Random Rash/Reaction

Today while at work, Caroline came into my office and said "Momma, I think you need to look at Maggie's legs."  I walked over and she had these bright red spots all over her legs and on her arms. I gave her a benedryl but also wanted to take her to our pediatrician because she has never had anything like this before.  Thankfully the benedryl did help but not completely.  Dr. E wasn't sure what it was, thought maybe an insect bite...so he told us to continue with the benedryl and call back if it wasn't better.  I still wonder if it was something she came in contact with yesterday outside at the C's birthday backyard bash...we shall see!
 

Prayers for the school year

This school year, we will all be at different schools.  It's gonna be strange for this momma not to have a kids with me at preschool...Everybody is super excited about the school year and can't wait to get back into the routine of things.  Today we had the opportunity to join my school family praying for Maggie's elementary school.  We left there and drove to Caroline's school and prayed for their school year.  Then we went to my school and prayed over our school year.  This is gonna be a school year to remember BUT I'm thankful that I know who is in control and I can trust HIS plan.

 

Celebrating the 3 C's

Today we celebrated the 3 C's August birthday's-Chris, Charissa and Catherine.  We enjoyed a family meal outside.  It was nice to be together even if it as a wee bit strange.  Anytime we walked inside, kids included, we wore masks.  The kids had fun playing together, enjoying each other and being outside.  The adults enjoyed catching up and remembering all the good times we have had over the years!!  Thankful to have history with people!

 

Just a swingin!

Today was an extremely busy but productive day.  It started with a trip to Lowe's to buy wood glue and clamps.  Last night as we got ready for bed, the bed BROKE!  Like legitimately broke!  The bed is a solid wood bed, rails and all.  So Andy slept on the couch, I slept with Maggie.  Once Andy returned from Lowe's we fixed the bed and left it to dry for 24 hours.  (repeat sleep patterns tonight!)  

Then we went to my school to measure the sandbox before buying boards to replace the old sandbox.  It took us a little while to find the right boards, which were 1/2 inch too long.  We waited for almost 30 minutes for someone to help us cut them only to find out they don't cut treated lumber.  Then we spent 20 minutes in line checking out.  On our way to school we say a young coyote crossing the road in town...it was quite a sight to see.  We dropped the boards off and a sweet parent volunteer is going to replace them tomorrow.

Back at home, it was lunch time.  I left the family to go grocery shopping.  I planned my September meals and prepared a grocery list.  I will purchase everything that I can so that weekly grocery visits will be for fresh fruits, veggies and milk.  Hopefully this will make life easier for everyone.

After that, I was ready for some quiet time.  I worked on laundry and ironing clothes for the week and a few other things while just enjoying being at home with most things marked off my list.  This evening after dinner, Mags and I enjoyed an evening outside...she enjoyed swingin and I enjoyed reading a book.  Everybody was happy!

 

Caroline's Surprise for ME!

Yesterday when I got to work, I found this fun surprise from Caroline on my Google homepage. It was just what my heart needed!  Made me smile!  I mess up a lot as a mom.  But my kid thinks I am better than a billion butterflies!  That's pretty impressive!  Not sure why the Lord thought I was worthy of such sweet children but what a blessing they are to me!!!
 

I'm turning into my mother...

The girls have pretty much spent the last 6 weeks going with me to school almost every day as I prepare for the new school year.  They asked if they could stay home today.  So I told them they could BUT they would have several things they needed to do while I was gone.  I made a list and left it for them.  I called my mom and said "I'm turning in to you!  I remember the list you left for me each day in addition to the daily expectations that weren't included on the list." :-)

I'm happy to say it was a win win for everybody!  They got to stay home and I got several things checked off my to do list!  :-)  This growing up thing might now be so bad after all!

Fall is coming!

I have always said that I am extremely thankful to live in a place that experiences all four seasons.  Yes some may be mild but we still get to experience change. I was out at Sam's last week and noticed this tree.  The tips of the tree are beginning to get fall colors.  It immediately refreshed me.  This has been a long season but change is on the way.  Thank you Lord you don't leave us stuck in one season of life...thank you that you will see us through.  And while the next season may be difficult too, we can trust you to renew us while we are in it!
 

Armed with the TRUTH!

