Dog Days

Let me preface this story by saying that my son is the most sensitive, sweet and loving little boy in the universe. Seriously. I mean, look at him. The eyes, the dimples, the smile. Look at his little finger and you'll see me (and some other people) firmly wrapped around it.



Once upon a time, this little angel loved him some animals. We have pictures of him snuggling up to puppies, cats, rabbits, horses, tiger cubs (not really) you name it. His little heart had room for all of them. His favorite toy was a stuffed border collie named Douglas that went every where he did. I was actually concerned we were going to have to end up getting some form of a furry pet just to satisfy him (click here and here to read about our past pet experience). That is, until this moved in next door.

About five seconds after this moved in next door, our world changed. Why? Because this elephant of a dog came racing out of it's new home baring its 6 inch razor-sharp teeth (not really), jumped over some 6 foot tall hedges (not really) and proceeded to knock a 3 year old Ethan to the ground (really). Ethan's world view of animals changed from that day forward. No longer did he want to pet our neighbor's dogs that would stop to pee on our mailbox. No more snuggling with Uncle James' puppies. In fact, wailing would ensue just upon spotting a dog, even if he was safely ensconced inside a vehicle. Now, 3 years later we are still dealing with the trauma he suffered that fateful day. Is that therapy I smell? Probably. Anyway, I digress. For the last 3 years every time we go to someone's house his first question is "Do they have a dog?" and if the answer is affirmative the child will not get out of the car until he has been assured that the monstrous beast has been constrained in some manner. Most of our friends already know to do this before we pull in the driveway. He will still linger in the front yard until we give him the all clear. Last night we were going to our friends' house and the predictable scenario played itself out. We go in and Randy goes back out to inform Ethan that Flick is put away. Flick is a 14 year old Jack Russell terrier who couldn't care less about Ethan or anyone else for that matter. Ethan is a little hesitant so Randy tells him again "Flick's been taken care of, son." Suddenly Ethan's little angelic face lights up and he looks up at his dad with is face full of hope and says...

"You mean...he's dead?"

Funny how sensitivity dissipates in the face of full-blown terror.

Funtastic Friday

Wow....I've been really serious in my last two posts. I think that's enough for this week, don't you? I'm feeling rather sarcastic and witty today so I fully expect this post to reflect that. Or not. I try not to have too many expectations of myself. I actually get more done that way. I go from "Woo-hoo! I don't have to do anything today except eat milk duds and watch the Discovery Channel" to "Well, I could actually lay down on the couch if all this laundry wasn't here." to "I'll just fold some to get it out of my way" to "Wow. I just accomplished something. Hey, I can be productive." Usually the feeling of being productive is enough incentive to make me do something else that's not borderline absurd. Compare and contrast that to my other option. I go from "Oh my gosh! The living room is a mine field. I better get to work" to "Oh look, there's an unread piece of literature under this shirt I was folding" to "Wow this is a good book" to "Oh well, it's not like the laundry is going anywhere." You get the drift. Anyway, today has been rather uneventful so far. Other than Ethan's panic attack in the car because he forgot a book, there's not much excitement going on. Of course, that's usually a good thing since excitement in this family usually means someone has been committed to the local mental institution, vomited anti-matter on the carpet, or managed to completely flush their college career down the toilet. You know...those kind of fun events. But hey, who's complaining?

Today I am actually feeling an urge to visit Hobby Lobby. I am thinking about sewing Hallie's Easter dress this year. So what if I haven't sewn anything since 6th grade 4-H? I think I can do it....with Alex's help. Hey, she has time now! Making lemonade, people...I'm good at it.

What's gotten into me? Homeschooling? Sewing? Watch out...I may be baking our bread soon instead of grabbing it off a shelf at Publix. Maybe I'm just subconciously preparing for the economic pit of poop that awaits us all. Or maybe I am just becoming very resourceful. Or maybe I'm just having fun.

I think it's the fun thing, too, but heck, the other two just sound so much better. I won't tell if you won't.

Truer Words....

"Lots of people support our decision to homeschool. Some are quietly guarded. Others think we’re mentally ill. I vacillate between all three myself. Believe me, if you’re shaking your head reading this, I understand. If you think I’m a nutjob, I totally get it. If you think my kids will grow up to be weird, you’re probably right. And if you think I’m a freak? You’re right on the money.

