Pegg's Daily World of Organized Chaos

Tamara Lowe at Christ Fellowship

2010-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Wow Has it been that long? since I've updated my blog?

2010-04-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess time really does get away from you. I didn't think it had been 9 months since my last entry but I guess it has been.

So where do I begin? Maybe just a small tidbit from the past few months would be best.

Let's see???!!!!!

July was a celebration of Little Nick's 7th birthday (his first with us in the States) and the 4th of July of course.

Then we had the beginning of another school year for the kids. Mason is now a Junior in High School and Jesse is at ASU in her 2nd year of college. They are both doing well and I am very proud of them.

By November we had Thanksgiving. The kids and I traveled to WV to spend the holiday with my family. It was a wonderful visit and we never get enough time.

Then came Christmas and it was just as good as Thanksgiving. (aren't you just loving all the details I am giving ya'll? LOL.

Now for the past 4 months. In a nut shell, Kenny and I have been able to spend several weekends together and in the past 2 months Kenny got a brand new truck and then last week we got him a new Harley Davidson for his 50th birthday (which isn't until May 1st)

Ohhh and how could I forget.....Jesse got a new puppy (Harley Rae) and we have built her
a nice pen. Very large.

There you go! The shortest update for 9 months ever...:)

Schools out for Summer!!

2009-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

School may be out for the summer, but I am still trudging along at work at the high school. Each year I find it harder and harder to work in the summer when all the teachers and other secretaries are off enjoy their summer. Oh, well, I was the one who wanted the 12 month contract when I took the job 7 years ago. I do long for the day that they may consider cutting my contract to 9 1/2 months. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.

So now that summer is here, so is the heat. Triple digits already. Being the outdoor person that I am, I find myself happy to have the sun shining and beating down. It is hard to spend all day behind a desk in air conditioning and then going outside to work in the yard but a little heat won't stop the farm girl at heart.

As for what is going on in the Coleman household, well, let's see. We celebrated Kenny and Mason's birthday's the first part of May. And Jesse's birthday this week.

This past weekend, all of us were able to take off work and visit Kenny for Father's Day. We had a great time and did some summer site seeing too. We saw the World's Largest Catsup Bottle which is really a water tower in Collinsville, IL only 6 miles from Kenny's apartment. I have been going to visit Kenny in Edwardsville, IL almost every weekend. It has been fun. The kids are both working. Mason is working full time this summer for the school on the remodel crew and Jesse is still working at the Law Firm and taking summer classes at the University. I am proud of both of them. It leaves them little time to be with Kenny and I and that takes it toll on me. I miss the days that they needed me. But I am dealing and trying to find my new role.
I have taken to birdwatching in the past month. Something that Kenny has done for years. I figured it would give us something to do together even though we are far apart. It has turned out to be a true source of enjoyment for me.

Not much else going on right now. I have a new website on Shutterfly.com so I am debating whether to shut this one down and only do the one or try to keep up with both of them. If anyone has a suggestion, please comment. My other website is http://uglyshoes.shutterfly.com/#.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer!!!

Kenny's new "HOME AWAY FROM HOME"

2009-03-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Once again, Kenny's job has created another move for him. He loves to move to a new jobsite and meet new people and dive into new challenges. I, on the other hand, find it a bit overwhelming. But his love of 'new', makes working with this company the ideal job for him.

His latest endeavor is in Wood River, IL> He is working on the expansion project at the refinerary there.

About 5 weeks ago we went to St Louis (which is about 23 miles from Wood River, IL) to look for him a place to live. Thanks to Priceline.com we were able to stay at a 4 star hotel in St. Louis for 5 nights while we got to know the area and look for housing for Kenny. It was a great getaway for us.

We finally found an apartment in Edwardsville, IL. It is a nice little place that has a wooded area in the back where Kenny can feed his birds and enjoy viewing some woodland creatures. lol.

I have been able to go up to spend the weekend with Kenny for the past 4 weekends. The kids are busy with school and their jobs that they haven't been up there yet. But we are all planning on going to spend the weekend the 1st weekend in April.

Kenny and I have got to spend some much needed quality time together. This job keeps us apart so much that sometimes we don't get a chance to talk about anything but kids and household matters. But this has allowed us some intimate time where we can talk about other things and get to know each other again.

Life is definitely good at this point. There was a time a few months ago that I wondered if I would ever feel happy again. But I am now getting used to Jesse being in college and Mason working and being out alot with his friends. In other words, I am embracing my alone time and learning alot about myself.

I will probably stay home this weekend and catch up on some much needed house cleaning.

Update

2009-01-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I made an entry to this blog. Alot has happened in that time and I really don't know how to get it all down in writing. The highlights of the past couple of months are the best I can do.

