4'11" Tall!!

I had a very eye-opening week! It all started when my oldest son was measured at the doctor's office on Monday...he was 4'11" tall. For those of you who may not know me, that is only 6 inches shorter than me. This is my baby, how can he be so tall so soon!

Then I went to see a friend of mine who just had a baby boy. Standing there looking at that baby I thought to myself "my 4'11" was just that size, and it seems like last week!". Then we went and had pictures made, and there it was again. My baby was becoming a very handsome young MAN! Don't get me wrong I am very proud of the man he is becoming, but does it have to happen so fast!

As one of my friends was looking at the pictures, she commented about how much she loves getting their pictures made when they are babies. I told her I always felt the same way, until now. Now I want even more pictures because I see just how fast this precious time is getting away.

So, to all of you parents out there...stand back and admire the beautiful children God has blessed you with. Watch how fast they grow. Pray for them. Pray that God makes them wise and strong in faith. Pray for their future job choices . Pray for that person who will one day still their hearts! Enjoy the long nights and the busy days. And get their pictures made! 

Sitting at the kids table

Growing up we always came to my grandparents house in Greenville for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The house was always crowded and there was always way too much food, so everyone sitting around one table was impossible. The "adults" sat at the dining room table and the "kids" sat at the "kids" table in one of the bedrooms. As we grew older and could better feed ourselves we moved up to the bigger table. This felt like such an accomplishment, to be acknowledged for growing up and maturing. We even began to get responsibilities in the kitchen, helping to prepare the meals.

God has really been bringing this back to my thoughts lately. I realize my relationship with God is very much like this. He did not intend on me staying at the "kids table" , and he did not intend on spoon feeding me my entire walk. He wants me to continue to mature and build my relationship with him. Basically, He wants me to be able to feed myself and not depend on other people for my feeding. Why? Because he wants me to be active with what he is doing in my life, so I can grow more! In the Bible He says to "go" , "do", and "be". He also said to "seek" and "ask". But how can we do anything just sitting and being spoon fed?

Another example that came to mind was this....
For those of you who know me, you know there is need for physical improvements! Well what if I got up every morning and watched Denise Austin(big aerobic instructor). What if I only listened and made notes, but I never put anything I learned, heard or saw into practice? Guess what? Nothing changes. I am still the same overweight out of shape person. Just as miserable as I was when I started being"spoon fed" by Denise Austin. See,if I wanted to truly change then I would have to realize real change comes by putting it to practice.

We can look and look for all the quick fixes for our lack of spiritual growth, but the real fix for our spiritual needs is in living out our faith every day. It will never change by finding something to stir a temporary emotion that makes everthing feel right. Eventually, we are still in the same shape!

What have I learned? I am responsible for my relationship with God. My wonderful pastor is not responsible for where I am in my walk with God. Is he an encourager, and guide? YES. BUT, he is not able to fix all of my problems. No human being is. So what do I need to do? I need to quit blaming everyone around me and get my head out of the hole I have it stuck and get busy about God's work! I need to study God's word---EVERYDAY. I need to pray about everything and at all times. I need to share(like this) with others what God is doing. I need to listen to others around me about what God has done for them. And I need to serve others so that they have a chance to come to know Him .

Sun Blockers Beware!!

Just a quick warning.......I always use sunblock on my children, this time it did not pay off! Don't get me wrong, no one got sunburned but we did end up at the hospital! The day before we left the beach we spent most of one day out on the beach. Needless to say we rubbed down with sun block very well.

About two weeks before our trip, I purchased a 12oz. bottle of Coppertone Sport 30spf. . Something in this sunblock caused a severe allergic reaction with my oldest child. After trying everything within our means we ended up with a child in misery at the hospital looking for help.
The doctor said it was definitely a reaction to the sun block and prescribed a steroid and a really strong antihistamine.

As of today, my son feels much better, the rash is going away, and I am dealing with Coppertone. So beware, have a couple of sunblocks to choose from just in case of a problem.

