A full month

I know I haven't posted for awhile.

Honestly, I have been battling my sinuses for supremacy. I'm losing. I started late December, or early January. I've been to the doctor twice. I had a double ear infection. The last time I was put on two weeks of antibiotics; four days after the last dose everything started turning green again. I am going to the ENT this week. I hope this time they will help me.

Valentine's weekend we took a trip to Pigeon Forge. We took my Mom too. I think she had a good trip. I know the girls did between the pool table, the hot tub and the snow.

 

The girls have been busy with the theater. Chloe is working hard with her singing. One of the girls helping with the music said Chloe sings well she just needs confidence. Jesse has been tasked with "bee keeping". Or said another way, keeping about fifteen 6-7 year olds amused, quiet, and where they are suppose to be when they are suppose to be there.

Jesse is also working hard on her second animation class. I think she is finding getting the work done a little daunting considering she spends almost every night at the theater. But she is managing her time well.

We have also had a couple of "Nerf War" dates with friends. I know they are enjoying the outside time and seeing friends they don't see at the theater.

Update on Winnie: she is growing and doing well. However, her hernia re-opened a bit. The vet said she doesn't want to go back in to correct because Winnie is growing and doing well. We are watching it daily to make sure things don't change.

We also have another kitten. She showed up a few weeks ago. We are going to make sure she gets fixed (SOON) and have named her, Ember.

Life's about change

A decade, or so, back there was a country song from a female artist all about life's changes. It is a song I think of often as our lives change for one reason or another. This week the change is coming from friends moving.

We've had several friends move from the area and we mostly say we'll keep in touch. We don't. Life is complicated. Life is always changing and it makes it difficult to keep in touch, even if we really have the desire.

And to make the change more significant...they are moving to Texas. It is not like we can drop by on our way to anywhere. Texas.

I know our girls will keep in touch. I know this because they already email each other several times a day, on a good day. They also keep up with friends, via email, in Oklahoma (I think it is Oklahoma...right Courtney?). But finding time to chat between adults. Well, maybe it is just me. Between always being behind with my end of the school work (creating test, grading papers, etc.), taekwondo, trying to keep a clean house (I really want to give that one up because it doesn't stay very long), and everything else I'm juggling right now I can't seem to keep up with others. Not even when they are right here in town.

I want this change to be good for our friends, but I will miss them. All of them...even Riley.  ;-)

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!

Happy birthday Dad!

Today is my Dad's birthday. I'm glad we had his birthday celebration last weekend, because today he is not as well as then. But he sounded cheery on the phone and I believe he enjoyed hearing the girls yell, "happy birthday" to him.

Today is also Sonny's birthday. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONNY!"

This has been a week. Monday, John had an appointment to get electric brakes put on his truck. By that afternoon, I was feeling terrible but since neither Jesse nor Chloe could drive, I took him back to pick up his truck. No we are not ready to buy an RV yet. I'm hoping next year we'll be there, but this does put us that much closer.

Wednesday, Chloe and I turned in our haikus at the library. Last Friday, we noticed the library had cut-out stars to write a haiku on to hang in the library. While we waited on our friends to arrive at Rita's that afternoon, I challenged all of us to come up with an original haiku. Here is what we came up with. Can you figure out which of us wrote which haiku?

 

All evening I

Was walking through the forest

Waiting for me mum.

 

Penguins are quite nice

Some live out on the icecap

Others where it is warm.

 

King of the Jungle

Lions are so very wonderful

They rock their manes too.

 

We had fun doing this and talking about the history of haikus. The girls and I have had quite a bit of relaxation this week. Yesterday, we went out to lunch after the library. After we ate, we sat and talked and giggled for about an hour. Seems like we don't take enough time for things like laughing. I think that is part of why RVing (camping in general) appeals to me so much. It brings you closer and, in a way, forces you to converse in a way you don't with everyday routines.

 

 







The end of the play and a beautiful day

The last play was yesterday. The girls had quite a group there to see their final performance: three great-aunts, two-great uncles, grandma, and John and myself (Grandpa is anxiously awaiting the DVD). I believe most of my aunts were amazed by her performance. I know Aunt Dian was because she talked to me about it. They went backstage to see the girls, and take some pictures. I headed backstage to help prepare all the costumes for their journey back to Columbia.