Christmas has come and gone and we had a very enjoyable holiday season. The kids and I made a trip to WV to spend a week with my family. We LOVE to go to WV and spend time there. It is very relaxed and it seems that the stress and pressures of my daily life melt away while I am there in the place that I grew up. I only have good memories of my growing up and I hope that one day when my kids grow up they will be able to say the same thing. I was able to visit with all of my family except one sister who was unable to get off of work to come in while I was there. I hope to see her this summer if I am fortunate enough to make another visit then. I also visited with several friends that I had not seen in many years. It was refreshing to talk and catch up.

We then came back home to Searcy and I spent the night at home and then headed to Port Arthur, TX to spend a week with my husband while the kids stayed at home. It was the first time that the kids stayed home by themselves for longer then 3 days. They enjoyed it and had a New Year's Eve party. Kenny and I got to spend some much needed time together and ring in the new year together for the first time in 10 years. We went to Houston, TX one day. I had never been so Kenny thought it would be fun. And it was.

This past week brought tragedy to our family in the form of an unexpected death. I will not go into details as it is hard to think about right now. But all of our lives are changed and will continue to change this year as things settle down into a normal state but I will say that for that to happen it is going to take several months. Keep all of us in your prayers as we go through this very difficult time.

Kenny was home this past week as we dealt with the death and left to go back to work on Saturday morning. As luck would have it, his truck wouldn't start. He had bought a new battery the day before and put it on. He had also bought some new battery terminals and was going to put them on when he got back to Port Arthur, TX. So he ended up taking my Highlander and I ended up changing the battery terminals. I must say, I was very impressed with myself. (although to be quite honest, it is one of the easiest things to fix on a vehicle). So I spent all day yesterday washing and cleaning the truck.

Well, that is what has been going on in my life (in a nut shell) the past couple of months. I truly hope that everyone has a wonderful New Year and is blessed with good health and happiness all year long.

Phase II

2008-12-20T16:40:00.001-08:00

I don't know how many of you have been married 20 years to the same person, but I am here to tell you that it is a wonderful accomplishment. Kenny and I were married 20 years ago yesterday. Hard to believe that much time has gone by. We are very proud of our accomplishment. But it has not always been all sunshine and roses. Marriage is a fulltime job of sorts. It goes through many stages and twists and turns. Hills and valleys. Sorrow and happiness. It is all in how you decide to handle each of those stages that will determine the outcome. Love does not always conquer all. Kenny and I have seen many stages in the past twenty years. (and let me tell you, there are times that both of us wanted to throw our hands up and say, "That's it, I'm done. I can't do this any more") I am glad that we decided to push on and overcome whatever struggle we were going through. We are now at a stage of having an empty nest in the next couple of years and we hardly know each other. We have concentrated so much on being parents that we forgot to be husband and wife. It is hard to suddenly not have to worry so much about the kids. We are finding it difficult to communicate as individuals. We don't even know what our interests are any more. We have come to the conclusion that we are going to have to just start from scratch and try to learn about each other all over again. In a way, that alone is very exciting. almost like dating and getting to know the person. There are unlimited possiblities as to what we will learn. We love each other and are looking forward to starting the 'rest of our lives ' together. (Phase II) :)

vacation long over due

2008-10-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

On Thursday of last week, I got in my highlander and headed to Port Arthur, TX to spend a few days with Kenny. As most of you know, my husband works there and lives in an apartment there. We don't see alot of him and since Hurricane Ike tore thru there, it has been impossible for Kenny to get any time off to come home. Anyway, it was a wonderful trip despite it raining the entire 10 hour drive there. Once there, I was able to relax and just enjoy spending time talking and sightseeing with Kenny. We drove around the area looking at the devastation from the Hurricane. It is amazing to me how quickly the people there gather up their lives and start the rebuilding process. It is also amazing to me that alot of them will rebuild in areas that are constantly threatened by severe weather. Whatever their reasoning, it is amazing to see them continue to get on with their lives.

There was debris every where you looked. But for the most part, the majority of the destruction was carried back out to sea leaving behind 'nothing'.

I was also able to meet some of Kenny's friends and coworkers. We went out to eat with a couple that he works with and ended up staying out later then we have in years. We shared alot of stories and laughes. I had fun and am so glad I was able to go.

I cleaned Kenny's apartment as I always do when I go visit him. He keeps it clean but isn't the greatest at dusting. lol.

The kids stayed at home (Jesse was on Fall Break from college so she came home and stayed with Mason) I think they had an ok time. I am fortunate to be able to have two kids that I can trust.

The Wait is Over

2008-09-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here he is.....before and after.

After two years of orthodontist visits and several packages of tiny rubberbands, Mason is now 'braces-free'. He got his braces off on Wednesday of last week and then goes back for his retainers this Wednesday. I am so glad he is finished with it. Now maybe, we will see the smiling Mason that I have missed so much these past two years.
Things at the Coleman home are starting to feel more normal now. Mason and I have started to get used to Jesse being away at college. She comes home about every weekend. We don't see alot of her when she comes home but at least we do get to see her some. She has been going to the AR Razorbacks games.
Kenny is busy cleaning up the jobsite at Cameron/Sabine Pass, LA. It is going alot faster then he thought it would. I am not going to be able to go see him anytime soon because there is still alot of businesses that havent reopened and there is a curfew in effect. He may try to come home in about 3 weeks.
Well, I hope everyone out there is doing well.

