Beautiful Disaster

Why yes I have been busy...thanks

2011-11-20T19:54:00.002-05:00

Well...I really have been busy so I have neglected this blog...sorry!! I have kept up with a few blogs..aka Amanda and Josh but thats really it. Its Thanksgiving this week and I cannot believe the year is passing so quickly. It will be time to pen the infamous Christmas letter that goes out with the Christmas cards...that reminds me I need to hunt some cute paper.

Christen has done so wekll at school again his year and finally getting a bit of...well lets call it recognition for her hard work. She was chosen for the Substance Abuse Council and the Chancellor's Innovation Council as well as Vice Chair of Student Affairs and Academic Integrity. She is a Senator for SGA as well. She came home last weekend for a quick trip so we we could shop for business clothing as she called it. She needed more conservative outfits since the Chancellor's Council meets with the Deans and dept heads. She had her first meeting this past Friday- she said it was really cool to be the ONLY student there with all the important Dubbies. Not me...I would have been so self conflicted. I love that about her..the fact she can walk into a room and she may be quivering inside but you would never know it physically. Simply amazing- her grades are better than ever- she is classified as a Junior instead of a first semester Sophomore and is going to have to add another minor or go abroad- I bet she chooses abroad or she will graduate next Spring 2013 instead of Spring 2014 as planned. I did tell you she was amazing right? She is also working at Randall on campus 3 times a week.

She signed up for classes next Spring last week. I told her to take it easy...she still took 15 hours. But the exciting thing is all her classes are on Tuesday and Thursdays..that means she has NO class Mon Wed or Fri..whoop whoop. Knowing her..she will work those days.. I am glad she won't have such full days 5 days a week. I pray she can slow down and talk a breath...and enjoy her amazing life. I tell her to slow down..she tells me.."I have been busy"...well duh!

Sophomore Year is here

2011-08-22T20:31:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we moved babygirl into her very first apartment with 5 of her friends. The move itself took a truck with its bed full pulling a full trailer, 2 FULL SUV's, and Christen's Honda. My girl had some stuff I tell ya..haha The apartment looks really cute. Her room is super cute with pink and black colors. She shares a bathroom with Tina and hey chose orange and pink stuff for that. Super duper awesome for a first apt. 6 bedrooms, 3 baths, large kitchen and living area as well. She loves it and the girls she is living with. Her schedule is exactly what she wanted and she is happy with her SGA stuff and Advisory Board. Hope this year she continues with her academic success and all the demands of her extra curriculars. Last year I think she was overwhelmed so I hope she takes time to breath a little this year. She is looking for another part time job since she is staying in Wilmington permantly now (sadness for me). She helped the Freshman move in this past Saturday and said how weird it was to see a stranger in her old dorm at Cornerstone. She texted me today how she and Tina cleaned their entire apartment. I have to say I was so proud...we all know I am a clean freak.

But- we do miss her around her...lots. Hurricane Irene is bearing down on Wilmy possibly this weekend. Hopefully they will evacuate if needed. I guess we we all have to stay tuned to the weather and see what happens. I have been taking care of Carrie since her surgery last Wed and played cards with the Subletts Saturday night trying to keep myself busy so I do not miss her so much. It does seem to be working a bit or I am just adjusting better...yay me!!

I actually did really well leaving her this time. Few tears and I genuinely am happy she is so estatic about her situation there. I cannot imagine leaving an unhappy child so props o her for being sooo over them moon.

Its THAT time already?

2011-08-02T18:42:00.000-04:00

Gosh its almost Aug 12...that means its time for my babygirl to move into her very first apartment. Now she is still on campus this year..moving off next year..but she is out of the dorm and has an apt with 5 of her friends in a 6 bedroom 3 bath apt. thats a crowded joint when the time comes I bet. all summer we have shopped for her little gadgets she wanted for the kitchen, bought her first real appliance ( a Keurig)haha. My child loves her coffee- she comes by it naturally. She picked out new bedding at Pottery barn and spent a mini fortune at TJ Maxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Home Goods stores. I am excited to see what this year brings her. She was elected to serve on SGA again this year and will represent SGA on the Student Substance Abuse Board for the Chancellor while heading the Marketing Committee again and helping on Academic Board again and Campus Activities. I have NO idea where she gets the time to do all she does but she loves it. Changing her major to Psych and Leadership Minor has prompted her to get even more busy I think. She sorts wants to do the Sorority thing bc some of her friends do it but I do not know where she would actually find the time. i guess thats where the excitement comes in bc she has unlimited choices. Wow...that must be so nice!!

Mom, Jimmy, Terri, Mere, Carrie, Dani, and I are headed to wilmington next Thursday night to help her move in. I found 2 futons for their living room so Christen was happy about that.

She and Katie headed to the rodeo tonight and she is going rafting/zip lining this weekend. Sounds like a great last weekend at home to me..and GNO Fri night at Maggiano's sounds yummy to me. But i really cannot believe that its that time again for her to leave me!!!

Family Beach trip (July 2011) and Summer Fun

2011-07-19T18:38:00.000-04:00

We had our family beach trip at Atlantic beach this year at Island Beach and Racquet Club instead of the Kure beach house since Christen goes to UNCW now. It doesn't feel like a vacation for her if we do it in the city she lives in..haha. Katie was down with her parents as well so they hung out and had a great time. Christen really spent some time with us this trip so that was super nice. We did all the usual restaraunts and Beaufort. Shopped for her new suits- she got 4. Frans always has the best selection. She and Katie left after 5 days because I had purchased Tim McGraw tickets for them Friday night. They put on their cowboy boots and had an amazing time together as usual. Katie has had a lot of gigs this summer and Christen helps her at all of them. So much so, they asked her to be Katie's official assistant. She gets a cut when her EP comes out..kinda amazing that she is on YouTube and you can buy her songs on ITunes. i am very proud of the hard work they put in behind the scenes. Katie writes her own music and plays piano and guitar. I really hope she gets a big break.

We have shopped til we dropped for the last 3 weeks or so for Christen's first apartment. She has torn up TJ Maxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery barn, and Home Goods. I cannot wait to see how her room turns out this time. She is doing black and pink kinda Parisian theme. Too cute and she has such great taste- it just breakes the bank...haha

Christen had a dermatologist appt yesterday and he took a few moles off. My child is such a beast. He took that 3 inch needle and injected her skull and neck then snip snip...it was over. She didn't flinch. Amazing actually and I am so glad he just did it at that appt instead of making her come again as her time here is running out. Aug 12th is move in date but school does not start til Aug 24 so she is coming back for a day or 2 i think. I dread this move almost as bad as last year. Its been a great summer getting to know my college Sophomore again and she has a year lease on this apt so I will not see her as much next summer.

Kendall moved back home last week and Cole busted his eyebrow open at the lake requiring stitches. My sister is handling it all well and I know she is glad that kendall is finally home. They came swimming a few days ago and we had a cookout sunday with the Turners.

Its been a busy hectic summer thus far but I have loved it all <3

Road Trip

2011-06-07T19:24:00.003-04:00

Babygirl and Katie Bug (yes I affectionatley call the girls these very names and have done so for many years) headed to Katie's college stomping grounds the last 5 days. They had a blast. Katie wrote a news song and networked with some music folk and Christen carried her guitar around- haha BUT true. Actually Christen got to sing along at one of their new friends Grandparents 50th Anniversary. They got to eat as long as they provided entertainment. Katie strummed and sang but needed a potty break so Christen was her fill in. Too cute. Would have loved to hear her actually sing aloud for all to hear.

Unfortunatly she had to come home to an Ethics exam today. Oh well- life goes on in boring D-Town. jessica Sublett turns 12 years old tomorrow. I really can't believe she will be in middle school- slex in high school, and Caleb in Kindergarten. I feel so old...still.

Missing the forest for the trees

2011-06-04T13:37:00.003-04:00

Wow- it has been so hot around here these days. Consistantly in the 90's and our community pool had some issues so its late opening up. I have NEVER been this pale at the start of summer.

I am experiencing some summertime blues partly because Christen is hardly ever at home. I was looking forward to spending her last summer at home at the pool, vacationing, shopping, pedi's, etc all the stuff we enjoy BUT she has been out of town every weekend since she left Dub. Beach with Katie, then Charlotte, and now she is in Nashville. She will be home next weekend however because we moved her oral surgery to next Fri June 10th. Guess I will get to see then..haha

Caleb had him some oral surgery yesterday at Duke. It went well except a small snaffu when the nurses failed to read his chart post surgery. He has tracheal malaise and they thought he was experiencing an allergic reaction- he wasn't but they gave him steroids anyhow- so he was aggressive when he woke up in recovery for a bit. He came out of the fog quickly but I felt sorry for the poor guy. He was very uncomfortable. It reminded me about the saying "missing the forest for the trees". All the dum dums had to do was check his chart BUT they were too busy looking for elephants. It happens in medicine alot- I am going to try for that never to happen with me- but it does in a different way.

I tend to miss all the cool things I used to have with Christen when she was younger. Saturday morning games, friend sleepovers, parties, etc...but now that she has grown up and moved on to college- my involvement in her life has diminished. So when I am doing something with her- I still relate back to what it used to be and not enjoy it as much I think. I guess I need to adjust my vision and enjoy her as the adult she is becoming instead of the child she used to be. Easy to say but hard to practice

End of the year

2011-05-18T12:15:00.002-04:00

Well Christen officially ended her Freshman year at UNCW is finally dunzo. She was selected as a Marshall to serve at graduation this year and she said it was amazing to see the close senior friends she has made...move on. We stayed at the beach for almost 2 weeks since she had to stay for grad anyhow. Curdle came up for a few days and so did Jimmy. Moving Christen out of her dorm took a TON of trips. How in the world did she have sooo much in that small room? As soon as we got back from the beach- the very same hour actually- Christen decided she wanted to put all her dorm stuff away and clean her closet to accommodate her clothes. OMG- it took us 3 hours to complete this task. My child is OCD

Christens grades were great and she is taking a couple of classes this summer for her Leadership minor..Ethic and Soc of the Family. Ethics is a 16 week class she is finishing in 16 days. Crazy talk

She and Katie are headed to the beach this weekend after Hog day Fri night and to Charlotte Thursday to meet Bo and the Dub Crew for Speed Street. its a country concert that goes on for days. They are also headed to Nashville at some point this summer for Katies music. We found out yesterday that Christens wisdom teeth surgery is scheduled for June 23 and he is gonna do a lip revision as well since she will be udder anesthesia. She is headed to Richmond for the OAR concert to stay with Kelly and Becca too.Then we are headed to the beach for July 4th for about 10 days again. Full summer and I know it will pass quickly. Christen is already looking for her next apt for her Junior year as there are waiting list everywhere. she is moving off campus then. I must admit I am excited about helping her pick stuff out for her on campus apt this year at the Crossing. She is starting new bc she wants all new colors this year.

But for now I am excited the pool opens this weekend. I will get my tan on hopefully.

Chubby Bunny

2011-04-23T20:52:00.002-04:00

My babygirl came home this past Wednesday night after her SGA Innauguration. Thursday we went shopping all day to hunt a solid conservative black dress for her to wear for being a Marshall for UNCW graduation----SCORE!! We love the Loft at South point and once again they came thru for her. She found a beautiful black linen dress to wear and the cutest shoes at DSW. I will post a pic after graduation ofcourse but I did post some of her SGA dress she also found at the Loft in Wilmington. Katie met us for lunch at Rockfish and caught us up on her music career. She has her first EP release party tonight (Saturday) and may go on a radio tour this summer. Christen is gonna travel with her some if this happens. Her song is coming out on ITunes in a few weeks. She is really doing a great job of promoting herself and I cannot wait to download her song!!

Carrie and I planned an old fashioned Easter party for the girls this past Friday afternoon at 4. We made their favorite appetizers...Holla corn dip and fruit with yogurt dip. Grilled chicken with veggies and deviled eggs were dinner. They decorated eggs, we had a chubby bunny contest, and guessed how many jelly beans contest, HUGE Easter eggs hunt (inside bc it rained but it was super fun), and they decorated a bunny cake and cupcakes. then we just all sat down a talked about whats going on with all of them. They told some college stories. It was AMAZING. They talk on skype and text here and there but it was OH so nice to just hug them and catch up. I finally headed gome at midnight. I guess thats a good sign when nobody wants to go home. Christen, Katie, Rachel, Maria, Randi, and Dani are my fav college girlies <3

I just wrapped her Easter basket up...pics later and I am ready for church in the morning BUT not ready for Christen to go back to school. But atleast I will be there in less than 2 weeks for 10 days...that makes me smile

Update on my Babygirl

2011-04-11T19:58:00.002-04:00

Well she finally heard from her Peer Mentor position this afternoon. She was selected a first alternate- which sucks..haha There were only 7 positions and all the ones from last year decided to return. So ultimately, there were NO positions available in the first place. Okay...why in crack would they interview for a filled position? If someone falls out, then Christen is activated. She took it in stride as usual..I am pissed (as usual) heehee

She was selected to serve as Student Marshall for graduation at Dub this year due to her "Outstanding Freshman academic and leadership skills". We get to shop for a new dress for that over Easter. Also- she was elected on the Senate again for next year. She went shopping for a new dress for a formal Inauguration next week with the Faculty. My pocketbook is saying OUCH with all this shopping!!

Summer school we found out is $140 per credit hour..ughh so expensive But worth it for her to take the Fall load off. She officially switched Majors this week to Psychology. She is really excited about doing a minor in Leadership. She wants to be an Adolescent Psychologist...today. hahHahaha

Impressions

2011-04-11T16:23:00.002-04:00

April 4 just passed and every year I think how much I cannot believe my Nanny (Maternal Grandmother) has never met Christen. She died when I was 6 months pregnant with her of lung cancer and her birthday was April 4th. It was devastating at 20 and it still is for me at 40. She fought a long courageous battle that involved hyperbaric chambers and multiple chemo/radiation treatments and late one night (or early one morning depending on how you look at 4a.m.) she passed on. I was with her when she died as I always stayed with on her hospital stays 3rd shift because she didn't want to be alone. I fully believe she waited for me to be there with her. I KNOW my Nanny is with Jesus. She was a devout Southern Baptist and I was lucky enough to worship with her Sunday mornings growing up.

In fact one of my early memories invloved her. As a small child (they didn't have childrens church back then) I would go into "Big" church with my family. After the singing was concluded and the Preacher started...My Nanny would motion for me to lay down in her lap. As I layed there...she would stroke my hair and give me little round hard candies and gum (Bazooka Joe and FreshNup). I would trace her fingertips and nails and try on her rings Sunday after Sunday. She wore a garish orange color all the time and it was bright and grabbed my attention. Her lips always matched. We would whisper about what some of the other ladies wore or the hair growing in Mr. Herndon's ears. He and his wife sat in front of every Sunday and they were about a millions years old. I distinctly can remember the feel of her nails and her soft voice and even her smell. Which I sometimes swear I get a whiff of time to time. She was that cool Grandma that ALL the kids in church loved and she would save all the things I would make in Sunday School and put them in her Bible. Precious I know!!

I would go over to her house alot...and I mean alot!! I can also remember the Mortons frozen doughnuts she used to fix me, along with fruit ladened jello, and a cheesy broccoli casserole that I had the misfortune of saying I loved one time- thus she fixed for me ALL the time--haha Nanny would play with me outside. We shot basketball, rode skateboards, took long walks on the Eno looking at old graves, and I even vacationed with her and my Papa multiple times a year. They took me everywhere and called me "String Bean" because I really was tiny and skinny (wish I still were). They showed me off like a prize possession and loved every minute of it. She used to buy me crayons she kept in an old tin and I can still smell the obnoxious odor of a zillion broken crayons. She had a camper that took us all over everywhere to fish. Thats what my summers consisted of as a small child. Vacations, yard sales, and breakfast out filled my childhood. Christen was cheated bc she didn't have my Nanny and OH how Nanny would have loved that Christen got her kinky curly hair and small eyes. She would delight in all the wonderful things Christen does. Now- I must confess, Christen may not have my Nanny but she has her NONNA- my Mom- who loves her with all her might and they have a wonderfully close relationship very reminiscent of my relationship with my Grandmother in fact. I am very grateful and thankful for that. I also wonder what Christen will be able to write at age 40 about her Nona. What wonderful childhood memories will she cherish about my Mom- her Nonna?

