Happy New Year!

I must admit, I am so happy to see 2008 draw to an end. It was not a good year. It was a hard year. We lost my daddy. The whole family lost someone so dear, sweet and special. 2008 will forever be marred with the memory of his loss.

But with the hurtful bad comes a load of good. We are all healthy and happy. We have a new neice, new things to accomplish, new hills that he conquered. SO no, not all bad, but 08 was not really good.

I am looking forward to what 2009 has to offer my family and yours!

We just got back from skiing in North Carolina. It was nice, little snow but perfect for the kids to learn before we went in with big bucks and take them out west. Turns out they are quite the skiers! I will post pics of our adventures soon. In the meantime, have a happy, safe and wonder-filled 2009!

Merry Christmas and an update!

How well aware I am that we have dropped off the face of the earth in Cyber years.

I have been a busy gal. Since I last posted we have,
Put my GG in Adams Place assisted living (a huge move and not one that she especially loves)
Celebrated two birthdays, twins, it happens in twos.
had holiday parties at school,
wrapped gifts, and more gifts, and more,
been to Portland TN to visit family,
been soo very thankful for friends and family,
Celebrated the Young/Summar Family Christmas and had the kids (with much help) build Ginger bread trees.
Shopped.
Shopped,
shopped.


We find out in the morning what my Best Friend is having. they had the ultra sound on Tuesday and have the sex in an envelope. STUPID idea, not really but I am nosy and need to know what this kid is.

So anyway

I am off to be santa, say my prayers and tightly put on my cap for a rather short winters nap.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

And the shopping Award Sites are.....(Drum Roll)

HO HO HO! I know that a couple of years ago, I put out a list of little known shops on the web. Most of them are off the beaten path, have unique merch, and are NOT in my neck of the woods. Think beyond Amazon and Ebay people! I have not shopped on all their sites, I only covet most of the times in the sites.

So this years cut is:

www.etsy.com This is Homemade Ebay with out the bidding. You can find only handmade goods. Can also be used for your I need to create moments. Thank you Martha Stewart.

www.seejanework.com Unique office products. They are in CA so shipping can take a while but you get wonderful merch and good service. I have ordered from them. And I love their site.

www.blueribbongeneralstore.net I LOVE THIS STORE. I think I could have one of each and be a happy lady. I am really considering a set of the greek Coffee mugs to go with my new every day wear from Ikea.

IKEA, live and an the flesh is to die! Love it and plan on visiting each time I am in Atlanta. I like to dream on that site, like what if a I had a Loft in NYC, what would I do and then ~POOF~ you can look and see! Love it Obsessed!

www.anthropologie.com I went in to this store when we were in NYC. I am IN LOVE. Of corse my BIG BUTT cannot get into any of there clothes. But clothes are one thing the need to have my house look like that store is quite the other.....Just visit a store and then try to leave in under an hour.

www.uncommongoods.com Really a CRAZY site. People can make anything from common goods and this site is there to prove it.

www.teavana.com Wonderful store. I have been in the, done business with them. And while it does look expensive, there tea is exquisite.

www.goop.com this is Gwyneth Paltrow's new lifestyle site. Good suggestions for things to do things to see and where to shop. Stay on top of the hippest London (er) American ~

www.redenvelope.com This is not that uncommon of a site. I just like it for neat easy gift ideas. I look at this site for ideas and then I go to TJ Maxx and duplicate what I like for like half off. That is smart shopping!

www.fredflare.com You can get something for the person that has everything but not......Here!

www.delight.com each day this site has a new "delight" This site has everything from eco-friendly finds to healthy living gadgets. Neat-O!

www.bluetreenyc.com Totally funky and fun. A site to dream by. If only I were so hip and modern. What fun it is to dream....

www.dylanscandybar.com Nathan and I have been in this three story candy paradise. This is a storefront in NYC, owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter. So neat, so chic! A feast for your eyes and tummy!

www.westelm.com not so off the beaten path but a great site for the traditional house keeping needs. Enjoy the classic looks when you are done dreaming with all the rest.