But you know what? It works for us."

I found this quote on The Pioneer Woman. I love it. She may have just become my personal hero.

On Fire

This is my all time favorite song. I just wanted to share it because it is so powerful. My favorite lines...

"When everything inside me looks like everything I hate,
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I'll take..."

Wow.

My Decision

Drum roll....

After much prayer, I have decided to home school next year. I know, many of you are wondering if I've lost my mind and while that is entirely possible, I don't think it has any bearing on this decision. This is something I really believe God is leading me to do and that alone is the best justification I can make. I feel as confident as I have ever felt about this decision. I struggled with it for a long time. I didn't want to do it. I would hear God speaking and I would argue with Him...

"Home schooling is for people with lots of time. With lots of patience. With lots of structure. With organization skills You did not give me. It's great for some, but not for me. My kids need school. I need my kids to be in school. Trust me, God...you don't know them like I do (Ha!). When will I buy groceries? Fold laundry? Have a minute to myself? I can't do this. It's crazy!"

Trust me, I had all my reasons and it all made sense. Until I realized one thing...it doesn't matter if I think I can do it or not. I remembered that there is enough time in each day to get done what God requires. If I try to fill my 24 hours with what I think needs to be done, then 24 hours will never be enough...Sleep 8 hours. Wash and fold every piece of laundry. Prepare 3 healthy, yet tasty meals a day. Have my quiet time. Transport my children to various events and appointments. Make and consume a pot of coffee. Read a book. Keep a tidy house. Have a stimulating conversation with a few friends. Check email. Check Facebook. None of these are bad things. In fact, many of them are productive and useful. However if they are not what God expects of me then they are a waste of my time. What God really expects of me has nothing to do with what I feel like doing. It has everything to do with His purpose. At the end of the day, God is not interested in what I have accomplished. He's interested in what He has accomplished through me.


So I have resolved myself to do this even if it means we eat pizza twice a week. Or I don't get a shower every day. Or the pile of laundry gets even bigger. Or my Facebook status isn't updated daily. Why? Because I have an opportunity to be the most compelling human force in my children's lives and education. Because there are so many things that I want to teach them. Because these years are irreplaceable. Because He told me to...

and that is all the reason I need.

Better Late than Never...

Okay, I finally got the pictures from Hallie's birthday weekend downloaded. Here are a couple that show what a wonderful time we all had. I can't believe my baby girl is 9! That's halfway to 18. That's halfway to college. Scary!!! Anyway, enjoy these pics. They'll last longer than my little girl's childhood!

Your inner ear-your friend

Labyrinthitis sounds really cool, doesn't it? Well, it's not. While it may sound like the sequel to that David Bowie movie, trust me....it's much less fun than that (believe it or not). I've spent the last 2 weeks dealing with varying degrees of vertigo as well as the side effects (zzzzzzzzzzz) of the medicine I have to take which is supposed to help. I suppose if you call falling asleep in a bowling alley, airport and various other public places helpful then it does it's job. Personally, I found it a little problematic. My stepdaughter visited from California but seriously, I hardly remember what we did. It's like a blur. I may as well have been drinking straight tequila all week. Actually, that's a pretty good description of how this whole thing has felt like. One long drunken stupor. I'm actually a lot better now but am wondering if and when this is ever going to go away comletely. Web MD says it can last 6 weeks or longer. Party on.

Incidentally...

I got on my blog today to look for an old dessert recipe that I knew I had posted a few years ago. While searching for it I began to read some of my older entries. In doing so, I discovered a few things...

1. I haven't posted since last summer.

2. I could be wrong here, but I don't think anyone has really noticed.

3. I have a lot of freakin' posts on this thing covering various random topics.

4. According to my visitor tracker, I still have an average of 3 visitors a day.

5. To those three unknown people I have two things to say:
1.Thanks for your dedication.
2. Get a life.

6. I think I miss blogging.

7. I think I'll post once and see how it feels.

8. Feels pretty good.

BTW...the get a life commment was meant to be conveyed as lovingly as possible. Really!

A Fun Day...

On the way to "Memories with Mom" at the American Girl Boutique and Bistro in Atlanta.

Hallie and I enjoying our fondue and marshmellows.