But, this past April 4th got me to thinking about how much my Nanny has impacted my Mothering style. She believed in taking risks, she loved greatly, she didn't miss a thing. My Mom exhibits all these things- and I guess I do too. My Nanny thought outside the box and encouraged me to do anything and everything. We love an underdog, we love to spend time with family travelling, we play all kinds of games. Its exciting to think what things will be like when I become a Nanny. I think I am gonna be called Nene by my grand offerings (when they come long time from now I hope).

What treasures are hidden in your mind about your Nanny?

Moving on

2011-03-24T20:37:00.003-04:00

Well the friend mentioned below and I finally met at Starbucks (common ground) along with Amanda. We were straight forward and explained why we were upset. The basic notion being that everything we hold most dear to our hearts (our children, our houses, our pets, loyalty)she does not appear to. Not to mention the domination of all conversations, etc. Said friend really truly just does not get it. She thinks she has been a good friend and I guess holding her accountable for what she does not understand is futile. So--- we let it go. That does not mean she is the first number I am going to dial BUT we agreed to just take a break. Forgiveness is not easy for me bc loyalty in a friend is a MUST but I just won't choose to ever let her in on anything going on with me bc she would just throw me under the bus like she did one of the others.

Moving on....

I just spent almost a week at the beach. Got to spend some much needed time with my Christen (and her friend Tina...loved her). They, along with 4 other girls, are living in a apartment next year at Dub. She is soooo excited. Its a beautiful 6 bedroom 3 bathroom apartment that comes furnished...Holla holla We had alot of fun eating out every night (Mama wasn't cooking on vacay) and it was super warm and sunny. Amazing time and I miss her terribly this week already but she will be home for easter in a month. Then we are headed the last week in April for a girls weekend at the beach house so I will see her then too. She gets out of school early May but is taking some online summer classes and interning at a FNP office and hopefully babysitting some so she will be super busy all summer. She is taking her SCA course over easter break so she will be in Greensboro with her friend Emily some.

Christen has an interview next Thursday for a Peer Mentor position for next year. She will get to teach Freshman Seminar for freshies at Cornerstone. She really wants it and its a paid position. She is officially the Chairperson of the Marketing Committee of SGA as well. She has a formal dinner with the Chancellor in 2 weeks and is headed to shop this weekend for a new duds (any excuse to shop is a good thing for her). She went to a Wilmy denist this week for a check up and found out her wisdoms need to come out this summer as well.

This year has truly flown by in some ways.....drug on in others. I am super duper proud of my babe and the person she is turning into. She makes mistakes sure but its how she responds to them that astonish me with her maturity. She takes bumps in the road like a champ.

Stay Tuned

2011-02-17T21:23:00.003-05:00

My besty Amanda once told me that friendships are like seasons...meaning you fall in and out with certain friends and hang with them more sometimes than others. I have to agree with her statement. We all get busy with our lives that its hard to take on a friends drama as well. Our little group is having a bit of tiff with one of our members but its complicated. She is really not in the group anyhow. We include her bc we felt pity for her in the beginning and her best friend is in our so-called group. Man I sound like I am 14 again. Anyhow, the ousted friend has ALOT of drama constantly and she really does not ask us about our lives and just drones on about hers EVERY time we get together. I am quite frustrated with her BUT i just saw on twitter...yes I started that up again...where Clayton King posted about forgiveness and how we mirror Jesus when we illustrate forgiveness. It hit me in the gut and its painful sometimes when Gods truths smack us in the face! I have decided to hear her out and see if she takes responsibility for her past transgression then I am moving on from it. It has taken up a good 3 months of our lives and I ready to let it go no matter what path she chooses. Stay tuned...

On another note...my niece has decided to move to Myrtle Beach with her"friend" and left with little notice. My sister is devastated..I am just plain out annoyed at how she disrespects my sister. She says she has a job so I hope she takes this time to mature a bit and learn to appreciate all my sis does for her. Stay tuned..

Its Homecoming week at UNCW and Christen is in FULL busy mode. She was approved...finally for her marketing thing for SGA and is riding on the Homecoming float on Saturday. Its killing me to not go but I am trying not to squish her. She came home last weekend and we had a ball...she just wanted sleep haha, She is coming back next weekend to get her hair-did. I am soooo excited to smooch her again

Times Flies

2011-01-19T14:15:00.001-05:00

Well I must confess...it has been over 3 months since my last blog. I wish I could use the excuse BUSY but I really don't think that a viable excuse. I am simply bored....and sad...and lonely I guess (despite having a wonderful hubby and fabulous family with lots of drama to keep me busy)

I cannot seem to shake the funk of Christen leaving for college. Do NOT get me wrong- I very glad she is doing well at school and she herself is very satisfied with her choice and happy as could be. She has NO idea that I am in a funk bc I can shake it off when she visits so she is none the wiser. I miss her so much I ache...I cry, I am irritable, and probably not very fun to be around. I am used to having a ton of kids at the house or running somewhere to watch her do something or some get together with her friends Mom's or whatever. Now I find myself bored with everyone not Christen. I know I need to get over it. I really am making a conscious effort now to read a lot more, go to Bahama Baptist and sort of reinvent myself of sorts. I have stayed close with Carrie, Amanda, Terri, and Jenny but I have let everyone else fade out. Its ridiculous I know but I cannot seem to help myself.

Ok- to catch everyone up (well my 2 readers anyhow). Christen's fall semester went splendidly despite her struggling thru advanced Bio- she really did well. This semester her classes are hard as well with Math, Chem, Adv Psych, and a film class she wanted to take just because she wanted to. Good for her! Its the first time in 5 years-- yes 5 years...she has been afforded the opportunity to actually take a fun class. In high school her extra classes were always French and other AP choices to bolster her college apps. Well- she is in college now so time for a lil fun for her. She has a killer social life- they truly party it up- go see her fb for proof. She has made a ton of great friends. They call themselves C3 Corner Crew- as most live on the 3rd floor in the corner. Too funny. Christen went to Nashville to visit Katie- her besty. They had an awesome time and she finally got to meet Tyler Hilton and partied in Keith Urban's vacation home and Hank Williams house. Yes I said Keith Urban. Those girls are the luckiest 2 I have ever seen. They have pictures to prove it. Ahhhmazinng

Christmas was wonderful as she was home for almost a month. I saw a little of my old self then. I went a bit overboard and got her everything she wanted...spoiled I know. From car windows tinted on Holy Honda to a ton of clothes, jewelry, new phone, 5 pairs of boots and shoes, etc...Buckle jeans (which she is allergic to- literally). She had a horrid reaction to some chemical they spray on their clothes. I have to wash them prior to her wearing them. She was on 2 courses of Prednisone to get rid of the allergy. So strange. She went to visit Alex (BoMoney) in Charlotte for New Years- they had a blast. Then she visited Austin in SC for a while. She had a great time and I am grateful she has him as a friend/whatever they are to one another. Her 19th Birthday was celebrated with friends and family at Champps then the movie Country Strong. It was fun. Terri made her a pink cake and Jenny and Alex from school slept over as well as Rachel and Katie. It was nice to hear the wonderful laughter in the house again. We volunteered at the homeless shelter for Christmas. I had to cut up sly these desserts. Madness- everyone knows I am NOT the cake cutter upper. But- I did it <3

Christen has decided she is going to Africa upon graduation to work a while. We are so proud- and I am gonna go with her---really I am.

I had jury duty last week and despite my best attempts at getting dismissed, was selected for a drug trial. It was surprisingly fun. There were 3 other medical professionals on the jury- so we bonded. He did the crime we all agree but the Prosecution sucked and did not prove it beyond doubt so we all voted Not Guilty in like 5 minutes.

The weather has been nuts lately. 2 snow events and an icing craziness. Its just January so its not looking good for the rest of winter.

Jenny, Terri, and I are headed to Fl in April for Angie's wedding. Christen and her crew are deciding their Spring Break plans. Scotts band is playing this Fri night so in an effort to break out of my shell these days- we are going.

LOTS has been going on with Kendall. ECU just was not for her- she never went to class and flunked all but 1 class for the semester. She is just lost. She is applying to Wake Tech for next Fall admission. She is attempting to get a job- but I doubt she really is attempting it much-haha. She is still with Codi- who has still not told her parents they are in a relationship. The gay thing does not bother me. I have known she was for a long time. Its the immaturity Kendall shows on fb- its like they are in 8th grade posting crap to one another. Sharyn and Artie are always arguing- he sucks. I wish I could wake her up and get her to find her passion (other than Codi) but she has no interest. I love her and will support her no matter what her choices are but she is really testing her Mom. Cole is as sweet as ever and I love that boy so much. I worry about my sisters health- she seems to be as sad as me...different reasons but sad.

OK- enough of my blabbering...I am gonna go something positive

You got what pierced??

2010-10-01T20:50:00.002-04:00

Babygirl Christen came home today...paddled out of Wilmington from their 22 inches of rain the good Lord bestowed upon them- haha. She recently got her nose pierced. I do not love it but she has wanted it done for a long time- like since age 13. I have never said no to any piercings because they are just a hole...and its her body. A tattoo I would have a heart attack over...only because its permament but I am waiting on baited breath for her to get one of those too. She rocks the nose thing though- it looks cute I guess.

I took Jess and Alex today to their first dance at Wheels for Voyager. It was fun getting Jess ready and helping her with sparkles and clothes. Reminds me of the days Christen and her group would do the dances at NJAA. She started those in 4th grade. She loved them. Teaches them how to get along with opposite sex and to relax and just dance with your friends. A great social experiment in my opinion of whats to come for them later in life.

The BIG...dreaded 40

2010-09-30T17:13:00.002-04:00

My 40th Birthday started off with a girls trip to Wilmington with all my favorite people. Mom, Carrie and I headed up early Wed night and the rest of the girlies (Amanda, Terri, and Jenny) came on Friday. We had a blast. We went to my fav Treehouse tapas bar Thursday night and had all my yummy meats and cheeses and olives and goodness. Fri night we all headed downtown Wilmy and ate at Front Street Brewery and I got my fish tacos I love. The girls are funny and it was a nice relaxing dinner. We hit the beach as soon as it was sunny Sat morning and pedicures followed with dinner at Jack Mackerels at Carolina Beach---my fav Tuna there was consumed. Christen joined us for dinner. She won her Freshman Senate seat at UNCW so she was happy happy and she switched roommates to Jenny who is a much better fit to her. They are too funny together. Brittany- her former roommate took it well...surprisingly. Rachel headed up to them last weekend from UNC and she now LOVES Dub...well ofcourse. Its the best school ever....well except for the 20 plus inches of rain they have received the last 3 days. They have played in the puddles, swam in the pool, skim boarded on the lawns, etc....Its rained so much its over her rain boots. Hopefully her car is ok since she parks in the deck...please let it be ok Lord.

Christen comes home this weekend to help me keep my favorite Sublett kids so Scott and Amanda can go to the beach with friends. I got her tickets to the UNC/ECU game Saturday and she is excited to be on Fall break so she is here til Tuesday BUT she has tons of appts. Eye, PT, Surgeon, Hair, Gyno...gosh I am gonna be broke as usual for copays...hahaha

I can finally talk about it...a little (Part 1)

2010-08-23T18:23:00.005-04:00

As all the graduation parties ended in June and all the beach vacations in July occurred (Christen went to Mexico for almost 2 weeks)...the dreaded time came for Aug 14th...DUH DUH DUNNN- insert scary music here...College move in day for Christen.

The week leading up to her leaving was oddly quick...imagine that-I knew my time with Christen living under our roof was coming to a close so I soaked in every last bit I could. She avoided packing like it was the plague- honestly I think she was truly overwhelmed and dreaded saying the last byes to her friends. They had their last dinners together and she really was holding up well as far as I could tell. We were leaving the Fri morning prior to her moving in on that Saturday because we had stored a bunch of her dorm stuff at the house in Kure. She, however was not coming til Saturday morning thus required her to leave Bull City at 5 am and drive by herself to Wilmington. I was a basket case all Fri. I knew she was saying her last byes to the Lee's and Sublett Clan and even the Herndons but it was the goodbye to Katie that she was not looking forward to. They had hug out all summer long as usual and we all knew it was gonna be tough- they have been friends literally since age 2. I cooked Th night and said my byes to Katie- she is headed to college in Nashville. That was rough...but she and Christen had planned the last night together- just them 2 alone. Christen called me at midnight sobbing- Katie was texting me bye- it was the saddest thing. They realized they will be best friends for life that night I believe if they hadn't before.

Well- bright and early Saturday morn on Aug 14th..Christen met us to get her room key and officially become part of the 2014 class at Dub. We spent most the day getting her dorm beautified..haha and ate lunch and made the last Target run. Her roommate, Brittany is a sweet girl. They will not hang out but not everyone is meant to be besties. She had a meeting at 6 that evening so our good bye was swift...quicker than imagined and off she went. I bawled..I mean shoulder shrugging...snot flying..cried. All the planning and plotting I have done for the past 18 years in no way prepared me for this moment!

I love that child. She is the most precious, grateful, beautiful, responsible, loyal thing I have ever met. She is graceful and just makes you feel at ease. She came back for a brief moment just to thank us for helping her that day and then POOF..she was off again. As the elevator closed to her floor- it was like a movie. The director cutting the scene as it closed- Christen was in my view and she smiled...just a simple smile- but it made me know she was happy with her choice- and its what I needed to muster the courage to exit the campus leaving my babygirl there.

Lotsa

2010-07-28T22:58:00.002-04:00

There is lotsa going on round here. Summer brought with it grad parties, beach, pool parties, Isla Mujeras, and college prep and stuff.

Christen's friends literally threw about 5 gabillion graduation parties for each other. Ok I may be exaggerating a tad but really it was ridiculous. Val, Katie, Kendall, Dom, Randi, Keia, Nikki, etc.. for example

We have been to the beach a few times. The whole fam came for a week or so. Including Kendall, Cole, and Shell. We had a great time. Cole has grown to a whooping 6'2 over the summer..no kidding..and still growing. He just turned 14. I call him Gigantor now.

Christen went to Isla Mujeras in Mexico for 9 days just getting back last night. Ofcourse she is already back out tonight. Went to see Rachel for a bit, then to Katies. Then they were headed to Alex Veasey's for a party. She informed me she was headed to the beach with the girls Fri...no love for the family I guess.

We have shopped til we dropped for dorm stuff. She hunted everywhere for her bedding. She has such awesome taste...really. Very eclectic but classy style. Sorta Ralph Lauren meets Project Runway. Her colors- yes she picked a theme (DUH) are navy and fuchsia. Love it...and her :)

She has a Nanny job all lined up for college. She is babysitting a 2 and 4 year old 4 nights a week with no weekends..yay for her. Pays about 140 a week..better than being a waitress I guess. She is so excited for school...I am in tears just thinkin bout it...still

Aug 14 is move in day...or as I refer to it as D Day for me...Dooms Day.. God I am gonna miss my kid

Grad party central

2010-06-07T15:06:00.004-04:00

Its Graduation Central around here. Babygirls was last night (June6) and it was spectacular. It went so well, had tons of people, looked amazing, and the food was awesome. Jimmy's Dad made BBQ and chicken. We had pasta salads, beaked beans, slaw, rolls, fruit and veggie trays, etc. It was awesome to see all the people that came to support Christen. Her slide show looked amazing and the cake was the best part. My cake lady did fantastic- and made it just like I requested. I was so excited to see it. We are recovering today. Christen had grad practice and Katie B has her grad party tonight. Busy but fun times this week. Only 2 days til graduation...countdown is on

Is this the Beginning or the End

2010-06-03T23:42:00.002-04:00

Is this the beginning or the End? On one hand her high school career is ending BUT her college years are just beginning. I go back and forth from being teary eyed to genuine excitement for her and me. I cannot remember life prior to having her. I was pregnant at 20 with my life just beginning. I wanted Christen from the start and have enjoyed every second of her life. I can proudly say I have not missed a thing..I have caught every ball game- celebrated every birthday grandly- saw every school/church function- loved her friends like a mama should even when their own didn't- I have laughed way more than I cried- and I have never ever not had her back or stood up for her nor said a negative comment to anyone about her. I treasure being her Mommy but I am intrigued what my life will be without having her here full time. Will I travel more? Will Jimmy and I grow closer...or apart? Will I move to South Africa like I always planned to? Will I become a workaholic? Will I be able to even take a breath without her here beside me (yes ofcourse I will but the thought alone makes me cry)

Her last day of school was a few days ago. She is working feverishly on her speech for graduation. I am so proud to think of her up there- she has earned it. I am worried about her curly hair under that grad cap thats ugly as sin- haha but really I am. I am nervous about her party this Sunday. So much to do- soooo little time left. I helped Carrie plan Randi's which is tomorrow (Fri) and its a combo food fight/water slide party so its gonna be so fun.

