It's a Golden Day...

Giving Thanks - Part I

2011-11-23T10:15:00.011-05:00

This Thanksgiving will be bittersweet. This year, three people who are important to members of my family won't be here. The boys will not see their biological father. They have not mentioned anything about it, but it has been on my mind. Even though the two of us have had a tumultuous relationship over the past few years, he was still their father. Mike's father won't be here to play the role of patriarch at the family Thanksgiving, always the consummate host. There will be a huge hole in the celebration. And finally, my sweet Muz is celebrating with Jesus and making sure that the Thanksgiving table in Heaven is set "just so"... But she won't be with us, and I know my mother will be so affected.

Even so, I have so much to be thankful for. I've been meaning to write about how God's hand was such a part of those few days from October 4th through the 7th. Days that could possibly only be described by someone as a nightmare. Yet there were so many glimpses of His presence, His Holy Spirit moving among us, His unexpected - and unexplained - gifts and blessing.

Yes, this will be one of Bevy's infamous Two-Parters. As we all are, I'm in the midst of preparations for tomorrow's big feast. But I am excited to be able to share those moments, those obviously Holy (and not it so obvious) moments with you. So later this weekend, I hope to give you an inspiring read.

Walking in...

2011-11-14T15:11:00.011-05:00

When I walked in I was completely unprepared. I didn’t know what would greet me. I didn’t know how I would be affected.

When I entered the sunny apartment, the first thing I saw was the old mahogany Imperial styled chest with all the family photographs in a mix match of silver and Dollar Tree acrylic frames. Homemade cards and pictures from her great-grandchildren were in a little pile. An antique clock silently ticked.

My eyes scanned her home and saw the dichotomy of beautiful silk draperies on the living room windows beside the tacky peacock feathers displayed in a vase she bought at a garage sale. The silk print of the last Dowager Empress of China above the handmade camelback chest from Afghanistan with the “made in China” (and not in the good way!) oriental lamp on it. The exquisite Victorian mahogany and horsehair sofa she had upholstered in the most God-awful light blue striped velvet we know she got for free somewhere. The corner cabinet with all her sterling and fine china serving pieces - and the Christmas china my sister and I had thought she gave us, but later she decided she hadn't and wanted back! (Anne Stuart and I are still confused over that...) Her mink wrap and elbow length white kid leather gloves next to her seventeen million pairs of Keds in every color and pattern imaginable. The sterling silver tea service and water cooler on the small dining room table – right beside a cacophony of holiday, cocktail and party napkins she would "rescue" (not used of course) from a luncheon or event where she was a guest so she could use when WE came to visit. It was so her and I was completely unprepared… and I sobbed.

This past weekend I joined my sister, aunt and uncle, and their daughter to clean out Muz’s apartment at Still Hopes. (You may remember my post about the lovely residence.) We started the weekend with shared tears as we talked about her last days and the numerous happy memories we had. We wanted the weekend to not just be about packing up all her belongings (and sorting “Good Will” and “throw away” – there were over fifty bags!). We wanted the day to be one that honored her and what she meant to us. My dear Aunt Laura, who, at times, had a tumultuous relationship as the daughter-in-law, asked if she could lead us in prayer that the weekend would be a blessing for us all. And oh, how it was!

We told stories as we’d find old books she read to us as little children and pictures of Christmases from years ago. We laughed as we’d find old newspapers - and programs from events she’d attended in 1983. Boxes and boxes and boxes of old church bulletins… invitations… Christmas cards from people whose names we didn’t even recognize… receipts from presents she’d bought us through the years… papers and old photographs from "the war" (better known to rest of us as World War II)... drawers full of recycled Christmas bows and wrapping paper… bags and bags of packing peanuts. But that was so Muz: frugal and a product of the Great Depression. How many pieces of recycled tin foil and Ziploc bags we found in her kitchen cabinets; the jelly packets and sugar packets and ketchup packets. The woman NEVER THREW ANYTHING AWAY. You’ve heard of functioning alcoholics? Muz was a functioning hoarder. You’d never know it from the way she kept her lovely apartment!

We finished, exhausted yet blessed, Sunday afternoon. In addition to the wonderful time reminiscing with my family, we each left with some items Muz had designated especially for each one of us. I was so excited to carry the silk print and camelback chest, as well as a mahogany pie crust side table.

But it was earlier that day when I was cleaning out her medicine cabinet and I hit the jackpot. Of all the furniture and other inheritances we all received, this meant so much more. I found two 45-year-old bottles of merthiolate she used to put on our cuts and scrapes when we were children. She would paint that orange liquid on one and blow on it “to take the sting off”. We would wince in pain and watch the “paint” turn that awful neon pink. What on earth was she thinking? But I was so thrilled to find these bottles. I ran out of the bathroom laughing and crying. It was a memory we all shared. It was so her... so Muz.

And crazy as it sounds, when I look at those two little brown worn out bottles, I feel the clouds that have covered our lives for the past few months dissipate. I feel golden days are coming soon…

Merry Stressmas!

2011-11-09T19:04:00.000-05:00

Despite relegating three of our own children to

the “Happy Holidays” frames,

Gary felt the Allens had sent us enough family photos

to warrant their own engraving.

OK, so I stole this from Catalog Living, but I just couldn't resist! We're entering the middle of November and I have just now started thinking about the inevitable Christmas card photo. D*mn it...

Or maybe I should just use one of the Allens'.

Friendship Basket

2011-11-03T16:33:00.001-04:00

We are almost a month to the day my father-in-law died (October 4) and the wreck (October 7) that will affect my family's lives forever. I am still in the midst of writing thank you notes for the outpouring of care and concern by so many friends around us. We have had more meals lovingly prepared than I could have ever imagined. Those nights we didn't have a casserole dish placed in the cooler on the back porch, we used one of the numerous gift cards we received to eat at local restaurants.

Cards and memorials are still pouring in from friends near and far, old and new. Until you go through something so tragic, you just don't realize how much a quick note can mean. (At least I didn't...)

S and J have also been taken care of by their friends and parents, taking them to their activities and letting them sleepover on school nights. One friend of S and his parents even made the hour and a half trip to Columbia for my grandmother's visitation.

One gesture that really touched Mike and me was a large basket we found on our back porch the night we drove back to Aiken that horrible night. It was around eleven o'clock and we had spent the past six hours shuttling ourselves between the children's emergency room with the boys and the Trauma Unit/ICU with Mama and Daddy. Mama was in emergency surgery with a neurosurgeon (no brain, but intense scalp injuries).

As we were driving that night, I received a text from my sweet friend Kiki:
"Just want you to know that Bunco girls and Sunday Class class are praying for your family. Look on your back porch when you get home - I left a basket of snacks, entertainment, etc for you to take to the hospital as you go back and forth with your mom and dad. It's from the Bunco girls. We love you and are so sorry."

And this is what we found. Both Mike and I teared up. (Ok, I cried.) We were just overwhelmed. We couldn't believe it. Kiki and another sweet friend, Tanya, had filled this huge basket to the brim with bottled water... magazines... Chapstick... snacks... Advil... pens... a notebook... gum... notecards... more snacks... tissues... travel toothbrushes... hand lotion... more snacks... and change for vending machines. These girls thought of everything!

I kept it in my car the next two weeks, replenishing my "hospital bag" every day. And every day, I thanked God for my friends and the gifts they have given me, both tangible and intangible. Now, I'm just ready to be on the giving end myself these days...

Viking in the House

2011-10-30T22:07:00.002-04:00

This weekend was just what the doctor ordered. Lots of fun and festivities for the whole family: a family/neighborhood Halloween party Friday night, Fall Steeplechase all day Saturday, and our church's Fall Festival where we give out hundreds and hundreds of pounds of candy to families in our town. All four of us were kept extremely busy with wonderful friends whom have supported us these past few weeks with so much - including their unwavering prayers.

So many of you golden friends have messaged, emailed, commented, and Facebooked asking how we are doing. Although Mike is having to take this day by day, he wore his Viking warrior helmet at the Halloween soirée to show his strong side!

The Hijack

2011-10-27T22:49:00.004-04:00

So here it is... My sweet friend has taken over. And isn't that what good friends do when it's just more than this "Steel Magnolia" can take? Read on for a glimpse into my life these past six weeks...

Hello, I am hijacking Bevy’s blog because I miss reading it as much as you do. I am her BFF, also named Beverly (yea, we know). Beverly and I are different in many ways – she is sweet and awesome, and speaks nicely all.of.the.time. I am snarky; talk like a sailor, and pretty much like to buck my fine southern upbringing. Actually we make a great team, and I just wanted to for warn you, because I am writing this and not Bevy.

As some of you may know, Bevy’s life had been turned upside down this summer. (a total s&^% storm!) I know she posted about her father-in-law’s brain cancer in early June. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning.

Her boys' biological father unexpectedly passed away in August. He was buried with a full military service, and I know that the boys had to be impressed and proud. It was a very nice service. I know, as I was there. S wanted his oldest friend, my son Michael, to be there with him.

A month later her father-in-law passed away from brain cancer. Bevy of course was super-girl taking care of Mike, the boys, and their losses. (She is really good at that, by the way!). But then to add to the tragedy, on their way home from the funeral, Bevy’s mother, father, grandmother and the boys were involved in a horrible car accident. She lost her grandmother, and her parents were both hurt badly; her mother the worst. The boys - by the Grace of God - were just bumped and cut up.

I made it down to Muz’s (Bevy’s grandmother, we all called her Muz- she was that kind of grandmother) funeral along with many other college friends. (The cross in the picture is from two of these dear college girls...) It was beautiful, as Muz was the perfect southern lady. She would have been very impressed with the visitation and reception, ham biscuits, finger sandwiches, cheese biscuits, and punch on one of those big pretty cut glass punch bowls. To be honest I kept looking for her there because it was an event she would not have missed. Her service was lovely. Bevy’s uncle, an Episcopal priest, gave the most wonderful homily, as did the Bishop. It really was a special day for a special lady.

Bevy’s parents are both home now and I know it will be a long road to recovery both mentally and physically for both of them. She has been back and forth helping with everything along with her sweet sister.

I know there are many more challenges they will all face, but they are one of the closest and most faithful families I have ever known.

Please keep them all in your prayers, and hopefully Bevy will get back to blogging soon, or I will have to guest write again. And I can assure you I am not nearly as uplifting and spiritual as she is.

Have a wonderful week and hug all the ones you love!!
Beverly – the other one.

Guest Blogger Alert... or Best Friend Rescues Blog From Oblivion

2011-10-25T21:40:00.004-04:00

Today I received an email from my best friend:

"OK, so I know you have not wanted to blog b/c you don't want to keep writing about bad things, sooooo I wrote a blog for you. I know, not really my place but I know I am not the only one waiting to see you write again. I wrote all the bad stuff without going into much detail I hope, so you don't have to write it, and you can go back to your happy uplifting crap (I mean stuff : ). Oh, smile!"

She's right. I haven't posted - or even read blogs - since June 24. And for reasons that really have been too surreal and unbelievable. So she's hacking "It's a Golden Day". Thank God (and I do mean that literally) for her. I think I've said it before, but she is my rock. C*** and all.

Mountain Bound

2011-06-24T22:22:00.004-04:00

You would not believe the support and kind words I have received both in blogland and the "real world". I really needed to share my feelings and concerned and am so thankful for those who validated me!

We are now looking forward to a much needed long stay in the mountains of North Carolina. It's where I've spent almost every summer of my life... Kanuga. And oh, how we are needed this time to renew our spirits and feed our senses with the smells of the mountain pines and the fellowship of my extended family. This year will be even more of a blessing to us as Mike and I have decided that our family will go a week early this year so we can attend the annual Renewal Conference, a week of Biblically (as opposed to theologically) based teaching, worship and fellowship. As I pray for this week, I know that all four of us will be blessed.

We have started packing for our journey...

The car will be crammed with everything but the kitchen sink...

And the excitement will mount with each mile...

Ah... Paradise...

Bevy

Cancer doesn't leave the room...

2011-06-21T22:11:00.004-04:00

Where does it go? The days are flying by, and in a little over a week June will be gone. It's been incredibly busy... and surreal. Never mind the educational workshops I attended for over a week, or VBS where I am working with three-year-olds! A hulking elephant named brain cancer has been lurking everywhere. My 4*th birthday came and went, as did Father's Day.

We celebrated by inviting Mike's parents over for fried chicken and all the fixings. What with the cards and gifts, it would seem to be an ordinary Father's Day. But this year wasn't. Usually my father-in-law is looking around our home for something to do: an air filter to change, help the boys with the lawn mower, check some gadget or another. But this year he didn't. Usually our summertime meals with my in-laws involve him grilling hamburgers and steaks. But this year he didn't. Usually he is asking the boys about what they've been up too. But this year he didn't.

This year he walked in slowly with his cane and sat down carefully. His usual quick smile appeared tired. I don't think he said more than twenty-five words the entire visit due to the expressive aphasia that was caused by the cancerous tumor. I could see how it pains my mother-in-law. She puts up such a brave and strong front, carrying the conversations and going on... because what else can you do? What else can you do when the man you have spent forty-five years of your life with is battling Gioblastoma Multiforme (Stage IV) cancer?

What do you do? What do I do? What do I do when I have researched this brain cancer on numerous websites and they all say the same thing? (And what they say is just heart wrenching.) What do I do when my husband has NOT? What do I do when he is in denial (either by choice of not finding out more - or just by choice in and of itself)? Have he and his mother talked about what could happen in twelve to eighteen months? (They don't talk as much as my family does.)

I try to talk and open the door for conversation with her. And although I feel her strong shell is slowly cracking, I'm not sure she will confide in me. But that's ok. She and Mike's aunts are very close and I know they are there for her. But Mike and I don't talk about it in any depth at all. We just don't. And I guess I just have to honor that. Hello, elephant in the room...

So that's where I am... with a big ol' elephant in the room named brain cancer and he won't go away.

Bevy

Gravatt Bars... YUM!

2011-06-16T23:55:00.007-04:00

This week has been rather quiet at Casa Bevy. S was on a mission trip and came home Tuesday afternoon. (Pics to come later!) J is at camp all week. It's the Episcopal Diocesan camp, and guess what? It's only 30 minutes from our house! How's that for convenience?

Of course in this day and age, I have been hooked to the internet all week looking for posted photos on the camps website. What is wrong with us? Why can't we let our kids go for ONE WEEK without the need?

Anyway, you can see he is doing great...

Of course I do miss him. I asked S if he did, and you can guess what he said. Ah, brotherly love. So when J comes home on Sunday, I plan to have a taste of camp waiting for him: Gravatt Bars! Camp Gravatt has been making these ever since I was a camper in the late 70s and a Junior Counselor in the 80s. They are incredibly easy to make and melt in your mouth. I swear!

Here is the recipe. You won't be disappointed!

Gravatt Bars

Ingredients
2 sticks butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 cups confectioners sugar
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions
Mix first three ingredients.
Fold into a 9 x 13 glass pan. (If you want them thicker, then go for a 9 x 9!)
Melt chocolate chips and pour over mixture.
Refrigerate for about three hours or until it "sets".
Take out and let it "thaw" for about thirty minutes so that it is easy to cut into squares.

Enjoy! I know J will... Oh who am I kidding? I definitely will!

What Makes Me Pretty...

2011-06-12T20:54:00.012-04:00

Today I must remember... Because... That beautiful curve says... And Mike, the love of my life, has always told me... And you are too!

Thankful for Today

2011-06-08T23:18:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's still brain cancer. Yes, we are all still tired. Yes, my sweet father-in-law is still in a lot of pain. And yes, there is a long road ahead.

But we know God is so good. Mike's father is recovering amazingly well. He was released from ICU in less than 24 hours. The expressive aphasia that was so prevalent prior to surgery seemed almost nonexistent. He was able to (with assistance from the nurses and PT) stand, sit in a chair, and go to the bathroom. This was yesterday! The day after a four hour brain surgery!

Now we know he will have much to overcome. And so much work ahead. Speech therapy. Physical therapy. Chemotherapy. Radiation. He will have some successes and some set backs.

But I know that this would not have been possible without the prayers of hundreds of people all over the country. A friend on FB posted on my wall: "What a great cloud of witnesses you have around you...." I know that the only reason my FIL is doing so well is because of the immense amount of prayer that has been lifted up for him - and by so many of YOU. I am a true believer! I don't mess around! :)

I probably won't post much more. But I couldn't let today pass without a bit of happy news in this story. You needed to know... because you were part of the story. And I am thankful for today...

Martha has broken...

2011-06-07T08:57:00.006-04:00

It was what we expected, but wouldn't admit. It was what we knew secretly in our hearts, but wouldn't listen to. Brain cancer.

(And please pardon the poor writing style. I'm still exhausted and in the "just the facts, ma'am" mode.)

Yesterday was probably the most emotionally draining day I have ever had. Mike and I didn't get home until after 11:00. We had been at the hospital for twelve hours. His father went in for surgery at 3:30 and came out about four hours later. The waiting was exhausting. My sweet mother-in-law couldn't eat. She had her hand on her cell phone waiting for the updates that would come every hour.

