Happy 80th, Dad

Dear Dad,

Today would have been your 80th birthday. I've thought about you all day. We would have had the biggest party for you today, but I know you've been celebrating since you arrived in heaven.

I wouldn't wish you back. I know you are free from pain, free from cancer, and you are in the presence of our Lord. But I miss you--especially on days like today. I've been working today, and have been pretty busy, but you've been on my mind. I've had to swallow hard a few times today and kept pushing back down the sad feelings that were creeping up in my heart, but now I can't supress it any longer. I've been looking at pictures of you and the tears continue to puddle, even now as I type this.

It's so weird, Dad. In some ways it feels like you've been gone a long time...I can't believe it's only been a little over a year...but in other ways, it seems like it was just yesterday I heard you laugh and call me "sweety heart". I dream about you so much. Sometimes they're so real, that when I wake up, it's almost as if I've been talking with you and it takes me a moment to realize it was just a dream.

So much has happened in the past year---it seems like a lifetime of things and you weren't there with us for any of them. If I think on it too long, the sadness is overwhelming, so I shut it out. As hard as it has been for me, I think it's been harder on Terri. She and Taylor both miss you more than words can express. You know how she is, Dad. She beats herself up. She is so much like you---a "tough as nails" exterior, but a heart of gold. We all wish we would have spent more time with you and told you we loved you more often.

I remember as a teenager, in the mornings you would come downstairs to the kitchen, pat me on the head or brush your hand up and down on my cheek, and I would pull away. I'm so sorry Dad. I was a stupid teenager. What I wouldn't give to feel your soft hands again. I loved you so much but didn't show it, and I knew you loved me. I have never doubted your unconditional love for me. As much as I probably hurt you in my teenage years, you loved me through it and held on as tight as you could. Thank you Dad, for not letting go.

I hope you know how much I loved you and still love and miss you. We all miss you terribly. There's a void, the empty place at the holiday table and the emptiness in our hearts---we all feel it at each birthday celebration or holiday gathering. Things just aren't the same. You always provided the comic relief...whether you meant to or not!

I wonder if you are keeping up with what each of us are doing. Sometimes I wish I could ask you if I'm making the right decisions or what something in the Bible means, or where is that verse...etc. I know it may sound silly, but sometimes when I pray, I ask the Lord to tell you how much I love and miss you. I wonder if you know that.

I thought I would post some pictures of what we've been doing, as well as some of my favorites from when you were still with us.

Remember this? This was our first Thanksgiving together after Gary and I got married. Look how young we all look!


This is one of my most favorite pictures! I can't believe you agreed to pose for a Christmas picture with Zack and Draven in your boxers! You were a good sport, Dad!


This is another cherished photo. I think this was the last time our entire family was all together at the same time and able to pose for a family photo (summer 2005).


This was Zack's 16th birthday (July 1st), just a few months before you went to be with the Lord. It seems like you declined so quickly. I think July was the last time you were able to get up and come eat dinner and socialize.

I love how you are cracking up---and look at Zack...he was laughing so hard, his eyes were all teary---just like you used to do!


This was just two weeks before you passed away and the last time all four of us kids were together with you.

This was the worst day of my life. I haven't been back to Mom's church since your funeral. I'm not sure I could. Such overwhelming, indescribable grief.

Thanksgiving, just a few short weeks had passed, but it seemed like time was standing still. Everything was a blur that Thanksgiving. This is evidence that we had a turkey...but I don't remember much else. I know you would have given Gary a hard time about his shirt.

Christmas was even harder. We all were still numb. You know how mom takes a picture each Christmas of the kids and puts it in that big frame...look at their little eyes. All we did was cry--we missed you so much--no one sat in your chair.

This was downtown at Atlantic Station. Honestly, I can't remember if this was during the Thanksgiving holidays or Christmas...but look at Zack in your Yankees jacket! And look at Mom--her smile has not been the same since you've been gone. It's so different---there's even something missing in her eyes.

You missed Draven's first "double digit" birthday (January 6), he turned 10. You would have laughed and teased him about how they mispelled his name on his cookie cake. They put "Craven"!