Kendall is spending the weekend with us I think. Christen took her with her out tonight for Mexican/movie night at Rebecca's to introduce her to fellow ECU peeps. Hope that went well. Its midnight and they are still out so I guess its ok. We put the final touches on her slide show tonight,,,man I love her new Mac computer. I want one :)

Schedule Dilemmas

2010-05-24T21:07:00.002-04:00

My Word....Christen received an email instructing her to sign up for her Fall classes online on
June 1. She is already scheduled for 3 classes which is part of her Learning Community to live in Cornerstone which includes an English, Microbiology, and a Freshman Seminar once a week thats mandatory. So- we are looking to see what she needs to take first semester to stay competitive for nursing school. WOW- she has to take another Bio and a Chem class. Hard schedule for babygirl I am feeling for her freshmeat year. She is not thrilled lets say.

She won the Ruritan Scholarship so we had that dinner last week. Very fun and I was so proud of her. They had their Senior breakfast last week as well and Christen said Mr. Key just cried and told SGA how proud he was of them. Christen also found out she has to do a speech at graduation. She is very nervous about falling or something weird. Her friend Alex earned Valedictorian and she has to intro her. Too cute. I cannot believe today was her last regular Monday. Next week is all exam reviews and she has NONE :)

Smart Girl

2010-05-12T17:59:00.003-04:00

Christen broke things off with Trey Sunday night as gently as she could. That girl I swear...he was so sweet..a Mothers dream actually...a fire captain/EMS..22..responsible, family oriented, a real gentlemen, and drove a big ole' truck like she thinks all "real men" drive. But- at 18- she is not looking for the one or to get married...she is leaving for college in a few months and not wanting to settle down. Can't say I blame her...smart girl for not settling and having gusto for life. Didn't hurt he was insanely jealous over her where she couldn't hardly talk to her guy friends without him cutting his eyes st her- her words. She is a flirty flirt and her boyfriend will learn to deal- her words again.

AP tests for babygirl were this week. She thinks she did well and passed them all. Psych was a bit...much...she said but overall it was not too bad. She enjoys the subject so that helps.

Her knee is progressing right along ahead of schedule thank goodness. Spring Show for chorus starts tomorrow night and its senior specials- so it should be amazingly great. I am excited. Carrie's surgery is next week to re-do her arms. She is dreading it. I am gonna help her for a few days again.

We finished her Senior year scrapbook this past weekend..it took forever to catch up but so glad I did as preparations for her grad party are starting. I mailed her invites yesterday. They were so cute I think...thoughts?

Senior Prom 2010

2010-05-03T17:03:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday, May 2 was babygirls Senior prom at RHS...her last one. The whole week had been run run here to tan, or nails, or flowers, or hair, or whatever BUT it always is so much fun. They had a huge group- Christen & Trey, Maria & Ryan, Randi & Scotty, Katie & Kyle, Rachel and her blind date (too funny), Logan & Ainsley, Rebecca, Hannah, and Caleb. They met at our clubhouse this year for pics...we did the Duke Gardens thing last year, and they went to dinner and more pics at Homestead. Post prom they all stayed at Rachel's for the night while the rest of their group joined them. Landon, Ernie, Carl, Levi, etc.. Carrie and I made them snacks and took them to them at 1 am then brought them breakfast at 10 am Sunday morning. They were thankful and grateful- amazingly...and just had a ball. She has remained best friends with Randi, Katie, Rachel, and Maria thru the turbulent times and I am so glad they stayed constant.

I am so glad that she has enjoyed every ounce that Riverside had to offer her. She has remained an Honor Student, in SGA, played soccer and lacrosse, did powder puff, planned Junior prom and other activities, she is planning Project Grad this year- and countless other activities and clubs while coaching cheer and babysitting alot in her spare time- as if she had any time to spare- haahaha.

I am ready for her to graduate as much as she is. Her next chapter of college is going to be just as great I know but my involvement will diminish and thats what I dread. AP exams start this week and her year is drawing to a close. Her physical therapy is coming along and her scars are fading. Life is really sweet for her right now.

Whew...glad thats over

2010-04-18T21:54:00.002-04:00

Christen had her ACL reconstruction this past Tuesday (13th) and whew...we are sooo glad thats over. Tuesday brought with it tears- so surprising to me because Christen literally never cries. i think her fears and the weight of reality came down on her poor head and she just bawled. The surgery itself was long- almost 3 hours...and the pain was more than she thought but its better now. Wed she was released from the hospital and they woke us up every hour on the hour all night long but her friends came to see her- so did Amanda and sweet Caleb- and Michelle came too after work. Trey brought her some gorgeous flowers and stayed awhile that night. Wed night and Th she slept downstairs because she could not climb stairs yet but Fri was her first PT appt and it went great. They praised her progress and gave her the thumbs up for the stairs. She is in a brace that keeps her leg straight all the time and we ice it all the time because its so swollen. She goes back to school and homework tomorrow- YUCK

We met Carrie for sushi today and shopped for prom shoes and earrings- success :) and met Trey for his tux fitting as well. She went out with her friends last night to hear Katie sing again at the coffee house. Trey has been over alot this week but he leaves for Indy Tuesday for work til Fri. I still like him more than her...haha. he is such a nice guy and dotes on her and just looks at her with those big doe eyes and she could care less. Still not over Zack and ready for college I guess.

Tomorrow night is Senior night for Lacrosse. She is excited but wishes she could play ofcourse..out of the question. She decided on a roommate tonight for UNCW. Her name is Erin and they are meeting Sat to shop and eat...how fun.

Soaring to Greatness

2010-04-02T12:02:00.004-04:00

Soaring to Greatness is what UNCW calls their accepted students weekend we attended last week. It was informative and the campus is gorgeous. Christen visited 3 dorms, fell in love with Cornerstone- which she was accepted into. So whoop for that working out. Its has a marbel entry and is the newest dorm- laundry is free and the machine texts her when its done with its cycle--- how crazy is that? There is a cafeteria near her dorm and the nursing school is close too. She is actively hunting a roommate and has made a possible match that she has been talking with on facebook and uroomsurf. They are meeting soon in person. How cool.

Her pre op was yesterday and we found out they were keeping her overnight- didn't know that but whatever. Its at Duke Ambulatory April 13...don't know time yet. She is quite anxious to get it over with.

She is working for Charlie's Pub again today with Rachel- handing out flyers for wing and drink specials on Duke campus. They get paid 50 bucks an hour so cant beat that and they have a good time laughing with the students. She and Katie are going prom dress shopping this afternoon before she comes home to pack for her trip to MB with her peeps. Trey will be down there for a few days and Logan is coming up when her leaves- she is a trip. I really hope the weather stays hot and they have a blast....safely :)

Attached are some pics from last weekends trip to Dub. We are headed back for a week tomorrow. The Subletts are coming up for a few days. I am excited to get away. We moved Jimmy's Mom into Treyburn from rehab at Regional on Wed. It went decently smoothly. We bought her some more rehab comfy clothes. They are cute. Hope she gets better physically but her dementia is worsening. I am thinking this is a permanent placement. Jimmy is spazzing ofcourse as we all would be if it were our mother so I am helping as much as I can. Doing her laundry, visiting, keeping her in ice cream, etc.

Its Official...Dub it is

2010-03-24T16:17:00.002-04:00

Christen received a huge scholarship to attend UNCW ..one we just cannot pass up so thats where she has chosen to attend. She has accepted students weekend starting this Friday so we are heading up after school. he spring break countdown is on as the following weekend she and her friends are headed to Myrtle for a week and we will at Kure. Then the Tuesday we get back from break...she has surgery. Prom is 2 weeks after that...which TADAAAA...we found her prom dress this past Saturday in Raleigh. Its blue and stunning. I love it :)

We are in the middle of figuring out housing for her next year and paying all the deposits and stuff. So fun to think about what her life will be like there.

She has been busy as usual with PT 3 times a week, LAX (coaching), Honor Society stuff, church stuff, and fitting Trey in there a bit. I have joined a gym and have been going every day so far with Carrie although we met Amanda Monday night for zumba there. It about killed my knees but it was fun to laugh at ourselves jumping around like idiots salsa dancing.

Itch scratchy gimpy crip

2010-03-16T10:23:00.002-04:00

Thats the new nickname I have bestowed upon Christen...how lucky is she right? Well the itchy scratchy part comes from last night where she had an allergic reaction to one of her knee medicines and she broke out in rashes everywhere and was on fire..her words. Literally 5 Benadryl later..and 2 baths...she passed out around a.m. I could not rouse her this morning for school and I didn't really want to. She is always so busy, I rarely have that extra day to spend with her. ofcourse its almost 11am and she is still asleep, but whatever.

The gimpy crip part is obviously her knee. She has this cute little catch when she walks because she is not using crutches and the knee brace causes it I guess. She had her surgical appt yesterday with Dr. Dean Curtis Taylor.Sounds like a soap opera Doc..he does not look like one though..haha. But he seems nice enough- his fellow is a butch type so we kinda didn't like her. She was rough with her exam of Christen and not personable. Dr. Taylor on the other hand was quite nice and gentle. He set her surgery for April 13. She is in PT til then because the swelling is so bad and he wants her to get some range of motion back pre surgery so it will heal quicker post. Working specifically on her quads so they will get stronger. He initially wanted to do the surgery over Spring Break. Christen wasn't having it because she has beach plans with her friends. Maria P, Katie B, Rachel H, Hannah W, Rebecca V, Valerie, and Courtney B are headed to Myrtle for a week April3-10 so look out SC..the crew is coming. I rented them a condo by themselves. Their boyfriends are coming up at some point and they have a few other people who may crash. Should be fun. I will be in Wilmington the whole week- about an hour away if they have any issues. lets hope they do NOT. I don't know if Christen has invited Trey yet but they seem to be full steam ahead so we'll see.

Tragic Part 2

2010-03-13T17:20:00.002-05:00

Christen's trainer at school arranged for her to visit Duke Sports Med instead of waiting on Triangle Ortho to read MRI. Friday we went...Christen had not been on crutches for 2 days trying to tough it out and hoping for the best but....its worse than we thought. Torn ACL, fractured fibula, and her knee is still dislocated. We have an appt with the surgeon at Duke Monday to schedule it hopefully later this week. She wants to hurry it up so it can heal some prior to Spring Break/Prom and graduation...all the fun senior stuff. She is still quite upset about missing LAX season but it is what it is

Kendall got into ECU- woot woot for her. I don't see how with her grades and scores but I am glad they let her in. College hopefully will grow her up and expand her horizons. I am genuinely excited for her.

Christen is out with Trey again tonight- like him so far. He treats her great and is really sweet. She is going to a birthday party later and Trey has a party to go to as well so they are seperating after the movie tonight I think. Goodbye Zack I hope...NOOOOO tears here...She babysat all last night for Amanda. Katie B stayed with her over there then she had Saturday Academy where NHS students tutor those who need it at RHS. It helps her get her tutor hours she needs as well. She was also selected to help plan Project Graduation for all local high schools. She is very excited about that and loves to do that stuff.

Tragic

2010-03-10T15:12:00.003-05:00

Monday night at Carrboro was RHS first game of the season- last weeks game was cancelled and rained out- Only about 4 minutes in...I saw Christen go down after fighting to dig the ball up. She got up with the ball and made a successful pass out (what a beast) and immediately went down again in a grimace. I instantly knew something was wrong because the child has played sports since age 4 and I have never EVER had to take her off a field from an injury...and she has had her fair share. Broken noses, sprained ankles, torn ligaments but never have I seen her stay down on the field. What I saw when I got to her...after hearing them yell medic...turned my stomach. She had inverted her knee and had no knee cap that I could see. The medic was freaking wanting to call an ambulance. I had to calm him down...like the good mommy I am...and called Triangle Ortho because I knew they had after hour emergency care. Didn't want to head to ER because of germs and the wait. So we get to TO and they see her pretty immediately. Dr, Troy saw her and took an xray to be sure no broken bone- which is was not thank goodness. Then he offered up the McMurphy technique where he manipulated her knee back in place. My child, in the meantime, had NOT cried a single tear..she is a shaker when she is pain and does not yell or squeal. He commented on how most adults cannot take the pain of what he just did. He put fluid back in her knee and literally twisted it back in place. The knee cap had slid behind 2 bones and he popped it back home. He said she is probably out for the season with a miniscal tear and possible ACL damage. She had an MRI today to confirm his suspicions. I am to call Monday for results and her next appt is next Friday.

This SUCKS major because- A- she would have made all conference this year in all probability B- Beach trip with her friends in 2 weeks for Spring Break 3- PROM on crutches suck 4- surgery again...really 5 crutches are just painful

On the flip side...she is kinda sorta dating a new fellow named Trey who is 22 and a captain on the fire department. I think I like him more than she does...not a good sign is it?

Besty Amanda and Jess surprised us at TO Monday night while all this was happening. It was a welcome distraction and was just so sweet. I am fortunate to have her as my everything person because she loves my Christen like I love her kids.

Miss Smarty Pants

2010-02-26T11:47:00.002-05:00

Well- we are still not over Clemson but it helped this week that Christen was informed she was a finalist in the Sam Walton Scholarship. So excited :) We know she probably will not win but its great she made it that far. They pay for the whole in state tuition. We also sent her Honors application to Wilmington this week and filed for the Rougemont Ruritan and Lynns Crossroad scholarships. The NJAA and Nursing scholarship is next. I will be sooo glad to not have to worry about this stuff soon. She also got a huge scholarship to Meredith College but she does not want to go there..its all girls...so that doesn't really help me any--haha

RHS basketball boys play tonight in the state tournament. They had a good season so its awesome they have gotten this far.

LAX season starts next week with their first game against east :( Can you say major loss we will receive no doubt but it will be good for the newbies to see a game in action. They are going to the Duke LAX game in the morning. I told Christen she ought to wear her impeach Mike Nifong shirt..hahaha for real though I bet it would get lots of cheers. Carrie and I are hosting the years first LAX pasta dinner Sunday night so we are going shopping tonight and dinner to prepare. Tomorrow night we are playing cards with Amanda and Scott. Love it and them :)

Chip and the Bull

2010-02-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

We decided to go to dinner at Longhorn on Saturday night with a group of friends then went to City Limits..which is a bar in Raleigh where they have a mechanical bull. Christen, Rebecca, and Mitch decided they would meet us out there since they are 18 now. Dinner was great...all my favorite people in the world..except my Mama...was there. Amanda and Scott (besty extraordinaire) Mary & Troy, Kim and Matt, Tina & Mac, Kim & Clay Scoggins, and Angie & Jenny. We got lost on the way to the bar...saw the same tattoo parlor 6 times at least...and was over an hour late to meet the rest of the group at the bar...Christen and her pals, Terri & Billy, my sissy and Willie, Mere & Trey, and Buddy & Donna (Treys parents). I think we laughed more in the car than I did all last month.

The bar sucked...really it did. But it was fun watching Christen dance around and she rode the bull with Meredith. Jenny danced on the bar, and we embarrassed Angie by introducing her to a guy we named Chip and the other Bull. Amanda pinched her butt and blamed it on Bull...too funny.

I decided that I way too old for bars- which I knew anyhow. I like my boring life of playing cards with the Subletts and don't wanna change a thing.

We are still mourning Clemson :(

Oh, and Christen went back blonde and has a pink streak in her hair..LOVE IT

and the Olympics have been awesome. USA leading the medal count so far

Deferred=sadness

2010-02-16T20:21:00.002-05:00

Yep..you read it right..my baby girl got deferred by Clemson. We couldn't believe it and will never get over it I think. Their loss I know but how in heck could they defer her with her GPA, SAT scores, and extracurriculars? We are speechless...she is depressed..sad sad time

on the other hand...Christen woke up Sunday morning and ran into my bedroom crying that her ear was killing her and swollen. I rushed her to the Dr who punctured her ear drum during the exam..thanks Minute Clinic. She had a double ear infection and it was just a nasty, painfully grossly leaking mess. She missed school yesterday and only went to 2 classes today. She was seriously in bad shape. To top it off..LAX officially started today and she had to miss practice. This sucks

Hacking up lungs

2010-02-12T15:42:00.002-05:00

Well Rachel, Christen's friend who stayed with us during the last big snow- shared more than she imagined while she was here....the FLU. My family has been soooo sick this week. We have hacked up lungs, toes, and fingernails I believe. It really has been awful. I have steadily run a temperature for a week now of atleast 101...most days 102...and thats on a constant diet of Tylenol. We were supposed to go out tonight and celebrate Valentines with the family but I am still communicable so in the interest of keeping the public safe...I am staying home. This sucks :(

We are on pins and needles waiting for Christen to hear from Clemson. Its any day now and I am quite excited to learn where she will spend the next 4 years plus of her life.

