Funny how things happen

When we lived in the "yellow" house, there was a man who ran often. Some days he would come by twice! He as very thin and I always worried if I didn't see him for a few days. He was so thin and ran so often; I'm sure there is an underlying issue there. Anyway, last week (for no known reason) the memory of "running man", as he is affectionately called by us, came into my thoughts. I wondered if he was still running or if he was still alive (soo thin!).

Yesterday morning I wanted to stop by JCPenney. Just as I was parking John said, "Is that running man?" Low and behold there was running man jogging through the Village! I was so relieved to see him.

Today is a good day. Last week I told John I wanted a building, for gardening supplies, in the backyard. Yesterday, I changed my mind. I was thinking how much the building would be, then the additional cost of building a platform and ramp for it. I decided against it. So today John is building me a potting bench for the garage. I told him yesterday what I wanted and he drew up a diagram last night. This morning we purchased everything and now John is cutting wood. I am so excited! I am tired of looking for my trough or gloves or anything else I need. There was always a search to be done before work could start. I hope the bench helps to get me out in the yard much faster so more can be done quicker. I plan on sanding it and putting polyurethane on the top. The bottom is going to be stained alligator green! I can't wait!!!!

Speaking of paint. I have picked the color I want the laundry room. When we lived in Edgefield, we painted the laundry room RED! I loved it. But the room was off the dine-in kitchen, which was always flooded with light. Our laundry room now is always dark. It does not help the only light fixture is not in front of the cabinet, so half of the light is blocked by the cabinet. Therefore the color here has to be nice and bright. Last night I hung up six of the paint samples, in one color, to see if I was going to like it. I love it! And the name of the color is perfect: "Going bananas". ;)

Bragging moment...

Yesterday, Chloe finished her school work before Jesse. I told her she could go downstairs to watch TV, read or whatever she wanted to do. Do know what she did? She went downstairs and unloaded the clean dishes and put them away. I didn't ask, hint or anything. She just wanted to help. Love that child!!

Yet another change

I cannot say much, just yet. Some of you will probably figure it out. A huge change in my life is really not what I was expecting right now (no I'm not pregnant, for the record). Regardless of my preparedness, it seems to be here anyway. I will be able to say more soon. I will say, Sonny will not be thrilled, but John was elated. I hope it will be a smooth transition. I hope the change will not be that noticeable to our daily lives. Time will tell.

WARNING! RANT!

I love Nature classes at Pooh Park. I love my children get a chance to learn science from someone as educated as Ms. Chanda. I love they have the ability to learn while being outside in the fresh (though sometimes cold) air. I love my girls have a chance to play with their friends before and after class. However, I hate that place is loaded with broken glass by jack***** who are so self absorbed they have no thought they are drinking and breaking bottles in a place that is designed for children to play in, not for their drinking enjoyment. Go ELSEWHERE!

I spend much of my time during class picking up glass. Once I see it I cannot ignore it. And I see it a lot. I usually pick-up about five handfuls of glass during each visit. Today, I had nine. And five of the pieces were anywhere from half the size of my palm to larger than my palm. It just drives me insane that people feel the need to do that (and worse things) to playgrounds!

I don't feel better.

A few new pictures (for you Dad!)

I tried a new setting on the camera yesterday and I found spring. I'm a little worried it is too early, but it was nice to see.

I'm not thrilled with this one because the pine was blurred, but I still like it.



My beloved Japanese Cherry Tree!

I love evergreens.

This is gorgeous!

I think this was the azalea, but I could be wrong.

I have no title

This has been a crazy week! I seem to start many posts with that phrase. John was sick last weekend and into Monday (which he already had off); he wasn't himself really until late Wednesday, early Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday were full of places to be, TKD, and revelations about some one's school work.

Yesterday, we went to the children's theatre to see "Alice in Wonderland". It was a great show and again John enjoyed himself too. Yep! John had the chance to go again. He is on vacation. And Monday is a holiday. I expect to get little to nothing done, but I'm going to try.

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I am still learning how to work the new camera but I thought these pictures turned out great. If you know the theatre, John and I were sitting on the park benches all the way in the back. My other camera would not come half this close, so I love it! I just need to learn more about it. Sadly, John's camcorder, he bought for himself, is not working out so great. The pictures are wavy and grainy. The manual didn't mention anything about it and contacting the manufacturer didn't help either. Today, we will be returning the camcorder. :( At least my camera does video too, just not as long I'm sure.