A fun-filled day in my hometown. This is the variety store on Broad St. where my mom worked as a teenager.

This the alternative to Wal-mart and Target, Folks. Where else can you get a wheelbarrow, Pop Rocks and a ceramic chicken all in one place?

Meet Connie. She's the mayor's ex-wife. She sells hotdogs on Broad St. See, it's never too late for a career change.

Ah...the memorial to Emma Sansom. She showed Gen. Forrest and his Confederate army the way across Black Creek. She got a statue and a high school in her honor. Not bad for a 14 year old girl.

The main street of my hometown. Isn't it adorable?

Update...

Well, I'm a little delinquent but I am finally posting some pictures of my niece. Zoie is doing great and she is a sweet little girl with a very playful side. She has already learned a few words of English and even though her language development is delayed, she is very good at communicating.




As for everyone else, things are okay. I'm a little frazzled from being stuck in the house with one sick child (Ethan-stomach bug) and two healthy (hyper?) ones while Randy has been out of town for 2 days. I'm also stressing that school starts in less than a week. Alex is wanting to live in the dorms next semester and the university is still wanting to charge her out of state tuition. I can hardly keep up with all I have going on. Somewhere beneath all my sticky notes sits a refrigerator...one that hopefully has some cookie dough ice cream hiding in it's freezer. I go in search of it. Goodnight!

www.southerngenes.com

Happy Fourth!

We had a great day yesterday. Although it rained a little, we didn't let it stop the fun!

Beach Pictures

I miss it already!

Just a Quickie

This will be short, but I wanted to let everyone know that my niece and BIL will be home Friday and she is doing fantastic. She is almost all smiles now in the pictures and she has really warmed up to her new daddy. We are praying that she will adjust to her new home and family as easily once she is here. They have a long flight (20 hours) ahead so I'm also praying that Scott will still be sane when they arrive. He is a very brave man for going to China to pick up his new daughter alone. We love him!!! Also, my dad's WBC count is up (actually, waaaay up due to an injection) so we are going to visit him on Friday and will finally be able to celebrate Father's Day. We have been at the beach for a week and have had a marvelous time, but I am ready to come home. I'll try to post again tonight. Now it's time for an 8 hour drive with 3 kids. Woo-hoo!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

This should go well with that Wii Fit he got...

Meet My New Niece!!

Yesterday my BIL finally got to pick up his new daughter in China on Father's Day...what are the odds? She did great and although she is somewhat apprehensive (which is to be expected) she seems to be adjusting well so far. Anyway, they will have to stay in China for another week and a half, but I wanted to share this picture. We are so excited and can't wait to meet her in person!

Quick Update

It's been a pretty good summer so far. We've spent lots of time outside with friends and my stepson is visiting for two weeks. Tomorrow morning Hallie's softball team is playing for the city championship. I can't wait to see this game! Whether they win or not, I am so proud of these girls. They have worked so hard. It's awesome to see my daughter excel in something that she enjoys so much.

This will be a hard weekend since we won't be able to visit my dad for Father's Day. The chemo has his WBC too low for him to be around people...especially children. This is very hard for him to take because he is such a people person. He goes for another round of chemo next Friday. We'll be on vacation, so I am hoping and praying that all goes well. He's had a good bit of pain lately, especially in his throat and neck where he had previously had radiation therapy. Some very good news is that his PET scan showed that the cancer has not spread to any other areas and is confined to one cluster of lymph nodes. I just can't wait until 4 months from now when we are all on the other side of this thing. We will be celebrating, that's for sure!

Well, I better get to bed. It's almost 1:00 a.m. and we have a big day ahead of us. As of Wednesday, we'll be headed to the beach and some QT with the fam and my bestest friend. I can't wait! Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments and emails. I am truly blessed!

Staying Positive

My dad, being the fun and positive guy that he is, decided he wanted to have a head-shaving party yesterday and let the grandkids help cut his hair. The kids had a great time and I think this helped them accept PawPaw's new "hair" style. His first chemotherapy treatment is today. He also gets the results of his PET scan. We are praying that the cancer has not spread and that he tolerates the medicine well. My dad is such a trooper!

Me, my dad and my sister.

PawPaw and the grandkids.