And when all else fails, go to www.realsimple.com to take it down a notch, simply!

Cheers to you and yours this holiday season. Happy shopping. I am almost done! Are you?

I am compiling my list of Shopping Sites.

Thanksgiving!

Madonna in Atlanta

Atlanta and Madonna Here we come!

I am heading out in 1.5 hours for our second trip to see Madonna in concert!

We, and by we I mean, me, Melissa, Leslie and Stacee, are headed out for our second Madonna world tour get away. We are going to spend the next two days, together!

There is nothing in the world better (aside from kiddos) than spending time with girlfriends. We did this a couple of years ago. We had such a good time, when Madonna said she was going out again we decided to make it a second go! I am so excited to shop at really nice stores, HELLO cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus! (although I will not buy, I will covet) drink a starbucks or so, eat and talk talk talk.

We have Melissa who is under strict orders from the hubby to take it easy on the baby to be. So this gives us excuses for a Pedicure, or at least to cop a squat and people watch. But never fear, we are taking good care of her!

I plan on taking lots of pictures and post them regardless of my EasyShare situation! I do not know hat I more excited about Madonna in Concert or Girl time! SO fun!

Oh and all the while I will be keeping my eye out for the trash known as the Real Housewives of Atlanta er "the Ghetto"

Oh Home Again!

Well We made it thru the couple of days Nathan was in Indiana. I do not mind him being gone. It gives me time alone with the kids. But it is always nice to have everyone home and safe. Speaking of safe. Nathan called me this morning and told me that he knocked the Poo out of his head right on the spot of the "head injury." Needless to say this is not what I wanted to hear coming from someone that is in another state, has to fly home and UGH. But luckily, I can ignore my stressers and him in particular. HA!

We STILL have not gotten that dern tooth out. We have done the wet towel pulling, and since that tooth is the snaggle tooth, the towel does not touch that tooth. Tonight I got the plyers out. Hillarious, my kids will let me do anything to them.

In other news. I leave on SUNDAY for Atlanta! This trip has been like 8 months in the making. I am really excited to shop, talk and do girly things with 3 of my friends. And OH YEA, see Madonna! Perhaps her arms will inspire me to get my butt back to the gym!

And finally, my GG turns 91 on Friday. When she turned 90, I hosted the family at my house for take out. And my daddy was here. He was so proud to have his mom turn 90. My how things change in a matter of no time at all. I just hope we can have a nice day for her to enjoy!

Hope all is well. Until we meet again, probably on Facebook. My new hobby!

We Never Slow Down!

So change is good? I tend to like the idea of change but not change in and of itself! Last week was choc full (however you spell that) of change.

Since I last blogged, we, I and they.......

I taught an JROTC class at Siegel. Such a good time and good kids. I love teaching these kiddos!

Jason and Sarah, Noah, Carson and Elizabeth moved into my Grandmother's house. Yep 6 people in 2200 sq ft! And NEVER have you EVER seen a 90 year old soooo mad. I think that she thought that Jason would just move in and leave the wife and kids behind. Poor GG, she does not understand.

Mom is still in Texas, however coming home tonight. Way to stay away from the fire mom!

Noah and Carson stayed the night with Ethan and John and if I had not loaded "Easy Share" software on my computer, I would have pics. But Easy share is not so easy!

Nathan left this morning for South Bend IN. It is snowing there! He is going to look at buying a hospital. He will be home on Weds night.

I leave on Sunday morning for MADONNA in Atlanta. In true girl fashion, we are going down a day early to shop and shop. So excited!

Last Thursday three friends and I went to Christmas Village at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This is an event that I LOVE and have so much fun attending with these gals. We talk about everything and we stayed out FAR too late. I mean 11PM is late right? I was so tired on Friday but this is the one time a year that this mix of girls can get together.

OK well I am pulling the only mommy thing and have no more time to sit on the computer and yell at the boys for bouncing around the house.

Chao!

Run like the wind!

