Fix a Flat

It really is soooooo easy to get busy, toooo busy.  Especially this time of year.  I seriously have something to do, some place to go every single weekend until the first of the year. And granted I LOVE that and this time of year, I really do need to just slow down in my tracks some. I am at my job by myself today. Any other day a flat would not have really been a problem. I had to leave work in a rush to get B picked up and back to the clinic within 15 minutes. Easy feat typically.   Well, today someone that has not spoken to me in about 2 years now was the exact someone that walked up to my car window to tell me I had a flat tire.   Granted I hated the conversation and the next spaz mode 10 minutes, but out of all the people in that little preschool parking lot she could have easily set there and watched me.  She didn't have to speak.  She didn't have to walk to my car.   Never in my life have I truly been thankful for a flat. But today, being stopped and stranded, even if for 10 minutes, I'm glad God saw fit to Fix a Flat.    

Its Been A Minute....

Holy Moly. Last "post" was September 11, 2013.  An entire year. OVER a year.  Geez I have to do better.  Lots has definitely happened and although I feel like I have kept good tabs with my kiddos as far as documenting/scrapbooking/facebooking their school stuff i do want to journal more day to day/week to week!  Besides, it helps clear my mind!    Happy Fall Yall!  Lots of feasts and celebrations coming up! 

Have you forgotten?

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

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Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

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These songs were on every radio station this morning. One was my actual post on Facebook. 

Its all over the media and social media this morning (9/11/2013)   9*11

This many years later and everyone can talk about the time standing still, going in slow motion yet flying so fast that day.   I had just left my Senior English class, walked to the "new building" into my US History/Government class. The bell hadn't even rung yet when they came over our intercom and the entire school and staff had a moment of silence. Heads bowed. Prayers and fears voiced.  The tvs were on as we watched the 2nd Plane into the 2nd tower.   Seniors in high school watching history be made for our children's school history books.  We were old enough to understand what was going on. Some of us were old enough to sign papers and go serve. At our 10 year reunion we did have about 5 that had served since graduation.   

I have never been much into politics, or really history, or any government guru,  but I do know that GOD is the only answer for our country.  So many of them have gotten away from that and have gotten our country in the shape it is in.  It scares me daily what my boys will have to grow up in. Drugs, gangs, violence, abductions, murders, suicides, are happening every single day even in the "it doesn't happen here small towns".   I pray all the time for them to grow healthy and safely physically and spiritually. 

I have watched the movies made about that day. Chills. Fears. Tears. Prayers. Silence. You can only hope and pray you never have to face a day like that again. You can only be thankful if you wasn't physically affected that you 'survived' that day.  You can only hope and pray that our president gets back to God and leads our country and people the way he should and not continue the way he has been.  You can only hope and pray that no one forgets the lives lost, the lives gave.      Where were you when the world stopped turning??   And have you forgotten??? 

Dirt Road Anthem

Yeah I'm chillin' on a dirt road
Laid back swervin' like I'm George Jones
Smoke rollin' out the window
An ice cold beer sittin' in the console
Memory lane up in the headlights
It's got me reminiscing on them good times
I'm turnin' off a real life drive and that's right
I'm hittin' easy street on mud tires

Back in the day Potts farm was the place to go
Load the truck up, hit the dirt road
Jump the barbed wire, spread the word
Light the bonfire then call the girls
King in the can and the Marlboro man
Jack n' Jim were a few good men
Where you learned how to kiss and cuss and fight too

Better watch out for the boys in blue
And all this small town he said, she said
Ain't it funny how rumors spread?
Like I know somethin' y'all don't know,
man that talk is gettin' old
you better mind your business man,
watch your mouth
Before I have to knock that loud mouth out
I'm tired of talkin' man y'all ain't listenin'
Them ol' dirt roads, is what y'all missin'

Yeah I'm chillin' on a dirt road
Laid back swervin' like I'm George Jones
Smoke rollin' out the window
An ice cold beer sittin' in the console
Memory lane up in the headlights
It's got me reminiscing on them good times
I'm turnin' off a real life drive and that's right
I'm hittin' easy street on mud tires

I sit back and think about them good old days
They way we were raise in our southern ways
And we like cornbread and biscuits
And if it's broke 'round here we fix it
I can take y'all where you need to go
Down to my hood, back in them woods
We do it different 'round here that's right
But we sure do it good and we do it all night
So if you really want to know how it feels
To get off the road with trucks and four wheels
Jump on in and man tell your friends
We'll raise some hell where the black top ends

Yeah I'm chillin' on a dirt road
Laid back swervin' like I'm George Jones
Smoke rollin' out the window
An ice cold beer sittin' in the console
Memory lane up in the headlights
It's got me reminiscing on them good times
I'm turnin' off a real life drive and that's right
I'm hittin' easy street on mud tires
Let's ride

As several in my community, my small town with southern ways laid to rest a good friend to all and a best friend to a lot it it makes you reminisce on good times and truly go down memory lane.  This song was the last song played at his funeral, so fitting for him and his friends, so fitting for 'this town' as that's all anyone around here really does in those years!  Ride back roads, have bon fires, muddin, and its definitely a he said she said rumors spread town! 

