Last day of October

Today was a busy, but very nice day! I spent the first hour after dropping everyone at school getting Samuels glasses repaired, getting Granny Holt candy at Wal-Mart and then going back to school to take Sam his glasses and talk to Lita's teacher about her vision. Lita's teacher sent home yet another note about her not being able to read a paper. Questioning "Did you take her to the eye doctor?". I have struggled because Lita wants glasses very much, and also because her teacher seems to be feeding this desire by telling she cannot see. When I questioned Lita about the paper she did have a hard time reading it not seeing it!! As I looked closely, Lita's paper with a note was written in the exact same type as her math paper....the same paper Lita read to me from 2.5 feet away and upside down! So, after talking to the teacher it is my greatest hope that Lita will do well and give up on the glasses!

Arriving home, Bill (aka Pa Bill) was pressure washing the house. WOW it looks great! Someone asked me what Bill did when he came to help out? My quick reply was "Whatever he wants to do!" We are just happy to have his company and always happy with his excellent help!

Sandy, Cade and Chance came this morning on the way to the farm. I went with them and we had lunch with Dad, ClaraRuth and Matt(my youngest brother). Matt works on a boat and has been off 8 weeks, 4 weeks as usual and 4 due to a big gash he accidently acquired! He is going to the company doctor in Paducah tomorrow and if he gets a good report he will be immediately going back to work. He is such a fun loving guy! I do think he has loved (with much fun!) his time at home!

Dad and ClaraRuth are in the middle of the serious task of combining two homes. A truly huge task! I am sure when it is all over they will be more than happy with thier results. I will being praying for them to arrive at that date soon! While they worried about the "order" of everything (which was really truly not that bad), they managed to have a great lunch!!

Sandy and I made it back to my house in time for me to leave her vehicle and get in the van for the ride to school. I picked up my littles and Joseph and made it home to find Chelsea here! We had a very nice hour visit. Gosh it is nice to have her around. I imagine I will feel the same way about all my children as they grow up and move on.....very proud and missing them all rolled up into one!!

Superman sleeps.

Superman did indeed go to bed in Jacob and Johns room! He came and crawled into bed with me around 4am, but I holding my breath that he will find a nice pattern. Or I should say, that we can make a nice pattern for him!

In a funny, after I was in bed last night, Seth came to my room, crawled up on the bed and kissed my cheek. He said he did not want to sleep in Jacob's room (He wants to sleep with momma forever...lol...I doubt his wife will like that!!). I simply pulled back the covers and said "get in", he looked and me and said "I'm sleeping with Jacob", jumped off the bed and he was gone:) He just wanted to know he could come back to my bed and once it was his choice he was gone!

I would not really ever suggest co-sleeping. Seth is the only child Scott and I have ever allowed to do this but, he sure does love his momma and daddy!

Seth's new room

Seth, the only child to ever sleep with Scott and I, is moving tonight. He is moving in with his bestest buddy Jacob. Jacob still has the triple bunk bed in his room, and offered the bottom bunk to Seth (thinking he would not want to sleep in there) and to every ones surprise Seth is tickled to death!! We will see how tonight goes:) My thoughts are if Seth can move to Jacobs room and sleep in his own bed, then he can sleep alone anywhere (lol...maybe).

The picture above is of Jacob and Seth at the zoo. What other big brother would crawl into a silly stroller just to keep Seth company??

Falling forward

Victoria is always ready to go! From the moment she gets up until way past when she should be in bed!! A sweet face for sure!! I loved this picture.....who would imagine there is a will strong enough to face 7 older sisters and 11 older brothers?? Well, let me assure you that she stands very strong all by herself...lol

I missed the clock change yesterday and we were ALL up and going an hour before we needed to be.....lol....not such a bad thing on a Sunday morning!

This morning I woke up to my alarm clock. I jumped up, went to the laundry room threw the jeans into the dryer, folded a few things, went downstairs, thought about breakfast.....and then I looked at my watch! Yep, I forgot to reset my clock and it was actually 4:40, not 5:40 in the morning. So I went back to bed and slept a little bit longer:)

Seth and I have been cleaning and scrubbing, pretty boring stuff!

At lunch time Scott ran home to lunch with me and Seth. At lunch we were talking about Pa Bill coming today. We then spent a few minutes talking to Seth about Pa Bill being Daddy's Dad and Papa being Mom's Dad. Seth thought a minute and he said, "That's not fair!!" Scott laughed and said "Why not?" Seth quickly said "I don't have one!" I wish you could have seen Scott's face! I laughed and said "Seth, you do have a Daddy!" As the moment has left I really get tickled. More at our response.....Seth does have a Daddy....but he meant a Pa Bill and Papa....they are much different from a "Daddy"....certainly in Seth's mind!!

Daniel and Ryan

A big day for Ryan and Daniel. My almost twins! What a pair they are! They were very tickled with thier birthday presents. Two new gaming chairs, an intertainment center, a tv with vcr and three plug in games. A BIG deal for them!!

Pa at work!!

Pa is coming tomorrow to help out. He is just one of the hardest working people I know. He is (as I have said before and will say many many times again) one of the BEST examples my guys could have!! He is just great! We love having him:)

my thug

Caleb is looking a bit "thuggish" in his warm soccer clothes! He and Jacob have really been cold the last couple of nights!