It's no secret that this season of my career is the hardest it has ever been.  I doubt myself and my ability to do my job well.  I take things personally.  I want to be the very best for my staff and our school families.  There are so many decisions to make that it is overwhelming.  I am relying on the Lord like never before.  I am at a point that I know I can't do it on my own.  I can't make it right.  I can't financially fix the budget.  But I do serve a father who knows...he knew I would be in this place at this very moment.  I know that I can trust him to lead me and guide me.  What better way to equip myself that to preach the word of God to myself.  I asked friends on FB to send me their favorite bible verse.  I spent the last few days writing them on index cards.  I am thankful for these words that I know stand firm in all situations.  I just have to trust that HE will carry me through this!
 

Maggie's new shoes

We had to take some things to Plato's closet for Ms. Susan.  They told us it wouldn't take long so we hung around and looked around the store.  Maggie saw these shoes and fell in love!  She had to try them on! I'm pretty sure she would have bought them if I would let her.  She thought they were awesome!  This kid it quite the fashionista!!
 

King Avenue

Well folks, 2020 redeemed itself...after 20 years of hearing about the amazing adventures held at Mema's house on King Avenue, I finally got to go inside.  The house is on the market and today was an open house.  Andy, Tomi Jean and I jumped on the opportunity to go inside.  Mema moved the June before Andy and I started dating in October.  This is the house that Mema raised her children and first two grandchildren in.  Andy has such found memories of the time he spent here.  I was always a little sad that I never went to the place that they all loved so much!  Well now I can say I too have been to King Avenue!

   This is the same porch swing that they had growing up...

The railing along the steps are new.  Andy said when he was a little boy the bushes were lower.  He would jump from the little side stoop and see how close he could get to the road.

The Den-The window to the right of the door was where the Christmas tree went.  After Delores caused the tree to fall one year, Mema nailed it to the wall! 

This was Tomi Jean's room which later became the room Andy stayed in when he and Mema delivered news papers.  Again, the light fixture is the same as it was when they left.

The backyard.  Andy had a trampoline over to the right, near that little building.  He remembers vividly bouncing off and picking up pecans from the pecan tree that was near his trampoline. 

The kitchen.  The stage for so many memories that I have heard about.  The wall phone is the same and still works.  By the sink, is a door that leads to the back of the house OR to the front hallway.  My favorite story takes place here.  Mema had a dog Abe.  She was aggravated with Abe one day and put him in the back room and closed the door.  She made the comment "Now let me see you escape this time."  She and Andy walked back through the hallway to the living room to find Abe sitting on the couch.  Mema didn't realize the kitchen door was open and that is how he escaped.  Andy can't tell that story without laughing to the point of almost crying!

I'm not sure what I was expecting but somehow I walked away thinking it wasn't what I was expecting.  As I have spent some time thinking I realize that the house is just an ordinary house.  It was the people who were there that made it so fabulous!  They make the stories great!  But I'm still so very thankful to walk the halls and be in the place that holds such special memories for our family.  

Discouraged

I came across this in April...I thought things were complicated then.  Little did I know the crazy was yet to come.  For every step forward and every item I mark off my list, I have 3 more added.  My momma and daddy didn't raise a quitter but sometimes the thought comes through that maybe I am not the person to make these decisions.  That maybe someone else could do a better job.  I found this and I think it definitely defines where I am!!  

I was in my car earlier and the song "Angel Armies" came on.  It said "I know who goes before me...I know who stands behind...the God of angel armies is always by my side."  Yes, thank you Lord that you go before me, stand behind, and surround me on either side.  I will learn from this...one day and I will look back and see how far I've come...but for now, I will trust the God of angel armies!

Outdoor Fun

Earlier this week we enjoyed some time outside.  The temps were a little cooler and the humidity was down.  We had lunch outside and then completed a few of our crafts from our local museum.  We also painted a few rocks from a rock painting kit the girls got from Aunt Tomi Jean.  Let me just say, this was my first experience with painting rocks and it's a lot harder than I thought.  BUT we had fun and that my friends is what is important to me right now...taking time to put aside the things that seem to easily vie for my attention and enjoying these moments with my family!!

 

Caroline's first youth group meeting

 We officially have a kid in the youth group!  Say what???  I mean it wasn't that long ago that Andy and I were volunteers for our youth group and we didn't have any kids!!  Mercy goodness!  Thanks to the 'Rona' they are still meeting as a group virtually.  She was so excited to be a part of the call today.  Meanwhile I made dinner and it's been ready for 30 minutes cause this Momma had no clue how long these meetings went. Oh I think our lives are about to change big time... :-)  And I couldn't be more excited for her.  I pray that her time in this group will encourage her in her walk with the Lord.  I pray that her friends will help her as she navigates this thing called life.  Let the good times begin!