The girls had a great time in the theater, as always. They love seeing old friends and making new ones. They exchanged emails with a few new homeschool friends and made sure old friends are going to keep in touch. Jesse is looking forward to this fall when she starts doing the jr/high school productions, even though she doesn't know what they are going to be doing yet.

Jesse told me a few days ago, she felt she was doing a good job (with her role) if she scared kids or made them cry. She did both several nights. TJ (our "Oz") had her talk to one boy who was terrified of her. She reassured him she was not that evil and he was safe. She really enjoyed all the compliments from everyone; one even suggested she go into acting for a career. She said she is not going to do that. haha

Chloe enjoyed getting all the laughs! Her role was the "not so with it" storyteller. Some of her lines were just funny. Other times it was her "not paying attention" that got the laugh. She did great with role. And as always she loved being with Gabby for all the rehearsals. But this time she made a few new friends, who also homeschool. And I think she is really looking forward to talking to them more.

Today is one of those days when I am so thankful we homeschool. It has been beautiful all day! We started this morning doing some school work. However, after lunch, we decided outside was calling us. I had already planned a few chores for outside so we started on the list after lunch. We managed to get quite a few things done and the girls even had time for a water balloon fight.

I am hoping to get to Lowe's in the next couple of days to pick up a few things. I want to look for some tall plants to go in back of the azalea bed (in front of the fence). I also need another African Violet pot and some plant food. John always has a reason to be at Lowe's so I he may want to go too.

I am super excited about our plants this year. The azaleas are all covered with buds. The hostas are beginning to poke of our the ground. The two surviving irises are already about five inches tall. And, what I'm most excited over, is our blueberry plant is covered in blooms! It is going to be a grand year.

Second night of The Wizard of Oz

Tonight, we were expecting Master Mike and his wife, Beth, to attend the show. The girls were sort of nervous knowing they were coming, but happy too. Well. When they went to the lobby after the show they found Master Mike and Beth, the Wilhelms, the "Gabby's", and my cousin Phoebe and her family! They were so excited so many people came out to see them in the play. And the fact that Phoebe and her family drove down from the Charlotte area. When the girls figured out what time Phoebe would get home, the girls were amazed they came down.

We are so fortunate to have so great friends and family!

I'll post some pictures tomorrow of Jesse with her throne and Chloe with all the other storytellers.

Mid-January already?!

I cannot believe we are already in the middle of January. Unreal.

The girls auditioned for the Wizard of Oz Monday night. This will be Jesse's last play with this group (K-8). She can still choose to audition for the high school student shows, but so far they have not done one that she wanted to do. The cast list comes out this week, so I'll keep you posted.

We went to the dentist this week and found out Chloe needs to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later. John is not too excited about having two girls with braces at the same time. He was hoping to have a little break between the girls. Oh, well.

Wednesday night, while I was at book club, the girls decided they wanted to make cupcakes. Jesse found a recipe online. They were delicious!

The girls and I actually skipped taekwondo Thursday night. We went shopping for John a new shirt and tie for a funeral we were going to attend on Friday.

Today, I went out to breakfast with a couple of friends. We haven't gotten together in months (as the lady at the bakery reminded me). Okay, we haven't seen each other for the sole purpose of sitting and chatting. It was a good visit. I suggested we gather monthly. lol 

Wow! Mid-November already!

I have really been wanting to post. We have done some exciting things lately: birthday dinners, zoo with friends, book clubs (more me), etc. Time is never on my side and with the new meds making me constantly sleepy, life seems to be breezing by me.

We took a trip to the zoo a few weeks ago. In fact, I think we took two trips; maybe it was three trips in a matter of weeks. All of our trips were great fun, especially the ones with the Finnocharios. I asked Jesse if she enjoyed doing things with them, even though their oldest is Chloe's age. I've been thinking about that for awhile now. She enthusiastically said yes. I think she enjoys being the older one in the group and having the little ones hanging on to her. lol

We also went to the zoo with John. Of course, I didn't take my camera. And of course that is when we would have taken so many awesome shots of the animals. It was just one of those days. We also took a snack, so we wouldn't have to eat lunch there; but all that did was make John hungrier, so they ate there anyway. Some days are like that.