Zoo Crew

On our trip to the Knoxville Zoo I took this picture. It is my entire zoo going crew!! I was looking up close when I got home and could not find Zackery....lol....Just like Waldo he is tough to find in this picture!!

Superman and a Pirate

Sarah and Patrick went to Bradley Geans Party last night. As Superman and a Pirate:)

Too funny!

Seth and Daniel sat in a reality ride. They chose the "fantasy rollercoaster" ride. Thier chairs clicked and rattled as they climbed, swerved and bounced as they dropped down the fast track. At one point Chelsea, Annie and I laughed watching Seth! I thought he might be getting sick. But he was just "getting into the ride"!

Chuck E Cheese

Chuck E Cheese was the event of the day for my trio (plus Seth). We were very happy to have Chelsea and her friend (and roommate) Annie with us! What a fun day!! Seemingly unlimited tokens made for a very excited gang of kiddos!! I think Annie and Chelsea were perhaps most excited!!

Sleeping over!

I took my three A and B students (elementary kiddos) on an overnight trip. I think I have blogged about the seriousness of this years slacking of grades.... We have never in the past rewarded good grades. But I am moving to a whatever it takes mode. I say that not really meaning I will be extreme....but if an overnight trip is encouraging and they work to have that special privilege ....it works for me!

Ironically, two of the three who went are two of my kiddos who REALLY have to study to do well. Makes the point all the better to me!! Studying pays off!!

We all bought new Pj's and went to Freed Hardeman to watch Monster House, eat popcorn, drink Dr Peppers, eat cosmo brownies and stay up til the "next day". Lots of fun!!

Fire safety

During fire safety week firemen went to the schools and passed out hats and coloring books. They talked to the children about fire safety (lol...of course) and let the kids crawl all over the trucks. It is nice in that it has the kids coming home talking (excitedly) about their day! It always gives parents (me!) a great opportunity to talk about emergency situations with their children too!

Caramel Apples

We made a big batch of caramel apples today. It was cold outside and growing up it just seemed that Fall and caramel apples always went together. It is a great memory and one I wanted to share with the kids. I think it is the first time my littles have made them with me. Biggies, yes, but not littles. They were wonderful! Stickly, goey, yummy ......good!

G I Joe Seth

Seth's favorite place in the world is "Jetta's"! It is a great dig store down the road from our house. He is forever finding a funny item and for a $1 or less....I can treat him at those prices. Friday this was his find:) In front of my out of control plants he actually almost looks like he in a jungle:)

Cold soccer

The soccer games are now freezing! We will be playing pack-up games on the next two Saturdays to try to keep from extending the season. I am thankful.

These were taken last night at Carlton, Tasha and Mercedez game.

November 9th

November 9th is the day that Victoria will have her tonsils removed. We went to the Doctor yesterday. She of course is very excited....this child is go go go! I am glad to have arrived here finally. Victoria has has strep for the last two months! Too many anitbiotics to try to kick it!

Nineteen!!

Chelsea was here for the wedding and then today until early afternoon. We had her birthday after lunch. Tomorrow she will be 19!!! Wow!! She is a neat girl. I am very proud of her. She is her own person.....and a very nice person at that! The picture is of Chelsea (on left) and her roommate Annie. Happy Birthday Bug!!

Caleb is sixteen!

Today has been so very cold! Our first true Fall day! It is also the birthday of Caleb. The sixtenth birthday! It is so very hard to imagine that this guy is 16. My first born birth son. My first adventure in "boys". My first of so many things. My first baby who actually laid on a blanket. So fat and lazy, he would lay in one place! Although he did eventually roll....one direction...until he hit a wall...then he would just lay there! A sweet peaceful baby.

He was my first toddler to have an imaginary friend. His "Grandpa" was with us for a couple of years. A funny friend. His "Grandpa" could do more than anyone else....he was bigger....he was stronger....he was smarter....he was just the best thing since sliced bread!.

Caleb has grown up. He is no longer a sweet chubby faced baby! He is sixteen! He can be anything he wants. I am so very glad he is a Christian. He is a good guy!

A beautiful day!

Today was a beautiful day! The weather was beautiful, the trees were beautiful, and the event was beautiful! My father was married this afternoon. In a wonderful ceremony which took place in his back yard he married ClaraRuth, his dear friend of sometime. Actually Dad and ClaraRuth went to High School together many years ago. He even asked her on a date, but her parents would not let her(a freshman) go with Dad (as senior). Both traveled unique paths, married wonderful people, and found each other again. This time ClaraRuth did go on that date:)

The wedding was a "secret" as they wanted it small. Not an easy feat with Dad's children:) But, Dad had six of his nine children and their families along with Granny present. ClaraRuth had all her family with her. Her sister, two nieces and their husbands, a nephew, and a great niece. The ceremony took place in Dad's gazebo with family standing close by.

Milton Sewell, President of Freed Hardeman University married them Milton's sweet wife Laurel was with him. All together there were 48 of us.

