I hate the word "swag" and all it represents.. I really do.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The school year is well underway and I'm starting to get pretty busy.
I had the oprtunity to volunteer at the school during grandparents week. That was loads of fun! I was able to catch up with the youngest minion for lunch the day I was there. It's so fun seeing him with his little friends.
I've started taking a knitting class on Tuesdays, I've learned a TON from this group of ladies. I'm the youngest in the class by a good 30 years but that makes it fun. I'm learning a lot about the community I live in by just sitting there and listening. I love it!
I got a call yesterday about volunteering at the Fine Arts Center close to Christmas. I think that will be a fabulous as well.
We're gearing up for a weekend at the BEACH! As if the beach wasn't enough, we get to spend time with one of our favorite family members from Texas!! It will be some much needed family time after a stressful few weeks. I can't wait!!
As October creeps up on me I'm making plans to take the kids apple picking for the first time ever. I've wanted to do this forever but lived too far south to find an apple orchard.
October to December is a great time for us. Our community does a lot over the holidays and we have several new traditions of our own to look forward to. Small town living deffinitly has it's charms.
As the leaves start changing I hope to make it out to take a photo tour of sorts to post here. Most of the family hasn't been able to come visit us yet and I would love to give them a photographic grand tour.
That brings you up to date with what's been going on around here :) Happy Fall Y'all!
I had the oprtunity to volunteer at the school during grandparents week. That was loads of fun! I was able to catch up with the youngest minion for lunch the day I was there. It's so fun seeing him with his little friends.
I've started taking a knitting class on Tuesdays, I've learned a TON from this group of ladies. I'm the youngest in the class by a good 30 years but that makes it fun. I'm learning a lot about the community I live in by just sitting there and listening. I love it!
I got a call yesterday about volunteering at the Fine Arts Center close to Christmas. I think that will be a fabulous as well.
We're gearing up for a weekend at the BEACH! As if the beach wasn't enough, we get to spend time with one of our favorite family members from Texas!! It will be some much needed family time after a stressful few weeks. I can't wait!!
As October creeps up on me I'm making plans to take the kids apple picking for the first time ever. I've wanted to do this forever but lived too far south to find an apple orchard.
October to December is a great time for us. Our community does a lot over the holidays and we have several new traditions of our own to look forward to. Small town living deffinitly has it's charms.
As the leaves start changing I hope to make it out to take a photo tour of sorts to post here. Most of the family hasn't been able to come visit us yet and I would love to give them a photographic grand tour.
That brings you up to date with what's been going on around here :) Happy Fall Y'all!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
What happens when you interview your children..
A friend of mine did a neat thing in her blog this past week, she interviewed her daughter. The questions gave my friend a great idea of how her daughter viewed her.
At first I was like, that's a fantastic idea! Then I thought... what if I didn't like the answers I got from my children? I'm constantly worried that I'm not spending enough time with them, I'm not doing the right things in this situation or that. I thought about it all night, then went ahead with the interview. Gavin is 7, Shane is 5, and here is what they said.
What do I like to do?
Gavin: Cuddle me, cook.. I really like your cookies.. ummm.. and read.. a lot.
Shane: Put makeup on!!
What do I not like?
Gavin : Getting in the kid pool.. why don't you like it? Is it because it's cold? Spending money, 'cause you don't buy us stuff!
Shane: Punching!! (We've been having issues with him doing this, it's good to know he's listening!)
What do you wish I would do more often?
Gavin : Give me candy for snacks and stuff!! I LOVE CANDY!
Shane: Get me stuff!!
What do you like best about me?
Shane: When you cook me dinner!!
Gavin: It's true, I like that too! I like it when you cuddle me and we go to the zoo.. the zoo is awesome.
So there you have it. It's really funny to see how much they pay attention and what they observe about me. I love them dearly and fell so blessed to be their Mom!