Exciting Events

Hallie's softball team completed their season undefeated this week! We are so excited. The Eagles will be competing in the city tournament this weekend and part of next week. This coming weekend we will also be camping at the Sidanelvhi Retreat (Cherokee Family Gathering) at the tribal lands. It's about a 45 minute drive for us to come back into town for her tournament games (including getting up at 5:00 a.m. for a 7:30 game) but it will be well worth it. We finally got around to picking up Hallie's report card and SAT results today. She made all A's all year and scored in the 99th percentile in the nation on her tests. I am so proud of her! We had a fun mother-daughter day together running errands and eating lunch with two of our best friends (Sarah and her mom). We had a great time at the bookstore picking out our summer reading. I can't believe how much that girl loves to read. Well, yes I can. She is my daughter after all.

In other news, Ethan is having a fun-filled summer so far, too. His T-ball team didn't exactly excel, but hey, they've definitely improved. At least, the boys don't cry when they get out any more...much. A few of his preschool classmates are getting together once a week to practice their reading skills and their first session was yesterday. They met at our house and it was fun to be back together with old friends. They are doing great! We also broke down and bought a Wii a couple of days ago and have we ever had fun with it! I discovered I can actually bowl over 100, as long as it's on a screen in my living room.

Well, there's laundry staring at me from across the stairs looking forlorn and woefully neglected. I better start paying it the proper attention. Here's a picture of Hallie's new "project." She made a beach and pool for her Polly Pockets out of a piece of styrofoam, complete with palm trees and a hot tub. If making cool things out of packing materials was marketable, my kids would be millionaires.

Shower for Zoie

For those of you who don't know, my sister and her husband are adopting a little girl from China. Her name is Zoie and she is 2 and half years old. She was born with a cleft lip and palate, so she will face a few surgeries after she has settled in here with her new family. She will be arriving on June 27th after a long year of waiting. Today was the shower for Zoie. It was a lot fun. Here are a few pictures.




Please keep my sister, her husband, my nephew and little Zoie in your prayers.

What Next...

Okay, so slap me. It's been forever since I've posted. I have no excuse other than life just throwing one thing after another our way. I think putting things in writing sort of forces us to accept them as fact and frankly, there's a lot lately that I'd rather leave in the realm of distant possibility as opposed to stark reality. However, I know that you can't make it to the other side of something until you face it, so here I go.

The last few months have been difficult. My step-grandmother died of ovarian cancer only a week after being diagnosed in March. This was very hard for my parents. My unlce died after a long battle with bladder cancer in April. This was especially difficult because Jerry was only 18 months older than my dad and he was also his best friend. His death was very hard for my dad and it was difficult to see him in pain. I think that it was also hard for me, not only because I loved my uncle, but because it really made me realize that it could have been my dad. Not that I haven't faced that possibility before. My dad had a rare forom of throat cancer in 1986 (occupational exposure related). I remember being scared to death. However, he not only survived, but thrived for the next 21 years. In 1988 my mom had a primary coronary spasm resulting from extreme stress (self inflicted though it was). I witnessed this at age 11 and was extremely traumatized by it. Since then, my mom has also survived breast cancer...twice (note to self: don't take HRT for ten years). Throughout all this, I've cried, kicked, screamed, prayed, and learned how to take care of sick people (and how to appreciate hospital waiting room coffee.) I've also developed an overly acute sense of dread and fear of loss. Of course, it's also had some positive impact on me, I suppose. I have to say, though, that I really thought I was due a few years without one of my parents having a life threatening illness. I was wrong about that....as people often are when they feel entitled to something.

My dad was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma last week and here I am again, feeling like a scared little girl who's world is being turned upside down. I got so stressed that I developed Shingles, which in and of itself, falls pretty hard in the non-fun category. It's nothing compared to what my dad's going through, though. Thankfully, my dad is the most positive person I know. He has a great attitude and has never let anything get the best of him so far. I know he'll fight this with all he's got and deep down, I know he's going to be okay. I really feel that. I've spent a lot of time in prayer and God has given me peace about this, and He knows better than anyone that peace doesn't come easy for me. So, I'm thankful for that. I'm trying to learn a lesson from my dad. I don't believe in sitting around feeling sorry for myself. I never have. I'm trying to focus on the positive. Sometimes I just need a little extra push to get me there. I usually get that push from my dad. This is no exception.