Also, do not hesitate to contact your sunblock brand if there is a problem and save the bottle of sunblock because they will want that. I am having to send my bottle back to them.

Good luck blocking!!

Our spot at Sunset Beach! 

Well we did it!

Tami and I rode out our first tropical storm together! Wouldn't you know that the first time we attempt a vacation together,WITH THE KIDS, a tropical storm would hit!
I would just like to say that the storm was no match for us! ( Even though at one moment I did feel a little like Captain Dan in the storm at sea scene from the Forest Gump movie, yelling "BRING IT ON!!) However, the storm lasted only one night and half a day and the rest of the time was perfect! Needless to say we used our rainy time for some much needed shopping! We first appeased the boys with a trip to Bass Pro Shop and then we were off to Broadway at the Beach. Bonnie found a wonderful shop called Friends to Be Made. It is a lot like Build-a-Bear but with the cutest dolls!

We also made sure we did a survey of all the seafood restaurants on the Calabash waterfront, and of course every good seafood meal must be followed by ice cream! We rented a 7 foot umbrella for the day we spent all day on the beach, and were somewhat successful getting it to stand up!

Our condo was beautiful! We had no idea that we would be staying in such a nice place. We were both expecting something a little older, but as it is we both already have reservations to return before summer's end. The children did wonderful! We played a lot of "go fish" , "old maid", and "Yatzee"! At night, after the children were all tucked in, Tami and I spent hours sitting on the bench outside the condo talking and watching the ocean. Naturally, we solved all the problems of the world and we will disclose those when needed!

On the last morning, I was in my favorite place. I was on the very end of the island, in a tide pool up to my knees, collecting whelk shells, star fish, and sand dollars, while watching the sun come up! My children were scattered on the beach and in the tide pools in their own worlds of imagination, and all was right. My mind had settle a few things, because I had slowed down enough to spend time with God and be still and listen. I spent valuable time with my children and my best friend. And I did realize it is not about days, but about moments and we had some awesome moments! 

Tami and Stacy go to White Oak

It started out as a really simple little trip down to White Oak conference center to teach two classes, spend the night, and head home.

Well...... That is not how it went!

Tami and I were on I-26 just two miles before our exit when my father-inlaw's truck made a weird noise! Kind of a KATHUNK! Then we realized it would no longer change gears and the clutch just went straight to the floor with no resistance! As we coasted over to the side of the interstate and that feeling of "OH NO" set in we both reached for our weapons.....our phones! I called Sid and said " The truck is broke" and I am just not sure who Tami called or why but it really did seem to make her feel better to put the phone up to her ear!

As I was giving Sid a description of where we were on the interstate a dark blue ,unmarked , highway patrol car pulled up. Knowing Sid was about 1 1/2 hours away we were hoping he would take us up to the next exit and off this nerve racking interstate. When the man got out of the car it was clear he was not a highway patrolman. He soon told us that he had passed us and turned around and made his way back to us, to offer help. Then he lets us know that he is Andre' Bauers assistant, and this was the Lt. Governor's car! Well for Tami this was a very exciting moment as she began to ask about the Lt. Governors condition since his plane crash!

After the shock of her ability to carry on small talk while on the edge of the interstate while our lives hung in peril, the gentleman offered to take us up to the next exit to let us wait. We thanked him and considered him our hero! All the time fighting the desire to ask if this was the car the Lt. Governor got caught speeding in!

He let us out at a Bill and Fran's diner. The looks on the local patron's face was intimidating as we walked in with all of our suitcases and teaching materials. After feeling it necessary to order, we shared one of the worst chicken salad plates ever.
Sid and the kids finally arrived and came to our rescue from the constant stares of our fellow diners.

The trip was not at all what we had planned, the circumstances were unpredictable, the man that helped us on the interstate was a God send, and Bill and Fran's was just a weird experience! However, if I had to have a day like that on the way to White Oak, I'm glad it wasn't alone!