At first I was like, that's a fantastic idea! Then I thought... what if I didn't like the answers I got from my children? I'm constantly worried that I'm not spending enough time with them, I'm not doing the right things in this situation or that. I thought about it all night, then went ahead with the interview. Gavin is 7, Shane is 5, and here is what they said.
What do I like to do?
Gavin: Cuddle me, cook.. I really like your cookies.. ummm.. and read.. a lot.
Shane: Put makeup on!!
What do I not like?
Gavin : Getting in the kid pool.. why don't you like it? Is it because it's cold? Spending money, 'cause you don't buy us stuff!
Shane: Punching!! (We've been having issues with him doing this, it's good to know he's listening!)
What do you wish I would do more often?
Gavin : Give me candy for snacks and stuff!! I LOVE CANDY!
Shane: Get me stuff!!
What do you like best about me?
Shane: When you cook me dinner!!
Gavin: It's true, I like that too! I like it when you cuddle me and we go to the zoo.. the zoo is awesome.
So there you have it. It's really funny to see how much they pay attention and what they observe about me. I love them dearly and fell so blessed to be their Mom!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
First Day of School!
For the first time ever... I have two children in school all day! They both went to preK but they were dismissed at 11:30. I had about three hours to myself those days. This.... is different.
After walking the kids in the hubby and I made a B line to Starbucks!!
What's a kid free day without a shot of espresso?! The sad thing about having so much early morning free time, NOTHING IS OPEN!!
My kids have to be at school before 7:45, most of the really fun shops don't open till 9 or 10. We twiddled our thumbs at Starbucks for a bit and decided to go to Target.
Why Target?? Why not! If you don't have kids you don't understand the awesomeness of wandering up and down every isle, looking at everything without a child begging for a toy (just a $5 toy mom PLEEEASE!)
or popcorn, candy, or begging to leave because it's just too BORING.
I did have a purpose, besides killing time, for going there. I needed hooks to hang the boy's backpacks on at home. We cruised electronics, meandered through toys, and giggled at harlequin novel titles in books. Then... these happened
Hiphopsicles... it worries me that these exist. Why.. just... why? So tacky.
We made our way over to the back to school area. I wanted to survey the destruction after the storm that was school shopping. I really should have taken pictures.. the carnage was amazing. It looked a bit like the grocery store scene in Zombieland when Columbus meets Wichita. I was almost expecting to have to smash a remaining zombie with a banjo (because I carry one around for just such an occasion!) Folders everywhere, backpacks strewn about the aisles, pencil pouches scattered through the main aisle like slippery little land mines. It was crazy! I feel really sorry for the employees that have to straighten it all back up.
After Target I really wanted to go to my favorite used book store, BUT we learned they changed their hours and aren't open on Mondays anymore.. booo! SO we went to Books-a-Million where I discovered I need this...Everyone needs a 'Nuns Having Fun' calendar! I didn't buy it but did expand my personal library a bit. It's impossible for me to go into a book store and come out empty handed. Yes, yes I know, I have a kindle, but there's just something about a real book that I can't quit them. I'm a closet book sniffer too.. I loooove the smell of a book. The older the better. Old books just have this amazing aroma! I'm sure there are meetings someplace for people like me.. Book Sniffers Anonymous. "Hi, my name is Sam.. It's been three weeks since my last book sniff. I had a close call when I drove past the library but my resolve kept me on the straight and narrow" LOL
The house was so very quiet. It's strange. I didn't realize how much noise the one remaining boy made last year. Oh well. the cats got lots of attention.. I think they are going to be 500% spoiled after this school year. My sweet, snaggle toothed, Cleopatra is the worlds best attention whore. She cant' help it. I think it's in her DNA.
After walking the kids in the hubby and I made a B line to Starbucks!!
My kids have to be at school before 7:45, most of the really fun shops don't open till 9 or 10. We twiddled our thumbs at Starbucks for a bit and decided to go to Target.
Why Target?? Why not! If you don't have kids you don't understand the awesomeness of wandering up and down every isle, looking at everything without a child begging for a toy (just a $5 toy mom PLEEEASE!)
or popcorn, candy, or begging to leave because it's just too BORING.