I cannot get pictures to load because I loaded Easy Share on my Laptop and now I do not have pictures on my desktop, I don't know. It is annoying. So a short rundown on Daddy's Banquet. It was wonderful. The Air Force Pharmacists really did him proud and had he been there, he would have been so humbled. Complete with a tear jerking slideshow, and stories and stories and wonderful memories all of my dad. My was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award on my fathers behalf. And for those of you knew my father, you know that he so believed in young people and education. So the most moving part of the Banquet was the announcement of the fully funded self sustaining Jerry W. Ross Pharmacy scholarship. He would just beam over that. I was emotionally so draining and yet so terribly nice.

So off and running we are. My kids lose their ever loving minds when they are with their friends. And while I love that they have lots friends but I am soooo tired of them not listening to me. I do not let my kids run inside. And by inside I mean I do not let them run if there is a roof over their heads. And it does not matter why I do not let them run other than we have made several trips to the hospital and gotten stitches because we were screwing around in the house.

So anyhow, let me ask this, why in the Lord names and I do mean the Lord, would my kids think it is OK to run and yell in the church? Every Wednesday night after choir they take off running out of the class, down the stairs, and almost into the parking lot all the while I am behind them telling them to slow down and shut up. Then we get in the car they are so keyed up that they are crazy! Then I have to yell at them the entire way home.

This does not make for a nice evening. I hate it and it all starts with running.

In other news, I spent 4 hours today lecturing High School students about STD's. I have such a wonderful time spending time with these kids. And I dare say that they get a kick out of some woman coming in and talking frankly and honestly about sex. Such fun. I am so happy that I started in this and I am looking forward to meeting and talking with more kids.

What Plans??

Sorry I have not checked in to entertain everyone. I am going to tell you all about daddy's thing in Louisville but firstly, I have a funny story.

Last Wednesday morning we had a plan. I am a planning person. I am also almost always in control, of me and everyone else in my house aside from Nathan from 6am to 7pm. We had plans to see the kids off to school finish last minute packing and head out the door by 9:30am. At the latest, we would be in Louisville including time change at 2PM.

So we get up, I feed the kids breakfast. John comes back into the kitchen, and promptly states that he just puked. Well, does your tummy hurt? do you feel bad? All honest no's. Then he starts to wimp out. I feed him a pepto, and lo and behold he pukes that up. So next up, Phenerghan (sp) the big guns are out. I call Nathan's mom and tell her that John is sick and is going to need to spend the day on her couch. She is Ok with that and we plan on dropping John off on the way out of town. Ethan is at school with an e mail to his teacher to look out for this ominous stomach bug. I tell John to settle in on the couch noting to aim for the bucket on the floor should we have another event and I start to the shower. Once in the shower this child comes bounding in the bathroom asking for something to eat. Ask your dad to make you some dry toast. No, I do not want toast. I want a Marshmellow treat. Eyes are clear and attitude is great and I say OK eat a rice krispy treat. Nathan then comes in the door of the bathroom, remember I am still in the shower! Why are you letting him eat that. Well if he can hold that down he can go to school. Nathan looks at me like I am crazy. Then once I have exited the shower Nathan comes in to the bathroom and states, John is going to school.

WHY-I ask~would he go from questioning me about the rice krispy treat to taking the kid to school? Well he was taking his mini rubix cube and playing basketball with it in his Puke Bucket.

Yep, bad pizza the night before, a nervous stomach, and one free trip to school!

We were in Louisville on time!

The state of out economy is good....

OK really 2 years of campaigning has come to that statement. The talking head who have talked and talked for the last 3 years have boiled down the downfall of the McCain campaign to that statement. WHAT?

Also what happened to staying up late in the night to see what happens? Now it is almost 8 and Nathan is walking around saying Obama has it. There is no more fun in the presidential elections. I heard that the Prime Minister race in the UK is a six week blitz. No fuss to muss. I think that they have that correct! And what to do with all the money that we save in this blitz? We give it to impoverished countries that is foreign diplomacy! OK I will step off my soapbox and move on. Oh but how far we have come as a country to elect an african American, that is wonderful to me. But I am McCain.