2008-09-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

I finally had enough!! I couldn't go another day without seeing my daughter, Jesse. It had been two weeks. So after work, I hoped in the car and headed to Conway. We did our normal thing...out to eat and then a bit of shopping. She has been sick for a few days and was still feeling poorly, so I didn't stay long. We picked up some vitamins and otc meds and then she went back to the dorm to go to bed early. I hope she is feeling much better in the morning. I was just good to spend some time with her. Mason has a pretty big day tomorrow but I will save that for the next blog entry.

2008-09-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Being sick is not fun!! I am sure that you already know this. I just thought I would reinterate since I have been sick for the past 5 days. I am feeling much better today and even went back to work.

Mason was sick for only a day and was able to go to work this evening also.

Jesse came home this weekend and spent very little time at the house. She went tailgating at the Razorback game in Little Rock and watched the game. I think she got in around midnight. We all went to church Sunday but I was so sick, that we left right after communion. So needless to say, I didn't get to spend any time with Jess. She will probably be home this weekend too so I will get to make up for it. She is liking college from what I can tell. I think she is a bit bored. She has gone from being in high school all day and then running to work and then out with friends to going to 2 or 3 classes a day and that is it. She doesn't have alot of friends to run around with at college yet. I am hoping she gets more excited about college as the semester goes on. Her boyfriend, Tyler goes to see her once a week and takes her out to eat. So that is fun for her.

Kenny is once again in the process of going through another evacuation. Hurricane Ike is threatening them this time. He would come home for a few days but he is one of the designated ones that is first to re-enter after the hurricane to access the damage to the job site before the evacuation is lifted. I am so thankful that he loves his job.

Not much else is going on right now. But believe me, it won't stay that way for long.....

What is Normal?

2008-09-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Who is to say what is normal? For the past several years I felt that life in the Coleman house was that of 'normal'. The changes that have taken place these past few months, have led me to redefine 'normal' as I know it. What was once days filled with cooking, cleaning, shopping, running from one activity to another and finding time to sleep....has now turned into going to work and returning to an empty house or one where there is just one teenager who doesnt find it a whole lot of fun to just hang out with mom. So.....I am in the process of trying to figure out just what I want 'normal' to be at this point. (Any and all suggestions will be taken into consideration. lol..) At first, I looked at this challenge with remorse and depression, but now see that it can be anything I want it to be. That is a bit overwhelming and exciting at the same time.
I realize that I am not the first (nor the last) to have to figure this out, but I am the first in my family and I hope to come through it with a better understanding of myself and how I can make a difference for "????". (I will let you know when I figure it out).
For now, I think 'normal' is searching, questioning, happiness, confusion, crying, laughing, and wondering for me.... (the answers are sure to come to me as time goes on.....I am already not crying everytime I think about how my kids are growing up and away from the home...So I know THAT is a good sign)

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

It was great Labor Day Weekend at the Coleman house. The only thing that could have made it better would be for Kenny to have been home. Jesse surprised us by coming home on Saturday afternoon. I returned from WalMart to find her car in the driveway. Talk about happy!! I was!!

We didn't do anything special except spend time together. Mason and Jesse hung out Saturday night in Mason's truck. It was good to see them spending time together and enjoying it. Sunday we went to church and then we went to IHOP> Gran and Papa went with us as well as Jesse's boyfriend, Tyler. It was alot of fun.

Jesse has been complaining for several years about how uncomfortable her bed is. I never paid much attention to it, chalking it up to just griping. Sunday morning she looked like she hadn't slept a wink and she said it was because of the mattress. I was not convinced. So she asked me to sleep in her room Sunday night while she slept in mine. Well, I could not believe how bad that mattress was. I can honestly say that I would have been more comfortable on the kitchen floor than on that mattress. So first thing Monday morning, I apologized to Jesse for not believing her all this time about it and went straight out and bought a new one. I felt so bad for not believing her, but now she has a new mattress to sleep on when she comes home on the weekends.

Mason had a bad evening last night as his XBOX360 malfunctioned (for the 2nd time in a year) and we are no longer under warranty so he is without an XBOX for a while. But he has been working more hours lately and that and his homework should keep him busy. As a matter of fact, when he got home from school today, he got called into work til 10pm.

Well, last but not least, Jesse left for Conway yesterday about 3:30pm. At 4:30pm she calls me to tell me that she forgot several things at the house and was going to come back for them. I figured since Mason was at work and I didn't have anything to do that I would drive to Conway and take it all to her. When I got there, I helped her hang her curtains and then we went to eat and to Target. then I headed home. Well, it was quite a different weekend than what I had thought I would have and I am so glad. It was great and I have the best family in the world. :)

The Next Phase....