We took Mom to "Fire of Brazil" for what would have been your 50th wedding anniversary. We all typed up memory cards and gave her a memory box full of our memories of you. It was rough---especially for mom.

Here's Taylor at one of her many volleyball tournaments. She's on a traveling team and she's quite the player, just like her mom! Thumper, Jr.! I know you would have been hollering "let's go tay-tay!"

Here is Zack's very last high school performance as Drum Major. He loved every minute of it and was so passionate about it---putting his whole heart and soul into each performance. You taught him that passion, drive and determination.

...not to mention...INTENSITY!

Mom and Taylor got to come see his last performance. Taylor actually took the pictures of Zack from the field. She has quite the eye for photography. Do you see how Mom's smile has changed?

This is the most recent photo of Zack. This was taken exactly one year after you passed away. I couldn't help but think of you all that day, remembering how much you kept asking mom to put in the video of "that boy" (Zack conducting)---and here he was, one year later, making one of the most important decisions of his life. The three of us had such peace and clarity that day. We know the Lord was looking out for us in a very special way, and I'd like to think you were too.

In closing, I just want you to know that we are doing our best to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives. You taught each one of us, from your kids to your grandkids and your son and daughter in-laws. You trained us up, Dad...and even though we may stray a bit from the path, we will never depart from it.

I love you. I miss you, and I look forward with great anticipation our reunion in heaven one day.

Your brown-eyed girl,

Tracey

Happy Birthday Jill!

I want to personally wish you a happy 40th birthday! It's a wonderful time and let me tell you from experience, since I'm all of 41 years...these can be the best times of your life! I've been so blessed to have met you in this bloggy world and have appreciated your humor, honesty, transparency and encouragement in your posts and comments. I'm thankful for our friendship and I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by the ones you love! Happy Birthday!

Your sweet, covert hubby has been working behind the scenes, emailing all of us and asking permission to take over blogville! Each blog you visit today, he wants you to be reminded of how much he loves you! Here's what he had to say...

Birthday’s can be difficult. Milestone birthday’s can be devastating. To some more so than others, but to most people…they really seem to matter, to an extent, anyway. (How’s that for covering both sides of the fence?)

That is most people, except my wife Jill @ Who Could Ask for Anything More. Today is her 40th birthday and my co-conspirators I call BFOJ’s (Blogging Friends of Jill’s) have allowed me the distinct honor of being a guest columnist.

My hope is that wherever my wife goes within her circle of BFOJ’s today, she will see this message and know how much she means to me, not to mention how much the BFOJ’s think of her for letting a grizzled hack like me hijack their fantastic and very personal blogs.

Rather than do the traditional acronym exercise (J = Jazzy!) or the "40 Things I Love About My Wife" entry, I thought I would share the four most wonderful things about Jill -- the things that make me love her more every day.

She loves my older kids – Not everyone who marries into a new family will connect with the entire crew, but Jill never missed a beat. With my older kids, she accepted them and loved them – at first simply because they were my kids – and now because of who they are. She treats them with kindness, respect, gives them guidance on chores and other responsibilities, but is very respectful of their mom and never tries to "mother" them. She educated herself about Bay’s food allergies and is very cognizant of his limitations when planning and preparing meals. Rarely a day goes by that she doesn’t make a special version of our family meal just for him. Many times Jill has invited Kendra to come along to the salon to get their nails done. At 11 years of age, Kendra has always gravitating to older girls and more mature activities and this is a special way for them to spend time together.

She loves my parents - I can’t say I was ever really "close" to my folks in the sense that I sought them out for advice about life. So I wasn’t sure how that dynamic would play into my relationship with Jill. She has such a kind heart for that generation and quickly threw her arms around my folks and loved them unconditionally. Since we first met, my Mom has passed away and my Dad has endured a mountain of health issues. Through it all, Jill has been a steady, loving partner. In fact, on the occasions when my Dad visits, we have to make some alterations to the house to accommodate him, his wheelchair, his walker and his personal needs. Jill not only goes with the flow of the décor disruption, but lovingly plans meals that my soon-to-be 82-year-old father doesn’t get as often as he would like. It’s amazing how a simple plate of fried eggs and bacon can light up a proud man. My favorite time of our visits is in the evenings. Jill typically beats me home from work and when Dad is in town, they have usually already cracked open a new bottle of wine. Dad isn’t afraid to ask for service and Jill takes great pleasure in keeping his glass full. It is a precious time.