Tomorrow we (the whole family minus the kids) leave for Louisville KY. The American Pharmacy Association and Joint Forces are holding their annual Jerry W. Ross Banquet. Needless to say that this is the first year that Jerry W. Ross will not attend. They instead are honoring his life and his legacy. The association decided that it would be nice to have Jason, Mom and me as well as our spouses. So we leave in the morning. I am looking forward to seeing all of the goo dfriends that my father worked with, inspired in his own, and whom looked up to dad. He was a force that is for sure. But it is also with heavy heart that I attend. I do not want to be the daughter of the late Jerry Ross. What I would do to have him there, laughing, working the room with all his friends. I am sure that we will have a nice time, just a hard time.

Until we meet again.

Halloween and Kids Pics

So those are my kids, the Spiderman and the Ninja. And yes, they were the same things last year. Some how my cost cutting hubby convinced the kids to be the same thing this year and save $50. I have no clue how or how many dollars exchanged hands in the process. I have been banned from Halloween the year that I dressed John up as a duck or was it the bumble bee year?? I forget. So Nathan handles everything ghoulish in our house hold.

Then today, OH today! I take pride in the fact that my kids have not drawn on themselves, while in my care ever! And not that drawing on yourself is the worst thing by any means that can happen~ but on picture day, it is perhaps one of the worst things that can happen. So Sarah (my brother's wife) and I come up with the idea to have the kids pics made. And since today is like 72 degrees and sunny, why not?? I head out to church and leave all the kids (Nathan included) at home. I get home shove everyone in the car for the hour trip to Dickson, for good leaves and the perfect setting. We stop along the way and grab a bite to eat. When we arrive at the perfect spot, I look back and John and notice that he has ketchup on his forehead. Keeping in mind that I turned down the ketchup offer at the burger joint and I never let open ketchup in the new van. Upon further inspection I notice (with spit laidened napkin ready for the kill) that it is not ketchup, it is more of a temporary tattoo in the spot that a bindi would be had be been in the Indian culture. We are not Indian! So during that hour that I was at church John had applied a tattoo of a lightning bolt smack between the eyes. Nothing baby wipes and a few chuckles can't cure.

Also taking pride in the wisdom I have gained in my six (almost 7) years of motherhood~never put on the "picture clothes" until you are ready to snap away. In our case, my kids are in white. NO WAY are we making the trip to Dickson wearing white. We get to the state park, discuss the bindi and I am taking off John's "travel shirt" to put on his white clean shirt and much to my surprise, my ALMOST 7 year old son has drawn all over his chest, belly and arms! Is he suddenly 3? What in the world and having his shirt off only reveals the beginnings of the tattooing that took place during my absence this morning.

Well at least the bindi was removed, the artwork was covered an no rouge birds flew over pooping. We had wonderful uneventful pictures made of all 5 kids! I cannot wait to see what they look like. All in a day people, all in a day!

!

Well, where I left off was rain rain rain and camping with Cub Scouts.

We made it! And for once the weather man was right in the rain clearing out! On Friday just as we were loading the car, the rain cleared and we had a nice time setting up camp, eating dinner and spending time with one another and the Young family! Saturday we woke up and man is it cold when you sleep on the ground. And does a number on your back! But fun nonetheless. The kids had a ball, the big boys had fun and Melissa and I spent the day reading talking and keeping camp.

I also left off telling everyone about my experience with ASITIA. I spent last week for a couple of hours each day teaching a Health class. We go over the risks of pre marital sex, the value of waiting and the ways to know if you have a healthy relationship. At the end of the week, we hand out commitment cards. I would say that 85 to 90 percent of the students made a commitment to wait. I just got another class asigned to me. It will be a JROTC class at Siegel. I am super excited to talk to them!

The last step of my water damage escapade is taking place today, all day at the house. Once you get water in your duct work, you have to have your HVAC unit and duct work cleaned. So this is kind of a bonus. I will have cleaner air in my house and perhaps not have to dust as much. OK well I don't dust that much anyway, but never too late not to start. And perhaps a little more time between the kids drawing in my dust. HA!

