A week on the go

Tuesday, the girls and I had errands a plenty to run. Always seems like there is something we need or somewhere we need to be. Tuesday, we needed dog food. Rosie was quite distraught when we didn't feed her before we left; we were completely out of dog food.

Wednesday, the girls and I were suppose to go on a field trip to the Augusta Canal but it was rescheduled. Unfortunately, it was rescheduled to a day we cannot attend. I think we'll try to go ourselves one day with John.

Thursday, the girls and I went to Charlotte for the morning to help my parents with some yard work. All the recent rain made the grass really fast. Jesse learned how to put together, and use, a weed eater, and Chloe helped transplant some vegetables for Grandpa. Then of course, we had taekwondo too. I would have skipped taekwondo, but one of our students was graduating early. I always like to be a graduation, especially for my own students.

So much to tell!

I honestly don't remember what we did last Thursday and Friday, except school work. We also had school over the weekend (John worked).

Saturday the girls and I went to Charlotte. They hung out with Grandpa, pulled some weeds in the backyard for him and I believe they moved some leaves too. I pulled some weeds in the front and mowed...until the mower ran out of gas. Oh, well. I'll go back very soon and mow again. You'll never know I missed a section. lol

Sunday was another school day. Other than that I truly don't remember doing anything. Monday was the same.

Tuesday was very different. We had two doctors' appointments: one in Sumter and one in Columbia. Chloe has gained five pounds and grew almost two inches; however, her doctor wants her to gain a bit more weight. It is hard for her, but she is going to try. Her doctor also said she thinks she has started her growth spurt now. We'll see what happens in October when they go back. We also had a retirement party that afternoon.

Yes, another retirement party for another librarian. The library is truly nothing like it was when we moved to Columbia. I miss so many people. Some I see on Facebook, have lunch with, or bump into at library functions (they changed branches), but it is still not the same. Of course, I get more work done at the library now because I'm not talking as much as I used to. lol  Because of all of our running around school work was not finished until close to 5pm. I decided to have Master Mike teach our class and we took the night off from taekwondo.

Yesterday, the girls and I were leaving lunch at CFA when my friend Julia came up behind us. I haven't talked to her since they returned from Texas, so we sat for a bit to chit chat. I'm hoping we can find a time for us to meet up, for a longer chat, very soon.

The big news is for Jesse. Last night we signed her up for an animation class. I don't remember if I have posted anything about it on the blog yet. The class is being taught by Chad Stewart. He is an animator originally with Disney now with Sony. His list of work is quite remarkable. Jesse actually got the final spot in the summer classes for Animation I this summer. I think she is excited. She says she is but honestly (she's a teen) it is difficult to tell.

John is off the next few days, so it should be interesting around here. However, today we won't see much of him. We are heading out to meet my cousin and her boys for a play at CCT, then we'll have lunch together. We are usually gone until late afternoon. And tonight is taekwondo. I'm mid-terming in two weeks so I need to go practice. My butterfly kicks are still very sad. But overall I'm happy with the way may form is coming. I've had a great teacher. Jesse!

A full weekend

Saturday, the girls had school. I was kind and made it a half day because it was also the day for the "Kids in Print" reception. We really didn't know what to expect at the reception, since we've never been. But we saw a couple of families we know there (my gut knew we would see them) and one family we didn't expect was there too. There were so many people!!! You were suppose to RSVP; however, I don't think half of them did because the librarians were scrounging up chairs for everyone. Two actors were there as our moderators. They introduced the drawings and read the stories and poetry. It was quite fun. The girls loved seeing their drawings on up the big screen for all to see.

Sunday was another school day, another half day. They did their school work while I drove to Charlotte. The girls helped Grandpa make homemade rolls to go with lunch. They were delicious! And they put out an Easter sign for Grandma in the front yard. Now, we have to start planning Dad's birthday.

Today, we had to go shopping. Chloe thought she could still wear her black shoes from last year, but she couldn't. She has to wear them to rehearsal starting tomorrow night, so we went out today hoping to find some. We did find a pair, but not like hers from last year. We found a pair like them but they were two sizes too big. I'm just happy she found a pair this close to spring when all the sandals come out (she needed closed toe shoes).

Celebrating both girls' birthdays

We went to Charlotte this weekend so Grandpa and Grandma could celebrate the girls' birthdays. We chose the date because it was between both dates. My parents surprised the girls with an awesome birthday cake made for just them.

Coo1, huh?!

Of course, the dogs were along for the trip. And of course Hank is getting more and more comfortable there. Rosie considers my parents home her home. I think Hank is getting there too.

It was a birthday, so there were presents.

 

We're taking full advantage of our two week summer

Saturday, May 31st, we went to Charlotte to help my parents around the yard. We were suppose to help trim the nandinas, but instead we helped Dad build a post to hold bird feeders.

Jesse hanging the second bird feeder to our new post.



The feeder on the left side of the post.