To the Reels

Is there a website where I can purchase tickets or do we need to go through the school?? We want to get them for Friday, so we can be in NC for a shower on Saturday. Also, do you know how much the tickets are? Thanks bunches! We can't wait to see it! Hope rehearsals are going well.

Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!

My Valentine's present came in yesterday from John. I was not expecting it. He gave me a Nikon Coolpix P100! It is a new camera. He started talking about cameras last week and I found this one on Target's website. When I did a bit of research on the Nikon website, I told John about it. He started telling me all these things that were on a camera he found, but mine sounded better. And it was half the cost. No, it is not a SLR but as long as it takes pictures faster than mine other one, I do not care. I still love it!

I took it with me last night to TKD and took some cool shots! I read through the manual but I'm going to read through it again.

Math is on hold in the Morgan household for awhile. I found out yesterday Chloe has been skipping almost all of her long division for some time now. We have done so many problems together. And when she finishes I ask if she did it all or had questions. "No." I should have known better. While she is great with some math, if she is intimidated she does not like to try. Not a good trait for anything.

All this means is we will be working really hard on everything else until I get math checked so we can go over it all together. Science and history will be our main focus. We are not "behind" in these subjects, but they could always do a bit more work there.

Some interesting news. I have not decided how I feel about it and I didn't tell John last night (he'll read it here). :) MM told me last night he is priming me to take over. A year ago it was suppose to be someone else. I think he has changed his mind. I am not totally convinced he was completely serious, but maybe he was. A lot is changing, quickly, there and I am just trying to keep my head above water at times. The forms I learned for my black jacket have slipped from my memory, well, four of them have. Five of them are still good. I still need to learn the stances, which is something I do more from memory than think about. But when I'm watching students I cannot recall where their feet are suppose to be. I have to work on that, like so many other things in my life.

I admit I am tired and overwhelmed. My Dad told me last week I am "pulling my blanket too tight." He's right. The thing is I don't see what can be dropped at this time. I am looking forward to June when all homeschool activities stop for the summer. July we'll have off from TKD. My brain can rest a bit, along with my body. Just a few more months of craziness, then if I'm lucky, I can recharge. Part of that will be working outside.

I stained part of the fence this weekend. John was not feeling well (and still is not himself), so I did some staining for him. I had forgot how relaxing it is; just you and a roller. I need to add more outdoor stuff to my agenda. I know it sounds crazy to add anything. However, last year made me realize how much I love doing work in the yard. Okay, I don't like pulling weeds, but who does? I need to start our garden. I need to talk to my Dad. I have much to learn and spring is quickly approaching.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was not one of my favorite holidays for a long time. My line of thinking is who should show the people you love that you love them every day. A kind word, a gentle hug or anything to show them you care.

All that changed for me in 2004. You see that is the year, and the day, that John came home from Iraq. He was the "advance", coming home to insure the rest would have a place to stay at Ft. Stewart and line-up whatever else it was he did. He arrived in Atlanta then rented a car to get home. He was only home for one night, but it was Valentine's. I don't look at Valentine's the same as most. I see it as a new beginning. As a very thankful moment in my life, that my love was home safe. I was, and still am, lucky to have him. Many did not have the same welcoming for their soldier. This day I am always thankful for my treasure and remember those that did not arrive home safe.

I hope you enjoy your loved ones today and every day.

So many things to talk about

I will start with the fact John has not been well. He has had a low-grade fever and stomach rumblings that are worrisome. I am hoping he will be his old self again tomorrow, but we'll have to wait and see. He may have to break down and go to the doctor, not that the "doctors" at Ft. Jackson will do anything for him.

We finally had the pictures printed from the play last week. The girls made their scrapbooks yesterday. Yep, the whole book. They loved doing it, but said it was a lot of work. I did not intend for them to do the whole book in one day, but they did. We didn't follow any rules (I don't think there are any for scrapbooking). I told them the books were theirs, to do with them what they pleased. They did. :)

This is Chloe's favorite page. This is Nicole, the Stage Manager.

This is Jesse's favorite page. My camera is not so great and neither am I, it says "That's my bad side."