I am off to the dentist for the first time in a year I think. I am sure that my teeth are oK. We shall see. Then I am going to look for something to wear to the Air Force, Amry Nevy and Marines Pharmacy tribute to my dad. UGH! I hate shopping!

It's Raining it pouring

And we are going camping! That's right, Nathan is off half a day to get us ready to camp in the rain. I am not soooo happy. This is our first time and the kids are looking so forward to it so off we go.

I had a wonderful time teaching and I think that my last day made such an impression. I hope that I can share with you all some of what happened soon, but I have to pack.

Have a good weekend.

Well that is done...

Ok well I just got home from teaching my FIRST Asitia class.

I LOVED IT! I had a wonderful class. But the teacher told me it was his worst. I think that they kids listened to me, had some interest and we had a nice hour with one another. I only forgot to do one thing. There is a trick that Iwas supposed to play on them about which Birth Control is the most effective, well I did not want to do that becuase the Teacher's Manual made it sound so trite.....once Delvin told me how to really do it~ not so trite. Delvin is another Asitia teacher. He stayed with me today to observe my teaching. Really a nice young man who does campus ministry at MTSU.

I had one girl become pregnant with the belly and boobs and all. She was so good at it. They guys did not understand how uncomfortable that was. But what man does?

Tomorrow we are talking STD's ~fun fun. I love that my classes are not beat you over the head and make you want to run. They are thought provoking and make you want to listen. So I am off to get my kids and study up for Tuesday's hour of Non-Sex ed. HA HA!

I am an Teacher sort of....

Hey all!

I am so sorry that I have not been on the blog lately. The kids are returning to school in the morning after two weeks off. Think of all the things that we adults could do with two weeks off! Ahh my kids have the life-aside from the occasional trash duty they have it made. They are both really looking forward to seeing their teachers and friends again. Good for them.

Thursday we (my mom and I) spent the afternoon together at the emergency room with my grandmother. She had said that she was not feeling well and well you have to be almost dead for my mom to take you anywhere near a health care facility. GG really played it up and had me and Sarah concerned. So we spent 4 hours, with a head CT chest x ray, Blood work, Urine ran, and IV place only to find out that she is in the health of a 70 year old. Which is good and all but perhaps we could just go to her PCP for that next time. SO every time from here on out that she say she does not feel well we tell her we are packing her up to the ER again. I hope that we do not have to do that again.

Friday, well who knows what I did Friday~ that was OH LORD, YEP, shopping day with the kids for Fall Clothes. I only shop with the kids for their clothes twice a year. They get to pick out (within reason and price) what they want and I put up with whatever they do in the store. This time we were in the GAP and I had had it with John whining and hitting EE. I turned to him and stated, "You know, you are almost 7 years old, the last time that I checked you are a human. Please act like a human and not the beast that you are.." I do not plan on publishing a parenting manual anytime soon.... Never fear.

Saturday I was treated to an NHL hockey game with a friend of mine! What a treat! But before that, I went to the Y with Nathan and had a workout with him. He pays for my trainer and I take out my frustrations with my trainer on Nathan, it is good arrangement! I then headed to the Bell Buckle ( yes that is a town name here in Middle Tennessee) Craft show. That was nice to have a get away with my mom. Although I did not buy anything, I think that I can make Elizabeth some hairbows that will not overpower what little hair she has. Of course I always go to craft shows and think I can make all of these things and I never do.... Good intentions. Then it was off to Nashville to eat a nice dinner with Susan. We had such a good conversation and nice visit. The game was great complete with 4 fights and 6 goals. Our seats were club level and so nice! Thanks Susan!

Today we went to church. The kids sang at the 11AM service. They did really good....so proud. Then we went to me mommys for lunch and catching up around here. But so fun, I teach my first Asitia class in the morning. I am teaching at a local high school. I have not seen this class taught and I am not really sure what to do. Perhaps I can charm them with my wonderful personality and they will just not have pre marital sex. No really I do need to study! So tah tah. I will let you know how I do! I have one class each day this week to take me thru the study. The first four classes I will have someone to back me up- then I am on my own. AHHHH!

Fairy Godmother???