 As a birthday present to me, John built a deck by the pool. I wanted one because I don't always want to swim with the girls, but I want to be able to see them when they are swimming. The deck is a perfect height to see into the pool and I love it!

 

 



The pool deck

John enjoying the fruits of his labor.

 Monday, June 2nd, we took the girls to the zoo. We had a great time, mainly because it wasn't too hot that day. We ate at the reconstructed Tuskers restaurant. We were rather disappointed to be honest. While the building is beautiful, the food is still not great and now it costs more. I'll be taking a backpack with our lunches from now on. lol

On Wednesday, the 4th, we met our friends, the Smiths, at Pooh Park. We also took Rosie and Hank. Everyone had a great time and we even had the chance to watch a taping a "Making it Grow". If you run across and episode of about fire ants, look for the Morgan and Smith children in the background. lol Cameras rarely stop any of them from being themselves. ;) Below are our favorite pictures from that day.

Rosie LOVED Avery's peanut butter covered fingers.

Sweet puppy looking for a bit of shade.

We see you Grace!

Thursday, we started the day with presents. John got me a float for the pool...forced relaxation! lol

Jesse gave me the rain boots I've been wanting. I now wear them in the mornings when I water plants. They are wonderful!

Chloe crocheted me a purple elephant and bought me a bag of Godiva (caramel!).

Saturday, the 7th, the girls and I drove to Charlotte to help do the work in the yard for my parents. We went through, what felt like a monsoon. I was worried we would get there and it would be raining so hard we wouldn't be able to do anything, but amazingly they had no rain that morning. Thank you universe for smiling upon us that day. We trimmed the nandinas, pulled weeds, cut down some type of bush at the road and mowed the yard. I thought we did really well for a little over an hour's work. (No before and after pictures. We were too busy working.)

John was actually off Monday the 9th; he rearranged his schedule due to a business trip. So, we headed to Lexington that morning with high hopes of BBQ at Hudson's. Guess what? They were closed. Seriously?! So, there we were in Lexington not sure where to go for lunch. Normally, we would have gone to Gilligan's but we were there for my birthday the week before. We decided to just drive. We didn't drive far when we saw the Mellow Mushroom. Now, John has eaten there a few times, but the girls and me have never been. It was an obvious choice. I'm so thankful it was! I had the lunch special: 1/2 an order of hummus and half an avocado sandwich. It was amazing!!!!! I LOVE fresh hummus and I HAVE to learn to make it. I don't think store bought will do anymore. I've had it before at Disney's Boma (John's favorite place on this planet to eat...besides his mother's). But to have it so close to home and so totally awesome (Chloe kept eating it too) just makes me want to learn. I now have a recipe to try, but I'm waiting on my nerves. lol

After lunch, we took the girls to Monkey Joe's. It was the plan all along, but we didn't tell them...exactly (they were told to bring socks). They had a blast and we had the chance to just relax. I think it was good for all of us. And it was air conditioned too. :)

The rest of the week was good, but not as exciting as I was hoping. Jesse tried a recipe she had been wanting to make for dinner Wednesday. We all decided it was a good try, but we won't be adding it to our "favorite" food list. But she did a great job. She actually prepared the entire dinner and set the table.

Chloe had her Summer Camp this week. I think they missed Monday and Friday, but the rest of the week she was able to do it. Tuesday was Perler bead creation day, Wednesday was a SC trivia game (I did not do so well. lol), and Thursday was TV game day. They also spent quite a bit of time in the pool just having fun.

Today, Saturday (yes, it has taken me a week-and-a-half to write this post) we took John out to lunch for Father's Day. We went to Texas Roadhouse then by Tiffany's to pick up a snack for today and breakfast for in the morning. He said he is having a good day. I hope so. Now, he is napping, which is how I am able to finally finish this post. :D

What a weekend!

We had an in-house tournament at taekwondo yesterday (Saturday). I admit I was not looking forward to because this was our weekend to have school. We did finish all the school work before we had to leave. Yeah! The tournament actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Jesse won 2nd place, in her division, for forms; and she won 1st place in sparring. Chloe won 3rd place, in her division, for sparring; and she won 1st place in forms. I did not even take my camera because I was one of three judges for the entire tournament and John was working. So, no one would have been able to take pictures anyway. :)

Today, the girls and I went to Charlotte to help my Dad with some yard work. We cut down some kind of tree thing (not sure what it was, but it is cut back now). We trimmed a maple in the back, so more light can hit Dad's garden. We pulled a few weeds too. In return, we had some of Dad's lemon cake. Awesome!

Some days are not what you expect

I had originally made plans with some friends to go on a field trip today. However, everyone had to bail for one reason or another. So, John decided today would be a good day to drive up to Concord Mills.

I called my parents to see if they would be okay doggie sitting today. Of course, Dad said it would be fine. Fifteen minutes later we were dressed and on the road!