When your mom is an educator...

 When your mom is an educator, you tend to spend your last few weeks of summer vacation at school.  I had to step out of the office to record a video for parents and these two moved in and got cozy! :-)

Date with Maggie

Yesterday Andy was able to schedule a visit with his mom in person!  With the exception of her time at the beach with us, we haven't been allowed to visit with her other than from a distance when we dropped things off or via telephone.  Dang 'Rona!!  Andy was so excited for this time and was thankful that Caroline was old enough to go to the visit as well.  They had a wonderful time!  It was a quick 20 minute visit but it was enjoyed by everyone.

After I dropped Caroline off with Andy, Mags and I had a date. We got slushes from Sonic, picked up a Target pick up order and went to Sam's for supplies I need for school.  She was an absolute angel!  We laughed and giggled, sang a few silly songs and overall just had a great afternoon.  It was a sweet 2 hours together!  It was exactly what my heart needed.  I was so thankful!

In this season of high demands, it's easy for me to become task/goal oriented and forget to enjoy the little things.  I truly want to strive to slow down and soak up these little nuggets.  Put my other responsibilities on hold for just a minute or two, and be a mom, a fun mom.  Take time to listen to my husband and enjoy a movie that I normally wouldn't watch. I think that when our love tanks are full, we are more easily able to pour into others.

 

Depleted...

 Today as I was looking at my "to do" lists (one for home and one for school) I felt extremely overwhelmed.  I feel like for everything I mark off the lists, 2 or 3 more are added.   Words like depleted, no reserve, defeated, not qualified, spent, empty popped into my head.  This is how I felt about my roles as a wife, mom and director.  There are SO many things that need my attention right now and I don't know if any are getting what they deserve.

So I sat with the Lord and had a heart to heart.  I told him how I felt and asked for his help, wisdom to take each step, one at a time.  That lead me to listening to a podcast by Matt Chandler.  He talked about one of the hardest seasons in his life when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He said that we should always look to Jesus.  Because as believers, even the hardest things that we face on Earth, will seem like a spec in time when we come face to face with Jesus and ultimately spend eternity with him. Our eyes must stayed focused on him. 

This led me to think about my circumstances and what was really going on.  How can I glorify God in my circumstances.  When I feel as though I can't put one foot in front of the other, look to him!  When I feel like I can't make one more decision or settle one more argument between my girls, look to him!  When I feel as though I can't keep up with household responsibilities or sit for 5 minutes with the girls to read a book, I look to him.  HE is the source of life and strength.  He will provide and sustain us during this time.  I long for the day when I look back on this season and think, "It was hard but I did it with the help of the Lord!" 

Take Me Back!

Rhett captured this awesome picture...the clouds, the kids, me relaxing at the edge of the water and the beautiful shrimp boat in the background...oh please, take me back to the beach!  It truly is my favorite place to be!!

James Island County Park

We are back from a super fun weekend at James Island County Park.  We have heard absolutely fantastic things about this park but haven't made it yet.  However, after visiting this weekend, I can promise this won't be our last trip.  They have amazing nature trails that are mostly shaded.  (It helped that the Lord have us a super cool weekend in the upper 80's/low 90's.)  We also loved being able to camp with our friends Rhett and Farrah and their kids.  The girls played so well with Liam and Rylie.  

Maggie got introduced to pluff mudd rather soon after we got there.  She got a little too close to the water and in she went.  Thankfully just her feet were covered. :-)  

We spent a lot of time on the trails.

And by the water...

Caroline caught a huge crab with her net!

Mrs. Farrah had these amazing disco lights for the bikes.  The girls LOVED them!

Folly Beach was only 20 minutes from our campsite.  It was our first time visiting Folly but we LOVED it!  We got there around 9:30 and it was pretty empty.  I thought surely it would get busy but it NEVER did!  It was awesome!!

Rylie and Maggie officially became BFF's on this trip!  They were precious!

A storm got us off the beach a little earlier than expected but nothing too bad.  We hung out at the camper till the storm moved on.  Then we went for another bike ride.  After that, we enjoyed a yummy summer snack of boiled peanuts!!