His wonderful neurosurgeon finally came out with the news that we cognitively were expecting. But you are never prepared. They took out 2/3 of a malignant tumor. They couldn't take out any more as it was too close to the "motor strip" of the brain. The cancer has spread down the temporal lobe. The good news is that it is primary to the brain and will not metastasize to other parts of the body. They are very optimistic that that can treat it with chemotherapy and radiation. We will know more in the next 48 hours and then more in a few weeks. He is now in ICU and will be for the next 24-48 hours.

Last night while we were waiting in the IVU waiting room, I finally cried. I finally broke. I hadn't since we found out about the tumor on Wednesday. I don't cry. Especially during crisis. That's because I am a "Martha". No, not Martha Stewart. Martha from the Bible. If you remember when Jesus visited the home of sisters, Mary and Martha, it was Martha who was constantly doing. She was the one taking care and making sure things were done - all the time. That was me this week: asking the doctor questions, writing down and clarifying everything he said, emailing reports to family and friends, Facebooking to request prayers - and organizing where S And J would be during all of this. And finally, being there for Mike. But that's how I cope - and that was the role I was needed to play.

We have received Facebook posts, emails and phone calls telling us how prayers have been lifted on our behalf and asking how/if we need anything. We have been overwhelmed with this outpouring. Of course we still do not understand why this is happening.

My 12 year old's observation makes me realize that, even in these times, we must keep a childlike faith: when I tried to explain the seriousness of the situation to him the night before last, he responded, "Yes, it is bad. There are always going to be horrible things that happen in our lives. BUT GOD ALWAYS MAKES SOMETHING GOOD HAPPEN FROM IT, AND HE WILL THIS TIME TOO."

Please, I Need You, Sweet Friends...

2011-06-04T08:30:00.003-04:00

This is not the post I was planning on writing. Thursday was the boy's last day of school; mine was Friday. I had found all these cute photos from pinterest and tumbler. I was going to write about the excitement of SUMMERTIME. However, this is how we are feeling right now.We are reaching and pleading for your prayers.

Yesterday, a mass was found on my father-in-law's brain. It's on the left frontal lobe. For the past few weeks, he has had a continuous headache, some days pretty unbearable. However, he never complained. We didn't know. We all - even the boys - began noticing that he was not himself: very quiet, a bit depressed, slow to tasks, etc. But again, we had no idea of the pain. On Tuesday, my mother-in-law took him to the doctor where the ugly truth began to reveal itself. And as the location of the tumor affects the personality and all the other symptoms we noticed, it all started to make sense.

He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday. The surgery is on Monday. Only then will we know if the tumor is benign or cancerous.

Please pray... We know God is completely in control, but we still covet your prayers. My sweet friend, Aundrea, sent me this:
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Thank you, sweet friends...

Run Like the Wind

2011-06-01T19:02:00.002-04:00

Today was J's Awards Day celebration. I love this day. Not just for him, but for my own fourth grade class as well. Remember "Charles" from Kindness and Thankfulness? Well, he earned the Academic Spirit Award. It goes to the student who made the most gains for the year. Of course I took his picture just like a proud teacher!

J also was called a few times :) He was on the Principal's Honor Roll (all As for the year) and won the Social Studies (South Carolina History) Award for his class. Being a history nerd myself, I was very excited and proud of my future historian!

But J was most impressed with his other award. He's shown here with our administrative secretary, Mrs. Sides, who handed out the awards and certificates. In his hand is the one for most laps run for our elementary school's track team. Our principal called him up as he ran farther than any third, fourth, or fifth grader. (Remember he is in third grade!)

For the past few months, over two hundred students convened on our school's track twice a week and ran "cross country" for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Every time they completed a lap, they received a rubber band around their wrist to keep track of the number they ran. Some would sprint a few minutes and then pant a few, then sprint, then pant. Others were obviously doing it because their mom wanted them to. Some little girls used the time to leisurely jog or walk with their friends and chat about Justin Beiber - or whatever elementary girls talk about!

Others, like J, took it VERY seriously. He wanted me to volunteer at his station. At every lap, he would jog/run up to me for his water bottle, take a little sip, grab a rubber band and take off again. His legs are so long and his stride was perfect. Not being athletic at all, except for tennis, I honestly don't know where he gets it. Even when he complained of the heat, he wouldn't stop. He kept his pace and ran an average of ten laps (two miles) every day. Oh how I wish I had that stamina - or even desire to run like that!

At every five mile increment, the PE coach gave the students a rubber band with the mile printed on it. Five Mile... mosts kids got this one. Ten Mile... A few more got this one. Fifteen Mile... Most of the fifth grade athletes got this one. And the one he is most proud of, Twenty Mile!

So proud as only three students in the whole school made it to twenty!

And yes, he wants me to start running with him. Ugh...

It's Just Her Persona

2011-05-26T21:54:00.008-04:00

...has left the building. No, I'm not talking about Elvis. I'm talking about the Emporess of the media, Oprah. This week the waves have been all atwitter with her last show. Blogs have been written. Facebook postings have been updated. I even have one friend who wrote as her FB statusthat she got all misty-eyed watching the last episode. All of America is deeply saddened they won't be able to watch her - daily.

OK, almost of America. (Deep breath and getting ready for the vegetable throwing). Because I am not. Don't get me wrong. I don't hate her. I don't even dislike her. I really do admire her. This woman has overcome so much in her life. Poverty and abuse I can not even imagine. How she rose above it with grace and determination is the story that inspires us all.

In addition, she has given back... and so freely. Whether it be founding a girls' school in Africa or her "Oprah's Favorite Things" shows. This woman is a giver. And passionate at that!

So what is my issue? What is it that bothers me? What makes me an "Oprah Scrooge"?

I think it is what Oprah - or her persona - has become. Oprah suggests a book and it immediately becomes a bestseller. Oprah endorses a candidate and the world follows her lead. Oprah decides "meat is murder" (Remember the Texas beef debacle?) and it becomes national news - for weeks. Watch out if Oprah disagrees or passionately condemns you... You can hang it up in the eyes of public opinion. Even her new cable network's letters spell OWN. That seems a bit egocentric of her people in my book. (I know they stand for Oprah Winfrey Network, but come on.) I'm now waiting for the gospel according to Oprah to come out. I'm sure it will top the charts. I find it bizarre and a little frightening.

But perhaps all of the hoopla is our fault, not hers. And I feel that we do this to so many famous people. We put them on pedestals. We listen to everything they say. (And if we don't... well then we should!) We bestow on them the power to create and influence the many decisions we as Americans make - whether they are accountable or not. We build them up to be almost God-like. We blind ourselves to the fact that in the whole scheme of life, they are just like us.

And so I'm sorry Oprah. But I think she, herself, just may agree... At least a little.

If the Rug Fits

2011-05-24T18:04:00.015-04:00

MWF ISO a rug that fits!

Please help me out here. For the past four years, I have been aching for an oriental rug for the foyer. Our beautiful, yet naked foyer... Sigh. This anniversary, Mike has offered one as an anniversary gift! Mouth drops! Whoo Hoo! Score!

The only problem is that our foyer has odd dimensions: 12' x 7'8". Very difficult to find a rug that would appear to work. However, I'm thinking that an 8' x 5' just might. Today, I lay the few newspapers we had and beach towels down in said dimensions to get a feel. I think I'm ok with it, but need some more feedback. The picture is taken from the living room where you can see the edge of the rug in there.

What do you think? Could it work?

Thanks for your expertise and thoughts!

I've Struck Out...

2011-05-17T20:54:00.004-04:00

It's 8:34 and I have escaped... to the tub. Probably too much information, but I have filled the tub to the rim with Thymes Eucalyptus bubble bath and my glass to the rim with my Crystal Lite Cosmo.

I have escaped. Not from my husband. Not from my children. Not from the kitchen that more than likely needs to be cleaned. I am escaping from baseball season. We are in the beginning of the playoffs...

For some of you, it is soccer. Others, it is lacrosse. And it's not that we don't love our children - or even the sport itself. Every year, I can't wait for the season to begin. But now we are TIRED. We are tired of the driving back and forth and back and forth and back and forth to practices and games and practices and games... And you know what I'm talking about. It's at least four nights a week.

If you could see my color-coded calendar, you would see that S (green) and J (yellow) are all over the place. My color (pink) and family events (blue) are so sparse one might wonder if we even exist.

Now, I know that I am complaining. And your calendar, I'm sure, looks the same way. We have only one sport per child andI feel our lives are so scheduled. But I really want to be able to do is just go on a walk with my family around the neighborhood. I want to have a sit down dinner with a meal that didn't come out of a stir fry or skillet pasta bag. I want my husband and me to watch the boys throw the ball to each other and do tricks on their skateboards in the cul-de-sac. I want nothing to do. And not just for me, but for my family. Am I so wrong?

Maybe I could get credit if I just bought one of these for the backyard?

So I Think I Can Dance

2011-05-13T15:29:00.002-04:00

I am definitely a white girl. I used to think I had pretty good rhythm. In my younger years, I loved to go dancing with my friends. In the mid 90s, there was this awesome bar in Five Points called Nightworks. They played seventies music, and we had the most fun dancing to "Rubberband Man", "The Piña Colada Song", and all those cool ABBA tunes. We felt so retro... (It was also there that I was introduced to that poison called Goldschlager, but that's another story.) Oh how we loved that place!

Fast forward to 2011. I have taken a few Zumba classes and feel so ridiculous. I obviously have gotten "whiter" with age. My hips don't gyrate as they should. So I stick with my treadmill and my trainer, a twenty-two year old who calls me ma'am and tells me all about his college escapades. (Those stories are the main reason I work-out. They are oh so entertaining!)

But I still love to dance. So I resign myself to my kitchen. I have made the best evah "mixed tape" of 90s tunes and one-hit wonders of the day... Pearl Jam, Sponge, Marcy Playground, Live, Spacehog, The Verve, Blind Melon, The Breeders, Smash Mouth, Sister Hazel, Blues Traveler, The Mighty Bosstones - to name a few. (You may not recognize some of the bands, but I promise you'd know the songs in a heartbeat!)

I hook my iPad up to the Bose radio... fix myself a cocktail... and crank it up. What therapy! And this is...

Of course it embarrasses and confuses S and J, but that makes it all the more fun!

My Most Favorite Poem... Ever

2011-05-08T21:37:00.002-04:00

My Mom is the Best
by J

My mother is good.
My mother is nice.
Whenever I am with her everything is alright.
I love my mom more than anything.
She is as sweet as a lollipop.
She is as smart as an owl.
She is my favorite person on earth.
She is My Mom!

And yes, when he crawled in my bed this morning
and read this to me,
I did tear up...

Recipes Our Mothers Love

2011-05-06T20:36:00.002-04:00

This is the week I dread: the week before standardized testing. It's the week we cram and review all we have taught the past year. In a word: stress. But this year I decided that we needed a little diversion, and being the week before Mother's Day, we had a wonderful opportunity to work on our gift.

The past few years, I have culminated a poetry unit with the children writing a multi-stanza poem honoring their mother. It always gets rave reviews, but this year I was inspired by Lindsey at All Things Bright and Beautiful. Lindsey is a first year teacher and blogged about her students creating a class recipe book. I told her I loved the idea and that I was going to "steal" it... And so I did! For Mother's Day!

The children all brought recipes from home, telling their moms that they needed one for a math project on measurement. (Well, they were telling the truth in a round-about way!) They loved the secret and the surprise they had in store for their moms. The day the recipes were due, they literally stormed my desk with "Look! Look! Look at my recipe!" They later rewrote the directions in paragraph form, using sequencing and transition words (i.e. first, next, then, meanwhile, last, etc.) so as to cover state Language arts standards. We also discussed units of measurement - Go math standards! (And don't you know I used the paragraph as a writing grade?!)

They had such fun typing their recipes out, illustrating the pages, and sharing them with the class. And what great recipes! After making 25 copies (You know I had to have one!), I passed them out to the kids. I think they turned out too cute!

Of course I had to add my own recipe Golden Day Banana Bread...

Happy Mother's Day Weekend!

My Favorite One of All

2011-05-02T22:55:00.003-04:00

To quote a part of my last post, William and Kate's wedding did this: "For at least two to three hours, all of the world had a hope in love and a promise of what is true and good the world..." Here is the picture I think captures this sentiment best.

How happy they look! Look at how the Duke is leaning towards the Duchess, his arm is reaching behind her, obviously on her back. Her hand is on his knee. Cute Honorable Margarita Armstrong-Jones is just pleased as punch. (I'm guessing she's waiting on those jelly beans the photographer promised the children!) And my favorite, my sons' page boy alter egos, Master William Lowther-Pinkerton (so like J mugging for the camera!) and Master Tom Pettifer (like elder son S ever so studdly posing).

I would imagine the newlyweds have this picture displayed prominently in their new home. Quite possibly on an end or bedside table in 8x10 glory.

And I'd bet they smile every time they see it... I do.

So I AM a princess... And I can prove it!

2011-04-30T15:05:00.003-04:00

After days and weeks of the boys' baseball games, I'm trying to catch up on all my blog reading. Please know it is nothing personal... By the time we get home every night, it's all I can do to get everyone in bed for the whole thing to start all over again the next day.

But Friday was for me. I had a late morning appointment scheduled on the same day as THE wedding, so I was able to take the entire day off of school and enjoy every moment of sweet Wills and Kate's day drinking coffee in my pjs. For at least two to three hours, all of the world had a hope in love and a promise of what is true and good the world...

I continued celebrating into the evening as Mike and I joined many of our friends at a Royal themed gala and silent auction benefitting a local rehabilitation hospital. A cute friend and I took cues from the royal protocol that stated that all ladies were to don hats at the wedding. Not everyone did that evening, and we certainly were quite the standouts...

My attention to detail and protocol must have paid off. The big raffle of the evening was a stunning sapphire and diamond ring in the style of the Royal engagement ring. Albeit a bit smaller than Kate's, it was beautiful. You can imagine my surprise when my name was announced as the winner!

So, yes... when my husband calls me Princess, he's definitely correct. And I have the ring to prove it!

Bevy's Ranking of the...

2011-04-25T15:56:00.005-04:00

I have had quite a giggle the past few weeks as I have subscribed to, by far, the funniest blog on the planet: Stuff Christians Like. Whether you are a Christian or not, you must read this blog. The writer, Jon Acuff, is just about the snarkiest Christian male out there. (Sadly, I'm afraid the snarkiest Christian female out there is yours truly...) His comments, observations, and self-effacing humor have me literally laughing so hard I have tears streaming down my face.

One of his last posts ranks up there in my opinion as one of his best. In it, he ranks the seven deadly sins from a man's perspective. If you didn't already click on the above hyperlink and read it, do it now!

Now, aren't you glad you did?

OK, now it's my turn to rank those seven deadly sins - from the girl's point of view.

7. SLOTH: I don't even think we girls have sloth in our vocabulary. With or without children. With or without husbands. With or without jobs outside the home. It doesn't matter as we are always busy with something! We always have a project, volunteer obligation, or event we are involved in. We can't help ourselves. It's takes effort for me to spend a day doing absolutely nothing. So SLOTH, you really don't count.

6. ANGER: Well maybe not the "in your face" anger and bitchiness of Real Housewives of (Fill In the Blank City). That's tacky and trashy with a capital T. When I get angry, I am usually EXTREMELY calm and polite, very cool and calculating. I will have a smile on my face, may utter "Dammit", and then twist that knife so sweetly that you'll never know what hit you. But that's just me.

5. LUST: OK, I agree LUST is most definitely number one with the guys. And I'll even admit that I do think my husband is rather hot and I do love to plant one on him just about all. the. time. However, for me, this LUST issue mainly centers around cute shoes and jewelry.

4. GREED: Very close cousin to Lust. 'Cause only one pair of cute Jack Rogers doesn't satisfy the pedicured toes of this Christian girl!

3. PRIDE: Unfortunately, she (And I give Pride this gender as I really do know a girl named Pride. Very cute and sweet girl. Must be a family name.) has reared her ugly head at me. She's pretty sneaky, that PRIDE. At first, she slithers in disguised as gratefulness. But it doesn't take long for her true colors to show. The pride I have that my home is lovely and inviting. The pride I have that my husband is so handsome. The pride I have in my family's genteel history. The pride I have that I am not a tattoo-sporting, Newport smoking redneck mama of five. The pride that I really don't have too many bad habits - or sins... Oh. Right.

2. ENVY: Yes. I ENVY every one of those anorexic Lilly P. models. Envy, envy, envy!!!

1. GLUTTONY: What's really funny about my ranking of GLUTTONY as number one is that the guy ranked it number 7. Not me. (Which perhaps is the reason for my ENVY. See above.) I'm the girl who can't eat only one PopTart.

Seriously, though, why do they put two in the little foil pouches? And then, after the first two pouches are eaten and the time comes for the third, I have to go ahead and eat the fourth. 'Cause it just looks so lonely in that box all by itself! A box of PopTarts never lasts longer than a few days for me. That's why I rarely buy them. And then, only the low fat variety - like that helps!

Stupid deadly sins! If only they were really this pretty!

The Dogwood... and Two Pieces of Dead Wood

2011-04-22T10:58:00.001-04:00

The legend of the dogwood tree:

It is said at the time of the Crucifixion, the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the Cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in His gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it: "Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a gibbet. Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross -- two long and two short petals. In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints -- brown with rust and stained with red -- and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember."

Of course this is legend, but beautiful symbolism of the Cross. The Truth we know is that...