I started out Kindergarten with Justin until I moved to a county school in 2nd grade then we reconnected in high school.  He really was a friend to all.  Sure, I haven't spoken to him in months other than likes and comments on facebook but he was always the life to every party, event, school function.  HE was the one that lifted others up when down.  It is soooooo sad.   I hurt so much for all of his boys- they were a super tight group.  They literally grew up together, got in trouble together, were in each others weddings, etc.    There is just a loss for words when you see someone hurting that much. I won't go into the Biblical views or even the worlds views on suicide- maybe I should- but it is not my place to judge or criticize, I can only pray for all involved.  I cant imagine the hurt and I do pray daily that I never ever ever have to face that- not necessarily my child taking their own life, but just the thought of losing a child no matter what age.      Read somewhere to not regret having another birthday or even growing old, because there are alot of people that don't even get the chance.  That makes me hurt for those sick babies, sick children taken way to early without a childhood from cancers, etc.   There was also in the neighboring county a teen killed by a drunk driver the same week as our county had so many mourning.  A senior in high school with his whole future ahead of him.   It is only human nature to get mad at the un called for act, the selfishness, the drunkenness  the stupidity.  It is not fair.   Then to hear that the Senior's  soccer jersey was #21 and that he impacted and touched so many lives in his short 17 years he had 13 souls saved at his funeral services and then 8 more turned their lives over to God 13+8= 21. 21 souls saved.   Gives me chills just typing it.   If that's not God putting his plan into action , I don't know what is!  You can only hope and pray his family finds comfort and that peace in knowing and trusting God's perfect plan and timing. 

Muddy Morning

C man had preschool class today.  He wanted to go with me to take lil bubs to daycare.  He wanted to go in and say "hi" to his friends and to Gecca.  I was walking out the door giving the bye hug and kisses to Brae.  Already rushing  and running a little behind what I like--- as I turn towards the car there is Cays having the time of his life stomping in mud puddles (the nasty thick muddy kind, with not much water kind)   in his brand new, cute grey slip ons, brand new school shoes. brand new!  I almost died!   We rushed straight back home (daycare is only 3 miles from home) and threw those shoes in the wash and threw some sandals on.    Ugh I was so upset and he knew how mad mommy was.  Then as I was backing up I could see the tear coming up to the corner of his eye and the bottom lip start to pucker out some.  He didn't want to cry. He knew what he did was not okay.      Then I almost cried.  It was just shoes. Just shoes that I actually got on a bogo 1/2 off, tax free day!   Maybe $10 at the most.  How many pairs of shoes does he really have? PLENTY!    He was enjoying such a simple thing in life!   I should have joined him in that happy care free dance but instead I scolded him for being a little boy, doing what little boys do.  I did make sure he understood I knew it was fun and that anytime he has his rain boots on he can jump away, but I would like for him to not do that on his school days. He apologized to mommy for messing up his school shoes and for making me late for work, but he was over it fast. I didn't want him to have a bad morning. I didn't want him going to school upset ever, but especially since we just started.   We said our "yes I understands", we said our "I love yous and miss yous"   and we shared our hugs and hand holding and promised to be good and have good days.  

However, this was more of a lesson for mommy.  I need to slow down. I need to be thankful we have the means for those many shoes, I should have been thankful that C has the health and ability to jump and stomp.  I should remember all Sara taught me and savor this mud puddle.     I didn't do any of this and I am more upset with myself than I was over those shoes or being late.  Thank you Lord for this lesson, thank you for my happy healthy Cayson and for his ability to run and jump and laugh and praise your creations!  Thank you for this day! 

 I don't have little girls to stop and smell the roses with, but I can sure stop,  stomp and jump so carefree and enjoy the squish of the Lords earth!  

(not a pic from this morning, just one of the many muddy days he has enjoyed) 

*****WHILE WE TRY TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THE THINGS ABOUT LIFE, OUR CHILDREN REALLY TEACH US WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT******

Now I Know My ABCs....

Im not going to cry, Im not going to cry, Im not going to cry-  I cried!  Just a couple of tears, not "cry cry" but a few tears did pop up  in the corner of my eyes and did drip onto my cheek.  The hubs saying 'cut it out, I cant handle that or Ill lose it too"  as we were creeping away from the large building that held my baby, driving away from the Preschool looking back watching for C to run out after us.  Really I was thankful he didnt run out of the building into the road and not crying screaming!  But we have taught for 4 years to be friendly and polite and have manners but drilled in him and his brothers "stranger danger" and to not go with anyone, not open the door for anyone that he doesnt know and here we have just walked him into a strange place with strange faces and strange kids and left him.  That thought tore me up!!!!  I pray and try daily to to take all fears away and not put them in those scary situations but I failed today as mommy I felt like....