I have a friend whose marriage is on the rocks and she has been asking my advice but its so hard to give it...especially when I think my friend is in the wrong. She hasn't cheated or anything but she craves the single life despite having a young daughter and husband. hew...hard stuff right there.

UNC and the BIG SNOW

2010-02-01T12:36:00.004-05:00

We had a huge almost 8 inch snow over the weekend and were so surprised that the weather people were correct :) Christen had a few girls over for the duration...5 total..and they ate me out of house and home BUT I loved every second of it knowing that times like this are few and far between when she goes to college in the Fall. The sledded and had a blast and had bonfires at night...so much fun

We applied regular admission to UNC CH per the suggestion of her counselor at RHS but the early admission people found out over the weekend. I have to say I was SHOCKED to find out who got in and who got deferred or not in at all. Its such a random process but when the President of the National Honor Society, who had like 4.7 GPA and many clubs and community service gets deferred..thats some crazy stuff. I was so glad Maria was here to have her friends help her get over the blow. The great news is however that Rachel did get in..love her and sooo proud and happy :) Its killing us to wait til March to find out Christen's fate but it is what it is. The girls did amazing considering some got in and some didn't...they are sooo mature and I was very impressed.

Today will be spent cleaning and resting as I am wore slap out

Mama Mia and school supplies..Oh My

2010-01-26T19:04:00.003-05:00

My pookie went out with Maria and Katie tonight to see Mama Mia (one of my favs) at the DPAC to celebrate Katie's 18th birthday. How fun....wish I could turn back the clock to be 18 again..well maybe not...I kinda dig being a grown up...sorta

Met Christen after school today at Staples to purchase this last semester school supplies...enter tear here ----> sigh....Christen was quite cute because she said "Mom, this is the last time you will be with me when I pick my supplies out...I can remember us picking out my kindergarten stuff". Ofcourse I can remember that as well. I was just happy she let me meet her because since she turned 16 and could drive herself and had a debit card, she went to Staples with her friends to get her items- so needless to say I was pleased she called me to meet her this last time :) I do so LOVE her to pieces

My besty Amanda has been on a work out rampage and lost 4 women's sizes..awesome stuff right there...and my sister has lost about 25 lbs since her surgery. I am so proud of them...but a bit jealous too...

They are calling for a wicked snow this weekend. RHS plays Northern Friday night and it snowed out the last game so I am betting it does this weekend too. I will have one irritated child again if it does indeed occur. She will stay in town at one of her friends I bet so she does not get snowed in here with us in BFE. That kinda sucks right??

Oh what a relief it is

2010-01-20T20:32:00.002-05:00

Christen is officially in her last semester in high school. Exams ended today for her so only one more to go...she says. Lucky duck her didn't have to take her Anatomy exam since she had an A but had to take her Eng exam as its an exit standard and she had to take Housing for her pathway and its a Vocat so it was mandatory despite the blazing 99 she has in there. Then poor booboo has a B in AP Psych so she had to take that exam today. She was crushed...just hoping for that A. But with AP credit she will end up with like108 so woot for a 6.0 scale.

I corrected her Fafsa today since I had our W-2's all ready...and I filed our taxes today. Go me :)
I abhor filing taxes...its the worst...and makes my tummy do flips but OH what a relief it is...when its completed :)

The BIG ONE EIGHT (18...duh)

2010-01-12T18:54:00.004-05:00

Babygirl Christen turned 18 last Friday despite my attempts for this to happen. I really feel old now saying "yeah I have an 18 year old". Gosh where did the years go? I remember distinctly being able too say I have a pre schooler...then a middle schooler...now its "she is deciding on colleges".

Snow was in the forecast but thank goodness all they got was a delay at school so her party that was planned for Fri night went off without a hitch. The pics are the banners her friends hung at Riverside (its what they do) and a couple of the birthday girl. We had a formal dinner of grilled chicken, mashed taters, rolls, and salad. Peggy the cake lady made her cake this year...I didn't love LOVE it but Christen wanted blue and silver as the color scheme for the party---to match her dress. Crazy kid but we had a long table down the center at the clubhouse and candles and balloons everywhere so it looked really good. Around 20 plus seniors came..thats what she wanted. Just a senior drama free girl party so they could dress up and be silly. It was really fun. Ali brought her 3 that C babysits alot and Amanda brought Jess but other than that everyone was 17 and up. She got alot of nice gifts from her friends which was awesome..the usual Bath and Body Works stuff, some money, gift cards, and scarfs (her fav thing in life).

Rachel has box seats for the Canes game this Saturday so they are very excited for that. I have GNO- girlies night out- on Fi so woot woot for that..but Besty Amanda is out of town so I will miss her BUT I really am looking forward to hanging out..and partaking a lil' :)

We sent her UNC CH app last night. Its due Jan 15th so we were on time. I am not in love with her essays..I like the first prompt of the best advice she has ever received and given BUT the 2nd prompt was stupid and it showed in the response. It was something about your parents have only 12 words to put on your gravestone...what and why would they put---told you...STUPID. and it had to be 250 words or less and we are wordy people...duh..you knew that right?

I am increasingly NOT ready for her to graduate. She has exams starting TH/Fr this week then T/W next week. She is exempt from Honors Anatomy and Phys exam--Holla A and less than 3 absences But she has to take the other 3 since they are AP or bench marked. Next semester will be soo much better for her and its her last semester in high school...tear...tears...SOB....whine..:(

Christmas continued, My Sissy news, & New years

2010-01-04T19:05:00.004-05:00

So we exchanged with my sister and her family the Sunday post Christmas. It was great to spend time with them as my sister was having Gastric Bypass Surgery at Rex Tuesday morning. We kept her kids in Wake Forest for a couple of days then they came her til New Years Eve when we went back over there til around 10p. I had to come home that night because Christen had invited about 15 kids to come over for the night. There was a party in the neighborhood..or 2 they went to and had a great night. I filed her FAFSA for college finally around 2:30 a.m. and went to bed at 5 to get up around 9. Whew...it flew by so fast..the whole holiday did.

2010 is a BIG year for us. Christen's 18th Birthday is Friday and she graduates in just one more semester. The thought of her not being home with me is really upon me and I find myself missing her already. I hope every parent knows the utterly endless complete love I feel for my baby girl. She has brought so much joy into everyone around her..especially me. I am so very thankful God let me keep her for 18 years and I look forward to seeing what happens the next 18

Snow & Christmas <3

2010-01-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

We were so lucky to get an early snow this year that did not call for a missed day at school :) It hung around almost all the way til Christmas Day but then the rain washed it all away..sadness. But they are calling for more snow later this week so maybe we will get lucky again.

The pic of Christen & Katie comes from the last Elevate at Summit of the year where they dressed up as stockings...too cute they were :)

Santa wrapped all his gifts this year since Christen barely drags herself out of bed by noon...which is exactly what happened again this year. She loved just taking her time to savor each present as she is in no hurry. We go to my Grandmothers (tradition) on Christmas Eve but Christmas Day is just us until our favs, the Subletts come for dinner. Christen took a breakfast/lunch break in between opening presents, talked to her friends to compare gifts, ate some more, then finally finished opening presents around 4. That girl is soooo slow opening presents. Then we had a great dinner then exchanged presents with Amanda and her crew. So fun..laid back...just FUN.

The Pilgrims ate the Indians??

2009-11-30T17:54:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving brought with it about 14 people and alot of food and FUN. My sister and her brood, her in laws, and my family all came together to celebrate the Pilgrims eating the Indians...this according to my neohew Cole...whatever..he is cute :) We gorged on food, took the annual pictures, played a trivia game that I got whooped at, jumped on the trampoline, and saw the Blind Side. Yes thats alot in one day but we can multi task. It really was a great day that our entire family spent almost 8 hours together with ZERO drama :)

Then came the weekend full of shopping and a surprise...Christen broke things off with Zack. Praise Jesus- insert hardy laugh and big grin here ------> :) Hope its lasts..

Busy week for babygirl Christen. LAX pre season starts as well as powder puff practices. Game is next Wed. She is visiting SC again..hey Austin and Hannah...hope it perks her spirits. Great timing she is leaving this close to the break up. Hopefully Austin will make it ALL better. She has a hair appt to go darker..I will miss the blonde and we are putting new tires on her car tomorrow. I swear our money just disappears in thin air. If you find it...GIVE IT BACK!!!! please and thank you :)

We spent time Sunday night with our favs the Sublett Clan playing cards and watching UNC bball. Amanda and I are planning to join a gym in the New Year. Yes people..I am serious. I mean it. I am gonna do it....I think...just kidding..really we are.

UNCW...hecky yeah

2009-11-23T20:59:00.002-05:00

Saturday night we were rushing out of the house to get to a Pampered Chef girls night at Terri's...just Christen and I. She was gonna stay with me for a bit at the party then meet Zack..insert frown here..

Anyhow....I suggested she stop by the mailbox. Not something I normally do...I don't hurry the bills into the house...and she hands me the stack of mail. As I am looking..the last piece of mail is a huge envelope from UNC Wilmington. She said "oh yeah" then I said its probably another application so don't get excited...acceptances are in smaller envelopes. She rips it open and begins intently reading. I am sitting there dying but I don't say a word. She then begins that sly sweet grin and.....I knew she got accepted.

She already got in to St Johns which is a prestigious medical school in NY but it would be a reach to go there..tuition in Manhattan..come on ya'll but we applied to just see BUT their acceptance lacked luster and was kinda boring but UNC's was beautiful with a great letter encouraging her to apply to their Honors Program...which I had already started working on anyhow in case she got it. No- its not UNC Chapel Hill but Wilmy is hard to get in as well so we are so proud..as is she. No one at RHS has gotten their acceptance yet..she was the first so its doubly exciting.

We have State left to hear from, Meredith, Clemson, ECU, and Chapel Hill-OMG...application fees have been ridiculous at 60-80$ apiece but so worth it for her to have options in my opinion. Stay tuned for those decisions and PRAY with me for UNC CH please

Clemson <3

2009-11-15T14:18:00.002-05:00

Austin came for a visit this weekend. He is quite precious and I have decided he is my future son in law. Smart, good looking, well traveled, PERFECT for my perfect Christen...:)

They went to the Clemson game at State- which we won :)

He met some of her friends and he liked them.

She is meeting him in SC the first week in Dec for another lil get together.

I am gonna see if he can come for her 18th birthday in January :)

They are going to Charleston together in April for a week. He rented a house on the beach for them...how precious

Did I mention I loved him, and I hate Zack?

My Punkins Pumpkin

2009-10-29T20:24:00.002-04:00

Scared aren't ya?

Too True

2009-10-29T19:03:00.002-04:00

OMGosh..my sister sent me this link. It really did describe me honestly to a T. Ofcourse I think its funny that the link has homorus as in Homo R Us in the line...has nothing to do with actually being a homosexual.

http://homosrus.com/drawpig.html

and Christen got into the prestigious St. Johns University in NY. Not where she really wants to go but good to know its an option. We are waiting to hear back from State by Dec 12...the rest in Jan or Feb..Go Heels :)

and we got her SAT scores back...she did improve. She murders their writing essay part getting a 10 of out 12...nobody hardly gets a 12. Too bad she does not want to do Journalism. Her combined Critical Reading and Math went up so woot woot. Looks great :) Meets the criteria for everywhere but she did that the first time she took it. She may do the ACT to see if she scores better there

and Report Cards came out..Holla....my senior that has senioritis to the max did quite well...kept all A's so woot woot for that...and she has a really hard load with AP Psych and A&P so we are relieved she did well.

Halloween is in 2 days :)

Drama

2009-10-09T18:38:00.002-04:00

Geesh...Before I get started..let me express how much I abhor drama. I even hate the word..

There has been lotsOdrama around here lately since Christen began dating Zack. I have known him since he was 10 years old..and honestly never really liked him so it has been hard for me to get on board with them dating. Christen assured me he had changed alot while away at boarding school and like most males- he is really great when its just the two of them. They have been together since early July.

She was very excited for him to come home for her homecoming at school and escort her to the dance last Saturday night. Spirit week went on last week and she loves dressing up with her friends and the senior picnic was last Friday and she enjoyed every minute. Z got home Fri night in time for them to go to the homecoming game with their friends with a cookout prior. Had a great time. Saturday came and after she got all dolled up with Mere doing a great job on her hair, new dress, and she looked spectacular. Z came here to take some pics before they went to Rebecca's with their friends then to dinner and the dance. The group was spending the night at Rachels- they typically do this post events so no one has to drive home late and to continue the fun. I don't love this aspect but I want her safe so whatever.

Rachel and Christen went to bed earlier than the rest of the group because they were tired according to Christen. She came home Sunday morning after they all went to breakfast. I asked Christen how it went, she explained that Zack just can't handle hanging out with a big group and that he turns into a jerk so she is gonna break up with him later that day. The long distance thing was just not working. So- she had a birthday party for one of her friends prior to the meeting of Zack..which she was dreading. The breakup not the party..haha

She explains to Zack how she feels and he busts up and tells her that he cheated on her the previous night while she was asleep with another girl there. OMG..ofcourse Christen freaks and yells..then cries all week bout this as I explain its his loss...she is much better than him..blah blah- all the correct parent retorts. Ok..I really hate Zack officially now.

I have argued with a friend this week over something she should have told me..continuing the drama for the week. Its Northerns homecoming tonight against Riverside..which is always drama..Christen has the SAT tomorrow...we are keeping my sisters kids this weekend...and we have worked on college application essays all week. My facebook has been weird all week and my blackberry is acting up as well... I am so tired..but hopeful next week will be better

Simple Pleasures

2009-09-30T19:34:00.003-04:00

We went to Appalachian for a quick little family vacation and stayed in Banner Elk at a log cabin. We loved every minute but the reason for the trip was to go to open house at App. Christen did not love it at all. The campus was beautiful but the dorms were awful and we just didn't get that must go here feeling.

But, we shopped, and ate out all meals, and watched a scary movie. Those are the things I love..simple pleasures. Hanging out with my family..destressing..it was amazing!!

But, we came home to the breaks on Christen's car squeaking so we had to have them replaced. Welcome home eh??

Spirit week is this week at RHS with the homecoming dance on Saturday. Zack is coming home from prep school (Blue Ridge) to go with Christen. I will post pics later

Nobody Puts Baby in the corner..RIP Patrick Swayze

2009-09-15T19:43:00.002-04:00

The iconic movie Dirty Dancing played an important role in my adolescence because I listened to the soundtrack MULTIPLE times..and still do to this day. But, before DD came out- The Outsiders captured my attention as a middle schooler. It was a great book by SE Hinton but the movie is simply fabulous bc it has not only cutie pie Swayze but ROB LOWE who is the man of my dreams.

Patrick Swayze seemed to be a nice guy who stayed married to the same woman for many years which is rare in Hollyweird. He died Monday from pancreatic cancer.

I LOVE my 80's movies and he was in a ton..Youngblood (again with my fantasy Rob Lowe), Red Dawn, the great TV series North and South- not to mention Ghost.

He will be missed!!

We are headed to the mountains this weekend for a little family respite. Its open house at Appalachian State on Saturday. Post pics later :) We are also gonna hunt for Christen a homecoming dress in Asheville. Wish us luck :)

No words but WOW..not my style

2009-09-14T17:34:00.002-04:00

I forward this as a public service, so you won't have a heart attack when the rage reaches North America .

This is the rage in Japan..

OH MY GOODNESS..if any of my friends mimic this style..be forewarned that I will make fun of you..point and laugh :)

Every girl is a Princess

2009-08-29T13:39:00.002-04:00

OK..so I borrowed my title from one of my favorite kid movies and book..The Secret Garden. If you have never seen it..go fix that immediately.