I know my father is happy. I know he loves ClaraRuth. The future will be much brighter and joyful with ClaraRuth in our family!!

I will add some of the great pictures later! Note to self!

Maybe one of my favorite pictures!

I love pictures that speak for themselves. The "pictures worth a thousand words" kind of picture. This is one of those! Love it!

Ya gotta love bugs!

My kids love bugs! Funny because thier momma is not a bug person. I am very very good at the "wow, that is a neat bug!" lol There seems to be something in bug lovers that make them just want to share the joy:) It is a childs heart. The desire to share. Well, Seth is sharing in the picture.

The poor moth is likely in Heaven!

The Team

I thought it was a great picture! This is my "little" team:) The picture was taken at the Memphis Zoo on a big log that was exactly long enough!!

Football games are COLD!

We had our last home football game on Friday night. The temp was about 41, but sure felt colder!! The picture is of Sarah and Mercedez....on thier way into the stadium.

Last home football game

Tonight is the last home football game. It is Senior night. I have no Senior football players. But we will be there to watch in case Caleb gets to play. I have asked Shannan to watch my crazy crew. She will be here. I appreciate her so much! I am not sure she realizes what a blessing she is to me!

Enough

Discouragement. What a gross word! What a terrible thing! I try to never give into it! As a Christian, I find it very hard to reconcile being discouraged and being a Christian. Yes, I know we have our moments....but that is what they need to be moments. Quiet moments. And then, you have to move on. Pick yourself up. Dust off the old. Look to the future. You know all those old sayings? I do believe them! I live them. I try to not say things I do not mean. I try to not say things that will come back to me in a bad way. I try to not say things I would not repeat to the world.

Last night I was discouraged. I gave into self pity. I whined. I cried. I was so sad. I had moment that lasted an hour. I have dusted myself off. I have picked myself up. But decided that there will have to be adjustments with my children.

I REALIZE some of my kids have had a life that is hard. I KNOW they have things missing. I UNDERSTAND it will take time. But RESPECT has now been drug to the front of my line. I will not wait on it anymore. I will have it. They will give it. Good Grief! This is life!

Some days!

What a day! Sometimes I have days that just grow and grow and even I wonder about my sanity...lol! Yesterday morning we were up and going early. My teens all had THUMP at Hardees with the youth group at 7 am. I had all my elementary school kids at school at 7:30. Seth and I ran to kroger and had my shopping done by the time I had to have him at school (8 am). I carried the groceries in and had them put away about the time Caleb texts me to please bring him black shorts for football practice. As I was digging through his not clean room, the phone rang. Annie, our school nurse, called about Victoria. She felt that the rash, not ringworm but something else was not getting any better. I hung up and called the Doctors office and they said bring her on in. So I gave up looking for shorts but did run by the sporting good store, which was not yet opened, so no shorts! While in the car the called from school that Izzy had thrown up. So I arrived at school and picked up Victoria and Izzy. We alll three went to the doctor. Izzy was really fine... or at least not sick any longer. Doctor said the rash was a ring worm "like' rash that you do not treat, but would go away in 6-9 weeks all by itself. The tiny rash was strep! New meds for that. And an appointment for next week with another Doctor to have her tonsils removed. And the ringworm was looking good, nearly gone.

We left the Doctors office. I called Annie to tell her what was said. Drove back to school and picked up Tasha and Lita to go to the eye doctor. Once they were in the van we drove to Wal-Mart (our first time to use thier eye care Doctor), but ran into Subway to eat a quick lunch first. We went to the eye Doctor and Tasha, Lita, and myself all had eye exams. Lita nearly cried because she did not need glasses, but wanted them. Tasha did need them for now. Her eyes are over-focusing and very likely will correct themselves in the next year and she may not need them after that. I am just getting old...lol! I has 20/20 in one eye and 20/30 in the other. I ended up just getting glasses for night driving..

Two hours later we left the vision center! We drove to Granny's house and I picked up some winter cloths for her to have at the nursing home with her. We have been trying to find a day for she and I to go and do it together....but the rain has not stopped long enough for Granny to feel good about being out. We ran to the nursing home and I carried her cloths in and traded out a few. We then took the summer cloths back to her house.

We ran by the Dollar Store and picked up a couple of my kids donations for thier fall festival baskets. Each class room will put together a basket (a themed basket) and they will be auctioned in the silent auction on the nigth of our Harvest Festival.

Then we went back to school to pick up all the children not with me!

Mercedez asked, "Why did you not wash my cloths today?" hummmm....let me see???

Somedays it is really hard to just stay on top of the half to dos!

Growing up

It is very nice to have outside opinions when rearing children...but those are just that...OPINIONS. The parents position is just that....the PARENTS. I had a talk today with our youth minister.....a GREAT guy! We were talking about a situation involving one of my teens. About some ugly talking that had occured regarding said teen...After we finished and I was in the car I called him back. I did not want to come across as though I have "perfect kids"....what a thought! lol I have yet to meet anyone who does! But, I mostly called back to explain this....I do not get involved in the quarrels and yuck of my kids. I DO respond to what they bring to me. I am not going to dig to the bottom of a "who said what"! When my kids tell me something....right or wrong.....I deal with the teaching oportunity placed before me. It is not to say I do not want to hear if my kids need some help.....I do.

