Pictures!!

As promised (mostly) here are a couple of pictures of the new furniture (before tables) and of our Christmas decor.



Our first ever loveseat!! She looks comfy.

Our Christmas tree. John asked that we not put every ornament we own on it this year, so we chose some of our favorites. (I am hoping we get the tree up in the classroom soon with the ornaments the girls have collected over the years.)

My sister-in-law, Kim, has a village like this multiplied by 100! One of our craft projects this month is to make this small village its very own Christmas tree.

My Rudolph Village. We decided the top of the new buffet would be perfect for displaying the village (wish we had thought of that at Halloween, next year).

John promised the girls last year they could each have their own tree in their room. We didn't get it done last year so this year we had to. They each got to pick out their own ornaments and decorate it by herself. This is Chloe's tree.

And this is Jesse's tree.

The front porch; I loved John's idea of hanging the ornaments there.

The outside of the house from the street.

And the yardwork begins again...finally

Today we started back on the yard. Yep, it was cold! John wanted to decorate the front yard for Christmas and I wanted the front flower bed to look nice.

We went to Lowe's last night and came home with some new decorating ideas and, of course, the things to decorate with. We bought some of the big ornaments to hang on the front porch and some new garland too. We also purchased a big bow for the front door (and some for the garland). I think it looks nice. John did a great job!

I worked on putting out the edgers for the bed around the porch. Of course, when it came to the curved part I did have John help break the edgers for me. I'm not so good with a chisel. lol We just need a couple of more bags of mulch and that bed will be done. Yeah! We will start back up on the backyard now that all the things that go boo from under bushes have, hopefully, gone to sleep for awhile. I am so hoping we get the bike trail finished this winter so the girls can use it next summer. It is one of the things they were looking forward to when this whole process started in February.

An update on their school work: We are still up to date!! They have been finishing everything everyday just as planned with most of the afternoon to do as they wish. I am really hoping this continues, at least through the holidays. ;)

Have I told you lately John is wonderful?

Probably not. I have told him, but I think I rarely write about it...he doesn't like the attention. :)

We accomplished so much here today. The girls had been looking forward to decorating the Christmas tree today. So, this morning John went into the attic to pull out all of our boxes (6, big ones!). I started putting the tree together while I had the girls search out the lights. Hm, just two small strands of lights. Then John remembered we had to dispose of our lights last year and our intention was to get more (this should have been put on this year's calendar in September so we could have bought them already). Anyway. John didn't hesitate, off to town we went. Yep, on Black Friday just to buy tree lights so the girls could get the tree done today.

After we finished putting the tree together and the lights strung, the girls and I put on the decorations and put out the other decor. John cleaned the kitchen and made turkey soup with our leftovers. He even made cornbread! We would not have gotten so much done if it were not for John. And just so you know, I did not ask him. He simply saw a need and went at it. So many reasons to love that man!

Our Thanksgiving

Well, our Thanksgiving didn't quite go as we expected. The turkey was perfect along with the sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, dressing, gravy, pecan tassies and even the pumpkin pie. However, we were a couple of people short. My parents have not felt well this week (sore throats and such) and this morning my Mom sounded worse than yesterday. Sadly, we had Thanksgiving just the four of us.

We were all looking forward to their visit so they could see the "new living room". The girls are always excited about Grandpa and Grandma visiting. I'm hoping we'll get to see them before Christmas; we'll see.

We hope every one had a fantastic Thanksgiving and that no one ate too much. :)

Almost there

The living room is coming together. If you recall, we recently bought new living room furniture (and no I have not posted pictures yet). For the first time in our married life we now have a sofa and a love seat. I love it, so comfy! Our next dilemma was regarding a coffee table or side tables. Obviously I have not priced these in awhile because I was shocked to see the simplest, not well built, things for $100. Really?

Today, we decided to go to the furniture store where we bought our dining room table. There we found two side tables that we both liked. One I loved!! And had to have. We have also picked out a new paint color, but that will wait until later. We also have another piece of furniture we are adding soon, but that is another story.

I will post pictures when all is situated, right now I have tables and nothing on them. :) Which in a way, is nice.

One more thing

I was complaining Monday, and in previous days to my wonderful friends, about us not being able to finish our work. I have to say this week, the girls have completed all of their daily work and we have been able to do our outside activities without the stress of knowing there was still more school work to be done at home.

I really hope we can keep this up.

Jesse IS her Father's child

We've been telling this to her for quite awhile. Yes, she looks just like I did (except the long legs I've never had), but as far as the attitude it is all her Father.