Here is the front of the photo album I made. Inside the cover are scrapbooking stickers of theatre props. I was going to put that picture on here too, but every time I try to upload that picture somewhere it turns sideways. And here I cannot turn it back. :(

I was reading a new friend's blog tonight and she listed some things she wanted to do with her children this spring/summer. I thought it was a great idea to list things to help remember, so I'm going to steal her idea. However, my list is going to be very short. I really want, in the next few weeks, to start working on the bike trail I've promised the girls. John is still skepictal and does not believe there is enough room. He may be right; however, I have to try. I have to admit it is one of those things that popped in my head when we moved in and has stayed there. And we all know very few things stay in my head. I hope I can get some of the clearing done before it gets too hot. That will be about April. :)

Our latest unsocial event :)

I rarely post pictures from our outside activities. However, our Nature class always seems to be one that is posted. So, here it is again. This week they studied turtle tracks, and turtles in general. Ms. Chanda had a turtle shell to show kids, which was exciting and a bit sad. Poor turtle.

I will admit this time was I was not paying attention. A few moms (including me) somehow wound up on the subject of cameras. And it just so happened my friend April has a camera John was looking at this week. If you know me, you know I could go on for days about cameras! I love to take pictures; I just wish my camera was a lot faster. I've lost many shots because of it.

I'll go on. Here are a few pictures from our class:

Poor turtle. I'm sure it died of natural causes but it is still kind of sad. (Chloe told me how it died, it was not by man.)

My girls on Ms. Chanda's heels, because you are not allowed to walk in front of her. ;)

I love to see my friends happy. :)

I believe I neglected to mention the Valentine's party after class. There will be no socializing people! LOL

Revenge is sweet...so were the treats.

First time we've seen them in two years!!! So, good to see them again.

Here is the whole, happy gang!!!!

It still amazes me!

I post here often how tired I am. I post here often about how much we need to do and how much I'd like to do. Five years later, we are still going to Taekwondo two nights a week. We take library trips weekly, which are lengthy because the girls like to talk to each and every librarian. We have park play days (though not as many as they would like when it is cold). We have Nature Class at Clemson Ext. several times a month. Now, they are wanting to do a homeschool drama class. And so many other field trips we could take! But let's face it, sometimes you have to hit an actual book! It still amazes me when I am questioned about socialization.

Well, aren't you afraid when they get out in the world they won't know what to do? Really? Mine are in the world...almost daily. And they get along great...with everyone (no matter age, sex, religion, etc.). They love new things, maybe not at first, but how many kids do at their age? They still try it (then usually love it). They try new things, new foods, and often new friends.

I hate to say it, but I have come to laugh at the question. I hope these people do not think I am laughing at them. I'm not. But after five years of doing this, being exhausted from constantly being on the go, I do find it funny the first question is always about socializing.

Peter Pan! The final chapter...

As you know, yesterday was the final performance of "Peter Pan". I have to say we are relieved and the girls are somewhat sad. It truly amazes me how quickly children can make friends. It has been a crazy month, but the girls are already set to audition again in June for "Music Man Junior".

I will start with Friday night's show, Opening Night. It was wonderful! No one missed a cue or line and nothing, incredibly, went wrong. A perfect opening. We should have know then that was not a good sign, especially for the theatre.

I have already mentioned the early show on Saturday lacked one actor from the beginning of the show. Then in mid-show another lost his breakfast, in the green room, waiting to go on stage. The one from the beginning of the show did come for the evening show, but you could tell he was still not at his best. The one who left in mid-show was still gone. Now, my new found friend, Kate and I did not know this because we were in the audience. We did notice one of the "stars" changed his second line to "I quit" then proceeded off stage. He came back on a few minutes later as another character. Interesting, huh? If you didn't know the play you would not have known the difference. The beauty of the theatre. :)

Sunday went well, with one exception. Everyone who had been sick was now back and looking oh so much better! But one person thought the show started at 4pm. She arrived just as Miss Sadie came off stage playing her character. She was heartbroken and I felt bad for her. Life lessons, as a teen, are difficult. But sometimes it is best to learn them young. I don't think she'll miss another performance due to misinformation.

I was told yesterday, by a mom who was in the green room with me, she believed Chloe and Bennet (the crocodile) stole the whole show. I have to agree with Bennet. He was so darn adorable!! And one of the sweetest kids there. Of course, I believe that about Chloe but I'm her Mom so I can't say it. Way too braggy. ;)

There were four "Tinks" and four "Peters". This is Chloe with her Peter.