Now remember when you think of Tami and Stacy go the White Oak , that this was just the beginning of our trip! There are many more stories about this day to be told at other times!


P.S. Did you know sheep run wild in SC?!?!

 

A Special Place

Do you have a special place? A place that seems to somehow magically change your perspective on everything going on in your head. A place that renews you and somehow makes you feel closer to God in that one spot on earth than anywhere else. A place that takes you back to a special time with special people. A place that whispers voices, and dreams from the past, while pushing you on to the future. I do.

That place to me is Sunset Beach NC. This is a wonderful little island where I grew up vacationing. There is very little commercial business, a fishing pier, a small motel, an inn, and houses. The beach is wide, and mostly littered by people who can tell their own stories of repeated trips to Sunset. The salty waters lap up on the most silky white sand, and shells are not in pieces but beautiful works of art and most are home to creatures of the sea.

Do I sound a little sappy? Yeah, I do. But, that is what Sunset brings out in me. Today, I came across one of my notebooks that had obliviously made a trip to Sunset with me in 1999. I came across a page where I had recorded an experience that took place on that trip. I would like to share that with you.

There is a place that was always dear to my father's heart, a little beach just inside NC. For as long as I can remember, we have vacationed here with family and friends. As our family grew older we grew larger in numbers and with each new addition we introduced our little beach.
Just before our trip this year my father passed away, and since our last trip I gave birth to my second son. As we arrived at the beach we all experienced feelings of sadness, melancholy, and emptiness. Yet, there were feelings of happiness, excitement, and wonder. On one of my walks down to the beach my father weighed heavy on my mind. I reached down and scratched his name in the sand. As I stood there and looked at it a wave came in and washed it away. As sadness began to consume my heart, I noticed my son. He was rushing into the water with a handful of sand to conquer a wave! He reminded me of new life! His excitement and wonder of God's world were new and fresh. He was marveled by the majesty of God's creation. I sat on the beach and began to realize that even though my dad had been washed out of my sight by the biggest wave I could have imagined, he was also experiencing new life, and experiencing God's majesty in the most majestic way.

written: May 28, 1999
at Sunset Beach NC

A New Adventure

Today was grocery day! As we started out to Sam's we decided to visit a new store in our town. The new store is called Whole Food Market. It was a wonderful store! They had so many different types of produce you could look all day at pears! There was so many meats, cheeses, teas, personal hygiene products, spices, and coffees. Then there was an olive bar(I love olives!), a hot food bar, a salad bar, and pastries!

Most of the things in store was organic or fresh. Some of the prices were expensive but some were very reasonable, and through the weekend you get a coupon with your purchase for 5$ off your next purchase(of 25$ or more).

They also had a rather unique and impressive plant and flower section. I would suggest a visit to all! They are having a lot of special events through the weekend.

Supper time

I hate not knowing what I am going to fix for supper! It is time to start cooking and I don't have a clue. Sometimes it is so hard to think of something that really sounds good. This is grocery week and so the choices at this point are limited, and that makes the decision even more difficult. Not to mention we have been really busy and I JUST DON'T FEEL LIKE COOKING!!!

I also feel like I am in a rut and need some new ideas. So, if you have some good, new, EASY recipes please pass them my way.

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I feel a lot better but, I STILL DON'T WANT TO COOK!!!

Deep Question

I have been reading a lot of other blogs that have been really deep and subject to great debate, and this has made me question my next entry greatly. So far, my blogs have just been the meanderings of a mad woman. So today I would like to share a theory and pose a question. Now let me say up front that THERE ARE NO HIDDEN AGENDAS OR MEANINGS. So with that out of the way here we go!