And back on our bikes...I wish I knew how many miles we biked!  There were so many trails that you could always go a different route.  I loved it!

The pond close to our campsite provided hours of fun.  The kids caught several fidler crabs and tiny little shrimp.  They had a blast!  They created an aquarium using tupperware containers and sand buckets. 

 And now the real fun begins...unpacking, washing clothes and getting ready for the week.  I absolutely LOVE camping but it's exhausting!  A good tired but tired nonetheless.  However, as I do each load of laundry, as I unpack each bag, I do thank the Lord for this time with my family!  It is truly a gift!

Back to School Prayer

Like many other parents during this time, I am trying to wrap my head around going back to school.  I know that we can't live in a bubble but it is SO tempting.  As parents we want to do what is right but there isn't an easy answer of what is right.  Our girls want to go to school and we think it's important.  By God's grace, they are healthy children.  Healthy children typically bounce back after having COVID.  I know there are greater risks out there but this one seems to be right in front of us.

I've asked the Lord to make it clear if this isn't something we are supposed to do.  Right now, the door is still open.  This prayer was found on FB yesterday and I feel like it is a sweet reminder that while Andy and I are parents to Caroline and Maggie, ultimately they BELONG to the LORD!  He loves them more than we can imagine...He knows HIS plans for them and their life.  I have to let go of control and trust HIM to lead us all.  This isn't a decision for Andy and I to make on our own, it's a decision that we must trust the Lord to lead us and guide us. (I mean have you people met me???? I am QUEEN of control!)  I plan to write this on a notecard and place it over my kitchen sink...to serve as a daily reminder.

 

Back to School Supply Shopping

 We made the mistake of showing Maggie her school supply list.  She has been so excited to go shopping for these items.  She has asked us almost every day if "today is the day we get to go shopping."  I didn't want to go during a busy time, so we decided to go this afternoon after Andy got off work.  Aunt Tomi Jean has been busy cleaning out Grace's room and told us to come shopping there first.  We were able to get a lot of items from both list.  Crayons, colored pencils, plastic folders, notebook paper, pencils, etc.  HUGE BLESSING!

Our next stop was Target.  As I've said before, we have pretty much stayed put during this pandemic.  The girls were thrilled to get to go to Target even though we didn't make it to the toy isle and they only got to look at school supplies.  I can honestly say that I miss smiling at people and seeing their response.  I will seeing people smile at me.  I know that masks are important but it just doesn't seem real.  

BUT-back to school shopping.  Maggie was completely distraught that the 6 notebooks or plastic folders she needed weren't allowed to be hello kitty or LOL surprise.  However, she quickly recovered when she got to pick out a panda pencil pouch, emoji scissors and a JoJo Siwa water bottle.  Caroline was so sweet in helping her look at all the options.

This first grade scholar is ready...I'm trying to prepare myself!  

Summer School Work

 We try really hard to go a little 'school work' daily.  Both girls have books that they are working through and it helps them not fall behind.  Typically it takes less than 15 minutes to complete.  Today, Maggie decided to create her own little space in the den.  I thought she looked so precious!!

November Vs. August

I came across this picture from Jared and Joy's wedding in November.  I thought it would be a nice then/now picture to see how far I've come.  I still have a long ways to go but I am proud of myself.  Even with 16 pounds to go before achieving my goal of 40 before 40, I actually like looking at pictures of myself.  I feel better, my clothes feel better and I overall I'm just content with myself.  I want to lose the extra weight but for now I am satisfied with where I am on this journey.  It hasn't been easy but I am truly trying to make it a lifestyle.  I love food and I always will.  I can appreciate good food.  I ate way too much yumminess this weekend but that's ok.  I won't eat like that all week or every day.  Therefore a treat every once and a while is good. 

Not so bad...

Last fall I discovered that caffeine appeared to really elevate my anxiety.  I cut out an 'liquid' caffeine-coffee, soda, tea, etc.  As much as I missed these things, the anxiety that I felt after drinking them wasn't worth the 'treat.'    A friend told me that Krispy Kreme had amazing decaf but I wasn't ready to try it.  Well fast forward to today, I was dragging after a busy weekend and thought I would try a cup on the way to church.  Y'all!  It.was.so.good!  Like I drank that small cup of coffee in record time!!  Not sure if that is a good thing or not...but as a treat every once and a while, I will take it!!