What Was I Thinking?

Seriously???!!! Every time I would come up with a "wonderful" project when I was teaching second grade, it would always go a little different than I envisioned. Always, I would see these adorable 7-8 year olds sitting so nicely with their fancy markers, scissors and glue, possibly paint working so diligently on their masterpieces. Of course, without fail, my "oh-so-clever" projects would end with spilled paint, cut hair, and fights over whose marker/crayon is whose. Ahh the days! Now, the projects would always end well (well...most of the time), but getting to that point was a headache for me and a blast for the kids.

Apparently I learned nothing from those years in the classroom, because I thought it would be just "awesome" for Audrey and I to make a music shaker while we were spending the day together. I grabbed a water bottle, bag of peas/beans, a funnel and tape. Since I am a seasoned art junkie (at least with little ones) I poured the bag of beans into a bowl so Audrey could reach them and demonstrated to her how to fill the bottle. She decided that pouring/dropping the beans on the floor was much more fun. Yes, we did get the shaker finished, but she obviously had more fun scattering beans all over the place. Did I worry about the mess? Why no! I was smart enough to do it on the kitchen floor so all I had to do was sweep. I just sat back and savored the fun moments. Sweet memories!

Happy Birthday to ME! The Big 3-0!

I turned 30 on Sunday. And at the moment I am really feeling my age. I'll be quite honest. I was dreading turning 30. Bummed out wasn't even the word to describe the way I felt about that day. I know, I know...30 isn't really old...30 is the new 20...blah...blah...blah. I heard those niceties from everyone, but they didn't help.

Then I was approached by a co-worker who asked me the questions "Why is turning 30 so bad? What is it going to mean for your life?" See, this isn't exactly a person that I talk to much or that I would open my heart and reveal my deepest thoughts to. While I was standing in the hallway stammering for the "best" answer, (the best I came up with was "This isn't where I thought I'd be in life when I turned 30") this kind co-worker smiled (really it was a smirk) and said "Well, where did you want to be?" then walked away.

Well just slap me why don't ya! I couldn't say a word. Walking back to my office with my head hung watching my shoes shuffle, I really contemplated the question and what my honest answer would be.

And you know what I discovered...Turning 3-0 ain't so bad! I may not be where I thought I'd be in life, but God has blessed me with all my dreams I desired before turning 30. No, things haven't been perfect and they still aren't...but my dreams have come true. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter that I adore, a great family, wonderful friends, a nice house, good health (for all my family), .....I could go on all day.

Thanks to that innocent (or maybe not so innocent) question...my outlook on 30 is pretty dog-gone good. I'm looking forward to the blessings God has in store for me this year.

Zoo Trip

Last weekend, we took a family trip to the zoo. Corey didn't get to attend because of his work schedule, but everyone else was in attendance. Audrey was old enough to enjoy running around (notice the "puppy backpack" which serves as our "leash". She loves it and I don't have to worry about her running off (and that Miss Busy-body will do in a heartbeat).

Audrey can't say the names of most of the animals but she can identify them by pointing them out in the books that we read to her. So, on this trip to the zoo she was facinated to see them in real life. She couldn't quite understand why she couldn't pet them though.

The weather was just perfect, and the fellowship, sweet.


Nana and Audrey


Keith (my brother), Me, PawPaw, Keeley (my cuz), Brantley (my cuz) and Nana.


Keeley and Nana


Uncle Jim, PawPaw, Aunt Carol


Mommy/Daughter time

The family~

Halloween 2008

UPDATED**: Audrey and I traveled back to my hometown to stay with my parents Halloween weekend. We took Audrey trick-or-treating at Grammy and Grandaddy's (my parents) and of course they had a pile of wonderful treats for Audrey's enjoyment. As a matter of fact, Audrey raided her loot before we ever left their house. The chocolate Teddy Graham leftovers on her face just added to the cuteness. Next, we visited my Grandparents (Nana & Pawpaw) where Audrey was allowed to stash into her precious pumpkin as many chocolate candies as she could grab. I think it was most of the bag of candy. (But I'm not complaining-- it was the "good stuff" and Corey and I are still enjoying it. Shhh- Don't tell Audrey). We concluded our Trick-or-Treating at Aunt Carolyn's house. She, also, had a special treat for our little ladybug.

We had a wonderful time visiting with those family members. Audrey was so wired from the experience, and probably the chocolate too, she had a hard time sleeping that night. We had a wonderful time.










Audrey and Mommy


Audrey and Daddy carving the pumpkin


Audrey and Nana


Audrey and Grammy


Audrey and Aunt Carolyn






More Photos Here

Swiper...No Swiping

Anyone who's watched Dora will know exactly what I am referring to. My little one has become quite the "Swiper". Swiper (on Dora) is a little fox who likes to take things that belong to other people without permission. Above you will find my little "Swiper". Here she is holding exhibit A- Mommy's coke. While I went into my room yesterday, Someone climbed up on the couch and swiped my drink. I could hear the pitter-patter of little feet along with a "slish-slosh-slish-slosh". As I rounded the corner I came face to face with this. Audrey was sipping from my straw and saying "mmmmmmm". I asked her if she was drinking Mommy's drink, and she so politely replied "mmmmmm". When asked if she was supposed to be drinking Mommy's drink she gave this sweet innocent smile then took another swig and said "mmmmmm" again.

I, of course, had to grab the camera for this shot before I put a damper on her fun and took the cup away. I didn't exactly want her hyped up on Coke.

And the photos below...well more proof of that innocent/mischievous looks.

Disturbed

I'm not usually one to preach/discuss politics. However, I have very definite views on certain issues and murdering babies is a BIG, BIG NO-NO!!!!!! I won't rant and rave here, but I do think that you need to view the video below and then visit the blog A Bouquet of Blessings. She makes some very good points. Now, watch the video, read her blog and then hit your knees in prayer.

And the Grammy goes to....

Now see, I told you that Cassandra was a great gal. She thought I was worthy of a 2nd blog award. Thank you , Thank you.

I graciously accept this honor. Now for answering the questions and passing the honor on to a few fellow bloggers:

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood?
I have kept in touch with a few throughout the years, but I have made other friends in adulthood

2. What do you value most about your friends?
They are reliable. No matter what- they are always there.

3. Are your friends sounding boards?
Of course!

4. What is your favorite activity to do with your friends?
I don't have the opportunity to visit with them often, but you can bet when we do get together there is always food involved.

Now I will present this blog award to 3 of my favorite blogger buddies:

Tara- I used to teach 2nd grade with this girl. She is a super duper teacher and I miss her dearly.

Diana- once again...My Partner In Crime

Nan- Did I tell you how much I love and admire this lady?

Now scoot! Go give these ladies a little blog love!