I have been giving some thoughts to bathrooms. Now you may be saying" why would she think or write about bathrooms?" Well.....Why not! The bathroom is probably one of my favorite rooms in the house. I love to clean my bathroom(please note I said "MY" bathroom, so no offers to clean others, thanks) When I travel there is nothing like coming home to my bathroom. I mean isn't it strange how the hard surface of a toilet just feels different when it is your own? Also, you can tell a lot about a person by their bathroom. Is it bright and fresh looking, or dark and mysterious? Are there books, puzzles, or magazines? And don't you always just want to see inside that mysterious medicine cabinet? Are there lots of air fresheners or candles? Where do they hide the extra rolls of toilet paper? What IS behind that shower curtain?
My bathroom can sometimes feel like a haven. For sure it is one place that I can be alone! And it is amazing how a big ceramic bowl(tub) can remove so many pains, frustrations, and exhaustions! Then to top it off with a warm towel!!!! AAHHH!
Anyway, just wondering and thought maybe I would share some of my deep questions with you! And yes, when I visit I probably will be looking for some of these answers!

 

Living with computers

I fell in love with the most wonderful man, I mean the minute I saw him I saw someone I HAD to know better. It was also very evident early in our relationship that he was truly talented when it came to working with computers. He was the student worker that everyone wanted. He didn't just do student work, he fixed their computer problems. So needless to say he went from student work to being hired as their network administrator. I soon learned he was truly bilingual, he spoke english and binary! About this time we were engaged and planned our entire wedding in the server room and around different workstations, occasionally even sneaking in a server room smooch!! Upon returning from our honeymoon I realized I was sharing MY man with these square boxes. The boss he had at that time even welcomed me to the world of computer widows! I think at this time a small part of me declared a silent war against his computer world. That poor man was working to provide a good living and future for his family and I was jealous of a machine.

His changing jobs required more responsibility and more time commitment, and our having another child only intensified my feelings. " These square beings are really getting more of him than I am". I felt so much dislike for computers.

Then I decided maybe I just needed to learn more about them. About this time we put our first computer in our house and had internet access. I finally saw something I could enjoy besides solitaire! Then as some of the walls starting to come down that I had put up I saw again just how talented this man really is with his work.

In the last couple of years I have witnessed something even more amazing. I have seen him minister, and worship from behind this square being. He makes ministry possible , he assists a message being delivered and he enables worship to happen. And with all of this God has grown a stronger leader of our home, and a better follower of His word. So, I stand in awe of my husband.

This weekend I woke up and before I opened my eyes I knew some things about my surroundings: the temperature was just right, I was comfortable, there was a really nice song playing on the radio, and Sid was on his computer! And as I layed there, something dawned on me. The clicking of those laptop keys sounded comforting, I felt secure hearing him type away, and I knew I was not a computer widow but a very lucky woman!

mondays.....

Do you know that feeling when you wake up and can't remember what day it is? Then you know that feeling when you realize the reason you can't remember is because it is ---Monday!
That is the way my day started today! Then to top it off, I thought we were out of coffee!!
I thought I was going to declare a state of emergency! I thought we were going to have to get in the van and take off for Ingles. This would have been terribly embarrassing since I was 99% sure I was not going to be able to get dressed before I had my coffee!

Now all is calming down as I sit here thinking about life, with coffee in hand. I see out my window these men on a roof at a house behind mine and I wonder...are they having a Monday?
I mean if I were on a roof this morning that might be really dangerous! (Not only for me but for anyone nearby.) Do doctors have "mondays"? If they have "mondays" the way I do remind me never to have surgery on a Monday!

When do "mondays" really begin to become an issue? Is it just when you enter the workforce or reach a certain age? I do not have scientific proof but, my theory is "mondays" are genetic. Sid and the boys do not seem to have "mondays". However, Bonnie and myself suffer until Tuesday! I think I always have, I don't think I have ever retained anything that happened on a Monday. I mean all of my children came on the weekend, because God knew I could not handle a Monday delivery!

Well however "mondays" effect you, grab a cup of coffee and hang on ......Tuesday is coming!

