to our apartment in Greer, SC. We were lucky enough to find an apartment building that is fairly new and the apartment we were assigned to has never been lived in before. That was very attractive for us. The address is Elizabeth Sarah Blvd ... which is Sarah's name backwards. We have really been enjoying the pool. I am working on a tan ... something I haven't done since I was in college. My tans over the years have been ''farmer's" tans. Now I can actually work on a decent tan line; Whoo-hoo!
We have a vacation coming up at the end of the month. We will be spending five days with part of Myron's family in Gatlinburg, TN. That should be fun. We will be taking the girls to Splash Country for some water entertainment. I'm not really looking forward to that ... not my idea of fun to walk around in a bathing suit all day, but we will do anything for our kids, right?
Other depressing things have happened since my last entry but I don't want to go into all the details. Highlights are as follows: music minister at our church was arrested and charged with, in the end, statutory rape (and other things) and priest was arrested and charged with deleting evidence off music minister's computer. It has been turmoil in our school and our church. But my family has moved on ... in more ways than one. There are so many people to remember in our prayers regarding these incidents: the victim and her family, the church parish and office, the school principal and faculty, and lastly, the music minister and priest. Although, I may not like the choices they have made, it is up to God to see to them. I can only pray that God's will be done.
My week is off to a some what busy start. Bethany has a workbook she has to have completed before she starts school on August 17th. Of course, they have been out of school since June 3rd and we just got the book last week. She has some catching up to do. Plus, we are still seeing Miss Holly for violin lessons. So, we are driving back on Wednesdays right now and we try to throw a play date in while we are there. And there is the pool to get to. Can't let my tan start fading now that I am getting one.
I think I have said enough for one night. Nothing too funny or exciting really going on. Well, unless you call a move exciting. I would be really excited if someone would call to look at the house or even put in an offer that we could discuss. The no activity is going to drive me nuts.
Until another day.....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What Happened Today?
Well, let me tell you. The teachers hosted a Volunteer Luncheon ... yummmy!!!! Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Powers (who happen to be Sarah's teachers) made some very delicious dishes for us. I have been to the Volunteer Luncheon the last two years and never had a crowd like we did today. They had, I think, three different kinds of quiches, stuffed mushrooms, hashbrown casserole, steamed veggies, cornbread and rolls ... oh and a bowl of mixed fruit. I ate way too much but enjoyed every bite. Then they had some kind of butternut squash cake or something. I missed what they said it was ... and peach cobbler which was again so yummy.
All the classes came in and did a little something. Some classes just sang a song, some put on little plays, one class made us play charades (too funny). The 8th grade beat them all. They sang a mix of songs. They divided up into little groups and put their own words to melodies we could recognize like "We will rock you." It was great. Thanks to all the teachers for taking the time to help us feel appreciated.
My thankful thought for the day is Asheville Catholic School faculty, staff and parents. I have made a lot of friends through the school. I have enjoyed being a part of all it's happenings.
Good Night for now!
All the classes came in and did a little something. Some classes just sang a song, some put on little plays, one class made us play charades (too funny). The 8th grade beat them all. They sang a mix of songs. They divided up into little groups and put their own words to melodies we could recognize like "We will rock you." It was great. Thanks to all the teachers for taking the time to help us feel appreciated.
My thankful thought for the day is Asheville Catholic School faculty, staff and parents. I have made a lot of friends through the school. I have enjoyed being a part of all it's happenings.
Good Night for now!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Finally.... First Communion Pictures
First Communion Children with Fr. John before the Service.
Bethany looked so grown-up but beautiful. But then I am biased.
I tried to get a sweet picture of her. I am going to have to get professional pictures done. Where is Tonya when I need her?
Bethany points out her person she made one night during her classes.
Bethany with Fr. John in front of the new Crucifix the Church got three days before Easter.
Bethany with her bff, Mason.
Friends ... what more can I say.
Bethany with her teachers, Mrs. Barcafer (left) and Mrs. Abshire (right).
You know, Catholics get a bad rap for lots of things. But First Communion cannot be one of them. There is something special about watching your child take her First Communion. It was a very sweet service devoted to the children and the new step they were taking in life.