Her patience – Full disclosure: patience is not my strong suit. In fact, it is probably my greatest weakness and barrier to volumes of peace and happiness. That said, I find myself much more patient in the last four years in so many areas of my life (hmm…coincidence?). If you look up the word PATIENCE in the dictionary, you see a picture of Jill. Despite the chaotic nature of our house, I have rarely seen her react with desperation. In fact, I just see her continuing to raise the bar. As my patience has improved, she get even MORE patience. Her thoughtfulness and patience with Adam is uncanny…not that all mothers’ don’t have that nurturing gene…but even after a solid 10 minutes of whining about something that I find unintelligible…Jill merely says (for the umpteenth time)…"Adam, use words to tell Mom what you want." She is amazing.

She makes our house a home – Imagine buying your first home together…and it’s already 27 years old. Granted it was in good structural shape, but the majority of the décor was stuck in the 70’s. Over the past two years, Jill has developed a beautiful vision of how our house should look…how it should become a home. We started with dark wood throughout and some of the most exciting beige paint you could imagine. We’ve progressed to vibrant colors, amazing window treatments and bright open spaces. The original kitchen was hideous, but is now a show place. The powder room was engulfed in mind-altering striped wallpaper but now looks like a museum exhibit. She goes bits and pieces forward as time and budget allows and every step of the way she is filling the gaps of her master plan. We’ve both said that this home is the first, last and only one we will ever buy and we joke that our next stop is either the Retirement Home or the Funeral Home. We want a home in which we can build family traditions and memories and one that the kids will want to bring THEIR kids to. We want to grow old right here. Together.

There are obviously many more things that make Jill the woman to whom I have given my heart and want to give my life. She is the woman I dreamed of marrying. She is sweet, but tough, Honest and direct. Kind and loving. She gives without request or expectation. She nurtures with care and patience. She loves unconditionally.

Truly…I am blessed. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.

We're back...

Sorry it's taken me so long to get online to post anything! I've been playing "catch up" since we got back and I'm still not caught up...so I may have to do this update in several posts over the next few days--so bear with me!

On Sunday, October 28th we were in Destin for my friend's daughter's wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous! A beautiful couple, a beautiful setting and just a perfect day all the way around--from the bright blue skies to the vibrant colors of the sunset, The Master Artist displayed His handywork!

The deck at Sandestin overlooking the beach...

Check out this handsome fella!

Don't they say the camera adds 30 pounds??? Gee whiz!

a beautiful sunset...

I had to include this picture! The colors in the sky were MORE vibrant every time I turned around! It was absolutely breathtaking having dinner on the deck, ocean in the background with this glorious sunset---it couldn't have been a more perfect setting!

My sweet baby...isn't he handsome?!

The parents of the bride...our dear friends...we love ya!

It was a wonderful day and a perfect beginning for a couple who has placed Christ at the head of their marriage! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

{Unfortunately, I was unable to hook up with Kat. She had company that evening and we were leaving early the next day, so we were early to bed and early to rise. Sorry Kat! I'm sure there will be a next time!}

Getting ready to leave for FSU the next morning. We love the beach and hated to leave! Isn't the water gorgeous?!


Monday was spent touring the campus of FSU (Florida State). It was a nice day, sunny, but getting a bit cooler. We did the van tour and then did alot of walking around the entire campus. We grabbed lunch on campus, stopped by the Music Office and to our disappointment, found out the Marching Chiefs rehearsal had been cancelled that afternoon. BUT we made arrangements to stop back by on our way home Wednesday. (Photos below)

Zack in front of the FSU Film School...