I have spent a lot of time with my girls (particularly) talking about the difference between "concern for a friend" and "gossip". When you go to a friend....it is concern. When you talk about that concern....it is gossip....unless it is with an authority figure who can truly help!! Generally speaking, peers are not authorities!

I say all that to say this..... I (or I should say we....I never forget Scott ) am trying my very best to raise level headed, reasonable, fair, respectful young Christians. They, as teenagers, are at an age that they CAN and WILL BE making a lot of decisions. I very much like to problem solve with them.... To think out loud with them....To provide guidelines for them....To love them and support them.....But the bottom line is that they (not mom and dad) are responsible for their actions. They need to know that now. As adults and as children there are consequences (good and bad and wishywashy) for every action. I cannot protect them from those consequences, nor do I wish to, this is how they learn!!

Where did the pictures go?

I have been crazy busy and VERY frustrated that my pictures will not load. I do not know why? I have tried to figure it out. I have joined help groups. I have found no help. I have expended about as much time on it as I can right now! I need a computer/camera prodige in my house. But, alas, I do not have such a child! So I remain picture less.

Sam's new classroom

Samuel is doing really well in his new classroom!! He is HAPPY! And Samuel is not a person can pretend when it comes to emotions.

He is in a resource classroom (formerly called special ed classroom). When Scott got home from Knoxville I told Samuel to tell Dad about his new class.....he did....lol....he told Scott he would be "helping in Ms Gladys' class". Yesterday at the end of the day he asked Ms Gladys "Do you need me to come help tomorrow?" haha....She smiled and told him she loved his help! I may have to talk to him tonight about the "helping". While his reading is not as good as several others, his math is great. Yesterday he was dividing "pies" and Gladys had him help the other children. He was tickled to death. Samuels perceptual reasoning is above average and he has great "depth" at times (and sometimes that depth simply buries him!). I am glad he is doing well.

I so badly want success for all my children. Emotional success. The ability to know they are unique and to know that they are beautiful!
Sometimes in the mist of craziness I am not so great at emphasizing this!

Sometimes I just forget to tell them the great things they do.....until I am lying in bed at night and I think....gosh! I need to tell them!

Last night Stuart saved me my bringing my "church bag" to church for me. I thought it was in the van....and on the way to our gospel meeting I realized it was not in the van. I called home and caught the boys before they left. As Stuart sat down and worship began....I thought, listening to him sing, "what a GREAT guy!" There is not much sweeter to me than my children singing! No matter if they are 4 or 17 ...I LOVE IT!

Rain is good!

Last night all of our ballgames (a football game, 3 soccer games and a softball game) were all rained out. Which meant we could all go to our gospel meeting. We have a tremendous speaker from Maryville TN holding our meeting. His sweet wife is with him! Scott and I were both at Lipscomb with them and it is nice to reconnect after 20 years!

I have to laugh at one of the nice ladies at church though! She was standing with Dan Chambers (our speaker) and myself last night after church. Trying to brag on my family she began a long long story about how "perfect" my kids were. Very sweet of her, but it might have been more impressive if they were not flipping over the church pews behind me as she spoke! lol I know my kids can be great ....but they are just kids! Plain and simple! hummm.....sometimes outragous and complicated! Just depends on the day! Depends on the child!

Funnies

I sat through two IEP's today listening and working toward help for my guys Sam and Zack. In the middle I thought about the fact that while I am pushing for intervention based on educational testing and behavorial issues, they ARE funny guys! They do have great positives!

On the way to school last week this conversation began....and it is very much the norm!

Daniel who was cold due to our 32 degree morning....."I need some Miffins"
Samuel...."What?"
Daniel......"I need some Miffins" ( he does have problems with speech)
Samuel....."You need some Memphis?"
Daniel......"NO some miffins!"
Samuel....."Memphis?
Mercedez..."MITTINS Sam!"
Samuel......."Ohhhh, cause you can't wear Memphis"
Zack.........."Oh be quiet Sam, Memphis is a State!"
Jacob......"What did he just say???"
Me....."you heard him" LOL

An everyday occurance, if only I could remember it all!

Samuel was moved into a CDC (self contained) classroom. I am in such hopes that he has success in this new environment!!! I love love love his teacher "Miss" Gladys! She adopted a little boy we had in fostercare nearly 9 years ago. He is FASD and she is one kind of terrific resource!!

Zack's teacher, Mrs Boyd, is really doing great with Zack. No behavior problems....she actually said that his behavior did not interfere with his education. What a change from last year!! I am ever so thankful!

Seeing Stars!

I sometimes can get tickled at myself. Saturday I was in walmart (by now anyone reading knows that Savannah is pretty much centered around the hub of walmart) and I met a lady I have known for year and years. She had another lady with her and she noticed the 10 pairs of dress shoes I had in the cart. she asked about my kids and then turned to the lady beside her and tried to tell her about the 'stars in Amanda's crown'.....now, that phrase always bothers me...but today when she said that all I could think of was the cartoon characters who get hit and you see the hallo of stars circle thier dizzy heads. I just laughed. That is how I feel sometimes....run over and left dizzy. Perhaps that might be the only stars I ever see. Heaven is not a place of "stars"....it is a place of rest, peace, love and joy...not exactly the everyday world I live in. I have challenges everyday. I do not think I always handle them in a way that is "crown making", I am every bit and more strong willed than any child who lives in my home. I think perhaps I have yet to meet my match. Some truly exhaust me though. I try so hard to be fair. This world is not a fair place. But, I do feel that the children need to have equality. They need a level playing field. I can do that.