So in the past 24 hours I have done alot.

I have done so much, that I need a nap! I spent most of yesterday with my grandmother. My GG (as we now call her) will be 91 next month, is still mourning the loss of her son, and suffering from old age. Mix that with four grandkids (me, Sarah, Jason and Nathan)~ you have a mix of goop. Or at least that is how I feel lately. She is suffering from dementia, and it seems to get worse all the time. But she is still with it enough to get huffy when we try to help!

So if anyone sees that BIG book floating around that tells you when to do what with your dad's mom, let me know. Otherwise, when I get to heaven, I will hug my daddy and the kill him for leaving us in such a lurch.

Today, I had such a nice time sleeping in. The kids stayed at MeMommy's last night. When I joined the land of the living I went to the Gym. Why do I go to the gym? I hate it, I hate sweating I hate driving to the Y, getting to the Y, signing in @ the Y, and working out as a whole ~I hate it. And then Kevin (my trainer-who is a whole nother story-says I need to work out 7 days a week) that should tell you something. But oh yea-the gym is supposed to make me feel better so AHHHH I feel better. But I still have alot of Hate that I need to work thru.

And finally, I spent the better part of the day doing the dreaded cleaning and straightening. Don't forget, I have a good layer of dust from the flooring. My living room is still not done being painted (thanks nate) and so why would you put the furniture back in place when you are just going to have to move it again?! So my house is half put back together.

I went in to clean the boys bathroom. And according to my mom, you can measure the amount of fun by the amount of dirt on your kids. My kids have had the BEST couple of weeks on fall break or (and I am sure that this is NOT the case) I need to clean more often. Certainly not me!

And I have resigned to the fact that cleaning does make me ugly!

I did have a friend invite me to a Predators game on Sat night. That should be fun! And it does not involve cleaning politics, or my kids. AMEN! I do not think that I will be watching the debate tonight. I am going to vote, I am just SO OVER politics at this point....

Vandy v. Miss St. and Drive by Univ of Al.

Gatlinburg Pics

Guys weekend at AL v. KY

Quick turn and then gone again!

Well as most of you know we had a chance to take a quick trip to Gatlinburg. The kids and I went with mom, My aunt and uncle and my cousin, her hubby and her two kids. We had a wonderful time. I drove the "old car" my kids and my mom aunt and uncle. I drove all of those bladders to Gatlinburg (Over 3 hour trip) without a stop! We made it there in record time! On Tuesday we went to Dollywood. I managed to fall out of Dolly Parton's tour bus. That provided chuckles for everyone and a couple of nice bruises for me. John and I rode every roller coaster they had to offer. We rode a REAL Coal powered train from 1892! That was really neat! Then on Weds we headed into the Smokey Mountain National Park. We had wanted to hike a bit but it was rainy and overcast so we did the riding tour. I gained the name Danika Summar from my uncle~ he was always wondering where the fire was. But we had the BEST treat. We came upon a mommy beat and her 2 baby bears. They were all in a tree. The babies came down and mom stayed, stating: "You kids bare with me a moment, I can barely get out of this tree." I am funny I know. But what a treat! On Thursday, it was time to shop, come home and recoup!

Today, I spent the day running errands, arguing with two kids, and packing for our trip to Starkeville MS. That's right 24 hours ago, I was not home and 24 hours from now I will be not home again. Both on trips both with kids. This trip we will have Nathan and Uncle Glen. Uncle Glen is an old friend of Nathan's that is a Vandy Alum. He is single, and has no kids. After this trip, I am certain that he will remain that way.

We will be home on Sunday. Then I am in for another full week of fall break! Pray for us!

I hope to put a slide show of our trip together soon! My floors are wonderful and stinky. My house is still packed in milk crates. Off we go~ when I get home to unpack no one knows.

This flippin thing will not work.

I am Sick!

I broke down and hauled my one ear, hearing self to the walk in clinic today. I have been sick for nearly a week. Seeing that I have loads of moving to do I figured I should get a shot in the butt of something.