I did have a purpose, besides killing time, for going there. I needed hooks to hang the boy's backpacks on at home. We cruised electronics, meandered through toys, and giggled at harlequin novel titles in books. Then... these happened
We made our way over to the back to school area. I wanted to survey the destruction after the storm that was school shopping. I really should have taken pictures.. the carnage was amazing. It looked a bit like the grocery store scene in Zombieland when Columbus meets Wichita. I was almost expecting to have to smash a remaining zombie with a banjo (because I carry one around for just such an occasion!) Folders everywhere, backpacks strewn about the aisles, pencil pouches scattered through the main aisle like slippery little land mines. It was crazy! I feel really sorry for the employees that have to straighten it all back up.
After Target I really wanted to go to my favorite used book store, BUT we learned they changed their hours and aren't open on Mondays anymore.. booo! SO we went to Books-a-Million where I discovered I need this...Everyone needs a 'Nuns Having Fun' calendar! I didn't buy it but did expand my personal library a bit. It's impossible for me to go into a book store and come out empty handed. Yes, yes I know, I have a kindle, but there's just something about a real book that I can't quit them. I'm a closet book sniffer too.. I loooove the smell of a book. The older the better. Old books just have this amazing aroma! I'm sure there are meetings someplace for people like me.. Book Sniffers Anonymous. "Hi, my name is Sam.. It's been three weeks since my last book sniff. I had a close call when I drove past the library but my resolve kept me on the straight and narrow" LOL
Ok.. back to my kid free day..
We went home after BAM, it was raining so no zoo. We were going to take stroll through the zoo to look at what animals WE wanted to look at!
The house was so very quiet. It's strange. I didn't realize how much noise the one remaining boy made last year. Oh well. the cats got lots of attention.. I think they are going to be 500% spoiled after this school year. My sweet, snaggle toothed, Cleopatra is the worlds best attention whore. She cant' help it. I think it's in her DNA.
The rest of the day wasted away by making lunch and wandering around the house aimlessly till time to go sit in line to pick the kids up. This stay at home alone stuff is going to take some getting used to. I'm sure I can find ways to keep myself busy, it's like there's so much I want to do but I'm not sure where to start! Exciting stuff is in store.. or you will see posts about massive crafting/pintrest fails. Time will tell!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
So it's been a year already...
So as of August 8th.. we will have been in South Carolina one whole year. As of August 15th we will have been in our house a whole year. Time flies when you're having fun I guess.
Loading up that morning... everything we owned in a uhaul and a destination 800+ miles away from everything and everyone I've ever known, was tough. It's also been one of the best things our family could have ever done.
 |
| My trunk the morning we left |
I really think we are a closer knit family. Coming all this way with no one but each other to cling to has really been a good thing for us. Gavin matured a LOT. He had a rough few weeks, we all did, but he came out of it with a better understanding of emotions and how to communicate what he feels. I learned how to be a better Mom and that it's ok to be a friend too when the situation calls for it.
Shane is so easy going he didn't have too many issues with all the changes. His one challenge, that I didn't see coming, was church. Gav was excited to go and try new churches and find a new place to get settled in to. Shane... not so much, he even told me he wanted HIS church at our old house! I thought about it and well, Beech Street was the only church he ever knew. He was still in an infant carrier and taking bottles when we started going there. He was there every Sunday and Wednesday and then went to preschool there too. It was where his friends were. Shane has found his groove at Friendship and I'm glad.
We've all found our place out here and it's been a wonderful thing. We've made memories and new traditions. Discovered new places and continue to soak up all of the history there is out here. I absolutely love the museums, historical sites, plantations, state parks... all of it! Not to mention... the beach. I don't think I could ever live far from the ocean again.
I love South Carolina with all that I am and I love it for what it's done for us. Here's to many more years to come!
 |
| How it looked our first day in our house! |
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Guest post... sort of.