"The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it." - Augustus William Hare

It's a Master Treat

2011-04-07T16:41:00.006-04:00

It's interesting how many people from all over the east coast are blogging, Facebooking and Tweeting about the Grand Dame of golfing events: The Masters. I could go on and on about everything YOU COULD READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET. But I'll just give you a few of my stories and observations...

We happen to live just over the Savannah River from Augusta, where the tourney is played. (The official name of the club is the Augusta National Golf Club.). My husband has been going for years to the tournament, which is held Thursday through Sunday. The practice rounds are Monday and Tuesday, with Wednesday's Par 3 following. Interestingly enough, he has never been to those - only the tourney. Sniff, sniff. Poor baby!

The entrance to the club. On any given day in Augusta, you can see people standing by the sign getting their picture taken. The fact that the entrance to the "enclave" is on one of the busiest roads, full of chain restaurants and shopping strips, is rather ironic.

Before we were married, almost four years ago, I had never been. I don't come from a golfing family. My father is a big hunter and fisherman and never got the thrill of hitting a little white ball for three to four hours.

I did, however, have the chance when I was in my twenties. This guy who I went out with ONCE and never got the hint I was NOT interested in him AT ALL called to invite me "to the most beautiful place on Earth". (I'm not joking. Those were his words.). I was so turned off that I made up an excuse that I had a meeting at church (Again, not joking. That was my excuse.) and couldn't make it. Looking back, I have to agree with all my guy friends who were appalled that I didn't go. "There were thousands of other people you could have hung out with! You could have dumped him there!" Stupid me.... that would have made a much better story.

The first time I went, Mike and I had only been dating only a few weeks. It's was a rainy Saturday. Of course I was dressed for my date: cute Lilly skirt, white polo style shirt, Jack Rogers. You get the idea. Did I mention it was RAINING? Mike drove me to his shop and told me to run in for these precious rainboots. Was I in love? Cute boy, day at the Masters, and cute rain boots! Of course!

These boots were such a hit, in fact, that when we stepped on the course, one of the CBS correspondents who was covering the "life style" segments of the Masters approached me to discuss my outfit. She LOVED the boots! And I was on national TV!

A couple of years later, the couple who we go with was approached by some golf magazine to cover what she wore! I promise neither one of our outfits were that amazing in our opinions. It's just how we do it.

But now I live a hop, skip and a jump away. I've been a few times. It really is stunning. The azaleas... The hundred year old oaks... The pimento cheese and egg salad sandwiches.

That and a coke will only run you $2.50.

The food is a steal...

Because the merchandise isn't! Just some of the loot from over the years (not including cups, chairs, umbrellas, etc). Bet you can't guess which three items are mine! (Hint: they are all the same color!)

Hope this gave you a peek at my Masters experiences. Too bad I won't be there tomorrow. You know my husband will. Lucky duck...

Skateboard Rescue

2011-04-06T18:47:00.011-04:00

If you have tween-age boys, you probably have a garage full of scooters, baseball or lacrosse equipment, and (in our case) a plethora of skateboards and ramps. If so, you could imagine the angst and horror when J came running in the house a few days ago, yelling that S's skateboard had rolled in the storm drain. I went outside the front door to see S on his stomach on the side of the road looking intently down the drain.

He had been skating down the road and had slipped/fallen off, the board racing straight in the drain. Of course I got down to see. What a sight, the two of us, prone on the side of the road, looking down the drain. Yes, I was lying on the street: pearls, Jack Rogers, and monogrammed baseball cap. I was a sight!

At least we did see the skateboard, sitting patiently five feet below us. Brooms and rakes came out of the garage as we tried to pry and life the board. Right, like that was going to happen!

Thank goodness for Mr. Turner, who lives across the street. He came with work gloves and this metal bar, stick, rod (who knows!) and pried the round cover off the top.

S ran and got our kitchen stepladder (YES! We washed it off afterwards!) and put it down the hole. Oh my, did it smell down there! And did he smell too...

Skateboard rescued!

Just another golden (?) day with Bevy!

Kindness, Thankfulness, and a Boy's Great Big Ol' Smile - Part 2

2011-04-01T20:48:00.004-04:00

What a day Monday was for my class - and "Charles"... How could Part 1 of the story get better? Amazingly, it does.

When I arrived back at school Tuesday morning, I checked my school email. I received a lengthy one from a parent (Mr. P.) whose daughter came home in tears and told him and his wife about what happened. How only one child attended Charles's party and the big bag of gifts he received "from" the class.

Mr. P. continued that he and his wife had already called some of the other parents in the class and had organized an impromptu SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR CHARLES at the local Bouncy Bratz (one of those indoor playground franchises) for the next day. I was stunned. I got chills. Tears welled up in my eyes. (I'm getting chills and teary even now as I type.)

He had already called Charles's mother and made plans to pick him up from school on Wednesday along with eight other children. Another parent had offered to get cupcakes. Another, drinks.

Wednesday was exciting for those children involved. Whispers and looks between them were evident, if only to me. Of course Charles was in the dark. As I would have, he thought "his day" was over. He even brought one of the toys, a Bayblade, to show his class how it worked. His words, as he stood up in front of the class, were that he wanted to show them "one of the gifts you gave me". Precious...

When school was out, I told Charles that I needed him to walk with me to another teacher's room to help me get something. The other eight students were already waiting there with Mr. P. and a birthday balloon. Charles was so worried that he was going to miss his bus, but I kept on telling him that I promised he would get home. "Charles, have I ever lied to you?" "No, Mrs. W. I know. You're my Number One Fan." (Big smile)

When we walked in the classroom, the children all gathered around him, and the little girl whose idea it was told Charles that because they all missed his party, they were going to give him one that day. Oh, if you could have only seen that boy jumping around the room! He only stopped to meet Mr. P. and stick out his hand to shake Mr. P.'s hand. (I don't know where he learned that, but I know it will take him far!)

Below are pictures from the party. You know I had to stop by! I love how he is sitting in a big chair that looks kind of like he is sitting on a throne! In addition to presents, he also got some gift cards - which he was so excited about! When my own child, J, gave him a gift card from Walmart, again, he stuck out his hand to thank him.

Charles on "the throne"...

So excited with another boy from our class

Charles and J

Charles with Mr. and Mrs. P.

Right before J and I left, Charles gave me the biggest hug. "I love you, Mrs. W. You are the best to me. I just can't believe all of this. I can't believe they did this all for me." He then planted a kiss on my cheek and put his head on my shoulder. I hugged him tight.

No, I can't take credit for the party, or the big bag of gifts earlier this week. I can't take credit for any of it. That was the work of others. I witnessed, first hand, that there are truly wonderful children and families out there. There is compassion and love for others. There is an understanding that children can make a difference in other children's lives.

And for me, there is an understanding that they, Charles and his classmates, can make a huge difference in mine.

Kindness, Thankfulness, and a Boy's Great Big Ol' Smile - Part 1

2011-03-30T21:53:00.003-04:00

Anyone who reads my blog know that I am a big fan of the "two parter" blog post. This is one that has a dear place in my heart as it shows the kindness of children and their families and the impact we can have on others around us.

I teach at an elementary school in my town that has an affluent reputation. Many of the children come from homes where money is not an issue and celebrations can be an event. But we also have a few children where that is quite the opposite. Enter "Charles". Charles is a big ol' hulk of a boy. He is a super kid, but has also had some hard knocks. This year he has blossomed. Where he had a constant frown and a chip on his shoulder that could turn others away, he now shows a smile that warms your heart and gets along with everyone. This boy is now one of our fourth grade "peer mediators". He went from not doing any work at the beginning of the year to making the A/B Honor Roll for the very first time this past nine weeks. He is my Michael Oher from The Blind Side and I love him dearly.

About a month ago, Charles gave out invitations to his birthday party held at a local park. The party was this past Saturday: a day of rain, a few thunderstorms, AND Steeplechase (quite the event in my town). When he came to school on Monday, he told me that only one classmate came. He was disappointed, but seemed ok.

A few minutes later, I was beckoned to my classroom door by the mother of the child who attended. In her hand was the biggest gift bag full of presents for Charles with a note attached that read:

"For Charles. We are sorry we couldn't come to your party due to the rain. Here are our gifts to you for your birthday. Your Friends".

The bag was filled with a wrapped gifts, including a football, basketball, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and two other toys. The mother said she just had to do something as she knew that for Charles to even give out invitations for a party was a big step for him. She didn't want him to think that his classmates didn't care about him.

I hid the bag in another teacher's room and sent Charles on an "errand" to the office. Bringing the bag back to class, I told his classmates what the sweet mother had done. They were so touched by her thoughtfulness, so excited for Charles, and yet sad that they had either forgotten about his party or had other plans.

When Charles came back to class, he was so surprised. That beautiful smile covered his face. He threw up his hands. "I can't believe this guys! Thank you so much!" As he opened each gift, Charles was so gracious. He commented on and held up each gift for the class to see. The entire class was filled with joy and happiness for their classmate. And that cute thing even gave a little speech at the end to tell them now much this meant to him!

It was a Golden Day in my classroom. But it the story gets even better...

Racing Against the Enemy

2011-03-21T23:55:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday was the Aiken Trials. It was a beautiful sunny day. Mike, the boys, and I enjoyed ourselves with the warm temps and good food. I even caught this great action shot of three of the horses.

But I want you to take a good look at it. You see, when I look at the picture I see something completely different than horses on a racetrack. Something totally unrelated. And it hit me Sunday morning what it was...

Yesterday, as many Sundays as of late have been my house, was full of stress. The boys were arguing with and picking on each other. They were playing around instead of getting ready for church. One complained that his pancakes did not have chocolate chips in them. (Was he for real???). The other was talking back and rolling his eyes. (I don't think so young man!!!). It was all I could do not to throw in the towel and forget church.

But then I remembered that the sermon series was on being at war with the Enemy. How timely. For yesterday, my family was at war with the Enemy - who was absolutely loving this. And his demons of Discord, Anger and Stress were rampant all over our home. They were lurking in every corner, leering from the ceiling, and slithering in and out of rooms. For our family yesterday morning, there was no joy or contentment. I felt defeated. That is, until Mike reminded me that us giving up and not going to church was exactly what Satan wanted.

Well, those of you who know me, know that I don't give up easily once I know that someone challenges me - especially a mental challenge. So I stood my ground against the Enemy. I prayed, right then and there for strength. Then I told the boys exactly what was going on - and that we, as a family, were not going to be defeated.

Now, back to the picture and what I see... as metaphorical as it may be. The two jockeys in the front are Mike and me. The jockey in the back is the Enemy. As Christian parents, a Christian couple - and Christians on our own, we are constantly being pursued and chased by the Enemy. But also like those jockeys in the front, we must be strong and committed to never be defeated. We will win the race!

I'm Springing Back

2011-03-18T18:08:00.005-04:00

Have you ever gone into hiding? Not the kind where you dye your hair, move across country, and change your identity. Not the kind where you want to escape from the world and all those who are in it by cloistering yourself at home with all the shutters closed. But the kind where you just stumble into it and realize that you may need to focus on yourself, your own home and family. Again, you just need to refocus.

As I mentioned in my last post, there is nothing wrong. No one is sick. No one is sad. We are all healthy, busy, and doing everything we were before. I was just in a winter rut and felt like I had absolutely nothing that was blog worthy. (And I'm not even sure I do now either!) But what I do know is that I have missed all of you!

And what I also do know is that I am so ready for spring. I am craving it. I am coveting it. I NEED it! The Aiken Triple Crown begins tomorrow with the Trials. (Steeplechase is next Saturday.) Tomorrow's highs are supposed to be in the mid 80s, and I relish the idea of strolling through the grass with a drink in my hand and a big hat perched upon my head.

The dogwoods are just beginning to bloom, and I feel the azaleas ready to burst forth any day now.

And Spring Break is just around the corner. It couldn't come any sooner! That means a week at the beach house, sand between my toes, and my Kindle chock full o' "beach lit".

Bless you spring! You couldn't have come at a better time. I think you've given me that burst I needed... to spring back!

Where did February Go?

2011-02-26T12:35:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been pretty MIA lately. I guess I've have so many other things this month taking precedence over blogging. Nothing catastrophic or traumatic. Just the mundaneness of life I suppose. February just escaped me...

But I'll see you in March!

He Could Be a Superhero

2011-02-15T20:41:00.002-05:00

One thing our family does when we sit down for a meal together is have a family devotion time. We started doing this in July of last year and made a pledge to make this a priority at least 3-4 times a week. I found a wonderful site that has a daily family devotion and Bible reading: Josh McDowell Ministries. I have bookmarked the site and use my iPad in reading it each evening.

Some nights are better than others. On those nights, S and J are listening and offering insights, questions, and prayers. On the other nights, I just want to give up and say to heck with it. Is my effort even worth it?

Tonight it definitely was. Tonight's topic was about being a liberator and a "superhero" for God. The following is and excerpt. ...However, here's an awesome fact: To all the kids in your school and community who don't know Christ, you can be a spiritual superhero. When you help others trust in Jesus, you rescue them from the power of sin and Satan.

Most Christians like the idea of following Jesus. We might need a little persuading, however, that telling others about Christ is a great idea. Let me give you three big reasons why this superhero mission is a job you'll want to accept.

Reason Number 1: ...No matter how happy people might look, if they haven't trusted Christ they're separated from God. Jesus felt compassion for the people around him who weren't saved. He said they were "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36, NIV).

Reason Number 2: God's rescue plan won't work without you. Jesus told his first disciples to tell others about him—from home (for them, that was Jerusalem) all the way to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And nowadays someone still needs to tell the Good News to people nearby—and not so nearby. God wants you to be that someone! Like the apostle Paul said, "How can [people] call on [God] to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?" (Romans 10:14).

Reason Number 3: You want to rescue others because God rescued you. Paul said Christ's love made him want to join God's rescue mission (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Think about this: What would your life be like today without Christ? If you are glad that God lovingly invited you to be his child, then join him in inviting others to trust him. The more deeply you understand God's love for you, the more you will want to help others find him.

Your mission is no secret. God's Word is clear: You're a spiritual superhero. And there's nothing better you can be!

This really got to S. He really has a strong handle on his faith and has even led one of his friends to Christ by inviting and encouraging him to come to Youth Group with him this fall. But he has another good friend, "John", whom he is concerned about. This boy is a great kid and faithful friend. But S has said over and over that he doesn't know where John stands although he says he's a Christian: "I go to church some." S has tried to invite him to Youth Group and his middle school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well but gets the cold shoulder and "that's stupid" and lots of other excuses. Mike and I told him not to give up, to be that superhero and keep praying for his friend. S is committed to this, and we thank God for that. Tonight was an encouraging night... for all of us.

Handsome in Pastels

2011-02-12T16:05:00.005-05:00

So I'm sitting on the sofa flipping through the Vineyard Vines Spring catalog. Great stuff, by the way. I REALLY want this. (Looks better in the catalog than on the web.)

Just looking at all the pretties in Palm Beach, I wish spring would hurry up and get here. Aren't you so ready? Anyway, I come across these great men's shorts. Love them! I think they would look so great on Mike. He gets such an amazing tan in the summer. Yum! And how many pastel Lacostes does he have that would go perfectly with these bad boys? (It's ridiculous, I swear.)

Not five minutes later, Mike comes in the door, bag in hand from our local men's clothier. "Look what I just picked up!"

Oh, how I love this man..

What's the Magic Word? (hint: It rhymes with credenza.)

2011-02-09T19:56:00.004-05:00

I was wrong... A day of rest is NOT all it takes to cure what ails you.

After taking J to school today, I check in on him during my class's Special Area. His teacher tells me he felt a little warm and looked tired. I look. His face is flushed and his eyes are glassy. So off we go to the nurse who confirms a 100.6 degree fever. Call me in a substitute 'cause he has to go home. And off we go to the doctor.

My tough guy is sitting beside me, leaning his head on my shoulder. My arm wrapped around him. I wish I could make it better. I wish that my kisses and strokes over his hair will give him a little energy. But we wait. And after an almost hour wait in the sick waiting room full of kids and parents in masks, his fever is now up to 101.6.

He's trying to put on a good face... Really.

But really would rather just lie down and rest... Truly.

'Cause the verdict is in... Definitely.

INFLUENZA! It's going to be a long week for this little guy.

Sick Day for J

2011-02-08T14:28:00.006-05:00

It's a golden day outside - one of very few we've had lately. And the forecasters are predicting icy rain on Thursday. Anyway, J and I are inside. Sick day for J... All day.

We've been playing card games...

Reading his school novel...

Eating tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches...

And watching our favorite movie (Yes, he's a history buff like his mama)...

Both of us are hoping for a return to school tomorrow...

Confessions of a Non-Do-It-Yourself-er: There's Always a First Time

2011-02-05T13:57:00.003-05:00

decoratinHow many times have you flipped through your favorite issue of Southern Living, Architectural Digest, or Traditional Home and looked at all those beautiful living and family rooms? And... How many times have you noticed that NONE of the cords from the television and all the other media stuff is anywhere to be seen! It's like they cease to exist! Of course I know that when they "stage" these photo shoots, they hide and tie back everything. But it still makes me crazy.

Because this is what my television looks like.

Lovely isn't it. And it has looked like this ever since we moved in, three and a half years ago. I love my living room. I've had compliments on the decor, the millwork, the color (Sherwin Williams "Ivoire"), etc. But this corner has been a blight.