I was in and out in 20 mins tops. The PA that I saw was amazed that I was not ill in the bed ordering my dear husband to fetch me Starbucks and chocolate. Oh wait, no he just said that I was sick and to bend over for a shot of cortizone. I have a Z pack and some cough stuff being filled at the pharmacy. So yep now I should start feeling better! AHHHH I cannot wait.

I have about 48 hours to clear the rest of our personal belongings out of the 80% of the house that will be getting a sand and re finish. I asked Nathan to clean out the CD's DVD's and general crap out of our coffee table -while he was watching Monday Night Football, Well that did not happen. So now I am watching how to extract honey from honey comb (nice to know martha stewart-) I am SURE that I will never have that problem. But needless to say my request got lost in the football, work mayhem. So guess what sick mommy is doing? Yep loading up the junk. By the way if you have to move out of in your house, use milk crates. My daddy t has like 100 and they are life savers.

I will take pics and load them of my VERY pretty house. You all should come for a visit and sit on the raw wood floor. FUN TIMES!

A Day at the Apple Orchard complete with 100 1st graders!

I am getting old...

I am getting old!
I thought last summer when my best friend got married-I was old. And I was,~ I was too old to be dressed up in formal wear, too old to be eyeing the groomsmen (Nathan) and too old to be planning the bachelorette party (that ended at like O' 10PM). But today it was put in concrete, Shannon Sallee Ross-Summar is OLD!

My morning started off with the kids jumping in bed with us...and I still have a cold so I was slow getting up. We got dressed, headed to see Nathan's sister (a half sister) but nontheless- run cross country with her High School squad. OK when did Carli get as tall as me?, and in high school talking about college and getting a drivers licence???? I saw her off to Kindergarten! Then I went to a wedding of my sister in law's best friend. I came into their lives when Katie (my sister in law) was in high school like Carli! And now those two women are now married, starting or having families and I still in many ways think of them as high schoolers.

And I am still me! I still think that I am in college-still cool and able to hang. Except I am 9.5 years married and have two kids and a home with two cars and a black and white dog. I am old because I thought taking off my heals from the wedding was important enough to put on my facebook status. I am also old because I have a china cabinet and a room that you have but really do not use that much.

But I am not too old to haul my family, kids, dogs and hubby to my mom's house late in the week-yep Sally, we are comin' and I do expect to be able to sleep with Nathan in your home.

Only because I am OLD!

If I was a commercial~

If I were a cold medicine commericial, well I would not be a cold commercial! There is no truth in advertising! I have taken Nasonex, Alka Seltzer, Benedryl ( the kids kind that comes in plastic measure things) I was desperate! I was up alot last night and not feeling well. GUESS WHAT! I still do not feel well. What I thought yesterday was post nasal drip has turned into a take to your bed, sore throat, snot dripping, funk fest in my body! For the first time in a long time, I took a nap! I did some laundry, and when I bent over to empty the drier, snot was moving in my head.

I had both of the kids parent teacher conferences. My kids are wonderful! I attribute this to their well rounded, both physically and emotionally HA HA ---mom. No really, they are good kids, good students and I could not be more proud. I am happy to report they are doing really well in school. Now if I can just convince them that fighting at home is not acceptable.

On another front: I am currently reading "Through the Storm" by Lynn Spears. Why did I spend my money? She cannot write~ in English anyway! I am from the south so I understand all the southern(isms) but I would not let that be my published legacy. I have not gotten to the part of shaving heads and all~ that should be good.

I will continue to watch 90210 that is TiVoed, wiping my running nose, and gear up for yet another baseball game.

Toodles!

Oh my kids

Just so that you know, any of you. Scrapbooking is on QVC all day today. I am going to have it on as I attempt to complete my Cozumel album later. Perhpas I can learn some new things to try. Which by the way, I went up yesterday to the craft corner of my guest bedroom-I thought that I wanted to work on Mexico-turns out that I did not really want to scrap~and when you do not want to scrap, you end up making really ugly pages. So Food for thought.