I had my Princess Pool Party last night..it was great. Lots of friends, some of the family= a great time by all. Christen invited a few of her friends as well. It was about 20 females. The best part was that it poured for about 2 hours of it...hahaha but we had a great time anyhow. Pong, hookah, the game Umbrella (hahahaha if you have never played) and the conversations cracked me up. Everything from church ofcourse was discussed- because most of us attend Summit and love it- to gay marriage and under age drinking dominated the conversations. Robbin and Mary came- my high school buddies. Kim just had her baby so she was still in the hospital. My besty Amanda came and Terri and Mere ofcourse. We swam, ate, and generally had an amazing time :) I sooo needed it!!

Last First Day...of high school

2009-08-25T19:38:00.004-04:00

My Babygirl had her last first day at Riverside High today...insert tears..from me..not her ofcourse. She has been over this whole high school thing long ago. Ready for college like now!!

She had a great day overall. Seniors get to leave campus for lunch so they hit up ChickFila. Her classes are hard already with lots of work but she said there were lots of friends in her classes. This semester she has H&I (pathway crap) Honors Anatomy & Physiology (no AP offered) Honors Eng4 (AP was just gonna be too much) and AP Psychology. Next semester is H&I again (year long ugh!) AP Statistics, AP Government & Politics, and she had service learning where she works with the mentally challenged but her last year AP Env teacher switched her to TA for her. She is so excited to do that bc she loves Ms. Lee and since they are traveling over spring break to Belize together, it will be awesome!! Its an honor to assist for an AP class and she gets AP credit for it because they consider it Independent Study so whoop whoop for her :)

On a bad note, my jeep died today and we don't know yet if its fixable or we gotta purchase a new ride. We are praying for cheap repair honestly so join me bc I love my jeep...her name is Bessie!!

She's back...sorta

2009-08-24T21:45:00.003-04:00

Well...Christen has been back for almost 2 weeks now and I am just getting to update. Sorry but its been busy :)

Malaysia was an awesome experience for her. When they got to KL at to the hotel there was a mix up of rooms so the group split up. Christen went with 3 other girls to a M house. They pretty much had to fend for themselves for 4 days. On top of that..the airlines lost her luggage so she had to buy clothes to get her thru. Life as a journeyman was tough to say the least and she learned to depend on God more than she has ever needed to to supply strength. They fasted mostly those 4 days and I am sooooo PROUD of her and her desire to share the Gospel un afraid in a Muslim country. I mean WOW just WOW!!

They reunited with the group at the end of the first week and were spoiled rotten the duration of the trip. She met many new friends, most Afrikan as KL is a bit of a melting pot- which I really didn't realize. They saw the Batu Caves and the Petronas Twin Towers. Worked at an orphanage and decided she wants to go back next summer if she can. She also played soccer fella thats trying out for Arsenal..cool eh??

A Stranger is Calling

2009-08-02T21:35:00.003-04:00

I finally received a phone call from Christen this morning. It was amazing but at the same time it was like a stranger was calling me because here is my kid attempting to sum up her experiences from the last week in Malaysia- something I cannot really grasp because I am not there with her, an I realize: OMG she is getting so grown. College is coming- is she going to UNC where we have planned and dreamed OR is she going to Clemson further away OR is she going to choose some foreign international college in a city she has visited on this trip? Uncertainties abound but this I know...how in the world did I get so lucky to be blessed with Christen who is the remarkable, strong, ethical, spiritual, beautiful, responsible person??

Here is a video link of my crazy kid eating sting ray:

http://vimeo.com/5890574

Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone

2009-07-28T19:27:00.002-04:00

Baby girl Christen left me again this afternoon for Malaysia. Now don't get me wrong..I am so excited for her...but the point is she left me...and now I am bored...to death. She is my source of entertainment and joy so now I am a veritable sourpuss.

On the other hand..her flight out of RDU was delayed...whats new. I guess she is in DC by now waiting on a flight to San Francisco because they missed the connecting flight already. Hopefully she will call me when she knows what their new flight plan is. After SF they are supposed to go to Singapore then Malaysia finally sometime Thursday here. UGH..2 days on a plane..yuck!! Her luggage was over weight but thank goodness Andrew B had room for her stuff. Its even more funny because they used to date and now just friends and they are gonna be together for a few weeks. Awkward...a bit!! I will keep you all updated :)

Cross Cultural Connections

2009-07-25T19:56:00.003-04:00

Christen had to write a paper on a book she read about bridging the international cultures. It was such a great paper that I decided to post it below. Pretty much it explains to not assume and listen to one another. A very timely lesson I believe for myself.

While reading and studying Duane Elmer’s book, Cross-Cultural Connections, I received a new perspective on how to dive into a new culture and feel comfortable with the people. Being comfortable in new surroundings is most important when doing God’s work. Without being secure in the culture, things may hinder you from bringing others to Christ. Elmer said, “By adapting to the local ways, you will feel greater fulfillment for yourself and greater effectiveness in the activity God has placed before you.” There were three main things that Duane Elmer wrote that stuck out to me; these include the need to observe, listen, and inquire, the importance of not assuming, and practicing openness, acceptance, and trust.

When observing, listening, and inquiring you show an interest in the culture. This prevents locals from thinking you are ignorant of their culture. It also prevents locals from believing you do not care. Observing, listening, and inquiring create bonds and friendships and helps the foreigner to fit in better. By listening, it provokes questions which lead to more listening which provokes more questions. Questions are a good thing because they create a relationship and interest. Listening is a sign of respect and ultimately respect is what we want to form between different cultures so the Word of God can be passed along. Without observing, listening, and inquiring- problems may occur. An example taken from the book that resulted from a lack of inquiring is when the United States government built latrines in a Muslim community in Asia. Because the American builders did not ask questions to the locals, the latrines were not used because they were facing Mecca. The attempt at improving hygiene was a failure simply because the foreign builders did not observe, listen, and inquire.

When in another culture we often assume, which leads to wrong assumptions and bad situations. Examples used in the books include; the fish analogy, where the monkey thought he was saving the fish by pulling him out of the water only to have the fish die from not being in its natural environment – water. The snow tires are an example where the author, Elmer, gave his wife snow tires as an anniversary present, which at the time Elmer thought was a practical and expensive gift but the nice gesture blew up in his face as his wife hated the present. There was a misunderstanding of what a practical and expensive gift meant between Elmer and his wife because they grew up in two very different cultures. Duane Elmer calls all of these situations, “acting out of our own frame of reference.” Assumptions sometimes send out the wrong message and cause problems. Instead of assuming other cultures are similar to our own, we should reach out and yet again observe, listen, and inquire.

Duane Elmer said, “Practicing openness, acceptance, and trust will give you a big advantage in building wonderful relationships in your new cultural venture and will enrich your life wherever you are.” The definition of openness is the ability to welcome people into your presence and help them feel safe. The definition of acceptance is the ability to communicate value, regard, worth, and respect to others. The definition of trust may be competence or credibility. Trust is also the glue of all good relationships. With such strong meanings of the terms openness, acceptance, and trust how could I not include them into what I learned from Duane Elmer and how they can be used in other cultures? We have openness, acceptance, and trust in God so why not share it with others so they can see what a true relationship is. The headline quote for chapter eight is a
Burmese Proverb that states, “If the relationship is strong, the truth will be accepted.” I fully believe this whether it is a relationship with God or a relationship with someone from a different culture. In Malaysia if I create a relationship with a local there, the truth of God should pour out from me since that is the main relationship in my life and since that relationship is based on faith and trust you know it has to be the truth. To create a relationship there must be a pursuit of one another. To have a relationship with God we must pursue Him just as He pursued us. As followers of Jesus we want to be more like Him and since He first pursued us we should want to pursue others, forming a bond based on trust in Him. Romans 15:5-7 says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

I digress & Girls Night Out

2009-07-25T19:28:00.004-04:00

Busy busy week...trying to help Christen get everything together for her trip since she leaves Tuesday. We found out flippin Verizon does not have service in Malaysia so I will not be getting text updates from her :0( which makes me sad. I just do NOT understand how she had service ALL over Europe last summer but absolutely NO coverage in Malaysia but I digress.

Christen had her PE tube removed from her ear Thursday. She was quite funny because the meds they gave her wiped her out. She has no memory from the time they put her out til she woke up at home in her own bed which was about 6 hours worth. She mumbled crazy things which was hilarious like calling the backseat of the car the couch and saying aloud "I have not been drinking" to the recovery room nurse. They ended up not having to graft from the other ear which is marvelous. Randi came over that night to hang out with her and she went out (LATE) Fri night so she is back to her regular impertinent self. She is going back out tonight to see a movie- Orphan. We have church in the morning- Alex is getting baptized as well as her friend Megan then we have her last Malaysia meeting at 1 then Rachel is coming for the night. Monday will be her packing day I guess because she will be out of time. That child just cannot stay at home these days- Run run run..oh well..I digress.

GNO was last night and we went to Maggiano's to celebrate my besty's day of birth. Not only was it Amanda and I but Leslie, Angie, Jenny, Carrie, and my sister joined. It went so well. We ate like piggies, laughed, drank a lil, and laughed more. Pedro is now our inside joke and it is hilarious.

Again???

2009-07-15T21:07:00.003-04:00

We had the unpleasant news today that Christen needs surgery...again. I swear this child has bionic ears due to the billions of insurance dollars spent on specialist co-pays..just kidding..thousands I guess. She retained her last set of PE tubes in one of her ears..the other fell out like they are supposed to. She has been having some pain lately in the ear that still has the tube so off we went to her ENT..Robert Taylor..LOVE him and his dry sense of humor self. He goes..well come look here. He sticks the otoscope in her ear...and it has a camera thats cooler than ice..so I see not only her cute lil blue PE tube but this gross crap he calls some name I do not know..then says well..its like plaque and scar tissue mixed together holding the tube in like glue. Its not coming out on its on so lets schedule surgery next Thursday so she will heal up by the following Tuesday when she leaves for Pacific Rim. Crickets were heard as Christen mulled over the fact she was facing an IV...again. She hates them and she is a hard stick so its a bit painful and creeps her out. Luckily they gas her then stick..hopefully, so no drama. THEN...Dr. Taylor says we have to take a graft on her other ear to place over the hole the tube is leaving because a patch is not big enough this time. OUCH!!

So the only cure for this appointment was...shopping ofcourse. We hit the Target too for all her snacks and travel essentials for the trip since she may not feel like getting out alot next weekend. Then we visited with Carrie for a while. Randi is coming home from Florida tonight because they had an outbreak of the swine flu at the camp she was working at. Christen made her a cute welcome home poster for her door.

and...we got her AP scores back- woot for passing them :) Per Christen "That junk was hard".

Freedom (and not the song by George Michael- which I happen to LOVE)

2009-06-30T14:56:00.002-04:00

This is an untouched up photo taken in Arizona. I think its beautiful and symbolizes our TRUE freedom that was granted by Jesus. Please don't get me wrong, I appreciate and value every brave soldier that fights for my earthly freedoms regardless of where they serve- on the front or in an office BUT I place the value higher on His sacrifice and His blood that was spilled for me. Alex, age 12 recognized this sacrifice last night while attending camp at Crossroads with Clayton King- who is simply amazing and you can look him up at Crossroads Worldwide if you have never heard of him. Have you ever felt that tug at your heart, the need to stand up despite all embarrassment, and profess you are a sinner, you believe that Jesus was the Son of God, that He died for our sins, then rose 3 days later? Well Alex stood up in the light with everyone looking at him and did this. Now I call him brave too!! Happy July 4th - enjoy your freedom

Dodgeball, Clemson, Final grades, and the Beach

2009-06-21T17:05:00.002-04:00

Christen's AP Environmental Class had a huge dodge ball game against AP Psych. Christen has her friend Chris draw the shirts and they are really funny. Look closely and tell me what you see.

Christen visited Hannah in SC and also toured Clemson while she was there. They offered some scholarship money and she meets all criteria to go into their Honors program. She is so excited at the the thought of going there. I am hyperventilating about out of state scholarship. She really would choose Clemson over UNC CH I believe. We will have to wait and see her options. The ladies in the pic with her are her leaders she had in Europe last summer and has keep in touch with. They took her to lunch after her tour and live only like 5 minutes from Clemson.

The beach was amazing, the weather fantastic, and I am as dark as a Mexican. Christen's phone took a dip in the ocean and now her screen is all messed up. You can call it and she can answer but she cannot see texts. I told her I am not replacing it..yeah right. I am punishing her for a while though. She and Rebecca...aka Boozy...had fun and she needed the break before babysitting duties ensue tomorrow :)

Her final grades came in while we were gone. They were great as usual. She did MUCH better than she thought on APUSH and freaking French 4's exams. Thank God for AP credit because her lowest grade is 101 in APUSH. These are the grades that get sent to colleges in Fall so she is in good shape!!

PROUD

2009-06-09T20:05:00.002-04:00

I let Christen drive all the way to Anderson, SC by herself last Sunday for the first time to visit Hannah- her friend she made in Europe last summer and to officially visit Clemson...which happened today. Big surprise...she LOVED it there. Clemson offered $14,000 off their tuition of $27,000 for an academic scholarship..as long as she remains in their Honors Program- which she would have applied for anyhow. She meets all their guidelines like SAT score, GPA and such. They also accept her AP classes thus far so she will enter as a 2nd semester Freshman if she attends. UNC CH is still her 1st choice..HOLLA..so I pray she gets in there but I really am at peace if she goes to Clemson for lots of reasons. She adores Newspring church there..went last summer at her visits so she has a church family already. Her leader from the P2P trip lives nearby so she has a mentor near- she had lunch with Jan today after the tour so they have reconnected. Anyhow..Holla for Christen and her hard work thats paying off :)

I also came home to mail..the good kind. Christen was nominated for a National Student Leadership Award. She goes to Washington in the Fall to meet with Congress and the Legislature to accept. How cool is that?

School ended for her after a long hard week of exams last Friday at 11 am. She comes home from SC tomorrow and has a Malaysia meeting at 6 THEN we are headed to the beach for almost 2 weeks. I cannot wait!!!

Promalicious PromOrama

2009-05-12T17:35:00.003-04:00

Okay Okay...yes this is a Prom update:

Christen went with Tommy Stern as her date. They are just "friends with benefits" per her so I have NO idea what that means exactly. Meredith did a great job on her hair and make up at Stage One. Her dress was gorgeous...loved the green. Her jewelry was perfect. Tommy picked out a great corsage that matched exactly his boutonniere. They went with a big old group. Took pics at Rebecca's then at Duke Gardens. Thank goodness the rain started the second we were done with pictures and the kids were in the Suburban. They worked on Prom decorations for 14 hours the Friday before and it looked marvelous. They went to Camp Riverlea for after party all night and had a great time she said. Tommy brought her home Sunday morning. Christen said it was all just perfect so woot for the perfect Prom 09'.

Student elections are starting for SGA next year and she is running for Student Body again. Hopefully she will win. We made some killa posters last night and she will hand out candy the day of elections. Hey...give me a snickers and I will vote for you..hahahaha

She got in to the National Honor Society we found out last week. The induction is next week and so is her lacrosse banquet at Satisfactions. She finished up her AP exams tomorrow thank the Lord. She said her APES was hard as anything she ever took but the APUSH she anticipated to be hard was not. Go figure-I met her APES teacher Ms. Lee- one of her favs..they are going to Belize next year for Spring Break. Christen is so excited. More so than Malaysia this summer I think. She needs to get on board with that :)

Beach is this weekend I think we have decided..depending on weather. Possible rain but I am gonna wait til like Thursday to decide. I need...no wait...I require some sun on my face!!!

Best Intentions

2009-04-24T22:38:00.002-04:00

I adore...you hear me..read me??? I LOVE the show Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC. Kate Gosselin,the mama of 8 spoke in Raleigh today at the RALEIGH Woman' Show. She was..um..well...quite disappointing. I am sure she is a lovely woman to her friends, but she was dry, looked afraid of us, and acted actually annoyed to be up there. She did a Q and A kinda thing. We left about 5 questions in..I was over it. But, I still love the show just not a fan of hers. I am sure she had the best intentions of wowing us..she failed miserably.