The FSU Football Stadium and the bronze statue of the Unconquered Seminole


Walking thru the campus...he was so bold, independent, and sure of himself. I had to take this picture, because I couldn't have been more proud, but also teary at how fast he has grown up!

A closer view...I thought this was a cool photo

FSU Marching Chiefs Rehearsal (this was actually Wednesday afternoon). That's Zack and Gary sitting on the bleachers...

Monday evening we drove down to Orlando. After arriving at our hotel around 9:00 p.m., we were all exhausted and ready for a good night's sleep in preparation for our 10:00 a.m. appointment Tuesday morning at UCF (University of Central Florida). We met with Zack's Admissions Advisor, did a 2-hour walking tour, followed by a Housing Tour, grabbed some lunch on campus, met with the Assistant to the Band Director, then ran over to Full Sail University for our 3:00 p.m. appointment.

UCF Welcome Center and Admissions Office

The fountain at UCF in the center of the campus

The balcony outside the Rec Center and pool in the background

Zack watching the UCF Marching Knights rehearsal from the tower

Another hour long walking tour (with a golf cart ride here and there to view the back lots) at Full Sail. We were exhausted, but doing our best to remain focused and interested. All the while, watching the clock since we were due back at UCF for a Marching Knights rehearsal from 5:00 - 7:00.

Entrance to Campus at Full Sail University

Back Lot Tour

Another photo taken from the back lot...

Another long day and into the evening, but we were able to have a nice late dinner and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Wednesday we slept in, took our time checking out of the hotel, grabbed a late breakfast and then headed back to FSU for the Marching Chiefs rehearsal at 4:00 p.m. before heading home.

We were back home, safe and sound, and exhausted and ready for our OWN beds by 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night!

We had a great trip and the Lord really answered prayer. Tune in next post for Zack's decision!

Road Trip...

We're headed out of town in the morning! Sunday we'll be in Destin for a friend's wedding and from there we're headed to Tallahassee for a college visit Monday at Florida State. Zack will have a full day that includes a tour of the campus AND a Marching Chiefs rehearsal. Tuesday we'll be at University of Central Florida in the morning, Full Sail in the afternoon, and then back to UCF for a Marching Knights rehearsal that evening. We'll be busy, busy, busy and I'm sure pretty tired by the time we return too!

Please pray for safety in our travels and wisdom in the decisions Zack will be making for his future college choice. Hopefully, I will take lots of pictures and will post a full report when we return.

An Emotional Week...

My heart has been so heavy lately and my mind has been so pre-occupied that I've not even considered sitting down and blogging. I was telling hubby that sometimes I feel like I need to "de-frag" my hard drive to make room for more info. because my processor is running slow! (A little techie humor at no extra charge!)

Let me back up since my last post and update you on what I've been up to. I've found it very unnerving that as I sat typing my last post at almost 4:30 in the morning, worrying over such trivial things, a mere 24 hours later, the world was going to change for one of our dear students.

Last Thursday, a little after 3:00 a.m., one of our sophomores awoke to what he thought was his alarm clock. It turned out to be the smoke alarm. His room was filled with black smoke as he quickly made his way down the hall to his mother's room where a locked door awaited him. He pounded on the door, screaming, trying to get to his mom. Finally he broke through the door, only to be pushed back by the heat and smoke. He made his way back down the hall and out the door where he banged on neighbors doors and screamed for help. No one would answer, so he stood in his front yard, throwing things through his mother's window and screaming. Finally, a neighbor came out to help him, but it was too late. His mother was found, along with their dog, in her bathroom.

Preliminary reports show it was an electrical fire that started between the wall of her bedroom and the living room. This child lost everything. His mom, his clothes, their house. His father is not in the picture and from what I understand, never has been. He has a sister who is a freshman at Univ. of Alabama and an older brother.

The first person he called, even before his grandparents, was our football coach. What struck me is that we haven't won alot of games this year, but this coach has won the hearts of our football players. He is a great example to them, and a father figure to some of them too. Isn't that the type of winning that matters most in life?