Caleb has been griping about a teacher he has. One he does not like, or rather he says does not like him. She "picks on him". Humm....Sarah says it is likely true, that she has seen this teacher behave this way. BUT... it does not matter!!! If the teacher lets others complete assignments in class and not Caleb....then he sure better have it done BEFORE he goes to class. CALEB is resposible for his own grades. HE must meet this teachers demands and expectations, no matter how hard they are, because frankly, she is the boss! THAT is life!! THAT is not fair!! I would like to just tell him to get used to it. There will be people like this for the rest of his life....people he must deal with. The way it is handled is all his! All his choices. This too is life! This is the GOOD part. By not fulfilling the techers expectations, he is CHOOSEING a path he cannot blame a teacher for! If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times to Caleb regarding this situation.....BE BEYOND REPROOF!! Make your life as her wish!! BTW, and when he does not live beyond reproof? Do not whine!!

Scott has returned to Knoxville. I am eagerly awaiting next Tuesday night when he hopefully will return!!

Ben & Jeremy

Last night Ben and Jeremy came from Mt Juliet to be with us all for a short, but very much enjoyed, evening. What great guys these are! They are Janet's(Scott's sister) boys. I have talked with Janet so often over the years about wishing we were closer. But, you know, I think these guys and my guys(and girls) will always be close. They have had a wonderful example in thier momma. She is one of the sweetest people I know....easy to see why she has great boys!!

It was Homecoming last night so it was a big football night, although a bad game (we lost....those are always bad!). Scott did come home from Knoxville for the night. Pa rode with Scott from Murfreesboro, and then rode back with Ben and Jeremy. I am glad he and Scott had a couple of hours of time together!

Election

Jacob is running for student council treasurer. He made up his slogan "Jacob Smo can handle the dough!" . Well, he can. He is great with money...especially saving it! Jacob bought a car last year and still has more money in savings than anyone else in the house. He loves pistachios and my dad usually keeps them at his house. Jacob is not a hog about them....he will pick up a few at a time. He told my dad, "I love them, but when I go the the store they cost so much money I usually just buy sunflower seeds." I can honestly say that attitude impresses me! I do think he would make a great treasurer! lol...but I am his mother so I am partial!

Poor Sarah!

I took Sarah back to the doctor yesterday. She is still so sick. They said she had strep, for the third time in 4 weeks. She apparently has a tough stand that is resistant to antibiotics.....so she got another shot and is taking a med by mouth. They said a combination would knock it out. I sure hope so! Sarah is my "shots are no big deal child".....she may not like them, but she never makes a big deal of it! After her shot today she nearly passed out in the hall, we carried her back to the room, she was sick to her stomach so they gave her a shot to help that.....and it did help her sleep some! She has been so very sad missing spirit week at school. The homecoming parade is today and homecoming tonight. I sure hope she feels better!!

One of the most horrible parts of parenting is knowing your child is sick, you have done everything you can, and they are still miserable! Sarah just cried last night with her head! But, she did sleep well (I know because she slept with me) and hopefully she will wake feeling better! If not, we are to go back to the Doctors office!

melting pot

Yesterday Carlton's counselor was talking about the mix in my family. I was telling him about Jacob going to the zoo with me in Memphis. Jacob is a great role model for my little's. Jacob is very easy going, rarely mad about anything. He is not likely to scream, shout(unless playing...not in anger) or push anyone. He IS likely to laugh at the kids antics, play with them, talk to them and about them. He notices what goes on around him! He naturally can be with in public (such as the zoo) and me never have to talk to him about behavior. He is simply put ....a good guy! I have some really good guys.....they come in all shapes and sizes! They come in different temperaments and attitudes.

Jacob would get up anytime I need him and help. If the neighbor stopped by and needed someone to help out with something....he would. No questions asked. He would be happy the whole time. He is a great communicator. He likes to learn new things. He likes people....most all people. Jacob is blessed ....he sees the GOOD in others.....almost never does he say anything about other behavior that is bad.....he is positive. He is the first to stop and teach any of the kids a silly move, a goofy joke, whatever. He has no favorites...and if he does....he keeps it to himself.....everyone likes Jacob.....because they all feel like Jacob likes them!! I love him.

I do not think anyone with one single child in thier home can ever appreciate the uniqueness in my home, the qualities of each and every child. The way we can so deeply love each one....how each child can slip inside our heart ...making us thankful and truthfully in awe of God. If I live to be 110 I will never cease to be intrigued by people. I count my people as some of the most intriguing!!