I hope you all enjoy.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sarah's 15 Minutes of Fame .... Sort Of
Twice now Channel 13 has visited with the 1st Grade class of Asheville Catholic School. The first time was because of a visit from a Beagle (Keeper) and the second time was for the class's outreach visit to Asheville Animal Haven. I am going to try to post the links to the videos. If for some reason you are unable to open or pull up the video, please visit www.wlos.com, look for "Never Stop Learning" under "ABC 13 Features". Keeper video is titled "Dog writes book" and the other video is titled "Animal Haven".
http://wlos.com/shared/newsroom/learning/wlos_vid_306.shtml (Keeper)
http://wlos.com/shared/newsroom/learning/wlos_vid_326.shtml (Animal Haven)
I hope you all enjoy.
http://wlos.com/shared/newsroom/learning/wlos_vid_306.shtml (Keeper)
http://wlos.com/shared/newsroom/learning/wlos_vid_326.shtml (Animal Haven)
I hope you all enjoy.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Weekend Whirlwind
It started on Thursday (well, really the stress of the weekend started way before Thursday, but I am getting ahead of myself). I rushed home from violin with the girls to finish up some last minute cleaning before my parents rolled into town which was about 11:30 p.m. Friday, I took the girls to school, went to a meeting at the Crowne Plaza regarding the Spring Fling, then headed home to get my parents for more errands. Before we left, I put together a broccoli salad and banana pudding for later that night. About 10:00, we finally made it out the door. Bethany was celebrating her First Communion on Saturday and neither Nana nor myself had a present for her. We suck and we know it. We went to a local gift shop where Nana found a lovely charm bracelet and a heart/cross charm. It was just lovely. Then we headed to the Family Christian Bookstore where they sometimes have 1st Communion items, but I found nothing but a card. Wal-Mart was a hit for me. I found her a child's St. Christopher necklace. Who is St. Christopher you ask? Well, let me look it up for you and I will let you know....... (gone for a few minutes). He holds patronage of things related to travel and travelers. On her medal, it says "St. Christopher protect me (or us)" or something like that.
That night, we had a covered dinner and rehearsal for the 1st Communion service to be held on Saturday. Unfortunately, some Catholics do not understand the meaning of "covered dish". So some people stopped by the local grocery store and brought a small container of potato salad or something similar. I, on the other hand, took the broccoli salad and banana pudding. Each fit in a large aluminum roasting pan. I felt I had contributed enough to feed the amount of people I brought. What a disappointment to see such little food to feed a multitude. Yes, I know, Jesus fed the multitude with even less. Therefore, we did not go away stuffed to the gills which was a good thing.
Myron left the rehearsal with my parents and Sarah. They had to get home before the in-laws showed up. Bethany and I arrived home some time around 8 p.m. We visited for a little while before putting the girls to bed. Nana and I prepared food for the next day: potato salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad and kabobs with dip, and it seems like there was something else but my brain is fried. Anyway, we were up a few more hours trying to get it all done.
Saturday, we were up at 6 a.m. I fixed a little breakfast: coffee cake and fruit ... nothing fancy at all. Just enough to get us through until lunch. We left around 9 a.m. to be at the church at 9:30. There were lots of pictures being taken. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten my off the camera yet. I will try to do that soon. Bethany looked just beautiful in her dress. She looked so grown up. The ceremony was just wonderful. And yes I cried. My little girl is growing up.
We left there and headed over to our friends' house, Jeff and Karen. We had a lunch with their family. There was plenty of food and fellowship. It was a very enjoyable day. But the only thing on my mind at that time was.... A Nap!!! And that is just what I did. When we got home, the girls went to their bed, Pop and Nana went to their bed, and Myron and I went to our bed ... well, our recliners. We let Grandpa and Grandma have our bed so we slept downstairs in the comfy recliners. I was out instantly. I didn't even try to stay awake because I didn't want to. We had leftovers for dinner and then had a family movie night: Bedtime Stories.
Sunday, we took our time getting up. The girls had to be in Waynesville for a violin recital at 2:30. We left here around 1 because I had to pick up a fruit tray. I was so tired of cooking and being in the kitchen that I took the easy route and bought a pre-packaged dish. The girls did such a lovely job on their solos. I wish everyone could hear them. But I forgot to charge my battery that I knew was going dead on Saturday. I could have just kicked myself if I could have gotten my foot that far back. UGH!!!! Sarah's first solo and I couldn't even film it.
We went out for dinner afterwards at the Moose Cafe. It has been chosen as one of the top 10 places to eat in the Southeast. Yummy, yummy food.