2008-08-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

Change is good...at least that is what I have heard. It has been a long week and I am now completely in a New Phase in my life. I must apologize to all for the way I have went on and on about how hard it is on me for Jesse to leave for college. A week has passed and time is a wonderful healer. Each day is easier and more 'normal'. Mason and I are settling in to our routine of just the two of us. Jesse is starting to adjust to college life and liking it more each day. Knowing that she is happy is all it takes for me to get over the sadness of her not being around here everyday. I went to visit her on Wednesday of last week and we went out to eat. It was pouring down the rain. But we shopped at Target and ate at Cracker Barrel and then went to the dorm. There were people in her room 'hanging out' so I didn't stay long. She was enjoying chatting and laughing. I felt more at ease for the first time at that point.
She came home on Friday after classes and stopped by the house for about an hour and then was off hanging out with friends here in town. Saturday we were able to sit and talk a bit while she printed off notes off the class website. Then she was off again to UCA by 3pm on Saturday. She tells me that her favorite classes are English and Philosophy. (makes sense since she is going into Law). Anyway, I looked forward to keeping you up to date on how she is doing and what is going on here at the house with Mason, Kenny, and Me.
For now, there is a bit of normalcy in the Coleman home.

Sending Jesse to College

2008-08-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

It has been several days since I have written and it is still hard to do it now. I have spent the past several days (weeks really) in tears. I can bearly see through the tears right now to type but I am making myself try to get through this. It is one of the hardest things I have ever done.

I have devoted the past 18 years to my children and their needs. Everything from what they would eat and wear to getting them to where they needed to go. I have tried to teach them all I could to make them strong, productive, healthy, loving, compationate, brave, god-fearing/loving, individuals. Now Jesse is in Conway in a dorm and I am at home praying that I have given her all she will need to make it in this world.

I find part of me feels a deep loss. A loss of purpose. What do I do now? My kids are growing up and making their own decisions and don't need me to think for them anymore and tell them what to do or how to do it or where to be, ect...

It makes me feel like my purpose in life is done. I know it isn't but I struggle with how to go on with the next phase of my life.

We took Jesse to Conway on Sunday and moved her into the dorm. It was a very busy day and we all did good not to cry much until it came time to leave. She started crying and then we all were crying. She was very scared and alone and that just tore my heart out. Do you have any idea how hard it is to leave your child knowing they feel lonely? It is heart wrenching!!!

Now 24 hours later, she is a bit less lonely. Not alot but she is meeting people and trying to find a place to fit in. There are 12,000 students there. She says she is meeting tons of people but the problem is she never sees them again. I think she may decide to 'Rush' so she will have a group of people to get acquainted with. I know deep down that she will be fine and have the time of her life. But that knowledge does not ease the pain at this point.

I plan to visit her once a week until she tells me that there isn't time this week to fit me in. (I am more prepared for that then this first stage).

Mason started the 10th grade today and seems to like it. I think there is 2 reasons for that. 1. he is no longer 'new kid on the block'. 2. it is 'his' school now and not his sisters. He had to go to work right after school and got home about 9:15pm. He is now in the bed and will probably sleep very sound tonight.

Thanks to all for listening to me and praying for me. I know it must seem a bit overboard to some, but I pray that none of you have to feel this way and if you do, I hope I can be there to help you through it.

My friends and family are such a blessing to me. Thanks.

Pegg

The End of a hectic week.

2008-08-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

The past week was very hectic, but is now over and a thing of the past. This weekend has been busy too. Yesterday, Mason was ready to go get tint put on his truck windows. He has been saving his money since he started working this summer and decided to spend some of it on window tint. It turned out really nice. It is a bit dark for me especially at night, but we will see how it works out for him.

It is raining today and is much needed. I have been watering the shrubs and yard for several weeks.

Jesse spent her last day of work at Leslie's Jewelry Store yesterday. She has worked there for over 2 years. They have been so good to her. She will miss it. She has one more week at the law firm and then she is off to school. Kenny will be home on Thursday morning and we are so excited to see him. We haven't seen him since May 10th (Jesse's graduation).

We have a lot to do this week and then we will all be starting a new chapter in our lives. Pray for us as we go through this change.

Registration ---- ohhhhhhhh.........

2008-08-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

What can I say it is the least favorite part of my job. A week spent at a computer registering student after student. Getting ss#, bday, address, locker #, car model and drivers license number, ectt.... (for at least 1100 students in 4 days) We are 2 down and 2 to go at this point. Tomorrow is sophomores. I think there are almost 300 of them. but Mason is part of this class and I will know several of the kids.
Hard to believe that school starts in less then 2 weeks. I will be glad to be back in a routine of some sort.
I wish I could say that there has been alot more going on, but if you spent one hour at registration, you would 'run for the hills' !!!!!!! lol..
Going to bed to prepare mentally for tomorrow.
Later.
Pegg

One Step Closer

2008-07-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, Jesse is one step closer to leaving for college. We went to Little Rock after work to shop for "Dorm Stuff". It was alot of fun and a bit trying at times. But definitely something I will never forget. I was proud of her choices in bedding and accessories.