On the 11th, we went down to Augusta (GA) to have dinner with some of John's family. His nephew, Tyler, was having a birthday the following day so many of us got together to celebrate. It was the first time John and I met Tyler's girlfriend. They have been dating well over a year, I believe, maybe even two, but we never managed to be at the same place at the same time. Now, we have met her and we are both looking forward to getting to know her better.

This weekend we went to my parents to celebrate my Mom's birthday. She and Tyler share a birthday. It started out horribly wrong. Rosie went in and the first thing she did was scratch Dad's hand. It instantly turned purple, then black. It bled some too. Dad, being Dad, blamed himself rather than Rosie. I blame myself because I usually remind everyone (of us) to go in with Rosie to make sure she doesn't jump on Dad. Daughter fail!

Then at lunch my Mom decided to give the girls a lesson on fire safety. Well, on what not to do to be safe. We picked lunch up at a local fish place. My Mom was sitting at the table with her Styrofoam container. Well. Mom had lit the candle on the dining table and didn't realize her container was being burned by the candle. When I went to sit down I noticed the candle was lit, then I noticed the hole in the container. I blew out the candle then laughed until I cried. Mom laughed too. My Dad just shook his head. Jesse's response, "Grandma!!"

The girls made Grandma a present this year. She loved it!

The other item of interest that came out of that trip was another fail on my part. I borrowed Chloe's Tinker Bell key ring with her house key to lock the door Saturday. Somewhere along the way...I lost it. Did I mention I didn't ask if I could borrow it (they were all already in the truck)? Of course, she bought it at Disney World. And, of course, they don't have a Tinker Bell key ring on-line. Parent fail!

NOTE: I didn't post this until late December because I was hoping to go back and add photos. Oh, well. lol

A little catch up

I haven't posted in awhile. I'll be honest and say I've been tired and depressed. So many things going on at once that it is just a bit overwhelming. I am finally, kind of, feeling better. I still don't have much energy thanks to not sleeping well, but hopefully I'll get there soon.

Today, we said goodbye to Tryphena. We are going to miss her so much! We did take her a goodie bag...candy covered pretzels. And Chloe made her a felt lion that she said she was going to wear the rest of the day. Hopefully, we'll see her at the library awards ceremony at the end of the summer. She said she was going to try to come because she wants to see Chloe get her award.

We, our family, had more bad news. Sunday night my Dad's cousin, Wilburn, called from Florida. My Dad had a difficult time understanding him, but finally realized Wilburn had had a stroke. Wilburn and his family are very special to John and myself. They were the only extended family at our wedding. In fact, they drove down a snow covered mountain then up another mountain just to get to our wedding. They are awesome people and we are hoping for the best for Wilburn.

Monday night I met a friend for coffee. We talked for over two hours. It was something I needed. Between being sick and school work, I think I've felt a little isolated lately. The girls are probably feeling it too, but they haven't complained...yet. I also got to hold her new baby the whole time. There is nothing quite like comforting a little one to make your own issues fade away. I'm grateful to her for coming out with the little one just to spend time with me. She is totally awesome!

Saturday we took the girls to a dinosaur exhibit in Columbia. Chloe had been wanting to go the past couple of years, but we never made it. She never let us forget it. lol So, this weekend we went. It had some very cool hydraulic-powered dinosaurs. We also played a little dino mini-golf.

I spent most of this past weekend crocheting a baby blanket for a baby shower this coming weekend. Yeah, nothing like waiting until the last minute. Anyway. I finished it on Sunday and I love the color! I hope she likes it. The girls have been looking forward to this shower for awhile now, so they are very excited it is finally here. It just means more family time!

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

So many things!

I'll start with Saturday a week ago. It was the day before Mother's Day. We went to Edgefield to give Oma her present and take her out to lunch. We made her a book through Shutterfly; she liked it so much. I think at first she wondered why we bought her a book. We told her to open. When she turned to the first page she said, "Oh, my". It was a picture of her and Ernest. I'm glad we made her smile. Lunch was great too!

Mother's Day was good. I did very little, which makes for an awesome Mother's Day. The girls made me some awesome presents. They had been hiding behind their loom boxes for days.