Our coach was going to forfeit this past Friday's game, but Jordan wanted to play. One day after his mom lost her life, he was on the football field, running over 230 yards with 29 carries, scoring several touchdowns, one being the winning touchdown of the game. Jordan dedicated the game to his mom. Coach said, "we had 12 players on the field that night. She was definitely looking after him."

Read more of the story (and see photos) by clicking here

You can also click this web site and watch a video with Jordan and our coach. It's about halfway down the page in the video box and you have to watch a few minutes of the sports report before they get to Jordan's interview.

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I've also been thinking so much about my Dad. We're approaching the one year anniversary of his death (October 31st). In some ways, I can't believe a year has passed and in other ways, it seems like it's been a lifetime since I saw him last. Those sad feelings keep trying to creep their way to the surface, but I'm staying busy and forcing those thoughts and emotions into the corners of my mind for another time. I can't allow myself to go there. Not right now.

Mom is having flowers in memory of Dad this Sunday at her church. I know it's awful to say this, but I'm glad we're going to be out of town on college visits with Zack. I haven't been back to Mom's church since the funeral, and just don't think I could handle it right now. If you think about it, please say an extra prayer for my mom and all of our family during this difficult time.

I wanted to post this picture my mom found. I was being a little "ham" and I love the look on my Dad's face!

Also, please continue to remember Jordan and his siblings in your prayers. And if the Lord lays it on your heart to donate to the trust fund, you can email me and I can give you instructions on how to do that.

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Thank you, sweet Kat, for my BFF award. The feelings are mutual and you picked the same chickies I would have picked! Thank you again, for the awards I've received in the last few weeks.

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My mom drove to Birmingham for the Hoover Marching Invitational that our band attended this past Saturday. You can go here to read all about it! Here's a picture of me, mom and Zack after they performed and were back at the bus ready to change!

Well, I think that about catches up on what I've been doing the past week. Hopefully, I will post a report and pictures when we return from Zack's college visits.

Various and Sundry Things

You know it's bad when you wake up at 3:30 in the morning thinking of all the things you need to do! I tossed and turned, adding more things to my "to do" list and finally just decided to get up.

I emailed a few clients, got my newspaper ad in before the noon deadline today, and typed the bus list for our away game Friday and competition in Hoover on Saturday.

Just a few more weeks of this and things will start to slow down...but for now, it's high gear and full speed ahead!

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First, I want to thank my friends for the thoughtful awards that have been passed on to me in the past couple of weeks. I promise one day soon I will get to posting on them. Right now the thought of doing all the linky-loos and passing on the awards is overwhelming---problem is, I let it go too long and I've got lots of catching up to do!

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We have a trip planned at the end of this month, which also marks the one year anniversary of my Dad's passing (October 31st). In some ways, it will be good to be "busy" and try not to think too much about it---but I'm also wishing I could be there for my mom. She's having flowers placed in the church in memory of Dad on Sunday, the 28th, and hopefully my brother and sister will be with her that day.

We are headed to Destin on the 28th for an afternoon wedding at Sandestin and then leaving from there to go on down to Tallahassee for a college visit at Florida State University on Monday, the 29th. We'll get to tour the campus and then we've arranged for Zack to attend a Marching Chiefs rehearsal from 4:00 - 6:00 that evening.

After leaving FSU, we're headed down to Orlando for a college visit on Tuesday, the 30th at University of Central Florida in the morning, Full Sail in the afternoon and then back to UCF for a Marching Knights rehearsal from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Whew! We're packing alot in during those two days...but figured we would get them all checked off the list while we were in the area. Pass the tissue please! Mama's gonna need it!

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Saturday we're headed to the Hoover Met for the Hoover Invitational Marching Competition. It's Zack's last competition. Again, pass the tissue! My mom's going to drive over from Atlanta with a friend of hers and spend the day. I know Zack's glad his nana is coming!

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Lastly, it was great meeting new friends that de-lurked in the previous post. I've stopped by and welcomed you to our bloggy circle, but there was one that I couldn't contact---so just know I tried and thanks for stopping by!

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

De-Lurking! Come on out of the closet!!!

