It's a Master Treat

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...

A Preppy Mom's Car

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

Happy Birthday Big Guy

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!

The Value of a Good Golf Swing

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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.
   
8. 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.
   
9. 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...

... vs. What We Were Led to Believe

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!

They Never Fail to Surprise Me...

Today was day two of summer vacation sur la casa Bevy.  (Remember we spent four "glorious" days at Pawley's Island.)  Because I know that every day - and I mean EVERY DAY - must have something planned, we went to the club to hit golf balls at the driving range.  Silly me thought that all I had to do was tell S. to put on a collared shirt and shorts with a belt.  He is eleven, is he not?  He can dress himself, can he not?  He can match clothing, can he not?

  Surprise!  Stripes and Plaid?!?!?!  Obviously not.

(And yes, I did make him change...)

But wait, I was surprised yet again!  After we came home and made our first tomato sandwiches of the summer, J. announced that he needed to clean out and organize his room.  This is my completely unorganized child who kicks his dirty socks all over the room and stuffs toys, papers, and books wherever they may go.  When I heard those magic words, I IMMEDIATELY stopped what I was doing and jumped on board.  Oh. my. word.  We threw out four trash bags of broken toys and random papers.  J. was so proud of his hard work and put together a box of toys to take to Helping Hands.  It actually made me quite sad to see him put all of his "mens" (what he called his action figures) in there.  "Mom, I'm getting older now.  I don't need play with those anymore."  But I think he is rather proud of his room now and wants to keep it this way... and I quote, "for always".

One son's bedroom down, another one and a playroom to go!  Wish us me luck...