So this non-do-it-yourself kind of girl decided to fix this embarrassment and do it herself! I decided that I wanted to create a little texture and cover the back of this sofa table with burlap. Nothing too drastic, but a subtle change. So off to Hobby Lobby I go for said fabric (at $3.99 a yard) and an upholstery gun.

I measured and stapled the fabric to the back...

Cut strategically placed slits for the plethora of wires and cables...

And... Voila! What a difference! If I do say so, my "non-do-it-yourself-er" kind of girl.

There is a little bunching around the bottom, but the cords are hidden... And if you aren't looking, it really doesn't jump out at you. I'm pretty excited!

What's My Style?

2011-01-30T20:12:00.012-05:00

This past week I received a Stylish Blogger Award from a new blog friend, Lorri from Lizards and Lollipops. She is too cute with three too cute kiddos. Be sure to check out her blog. I know you will love her as much as I do. Also, as there is absolutely no way I can chose only five stylish friends, I am passing this award along to all of you!

This award got me thinking what my style is. Not just external, but internal as well. For most intensive purposes, I am pretty much a rule follower. I think that in civilized societies, rules and guidelines play an important role. However, there are often times that as long as the desired outcome occurs, tweaks and changes are allowed. It's called being flexible and adaptable... At least that's my story!

So... I am tweaking the rules of what I am supposed to post (7 things about me) and instead, I am combining it with the Blog Bag Hop. And changing the number to 8 items. I'm guessing you will be able to figure out things about me by the contents of my bag. See... same desired outcome!

In the bag...

1. Spartina wallet (can be purchased at Tea Garden Gifts of course) with debit, credit (paid off every month!!! ), insurance, tip, and gift cards. Two cards from when Mike sent me flowers for no reason. A few bills and change. Stamps. Receipts that are stuck in are cleaned out every few days.

2. Bath and Bodyworks "White Citrus" antibacterial hand cream

3. Lilly P. aviator sunglasses

4. My school badge

5. Lilly P. (free w/purchase) key fob with gym card and car key. All my other customer cards have been downloaded on my Droid. All I do is swipe that now. No more junky key fob! Thank you Travelbug Mom!

6. Lilly P. note pad. STILL has notes from Nantucket on it! Plus, even though I am an electronic notes kind of girl, you still need to jot every now and then. But where is a pen when I need one?!

7. Droid has everything on it: calendar, photos of family and friends, grocery lists, music, parcel tracker, Shazam, Kindle, Audible, Bible, Toodledo, math and reading games for the boys, and the all important Star Wars Light Saber app.

8. Make up bag

In the make-up bag...

a. La Source cuticle cream

b. Clinique's Aromatics Elixir perfume. I have worn this for years... love that it's not too florally.

c. Bare Minerals lip gloss in Pomagranate

d. Listerine strips. My family loves them!

e. Lancome lipstick in Crushed Rose. It's the only color lipstick I wear. I buy it in bulk!

f. Pill case for my migraine meds as well as Mike's nightly Rx for his Restless Leg Syndrome. If we are out late, he can go ahead and take it before we get home as it takes about an hour to kick in. (LOL Get it? Kick in. Restless leg. OMW, I am too clever!)

g. Nail clippers

h. Emery board

So... what can you glean about me? I like MY rules ;). I'm pretty organized. I have a warped sense of humor. I don't like clutter. I'm a true tech nerd. I love Lilly. I'm never without lipstick or gloss. I like neat and well-groomed hands. And... I've got some style!

Lill-E's New Glasses

2011-01-25T18:11:00.003-05:00

Today has been a gross and rainy day. Not only is it rainy, but it is cold. Frigid, if you will. But I did have a little ray of sunshine this morning as I walked to my class. I had an experience very much like this post from earlier this school year. A cute little girl from my class last year hurried to catch up with me in the hallway. She's in fifth grade now, so this is a big deal!

E: "Look Mrs. W. I have glasses!"
Me: "Oh! You look fabulous."
E: "Yes. And see, they are pink, green, and yellow."
Me: "I see. They look great!"
E: "And... they're Lilly Pulitzer." (Knowing nod) "And I thought of you when I picked them out.".
Me: (Returning the knowing nod) "I knew I taught you girls well!"

Precious! Thank you E for making my day a little brighter!

Cooking Helpers... Always a Good Thing

2011-01-23T21:31:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been in the kitchen and needed to know some measuring conversion? How many cups are in a quart? How many tablespoons are in 3/4 cup? If I don't have a bundt cake pan, what could I substitute?

Well have no fear 'cause ~~Bevy~~... Ok, Martha is here! Or at least her "Cooks Helpers"! This threesome includes baking pan substitutions, measuring equivalents, and candy-making temperatures.

You can find these printables here and the directions here. I can't wait to print these out! Too cute!

Maybe these will inspire me to be a little more "Martha-esque" in the kitchen. I bet it could be a good thing...

My New Friends Kate and Cassie

2011-01-21T19:18:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love it when you buy or try something just because it's cute and it turns out to be just as ~~cute~~ yummy on the inside?

This week at Bunco, our hostess offered us quite a selection of reds and whites (in addition to scrumptious goodies). I am not a big white wine girl for the most part as white tends to "affect" me a bit more than it's red counterpart! So I took one look at this of bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and knew this was the wine to try.

Just look at the black and white whimsical label! And look at that name Kate and Cassie! Don't they sound like they could be your best friends? "Hey Kate! Hey Cassie!" Even the back of the label reads "Kate and Cassie have been friends since they were small and have personalities as different as night and day. They have one thing in common... their love of wine. So from Kate and Cassie to you... Cheers!"

So I tried it. And I loved it! It was de-lish...

Today I got the biggest surprise. I was already a bit tired from the school week. I had my shoes off and was all curled up, reading on the sofa. Then my sweet friend Wendy (the Bunco hostess extraordinaire) called from her car to tell me she had something for me. A few minutes later she was standing at my front door, bottle of Kate and Cassie in her hand. Just perfect! What a dear friend!

So cheers to you Wendy! And thank you for introducing me to my new friends, Kate and Cassie!

What a Relief!

2011-01-19T06:46:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday, Mike and I got a little giggle in our Sunday School class. It really doesn't matter what the gist of the lesson was. What does matter was one of the verses we covered. Our class uses a DVD curriculum from Andy Stanley (Northpoint Church in Atlanta). He is an amazing teacher by the way. And before he mentioned this particular verse, he snarkily (in a cool pastor-ish way) that it was the one verse that would be perfect to introduce the Bible to a middle schooler.

Anyway, the verse of note was 1 Samuel 24:3 "He (Saul) came to some sheep pens along the road. There was a cave there and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were huddled far back in the same cave." YES, you read correct. On his way to find his enemy David, King Saul had to take a pit stop and use the bathroom! He "had to go"! Bwahahahahaha! The entire class was atwitter as we became middle scholars ourselves. How had I never heard this verse?!?!?!

Last night, Mike and I thought we'd entertain the boys at dinner with our discovery. We built it up as best we could without giving it away. We were so ready to share the Holy Book's potty humor. But to our ASTONISHMENT, J knew all about it! He knew the whole story! Saul... the cave... the "relief"... David and his men hiding in the back... how David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose not to. He knew the whole thing! Oh. my. word!

After we got over that (second) shocking revelation, Mike, the boys and I did have a big ol' knee slap. We howled with laughter as S read the passage. J got his Bible out where it said Saul "had to go to the bathroom". Of course we giggled some more at that translation.

But the funniest part was J's response when I asked him how on Earth he knew this random story. His response: "It's from the Bible, Mom. You should read it!"

Say It... It Feels Good

2011-01-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

It always amazes me how I can get inspiration from the oddest places. This evening Mike and I were watching How I Met Your Mother. In this particular episode "Last Words", Marshall's father dies, and he has to learn to cope with what he already admitted he was “not ready” for. And his actions prove that as he obsesses over such a minute detail of the situation he can’t control: he spends the half-hour obsessing over the last words his father ever said to him. In half an hour, he encompasses exactly what anyone who has ever lost someone too soon has felt for days, if not weeks and months, on end after the passing.

No, I haven't lost anyone dear to me recently. However, it really got me thinking. What was the last thing my father and I said to each other? It was Friday afternoon and we had a wonderful impromptu visit, just the two of us. I'm sure we told each other we loved each other when I left. My mother? Well, she called this morning when I was walking out the door to go to the gym. More than likely, I just told her that as I passed the phone to S. I have no idea what my last words were to my sister. I'm sure the conversation was fun, but what were our last words?

Right now, I know I have said Good Night and I Love You at least four or five times to the boys. Both S and J have gotten out of bed for one reason or another. Every night I tell them. And every night Mike and I tell each other - even if the evening has been a bit, shall we say, stressful. And much more often than not, we all say it when we leave each other.

So I guess I'm doing ok. But again, tonight really made me think. Thank you Marshall. We all need to...

Nada. Zilch. Zero.

2011-01-15T10:54:00.001-05:00

I love blog friends. I do. They worry about you when you've been MIA for almost a week. Town and Country Mom emailed me yesterday to say she missed me. Tickled Pink Talk called on Tuesday to see how we were doing with the big snow that covered most of the southeast. Wow! Who would have thought... Love y'all!

And I have been swamped this week: The two snow/ice days we had on Monday and Tuesday. S and J took and wheels off of old skateboards and used them as make-shift snowboards. We took photos. We took walks. We dried socks and gloves in front of the fire. And I cooked both days - all day. What is it with being cooped up that makes us think we have to simmer and bake continuously for two days? Then trying to get back in the swing of things at school on Wednesday and Thursday - AS WELL AS getting S ready for his Gifted and Talented school trip to Sea World and Universal Studios. He left at 6:30 AM on Thursday. (Oh, and both guys got haircuts on Wednesday.) Friday was a teacher workday, AND I had to get last minute things together for J's trip to the mountains with a friend for the weekend.

So now... I have my Lilly P. travel mug full of yummy coffee. I am on the sofa and ready to blog. It's been almost a week... And my brain is void. Nada. Zilch. Zero.

I need some inspiration... Oh what to do? I'm thinking a relaxing pedicure is in order.

Milk and Bread

2011-01-09T13:34:00.004-05:00

Hoping this winter storm is not a repeat of this from 2004.

We are bracing for snow, sleet and ice down south. Operative words being sleet and ice. I've been to the grocery store and bought the requisite extra batteries, milk and bread. (Of course, I bought other goodies to ease the potential discomfort of being stuck in the house with no power.)

I understand the batteries: flashlights, weather radios, etc. But what is with it with milk and bread? I'll be honest, we just needed the milk. We were getting low. But every time there is the slightest mention of inclement weather, our town goes nuts and clears the shelves. One might think it was a shoe sale at Nordstroms! I can tell you it isn't pretty...

My friend Corey is from Iowa and gets the giggles every time. She ponders what we all do with that abundance of milk and bread. Her epiphany?

Why "milk sandwiches" of course! Yum...

Sparkling and Glistening

2011-01-06T20:54:00.008-05:00

What a week this has been. Getting back in the swing of things really is work! But we are there. Christmas decor has been taken down, and we are enjoying the new year, albeit not quite attune to all this cold weather we've been getting down south! We even had a bit of snow the day after Christmas! We had just enough to glisten on the ground and lightly cover the trees... Which is a wonderful segue to... My Christmas gift from my husband.

I have been debating whether to write this post or not. While I enjoy reading about others' treats and Christmas surprises, I normally... Oh well, what the heck. I love my gift and have spent the past week admiring it. It makes me happy! (Call me superficial and materialistic if you must.) And when one gets excited about something... Well, she just wants to share! See if you can tell the difference between these two pictures...

Christmas Eve Christmas Morning
The pictures do not do it justice. (And my old lady hands are quite distracting...)

But I was just giddy with excitement when I opened the little green box. The diamond ring guard sitting so perfectly. And after adding it to her two friends already adorning my left hand, you better believe Mike got a big squeal and humongous hug and kiss!

Sparkling and Glistening,

ATTAINABLE Goals... 8 is Enough!

2011-01-01T20:23:00.007-05:00

Here I am on January 1, 2011. And I am blah. I am a bit numb. I am unmotivated. I am in a rut.

Oh, I had a lovely Christmas. My house was beautifully decorated. I entertained and was entertained. My family lit the Advent candle and sporadically (not good, I know) read from the Gospel of Luke. I acted the part... much like I feel I have been doing for the past few months. It's easy. But I'm just tired now.

Enter Sherrie at Organizing Diva. Well at least vicariously through her blog! She has just posted her goals for the new year. And I really like how she has organized them in ten ORGANIZATION FOCUS AREAS.

I'm calling mine 8 is Enough. Basically because that's about all I can handle!

1) Spiritual
2) Financial
3) Fitness/Health
4) Beauty
5) Home
6) Family
7) Personal
8) Menu Planning

She then lists just a few goals - not resolutions, but ATTAINABLE GOALS. I stress attainable because if not, then what's the point? So here are mine...

1) Spiritual:
*Be diligent in my prayer life. Pray for something SPECIFIC for my husband and children every day.
*Family devotion at supper at least 3-4 nights a week. We were doing really well with this but have fallen by the wayside.
*Pray with boys every night. Even when I am exhausted OR they have made me crazy!

2) Financial:
*Stop impulse buying!
*Start S and J's commission for chores again. Why did I stop that? It really worked.

3) Fitness/Health:
*Drink 8 glasses of water (or Crystal Light - that counts in my book!)
*Eat less processed foods
*Exercise
*Lose 5 pounds each month until I reach MY comfort level. This will be the hardest...

4) Beauty:
*Wash face every night. Yes, many nights I do go to sleep without taking my make up off. Not good...
*Pedicures monthly
*Brow wax every 6 weeks

5) Home:
*Keep better laundry schedule. Get back on track with boys doing their laundry once a week.
*Take clothes/items to Goodwill on the tenth of every month. I know I will have at least ten things each month!
*Take 15 minutes every Saturday to clean out a drawer or closet. Yes, ONLY 15 a week. You'd think this wouldn't have to be a goal!

6) Family:
*Bi-Weekly date night with Mike. I know I should strive for weekly, but I'm doing ATTAINABLE here!
*Bi-weekly Family night. Family movie, game, etc. The boys really do love this...

7) Personal:
*Call my mother and sister more often.
*Mother/Daughter/Sister overnight visit every 2-3 months
*Call BFF more often
*Read at least 4 books this year. I know this is pitiful...

8) Menu planning:
*Weekly menus
*Grocery lists
*Inventory freezer
*Inventory pantry I'm using Entertaining Kitchen's Well-stocked Pantry to help me with this!
*Clip coupons

So here I go. Now that I've put in some thought - and have posted it for the world to see... I think I am ready. I am also copying this and putting it on my bathroom mirror. Say some prayers...

The Christmas Card Album - 2010

2010-12-30T15:45:00.006-05:00

Yesterday (or maybe a day or so ago) someone (forgive me for not remembering who!) tweeted the question, "What will you do with your Christmas cards?" Now I am a big fan of sending Christmas cards and send out close to 150 each year to family and friends. I am an even bigger fan of receiving them. And as far as I'm concerned, you have to give to receive. Now I know that with Facebook, Twitter, etc., I can see every breath your family breathes, every vacation, and special (or not so special) occasion with the hundreds of pictures people post. I can see how little Sally and Stan have grown. However, I love having that picture. You see, I save every card. I mean EVERY one.

Ever since 1999, I have kept a photo album of every year's collection of cards. I began this when S had his first Christmas. Every family is noted, and I try to put them in as approximately the same order every year. Of course, the cards we have received ebb and flow as we lose touch with some and gain other friends. However, I have pictures of many, many children and families without a gap for the past eleven years. I'm afraid I may run out of room in our second album this year!

S and J love looking through these two albums. We keep them in the living room. Sometimes they randomly grab them and flip back and forth to see how their friends and my friends' children have changed over the years. Some of these families they have never met in person as they live all over the country, but S and J feel a connectedness with them none the less.

One dear college friend lost her son last year. When I received the news, the boys immediately ran to the albums to see who it was. They were heartbroken (especially S, who was the same age) as they felt they knew him, his history, and his family.

I love that these cards are snapshots (no pun intended) of my husband's and my life. These friends represent so many aspects. These are friends from childhood, college, Columbia, SC (where I lived the first 36 years of my life), church, A**** (where we live now) - and now Blog friends. I treasure these albums and have included them in my mental "what to grab if the house catches on fire" list. I'm not kidding!

So I'm off to organize and catalog for Christmas, 2010. I'm so glad that some of you will be included as we shared cards this year! The rest of the undecorating can wait...

The Christmas that Almost Wasn't

2010-12-28T17:20:00.026-05:00

It's now a few days after Christmas and things are beginning to slow down. We had a wonderful Christmas with both Mike's and my families. Big fun for all... But this year almost was the Christmas morning that never was. Grab a glass of wine and get ready for quite a story.

For years, S has wanted a drum set. He really is my musical child, able to play guitar (and some basic piano) by ear. When he was three, he would take all the pillows in the living room and make his own drum set. At age six, we took him to see The Eagles as he was obsessed with Don Henley. And it's continued throughout the years. These days he stays late at Youth Group so he can play the drums after the youth band is finished.