African violets from Jesse

Hummingbird from Chloe

Carolina blue "Mom"

John ordered me a garden cart, which came later in the week. He and the girls put it together Friday afternoon and I LOVE it!

I have to tell you, especially Courtney, about my two awesome finds this week. I haven't mentioned it yet on the blog, but I bought myself a new bike a couple of months ago. I haven't ridden it yet, because I needed a new seat (the one it came with is horrible; Jesse said it was too, so it is not just me) and a new helmet because mine was about twenty-five years old. lol  Anyway, we went to Academy last week to get my seat and I found a beautiful helmet. When I went to look at the cost, I was elated to find it was on clearance. The original price was $22 and it was on sale for $10. Score!!  My second find was earlier in the week. I mentioned earlier on the blog my verbena died. :(  Well, I happen to find, not one, but TWO verbena on the clearance rack ($1 each) at Lowe's because Lowe's was trying to kill them. They are doing awesome now and seem very happy by the mailbox. :)

Friday we spent some time with our friends the Finnocharios. We met them at the zoo after Chloe volunteered at the library. It was the first time we had the chance to really hang out since Lauren had Samuel. And he is totally adorable! I took pictures but have not downloaded them yet. Sound familiar? lol

We did have a sad note this week. We have lost, yet another, beloved librarian. Amanda is leaving our branch for another branch, to make working while achieving her educational goals a bit easier on herself. While we are elated for her and her education, we are sad to be losing another librarian. She is hoping once our branch's new building is complete her education will be done and hopefully she can return as a full librarian. We hope so!

Never a dull moment

Today was one of those days where everything seems to go right. They are rare, but so worth the wait.

This morning the girls had to rise early. We actually did school work today. Normally, we have school one weekend a month (when John works). Poor girls they had to get it all done before lunch today. But they worked hard and finished everything I asked them to do.

Lunch was quick, and nothing to brag about. Unless you count the ripe avocados because they were awesome on my wrap! The girls both had ramen. (Not even close to my favorite...I don't even like the smell.)  Anyway. I think what made it better was the mail. They both received a letter from a Sanchez. They were very quiet on the car ride, looking at their letters.

The reason the girls had to work so hard then eat a mediocre lunch was because Chloe was going to a friend's house at noon. Last year during "Music Man", Chloe made friends with a girl named Gabby. Well, Gabby got sick before the show even started. She wound up in the hospital and never made it back to the theater. Chloe was heartbroken. But! They met up again during this show and now they are making sure they can continue contact. They have already exchanged emails and now phone numbers. I don't think they will go another year without talking again. lol

Jesse and I spent the time at Goodalle State park. It was beautiful! So quiet and peaceful. There were quite a few people there (at least 6 cars, which is a lot for this park). Many people were having picnics, some just letting the kids run and others were walking their dogs. Jesse swung while I just relaxed in my camping chair. It was perfect.

We picked up Chloe, then headed over to the auditorium at Camden High School. That place is gorgeous! Today was a three-hour rehearsal so I actually got to go home. The rest of the week you will find me in the right wing trying to coax 114 children to stay behind the line and stop them from talking. Wish me luck!

We went through a drive-thru coming home. It has rained all week (it seems) so John wanted the girls to be able to get outside with their pellet gun and bow tonight. They had a great time. I was inside working on a project listening to both dogs whine, because they could not go out too. Poor puppies. Not! This afternoon I forgot I had let Hank out. He was out for over an hour. I suppose he got bored because when I called him in he had "dirt" all over him. I tried to wipe him off with a moist paper towel to discover it was not dirt. Oh, no! It was poop! Really, Hank?! So to the bath he went. Crazy dog!

A new seat

We went upstairs today to work on schoolwork. The new dog, Hank, was staring out the back door in search of cats to whine at, so we couldn't get him to come upstairs. The solution: the sewing chair in front of the back window with both sets of blinds raised. He loved it! He sat there all afternoon. Okay, he went from the window to the back door all afternoon. But he wore himself out. lol

I had the chance to go hang out with my friend Julia again tonight. I was trying to make it up to her for hogging the conversation Monday night at rehearsal. We had fun. Well, I had fun. We always seem to have weird conversations, but it may just be us.