Point in case:

Today, in the car, I wanted to listen to the new Susan Boyle Christmas CD John just bought me. We were listening to the first song when I replied I had never heard of that song before. Jesse asked if there was one on there I did know. I proceeded to read off about four or five titles I knew. "Wow, thats a long title." No hint of humor or smile just straight as can be. And yes, she did know it was more than one song; she is not stupid, just a smart***.

So, yes Jesse you are clearly your Father's child. ;)

So that is how I'll be remembered (bummer)

I know this sounds odd, but John and I spoke briefly last night. He worked from home last night and I worked on some school work, so we didn't see each other much. I think my laptop would have been happier not to see him at all. ;) Anyway, we talked a bit about the blog pictures, so I decided while the girls did their school work I would switch out the two pictures.

He suggested we use a picture from our previous "Disney" trip and when I pointed out we didn't have one of all four of us he suggested one of the girls. I liked this one the best. Both happy. Both smiling. Seems rare some days.

I also pointed out to John that whenever I comment on one of my friend's blog his picture shows up since the picture is of the two of us. He said that should be fixed right away. He is too funny. My search started for a picture of me. Sounds easy? Guess who doesn't use the camera. John. So, guess who has no pictures because I'm not counting the ones where I'm making a face or covered in paint stain or dirt or sweat. Yes, those are always the times when he wants to snap a picture of me. I suppose that is how I'll always be remembered. Forever dirty.

I need a complaining session

Yes, this will be more of the same. I am complaining about the lack of time I have to do things. And yes, you are thinking if I were not typing this I would have more time to do things. Funny how that does not translate in my world.

Currently, we are doing school work. Jesse is reading about President Cleveland and Chloe is doing math. I am having to sit with Chloe and watch her do most of her math work due to current struggles with multiplication. So, even if I were not typing I would not be doing other things either.

Saturday, I was thinking Chloe would finish her last three subjects early Sunday and I would have time to work on our closet. It is a wreck, but there is nothing under our bed (AHHHH!!). Of course, I did not get to our closet for other things going on.

Then late last night I realized I needed to do a menu and grocery list for this week. Then realized I will have to go Tuesday rather than Wednesday. While making the menu, I realized next week is Thanksgiving. I would be an idiot to go grocery shopping next week, so I need to make the menu/grocery list for two weeks!

Great! As Jesse, started history I just remembered I read the chapter but didn't have the test to work on her notes for her (we were at my Mother's for her birthday). If those tests did not have the strangest questions, I could have done the notes easily. So much for getting caught up on grading papers and tests today (or tomorrow)!

Seems like every time I think I'm going to have a chance to get everything caught up, Life happens. {eye roll} Can't Life come next week?? {sigh} I really wish I could figure this out. I do remember the Edgefield house and by the time we left I had the cleaning, washing, everything down and it stayed clean all the time (except play time, of course). {heavy sigh} I just want to figure out how to be a great home school mom, homemaker, Avon Lady, and TKD instructor all at the same time. Not one is good one week and another one is good another week. ALL AT ONCE! Why can my brain not wrap itself around this one? I do realize when my children graduate and leave home this will all be over and life will be so much easier, but I want to find time to enjoy my girls while they are still home.

Rant done...for now.

Happy Birthday!!

We all wish we could be there today as my Mom celebrates her birthday. Hope you have a good birthday, Mom!

We also want to wish John's nephew, Tyler a wonderful birthday!! He will be twenty today.

Hugs to both of you and hopefully we'll see you both very soon.

It is quiet here

A temporary lull in action has caused our home to become very quiet. The girls are working on their school work. Jesse is very excited because she is about to finish Story of the World II. I suppose I should tell you, in case you don't know, each of the SOTW books takes about a year-and-a-half to complete. And that is with us not doing any of the activities! So she is finally getting ready to start on the third book and happy to do so.

Chloe is quietly taking her math test. As Rosie sleeps underneath the classroom table.

Okay, the quiet has now been broken by map work. Chloe is still working on a test and Rosie still sleeps.

I have figured out my guidance counselor, Iris Polk and Joann Goss (my teachers) were somehow right about me teaching. I love teaching. I love watching my girls grow as they learn and their understanding of their world expands. I love seeing their eyes light up when they finally figure out what their math book is explaining. However, it goes beyond my girls. I love teaching TKD. While I'm not the best TKD student, I think I'm a good teacher. Most of my students miss me when the go to the next class. I do on occasion have the opportunity to help in the next class, so they get excited when they get me as an instructor again. I love getting hugs from my current students and old ones at graduation. Their elation makes me happy.

There are days when the house is messy (okay, catastrophic), the laundry doesn't get done and not all of our school work is finished. There are days when I want to pull my hair out of my head until there is none left. And yes, there are days when I want to start walking for a very long walk. But most days are filled with little things that delight me. Something that was said not meaning to be funny, but it was. Something kind and unexpected. Seeing the excitement of seeing friends. So many good things.