And every Christmas he has asked for a drum set. And every year I have said, "Maybe next year." This year I relented as he researched electric drum sets on the internet. And he finally found something. This is what we Santa ordered from Amazon.

Or at least that's what Santa thought he ordered. As soon as it arrived a few weeks before Christmas, my in-laws picked it up (still in the box) to assemble at their house and drop by our house on Christmas Eve while we were at my family's church and dinner. (We have to leave our house at 2:30 in the afternoon. Keep this in mind as you continue reading.)

On Christmas Eve morning, I got a call from my mother-in-law letting me know that the drum set was ready to go. However, it didn't look like there were any drums. It was just the rack!!! Was that what S was getting for Christmas? (Oh, and did I mention it was around 10:30 am CHRISTMAS EVE?) I literally thought I was going to get sick. OMW! How could that be it? Because this drum set was really all S was getting for Christmas this year.

I immediately called the company who used Amazon as a way to sell their wares. They were adamant that the product description on their website said it was the drum rack only. After being on the phone for almost an hour (now it's around 12:00 on Christmas Eve), they finally relented that Amazon's description was vague and misleading. I could return it (they would pay for return shipping).

In the midst of this, I am also on my cell phone on the other ear talking with my mother-in-law and numerous music stores in our town. Does anyone sell drum sets on Christmas Eve (at 12:30 in the afternoon)? Oh thank goodness there is one and they have one left in the store!

After this, I am completely stressed and not even out of my pajamas. (Keep in mind the 2:30 departure time...) I talk to S to explain the situation (not the possible solution as I really don't know what the solution is at this point). Maybe this was not the best thing to do, but please remember my state of mind at this point. He tears up and tells me that his Christmas is "going to s**k". Normally, I would have really gotten on him for that, but I must say that at that point, I agreed! I told him that I promised Santa would work it out and that everything would be better. But I also needed him to promise that he wouldn't let this ruin Christmas Eve for the family.

I then call Amazon (at around 12:45 or so) to give them an earful. I get some woman from India and "politely" let her know how Amazon has more than likely ruined Christmas Day for an eleven-year-old boy. I now have to find a replacement drum set! Dingbat tries to offer me a $15.00 credit for my troubles. I should have tried harder, but I stopped my tirade for $30.00. (Remember my time crunch!)

Shower, hair, etc. for me follows, and at 1:30 I race over to my in-laws to give them my credit card so they can pick up the drums and deliver them later. I now have a headache.

We did make it to Mama's and church.
Thank goodness the rest of the day/evening was wonderful.

I had a glass or two of red wine with my sister.

I loved being with my family.

Santa called and eased S's fears.

...And as for Christmas morning?
I think S was right when he said it was the best Christmas ever!

The Gift

2010-12-25T17:32:00.007-05:00

It's the one gift you'll never want to return... it's the one you'll want to share...

Merry Christmas!

Yes... This is Our Christmas Tradition

2010-12-23T21:27:00.011-05:00

Over the past two Christmases, I have loved reading about all of your family's traditions. I can smell the aroma of fresh baked treats made by the hands of you and your children. The sounds of you caroling around the neighborhood and then finishing at a neighbor's home for hot chocolate and toddies are sweet music to my ears. Some of you go as a family to a tree farm in the country to pick out the perfect Frazier fir or spruce pine. Others fly across country to visit relatives where the snow falls magically from the sky.

A few have ended their posts with the question, "What is your family's Christmas tradition?"

You really want to know?

REALLY???

OK, this is what we do.

Every year, we pile in the car... go to Sonic and get the biggest Sonic Blasts possible (Yes, I know this isn't very Christmas-y.)... turn the Christmas music loud... and drive around town for the "Annual W***** Tacky Christmas Light Tour". Most of these lights are in this fabulous trailer park about ten minutes out of town. It takes about fifteen minutes to go through the whole thing, and it's just not Christmas until we take the tour. And we all yell, "Tacky Christmas lights! Tacky Christmas lights!" with glee when we arrive...

Of course I stopped in the middle of the road for this picture...

And totally embarrassed J.

There are about four of these donation mailboxes.

This is the fanciest... The others are written on with Sharpies.

Lots and lots o' tacky lights...

And more and more...

Never knew the Seven Dwarfs were part of Christmas...

J made the very astute comment as we drove through the trailer park o' lights.

"It's obvious that some of these people spend more money and attention on their lights

than they do on their houses."

(Before you judge, remember that this was from the mouth of a nine-year-old!)

By this time, Handel's Messiah was blaring out of the Frosty snow globe

in the picture above this one...

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!
, Mike, and the boys

With these gifts, what more do I need?

2010-12-21T16:36:00.005-05:00

My sweet friend Jessica just wrote a post on the ultimate gift: good friends. Oh how she is so correct! I have been blogging for about fifteen months now, and have met so many amazing women both online and in person. What gifts they are to me! (Some of them know me better than friends I have had for years!)

I am also blessed with new friends whom I have gotten to know since my move three years ago to A****. Some are from school, some from church, and some from the Bunco group I was invited to join a few short months after arriving.

And how many times have I had people look at me in amazement when I tell them that I have around 18 best friends from college? Yes, we have gotten together EVERY year since we graduated twenty years ago. This Connie weekend (what Converse College girls call themselves) is a "must have" for all of us every fall of the year.

My ultimate best friend - whose name is also Beverly!!! - came from this group of college friends. She was there during the darkest time in my life and was my rock. A second sister if you will. I don't know how I would have made it without her! We are now eight hours away... Thank goodness for phones and social media!

Finally, there is my sister. She is the one I go to for advice and just want to be with when on vacation or any other time. Yes, we've had ebbs and flows, but she's the one.

As I look at these Christmas cards I have displayed, I am reminded of how blessed I am with these gifts of friendship. I always have them surrounding this Nativity plate to remember that our Savior is the center of all of our relationships. I am amazed at how He has provided.

I'd love to include you in our Christmas friendship montage! I have a few extra cards ready to send out myself and I'd love to share...

Prancer

2010-12-19T18:37:00.002-05:00

It's dark outside and Mike and I are alone AGAIN for the next few days. But I'm not wallowing. I'm not. I'm not. I'm not. The two of us went to a fun surprise party last night for a friend's 40th birthday. Today, we went out to lunch and window shopped around town. We don't often get a chance to do this... Kind of like when we were dating!

The afternoon was lazy and we spent most of it watching Christmas movies on Lifetime. But now I am in the throws of my most favorite Christmas movie of all: Prancer.

Have you seen it? In a nutshell, it's about a little girl that literally carries the Christmas spirit inside her and spreads it to her entire town. Here is a synopsis, taken from Wikipedia.

Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell) is an 8-year-old girl whose mother died of unknown causes and who is in the not very adequate care of her rough, quiet, protective father John Riggs (Sam Elliott). In the Christmas season, Jessica finds a hurt reindeer who she believes to be Santa's reindeer Prancer and sets herself on nursing Prancer back to health. A deep bond grows between the two. She is helped by a friendly old veterinarian (Abe Vigoda), befriends the old town recluse (Cloris Leachman), and comes to forge a closer relationship with her older brother Steve (John Duda).

Jessica and her father often clash after he discovers Prancer living in the barn and, despite her widowed father revealing brief moments of deep love for his daughter, he does not understand Jessica's special love for helping the reindeer. After a misunderstanding, he sells Prancer to a business owner temporarily. His walls of hard feelings begin break down and he and Jessica finally forge a deep, loving bond. Jessica, after several emotional and physical struggles between her best friend, her family, and the town, manages to cure her beloved Prancer and set him free, where he is seen flying to the sky to rejoin the other seven deers of Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Every time I watch this movie I am overcome as the movie embodies the idea of hopes, dreams, faith, and belief in the midst of hard times. I love the innocence of the sweet little girl and her eight-year-old view of the world around her, what is true and right and good. Give yourself and your family a true gift this year. Watch this movie...

Homage to Band Aid

2010-12-12T14:00:00.011-05:00

Over the past week, I have read two friends' blogs that have celebrated and panned some of the Christmas songs playing on Pandora and our local radio stations. If you haven't been introduced to these two cute girls, you need to read them What's Bakin' and Eat, Drink, and Be Mary Douglass.

My friend at What's Bakin' was lamenting on the songs One Last Christmas and Christmas Shoes. OMW! I am so with her! Call me insensitive and callous, but those songs make me want to gouge my eyes out and just give up. Feeling just a bit depressed this Christmas season, but just not enough? Just play one of these babies and you are good to go! (By the way, "Butterfly Kisses" also makes me want to vomit... just in case you were wondering.)

Cute Mary Douglass, however, I must disagree with on her only panned song: Do They Know It's Christmas?. Now I know you are probably calling me a big hypocrite as this song is pretty sad too. BUT how can you not love it? I have to say I was shocked at Mary Douglass... but then I remembered she is ten to fifteen years younger than I and has absolutely no understanding of the power and presence this song had on our Reagan era lives back in 1984! There are so many reasons it would be way up there on my Christmas song list... if I took the energy to create one.

My Top Ten Reasons to "Let Them Know It's Christmastime"

1. I was fifteen when the song came out and could not wait to race out and buy the 45 from Peaches Records and Tapes in Five Points. My friends and I played it over and over and watched the video on MTV (back in the day when it really was MUSIC television).

2. Also, at fifteen, one feels she actually can save - or at least feed - the world by buying a 45 record. And there's just something warm and fuzzy about remembering that when one is now in her forties.

3. Band Aid was the original "do good" pop group. Live Aid and Quincey Jones didn't come out until much later the following year. American copycats...

4. It was filled with British pop stars of the 80s.

5. It IS happy, what with all the cheerful Brits playing air guitar at the end of the song... "Feed the wor-orld... Let them know it's Christmas time!"

6. Specifically... Bono

7. Specifically... Paul Young (OK, so he's not British, but he WAS the only yank who crossed the pond for this.)

8. Specifically... Sting

9. Specifically... Bananarama (remember them?!?!?!)

10. And last, but definitely not least, Duran Duran. How Merry Christmas-ilicious were they?

This is my list... I'm sticking to it.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

2010-12-07T16:33:00.009-05:00

Decorating, decorating, decorating... I absolutely love this part of the preparations for Christmas. Mike laughs at me as I place each gold pinecone, each tiny present, and each gilded fruit so precisely on the mantle. I am ever so chastised as I move the gold wired ribbon a centimeter to the right or left. He shakes his head my exact placement of Santa and his sleigh. Those silly husbands just don't get it...

But I don't care. I love every second of my masterpiece. And afterwards, I curl up on my sofa with a glass of red wine. The Christmas music playing in the background. And with the roar of the fireplace and the Christmas tree a few yards away, I am happy with my preparations for Christmas.

Advent Wreaths are not for...

2010-12-04T11:28:00.007-05:00

This past week, a friend of mine posted as her Facebook status how, and I quote, "Eli****** is so proud to see her sons readying their hearts for the upcoming celebration of the birth of Christ by 'barbecuing' their dinner nightly over the Advent candle!" At first I got quite a giggle, with visions of skewers and hotdogs over the royal purple and white candles. I even commented on her post about how boys will be boys.

BUT... I had to eat my words last night when, as S was reading how the angel Gabriel visited Zachariah foretelling the birth of John the Baptist, J held his piece of pizza over the lit wreath "...to warm it up, Mom." Duh!

Never thought in a million years that I would have to formulate the sentence, "Boys, Advent Wreaths are not for reheating pizza".

Can I Hear a Hallelujah?

2010-12-01T19:30:00.002-05:00

I just saw this on a few friends' Facebook pages, and I'm guess that if I have - you probably have too! What I would have given to be one of these unsuspecting shoppers...

Didn't that make you feel all warm and cozy inside? Certainly got me in the Christmas spirit!

A Peaceful Road

2010-11-29T14:28:00.006-05:00

I don't know about car trips with your children, but mine can get rather harried at times. Bickering can run rampant between S and J - especially when they can't agree on the DVD to watch. A three and a half hour trip between our town and Pawleys Island can seem endless.

But this trip home was different. This photo I found online was titled "A Peaceful Road".

I had met "Fun Dad" (aka biological father) on Friday to take the boys and myself for a weekend with my parents, sister, and her girls at the beach. (S and J spent Thanksgiving with his family.) The weekend was too short as I packed up the boys and myself for the trip back to reality. Of course none of the headphones worked for the DVD, but instead of whining, my boys found other things to do. S was engrossed in The Horse and It's Boy, and J played multiplication and spelling games on my Droid. Reading? Math? Spelling? Yes, and they were content as could be for a good hour or so. I loved peaking in the rear view mirror at the two of them. You could just see their minds working. They were oblivious to the world around them...

Now I know that a good DVD can do the same thing. Believe me, we have between five and ten of them at any given time in the Odyssey. But it was the fact that this time, they were not just "plugged up". They were "plugged in". And plugged into something that made them better. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it made me happy. I can remember reading and working out brainteasers (until I got slightly carsick) on car trips as a child. It just brought back memories of my childhood.

I was also able to really look outside the window and marvel at the beauty of the trees with their beautiful leaves outside. I was able to think about the fun the boys had with their cousins, creating their very own USC/Clemson tickets for the Pawleys Island "satellite stadium" before the big game Saturday evening. I was able to smile as I thought of my short visit with my sweet friend, Laura, at church that morning. I played car games with S and J, quizzing them on South Carolina and United States history. I planned with them how we were going to decorate the tree and house over the next few days. I got excited with them as we talked about their upcoming hunting trips with their grandfather at our cousin's plantation. We laughed and talked and planned the whole rest of the ride.

And finally, I was able to to see that sometimes the best part of a trip can be the trip home...

Thankful for all the OTHER days

2010-11-23T19:51:00.005-05:00

It's too quiet right now. Mike and I are watching the local news while pasta is boiling for the salad I'm taking to the citywide Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow afternoon. The house is almost ready for our family's celebration on Thursday. Our Gratitude Tree is almost full and looks perfect in the breakfast room. And I just need to collect some more leaves and grapevines from the yard to complete the dining room centerpiece. And maybe a bit more polishing of the silver. The house is pretty clean except for one more go of the Dirt Devil over the hardwoods.

But there is one thing missing. The boys are not here. Nor are they ever for Thanksgiving. For them every Thanksgiving is spent with "the other family" (their biological dad and his parents). And I hate it. Every year I hate it more and more. I hate that the boys are shuttled back and forth this holiday. I hate having to work out the visit during the Christmas holidays. I hate that, as they are getting older, they are not as excited as they once were. I hate that they are seeing that their relationship with their dad is really just surface. I hate it for them. And selfishly I hate it for me...

But it also makes me think about how thankful I am. I don't have to wait for holidays or a weekend here and there to spend time with S and J. I wake them up every morning. I tuck them in every night. I share everyday conversations and experiences with them. I watch them do skateboard tricks. I play "horse" with them. I make bets with them (the latest the S can't read the first four Narnia books before The Voyage of the Dawn Treader comes out in theaters). I'm able to be a mom all the time. And I am thankful for all those days... all the other days.
Fall, 2006

Thanksgiving Tree

2010-11-19T07:02:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week. I have seen all of your lovely autumn decor and have been so impressed. I've never done much in the way of decorating for fall - other than the jack o'lantern on the porch or a few mini gourds, pumpkins, and witches around. And we've never held Thanksgiving at our house. Until NOW.

This year we will have Mike's family (totaling 18) over for Thanksgiving dinner. The venue was changed to our house as it has the best flow for that many people. Thank goodness that I am only responsible for yeast rolls and dessert. However, I want to have something festive on the table. And with Christmas coming earlier and earlier every year, tasteful Thanksgiving decor is all but gone. What to do? I want a pretty table. I need a pretty table. Isn't Thanksgiving all about the table?

Yes... But especially when the centerpiece is one that is all about Thanksgiving - the real meaning: gratitude. I found an idea online that combined the two perfectly. I'm sure you've either seen or made one yourself.

Here is what our "Gratitude Tree" looked like last week.

It is getting more and more leaves every few days as we write those things were are thankful for on them. Beside the tree, I have a basket with cut out leaves, black pens, and raffia. We have been doing this during our family dinner time devotion. A few things listed were our family, God, encouragement, great haircuts and color, my friends, a husband who texts me just to tell me I'm pretty and that he loves me, my wife, a son who helps clean the kitchen, and making each other laugh.

I can't wait to see it in all it's glory...

Men in Skirts

2010-11-14T14:55:00.025-05:00

This month my hubby was given the highest honor by our metropolitan issue of Skirt magazine. I'm sure most all of your cities have Skirt or a magazine like it. They are those free newspaper-ish monthly issues that spotlight local stores, trends, fashion, and the like. Ours is the Columbia/Augusta area.

Every month, the magazine chooses a man for their "He's So Original" piece. Mike says he really doesn't know why he was picked, so I'll give you my reasons. He's very active in our town's community. Tea Garden is a favorite store of many women around here. Also, I think he's pretty easy on the eyes!

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for...

My husband - in a SKIRT!

Double-click on the picture to read parts of the article.

And yes, he is wearing MY Lilly skirt.

(Thank goodness he couldn't zip up the back!)

Author, Author!