She is starting to get excited about moving into the dorm. I am sure there will be many things to blog about during this change in our lives.

Overcoming

2008-07-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

9 years ago today I had the accident of all accidents so far in my life. I fell from a 6 foot ladder in my back yard while washing my siding and literally tore my left foot off. It was a long emergancy surgery and 16 weeks of re-hab, but I was able to over come with flying colors. I now have only a slight limp, but pain daily. (Good thing I consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain) I say all of that to say....... We never know what will happen in our lives from one minute to the next. With every passing day, I realize that more and more. But I try to tell my kids 2 things.....1. Trust God and he will see you through anything. 2. No matter what happens, you can always come home.
It's funny how little triumps in our lives makes us stronger people. But between you and me, I plan on letting someone else wash my siding in the years to come. It doesn't take me long to learn my lesson. :)

Another Lazy Sunday.

2008-07-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

We are very predictable when it comes to Sundays. We get up and go to church and class and then go to Kenny's parents and eat and then home for a nap, than back to church at 5pm. Today I didn't feel like my normal Sunday afternoon nap so I decided to go to the tanning bed. I haven't been in so long that I am very 'white'. Once I was done with that, I thought since I am already on this side of town, I will go to WalMart and get some hairspray and something for breakfasts this week. Well, sometimes I don't know how in the world 3 things can turn into about 30 things and I end up spending 4 times more than I planned. But it happens quite frequently. (and I am pretty much a 'tight wad' when it comes to money). But I got home and started putting things away and now it is almost time to go back for evening worship at church. We haven't always gone to evening worship but we started to in January of this year and I am glad we are. It has been a blessing and I am sorry I didn't do it all these years. I went to church every time the doors opened when I was growing up. I guess sometimes we just change our habits as we grow up.

I did get couple of pictures this morning before church. They didn't turn out too well. We all look tired or posed or something but we don't look quite ourselves. ((But I will share them anyway. :) )

By the way......It wasn't that I didn't want a picture with Mason, it was just all I could do to get one of him with Jesse :(

I hope everyone has a great week ahead of them.

hum drum day

2008-07-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

It has been another hot day in Arkansas. The forecast is for 3 digit temps through Tuesday. I have been watering the yard all week hoping that it won't turn brown.
I slept late this morning (which is something I don't normally do) but I was tired I guess.
Jesse worked at the jewelry store today and then went to the lake with a friend. She just walked in the door (10:30pm) and seemed to have had a great time. Mason worked this evening and then played with Damon. Now everyone is home and we are soon to be in bed and then up early for church in the morning.
While Mason was at work and Jesse at the lake, I went to Little Rock to the mall. Can you believe, I drove all that way and didn't spend a dime? just wasn't in the mood to try clothes on and I didnt find any sales. I did see alot of things that I would have loved to have bought, but my better sense took over and I left without them. Yea, Me! lol....
Well, that's about it for today. I predict something exciting to happen in the next week. (at least I hope so. These past couple of blogs have been pretty boring. )

? ? ? ? ?

2008-07-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

What to blog about tonight? Not sure at this point. I am just going to start typing and see what happens. :)

The summer is starting to come to an end for the kids. I work at the high school year round. I don't get the summer months off like the teachers do and the kids. The summer at work has been slow and boring. But come Monday some of the teachers come back on contract and things will definitely pick up. I plan on taking the day off tomorrow and spend time around the house.

Mason has been working alot this week at his job at Food King. He is doing a great job and I am very proud of him.

Jesse has finally been notified of her roommate for college and they have been texting back and further learning abit about each other before move-in day at the University. (August 17th) Kenny is planning to come home the week before she leaves for college. That way he can help us move her in the dorm. (and I will have a shoulder to cry on....because I know I am going to be doing alot of crying).

Well, not much to update (the words are just not coming to me tonight.) I will try again tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a great evening.

God's Blessing are so Great!

2008-07-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how God works in all things. These past few weeks have been trying weeks for me. I have had several things on my mind that I finally turned over to God completely. I am normally not a 'worrier'. (I leave that to Kenny***because he is so good at it. lol..) but I am finding that for the past several years, I tend to worry more than I used too. I really don't know the reason why. Maybe my faith isn't as it should be. Whatever the reason, it isn't fun no matter how you look at it. Yesterday and ,today brought clear answers to several of the things that have been on my mind and I am once again, encompassed by God's arms. All I can say is, Thank you God! Your blessings are great and I owe everything to your glory. If you haven't turned your worries over to God, I would recommend it. "The burden lifted" is a wonderful feeling.

HOT HOT HOT!!!!!

2008-07-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

The weather that is.
Summer is in full force in Searcy, AR.