I have seen this recently on a few blogs (Kat & Tonja) and I have to say, I'm with Tonja and not sure if I missed the day---but nonetheless, I thought I would post about it too!

I have made the sweetest friends by "delurking"! Last year, I delurked on Kat's blog and have developed a great friendship and even went to visit her. I have met so many wonderful people thru this bloggy little world and if you happen to stop by here on occasion for a looky-loo, then I would love to meet ya!

Go ahead...leave a comment! Just click that little button below and get to commentin' (that's how we say it here in the South). Come on---share the comment love!

Teaching an old 'dawg' new tricks!

This past Saturday, Zack and I went to the Auburn game with some good friends (she's also the Guidance Counselor that I work with at the school). I wasn't sure I wanted to go, cause, you know, it's Auburn and all, plus I would be missing the Georgia vs. Tennessee game. But that didn't turn out to be much of a game after all.

I digress.

So when we get there, they inform me that my orange shirt was more of a "Tennessee" orange than an "Auburn" orange. Are you kidding me people? It was the only orange shirt I had in my closet! Be glad I wore it! I could have worn one of my many Georgia shirts to remind all you Auburn fans how Georgia put the smack-down on you last year!!!

And plus, I'm not thrilled about wearing an orange t-shirt. People might mistake me for the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Ahhh, just in time for halloween! How fitting.

Anyway, we had a really great time. It was so much fun to be in that environment that I even caught myself screaming along with the thousands of fans, "Waaaaaaaaaar Eagle! Hey!"

But, I told them I had to draw the line when the band played the tune "Glory, Glory to Old Georgia" replacing it with "A-U-B-U-R-N"

... oh no, you dih-ent!

This was taken from our seats. We were so close to the field! And yes, it was very, VERY hot and humid! It does wonders for my hair! I promise one day I'll post a picture when I'm having a good hair day---except it's been so long since I've had a good hair day! Maybe I should go to Miss Daisy's groomer!!!

(See videos from Saturday posted below)

Gonna need a bucket for all these tears...

I have felt in control most of my life. Well, except in the area of eating right and my weight, which is a whole other topic for another day.

Or another decade.

But what I am facing is beyond anything that I can control. My sweet, little, blue-eyed baby boy is entering into a new chapter in his life and is ready to spread his wings and fly. But this mama is not ready for him to leave the nest.

From the time he was a baby, until he was 9 years old it was just the two of us. My ex had an affair and left when Zack was 18 months old (that's a whole other story for another day too!)---so needless to say, Zack and I have been very close the entire time he was growing up.

My life has revolved around raising a sweet son to eventually turn into a fine young man and now I'm feeling a little apprehensive about letting him fly. Each day that passes is one day closer to him flying the coop!

Y'all, I cried the first day I took him to Kindergarten and I cried as I watched him drive out of the driveway the first day of this, his Senior year. Everything this year has been a "last time" and although I could not be more proud of him, I'm feeling so sad because it seems like he's grown up so fast. When I say I blinked and he was grown, that is exactly how it feels. Cherish each moment, you young mothers.

He has received several college acceptance letters (University of Alabama, Troy University, etc.), but his top three choices are Florida State, University of Central Florida and then Auburn.

When I got home yesterday evening, there was a letter from Auburn. The first line read "Congratulations" and the last line said "War Eagle". Everything in the middle was a blur due to the buckets of tears I was crying. Somehow, at that moment, it just seemed more real to me than ever before and I could not. stop. crying.

When he got home from practice, I had the letter sitting at his place at the table. He was happy, but informed me that his first choices are still in Florida.......which was quickly followed by a "Good grief! You need to get a grip, mom!"

...and for a brief moment, I thought I might give him a little 'ole nudge right outta the "nest"!

It's Monday...can I rest now?

What a weekend! As I mentioned in my previous post, Zack had a band competition in Gadsden on Saturday (Mid-South Marching Competition). For you newbies, he's the Drum Major for our school's 85+ member marching band. 2nd year in a row. Yeah, I'm a proud mama!