2010-11-11T17:52:00.005-05:00

How timely that I've been tagged by Entertaining Mom to join the ranks and list my 15 most favorite authors. After my two latest posts on J's dyslexia, it makes me realize how much I enjoyed reading as a child. My list is rather eclectic, bringing together authors from my childhood as well as those who who continue to lure me late at night (on my Ipad's Kindle app).

So here I go, and in not particular order at all...

1. Ludwig Bemelmans I love the Madeline series, and have since I was a child. My favorite line was "twelve little girls in two straight lines". I would look at all of the little girls and match them to the following pictures in the book. Funny how I was never that enamored with Madeline, but loved the little girl with the curls!

2. C.S. Lewis is the amazing author who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia. I read the entire series when I was young. They touched my heart with the Christian allegory, and I later wrote my senior thesis on the the Biblical parallels throughout The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and The Last Battle. His book Surprised by Joy is an account of this former atheist's transformation into a Believer.

3. Pat Conroy The quintessential southern author. His story telling is phenomenal, with character descriptions so vivid, you feel you are inside them.

4. Virginia Lee Burton will always have a special place in my heart. My mother must have read Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Little House to my sister and me hundreds of times. I loved hearing about how the Little House changed and watched as her surroundings changed with the "progress" all around her. Don't worry, there IS a happy ending!

5. Chuck Swindoll has written numerous books and devotionals throughout the years. His Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life is the only thing that got me through the summer I was a counselor at a camp the summer of my deb season. I know that sound a trite, but I was miserable and homesick, and I found great comfort in his words.

6. Jane Austen Need I say more...?

7. Harper Lee for To Kill a Mockingbird. Yes, I JUST read it... And she is on the list.

8. V.C. Andrews I know she is no Jane Austen or Harper Lee, but her books captivated my friends and me during our teen years. Who can forget Flowers in the Attic?

9. John Irving's The Hotel New Hampshire...

10. Ann Rivers Siddons captures the hearts of women everywhere - especially in the south. She just "gets" us.

11. Edith Wharton I remember reading Ethan Frome in high school and weeping.

12. Sidney Taylor Her stories of a Jewish family of five girls are heartwarming and tender in her portrayal of life on the Lower East side of New York at the turn of the century. It was though these books, this cradle Episcopalian from the south learned about children of a different faith. Give me any Jewish holiday, and I can probably tell you at least a little about it!

13. John Grisham Great beach reads when you aren't interested in Chick Lit!

14. All of YOU Your blogs give me such insight in your lives and, in a way, my own. I look forward to reading them all the time. Your strength, faith, and wisdom amazes me and makes me want to be a better wife, mother, and friend.

15. God His book is the guide for my life.

So now it's time to tag my fifteen... Take a look in your libraries girls!

Twist of Lime
One Fabulous Mom
Monica's World
Mama Henley
Weasel's Journey
Note on the Screen Door
Southern Belle
Lizards and Lollipops
Tickled Pink Design
The Road We're On
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Eat, Drink and Be Mary Douglass
Home of a Magnolia
Create the Life You Love
Have Map Will Travel

Our Reading Angel - Part II

2010-11-07T15:04:00.005-05:00

Mrs. Coats entered our lives two years ago, when J started first grade. His confidence level was at an all-time low, and he would frequently tell us he was the "stupidest kid in his class in reading". He didn't get it. He would do anything not to have to read - or at least try to. Now I mentioned in Part I that I cognitively understood this. I've had experience and training with dyslexic children, specifically with the Orton-Gillingham approach. (If you haven't heard of OG and have a child who may be dyslexic, click this link!!!)

Mrs. Coats had this same background and training and had just moved to the area a few months earlier. He husband had been transferred, and she had to leave the specialized school in which she worked. When we first met her, I felt an instant connection. She took J under her wing and encouraged (and sometimes in the first year had to coerce) him to learn and utilize the strategies that would help him overcome his dyslexia. She was both honest and optimistic with me. She was loving, sincere and patient with J. The strides J has made these past few years are just incredible.

Now this is enough to make Mrs. Coats an amazing women. But really, there's so much more. You see, this woman gave us the gift of her faith as well. When she started working with J, she told us how she was praying for him - and for him to learn to read. Now I am a strong believer in the power of prayer. I take my Christian faith and walk very seriously. It embodies who I am and all that I do. For her to share this with J and me spoke volumes. How blessed were we to have her in our lives and to work with J these years...

But we received some heart-breaking news a little over a month ago. As a matter of fact, I got the phone call as Gabi was driving me to the Boston Airport after our Nantucket adventure: Mrs. Coats was moving back to North Carolina. Her husband's work contract was not renewed. Stunned silence. Intense worry. Both she and I were devastated.

J's last session was a few weeks later. As we were saying our goodbyes, J gave her a card in which he wrote, "Thank you for helping me learn to read". I handed her a gift and card from Mike and me. I couldn't even talk as the sobs were choking me.

We received a letter from Mrs. Coats last week. I want to share part of it with you.

"...I do believe that God placed me in your world

for a reason, and I am deeply grateful to our Lord

that you allowed me to help you. My desire is to

serve Him by guarding others from suffering the

debilitating effects that my brother suffered and is

still suffering from being unable to read. I did not

know what I would do to use my training when we

moved to A****, and God opened the door and

used you to show me."

J continues to get help from a specialist at school. He is doing very well and loves third grade. I attribute his success to many people. However, it is Mrs. Coats, our "Reading Angel" who is in our hearts, who was placed in our path for a reason, who shared her own special ministry and faith with us...

We Interrupt this Blog...

2010-11-05T16:33:00.003-04:00

We interrupt this blog series to breathe a sigh of relief. You don't hate me! You aren't ignoring me! You haven't abandoned my Golden Day!

I wrote my last post with much thought and care. It's the first of a "two-parter", and I am working on the second installment. Imagine my sadness that no one (OK, two sweeties, Beth and Monica somehow found it!) was reading it. Feelings of middle school angst were creeping around my psyche...

But I now know why... after reading and commenting on your blogs. Oh horrors among horrors! My latest post was not showing up on your blog rolls! Does Blogger not know how much this hurts?!?!?

Never fear... Our Reading Angel - Part I can be read here.

Thanks sweet friends!

Our Reading Angel - Part I

2010-11-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had someone come into your life... and then you have to let them go... like an angel? We have. For those of you who may be new to my blog, or may just not know, our youngest son, J, is severely dyslexic. For more on this, I wrote this post last year. But I'll give you a little background anyway...

We had a feeling something was wrong four years ago when J's 4K teacher said he didn't know all of his letters by the end of the year. I was teaching in a private school that catered to children with dyslexia, so I was able to recognize some signs. By December of 5K, J knew only five letters. He said they moved around on the page. He said they were the color red. In talking with his sweet teacher, we learned that she was worried. If he didn't progress faster, he would not be ready for first grade. I felt a pit in my stomach. I knew this cognitively. I really did. But it's not until you internalize it and it hits your heart that it becomes a reality. You wake up in the middle of the night and tiptoe out of your bed so that your husband does not hear you weep uncontrollably.

But I God to thank for the blessing that I work where I do. There are perks when you teach where your children go to school. I'm sorry, but that's the reality. My wonderful and supportive principal got the ball rolling to get J tested. It took about two weeks to go through the process and get the results. Testing showed a large gap between his cognitive ability and his performance. A BIG RED FLAG for a learning disability. To get more information, we then had him evaluated at a private learning center. Confirmation: DYSLEXIA.

And this is where our angel, Mrs. Coats appears....

No Tricks... But Bloggie Treats for Me!

2010-10-31T20:26:00.006-04:00

I know today is Halloween and all, but yesterday was full of bloggie treats for me! Yesterday was my town's Fall Steeplechase. Much smaller and subdued than the full-blown soiree for the horse set (and just those who want to show off their new spring smocks and togs) in the spring, the October event is not quite as dressy an affair. You see more jeans with dressy-casual tops for the ladies and khakis with polos for the men.

Yesterday we spent time at two spots. The first was with the party we arrived, cute fun girlfriends and their families from my BUNCO group. The second was with couples we knew from our Sunday School class. Mike and I attend a VERY LARGE church in our town, and so our class is very representative of the size. We know people in the class, but have never felt we really KNEW them. Does that make sense? Anyway, we decided to go visit their tent.

Oh my heavens... what did my rabid football fan of a husband discover when we made our way to the second spot? Satellite television with the South Carolina/Tennessee game playing! There was no turning back. Some other husbands continue to hand him bourbon and cokes... Still no turning back. South Carolina is playing well and is winning... Again, no turning back. Whoo Hoo - we won!

Don't worry, I had fun too! Look closely and see my latest Lilly purchase around my neck: a cute gold turtle necklace purchased on the Nantucket trip!

But one of the highlights of the day was getting to know two fellow bloggers from my town even better. Both were what I would call acquaintances from around town and our VERY LARGE church. We knew each other's names. Our husbands knew each other. But that was about it. Enter blog world... and, well you know what happens when I get to know fellow cute bloggers! I HAVE to get to know them better... even if it means flying up the eastern seaboard to do it. This time all I had to do was go to a horse race!

So without further ado, let me introduce them to you!

Aundrea, from The Road We're Own, is a precious girl. She is an amazing mom to four children, has a true heart for God, and knows how to have fun in most everything she does. I love her sense of humor - pretty dry, like mine. Another plus is that her husband can mix quite a drink on demand... that, I really love! I have loved getting to know her both through her blogs and quick convos at our club pool over the summer. With this girl, I look forward to lots more fun events together!

Monica, from Monica's World, is another mother of four - boys! We have lots of fun talking about the antics of those testosterone-y creatures. This chick is the most amazing writer. She too has a heart for God and shares both her faith and everyday life events with honesty and humor. If you haven't read her, you must! She has chronicled the pregnancies and births of each of her boys in such a way I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face!

These girls know I am making these introductions... so please take a look at their blogs!

Hope you and your goblins had a wonderfully spooky Halloween!

Godly Mothering... A Few Thoughts

2010-10-25T20:08:00.000-04:00

Some of you read my my lamentations from Saturday, and some you left sweet messages. Thank you! Writing the word "lamentations" takes me straight to the Book where that title can be found.

I keep scraps of paper and notes from sermons and teachings in the drawer beside my bed where I also keep my Bible. This morning I was cleaning out the junk that accumulates and came upon an envelope covered with notes about being a Godly Mother. (Perhaps it was from a Mother's Day sermon???) Ok God... I'm listening. And what I read completely made sense given the day I had.

Saturday evening, Mike and I held a "family meeting" with the boys (remember those???). I told them how disappointed I had been by their behavior. I scolded. I corrected. Earlier that day, I spanked the younger one and embarrassed the older one in front of his friend. All in all, I had been an ogre of a mother... not that they didn't deserve it!

But the amazing thing is that after that... and after all the other times we as mothers chastise, scold, correct, and punish, my children came back to me. Our children always come back to us. They bury their sweet faces in our laps. They hug our legs. They beg us to tuck them in and tell them that we love them.

And I ask WHY?

I try to be a Godly mother. I pray for my children. I pray for Godly friends. I pray for their physical, emotional, and spiritual protection.

But the role of a Godly mother is more. She is protective. She is supportive. She is devoted. She is instructive. And most of all, she is there to prepare her children for their own Godliness. God knows (no pun intended) it's hard. He knows sometimes we just want to give it all up. But I think that is why He puts that sweet desire and passionate love a child has for his or her mom. Our children want us back and are saying in so many words that they crave the Godly mother. God put that desire as part of His plan. His plan for all of His children: moms and kids alike.

Did June Ever Have One of These Days?

2010-10-23T11:07:00.004-04:00

I don't feel very loving right now. I want to rip my pearls off and pull my hair out. My head hurts and it has for about an hour now. I don't know whether I am cut out for being the mom of two "tweenage" boys. Right now it stinks and I just want to run away. Hey Wally and Beav, how about my feelings?

Maybe this will help...

Just kidding... (maybe)

Shrimp Scampi a la Bevy

2010-10-19T23:21:00.004-04:00

I've never been known as a "foodie", nor have I ever had people rave about my cooking. Oh, I'm pretty decent in the kitchen, but I'm no Martha, Paula, or Julia. (Maybe it has to do with that "a" at the end of their names...) So imagine my surprise when my picky eater boys complimented me on my version of an online recipe. Of course I didn't have all the right ingredients, so I improvised. Which is what I do with most recipes!

So here's Shrimp Scampi a la Bevy

* 1 1/2 pounds of medium or large shrimp, peeled, deveined, etc.
* Spaghetti (or angel hair pasta)
* Coat the pan with extra virgin olive oil. (They said 8 tsp of butter, but I love extra virgin)
* Heat on medium high
* Toss in:
3 cloves of diced garlic
Numerous shakes of Old Town Geek seasoning
Zest of one lemon
1/4 cup (?) of lemon juice
Fresh parsley
Salt
* Stir until bubbly
* Toss in shrimp and cook until white
* Pour shrimp over cooked pasta
* Pour glass of white wine for you and the hubby and lemonade for the kiddos...

Yummalicious!

Fields of Faith

2010-10-14T20:44:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had waited all day for it: Bunco night. I love the Wednesday night when I am able to relax with my friends and a glass of wine. Sometimes we play. But more often than not, we just sit around, chat, and partake the wonderful hors d'oeuvres our hostess prepares. I was ready to go. I had the boys' golf and youth group deliveries and pick-ups worked out for the late afternoon and evening.

And then S told me the news: no Middle School youth group tonight. Instead, they were invited to this thing called "Fields of Faith".

I won't go too much into it. You can read about it here. I will say that all over the country, on October 13, high school chapters of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) hold events on their high school football fields. There is music, a local speaker giving a testimony, and a challenge to find faith in Jesus Christ.

S wanted to go. I wanted to go to Bunco. S wanted to invite a friend. I wanted to drink wine with my Bunco friends. Oh, that's easy, I thought. I'll just drop the two kids off and have my husband pick them up when it was over. But it didn't sound just right. I mean, two sixth graders in the midst of over a hundred people at the local football field? Sigh... I'll go too. I'll give up MY night. That's what we mothers do.

But oh how glad I am that I went. Of course S and his friend were not near me. They went over (within my sight, but without their knowledge!) and hung out with their friends. I saw my son and his friend singing their hearts out. I saw S lifting his hands in praise. I saw the two of them and other kids listening and taking in the testimony of a wonderful young woman who told of leaving her Sikh tradition and becoming a Christian.

S and his friend later came over to sit with me towards the end. He thanked me for being there on this "awesome night". It was a great night for me to be with my child. It was where I needed to be.

(Oh... and guess what? I got the date wrong. Bunco is NEXT week!)

Bevy

It's a Golden Day for the Game... Cocks!

2010-10-10T22:04:00.005-04:00

In light of yesterday's win over number one ranked Alabama, I feel I have no choice but to post about my team: South Carolina Gamecocks. Being a Gamecock fan is truly not something to take lightly and is not for the weak of heart. You see, South Carolina is not known for its strong football program. We tend to start strong, but being in the SEC (the powerhouse conference in football), we tend to get beaten down mid to the end of the season... by teams such as Alabama! So yesterday was definitely a ~~golden~~ garnet and black day for us!

But Gamecock fans are found not only in South Carolina - or even the south for that matter. Two weeks ago, on the infamous Nantucket trip, I met John. A friend of Gabi's, we saw him and his cute wife leaving the breakfast establishment we were walking into. He was wearing a Carolina shirt with his Nantucket reds, and I literally squealed when I saw him. After big hugs, we talked about Columbia and the bars we both frequented back in the day, his fraternity, and people we both knew! His fraternity advisor is one of my father's best friends, and his initiation ritual was held in the basement of the Episcopal church where I grew up! Oh. my. word!

Here we are with J's Flat Stanley

But the very best part was when John and his wife left. He started the chant done at all the games and yelled, GAME! And I immediately, with no thought at all, yelled, COCKS! Only a cute girl from South Carolina could have gotten away with that.

A Preppy Mom's Car

2010-10-03T20:59:00.021-04:00

After reading True Prep and re-reading TOPH, I was inspired by the illustrations and descriptions of the various preppy rooms and the like. So much so that, as I surveyed my Honda Odyssey, I felt led to write my own. So I invite you to take a visit...

Front bumper:

Vanity plate from Edisto Beach where we have a summer house

Back window:

Converse College Donor sticker changes every year Pink and Green sticker from Gabi in preparation for

the BIG trip!

Camp sticker from S's camp

Front seat area:

CD case contents: 3 REM CDs from the late 80s to mid 90s, soundtracks to Rent and Les Mis, and whatever S and J have thrown in there
Tissue box
Lilly Pulitzer Bermuda Bag found under the driver's seat from this summer
Pink and green Turvis Tumbler a gift from a student last year. Usually filled with Crystal Lite Pink Lemonade
Brooks Brothers button-down and Vineyard Vines polo still in plastic bags to be returned/shipped to said stores as they are too small for J and too big for S, respectively. Have been in the car for over a month now.
Lilly Pulitzer key fob free gift from last sale
Lancome lipstick in "Crushed Rose"
Linda Francis Lee's Devil in the Junior League audiobook in the CD player I know it's been out forever, but Frede Ware and Nikki Grout always make me laugh!
S's golf glove
My bucket bag

Back seat area:

Hot pink golf umbrella with my monogram in green
Target's version of the Reisenthel Market Tote used as a trash basket
Four sets of headphones at any given time at least two or three don't work due to kids throwing them around the van or dead batteries. Remember, I have only TWO children
J's golf glove
Basket of DVDs
Random DVD or CD who knows?
DVD remote NOT in the correct remote holder
Football
Chick-fil-a french fries and cups have finally been cleaned out

Cargo Area:

S and J's golf bags
Lilly P. and Publix reusable grocery bags
My tennis bag
Numerous golf tees
Masters folding chair from 1993. In here because you just never know when you may be tailgating!
Jumper cables
Sand from trips to Edisto and Pawleys Island

Aren't all preppy mom-mobiles traveling storage units? And aren't they all really a window into our worlds?