I love the hot weather for the most part. However, working inside with the air conditioner all day makes for a tough adjustment when headed home. If I begin the day outside and stay out til evening, I find it much easier to tolerate. This weekend I did just that. I got up on Saturday and headed for Lowes. Picked out a few different shrubs and flowers and came home and started planting. I am beginning to wonder if I am getting older because I found it much harder to dig the holes for some reason. lol... But I know that isn't possible. :) or is it? I refuse to admit to any such suggestion at this point. :)
I managed to get the holes dug. It took me almost all day. I waited for the sun to go down a bit before planting the new plants. I have found that if I don't plant in the heat of the day, the plants do before and usually survive. I know they look sparce and little, but give them til next summer and they will fill the space and be beautiful. (at least that is what I am predicting). I truly enjoy the outdoors and wish alot of times that I had done as Kenny had wanted 15 years ago when we bought this house. He wanted to buy a house out in the country with some land. Well, I had grown up in the country with land and chores and animals,ect.... I wanted the suburbs and nice neighborhood, ect.... so that is what we got. (Kenny is sooo good to me). Now 15 years later, I would love to have more yard and maybe a creek and all the other things that go with the country. I guess the old saying is true " You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl" So I make my little lot of land and home as cozy as I can and I really enjoy it. Hot or not.

Years Gone By

2008-07-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

I embarked on a trip down memory lane the other day and I find that it was a very enjoyable trip. I was going through some boxes in the back of my closet and stumbled across a box of old pictures. Turns out they were old pictures from as far back as Grade School. There were pictures of friends I had almost forgot about (well, not completely but you understand)
There were several from college. After looking through them, I felt a twinge of sadness and happiness at the same time. Feelings from so long ago came to the surface. The love, admiration, fun, excitement, and energy of 'yester-years' was very overwhelming.
It is a shame how we get so caught up in our own day to day lives that we forget about such dear friends for years....only to start thinking about them again once we grow older and our own children start to move out and start lives of their own. It got me to thinking about trying to reconnect with my old friends from college. So.....I started by setting up a Facebook account and trying my luck with the networking route. Much to my surprise, I have found several dear friends from my past. It has been so much fun catching up and rebuilding friendships.
I want to thank all of those friends for answering my messages and emails. I want to make a promise to them, that I will try to do better at keeping in touch and maintaining a lifelong friendship with them. And I must say.....I have some truly AMAZING friends scattered from one end of the United States to the other.

There will always be 'One Bad Apple' in the bunch

2008-07-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

What a Day!!! I am so glad it has come to a close. Jesse called me first thing this morning with the news that someone had vandalized her car again. (this would make the 2nd time in a year) We know who is doing it but can't catch them. But they may have messed up good this time. Jesse is house sitting this week and we are hoping the survielence (sp?) camera got it all on tape. Don't you just hate having a 'bad apple' in the bunch that can convince the others to do stupid and mean things? Anyway, I left work and spent most of the morning getting that cleaned up.
Jesse and her boyfriend, Tyler, met me for lunch at the Cookie Basket. We had a good lunch..
Mason helped Papa mow this morning and now he is at Clint's house swimming. His friend Parker, just turned 16 and can drive by himself and he came and got Mason to go swimming.
Now I am updating my blog and relaxing. I am taking the day off tomorrow to take Mason to the orthodontist and then to work. Guess I will fill you in on all of that tomorrow. ......

Let Me Ease Your Minds

2008-07-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't remember a time when a statement of mine has brought on so much concern. I mentioned about Kenny putting in for a job in South America and you wouldn't believe the people I heard from. Soooo...... let me put everyone's mind at ease. He is NOT quitting his job. With his work, once their part of the project is over, they are usually sent to another project to do about the same thing that they did on the previous project. Kenny is always wanting to learn the next phase and move up the ladder (I so admire him for that) so he looked at what projects his company has going on around the world to see what he might be interested in and found this one in South America. But (and here is the part that will ease some of your minds...) he was told today that they want him to stay on the project he is on right now until the end of 2009. There is a possible promotion and raise but nothing in writing as of yet. So keep us in your prayers that this will not discourage Kenny (as he really wants to learn more and advance) and that we will get to visit him more. We trust in the Lord to guide us and take care of us and this is no exception.
Today was extremely busy at work for it to be in the middle of the summer. We had a lot of teachers drop in to check on things and ask me questions relating to their budgets for the upcoming school year. However, Melinda was working today (to make up for a few days she is going to miss when school starts) so I had someone to talk with and pass the time of day.
I may not have mentioned, but Melinda is a great person. I feel very blessed to get to work with her everyday. We have become close friends and I feel that God knew I needed a friend I could count on and one that I could laugh or cry with. After work, we went to our usual Monday afternoon 'BodyPump' class at the gym.
Mason worked this evening and when I went to pick him up ( I let him drive home as usual) he said, "We need to go somewhere and I will take you". So let him take me and we ended up at Sonic (turns out he was starving after work) So my surprise was to go to Sonic and spend my money on 'cheese fries and sweet tea'. Mason is truly ONE of a KiND.
Jesse (sorry about the picture, but I can't seem to figure out how to remove it) is still house-sitting. She did stop by the house to clean her room because I was not going to look at it all week as messy as it was. She is enjoying 'being on her own' as it is and I am proud of her. She is really going to do great things with her life. I truly believe that.
I did walk around the block a couple of times this evening and felt good once it was over. Now I am just sitting on the couch watching the news and preparing for going to bed.
Tomorrow I will begin again. Good night all.