"Tammy" movies

I just caught the second half of a "Tammy" movie this weekend and wanted to pass along how wonderful these movies are. My mom introduced me to "Tammy" movies when I was a teenager(of course these were old movies then!!) The movies are all titled something like, "Tammy and the Millionaire", " Tammy and the Doctor", "Tammy and the Bachelor". They are wonderful romance movies about a girl who is pure and very naive , raised on a river boat by her grandfather. She goes into the "real" world and changes all the lives around her and wins the heart of the leading man! (aaahhhh) Tammy is played by Debbie Reynolds, Sandra Dee, and Debra Watson. They are truly feel good movies! Great for a girls day with your daughters! You could proablly find these movies at the library and I know they are available through Amazon.
Take time to watch and enjoy the theme song;

"Tammy, Tammy, Tammys in love................."

My wonderful 10 year old! Here's to Boys! 

Over A Cup Of Coffee

My grandmother's house always smelled like coffee. It did not matter what time of day it was there was a pot of coffee on the kitchen counter, sometimes fresh and sometimes scorched. As a child I would watch my grandfather wrap his hands around a cup of coffee and slowly bring it up to his mouth. Then he would curl his lips over the edge of the cup and take this slow slurp. His eyes would sometimes close like he was tasting the most wonderful thing ever.

As a college student I began to enjoy coffee. I mainly enjoyed the benefits of coffee on the long drives back to college or on a long study night. As an adult coffee has become a form of entertainment. There are coffee houses everywhere, with every kind of coffee conceivable. Even a trip to Target can be enhanced by coffee. There are many coffee accessories; flavored creamers, seasonable creamers, special insulated mugs, and special cups for lattes or expressos.

However, the best way to enjoy coffee has nothing to do with the cup or cream or even the type of coffee. It is spending the afternoon with a really good friend, sipping coffee, and talking. Just knowing at that moment that over that cup of coffee anything can be discussed. You can laugh, cry, dream of future plans, and be the best of friends.....over a cup of coffee.

Girl's Night Out

Last night we had another "girl's night out", and we had an awesome time! We went to see the movie Madea's Family Reunion. Once again Tyler Perry created an extremely funny movie with excellent content. He was able to bring explosive comedy to the audience and an excellent message about family and giving control of our lives to God. The movie also included some of my very favorites Cicely Tyson, and Maya Angelou. Seeing it with some of my very best girl friends only added to the enjoyment!

After the movie we went to Cracker barrel for a late supper and some good ole girl talk. We had a wonderful waitress that made the night a complete joy! We shared anxieties and joys, we solved all the problems of the world and then returned to reality. We agreed on a certain time of day to pray for a friend of ours battling breast cancer, and ended praying for each other.

Thanks girls for such a great night and thanks for the comfort of having women like you standing in the gap for me! Love ya!

My Date with Sid!

Wow! I had a date with my husband! It was perfect, we just had the most wonderful time! We just spent time hanging out together. It was so nice to just walk around and run some simple errands by ourselves. First, we went to Family Bookstore. Sid bought a book called The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, and I picked up a bible study for women put out by Focus on the Family called Balanced Living. I can not wait to get started on that!

Then we went to Kohl's because I needed some new tennis shoes. After that we decided to get supper at Paneras; a wonderful quite meal. Then, we went to Barnes and Noble. I did not even go in the children's section! I picked up Dr. James Dobson's book Preparing for adolescence. I feel like the time has come to read that book again so we can help Wes through this transition time in his life.

After a quick stop in Sam's, we headed back to Greer and grabbed a coffee at Starbucks. I love my children and love spending every day with them, but the chance to just be with Sid is priceless. I feel so much closer to him when we have chances to actually finish sentences uninterrupted. Just a simple chance to reconnect.

Well that was my date night, with some of my favorite things....books, a good cup of coffee, and my main man!

Homemakers Psalm 69

Save me ,O God,
for the laundry has come up to my neck.
I sink in the cluttered depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
and the dishes engulf me.
I am worn out calling for help;
my throat needs a Starbucks
My eyes fail ,
for my windows are dirty.
The dust bunnies under my bed
outnumber the hairs on my head;
Many are my chores that
seek to destroy me.
I am forced to clean
messes I did not make!