Shared Parenting

Parenting is such a joy (among all the other emotions). But, I truly feel it is best SHARED! I know this because I have been parenting this week without Scott and it is not nearly as fun! I know that God made men and women different. I know that God knew what my children would be like.....and He knew I would need Scott!! I am always so grateful for Scott. Thankful that I have a best friend to share my life with! Thankful that God gave him patience (because I really have to work at that!). Thankful for his "think about it thought process" when I am ready for a quick answer. I always laugh and tell him that together we make a pretty moderate person:) I sure will be glad when he is home!!

Parents and Teachers

Why is that sometime my children think that the modern conveniences of telephones and email will not work between teachers and parents? Do they think that I alienate myself from the teachers and that teachers will not tell me when they are up to no good? You would think that they would have caught on by now. We attend church with many of our teachers. A wonderful thing!

Last night Mrs. Hunt, Victoria's teacher stopped at our seat and looked over at Victoria asking, "Did you show your mom your orange folder?"

I nearly laughed out loud at the "caught in the headlights" look on her little face! Obviously she had not! Nope. Mrs. Hunt gave her a serious look, as did I when we assured Mrs. Hunt we would have it today!

It seems that kids of all ages forget that parents and teachers CAN and Do communicate!!!

Curly Q

Lita has the most beautiful hair! She would love straight hair (green grass can be such a bad issue!!). Everyone who sees her would love curly hair! It had gotten pretty long and she had been after me for weeks to cut it. She likes it short, like in the picture above. Me? I think it is beautiful anyway, but did like it a little longer. Last night after church we stoood in my bathroom and I cut it short again (to her delight).

Lita is a funny funny girl. But you just have to be listening! Most the time she does not mean to be funny, she just has this dry random sense of humor. While I was cutting she asked "what day will it be tomorrow?" I told her Thursday. She sighed and said, " oh good, tomorrow is reading center, maybe the head phones will fit on my head now!" I looked down at her face, she was not laughing, just thinking out loud. She is just so cute! Never had she mentioned that the head phones would not fit! But Lita would not have whined, she would have just done what she needed to do and moved on. All that said, I am very sure they will fit today!

Crying Wolf

Last week Samuel spent a good 15 minutes retelling Scott and I the ENTIRE story of the boy who cried wolf. He is so serious about things....it was truly as if no one had ever heard this story before (he certainly had not) and when he finished he followed up with a story about a sick child who was pretending and nearly died when he was sick because of the "crying wolf". I think the story must have been the teachers addition...lol But Sam took it all to heart and is "trying to never do that".

Crying wolf. I have a couple who have been sick.....seems the hysteria can make my most healthy kids fall to deaths door. Actually it is not the hysteria ....it is the thought that they can stay home with mom if they can seem to be dying:) This morning Carlton said his ribs were really really hurting. Okay guys....the bug we have involves a bad headache....one person throwing up....no rib cage issues! When I question him further, he can hardly breath! I ask him to take a big deep breathe....he does....not a single flinch.....no catch in his breathing! Next? Seriously, he may have strained a muscle playing soccer, he may have hit something, it may truly hurt, but he can breathe!! I imagine he will be fine a school. He never said a single word after I talked to him. He even carried Jacob's books into school to him.....all 7 books(his and Jacob's) all hitched up under the arm with the traumatized ribs.....hummm.....miraculous recover?

No more layaway at Walmart!

I realize this does not bother many people......but Walmart is shutting down the layaway dept after this holiday season! I was putting some Christmas on layaway yesterday and read the note. They will be offering credit cards and gift cards......yeah right! Just what everyone in the world needs....a credit card for Walmart!! I am not sure if my sarcasm is coming through in blog?

I do not use the department a lot....but when I do I do a lot! lol...hummm....frustration is making me sound crazy:) In the Winter when they put out all the Spring clothes I pick up our "Sunday" shirts and layaway whatever colors we will have.....7 blue, 7lime green, 7yellow, 7orange(about 200 bucks in shirts!)....not an investment I would make in Feb usually, but with layaway I know they are taken care of! And there will be enough!

It is sad to me. Likely not to many, but to me it is:)

Vitamins

We pass out vitamins on the way to school every morning. It has become the best place, everyone is in one place and sitting down. This morning we were at the bottom of the bottle, with only orange ones left (apparently no one likes the orange). Mercedez passed them out, then she and Tasha began a discussion about taste buds. They were in the front seat of the van. Samuel who was sitting in the second seat behind them was listening. Before long he decided to join in the conversation:

Sam: I don't like taste buubs.
Mercedez: Taste BUDS
Sam: I don't like them taste bugs at all!
Mercedez: Taste BUDS!
Sam: I don't like them taste things(Mercedez rolling her eyes), if I didn't have them bugs then I wouldn't care 'bout eating orange vitamins and I could eat all the food I don't like.

You have to laugh, although Mercedez sighed and Tasha shook her head. But the thought process was good. If you could not taste you would not care what you eat. Although, while you might eat the things you don't like, you would never have things you do like! Who would know if you liked it or not? Humm....actually it might not be so bad.....I could cook whatever I wanted and no one would complain:) Certainly there would be no complaints about vitamins!!!

What a day!