The Weekend is Over.

2008-07-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

The weekend has once again come to an end. It was a very relaxing one for me. Not alot went on and I enjoyed doing a bit of impulsive running around.

Jesse began a house-sitting job this weekend and will be doing it until this coming weekend. It is odd not to have her here every day and night but it is a good chance for all of us to get a 'taste' of what it is going to be like when she leaves for college in about 5 weeks.

I still have not completed my table and chairs project. I believe this is the longest that it has ever taken me to complete a project. The motivation is just not there this time.

Kenny's job in Sabine Pass, Louisiana is almost completed and he has been looking at the different projects that the company has going and where he might want to go next. We think we have decided for him to put in for the project in South America in the Mining and Metals Division. It is a very civilized country, but the project is sort of in the jungle area/rainforest type of setting. There are no guarantees for him getting the job. Altimately, the company will put him where they want him, but he is free to put in for certain projects. We are hoping for this one, but will accept what is put in front of us as we have in the past. Kenny loves the work he does and traveling and learning. I am very proud of him and support whatever decision he makes when it comes to his job. He is a wonderful provider as well as husband and father and friend.

Mason and his friend, Damon, spent the weekend purchasing and using their new knives. It is a special kind of knife and pretty dangerous if not handled with care (but then again, what knife isn't) They are definately BOYS! I am enjoying watching and learning how to communicate with them. (as it is very different then with girls) lol...

Church was good today. The preacher taught on how we got our Bible and how we know that it is real. It was very interesting and informative. Tonight's lesson was on how we are not living up to our potential. How all we have to do is ask God and we will recieve. It is a pretty confusing concept really. Not sure if I understand well enough to even get into it. I will need to do some studying on it.

Other then that, laundry was about all I did this weekend. This coming week is suppose to be very hot and free of rain. I guess I will be watering the yard by Thursday. :)

The Weekend is Here!!!!

2008-07-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

And not a minute too soon!!! What would we do without the anticipation of the approaching weekend each week? I don't know about you, but I know that it is what keeps me going some weeks and this week was one of those.
I just got done grilling burgers for Mason and Damon for supper. Those boys can eat faster then I can cook. lol......
Now I am contemplating what to do with the rest of the weekend. At this point I don't have alot of things that are pressing so I am wondering if 'window shopping' (you know...where you go shopping and only look at what is in the windows or on display, and don't buy) might be a fun thing to do tomorrow. Maybe going to a few yardsales. Who knows. I do know that I will enjoy whatever it is. Hope everyone has a great weekend too.
Oh and by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAYLIN. (my niece that turned 14 years old today!)

Fun Fun Fun

2008-07-09T16:37:00.001-07:00

Who would have thought after the most boring morning in the world (work was sooooo borrrriiiinnngggg!!), that my afternoon would include fun with Jesse and Mason? Well, it wasn't entertaining fun but it was 'spending time with them' fun.

We grilled chicken and cooked fresh corn on the cob and ate cantelope and laughed while talking between bites. Since my 'redesign project' on my table and chairs is not complete, we had to stand at the counter in the kitchen and eat. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. Jesse and Mason talked and listened and laughed and it was just what I needed.

Prior to supper, Mason and I went to WalMart for a few little groceries and were blessed with running into Amy and Cash doing the same. It was great to see them. (We really need to get together soon). We took our time and just shopped and didn't rush.

After supper, Jesse and Mason even cooperated with me about getting a few new pictures. Just snapshots but I will share them with you.

Yes, Jesse is standing on her tiptoes. :)

Mason has accomplished playing a song on Guitar Hero3 with out looking at the screen while playing at the Expert level and he 'let' me take his picture while he was doing it. :) Isn't life just wonderful?!!!!!

Back to a Regular Work week

2008-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

It was back to 'the snuff-mine' as my dad would say when we were growing up. Which means, it is back to the same old thing at work. I really didn't look forward to getting up this morning and going to work, but I did and now it is that time of day that I always reflect on the happenings of the day. Alot went on today. I was able to take Mason to lunch today (he didn't have anything better to do today!!) It was nice. I learned a bit about what went on at work last night. It was his first night to close. He worked from 4pm til 10pm. and he also, worked this evening 4pm - 8pm. I know I have said this before, but I am really proud of my kids and their jobs. It could all go sore tomorrow but up til now, it is very good and they are making extra money and actually saving it. That is something I insisted on. They both gave me the usual "but it is MY money. I worked for it" song and dance. So I had to give them my song and dance, which is. "Yes, it is YOUR money and You DID work for it. But it is MY job to teach you how to manage it so that when you get out on your own, you don't get into debt" So we sit down and agree to put it in their own bank account and take out a certain amount each week. (it is a very small amount, usually 10% of their earnings). Jesse did not like it at all when she got her first job, but over the past 2 1/2 years she has learned how to do it and has saved a substantial amount and been able to buy some things she wanted with the money she takes out each week. Mason is just beginning this learning process and it is a challenge for me. Well, I know you all really really wanted to know all of that. NOT. Forgive me for going on.
I did manage to get to the gym this evening, but I was too late to do 'bodypump'. So I ended up cycling for 30mins.
Jesse had a tough day today. I won't go into any details but suffice it to say, she will be fine, just has a few days of thinking and dealing with regular teenage troubles. Kenny and I are both in agreement that it is hard to sit back and watch your child be in pain and know that there is nothing you can do except be there for them and let time do it's thing.
No rain today so I started in on my painting again. I am down to only two more chairs to paint and I will be done. (I am so ready for that).
Won't bore everyone anymore tonight. I will save some for tomorrow. lol..