And the quiet is back, just the clicking of my keyboard and the scratching of their pencils. Ahh.

A Jesse TKD story...

Last night at TKD Master Mike was going down each row telling each student what they needed to work on during class. He got to Jesse and said, "You know what you need to do?"

"My form," she replied.

"How many times do you do it?"

Sincerely she replied, "Until I puke."

Master Mike busted out laughing, then looked at me, "She's been with me a long time."

Yep. She has.

Things, they, are a changin'

Wow! John and I bought our first couch together in 1997. In fact, it was in October just six months after we were married. I suppose there are many who are going to be very relieved when I say we just purchased a new sofa. Yep, we finally did it. We only talked about it for two years. :) The new sofa, loveseat and mattress set will be here on Thursday. Now, I just have to get everything moved so we have room for it all to come in. Sounds easy, but I know it won't be.



Chloe wanted me to mention that during our trip to the Magic Kingdom she scored 999,999 on the Buzz Lightyear ride. That is the maximum you can get on that ride. She was very happy she beat Jesse's high score.

So busy, yet few things are ever done!

That seems to be the story of my life lately. We have so many things going on this fall so it seems we rarely get everything done we are suppose to.

The girls are working on school work one day a weekend now until Christmas. I am hoping to salvage some of their Christmas break. Their summer has been extended all the way into October this year. With all the yard work I did this summer, John's numerous work trips we tagged along on, a vacation and other craziness that popped out of no where, they are not nearly as far along in school as I would have liked for them to be by now. We'll get there and they will still have fun; I am so not worried about it. (Did that sound convincing? I hope so.)

Speaking of John's work trips, he had yet another one. He left last Tuesday for Tennessee then came home Friday. Granted it was a short trip but felt like forever with two TKD classes in there. I think he is getting a little tired of all the traveling, that was his fourth trip this year. And they are talking about another one. We'll see.

We are getting out a lot more this year with our schooling (another reason for not being where I want to be). The girls are doing some science classes at Clemson Ext and we are going to Book Buddies at a friend's house. They have been learning so much and this year they have really had a chance to find some new (old) friends. Last year we spent most of our time just doing school work and going to TKD, so this has really been different. But fun!

Jesse will be testing for her 3rd Degree Black Belt December 16th. Wow! I cannot believe she has been in for five-and-a-half years now. And still she wants to continue. Master Mike is giving her more to do during her "teaching" class so I believe that is part of the attraction. As for me, I am suppose to get my black jacket in December. However, I still have to learn five more forms, take a written test AND create my own white belt form. And how much time do I have in a day?? Could we add a few more hours? Please. :)

Chloe just took her first mid-term test for 2nd degree. She did great, as usual and is really looking forward to learning the double weapons forms. Now, she is talking about joining the "teaching" ranks and getting her blue jacket. I haven't told Master Mike yet. I'm waiting for the new year.

Not sure what to feel

I have a half-brother; his name is Lane. He is roughly three years younger than me. I met Lane when I was twenty-one. I knew about him when I was about twelve or thirteen. When I was eight, I asked my Mom one day if I had any brothers and sisters I didn't know about. Yep, out of the blue. Her answer was, "you are my only child." It was true. Lane belongs to my Dad.

The last time I saw Lane, Jesse was one. We were walking into my parents house and he and my nephew, Tyler (three at the time), were walking out of my parents. We both said hi, then we both said bye. I guess it really was.

My reaction to most people is that it doesn't really matter because I grew up without a brother and he grew up with two other half-sisters. Our lives have not changed. The reality is I REALLY wanted a brother. My brother. It was the night before my brother's wedding that John proposed to me. It was hours before the wedding, when I shared the news with my parents. Who, though I was just divorced, were actually excited about it. There are many days that I wonder about my brother, his wife and their children, but for my sanity (because I did not choose this) I push it out of my mind.

Today, it was brought back to my mind. My mother called to inform me that Paula (Lane's wife) passed away last Friday. How? We do not know. But that leaves Lane as a single parent with two children. I imagine Paula's daughter from another relationship will go to her own father. Lane's life has changed. Mine has not. I lost a sister-in-law one week ago and I did not know. And what is sadder is she has not been a part of our life for, well, almost their entire marriage.

My life should be upside down. The girls upset for losing an aunt. The reality is they didn't know they had an Aunt Paula. They barely know they have an Uncle Lane. They know they have a cousin Tyler, but it is John's nephew they know and not mine. I guess I am grieving but I'm more grieving what should have been than the person that passed.