So, I bought a really cool ring for Chrissy Poo to wear to the prom and a really awesome Ed Hardy bag..read expensive for those of you that are fashion senseless. She met us after the show and we went to Kendalls Wakefield softball game at Milbrook then poor C had a S.A.T. prep session since she takes it May 6 to just remind her the Math part. She loved her tutor and is going to go back tomorrow to finish up. At 50 bucks an hour, hope she finishes soon. Hahahaha. Anyhow- after that she met us at Chili's- we love it. So I bring out my cool items that I picked out for her...the ring is tight and she hates the purse. I can't take either back so it sucks...and I had the best intentions too.

Easter, Lacrosse, new additional job, Florida, and Beach

2009-04-22T17:33:00.003-04:00

Wow- its been quite the busy few weeks since I last updated so get ready for a mad catchup-

Easter- Christen was in Florida but I sent a basket with Carrie for her to have and the girls exchanged cute little things. Jimmy and I and the whole Sublett Clan went to Summit the Saturday night before Easter Sunday b/c our church was making room for the slew of visitors expected. It was awesome and amazing and then we went to dinner with the Subletts in Brier Creek. Jimmy and I shopped a little after dinner at Dicks to get Christen her official UNC NCAA tee shirt for her basket to open here when she got home and then to Target to buy my kitty cats Easter stuff. Yes I know thats a bit over the top, but thats just me. I also picked Mom out some dark chocolate truffles from Rocky Mt Company which she loves. I had already picked up her Happy perfume and shower gel from Macy's.

Lacrosse- Its really going well with Christen. She is increasingly becoming interested in Clemson if UNC says nope. She has started every game and played just about every minute. She loves it and is in great shape. Her Abs are amazing since they hold a stick and cradle it.

I started a new night nursing position at Croasdaile because a good friend of mines mother in law had had multiple strokes and is the Pavilion there. I am working 3 nights a week and sharing the other days with Amanda. Bonnie B is working weekends. Its not alot of nursing going on b/c she sleeps most nights. I did catch her having another stroke 2 weeks ago tonight which I argued with the floor nurse over -she thought she was not. I was correct :) But- its good money to nap and I need it b/c Christen's summer schedule is expensive as usual. Thats a whole nother post.

Florida- They had a great time. I attached a pic. She gots lots of sun- which was great b/c she is tanning now leading up to the prom on May 9. She has a reunion this weekend in Charlotte with her Europe team. She ate great food b/c the Lee's do it up. Sushi, Japanese, Waldo's, etc..and 2 movies to boot. She needed a big break but ofcourse did homework the whole time- hahaaha

Beach- Just got back from Wilmington with Amanda and Mom. We had a great time. Ate at my fav seafood place..Michaels. Got some sun..it was nice to relax.

Broken fingers and toes and nose..OH MY

2009-04-01T21:15:00.003-04:00

I have been complaining the last week over my puffy foot on top. It has felt like something was amiss but I couldn't figure out what exactly..I needed an xray...so I got one...yupp...I broke some funny sounding bone on top according to the P.A. There is nothing really to do for it but elevation and recovery by staying off it but that is not happening anytime soon...or I can have surgery and get it shaved..umm..no way

Christen got checked really hard yesterday at her LAX game by some neandrathal..haha...kid from Carrboro...and broke her ring finger on her writing hand according to the sports med peeps. But my beast of a daughter played the whole game anyhow...love her :) She has another game at home tomorrow...and she found out her GPA is higher than we thought b/c she really did well last quarter...so woot woot for a 4.57 GPA weighted ofcourse. She turned in her app for Nat. Hon. Society last week. We are praying she gets selected but only 1/3 that meet criteria are accepted. Tough stuff eh?? Oh, and her coach selected her to play in the state games to represent NC (point) in lacrosse...but she will be at camp during 2 practices and in Malaysia for the games...oh well..so she cannot do it this year.

And Christen went to her primary Dr. today because her sinuses are killing her and her meds are not helping. She has a bacterial infection in her sinuses so she is taking horse pills that Mr. Ed himself would balk at. I told you we were falling apart in the title..remember??

They are going this weekend to get the boys tux for prom. How fun....I remember those days :)

OOps

2009-03-26T19:30:00.001-04:00

Hey Josh...do NOT tell the prom stuff i spilled down there. they are NOT telling. Everything has a question mark, including the invites. thanks pal...do NOT tell or Christen will beat you up!! or me since I told..hahahaha

Sorry my dear FOLLOWER.. yes you Amanda

2009-03-26T19:03:00.003-04:00

I know its been a while. I have been super busy. But, I will catch you up..as if you don't know already Amanda and Josh :)

Christen's lacrosse is going really REALLY well. We just got back from a weekend in Wilmington and Christen won MVP. She is so awesome at this. I am so used to soccer, soccer, and more soccer so its taken some getting used to let me tell ya. But, honestly- she is amazing. Her Coach says she is ready for Div2 colleges now and maybe if she works really hard this summer she could play in Div1. Well...isn't that special? I am impressed with her coaches. the team is just that..a TEAM. They are so great to one another..not bad for a team of 30 teenagers. the parents are nice and inclusive. I could not be more surprised :)

My besty Amanda and Scott went courtesy his employer, to an all inclusive resort in Mexico for 5 days and I got to keep her 3 sweet kiddies. I was already in love with Alex- her 11 year old BUT i also fell for Caleb who is 3 and Jess who is 9. I am glad we stopped with the one kid, Christen because I got to see first hand how hard it is to split yourself in so many directions. The time went by fast, I was very sad for it to end. Jess is in a play this week at Voyager..Suessical..I may have misspelled there..Oh well. Acting is her thing. She is dramatic so she will do well. The kids went with us to Wilmy and Amanda and I are headed there for Spring Break.

We found Christen's prom dress also. Its sparkly and green and I will post pics when she is all dolled up on May 9. She is going with Tommy- her sweet friend. they will have a blast. Big group of them ofcourse. the prom theme is "Clue" like the old board game. she is head of prom committee so she has worked really hard for it. They have booked 2 ball rooms with a secret room, rented old fancy classic cars and antiques to decorate and such..too cool. In fact, she headed a fund raiser today..student/faculty dodge ball game where they got wiped by the teachers. She had a game at DA today as well. Busy kid!!

Her friends Rachel and Ernie are in a play this weekend at school. Romeo and Juliet so she is doing that tomorrow night after her home game against Cape Fear. Spring Break is coming up in about 2 weeks. She is going to FL with Randi again. She loves it there. They have a Christian Camp and its near enough to fun stuff so she is excited. She has been many times before so I don't worry much :)

NCAA tourney is in full swing. We play tomorrow night against Gonzaga. OMG I hope we win. the pic above is when we beat Duke this last time :) I LOVE my Heels.

Wheeze Cough Cough Sneeze (and other body noises..ew)

2009-02-19T14:36:00.002-05:00

So, I have literally felt as bad as I ever have in my life..minus car accident. It came out of nowhere Sunday afternoon and I am still hacking and its Thursday. I have not worked ALL week nor done much else at home. The house is a wreck despite the families intermittent pick ups. You know I am sick when the house has not been vacuumed in 5 days..hahaha It started with the worst asthma attacks and morphed into a terrible horrible cold. Flu maybe?? I give up. I have not eaten anything other than 2 apples, apple juice (I crave it), and 2 popcicles since Sunday. Maybe I will lose a lil weight..I can only dream. Today I can actually hold my head up but if I move around too much, I barf..so needless to say..I live on the couch. Good thing its comfortable. My besty Amanda brought me..get ready for this one...breathsavers- the mint. How funny.>> Get it..I was wheezing and she brought me..breath savers. I thought it was quite clever and it gave me a laugh til I was nauseous again..hahaha LOVE HER!!

Christens LAX is going very well. Soccer did prove to be drama this year at tryouts so we know she made the right decision to play LAX. The coaches have been very supportive to her..telling her she is doing well and really gets it. Good for her..no drama is great!! Her progress reports came out...woot woot 103 in french 4, 100 in Marketing, 109 in APES, and 90 in APUSH (hey we will take it). That teacher sucks!!

ValenTIMES ( I meant to spell it that way)

2009-02-15T19:23:00.004-05:00

ValenTIMES...yes my child used to call it that...and I miss it :)

Valentimes was a weekend long celebration. It started Friday. Mom and I shopped for our lovies then lunched it with Christen at Tripps. Then, we went to see Christen's Voyager cheerleaders for the last time this year. They were cheering on the basketball team - girls team- for the tournament. They came in second to a beast team but good for them. Then we went to dinner with Big Dan and Carrie. I came home and wrapped all the Valentines. Christen ofcourse was out with her friends seeing some scary movie and dinner at SP.

Saturday was cleaning in the morning as usual but followed by dinner and cards at the Subletts. We had a great time, laughed the WHOLE night about our Russian waitress who was really not Russian but had NO personality, and about other stuff that nobody but us would find humor in. Christen went to an authentic mexican fiesta at her friend's house then to the movies to see that ShopaHolic thing and then to Randi's. She met us at church this morning then off to brunch with the Sublett Clan at the CB. Shopping followed ofcourse then to Harris Teeter. Now finally we are home and I just found out Duke lost to BC and I am waiting on the UNC v Miami game to start. The win UNC had this week against DOOK was gift enough but for them to lose to BC...woot flippin woot.

LAX starts for C tomorrow...I am scared she is gonna get hurt. More on that later

Surgery Follow Ups

2009-02-09T19:32:00.003-05:00

Scott had his surgery last Thursday and it went well. He was home by lunch time Friday and had very little pain. I must say though that his room at the surgical hospital was HUGE and was nicely appointed..did I say spacious?? Gosh it was very nice. A chef came to his room to ask him how he preferred his meal.>>Honest!! I watched the Sublett Clan on Thursday til Amanda came home and they did well. I was worried about the littlest Sublett but C did awesome. It was a good warm up for the Mexican vacation Scott and Amanda are going on and I get the joy of watching the kids again. It really helps to do a run through for school, meals, etc and we passed with flying colors I think.

Christen had her surgery Friday mid morning by Dr. Frost. She went to school Friday morning because the Chancellor at UNC was speaking in her APES class. Well, she was SO glad she went b/c she won a UNC shirt by answering some nerd question right..then her teacher. Mrs. Lee..asked her for it. Ofcourse Christen let her have it. Christen then got to speak again with the dean of Admissions..who remembered her from her initial interview..woot..score!! AND then Mrs. Lee is the National Honor Society coordinator at RHS- and its time for the Spring induction for Juniors..and my boo got her bid in..thank the lord. She has worked soooo hard for all these years for this..she has been in National Junior Honor Society since middle school but this is so much better. Its on her transcript when she applies for early decision at college so we are excited :) So she rolls up at her surgery..10 minutes late..haaha..and says "I have had the best day" and tells us all these events. They put her asleep and I had to wake her in recovery..she was out. Her lip looked all wicked swollen but she was happy its over. She did well, had some bleeding issues Fri afternoon but by Saturday afternoon, she wanted to go shopping for LAX stuff with Randi. Carrie went with us too and we lunched it at Jason's Deli and shopped a bit at Old Navy.

The Lord has blessed Scott and Christen with some quick healing and tiny pain..so lucky!! Thanks for ALL your prayers b/c it has worked. I have seen it and glad to tell you about His grace that He gives us freely despite the fact we can never ever earn it.Why is that concept so hard to fathom sometimes?

Salivary gland in your...lip??

2009-01-28T19:46:00.002-05:00

We discovered today that we have salivary glands in our bottom lips. Crazy eh? We found this out because Christen is having hers removed next Friday. She popped herself in her own mouth about 2 months ago and it never healed. It always looks like she has a busted lip. Well, turns out it will never heal so it has to be surgically removed from Dr. Frost. She has to be put under anesthesia and everything. Leave it to my child to need surgery from a self endured injury..hahahaah. Hopefully the stitches will be out by the time LAX starts the next week.

anddd....Scott gets his back surgery next Thursday. This is great news as he is in great pain and numb. I like his ortho..Dr. Dimig. He is a great surgeon so woot woot for some reconciliation. Hopefully workers comp will agree and approve quickly. Amanda has handled all this with grace and I am so very proud she has turned out to be a great nurse for him. Its hard when your man is aching..men are such babies when it comes to pain. Lets pray his surgery will provide immediate relief for him :)

Christmas finally & the awesomely great Snow Day & LAX

2009-01-22T21:07:00.005-05:00

We finally celebrated Christmas with my sisters family this past Sunday. I made a bunch of spaghetti and Kendall made the dirt cake (think chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed oreos=YUM). Christen loved her newest Coach, jewelry, Benefit (makeup), and clothes BUT the gift of the day was the framed print of Franklin Street post a big UNC win. She LOVED it like it was a million bucks. OMG..I am gonna die if she does not get into UNC CH next year..just put me in a grave.

Anyhoo, then came the best snow day in 4 years we have had. Well thats the last time NC had a sizeable snow. The Lee's came over with Randi, Dani, and Madi. Then Terri and Mere bear came. They sledded all day, and I mean ALL day long. They snow boarded into the ditches, and no one got any new booboo's-well one Booboo-- see video attached hahahaha. They came in around 4 and I made hot spiced tea and hot chocolate while they played the wii. It was soooo fun. Jimmy stayed home from work too. It was a blast. I made chili and then found out they had a delay today at school. So Christen was a happy chickie.

Her new semester started today. She is sooo glad to be out of Calculus. It about killed her but she did well on the exam and class. She is in a combo Honors french 4/AP french 5 class and loves it. Only 7 kids total so it should really go well. APUSH continues and she has some marketing class along with AP Earth Environmental. So woot- only 3 AP classes this semester. Its been a long year so far.

BUT- her day went well not only b/c she found out she finished well with all her exams and classes but because she officially made varsity lacrosse today as their starting goalie. Yep- I about fell out too. She has been playing soccer since age 4 and club ball as well BUT she decided last year she wanted to try LAX since its her last chance. The LAX coach has hounded her abit b/c they needed a goalie and she finally gave in. Its her choice to make..so you go girl :) Only Christen could quit a sport that she has started in since freshman year to switch to a totally new sport she has never played and be a starter as well. Oh well...I need to take her to Vegas with that luck I guess :0)

Life sucks ducks sometimes

2009-01-14T21:48:00.004-05:00

Well..to catch up..Christen's birthday was last Thursday..her friends threw her a surprise party (with my help) on Saturday. It went well..she was totally surprised. She thought she was just gonna have dinner with Randi at La Cocina. When she walked in..14 of her nearest and dearest greeted her..it was great :) Then they spent the night here and had a wii party/air hockey- Patrick- neighbor kid up the road had a party Saturday night too so they strolled up there for a bit. Us adults stayed back and laughed at Leondro (Randi's foreign exchange student) playing air hockey. He whooped us all..sad I know..in my own HOUSE!!

This week is exam week for her. You cannot exempt exams as a junior BUT as a senior..if you have an A and less than 3 absences..you do not have to take them. UNC mailed out their early acceptances today. Alot got in that we know..we pray she is one of the lucky that get in next year this time ...hopefully!!

I had lunch Monday with some old friends from high school. I was so nervous..for no reason. It was awesome..we are planning a girl beach trip in April. It should be fun. We are gonna try and go out more often. They were all skinny and looked the exact same...but oh well..gotta love yourself.

Christen was invited to go skiing this weekend and she cannot go bc we are exchanging presents with my sister and her family on Sunday- they are out of school until Wed..so C is mad at me. Cannot help it..the date cannot be changed..life sucks sometimes..so shoot me I am not ready for her to drive all the way from Boone alone by herself...and it may snow..

and I have a cold..cough...sneeze, and cough again..life sucks ducks sometimes :)

2009-01-11T20:24:00.003-05:00

TAG..thanks Amanda :) Bold the statements that you have completed please:

1. Started your own blog (this one)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France- but I saw it in DC
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one (too many)
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Ode To Amanda

2009-01-05T17:36:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

Its sappy-I know..but it is true :)

Click the link above

Fireworks, lawnmowers, Freddy Krueger nails, family, surprise, and wii boxing

2009-01-02T12:54:00.004-05:00

Yes..all these words have special meaning to me this holiday season. Ready for the explanations?

1) Fireworks- On the way from lovely Amanda's home to the our party destination New Years Eve...Amanda saw some fireworks off in the distance so she promptly follows these sparkling lights. Until we did not see anymore like 2 seconds later ofcourse- they disappeared as quickly as they appeared. But- we found ourselves way off course and she had no idea where we were. So I showed her the true country of BFE and we drove to the end of every road and turned right til she figured out where we were. Now thats what NYE is for right?? Well it was funny to us..