The End of a 3 Day Weekend

2008-07-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well, All good things must come to an end. Hard to believe that the 3 day weekend is almost to an end. The plans for finishing projects were overruled by 2 days of heavy rain and storms. Today being Sunday is the day for the Lord. Church and then afternoon nap and evening Church fills today. The sun is out and it is beautiful. I can't say all was wasted though. I did get to spend more time with Jesse and Mason then we have in a long time. It was good to just sit around the house and be together. It doesn't happen near enough these days. My children are growing up so quickly. I am very proud of them and at the same time very sad that I spend so much time alone now that they can come and go and pretty much take care of themselves. I know this is what I have been working at for the past 18 years. Still doesn't make it easy. (It is nice to be needed sometimes).

Our 4th of July

2008-07-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

'Rain, Rain, go away come again another day.' This is how I felt this morning when I got up. I had planned to finish the painting on my table and chairs. But having done plenty of painting in the past, I knew not to even bring out the paint brushes. So, I started the task of cleaning house. The kids, of course, LOVED that idea. NOT!!!

After all the dusting and mopping were done, Jesse and I decided to pull out the cookbooks and do a bit of baking. We decided on 'whoopie pies'. We know that my sister (Aunt Kary) makes the BEST whoopie pies, but we were willing to try them ourselves. They turned out good enough to make us sick from eating too many of them. lol....

Mason had to work today, this afternoon to be exact.. I tried to get a picture of him as he was leaving but it is realllllyyyyy hard to get a picture of a teenage boy. See what I mean.... he's ducking in the doorway to avoid a picture. lol. I did finally get one though. Isn't he a handsome working teenager?! (that's a statement not a question. :) )

Later we will be grilling steaks on the grill then going to watch the fireworks at Harding (as is our tradition of the past 6 years).

I hope everyone has a great evening. We did. Happy 4th of July!!!!!

Yet Another...Home Improvement Project

2008-07-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Once again, I have taken on yet another "weekend warrior" home improvement project. Talk about alot of work. Why is it that it never appears to be too difficult or time consuming until half way through the project? This latest endeavor is 'redesigning' my kitchen table and chairs. After visiting several furniture stores in the past couple of months, I have decided that I can make my now worn and rugged looking table and chairs look like what I see in the stores for substantially less money. All I basically need is time and effort. (Now 4 days into it, I realize I am lacking severly in both areas! lol) I am, however, pleased with the results so far and hopefully by the end of this 3 day weekend, I will be able to say I have completed 'yet another....home improvement project. :)

Plans Change

2008-07-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime is normally a time for me to run errands, pay bills, clean house quickly, and maybe even grab a bite to eat. During the summer I have the joy of taking my kids to lunch for some one on one time. Wednesdays Mason and I will go to Cookie Basket and sit and chat (as much as a teenage boy will chat...which isn't much). However, today I was 'put on the back burner' so to speak . When it came time for me to pick him up for lunch, I was informed he would rather do it another day. When I asked him why, he said that his friend Damon was here and they wanted to look over Damon's stepdad's new ride. A Toyota FJ. So I was beat out by a car. Go figure! Oh well, I went to Melinda's and chatted for 30 minutes and was able to salvage my ego. Gotta love my teenage son. :)

My first entry

2008-07-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

After seeing a friend's new blogsite, I was inspired to give it a try myself. (I doubt mine will be as interesting or creative as hers, but I do want to thank her for the inspiration...Thanks Amy!)
Today was another busy and interesting day. Jesse received her roommate assignment and after checking out her facebook profile, we realized that it was probably not 'a match made in heaven'. So now we are in the process of trying to get a roommate change. The whole 'leaving for college' thing is very overwhelming for me as a mother. I am having a hard time turning lose of my 'little girl'. I am not looking forward to dropping her off next month and heading home without her.
Went to the gym today and had a "killer" workout (thanks, Carla!!:))
I am glad to have that workout behind me. Now I can go and have that pizza I have been craving. *smile*
Before I do that, I have to go get Mason who is swimming at a friends house. Always running somewhere......
See.....really not that interesting, but kinda fun.......