Goodness today has been crazy! Sarah came home from school sick around 10. Samuel came home afer lunch sick. Carlton and Victoria were sick this afternoon. I think we must have some kind of bug! Then Seth fell and I am pretty sure he broke his nose! Bless his heart! A though one for us. We may have skinned knees and splinters, but rarely virus'!

Stuart

Guys can be pretty wonderful. My guys are ofcourse great:) Stuart has really been stepping up and helping out! Babysitting my toughies while I do soccer games, running people here and there, even going to the store for me! It always seems about the time I get a teenager to the point that I love them the death, they grow up and go to college!! I am very thankful I have 10 months with Stuart! I do know when he goes off to Freed, he will be so successful! He is just a great guy!!

Only Sarah!

Only Sarah!! Last night I was waiting up for Sarah to come home, everyone was in bed. My cell phone was charging and I was playing cards on the computer. Caleb came down and asked me if Sarah was home? I did not think so....in a few minutes he came back shaking his head.....apparently Sarah was locked in her car!! She had blown the horn, but no one heard, so she called Caleb on his cell phone and asked him to help. Caleb went outside and sure enough, there she was all locked up! He told her to roll down the window on the passenger side and hand him the keys. He unlocked the door and she got out. You know, this is a crazy thing! Only Sarah!

A good guy!

What do you say to a good teen? LOL ....You tell them they are good! I have some great kids......some neat kids....but this one is not mine(except in my heart). Doug went with us this past weekend to Knoxville. Can you imagine any teenager who does not "have to" and not living with me wanting to drive across the state with me and two van loads of people?? Doug did. He was happy the whole time.....helped out when asked and generally a nice guy to have with us! Give me a hundred of these guys:)

People sometimes say I can't deal with my two kids.....and I want to respond me either:) Sometimes kids are just tougher to parent than others.....some are busier....some are whinier....some are louder....some are just rough! But sometimes .......sometimes there are easy going good kids! Those are what give people the desire to have more....the ease in witch they can parent them. Although some people only have those kind of kids and they think the rest of the world has just messed up thier kids....lol....they really need to be thanking God for the sweet life of an easy going child. I say all that and then I have to say.....some of my most spirited kids are going to be in big places. They know what they want and they go after it! Admirable to be sure......it is just that as parents we have the lovely task of trying to help them end up in a good place and not jail.

Hard times.

I sometimes think my life it hard....as I blogged yesterday....perspective tells me I am just fine! I have two friends of nearly 8 years that are both mom's to large families....both faced with tough health issues. Cindy Adams has colon cancer and Cindy Bodie is having surgery for a mass that prayerfully will not be cancer! Either way....thier lives are HARD right now!! They are in my prayers. It is a tough week to be a "Cindy"!

I bought a book this morning at Wal-mart while waiting to get my oil changed. It is a new one by Max Lucado, written to teens, It Is Not All About You.. imagine that!! Our lives have to be CHRIST centered....not Me centered!!! Not hard to see as adults....we can see what service and the service of others brings to each person. When we strive to be more like Christ.....we are simply that....More like Christ! More at peace, more in control, more in love with our brothers and sisters, more of everything! It is the abundant life!!!! A Christ centered life! Not at all a new concept. Although in this crazy blame everyone, I want it all for me world....the concept sometimes gets pushed into the closet....out of sight and out of mind! It is our(MY) responsiblity as a Christian to keep it in front of me! To follow that example.

I think sometimes as adults we behave like children. Have you recently walked anywhere with a child? I have spent to whole days at two different Zoos and I have witnessed first what it is like! They always seem to push themselves out front....to desire to be the first one there....they think they can lead. But, like us, sometimes they have no idea where they are going! Following from the front just does not work! Makes you wonder if Jesus' words "the first shall be last and the last first" can't apply to following?? I have watched my children walk right onto the wrong path thinking everyone is with them....only to turn around ....realize no one is with them.....and be the last one there! The "horse before the cart" concept.....We cannot be before Christ!

I know this is such a lesson to me! Christ at the center of my life is a must!!

perspective!

I am a great believer of perspective. It's just life at it's best and worst!

Years ago Scott worked with a guy who had five kids. He said everytime he got depressed about having to pay for his kids to go to college he would just walk down the hall to Scott's office and then he was just thankful he had only five to send to college!

It's prespective!

When I get depressed about laundry, I am just thankful I have washing machines and don't have to lug it all to the laundry mat!

Percepctive is an awesome tool!

I wish there was some way my teenage boys would use it to see where they are! They are so blessed, so healthy, so smart, so carefree.....yet sometimes they have no perspective. They need it.....need it to help them see! Empathy, Respect, Understanding, Compassion, LOVE.....pretty important stuff!!

Today while we were at my Dad's one of my big boys were disrespectful to him. Now, the teen believes HE was the one treated badly. It bothers me on many many levels. I could carry on forever about my love for my Dad and my respect for him!! Truly, my Dad is a very neat man....there are very few people in this world I respect more than him. Few people I know who are as fair or have as good a work ethic!

After looking back at this morning.....the bottom line is simply this------RESPECT YOUR ELDERS! Whatever my Dad asked the boys to help with....they should, happily being thankful they are young and strong and can help!! Respect alone should have had this son being the best worker......love for a grandfather should have had him wanting to help!