Jesse has complained about her throat today. She had some hot tea that helped for a bit. Tonight she has a low-grade fever. If she still feels bad tomorrow morning, we'll see if we can get her in to see the doctor.

First rehearsal down

Chloe's first rehearsal of "Wizard of Oz" was tonight. I think she had fun, but really didn't enjoy a few boys bad mouthing Harry Potter. She decided her next rehearsal she is taking a Harry Potter book to read, while she waits for part, just to make a point. ;)  I like her spunk.

Jesse and I got to hang out at Barnes & Noble with our friends Grace, Avery and Julia. That Avery is a mess, of course most one-year-olds are. lol  We had a good time enjoying a good snack and some conversation. I think I hogged the conversation though with pictures from our Disney/Lego trip. Of course, they were at Disney at the same time. We knew that would happen one day. Of course, she won't know I feel bad (unless I tell her) because she no longer loves me enough to stalk our blog. Of course, it could have something to do with that little one-year-old too. :)

I think we just (and I mean just two seconds ago) decided on a new school name. Ours, up to this year, has been Morgan Primary. Now, unlike some states our school name is ours and we can change was we want. And since Jesse is no longer in Primary we needed a new name (for book ordering purposes). Morgan Learning Academy will be our new school name. I wonder they will want a new mascot??

My friends

Whew! (And yes I know I still need to post Halloween.)

We were at Wal-mart yesterday, picking up a few groceries. Now, I will explain this...we have a lot going on this week; therefore, some of our meals (that I was purchasing) were...well...boxed. Ugh!!! We were almost done when I ran into an old friend from taekwondo.

We haven't seen Victoria in a couple of years, so running into her great. But I noticed she was looking at my cart, probably because Chloe was in it, but I felt I had to say something about the food. She said, what are you talking about that is good food! Well, I felt better...for a couple of minutes.

We said our goodbyes then went to another aisle to look for one more item. At the end of the aisle we ran into Galina, from taekwondo, go figure! We were talking and I noticed she was checking out my cart. So, how did Galina respond? She said, "just go cook!"

I love my friends. LOL

A week off!

I always have high hopes for time out of school to get things "done" around the house. {sigh} Here it is Thursday afternoon and...well, I'm saddened by the fact most of my list of things to do this week are still on the list to do.

I was hoping to do more cooking, or sewing, with the girls this week, but that didn't happen either. We did get Chloe's eyes checked (no glasses for now, but possibly next year). We did work on handing out papers, for a project Jesse is working on, at John's old office.

We also had to say goodbye to yet another librarian, Daniel. Not only is he leaving the library but he is moving to Georgia. So, sad. But now we are FB friends so I'm not as heartbroken. I can still lean on him for some wisdom when I need to.

The girls have made plans for their next romp in the theater. They have decided to do the theater in Camden next spring, because the Camden theater is dividing up their students. The spring production will be for middle/elementary students, so Jesse is hoping for a better part than what she's been getting. In fact, she has already decided what part she wants to audition for, the Mayor's wife (Music Man Jr.). Yes, they were in Music Man Jr last summer at CCT. Next spring it will be with Mrs. Candy and both girls are very excited. So is Mrs. Candy! I have not told Mr. Jerry yet. :(

So while things were not accomplished that I wanted accomplished other things did get done. I don't think the girls are looking forward to going back to school, but they have enjoyed their week off. And there is still tomorrow.

An unusual day

I admit I am not longer used to meetings and gatherings with large groups, unless they are in taekwondo uniforms and yelling. Today, however, was an unusual day.

This morning I had a meeting with the CCT S.T.A.R. Parent Advisory Board. Yes, someone asked me to be on a board. :)  The meeting went well and, I believe, we accomplished a good bit. But this meant John had the girls. They went fishing! They caught fifteen fish, and released fourteen. They gave one to a man fishing on the pier with them. They had a great time.

This afternoon, I attended my friend's, Julia's, baby shower. We had such a great time. She received so many great gifts and we all finally had a chance to sit around a catch up with each other, after a long summer. Of course, I was sitting with my Yankee friends. Crazy ladies!! I love those two! And I finally got to meet some of the ladies I've heard of, but never had the chance to meet. So fun. And our girls got to go with John to Lowe's. lol 

Fun day, but a long one.