I have a friends and family who have served or are serving in the military. All different branches, all different wars. It's hard for someone to wrap their head around what really happens to those in war. We're shown things on the news.. well some of you may, I don't watch the news. But even that is filtered, we're shown what they want us to see.
This post is almost a year old, but still holds great relevance as to what's going on and what is happening. This post is graphic in nature and language, but it's truthfulness is dumbfounding.
I don't know that 'dumbfounding' is the right word to use but it's all I've got.
Read if you want.. or don't.. it's your choice, but please say a prayer for the guys serving our country.
http://deadspin.com/5882921/twenty-citizens-worth-of-blood-flowed-through-him-a-medic-confronts-the-open-wounds-of-afghanistan?tag=dr-watts
This post is almost a year old, but still holds great relevance as to what's going on and what is happening. This post is graphic in nature and language, but it's truthfulness is dumbfounding.
I don't know that 'dumbfounding' is the right word to use but it's all I've got.
Read if you want.. or don't.. it's your choice, but please say a prayer for the guys serving our country.
http://deadspin.com/5882921/twenty-citizens-worth-of-blood-flowed-through-him-a-medic-confronts-the-open-wounds-of-afghanistan?tag=dr-watts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Things I have learned
Finding doctors/pediatricians in a new town is hard!
Exploring beyond your comfort zone is great fun.
I make wrong turns, even when TomTom is yelling at me to turn the other way.
Finding a church to call home is crucial, getting involved is even more important.
Going to the movies alone because you haven't found a sitter yet isn't as weird as expected. It is a little weird not having someone to keep an eye on my purse when I have to pee an hour and a half in but that's about it.
Shopping for a kitchen table sucks! I'm a cheapskate but I want a well made table.. is that too much to ask?
Never underestimate the power of new fingernail polish :)
Email and Facebook are great, but a handwritten note is better. I've discovered this from moving. I keep pretty note cards and stamps handy and I've written more in the past 6 months than I think I have in my whole life.
Living someplace where domino's delivers to your door is dangerous to your waistline.
The local grocer carrying gelato is equally as dangerous.
Don't buy dark furniture unless you like to dust.. yes it looks chic and fashionable but it's a pain to keep wiping it down with pledge.
Along those same lines.. white carpet was NOT made for people with kids.
Write in a journal every day.. morning and night, believe me.. you always have thoughts that are worth writing down.
The jokes on Popsicle sticks are terrible.
Living someplace where they have a festival for every little thing is grand! I'm currently waiting on the South Carolina Cornbread Festival, The Elgin Podunk Festival, and the Sparkelberry Fair (and yes Sparkelberry is all one word for this!)
That's all I have... till next time :)
Exploring beyond your comfort zone is great fun.
I make wrong turns, even when TomTom is yelling at me to turn the other way.
Finding a church to call home is crucial, getting involved is even more important.
Going to the movies alone because you haven't found a sitter yet isn't as weird as expected. It is a little weird not having someone to keep an eye on my purse when I have to pee an hour and a half in but that's about it.
Shopping for a kitchen table sucks! I'm a cheapskate but I want a well made table.. is that too much to ask?
Never underestimate the power of new fingernail polish :)
Email and Facebook are great, but a handwritten note is better. I've discovered this from moving. I keep pretty note cards and stamps handy and I've written more in the past 6 months than I think I have in my whole life.
Living someplace where domino's delivers to your door is dangerous to your waistline.
The local grocer carrying gelato is equally as dangerous.
Don't buy dark furniture unless you like to dust.. yes it looks chic and fashionable but it's a pain to keep wiping it down with pledge.
Along those same lines.. white carpet was NOT made for people with kids.
Write in a journal every day.. morning and night, believe me.. you always have thoughts that are worth writing down.
The jokes on Popsicle sticks are terrible.
Living someplace where they have a festival for every little thing is grand! I'm currently waiting on the South Carolina Cornbread Festival, The Elgin Podunk Festival, and the Sparkelberry Fair (and yes Sparkelberry is all one word for this!)
That's all I have... till next time :)
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