Anyway, we left on Saturday morning for the day-long event...performed at 6:00 p.m., awards ceremony was supposed to start at 9:00 p.m., but actually was more like 9:45 p.m. and we left Gadsden at 11:15 p.m. By the way, the band won an all SUPERIOR rating!

It seems our bus drivers, or should I say the lead bus driver, decided he didn't want to go the way we came (up 65 to 459 and so on), he decided he would take a "short cut" home. Coming, it took us 2 and a half hours. Going home, it took us almost 4 hours. Yep. You heard right. We pulled in the school parking lot at 3:15 a.m.!!! Parents that left the stadium and went home the way we came, got back to Montgomery around 1:30 a.m.

When Gary called the bus company this morning to "complain"...the gentleman said he found that hard to believe because said bus driver was the VP of the company and had been there 40+ years and has a "great sense of direction".

If you're a moron.

Hey VP--stick to navigating your way around the office!

And for your viewing pleasure...I'll leave you with a picture of me and the son. Yes, I was working like a dog all day and was hot and sweaty...he's the cute one on the left! For more pics, go to the Band Blog from the linky to the right...but don't comment there...I want to remain "anonymous" on this WORLD WIDE WEB!!! ha ha!

(Okay, I have to add that when I first posted this, I posted it on the WRONG blog!!! I posted it on the band blog!!! TOO FUNNY! So much for anonymity!)

Just checking in...

Yes, I'm still around---but have been unbelievably busy. Things at work (both places) are hectic, football season and the band are in full swing, Band Boosters opened a Coffee Shop at school and I've been covered up with that, I've been sick with sinus problems and a sore throat, Zack hurt his shoulder at Field Day at the school and has been going to therapy all this week, and today we are headed to Gadsden for a band competition.

Most nights I don't even have time to get online, but I do check on my friends when I have a minute or two. Hopefully things will start to settle down and I can get back to blogging. I know they will once football season is over!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

The smallest member

How can something so small hurt so bad? You would think all 98 pounds of me (okay, you can stop laughing--a girl can dream!), something so tiny, wouldn't have that much affect! Way back in April, I fell while meeting a repairman at one of my listings and cracked my wrist and broke my toe! The wrist is fine, it's the toe I'm still having trouble with.

Each time I think it's healed, something all of the sudden will feel like bubble wrap popping and then I'm hobbling like a little 'ol lady! I'm sure it doesn't help that I wear flip-flops or heels every day.

Ouch, ouch and triple ouch! Any advice for my little 'ol toe? I feel like such a baby, but it sure does hurt! Hmmmm...maybe I'll ask my chiropractor today--I already think of him as my general practitioner!

...and this little piggy cried waaa! waaa! waaa! all the way home!

Good Intentions...

I can't believe another week has slipped by since I last posted! I keep thinking that "next week" my schedule will ease up some, but it fails to do so. I know everyone is busy, but sometimes I feel like I can't seem to get ahead.

I'm currently working with a client who is in the military and is relocating out west. I'm working with a relocation company that requires so many reports and extra documents that sometimes I wonder if it's worth it! Last Wednesday, the relo company emailed me a 25 page document that I had to fill out and supply reports to back up my documentation. Oh, and by the way, "we need this back in 24 hours!" I got home from working at the school, made Zack some dinner and started working on the paperwork a little after 6:00 p.m. Just before 9:00 p.m., I was finished and scanned and emailed them the report. Then the next day, they emailed another 3 page document that they inadvertently failed to send the first time. That one is still sitting on my desk!

I didn't realize how adding a day to my work schedule at the school was going to affect my entire week. Right now I'm working at the school on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Tuesdays I attend sales meeting for the real estate company for which I work. At the school, I'm the assistant to the Guidance Counselor and also full time "sub". Any time a teacher is out, I'm the "go to" girl. Let me tell ya...I have a new respect for teachers! That is some hard work! (Especially the younger grades) It seems like I've been filling in alot for middle school English, Bible and Science. Woah! It's been a long looooooooooooong time since I was in middle school! Anyway, "kuddos" to all you teachers out there---you all deserve a raise!