We had a great time. We spent most of our time at the Disney store and the Bass Pro Shop. We also browsed the LEGO store. I mean it is the LEGO store! lol  We avoided getting hit by the train, that rides through the mall, while making our way to Auntie Anne's for a pretzel.

Jesse has been working quite a bit on a few crochet projects. I told my parents about one of them over the weekend and hoped I would get pictures posted. I have not. Today, Jesse took her projects today to show them off. My Mom cracked up over the "plant" and my Dad got a chuckle over the "giraffe". I will get pictures (and maybe a video) posted soon. Now, you have something to look forward too. lol

I think I can talk about it now...

John was taking pictures, Thursday night at Jesse's graduation, when the memory full message came on (I had not deleted pictures since our Florida trip before Thanksgiving-I really wish I had remembered to do that). I then asked Mrs. Tuba if she could take some pictures and videos for me, then her battery died. I asked Ms. Shondraya if she would take some pictures for me, then her battery died. Unbelievable! The entire day was like that with a list of items that went wrong, including a car trying to have a head-on collision with us on the to graduation. A creepy guy in the neighborhood, who said he was going to be there for three days, but never came back. (I took pictures of his car and his face from the classroom and dining room, so there is evidence of him.)

So anyway.

Jesse received her fourth degree black belt Thursday!! We are so proud. She is Master Mike's fourth student to receive this belt and the only female. She worked so hard for it. The new belt even came with new pants. They are white with a black stripe going down the outside of the pants legs. {giggle} I can't wait to see her in them tomorrow.

Rehearsals are going well, and about to seriously ramp up. Chloe has been the only one called so far, except the initial rehearsal when everyone was called. She is doing well, but nervous. This is the biggest role she has ever had and with so many lines! Jesse is looking forward to rehearsals tonight; their first for her scene. They are both excited about this show. I think it may go better than what it did in Columbia. I never saw it in Columbia, but I heard it was not so good from one of the parents of one of the actors in it. The show will be at Kershaw Fine Arts Center in Camden March 13-16, should anyone want to attend. I'm not sure when tickets go on sale, but you can check their website.

We spent Saturday at my parents' house. John switched his work weekends, so he could go too. He was glad he did when he found chicken and dumplings for lunch. He loves my parents' dumplings. lol We also did a little work around the house for them, not much but a couple of little things. And Jesse helped Grandma with a computer problem. Jesse is getting to be a real computer whiz.

Sunday was an adventurous day! We finally bought Jesse a compound bow we had been promising her since their Summer Day Camp last year. And Chloe got a pellet gun. They had so much fun yesterday in the backyard. Chloe was not too happy about having to leave for rehearsal, but they were back out there as soon was we got home. They did great. They made their own targets and everything (and no I didn't take pictures...I just emptied the memory...lol). They took turns using the backyard, safety third you know! (Love those Rocket guys.)

Today, school is going to be horticulture. We are going to start our seeds for the garden, then run a few errands. This afternoon, my plan, is do a little clearing in the backyard. Then Jesse and I will get ready for rehearsals. Fun day!

Finally, Friday!!

What a long week! It was a great week, but long. Today, we went to buy a few things for the Hankster. He now has a new blanket so he can give Chloe hers back. A new sweater with Grumpy, because, well, he can be grumpy. lol  And a water bowl for his crate. I've been feeling bad there was no water in there when we have to leave him. So, I suppose the water bowl was for me. ;)

Tonight, we went to the girls' favorite store so Chloe could get one of the new LEGO minis. She was feeling each bag for a bit then just decided to take a chance and grab one. Would you believe she actually got the one she wanted!! Amazing! She was excited.

We were planning a trip to Charlotte this weekend, but between Mom's schedule, ours and Dad not feeling so great, we decided to put it off a bit. We're looking forward to going up so they can meet Hank. I hope he likes there as much as Rosie does. She adores Grandpa!

Now, I'm having big hopes on getting a few projects done this weekend. So long as I don't feel like I did this afternoon, I should get a thing or two done. Fingers crossed!!!

Eventful day.

We headed out early, for Charlotte, this morning. Just short of our regular exit we hit construction. Three lanes out of four were closed. You can imagine the insanity! Twenty-eight minutes later we finally hit the first exit (about 1 1/2 miles up the road) and we were out-of-there! It was the Carowinds exit. lol Anyway, we took the path I remembered, which led us right through the middle of downtown Charlotte. My girls have not been through downtown Charlotte in a long time. In fact, I don't think Chloe as ever been through there. They were amazed by the buildings lurking over us! I guess the traffic was worth their excitement and John's.

We spent the day at my parents. We actually went up for a particular purpose. Dad is redoing his daffodil bed, so he was giving us the bulbs. We just had to dig them up. :) Dad, Chloe and I found so many I couldn't count them. They probably weigh close to ten pounds those. He also let me have about a dozen irises (white). Yeah! Now, I have to plant them here. Boo! LOL Next time I am hoping to get another butterfly bush too. My trunk was too full this trip.