Bevy

What Happens in Nantucket...

2010-09-29T22:01:00.002-04:00

It all started innocently enough. Five women from different parts of the east coast meeting on blogs. I know that when I started blogging almost exactly a year ago, I had no idea what I was doing or getting myself into. All I knew was that I knew another girl who blogged, I read hers, and said to myself, "I can do that." Following, commenting, and blog rolls were not in my vocabulary. But after a few posts, Jessica began commenting and following... then Gabi... then Mama Henley... then Katherine. And I began following theirs too. Blogging and commenting led to Twitter. And it was on that fateful night that we were all making snarky comments while watching the Golden Globes, a friendship we were not even anticipating was born.

We began emailing each other - all five of us at the same time. I wish I could remember who it was that suggested that we meet. Guess it doesn't matter. But we all were excited. After more emails, the date and place were finalized.

Nantucket, September 2010

I secured my plane ticket in May. There was no backing out. It was happening. The moment I saw and hugged Gabi at Logan Airport in Boston, I knew it was going to be great. And almost two hours later, we met up with Jessica and Katherine. (Sweet Mama Henley was not able to join us. Oh how we cried when we read her post.) The four of us squealed, screamed, and hugged each other not as if we were meeting for the first time, but as dear, old friends. And then the talking and laughing commenced... and didn't stop until we left on Sunday.

Gabi mixing bloodies on the ferry to Nantucket.

Of course we had to compare the new edition

with the tried and true...

(Yes, I brought BOTH editions!)

Jessica showing Flat Stanley

(from Jackson's class project) how to cook.

Yes, she was our chef extraordinaire for the weekend!

At the brewery...

This evening really warrants a post all its own, but I just can't resist. Of course we walked in as if we owned the place. The place was packed, full of earthy preppies (mostly women) all in name tags. Hmmm... Lots of Patagonia and madras. And, hey, look over there. Hmmm... quite a few golf bags. Oh, this must be an after party for a golf tournament. Hmmm... the girl Gabi asks to take our picture, thinks she is the photographer for this soiree. Numerous other things made us go Hmmm... But hey, "it takes all kinds" as my mother says, and we are having a ball! Good drinks, good friends, good fun... and then the icing on the cake: Ms. Madras shorts jumps up on a table, raises her glass, and announces to the gathering, "Let's give a toast to Melissa and Jennifer and to the life they will lead together." You guessed it, we crashed a lesbian wedding. Big fun!

Many other stories happened on our Nantucket weekend. We giggled throughout, saying, "What happens in Nantucket stays in Nantucket!" But between the four of us, I know we'll share more with you throughout the next few weeks. I laughed so hard my face hurt at times. I shared so deeply, more than I might share with people here in my own town whom I feel pretty close to. I learned so much about each of these women: their successes, their worries, their delights and their passions.

Here we were on the ferry leaving Nantucket.

Jessica and Bevy

Gabi and Katherine

And here the four of us were right before we all said Goodbye.

It's Time for Me to Get Packing

2010-09-21T20:34:00.003-04:00

It's that time... time to get the suitcase out and start packing! You see, in just TWO days I will be spending a glorious long weekend with three blog friends on Nantucket. (Of course we will miss sweet Mama Henley who is not able to join us!!!). We five women have formed a friendship online and via emails and Twitter that we are all so excited to cultivate in person. And what better place than Tickled Pink Talk's family home on Nantucket. Entertaining Mom and Pink, Green and Southern will be there too, and I can't wait to see their precious faces in person! I can't wait to laugh! I can't wait to walk on the shore (although this southern girl says "beach")! I can't wait to learn more and more about these amazing women! I can't wait to drink fancy girl drinks! I can't wait to laugh! (Did I mention that already?) No worries on whether or not we will be posting. Between all of us, do you think that would be possible for at least one of us NOT to?

Of course I will not be flying up alone. I do have a little traveling buddy. My son, J, is sending Flat Stanley along! Hope he doesn't mind a little light reading on the plane..

Bevy

Are They Really Just Words?

2010-09-18T10:10:00.010-04:00

In raising our boys, Mike and I work hard (as ALL of us do!) to instill morals and values that will carry them throughout their lives. We want them to grow to be men of character and conviction to know what is right. As a teacher, I have the same responsibility for them. I shared this story of a conversation I had with S just a few nights ago.

He wanted to know why some words were bad. He wasn't talking about racial slurs or outright vulgar words. He was primarily talking about cr** and su***. Aren't they just words? No. They are trashy. They sound horrible coming out of an adult's mouth, and even worse coming out of the mouth of a child/tween. We don't say those words. Period. (OK, I may let cr** slip out, but I'm mostly a "damn it" kind if girl.). It seems that both those words are in the vocabulary of almost every middle school student in the country. He said it made him feel weird to say "crud" and "stinks". And that sometimes he slips when he is around his friends. I was so proud that he told me that - that he confessed. He shared. And I told him how proud I was.

I asked him if anyone ever teased him. He said no, that no one really seems to notice. I asked if he was losing friends. He said no, that he was making even more friends in his new school and always had people around him. Do all your friends use that language? No, he met a new kid named J whom he really likes who seems to have parents "who believe a lot of the same things as you, Mom".

So, things are fine. But I gave him a bit of advice that is really the crux of what I told my students.

Pretend Mimi or GrandMuz are with you all the time. If you would want them to hear it, then say it. If not, then you know what to do.

If only we would all remember to do that...

Bevy

Fat Free and Delightful for Me!

2010-09-14T20:02:00.004-04:00

Ok. I am not really a big sweets person. Dessert has never really been a big temptation for me. Good bread and fine cheeses, now that's another story in entirety. If I had it my way, I'd have a big wheel of Brie cheese with a candle sticking in it for my birthday. I'd call it "Fromage Anniversaire". Ok, maybe I'd have it wrapped in a little puff-pastry and caramelized to satisfy the others.

But I digress. If I must choose a sweet, it most definitely would be ice cream. And that is the key word: "cream". (See my above love affair with cheese.). Yum yum! But my diet - that I have fallen off the wagon of so many times - looks down on ice cream as a major food group.

Hallelujah and Praise the Lord! The angels were singing that fateful day I was in the freezer section of Publix buying the real stuff for the boys. There it was: Breyers Fat-Free Chocolate.

Not only is this stuff fat free, has only 90 calories, AND four grams of FIBER per serving... This stuff rocks! And I swear it is creamier than the real thing.

Too bad it doesn't go with Brie!

Bevy

A Perfectly Social Son

2010-09-11T12:45:00.003-04:00

In my town, sixth grade is not only signified by the transition to that horrible (and I say this in jest) place called middle school. It is also the year that the fine young ladies and gentlemen of our town embark on a social adventure that will continue for at least three more years: Social.

Here's S in his requisite navy blue blazer and Brooks Brothers tie. So cute!

In seventh and eighth grades (and preferably longer), they will learn the waltz, foxtrot, etc. Winter and spring will host the formal dances where the proud parents will watch their offspring glide effortlessly around the room as we did when we were young (albeit in another town for me).

But in sixth grade, we are at the starting gates: Perfectly Social Manners class. And as a parent volunteer, I have had the opportunity to see the awkwardness of these boys in their navy blazers and ties. I see the girls in their dresses, looking around the room in hopes that no one is wearing the same one. They are seated at tables, their name tags serving as place cards. Seventeen-million pieces of silverware in front of them.

I see my S pull out the chair for the young lady beside him. I hear him give a compliment as he shakes the hand of one of the sweet ladies who teach the class. I watch as he stands and shares how he called to RSVP to that evening's event. Later on at home, I help him write a formal RSVP for the formal dinner that will culminate the class.

But I was also able to see something that tickled me the third evening of Perfectly Social. I was already in the room as were a few girls sitting at their table. As S walked in the room, they began giggling, "Oh, there's S." "Look, S's coming in." Etc. Etc. Seems these young ladies are taking notice? Oh yes. And as a mother, I have to be able to handle that. But get this! Another mother who arrived before me saw these girls switching the place cards around so that S and another boy would be sitting next to them!. Can you believe that?!?!?! At least they weren't switching so that he wasn't at their table. But it makes me ask myself what Mike and I have in store for us.

S has a few more classes in front of him... as do I. Here he is after one with these two cuties: his Social dance partner (You have to get your partner YEARS in advance!) and his "friend". Notice his blazer is off and the girls are carrying their shoes!

My perfectly social son...

Bevy

Not Your Everyday Hand Sanitizer

2010-09-08T21:48:00.001-04:00

So the first week of school I have a student compliment me on my Lilly skirt. And now I receive this from another cutie pie...

I mean, how cute can hand sanitizer get?! (Honestly, I never thought I'd ask that question... LOL)

Bevy

A Love Affair with Earrings

2010-09-03T20:39:00.005-04:00

I love jewelry. Yes, I am a girl, and I love jewelry. The problem is that I am VERY picky. Especially with earrings. I'll pretty much love ANY necklace, bracelet, or ring. But please don't try to buy me earrings. Not to be rude, but I probably won't wear them. I have been hooked on Ronald Pearson's "figure 8" earrings for years. I have them in both 14K and sterling. They are both a classic and a statement. I absolutely love, love, love them.

Probably the main reason I love them so is because what they signify to me. As a Columbia Junior Leaguer, I always admired them. Silver or gold, I never cared. But it wasn't until I finally left my ex-husband that fateful day in May of 2002 (No details, please. We'll just say he loved to imbibe more than the average southern male... much more.), that I finally procured my own "figure 8s". I can remember walking into Carol Saunder's Gallery like a new woman. Celebrating my, and my young sons', freedom, I felt so liberated. I bought both the gold and silver pair. I deserved these earrings. I earned them!

And so seven years later have passed. I am married to my husband - an amazing man. I have a wonderful life. And... I still am in love with my "figure 8s".

Happy Birthday Big Guy

2010-08-28T17:26:00.006-04:00

Only one year away from double digits. Happy Birthday Action J******! I love you so much!

Posing with his new golf bag. Quite excited about that one!

Minnie Me!

2010-08-25T21:37:00.001-04:00

It was a great day. Today I was wearing one of my favorite Lilly skirts and one of my cute students shyly came up to me.

Cute Student: Mrs. W***** I really like your Lilly.
Me: Why thank you M. How did you know that's what I'm wearing?
Cute Student: Oh I love Lilly, and I saw her name hidden in the pattern.
Me: Me too! And tomorrow I'm bringing my new fleece I bought from the big online sale last week. (Disclaimer: my classroom is like a frozen tundra!)
Cute Student: Sale?!?!?! (eyes real big) I can't wait to tell my mom! She loves Lilly as much as you and me!

It's going to be a great year... I can tell.

Monogram Friday... Read on, you'll get it!

2010-08-22T19:13:00.004-04:00

Remember when when you were in college and you had a t-shirt for EVERY OCCASION OF YOUR LIFE??? I had fraternity party t-shirts, band party t-shirts, my girls' school (to be PC: women's college) party weekend shirts, other college (especially if I dated a boy who went there) t-shirts... OMW, I'm surprised we didn't have one for every time we breathed! I have since removed myself from all of these worn items. (Except for one, and that's another story!) I am just not a t-shirt kind of girl any more. Guess that's because I am a (very) early 40s lady now.

Thus, the dilemma arose every school year for me: the school t-shirt dilemma. Every Friday, we teachers are allowed to wear jeans - as long as we are wearing a C******** C***** Elementary t-shirt or a shirt that has the school name on it. (And those are usually those asexual non-preppy polo type shirts. Yuck.) I know this promotes school spirit, and I know that it is a little treat we are given. I just don't do t-shirts. And as much as I love, love, love my school, I just don't do t-shirts.

So what's a preppy teacher to do? Well, I came up with an amazing plan last year. (And my wonderful principal did approve it!) You see, I love a good monogram on a cute scoop neck Eddie Bauer or Tarjay tee. So... take a peek at what my monogram is every Friday!

Score one for preppy teachers everywhere!
(And a big smoochie for my BFF who did the monogramming...)

I Declare War!

2010-08-18T17:22:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about the barrage of thunder storms in our area. Well, they are back. "Summer storms" are the more romantic name we southerners give them, but they really are more of a hassle. They come at a moments notice with torrential rain and lightning that would scare Ben Franklin back to his French mistresses in an heartbeat. And then an hour later, they are are gone with a blue sky filled with big, puffy white clouds.

We have had said storms every day this week - the first week of school to boot! The boys and I have come home exhausted, done the small amount of homework given this week, and eaten a light snack. Then, I have let them have a little down time to watch thirty minutes or so of television. (I know I am a terrible mom.) But today, the satellite went out and the storm was ablowing. So what did my guys do: Whine? Sulk? Grab the IPod Touch? Play with the DS? No... They grabbed a pack of cards and had to longest game of War I've seen in a long time. And had a ball!

Don't you love seeing your children unplugged and playing nicely together? Love. it!!!

One Down... 179 More To Go!

2010-08-16T21:41:00.002-04:00

Today was the big day. It's the day I've been working on for the past week. The organizing. The decorating. The planning. It's the day I woke up at 5:45 AM and woke the boys forty-five minutes later.

It's the day of new L.L. Bean backpacks for my boys, five 1" binders with dividers for my new middle schooler, and pocket folders with brads for my third grader. It's a day of wondering if they are having a good day. It's a day of my telling my new fourth grade class that I know they are going to be the very best fourth grade class at C************* Elementary, because "Everyone knows Mrs. W. ALWAYS has the best class!" It's a day of signing forms and papers sent home with my own children (homework for parents!). It's a day for a trip to Marble Slab for the special ice cream treat to celebrate this yearly milestone. It's a day where I am so utterly exhausted that I snuggle under my duvet at 8:00 so that I can rest up for tomorrow.

It's the First Day of School...

"Murfee" Scarves Anyone?

2010-08-09T07:36:00.002-04:00

Ok, I am not a big shopper. Don't get me wrong, I do love nice things, shoes, and clothes. But I can find it emotionally and physically exhausting to go shopping. Especially in my sweet town. I do love my town, but Talbots and Target can only take you so far. There are cute shops, like Tea Garden - who have the nicest owners (yes, this is shameless self-promotion!) and where I get all my cute, airy tunics. But all those other stores we love are far, far away...

This is my state's tax-free weekend and my boys are with the grands for a few days. So I jaunt over to Talbots and buy two white polos, a few other precious tops and a cute turquoise skirt for a grand total of $54.00. Oh yes!!! Then I hitch on over to Old Navy to buy for the boys: $10.00 jeans and $12.50 khakis, and buy multiples of numerous sizes for S and J to try on when they get home. This is the only way I shop for my sons: buy every size and return what doesn't fit. Trust me, it is much easier that way!

But what about for me? I found a few white spaghetti strap tanks to wear under things and am walking around and... OMW! Do they look familiar at all?

You might know their pricier cousins...

Love me some Lilly... but also love me a little steal now and then!

The Value of a Good Golf Swing

2010-08-06T22:10:00.007-04:00

S and J have just finished up a great five week golf program at our club called First Tee and I couldn't be prouder of them. They both have fallen in love with golf, and I am thinking this might be the sport at which S really excels. Because they had such a great experience, neither son is interested in fall baseball as they would rather concentrate on improving their golf swing. They will be completing the next level as well as taking lessons from the pro instead. ...I am hoping they will also continue their focus on another aspect of the program.

Not only does First Tee teach fundamentals of golf, it incorporates nine core values (good old traditional values) in the instruction. At the end of the program, they were even tested on them to see that they cognitively understand what they mean.

Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive

Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.

Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace
Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem
In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.

Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions; dependable Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.

Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others;a polite remark or gesture A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.

What great lessons and values to take wherever they go!

Here are my two pros at the driving range of our club.

Golf clap... golf clap...

Laments of an Internet Orphan

2010-08-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

Oh. my. word. I am so happy to be back in the land of the blog! It has been over a week and I feel so disconnected from all of you. And in light of my last post, sweet Jo from Bees and Fleur de lis even sent me an email making sure I was OK!!

So here's the story. And I know it's kind of long. But please indulge me by reading... I've been away for so long!

Last Tuesday afternoon (July 27th to be exact) we experienced massive thunder storms. Lightning popping and thunder crashing all over. And we were smart. We unplugged everything electrical (computers, TVs, etc.) even though we have surge protectors. But... we forgot to unplug the phone cords. D*** phone cords! So lightning strikes though the phone line and wipes out my husband's computer, a laptop the boys use, and the modem/wireless router. No phone or internet or computer for unhappy husband. At least my laptop was not hit, but it's useless for me as I can't blog!!!

Late that evening I use my Droid (Thank God - and I mean that sincerely - for cell phones!) to call ATT for repair and new wireless modem. Repair man is to come the next day and modem will be sent in a few days.