In the midst of real estate and my school schedule, Gary and I are Booster Presidents again for the band. That in itself is a full time job. When I take the time to get on the computer, it's usually to update the band blog with announcements and then I'm too tired to update my personal blog! We're taking the band to Orlando in the Spring, so I'm knee-deep in planning that trip, plus we have to run the concessions stand for football games, so any "free" time I have is usually spent in purchasing supplies and begging for volunteers to work!

Zack and I are also busy with college applications, essays, transcripts, etc. (Pass the tissue, please!) About two weeks ago his first acceptance letter came in the mail. I called him downstairs to open it with me (as I was all teary) and it was from Alabama. His words were, "big deal mom! Call me only if it's to a school I'm really interested in!" So far, he's been accepted to Univ. of Alabama and Troy University. His top three choices are University of Central Florida, Florida State University and Auburn University. Since I am a die-hard Georgia fan, I'm not really "rooting" for him to attend any of those particular colleges. Of course, mama would like to have him as close as Auburn (which is just 40 minutes up the road), but I want him to go where he really wants to attend. Pretty soon we'll be scheduling some college visits.

Well, it seems as though I've updated you on way more than you ever cared to know...but just know this...I'm not staying away from blogville for any reason other than lack of time. I miss you, my friends, and look forward to the weekends when I can "catch up" with all of y'all!

Restful Saturday

Today I've done absolutely nothing (well, maybe a load or two of laundry)...but other than that, I've laid around and watched football all day. Alabama beat Vandy, my beloved DAWGS lost to South Carolina (ouch!) and now Auburn just went ahead against USF. It's been a very restful day following an extremely busy week! It's nice to have a day to recoup.

Recently there was a story on the news about some tainted cat food. They interviewed a lady who was very upset saying, "I think my cats are sick from the food I just bought that was on a recall list, but still on the store shelves. Look at them! They are just laying around and lethargic!"

To which I turned to Gary and said, "...and that's different from any other cat?!"

This is how I find my cats all the time (see below). You would think that they are just worn slap out from having to clean the house, do laundry, cook dinner, etc.

Aubbie...

Zoe...

Zoe asleep again in her favorite Xerox paper box lid...

Zoe saying "mommy, please stop taking pictures and let me sleep!

Wonder if I should call the Vet and tell him my cats are lethargic?!

I love doing these things!

I saw this on Kat's blog and I love doing these to see how "accurate" they are! Isn't it funny that a few posts below my "color" was purple...and now my "aura" is Violet! Try it and let me know your results!

Your Aura is Violet

Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world.And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don't always use it! The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach

What color is your Aura?

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Appointment Television for me is rare...BUT I LOVE this show!
Countdown to new season premiere of Dancing with the Stars...
T minus 19 days!

Fall, Come Quickly!

I'm really looking forward to some cooler weather. I decided to usher in September by putting away all my "beachy" decor and bringing in the harvest! One of my greater weaknesses are dishes and my mom bought me a beautiful set of caramel colored dishes for Christmas that I haven't had the opportunity to use until now. I just received the wall hanging for my birthday from a dear friend of mine at church, and took some birthday money to purchase a few more knick-knacks at the incredible sale they are currently having at Hobby Lobby! So if you haven't done so yet, take the time to add a few "fallish" touches to your decor...even if it's in the triple digits outside, it will make you think fall is just around the corner!

I also wanted to thank my bloggy friends for their birthday wishes. My mom came in town Friday and brought my nephew (my brother's son), and my sister came in town and brought my niece (her daughter). We had our first home football game and Gary and I worked the concessions stand almost the entire game--but we did get to watch the half time show and Zack did a great job! Then we had a great weekend with family, playing games and eating too much!

I hate that I missed the first "B" club meeting! I hear Kat, Tonja and Jean had a wonderful time and I can't wait to see more pictures. Dianne and I promise to make the next event and certainly don't want to relinquish any voting rights! So glad you girls had fun! It was great getting to talk to all of you, but next time, let's bring in an interpreter for us Southern gals for our yankee friend Jean! (Just kidding! I LOVE your accent!)

Wishing all of you a wonderful, restful week!