We talked preschool up since before schools were out for the summer. I did make the mistake once to say "Oh Im just going to cry Im going to miss you so bad, I dont want you to go"  and then he was like "hold up, if you are crying then why the crap are you taking me there"   So I learned quick to tell him how much he would love it, how much fun he would have, how his abbey grace went there when she was a little girl and she loved it, and mommy has friends that there little boys and girls have went or will go.  Its actually on our way to church so we pass it alot and he has been saying all summer "there is my school"

 We had just dropped D off for 4th grade.  He didnt need us opening the car door, or unbuckling him.   He didnt need us handing him his book bag or opening the school door. He didnt need us.  He is growing up so fast right before our eyes. So fast. He waved while walking into school and I could just see that in no time at all this would be C and even B not needing us  so it was just a hard morning!


But when I pulled back into preschool and opened the door and C man came running to me telling my ALL about his day and how much he loved it and when can he come back and that everything was his favorite part and he was so proud of himself and his drawings and his cubby and his folder and he had a worm on the green apple which green apple meant he had been good---  I knew he was no longer in a strange place!  He would continue to learn and play and grow- after all that is what I am supposed to help him do!


I still had an afternoon with him, little bubba was excited to see him but not sure he missed him like I had expected!  I think they both liked the one on one attention for once!!!!

Excited for this adventure!  Excited for his excitement to continue!  Grateful he is happy and healthy and has this chance to grow and learn and play, there is alot of children that cant or will never be healthy enough or have parents that love them enough.......    

Pre-- Pre School!

It's all over the commercials, newspaper/mail circulars and we will see everyone's pictures on Facebook-- 1st Day of School!!!!    Where did the summer go?  Was there even a summer this year??? This had to be the fastest one ever, even faster when I had a summer!      I am excited yet saddened that  C will be "big boy enough" for Pre K.    The time just seems to get faster and faster once they are school age.   The baby phases AND baby faces are gone much quicker.    Excited that he will get to meet new friends, I know he will actually love it for a few years anyway, but that's my baby boy!   He tells me all the time that he is daddy's big boy and mommy's baby boy! How true!   You always hear it but never believe it or understand it until it's your own then it just flies by.   I have been blessed and just very lucky that my guys were able to stay with family the first year of their lives.  No body can love them like a Nana and Ganma!  I worried about nothing!  It was good for them all (not to mention free) but that's just precious time and memories no one can replace.  I was very sad when the time came for the grandparents to return to work. They have no idea how much they helped us financially but more importantly- emotionally!    That love is just priceless. We tried a lady we were told about, it lasted for about 2 days!  Still to this day not sure what the problem was, she just called daily within a few hours for my husband or aunt or mom to come pick him up.  Still strange that she never called me (granted I worked 35 minutes away and they were all in town) but still!!!????
One of my highschool friends and previous co workers learned about our needing a part time sitter. She offered her home as her mother kept her boys.  This was perfect for us also!   Nanny loved my little man just like hers!  She held him ALL the time but it was good for her!   She was very convenient and just fit right in to our lives.  She was even able to keep little baby B  for us for his first 6 months and loved him just as much!  It is a chore with them only being 12 months apart!  And it is a 2 for 1 deal! Take one take both! We was not separating them!   Nanny had to return to her full time job once summer was over and her grandsons started back to school,  I cried for days!  I did not want MY babies in a day care center yet. I worked in one at high school and swore then they would not be put in there- definitely not until they were old enough to tell me anything!  Just not enough hands or one on one attention.  Too many kids, not enough adults for my liking with infants and toddlers!   So anyway, back to my facebook cry for babysitting help!  "Gec" contacted me about her home daycare as we were only needing 2 to 3 days a week. Most places would only accept 5 days a week payment.  I  had some of the same friends in common, we were actually in the same wedding!  She offered to at least "try it"!      B was around 6-8 months old when we went to play and try it out the first night.  He just had his 3rd birthday and I know I could not have researched and begged and found anyone any better for my boys and my family! I love her  and her family! Our hubbies are great friends now!  She means so much to us and has helped us so many times with a "hey just called in, on our way" things!  She is just 3 miles from our home and we have spent lots of time together as friends and family! I love that my guys will walk up the stairs and not even tell me bye!!!   Tons better than them crying for me! I know they are well loved, well fed, and well looked after!  She makes things fun for them but lets them be little BOYS!!!  I love that she texts me silly pictures!  I love that she texts me " can they get dirty?"  and I love that she loves my boys!!        C will be going to Pre K this August  just 2 days a week.  I  am so glad he gets to still be a little  boy  the other days, they all have to grow up too fast as it is.     I'm sure Ill be with the rest of the world posting his "first day of Pre K" pictures!