Back home and it was time to get ready for the next day. Oh yeah, Monday ... Asheville Catholics 7th Annual Spring Fling. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Two years ago, they raised $100,000 for the school. Last year it was around $75,000. This is not a small deal. If you remember at the beginning, I made a reference about STRESS. Well, that is what most of the stress was pertaining to. Not only did some of us have to deal with last minute details with Spring Fling but we were also cleaning and cooking for 1st Communion. Too much for one weekend.
Overall, I feel the event was a success for our school. We may have not raised $100,000 or even $75,000 this year but whatever it turns out to be, will be more than we had before the event.
I am off to bed. I woke up tired this morning and am ready to lie down in my bed and cozy up under the covers. I actually meant to be there before now but got to typing and couldn't stop. I seriously will try very hard to get some pictures uploaded this week.
Have a good night. Oh yeah, thankful thought: good friends who accept you for who you are. I have wonderful friends here in Asheville. They accept me the way I am even when I talk too much and say too much which I am very bad about doing.
That night, we had a covered dinner and rehearsal for the 1st Communion service to be held on Saturday. Unfortunately, some Catholics do not understand the meaning of "covered dish". So some people stopped by the local grocery store and brought a small container of potato salad or something similar. I, on the other hand, took the broccoli salad and banana pudding. Each fit in a large aluminum roasting pan. I felt I had contributed enough to feed the amount of people I brought. What a disappointment to see such little food to feed a multitude. Yes, I know, Jesus fed the multitude with even less. Therefore, we did not go away stuffed to the gills which was a good thing.
Myron left the rehearsal with my parents and Sarah. They had to get home before the in-laws showed up. Bethany and I arrived home some time around 8 p.m. We visited for a little while before putting the girls to bed. Nana and I prepared food for the next day: potato salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad and kabobs with dip, and it seems like there was something else but my brain is fried. Anyway, we were up a few more hours trying to get it all done.
Saturday, we were up at 6 a.m. I fixed a little breakfast: coffee cake and fruit ... nothing fancy at all. Just enough to get us through until lunch. We left around 9 a.m. to be at the church at 9:30. There were lots of pictures being taken. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten my off the camera yet. I will try to do that soon. Bethany looked just beautiful in her dress. She looked so grown up. The ceremony was just wonderful. And yes I cried. My little girl is growing up.
We left there and headed over to our friends' house, Jeff and Karen. We had a lunch with their family. There was plenty of food and fellowship. It was a very enjoyable day. But the only thing on my mind at that time was.... A Nap!!! And that is just what I did. When we got home, the girls went to their bed, Pop and Nana went to their bed, and Myron and I went to our bed ... well, our recliners. We let Grandpa and Grandma have our bed so we slept downstairs in the comfy recliners. I was out instantly. I didn't even try to stay awake because I didn't want to. We had leftovers for dinner and then had a family movie night: Bedtime Stories.
Sunday, we took our time getting up. The girls had to be in Waynesville for a violin recital at 2:30. We left here around 1 because I had to pick up a fruit tray. I was so tired of cooking and being in the kitchen that I took the easy route and bought a pre-packaged dish. The girls did such a lovely job on their solos. I wish everyone could hear them. But I forgot to charge my battery that I knew was going dead on Saturday. I could have just kicked myself if I could have gotten my foot that far back. UGH!!!! Sarah's first solo and I couldn't even film it.
We went out for dinner afterwards at the Moose Cafe. It has been chosen as one of the top 10 places to eat in the Southeast. Yummy, yummy food.
Back home and it was time to get ready for the next day. Oh yeah, Monday ... Asheville Catholics 7th Annual Spring Fling. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Two years ago, they raised $100,000 for the school. Last year it was around $75,000. This is not a small deal. If you remember at the beginning, I made a reference about STRESS. Well, that is what most of the stress was pertaining to. Not only did some of us have to deal with last minute details with Spring Fling but we were also cleaning and cooking for 1st Communion. Too much for one weekend.
Overall, I feel the event was a success for our school. We may have not raised $100,000 or even $75,000 this year but whatever it turns out to be, will be more than we had before the event.
I am off to bed. I woke up tired this morning and am ready to lie down in my bed and cozy up under the covers. I actually meant to be there before now but got to typing and couldn't stop. I seriously will try very hard to get some pictures uploaded this week.
Have a good night. Oh yeah, thankful thought: good friends who accept you for who you are. I have wonderful friends here in Asheville. They accept me the way I am even when I talk too much and say too much which I am very bad about doing.
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