This is Bennet! I told you he was adorable!!! I love the three of them did this for me in the green room. "Hook" even moved the TV for me so we could get the shot I wanted! (Keep reading and you'll find a surprise at the end.)

Jesse and some of the "Pirate Dancers" and an Indian. :)

Three of the "Tinks"; the fourth was on stage at the time. Number four came in late and didn't get dressed until right before she had to go on, so I didn't get her picture.

Chloe with "Captain Hook" at the Cast Party. This was after she was knocked down then trampled for a cupcake. She was a bit calmer after Ms. Sadie went to get her a cupcake and she sat for a bit. I think she enjoyed having this picture taken. "Captain Hook" is one of nine homeschoolers, we know of, who were in the play. I found that interesting and it explained how he was in Cinderella a few months ago during "school hours".

Here are the girls with Ms. Nicole (left), Stage Manager, and Ms. Sadie (right), Director. The girls insisted this picture go on the blog rather than the one with all of them smiling, because you can see Ms. Sadie being her usual self. We love both of them! We are so excited to see both of them in "Alice in Wonderland" next week!

Quick update (more later)

Found out after this morning's show that one of the actor's puked in the green room, which explained why one character was dropped in the last scene and the director was filling in for another part. She just could not be two people (one person, one Nana) in the same scene.

What an Opening!!

I can't stay long; I'm so tired. The opening of "Peter Pan" was so totally incredible! I will say only one thing, until it is completely over, if you are coming to see the show you are going to love it!

So much, so fast

This week has flown by. We have had so many places to be and so much to do. I am hoping the girls are not behind in their work, but fear they may be a bit.

Rehearsal went well and Jesse is thrilled with her costume. I won't spoil it, plus I don't know all of it yet (she was too excited last night). Chloe, on the other hand, was very sad when she told me about her costume. She got a pink skirt! John so wanted to go out and buy her a green one, but I told him no. Tink #2 and #4 both have green ones. I assume #3 has pink too. I didn't get to talk to her much last night but I plan on talking to her today.

Tonight is the Opening. I really cannot believe we are here already.

I will say that last night I was feeling kind of bad. The girls told me the one of the green room monitors from last night had them playing games, something about nasty tooth paste. John said, "they are really going to hate you now." I did feel bad about it all night. Until a moment ago. A moment ago I read the email from the notes from last night. Last night was the first night in three nights that the notes read the kids were too loud going back stage and in the green room. All her game did was get them hyper. Sometimes a heavier hand is best. ;)

Dress Rehearsal!!

Can you believe it is already time for a dress rehearsal?? And their only one I might add. Chloe is excited to see the rest of her costume. She has been wearing the bells on her wrists the last couple of rehearsals. Jesse is excited to see what she'll be wearing. We are assuming a pirate eye patch, but don't know for sure.

Most people here will appreciate this one:

As Green Room Monitor we have been asked to keep certain groups of children on certain mats. This way we know where to go to call them out to the stage. I've have taken this job quite seriously, as I do most jobs. I told the children often, during my two nights, if they stayed on the mat and are rather quiet I didn't care what they did. They still did not stay on the mat, nor were they quiet. Last night I did use my TKD voice (a few times) to get them quiet. The director does a clapping thing, but I told her last night I have no rythmn for it. Anyway, later last night I was talking to the Indian Dancers (a group of 12-14, seven-to-eleven year old girls). I told them I would not be there tomorrow (meaning today). They all raised the hands up in the air and cheered, "YEAH!" I smiled. I knew I had done my job well.

Tonight John is taking the girls to rehearsal. Poor guy. I just found out today they are going to attempt two run throughs of the entire play. And they have requested they be there by 4:30 rather than 5:00. It should be interesting. But I'm glad I've been called to TKD to teach. I do wish I could be there to see the children when they find out the can bring their electronic "devices" for the green room. I know they are going to be happy. Glad I could pay a very small part in it.

Ticket Update

If you are wanting to see "Peter Pan", I wanted to update you on the ticket information I just received. As of now, both the Friday and Sunday shows are sold out. There are only a few tickets left for both of Saturday's shows.

The girls are SO excited. All Chloe can talk about is her costume. She has no idea what it will be but it is all she can think about. :)

Jesse, too, is excited and cannot wait.