Seems like forever ago!

It feels like I have not been here in weeks, when the reality is I was here a few days ago. So much has happened in the few days...

School is still going great! I love that we are right where I want us to be, as far as number of days go. The girls are still learning and still loving it. Of course it would be nice if Jesse would not rub it in at taekwondo that she gets to do schoolwork while still in her pj's. Poor Zack was just annoyed with her last night. LOL Of course, they were just picking on each other.

Jesse did argue with me today that when writing H20, the 2 should go above the H not as a subscript. I think she was confusing "squaring" a number from her math, with science. Luckily, we have several science encyclopedias and a science dictionary. She quickly found out her Mother was correct...again. ;)

The play is going well. Last night Chloe finally made it up on "Maurice's" back without him falling. :)  Funny how Belle has no problem with Chloe jumping on her. {snicker} Jesse has practice tonight; and I'll have a van full. I am taking four other children with me, so it should be a fun ride over! So long as I do not forget to get them! lol

Dad is having his first blood transfusion today. Mom called about noon to let me know things were going well, but it really is an all day process. His appointment was at 7:45am and the transfusion did not start until 11am. Each unit of blood takes two hours and he is getting two units. Long day for Dad! Mom said they have him in a bad chair. If you recall, Dad has osteoporosis and his vertebrae have been collapsing. Sitting all day without getting up is going to be difficult for him to say the least, especially in a "bad" chair. But she said he was doing well then. I'll hear more later.

John has had a crazy week at work. He has been at Troop Command all week doing USRs. I forget what it stands for, but I think it is the promotion list. Though I could be wrong. He was also asked this week if he wanted to go to Afghanistan. He told me, even if he wanted to go, he didn't think he would be allowed to since no one else knows how to do his job. So being gone for a year would probably be out of the question.

As you can see, life has been full this week. Maybe that is why it feels like I have not been here in awhile. Like the commercial says, Life comes at ya fast. Yep, enjoy every second of it.

I have a moment (I think)

Here I sit, Friday afternoon, trying to remember what all I need to do. We have had such a crazy week, in other words "normal". It all starts on Monday, as most people's week tends to start then. Drama class is always fun and exciting for all of us. The girls enjoy their class; John and I enjoy an entire hour-and-a-half enjoying dessert and uninterrupted(usually)conversation.

Tuesday was a visit to the commissary (so desperate for food!), a trip to the dump and TKD.

Wednesday was so full! We had Nature class then an Easter party afterward (I'll post pics after I actually look at them). So much fun the girls and I had there. So many friends and new people we met. And of coure we had Ms. Chanda stay because she is part of our group in so many ways.





Thursday was another busy day. It started with an 8:30am dentist appointment for both girls. I am very happy to say, again, no cavaties. We went straight from the dentist to the theatre to see "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood". As usual it was hesterical and we all enjoyed ourselves. I really wish John had been able to see this one; he would have really enjoyed it.



Today was a visit to the bank and browsing Target. Jesse is in need of a new bathing suit and Chloe needs a new cover-up, so we decided to look there. We've done a bit of house cleaning and we're looking forward to a birthday party tonight...no cooking!!!

I believe that is the end of my moment...laundry awaits.

A good laugh for you...at my expense!

Saturday morning I took my friend Wendy out for an "unbirthday" breakfast. While we were talking, she pointed out the window and asked if that was a friend of ours and her daughter. Wow! It is. She walked in putting her sunglasses on top of her head as she always does and headed down the aisle to the children's section. Well, those of you who REALLY know me, know I have to pick of others (probably because I was always picked on growing up). Anyway. I picked up my cell and called this friend. When she answered I asked, "You going to buy a childrens book?"

"What? Who is this?"

"Its Marsha. You just walked right passed us. You're at Books A Million, right?"

Laughter rang through the phone, "Marsha, I'm in my yard. I'm in Camden..."

Wendy busted out laughing (thanks for the support). Hope was still laughing. So I explained to her what we saw and I was very grateful I didn't get up to go scare her. I would have been arrested or put in the nut house. LOL

I hope you enjoyed your laugh.