2) Lawnmowers- well...we had girls night last night and played Scene it..a DVD game we love..and I swear my team got the hardest most weird questions...as in "what did so and so (this movie I have never heard of) drive across country? The answer....a lawn mower..how strange..but we laughed all night about it

3) Freddy Kruger Nails- Again its NYE and we are at our party destination after our miles long drive for fireworks display...anyhoo...we were playing spoons...but I refused to sit beside a certain person because she has really REALLY long nails ( to freakin long to in my humble opinion). Freddy Krueger took offense at my stating this and took every opportunity to say at any given point in the night...I didn't cut you did I??..really sarcastically. Obviously she does not know who I am..Mrs. Sarcastic..its my middle name- go check vital records

4) Family- I love my family...most of the time...and we have spent alot of time together over this season which is awesome..many meals together..hanging out..playing around..its great

5) Surprise- My sweet Caleb recently began sleeping in a big boy bunk bed and was going to show me..at first reluctantly...as we progressed down the hall to his room..he promptly made me shut my eyes and he said so SOOOO quietly "surprise"..it melted me...literally melted me

6) Wii boxing- I would put a video link up but my mama would kill me...suffice it to say..I love to watch my Mom wiggle and giggle and shake it while boxing..its the funniest thing ever..but she is awesome at it so whatever works right?

I am sure there are many more funny things that have happened over the break like..my child running her car battery down Christmas Eve night...My cat flipping off the table...Jimmy gushing over new socks..he loved them alot and Amanda and I almost running out of gas!!! but the ones above won the title. Hope your holiday brought you some fun with your loved ones and memories that last..happy 2009..hope you are better than last year :)

Post Christmas/Pre New Years Eve FUN

2008-12-28T19:06:00.002-05:00

Alrighty..well Christmas was a few days ago...and I am ready for next year. Its starts for us on Christmas Eve..we go to my step Grandmothers house which we have every year of my life thus far...it was weird as usual because I see family that I only see once per year. They do not know us really and we do not know them yet we exchange presents so its always uncomfortable. My sister was sick with a nasty bug so we went to retrieve her kids to hang with Christen while she stayed home with her husband..lucky ducks. The kids were so bored that they snuck outside to Christens car to listen to music. They fell asleep ofcourse. I came out to leave and immediately saw Christens gas tank thingie popped out. I freaked and was like OMG..somebody syphoned her gas??? But NO..her asleep foot was on the inside latch. Okay...whew..I laughed that off and we went to leave....Nothing...her car would not start- they ran the battery down. No cables in her car ofcourse..lucky us..the neighbors were outside. They had cables and all was well so back to Wake Forest to drop her kids off. Its now like 11 p.m. and I still gotta wrap Santa..we do that. Home to Rougemont by 12 thank God and we had to exchange one gift apiece. Okay...2 a.m. and Santa is wrapped and ready..put out too. Finally sweet sleep.

Okay..then came beautiful Christmas Day. Usually we volunteer at Patricks but he is closed now..thanks recession :(...so I got up and began cooking for dinner with the Subletts and breakfast. Finally Christen gets up around 11:30 a.m....she always sleeps late..even when she was little. We did Santa..ate breakfast..finished cooking for dinner...and showered. Dinner was great...playing air hockey and the wii was awesome after..the company was outstanding :) We hopefully have started a new tradition with them..Then we exchanged the rest of our gifts to one another. I got my Jon and Kate book I wanted more than anything..and lots more. Christen loved everything..she is always gracious and thankful. She has spoken with Austin alot this week and is in a great mood.

The day after Christmas was spent shopping and exchanging some things with great success. Then mexican fiesta night with the Turners and exchanging with them.

Saturday was spent cleaning all day and grocery shopping.

Today, Sunday- was church then to Charlotte to meet Hannah who is staying with us for a week. She and Christen are funny...planning what to do this week. August was the last time they saw one another and that was when Austin left for Spain so it was tear soaked.

Now..I am pooped. I am ordering Christen tickets for Rent as I type this..haha. Its for her birthday which is in 2 weeks.

BUT..New Years Eve is looming and I am excited to hang with Amanda..who needs a babysitter so if anybody out there is looking for some cash??? Holla Holla

Gearing up

2008-12-22T19:49:00.002-05:00

Its almost time..just 3 more days til Christmas..I am finally getting a tad bit excited. I am almost done with shopping. Still a lil' bit to pick up tomorrow. I have completed the Costco and grocery store run..that helped. Man was Costco packed out...Harris Teeter was surprisingly NOT. Woot for that. I really only asked for a book...typical me..I want the Kate Gossling book Multiple Blessings. I love that show..John and Kate Plus 8..ever seen it?

I have got to figure out tonight how to get some gifts I am sending to the Holidays to someone on the trip. They leave right after Christmas so I am out of time. All they asked for was some baseball cards for Kurt, peppermint patties for JK, clothes for RA, and Kung Fu Panda for sweet Joshie. If I was in South Africa and could ask for anything...it would NOT be any of those things. They are so sweet and content in their life there. I would probably be asking for a plane ride home...hahaahah true dat'

Christen has been busy. Me too..whats new. She is out with her besties tonight for dinner then they are staying at Courts to exchange presents. Rachel is in Brazil but they will be back for New Years partying. They are going to a party here then to the lake with their whole posse. Hannah is coming December 27 until after New Years. We are goin to Terri and Billy's as usual. I was sick yesterday..pukesville. Christen has been fighting a cold..tis the season I guess

The Subletts are coming for dinner Christmas..should be great fun. I am excited. I got all my fixins today- my famous turkey, taters, stuff to make a coconut cake, green bean casserole, and other yummies. Me and Alex will eat..I dunno about Jess and Caleb...maybe I need to get a pizza...hahaha

My Christmas Wish

2008-12-10T22:10:00.001-05:00

I got this in a email from my sister and thought it blog worthy-

THIS CHRISTMAS, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Go to church. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.

The above short sentences are but inklings of a vast category; a mere scratching of the surface. They are simple things; you have heard them all before; but their influence has never been measured.

Christmas is celebration, and there is no celebration that compares with the realization of its true meaning - with the sudden stirring of the heart that has extended itself toward the core of life. Then, only then, is it possible to grasp the significance of that first Christmas - to savor in the inward ear the wild, sweet music of the angel choir; to envision the star-struck sky, and glimpse, behind the eyelids, the ray of light that fell athwart a darkened path and changed the world.

If we all were able to perform a fraction of these, imagine what an improved, wonderful, peaceful, reverent life we could create. During this Christmas season, I wish you love, happiness and peace that only knowing the LORD can bring.

I sing you to me & Pearl Harbor & the awesome movie Australia

2008-12-08T17:57:00.002-05:00

A little background info is needed:

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Japanese navy against the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941, later resulting in the United States becoming militarily involved in World War II. It was intended as a preventive action to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from influencing the war Japan was planning to wage in Southeast Asia against Britain, the Netherlands, and the United States. The attack consisted of two aerial attack waves totaling 353 aircraft, launched from six Japanese aircraft carriers.

The attack sank four U.S. Navy battleships and damaged four more. The Japanese also sank or damaged three cruisers, three destroyers, and one minelayer, destroyed 188 aircraft, and caused personnel losses of 2,402 killed and 1,282 wounded. The power station, shipyard, maintenance, and fuel and torpedo storage facilities, as well as the submarine piers and headquarters building (also home of the intelligence section) were not hit. I would say they(Japanese) needed better intelligence or better aim?

We went to see the movie Australia last night..which happened to be the anniverary of this Pearl Harbor attack- coincidence really- providential probably. It was awesome. There were many story lines in this epic but the attack the Japanese inacted against Australia following Pearl Harbor was one I really did not know about. I also did not know that in the 1930's they began sending children that were mixed (Aboriginal and European) to Mission Island..ran by the church to correct these so-called mixed kids and teach them to be of service to white families. OMG..I bawl any time I see any racism occur but this really hurt my feelings..cue the UGLY crying face. Nulla was one of these "lost" children and Nicole Kidman grew to love him but needed to let him go b/c his grandfather was the local medicine man and they were to go on walk about..their custom- it meant she may not ever see him again. Anyway, Nulla sang songs and would tell Nicole "I sing you to me" when they were apart...meaning they would find each other. Geesh I am a sap b/c thats about the sweetest thing. Christen texted me today and said she was singing to me..I bawled more. Thats our new saying and I love it. When she is away from me again this summer..I am gonna sing her to me so she knows I love her and am thinking of her.

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-06T19:56:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE

Click above for one of my fav youtube links. Maybe it will improve your Christmas Spirit. Mine has been lacking so far. Lots on my mind...aging parents, the economy, Christen getting older and less dependent on me- just life in general. Good thing its only Dec 6th...plenty of time to "fix" it.

Gobble Gobble

2008-11-28T18:26:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving has came and went. We joined the million masses out there shopping today. I felt like I was in literal hell with all the people bumping into me and giving the "stink eye" to people I saw cut in line. Thank God we met my sister for lunch at Wild Wings late so the madness ended. But- I did find what I was looking for..so it was all worth it :) I am missing my pal Amanda who left me (how dare she)..hahaha. She went to PA with her family BUT alas she will be back sometime this weekend. Hope it was lots of fun for her. We are putting up Christmas decorations the rest of the weekend. Yes it takes that long and supposed to be partying at the Turner's casa on Saturday night..we'll see. Christen and Kendall had a great time on Thanksgiving during their typical photo shoot- see the pics. Cole was with his Dad and Britt and Chris were with their Mom so Kendall and Christen were the only teenagers in the house with 9 old people. They went and saw 4 Christmas's last night and said it was funny. She is off with Rebecca tonight to see Twilight yet again. Then tomorrow is the UNC football game at Duke. Thank G we got tickets :)

Hope you had a great holiday and love my new Christmas layout.

Why do I wait til Thanksgiving to remind me what exacty I am thankful for?

2008-11-25T18:19:00.002-05:00

I really wonder why I do that. I love my family, I love my friends- most of the time, and I love my husband..ALL YEAR LONG..I also noticed that I am thankful only after times of needs (when the need is met). I am going to work on that. Its not my New Years turning over a new leaf deal, but I am going to seriously pay more attention to that particular flaw I have. So- here goes it..a list of my thankful things, not a complete list BUT its a start!!

My beautiful, sweet, smart, responsible, honest daughter
My beautiful, godly, and hilarious mother
My husband who puts up with my crap even though I suck most days
My sister, niece, and nephew that mean the world to me..and their dog Rex who licks me
My friend Amanda who I am just getting really close to after knowing each other casually for years and her precious family (MINT JELLY)
My warm house that always has a full pantry of food
Heat and air condition
Terri/Meredith/and Billy for being my extended family
My friends Connie M, Carrie L, and Connie S
The missionaries out there sowing seeds all over this troubled world to save people they have never even met
Joshie and his blog that makes me giggle..and not in a creepy way even though I am 25 years older than him- hahaha
DVR
My lap top
Ugg boots b/c they are the most comfortable things on earth
and my cat Possum

Two P's

2008-11-18T23:03:00.003-05:00

Christen has been working really hard the last month coaching cheerleading for middle schoolers at Voyager. She loves it and the girls are really sweet. Anyhow, she hinted last night that she wanted me to go to their game today to see how they looked. I was sooo filled with pride and very proud of her. The cheers the girls did were good, they didn't really stunt or anything (too early and they need more practice) but what I was most taken aback by was how mature she looked sitting with the girls telling them to smile and giving them "good jobs" and just encouraging the cheerleaders. It really was a wake up call for me to realize once again that my baby is so special and precious. She has such a sweet spirit with all the girls and it seems so easy for her to take that role of mentor to the girls. Needless to say- I was impressed!!

Now the second P (proud was the first yo')- Powder Puff was finally tonight- rescheduled from last Fridays torrential pour down. It snowed today and it was a balmy steamy 32 outside tonight. The Juniors tried hard but we lost 28-21 to the Seniors. Oh well. It was miserably cold for the girls and we were all glad when they were done. Christen did well but like I said it was so cold, the football just fell through their hands. Valiant effort though girls :)

Flippin hilarious

2008-11-11T22:54:00.004-05:00

http://riverside.dpsnc.net/

Please click the link above and look for The Crucible headline. My daughter had a satire assignment for the crucible in her AP English3 class so they made a contemporary satirical video of the great novel. She enjoys her teacher, Mr. Smith so very much. He is the type of teacher that encourages you to think outside the box and rewards creativity- thank the Good Lord for a good fair teacher b/c APUSH is a killer. They even made a blooper reel...too funny.

Catch Up

2008-11-10T17:55:00.002-05:00

So its been a few days since I last blogged- very unlike me BUT I have been busy. Halloween came and went. It was fun..we had alot of trick or treaters. Christen's homecoming game was that night so they did that then went to eat and movies to see freaky Saw 5 billion or w/e it was. Nov 1 was her homecoming dance. Meredith did her hair and she bought a cute little- very tiny and short- black dress. She looked amazing and felt pretty. Its powder puff time for her now as well as Prom Committee planning time. Their game is this Friday against the seniors- bet we get whooped. We won last year though so who knows. Its always entertaining though. Its Courtney's 17th bday week- her friend- so they are going to her party in Zebulon after the powder puff game. Hmm..long way to party but whatcha gonna do? They are hauling them off in the back of some moving truck to get them all there- weird eh? I agree. Tonight she has PP practice then they are going out for Chelsea's 17th bday. Man everyone is turning 17 in the next month- except Christen..who must wait til January.

This past Friday my group of girls went out to Mexican fiesta night. Our pal, J is having some issues- which she promptly drank away- hahaha. Good thing I had Amanda there to keep me sober and laughing at J and T b/c they were a complete mess. Amanda and I had lunch with Pam that Fri with all the kids- how fun. The two Caleb's were entertaining and Anna Kathryn just was sweet. We are a good threesome- not in the kinky way- in the friend way..dirty minds people.

Okay- well thats most of the catch up except Jimmy is sick with a bad cold and miserable. Amanda's Caleb has been puking for almost a week. A's Jess landed a real audition for commercials but its so expensive to do the classes they require its ridiculous. Hopefully they can find something local around here that does not cost a car. Christen got her report card and did really well considering all the AP's- she has a 95 average overall so we are happy I guess- she wishes it was higher and it usually is but 3 AP's is alot so I am ecstatic for her.

Did you know?? I didn't....

2008-10-30T17:56:00.002-04:00

Question: What is America 's first line of missile
interceptor defense that protects the entire United States ?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard.

Question: What is the ONLY National Guard unit on
permanent active duty?
Answer: 49th Missile Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard

Question: Who is the Commander in Chief of the 49th Missile
Defense Battalion of Alaska National Guard?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

Question: What U.S. governor is routinely briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counter terrorism?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

Question: What U.S. governor has a higher classified security rating than either candidate of the Democrat Party?
Answer: Governor Sarah Palin, Alaska

According to the Washington Post, she first met with McCain in February, but nobody ever found out. This is a woman used to keeping secrets. She can be entrusted with our national security, because she already is.

Now you know too, please pass it on!

Pumpkin Lovers

2008-10-27T22:32:00.005-04:00

First off... click here >http://www.brandextract.com/catbowling/default.asp if you want a funny little Halloween game that will make you giggle on the inside. As for the pictures...its Christens's pumpkin she carved on Sunday. We are such goobers when it comes to Halloween around here. We decorate everywhere. Usually Christen has a huge party but this year she opted out since she was so busy and its homecoming week at RHS. Oh well, she had Tommy and Rebecca over last night for an impromptu scary/movie night. That will have to do I guess.

She is so busy this week. Powder Puff practices, Spirit week costumes, Homecoming dance meetings, Prom committee meeting, SGA meetings, Realities, babysitting, APUSH project, and 3 French projects due over a week, tanning every day for the dance on Saturday night, she is in the parade Fri at school, and all the other homework they assign- and last of all...working the cheerleading tryouts at Voyager on Wed, Th, and Fri. All this in the next 5 days...whew I am tired just typing it. Pray for her will ya?

Ghosting...