I am pretty sick that this son still thinks the WHOLE world is wrong and he is right. So very sorry son, this is not true.

My crew

This is my crew standing in from of the motel. My little ones in red....so I could count faster at the zoo:)

The show!

Scott's big show is at the Knoxville Convention Center. The homes are so neat! It is hard to imagine they are manufactured! This morning Jacob was talking about a bubble on the moon filled with these houses.....lol....he thought it would be pretty cool! I doubt Clayton's has much market for homes on the moon and I KNOW the freight would be way to high!

Cumberland House

We stayed at the Cumberland House while in Knoxville with Scott. The motel is just across the bridge from the convention center. It can be seen in the picture on the left (the off white building). It was really very nice! We were lucky to get room for everyone....our travel list kept growing until everyone, including Doug and excluding Chelsea, were going with us!! Sarah and the little girls had the room across the hall from us.....big guys were two doors down....Scott and I had an adjoining room with the little boys.

I was really proud of Stuart who drove all the way! By the time we were back home, after nearly 12 hours of driving with

Off to Knoxville!

We are leaving in a little while to go to Knoxville with Scott. His big show is there for the next 10 days.....so we are going today and tomorrow. We will be able to go see the show houses tomorrow morning and play at the zoo tomorrow at lunch time....and head home late(perhaps everyone but me will be tired enough to sleep all the way home!).

What a week!

This week has been really something.....wonderfully good, wonderfully hard, wonderfully buzy....pretty much wonderfully normal! Another school week cut short by a day off. It really messes with our schedule. BUT it is worth it for a break from school (worth it for the kids and me!).

We went to the Memphis Zoo on Friday....what fun! Jacob, me and all 13 of my "littles" who are not so little anymore! This is the first time we have been since they opened the new exhibit the Northern Pass. It was such a neat place to roam around! We were able to watch a show....and see the polar bears swimming (Lita is pictured with her face to the glass watching!)....pretty fun stuff. I think everyone enjoyed our day!

We made it home just in time to find our grey and maroon sweatshirts and head to the football game. I am so glad we did....Caleb kicked in his first Varsity game!! The snap was high and he did not get it off, getting it blocked by the really big guys who were on top on him....but still...WHAT A GREAT THING! Caleb and Varsity Football....not what this mom had in mind...lol...but a good thing for Caleb:)

Big soccer night!

Daniel had a a great night at soccer....TWO goals! Everyone played really hard and we had another beautiful night to play. With the play of the night....Ryan nead butted a kick out of the net!! What a play! They other team thought they had it.....and up came Ryan's head! lol!

Our second soccer game....Carlton, Mercedez and Tasha went well. Carlton had a great goal! They all played hard! At one point, our coach(a young guy who played college level soccer) said outloud, "Man that Tasha Smotherman is one tough kid!" Yep. Pretty much says is all. She is the smallest person on the field...by more than a head....but she is in the middle and makes a big difference! Determination!

Monday night football

Caleb played football last night with the B(Jr Varsity) Team. It was a wonderful night to watch football. While waiting for the game to start the girls were watching the team warm-up. Jenna Ellison, my friend Carols sweet middle schooler, was sitting with the girls, being a sweet "big sister" example. Jenna was answering a million questions while Victoria was sitting in her lap. During one stretch(where the guys were leaning...stretching....over on another player) one of the girls asked Jenna what they were doing? Jenna said "I think it is all about trust"! LOL ...At first glance that is exactly what it looks like:)

Caleb, who as kicker, does not see much contact action was very much tackled last night. The ball went through the holders hands and Caleb ran back, was able to recover the ball and even run until he was tackled by three players. Mercedez said,"Hey they aren't suppose to tackle him!" Welcome to the real world....kickers CAN be tackled:) Caleb loved it (of course). The team won about 45 to 0. Caleb was successful with all his attempts except the one tackle.

My Dad and Clara Ruth were there cheering Caleb on. It was a great game for them to be able to watch. Tasha said on the way to the game, while we were talking about who would be there, "I just LOVE Clara Ruth's name!" Ofcourse a "Tasha RUTH" would love a "Clara Ruth"!

Scott's soccer team (Lita, Michael, Izzy, Ryan and Daniel) played and won thier first win. Micheal had to be taken out in the first few minutes for mouthing to the other team (the we're gonna beat ya'll stuff), Scott laughed and said that he was right (barely...they won 1-0). But, with previous games ending in one loss for us and a tie, he really did not have any business bragging! Good Sportmans ship is a MUST for any of our bunch who play! I am glad they won:) Isabella and Ryan made the goal...lol....together!

My jungle

I have moved all my plants indoors. Seth, with his head stuck out from giant leaves, said "Hey Mom, this is me in the jungle" Well, my plants have exploded this summer and even after some trimming back they still look much as Seth said A Jungle!

Taco Bell with Harvie

Tonight after church our neighbor and friend Harvie took Doug and Michael out to eat at Taco Bell. A real treat for Michael. One to be able to hang out with Harvie, and another to hang out with Doug! He just walked in grinning from ear to ear sipping his Dr Pepper:) Again, I say it plenty, it sure is nice to have strong positive role models for my kiddos!