Next day (Wednesday), I take irritated husband's computer to repair shop to see if it can be salvaged. Won't know until Friday. ATT comes and fixes phone line that afternoon.

Thursday, another lightning and thunder storm!!! Too bad we aren't home to unplug all lines. D*** it, that lightning hit our phone lines AGAIN! Oh, and shot the Dish receiver in our bedroom as well. Irate husband is beside himself. Later, we call both ATT and Dish for repairs and a new receiver. ATT says that it could be August 6th before we get our phone line repaired, thus impacting not only phone, but internet!

Friday, I am told incensed husband's computer is unsalvageable. They were able download information, files, and the like for us on a CD, so I guess that's good news. Still no phone/internet service.

Saturday, I call ATT to get their sorry selves over to our house and turn on the "steel magnolia" charm and also pull the "my husband is in a wheelchair". Please don't hate me for that. By this time, we are done with the whole thing. We are promised repairs anytime Tuesday from 8 to 5. Oh, wireless modem arrives, but who cares at this point? And another thing, I am on a major diet so my partaking of fun beverages involves drinking one - and only one - 55 calorie Budweiser Select.

Fast-forward to Tuesday (yesterday). Furious husband and I tag team staying home to catch the ATT repair man. Five o'clock arrives... no repair man. Chyanne, ATT manager, gets an ear-full and promises a warm body at our house first thing in the morning.

Oh happy day, the angels are singing and playing their harps in heaven! He arrived! He fixed the phone line! He set up my new wireless internet! He helped S get his IPod Touch wirelessly connected!

Now to get the Dish receiver. Enraged husband can only take so many more nights of "Best of Friends" DVDs to fall asleep to.

... vs. What We Were Led to Believe

2010-07-27T10:15:00.009-04:00

It's been a pretty hard week at Chez Bevy and I have not been really in the mood at all for blogging. The only thing I have even been able to think about is how J was cut from his football team. I am so mad and have quietly cried (without him knowing it) for the past few days. Because J's birthday was three days before the cut off date, he was not able to play on the team with his peers. He had to tryout for the older division with boys both older (some by two years), bigger, and more skilled than he is. This "pee wee" football division has not had tryouts before and decided to this year. (Tears are even forming in my eyes as I write this - I am so upset.)

I get competition. I get it. I really do. But I also get the fact that sportsmanship, team/player loyalty, and concern for the whole child was the primary vision for the organization - last year. At least that is what we were led to believe. I see now that winning is the primary vision. I just sent the administrator a respectful and polite email telling him how my husband and I feel. We are not trying to get J back on the team. Right now I ~~would rather have my eyeballs plucked out~~ really don't want him to be a part of it.

Earlier last week and at his request, J and I prayed about the tryouts and asked for God's direction and what HE wanted. My wonderful husband pointed this out after we got the devastating news: maybe it was a blessing, and that playing football is not in God's plan for J this year. I have to keep that in mind...

On the up side, J has taken up golf this summer and wants a new golf bag for his birthday next month... I think God must be a golf fan!

My Friend "Nan"

2010-07-22T10:03:00.004-04:00

In my last post I celebrated the fact that I have no more traveling this summer. However, that doesn't mean that my traveling days are over! This September, I will be with four dear blog friends in Nantucket. Can. not. wait!

Anyway, I have started telling S and J* about the trip and how I will be flying into Boston. I guess due to ~~the males species not attune to really listening to us~~ S knowing more about Boston (US History as well as the Boston Red Sox), he completely forgot the Nantucket part of the trip. Thus, the following conversation ensued:

S: Now when are you going to Boston?
Me: September. But I'm just flying into Boston. I'm really going to visit Nantucket.
S: Nantucket? That's a funny name.
Me: Not really. But I will have fun. These girls are great fun.
S: So, which one is Nan? Where does she live?
Me: What?!?!?!
S: Nan. Nan Tucket.

Oh, well. I'm guessing not everyone knows about Pawley's Island or Edisto either...

*Not posting the boys' names anymore as you never know who's out there. No one has harassed or stalked me that I know of. Just taking precautions! :)

Good to be Home...

2010-07-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

I know I sound like a spoiled brat. I really do.

But I am exhausted...

Three separate weeks our and my parents' homes at the beach

A week in the mountains

A short week in St. Augustine

With a few weekends at the lake thrown here and there,

That's a lot of traveling and...

Ahhhh... it's so good to be home.

Among the Pines Upon the Mountain

2010-07-13T17:41:00.003-04:00

I feel like I've been so out of touch as I have spent a glorious week with my extended family at Kanuga in the mountains of North Carolina. It is here that we get to live life more simply - and therefore, fully. When people ask me what it is like, I tell them to think the resort from the movie Dirty Dancing. There's even a talent show at the end of the week: "The Kanuga Follies"! My family has spent part of every summer for the past thirty years in Cottage 3 right on the lake.

There is no air conditioning, but that doesn't matter. The temperatures stay in the low 80s most of the time. The breeze off of the lake whispers through the pine trees. The porch swing in this 1909 cottage creaks in motion of whomever is sitting in it.

Kanuga is reminiscent of old times. The Monday of each week holds a square dance, and even the coolest of coolest teenagers grab their mother or grandmother's hand and swing her around the parking lot. The same bluegrass band entertains every year, playing and calling the same songs and dances.

Hikes around the lake are treats for Sumter and Jackson, and I love walking behind them, listening to their conversations. The mountain laurel and ferns are everywhere with a heavenly smell that, I swear, is only at this blessed place.

Sterling Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

2010-07-06T09:13:00.000-04:00

No, I do not have a sterling silver teapot in my kitchen. However, I came across The Lady in the Stone House by Tami when I was reading and leaving comments on sweet Eloise's blog. Please lift Eloise's precious daughter, Vivian, in prayer. She is extremely ill and in the PICU in their local hospital.

I do not know Tami. However, what she wrote spoke volumes to me. I hope you will take to heart this story. Eloise is in the fire. And as I write this, I have many other friends who are in the fire. As Tami wrote, "Everyone has something, sometime when they have been in the fire. It's how you come out of the fire that matters."

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were the hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-03T22:00:00.002-04:00

Meet Amelia's Cousin... Jackson Bedelia

2010-07-01T20:41:00.002-04:00

Jackson was unloading the dishwasher this afternoon and asked where to put the measuring cup. From the other room, I told him that it went above the coffee maker.

This is what I meant.

(in the cabinet above the coffee maker)

And, OMW... this is where he put it.

Watch out Amelia Bedelia...

Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations

2010-06-29T13:15:00.000-04:00

Was last week a bit incomplete? Did you feel you were missing something and your life was a bit out of sorts? Well, have no fear... I know what it was: you missed last week's Tuesday's Kitchen Inspirations! (Or perhaps I should say I missed it!)

I was at a US History conference (at our local college) for most of last week and just completely forgot. But I am back with a photograph that we have in the breakfast room that just makes me smile every time I see it. And how fitting... as the conference was about Colonial America and our founding fathers!

My BFF lives in Williamsburg, and this picture was taken four years ago when I took Sumter and Jackson up to visit her and her sons (Sumter's oldest best friend and his younger brother - my godchild). We had spent the day at Jamestown and Yorktown, and the expressions on their faces epitomize the fun we had: carving out canoes with oyster shells, exploring replicas of the ships that made the voyage across the Atlantic, and visiting the Revolutionary War camp. What handsome - and inspirational - little patriots!

Total Eclipse of... Camp?

2010-06-27T19:20:00.003-04:00

Two days ago, Mike and I dropped Jackson off at camp for a week. The same Episcopal Diocesan camp where I was a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) back in 1983 at the age of fourteen. Yes, I am dating myself tremendously! Although I have been back for church picnics and the like, I have not been back for camp in twenty-seven years.

As we helped Jackson unpack and make his bed, hundreds of memories flooded back. Some were of swimming in the lake, others were of working with the campers. But remember, I was fourteen. Quite a few were of my first real kiss, the friends that I said I would stay friend with 4+ever, the pig-latin type secret language the female staff members created much to the consternation of the males, and finally the Top 40 songs we listened to on portable radio when we were on Night Duty so that the real counselors could have some down time until 11:00. I giggle at how those songs were so "meaningful" to us at the time:

1999 by Prince
Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics
The ENTIRE Thriller album by Michael Jackson
Human Touch by Rick Springfield (probably not his most memorable)

But the one I loved, loved, loved so much was Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart. So I came home to wax poetic and hopefully watch the video on YouTube. Imagine my delight to find this LITERAL interpretation instead! I don't care if you don't think you have the time to watch it, you MUST! You will thank me later!

Oh, and there are plenty of other literal videos out there... you really will laugh until your sides hurt and you spit out your cosmopolitan!

We Know Our History - Part II

2010-06-25T20:00:00.008-04:00

So I was a bit on my high horse on Wednesday. I know that... So I hope you will oblige me in the story I am about to share.

This past Sunday, my parents (Mimi and Ge-dad) attended a funeral in the Low Country of South Carolina. The man who died was Deacon Morris Peeples, Sr. He was 99-years-old; had a wife, 8 children, 42 grands, 34 great-grands. This fine southern gentleman grew up on Hatiola, what used to be an old cotton plantation. It has been a part of his family's history for generations. The home in which he died overlooked the ocean of cotton fields that are still planted (and played in by generations of children - including my own boys).

But Morris was not the owner of Hatiola. Morris's grandfather was a slave on on the plantation. Sumter's god-father is the current owner, having had it passed down in his family since the mid-1700s. What is left of it, after General Sherman marched through the area, includes what is known presently as the "Big House", home of the Hatiola Hunt Club. God-father Robert has always said that Morris was like his second daddy and openly wept at the funeral. After he sat down in the church, Morris's family went over to Robert and led him to sit with them. He was part of their family.

This is a picture of Morris "returning thanks" as he did every year before the big meal of the first big hunt of the season. He always had the seat of honor on the front porch of the "Big House" and would thank his "Father God" for the many blessings He had bestowed on all of us.

He was the only black man there (except for a family member who drove him over the 100 yards or so from his house) in a sea of white families. But no one saw the difference. No one talked of "that old black man" on the porch. Instead, one would see parents whispering down to their children of the amazing character and intense faith of this almost hundred-year-old man. They proudly introduced them to Mr. Morris. They were telling their young boys to look up to this man. Ge-dad would take Sumter and Jackson and say, "Sons, this is a true gentleman. Listen to him." My boys would shake that old, gnarled hand and look intently. Did they see color? Probably, when they were very young. But as they got older, he was just Mr. Morris, whom everyone loved and respected.

The Hatiola Hunt in which Morris was an honorary member brought him together with men whose Southern roots were intertwined with Morris's - including my father. He was a sage - a man whom his (white) brothers and their sons in the Hatiola Hunt Club sought out for wisdom, as well as a zest for living.

My mother was almost in tears when she shared the events of the funeral with me. Both blacks and whites poured into the church. The family set aside an entire section for members of the hunt club. These men and their families were special and important to Morris and his own family. And when Robert went up to speak, he spoke of his "second daddy". Was Morris's family insulted? No... in the program Robert was listed as one of Morris's sons. Another prominent gentleman, a white judge, spoke as well. Interestingly enough, the judge's last name was Peeples (like Morris). He talked about how the two of them always joked that they were cousins. At the repast, for which many of the men from the Hunt Club fixed the food, my mother spoke of the hugs (big and powerful) between everyone. Colorblindness abounded.

As Morris was remembered during his funeral, in his life one found a person with the love for people that was so infectious that it drew to him the young and the old, black and white. One found a person who would do anything for you and for whom you would do anything for.

And that, my dear friends is the way the south is. We are more colorblind than you may think. And we are probably a whole lot more honest with each other, regardless of race, than perhaps in other parts of the country. I think this is because we know our history. We know that everyone else is looking at the "elephant in the room", i.e. racism in the south. Is it still here, you bet. Unfortunately, I know it is also everywhere. But here, we tend to look at individuals. We tend to look at relationships. Relationships like that of Deacon Morris Peeples, Sr. and all of us.

We Know Our History - Part I

2010-06-23T22:03:00.004-04:00

I'm guessing that by now, most of you have read somewhere about the nomination of Nikki Haley as the Republican candidate for South Carolina's governor. It's made news all over the country.

The LA Times began one of their articles with this:
In a break from the state's racist legacy, South Carolina Republicans overwhelmingly chose Nikki Haley, an Indian American woman, to run for governor and convincingly nominated Tim Scott, who could become the former Confederate stronghold's first black GOP congressman in more than a century.

It continues:
In a fitting twist, Haley planned her victory party at the entrance to the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.... (Tim) Scott, 44, also a state lawmaker, beat Paul Thurmond, son of the late U.S. senator and former segregationist Strom Thurmond, in the runoff.... The GOP-leaning district stretches down the Carolina coast and includes Ft. Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

I am thrilled for both of these nominees and the fact that they are both brilliant up-and-comers on the national front. I voted for Haley and would have voted for Scott if I lived in his district. However, I am so tired of how the rest of the country continues to highlight unflattering events of my beloved state's history. We are an easy target, no doubt. However, this "steel magnolia" is not alone in her frustration.

I get our history. I understand my own family's contributions, neither blatantly benign nor malignant. My father's family were large plantations owners throughout the Low Country of South Carolina. He grew up with "the help", having maids and cooks in his home in Columbia and another cook when the family summered at their home at Pawleys Island. I just finished reading Kathryn Stockett's book The Help and I admit that I felt uncomfortable at times reading it. Although I know my grandmother and grandfather were very generous and caring to Elsie, I wonder what sometimes went on in her mind and heart.

But there is another side. Another story. One that if you don't live down here, you might not understand or have any knowledge of it at all. I hope you will read it in the next day or two...

The Best Birthday Present Ever

2010-06-21T21:34:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had the best birthday present ever? Before I go into mine, I want to thank you all for the sweet birthday wishes I received in comments, tweets, and posts on my Facebook page. It really does make for a ~~great~~ golden birthday!

Most of you know that I have been at our home at Edisto for the past week. I told my boys that all I wanted from them was for them to: get along, not tattle, and not whine. In addition to doing that (they really did!), Sumter and Jackson asked if they could ride their bikes to the Piggly Wiggly. Those sneaky boys returned with these for me!

The inside of the card reads, "Just open your arms for a BIG hug!"

But the best birthday present was my sister and her family arriving for a long weekend with us. AS and I don't get to spend much time together. The demands of family (my two boys and her two girls) and the fact that we don't live in the same town anymore certainly affect both the quality and quantity. So I was ecstatic when I saw their car turn in the driveway. I knew we were going to have a wonderful time together relaxing and laughing on the beach, just the two of us (oh, and our two husbands and four children...).

Of course we have had ebbs and flows in our relationship as sisters. Haven't we all? At some times we have been closer than at others. But I do believe that the older we get the closer we have become... and that in and of itself makes growing older totally worth it!

Thanks AS, for being the best birthday present ever this year!

Oh, I thought you wanted to know more about me...

2010-06-17T09:12:00.002-04:00

Sweet Maryland Pink and Green tagged me in this cute game... and I loved reading her answers! She is just a lovely lady, truly gracious in style and the way she treats others. Thank you for thinking of me!

Favorite Colors:

Pale yellow and robin’s egg blue… better known as Ivoire and Quietude by Sherwin Williams.

Favorite Brands/Designers:

Lilly Pulitzer, Talbots, and Target for me. (What dichotomies!!!)

Brooks Brothers and Lacoste for my husband and sons.

Favorite Restaurant:

Franks Outback at Pawleys Island. I am always with people

I love whenever I go there… and the food is absolutely amazing!

Favorite Hobbies:

Needlepoint, entertaining, blogging

Favorite thing about yourself:

Being gracious in most any situation and making people feel comfortable around me. My father told me that is what makes a lady or gentleman.

What does your room look like (color scheme, theme, etc.):

We have a cherry sleigh bed with ivory duvet and big pillows from Pine Cone Hill. The walls are painted Quietude (see my favorite colors!) An oriental rug covers the hardwoods. I must have the windows open for lots of light… fresh flowers are on my dresser. On Saturday mornings, boys jumping in and snuggling with their mama completes the picture.

I wasn't sure which room you actually meant, so here is my living/great room. Some have said it has Southern Living style. Thank you so much! But I'll let you be the judge.

If you could have dinner with 2 people (dead or alive) who would they be:

My paternal grandparents. My grandfather died when I was 4 and I didn’t really know him at all. My grandmother died when I was 16 and was very “old” and sick for a long time. I just have so many things I want to share with her about my life… and ask her about hers.

What is your next “big splurge”:

An oriental rug for the foyer… or an IPad (I am a closet techie).

What is your favorite joke, quote, or saying:

Anything from Clairee Belcher (Steel Magnolias), especially:

“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”

“Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice
to say about anybody, come sit by me!”

“That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”

Anything else you would like us to know about you (random fact)!?
I think PRIME NUMBERS are weird (with the exception of 3 and 5, don't ask me why). For those of you who forgot what they are: whole numbers whose only factors are 1 and itself.

The bad thing is that tomorrow I turn 41! In twenty-four hours, I will be prime...

I tag all of you as I celebrate ~~this yucky number~~ tomorrow. My birthday wish would be that I could celebrate with all of you! Have a golden day!