2008-10-21T18:48:00.002-04:00

Ghosting...ever been? Its so fun :) The directions are here>>>http://baking.about.com/od/miscellaneous/a/ghostedletter.htm

if you have no idea what I am speaking of. Basically here is how to:

Want to begin a new Halloween tradition in your neighborhood, and get the excitement started early? Ever been Ghosted? Ghosting is done a week or more before the big day. All you need is some Halloween candy, 2 brown paper lunch bags ( I use cute bags not brown paper), 2 copies of the "You've Been Ghosted" letter and 2 copies of the Ghost picture. Put the candy, one letter and one picture in each of the brown paper bags. When it's dark, sneak over to a neighbor's house with an adult, leave the bag on their porch, ring the bell and run away. Don't let them see you. Your Ghosted neighbors will in turn, ghost two more people. Before you know it, it will spread throughout the neighborhood.

Christen does it with her friends every year. They did it this past Saturday night and the pic is their group this year. Its good clean fun and Hardscrabble seems to love it because the neighbors never complain.

No resolution...yet

2008-10-21T18:22:00.002-04:00

Okay, so we had our meeting yesterday with the school and deputies about Christen's car getting keyed last Friday. They think it is gang related because of the symbols and a case of mistaken identity. I guess I am just naive because they told me all about the different gangs at Riverside and how prevalent they are. I LOVE RIVERSIDE..let me say it again.. I LOVE her school-- RHS!! But I am stunned about all they told me and frightened actually. They said that were not targeting Christen, just they were told to hit a black Honda so thats what they did. Hers was the first car they came to that was black and a Honda. I do not know if I buy it or not but whatever. I have a copy of the police report to take Thursday with the car for a meeting with the insurance adjuster for them to tell me how much they are gonna pay to have it fixed. Yesterday, one of her friends cars got damaged like her hers and another friends car was today as well. Its an epidemic..thank God they moved her parking space to the teachers lot where there is a camera. This is wayy to much drama I believe.

Mortification

2008-10-19T19:35:00.003-04:00

My poor Christen had her car keyed at school on Friday! We think we know who did it and will find out for sure I guess Monday morning as we have a meeting with Mr. Key. I hope RHS has cameras in their parking lot to catch the thugs who did it. A few weeks ago Christen tried to pull into her spot at school and these guys were smoking weed in it. She asked them to move so she could park and they cursed her out. Her friends heard the ruckus and came to her side. The guys stopped yelling at her and just left because her friends outnumbered his..haha. So it has to be him. She has no beef with anyone else..no girl drama going on. Christen is not into drama, she is like allergic to it so it has to be this dude. They wrote awful things on her brand new Honda...things I am not putting on here. Her Granddad was so mad he arranged for it to be buffed out Saturday morning. Mr. Key was mortified he said..well me too. We meet with the police and Mr. Key Monday morning to see what the deal is. Ugh...let ya know what they say tomorrow I guess..tune in :)

Monday haha's

2008-10-13T19:16:00.001-04:00

I thought this was cute for a Monday morning laugh....

Rick was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife
was really angry. She told him 'Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a
gift in the driveway that goes from 0 to 200 in less than 10
seconds, AND IT BETTER BE THERE!!' The next morning Rick got up early and left for work. When hiswife woke up she looked out the window and sure enough there was a
box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway. Confused, the wife
put on her robe and ran out to the driveway, and brought the box
back in the house. She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.
Rick has been missing since Friday. Please pray for him :)

Its not a tumor thank God

2008-10-10T17:49:00.003-04:00

Well yes thank you for asking..I am sick. Like way sick. Flu maybe..I really don't know. I am in day 3 of temps of 103, coughing every 3 minutes, sneezing every 15 mins, and followed by the blowing of the nose due to the amazingly unending amount of snot. YUMMY eh? Oh well, it could be worse. Its not a tumor :)Motrin is helping the fever stay around 101, and mucinex is not doing a darn thing and neither is NyQuil. I am living though so woot for that. I did not work in my haziness so I did watch the China Syndrome today- so good. Its been like 10 years since I have even thought about it. Michael Douglass sure was a hottie then.

Terri had a huge birthday party for Meredith turning 20 this week. It was a weenie roast outside with smores and chili. I was feeling a bit woozy so I stayed inside for most of it. There was not a single person under the age of 25 there besides Christen and Caitlin Anna. Well, and Ty and Aubrey who are under 3. Where are all of Mere's friends? She is only 20 and hangs around us old women with children already. She needs to be partying it up. Well thats my opinion anyhow.

Mom's bday was this week as well. We went to Tripps for lunch with everybody and we celebrated here for dinner. My sister is having us over tomorrow night for dinner to continue the celebrating.

Christen is out with friends tonight for RHS game, and dinner. So we are ordering pizza, wings, and gonna watch Sex and the City. I saw it at the movies..good enough to watch again I think. C talked with Austin again this week. Gosh they are doing well staying in touch. I figured it would have petered out by now but NO...their friendship/romance/whatever its classification goes on.

Oh well- I must go blow my nose again..and again...yet again...and another 5 billion times

Where do you stand?

2008-10-03T18:50:00.002-04:00

Click the link for a quick little quiz to see which candidate is for you. Holler...I am such a Republican...but I already knew that- haha

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

My Wii misses your Me

2008-10-02T18:16:00.002-04:00

Yes I know you are confused about the title of this post. This is what Austin and Christen say to each other when they talk or send a message on facebook. They played wii together every time they saw each other this summer so Austin tells her his Wii misses her Me- aka..he misses her :) How sickly sweet- hahaha Only young love can tolerate such statements. anyhoo- he does not have internet service at his host home in Spain so their facebook addiction has been limited. They have texted some but its expensive so not alot. Well..TODAY she actually talked with him on the phone for a whole 40 minutes. I found on the internet a cool long distance company that for $10 she gets about 40 minutes of talking to him. Decent deal right?I think so. He has an international phone but it costs him alot..like over 4 dollars a minute to call here. Christen prepays with her debit card and BOOM...she can call him and it does not cost me an arm and a leg. In fact..she pays for it. Wooohooo!! She was sooo excited. She also found out that since she will be in the South of France for a month this summer, he is going to take a train up to see her- instead of her having to go to Spain to him in June. Spain is just below France so its only like 40 dollars for the trip- Austin had already looked it up. Needless to say, she is wayy over the moon today. Good for her- she needed it :)

Reaching out

2008-09-30T17:41:00.003-04:00

Well, a distant relative has asked me to find out what I can about a local community project that Christen volunteers for. Its called Realities and they help not just those disabled but lower income at risk kids. Its really a great thing..they have staff but they also use alot of volunteers from Riverside that did Young Life to "buddy up" with each kid. They did a prom for the kids last year and a couple of dances.They also do a bible study on Tues nights for them and homework help every day 3-6. ALL for FREE! really cool. Go check out the website if you want to donate your time or money. Very worthwhile. Christens mentor Sam is on staff there. She is such a cool girl. Graduated from Duke, played on the volleyball team there. Christen tutors there on Mondays and volunteers for the dances and stuff. Go peep at the pictures and you might find a huge grin on your face :)

Burfday Love :)

2008-09-26T17:44:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday and it was actually a pretty good one. I had lunch at Tripps with Amanda..I just am in a good mood when I spend time with her. Thats how you know you are with a true friend..no drama..ever. Easy conversation, laughter, and just always fun.

Then I had dinner with Terri and our two families. Mexican..not my choice..but C loves it. Terri and I are still kinda going thru growing pains I guess, but we had fun. Meredith and Danny are broken up so that helps but sometimes their choices are just not logical to me. I have come to realize they do not have to be I guess. They have a right to choose their path and I gotta learn to let go.

Then back home to open presents and for C to pack since she is going to Courts til late tomorrow when she comes back home to party with my sister and her family for our birthdays. You didn't think she would actually stay home did you?? My sisters is the day before mine. OMG..Christen gave me her traditional home made card, which I love. Its our tradition- I like her cards not to be bought but made. She is quite creative so its fun to see what she comes up with. She gave me a new bird house I wanted and hinted at a while ago. I love my birds ya know :)

Also, Christen came home with a new trip she wants to do instead of India. "Its cheaper" she exclaims and I really wanna do it. It back to freakin France for a month. WTH?? Its in the South of France for over 3 weeks then to Paris for 3 days at the end. She stays with a home family and immerses into the French language while teaching the family English. She had a meeting this week with UNC people about their curriculum's and they figured out she can minor in some European Business track so she wants to go back to Europe to really delve in the language. She has always said she wanted to be in medicine (a pedi FNP) and serve in a French country yet I think she is really evolving to some type of European Business Law track. Oh well, as she really decides her major I think maybe a change from medicine is in store. I am behind her w/e she chooses but I am just shocked at her change of medicine. I have soooo noticed such a change in her lately- she just is growing up and exerting her opinions and thoughts. Oh well-

Technology Rocks

2008-09-24T19:21:00.002-04:00

OH MY GOSH! I love my new Blackberry. It totally rocks. My email is sent to it so I do not even have to log in on my laptop. It can serve as a modem for the lap top. I think I am high :) in a good safe way. Its pink and cute. I am enamoured with it.

On another note..my birthday is tomorrow..eekkk..I am getting old. Still a ways away from 40 thank goodness. My sisters is today and she is over 40- hahaha. Thats the best little sister revenge ever by the way.

Christen is still mooning over Austin, but she did go out with this kid named Jeff earlier this week. She has known him since 8th grade. She said he is helping her "get on with life"...whatever that means in high school speak. She got progress reports today. They were okay..she is struggling with a low B in APUSH but had a 111 (yes I said a one hundred eleven) in APEng3 which is awesome. She had a 91 in Calculus so the tutor thing is a non issue I guess. She had a 98 in French 3. She was disappointed in APUSH and said she would work on it- I am sure she will. I told her she had to remember they are AP classes and she will not always have and A or even a B. Life does move on. But did I tell ya my phone is awesome!!

Oh- and AMANDA...you rock too. Head up, shoulders back, you are correct in your opinion and your thoughts and I love you dearly not queerly- OMG..ring ring...1982 called and wants their saying back--hahaha

WHEW..glad thats over

2008-09-20T15:03:00.002-04:00

I had an awesome Thai lunch yesterday with my friend Pam and her 3 month old, Anna. Wish Amanda could have joined but she has joined the working force and did not get off til late. I had to shop a bit after lunch for goodies for C's party then I went out to dinner with my mom at Noodles & Company- which is my new fav restaurant ever. Woot for no cooking at all.

Christen has been so sad this week about Austin leaving so I was glad that she decided to have a girls night Friday night. The thing is she wanted to have a hot tub party (small get together) at Terri's- who is out of town. So, that meant they would be all alone in a house thats not mine all night long with NO parents. I knew some guys would end up coming over, which was fine, but I did not want them to spend the night- inappropriate. She has a cool game room kinda like ours but no one was home so her house was way cooler. Anyhow, they went out to eat last night to Texas then to the RHS home game against Wakefield (we lost..big surprise..NOT) then they all followed her to Terri's. I would not let her give out the address so no crashers..smart aren't I? So about 10-12 girls and a few dudes came about 10:30. I stayed til she got there b/c I had lit the tiki torches so it would be lit up when they got there from the game. and I wanted to see who was over there..hahaha. Tommy rode with C from the game. He is a sweet and cute boy. Comes from a good family, but ofcourse Christen does not "like him like that". Her heart is with Austin and swears she will not date anyone else til he comes back..gag me but whatever. Austin is in Barcelona now- having fun no doubt. Well, anyway, I was a bit nervous about trusting C with hosting a party, all night long without me, making sure they boys went home, and nothing broken. Well, glad to say I went over at about noon today and the house was clean, hot tub okay, trash out, game room cleaned up. She took Tommy home late last night and the other boys left as well so they girls just yacked all night til 5 a.m. How fun for them. I am so glad she chose correctly and made good decisions. She did say her new phone (yes I chose Verizon and we all got new phones..see previous post) rang all night with random people asking if she was having a party. She told them nope just a few friends, so no drama was had. How refreshing. yet..I am SO GLAD THATS OVER...so I do not have to worry anymore.

Anyhoo, I spent today cleaning up my own house so now I am pooped. C is going out with her friends again tonight- Japanese I think and she is going out with Court tomorrow after church for sushi. I think I need another job for her dining habits..haha. My birthday is this week..ugh..and so is my sisters. I gotta think on her gift a bit I guess.

There is NO ME in Team Mobile

2008-09-16T15:34:00.002-04:00

Okay- so the deluge of rain today that soaked me to my bones multiple times was NOT the worst thing that happened to me today. I almost, by a hair, was in 2 wrecks b/c of people driving crazy in the rain. But wait...that still is not the worst thing that happened to me. I got into a HUGE argument with Team Mobile today. I have had Suncom for over 5 years. TM bought out Suncom. recently they have switched the service over and we have not been able to text for almost a week not have voice mail service but we can call out/receive calls. I have griped and griped. Partly because I do not want to have to pay for services I cannot use right now b/c they are stupid, mostly because my life revolves around texting. So does my 16 year olds. I bet she texts around 200-300 times a day and has not been able to and its killing her, thus killing me and Jimmy. So, I called TM again today to give them my daily peice of mind (which I cannot spare) and they were huffy with me. How dare they? "Mam, we are trying to convert systems and it is taking some time" My response was "well when can estimate it to be fixed?" She said "Mam, I just TOLD you (louder than needed) I do not know, at some point it will be fixed!" Well after a few back and forths and so and so ons, I yelled "Fine, I will go to another company!" Her response "Well you owe almost 1,000 on the rest of your contract so if you cancel now you owe us that." Well they can just hold their breath and wait b/c I cam NOT paying for a contract that I am cancelling b/c they cannot give me the service we signed up for. Needless to say, I am now hunting for new service. geesh, where did the mantra of customer service go?

Young Love

2008-09-14T17:28:00.002-04:00

Christen's flights were actually on time today- unbelievable as it is. Delta is always late. We went to eat Chili's to let her sort of decompress. She called me this morning at 6:30 a.m. to just cry and cry about leaving him and Hannah- "it just hurts inside like whoa" is her mantra. Then we had to run to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Then on to get replacement hair products because the "mean airline rude people stole it". I had already instructed her that they would take it- just like last time..but 16 year olds are eternal optimists. She showed me all the pics she took this weekend- They had a great last fling I hope. He is off to Spain Thursday for the year..so sad. She gave him cards for all the upcoming holidays for the next year. He wrote her a letter...which I did not ask to read NOR did she offer. She bawled as she recounted and tagged her pics on facebook- poor thing. I really feel sorry for her. Austin has really made a path into her heart. Love is about loss sometimes so its a good lesson to learn I suppose. She is over one of her friends house now so hopefully Randi will cheer her up since she won't let me.

Do you remember your first love??

Growing Pains

2008-09-10T18:46:00.002-04:00

I am having major growing pains.... about Christen. She is leaving once again to visit Austin for the last time before he leaves for Spain next Thursday for a year. I am being a negligent parent since I am letting her skip Friday at school to get there- her flight is at 7 a.m. Austin is picking her up from the airport and they are so excited to see each other- the 5 billion phone calls indicate so. I got a decent deal on her ticket. She is staying with Hannah but Austin's Mom agrees with me that they will probably just stay with her so they can spend all the time they can ( in separate rooms mind you). She will not be with him again until next June- she is planning to go visit then before she leaves for India. I swear I will not see her next summer if she has anything to say about it- haha. More about India later- suffice it to say...its going to be an awesome trip and will stand out on her college applications. I am so excited for her.

She came home today with the order form for her class ring- OMG...where did the time go? They had only a half day today at school so she went out with a group for Mexican then shopping at SP to get Austin a going away gift- think Hollister. The ring she wants is cute- she wants silver not cheesy gold and it is cute I think. A bit pricey but what did I expect? School pics are tomorrow- gah..Strawbridge sucks...sorry Mr. Mcmanus but ya'll do.

All I can say is thank God I get to keep Amanda's kids Saturday night so I have something to do with myself- haha. Maybe a hug from Jess will make me feel better and remember when C was that age and actually needed me.

Occam's Razor

2008-09-10T18:34:00.002-04:00

As I was reading my Pastors Blog- he directed us to read about why some people do not believe in God on a website Summit created. One of the responses was because of Occam's Razor. I immediately remembered learning about Occam's Razor so I googled it. Simply done-the definition of Occam's Razor is a line of reasoning that says the simplest answer is often correct. The people that argue creationism often use it to persuade others. I was deeply saddened to read the responses on that website and I certainly hope that JD is responding to these people and setting them straight because hell is going to be awful full of well meaning, moral, good people that just don't quite believe that Jesus Christ is God's only Son who died for our sins and rose from the grave. Now thats as simple as it gets.