Last night I had dinner with my in-laws. My Father in law is the cutest thing in the world. He invited me & the boys to have dinner at the Farm Bureau annual BBQ thing. So he had so much fun introducing us to his friends. And some of the time, I was just his "daughter". SO cute. For those of you that do not know, Talmadge does not have any kids of his own. He married Linda and she had three kids. And my kids are his first grand kids. Ethan, John and Daddy T are the three amigos~ adorable! After dinner we headed down the hill to the kids 7PM baseball game.

As I have alluded to before, I do not think that we are a baseball family. John hit a homerun! And that was wonderful and I was so happy for him! Nathan went over to the dugout to congratulate him-he was so happy he said, "Dad, did you see, I hit a home in one!" Really??!!?? Then Ethan, never to be outdone told his daddy that he hit to first base (which he did only it was foul ball) He told me that he got to first base and then they had to go in. Really he hit an OUT.

I think we shall see what happens from now to the fall and perhaps go back to SOCCER! Ha ha. My kids! I love them!

An Essay of Pictures

This is Bennea. His mom moved to China to teach English. She used to teach my kids at Pre School
Nathan decided to paint the Living Room. He decided to Paint the kids names in the Living room. Can I get a show of hands who does indoor graffiti??? Anyone? NO?
This is Nathan on a ladder. We only recently let him back up on ladders. Head injury and all.
And this is the retarded man that shows up in my house. I think that he was cold~and trying out his new sleepingbag. It will be winter soon and I may kick him out.
This is the same retarded man watching football, that is a green pad under him to make him more comfortable when I do kick him out. And that is my dog.

Anywho! That is my life.

A Correction~

Clearly I am not a child of the 70's

Nathan is

and he was humming the theme song to Sanford and Sons as he was leaving out the door this morning.

I am heading to the new Publix down the road from us. Perhaps to purchase some more junk for the garage.

An Open Letter....

My dearest Love,
I realize that since we moved to this house-you have taken an interest in the garage and how clean the garage is, how it looks from a passing car, what stuff is left out and cleaning the garage every now and again. When we lived in the Modified Ghetto you did not care...now we moved on up and we "care"

When you left for work this morning you called me George Jefferson. And I believe that you stared humming the song to the Jefferson's. I am not George Jefferson, as I am not a middle aged African American male-whom came into a windfall. The Windfall part -you can tell me about that later if you have any news from the financial standpoint.

I went into the garage this morning when I was headed out the door at 830 this morning to take your clothes to the laundry and pick up the paint that YOU wanted. As I was loading up the clothes, I noticed that the messes you were talking to Mr. Jefferson about was the Tomato vine thingy that I did not put out there. You were aggravated by the broom, pooper scooper blue tarp and these size 11 mens crocs that are all outside of the garage door-none of which I own. And I know that you would say that I do own the broom as my mode of transportation which is really quite funny, and you would know that I think that it is funny by the mild smirk on my face.

So my dear, I will not be heading outside to pick up the junk in the garage because, and I woefully submit to you these explanation:

1-I am not George Jefferson, although I do have my own neatly maintained piles of stuff which does not compare to your crap beside the bed. Like the bag from Labor day weekend that you have yet to unpack. George Jefferson I am not.


2-My back hurts. Which explains my unique gaite.........

There is a certain amount of adoration that I feel for you at 7AM when you make fun of your stuff and blame it on me. Ah Love!

Really they are installed.

Well there you have it. The floors were installed this morning and afternoon. It took all day. but I am really please with how everything turned out. The only damaged hardwood was what you see in front of the fridge. BUT as you know when you have real hardwood and you sand and refinish-you must sand and refinish all of it. And although Nathan and I really did not care for the color of our wood, and he always wanted wood in the living room this was our chance and so we are going for it in hopes that we will not have to do this again anytime soon.

Now I have to pick a stain for the re - do! UGH decisions.

New Floor installed!

Doesn't everyone's dining room look like this???

Millie and the "old" carpet-we are taking the carpet to Habitat-but keeping the dog....

That was the scene this morning in the Summar home. I had a nice day of sawing, talking, hammering and noise. Made the kids sound quiet to me. But the guys were super nice and really clean. So only two more weeks and this problem will be solved.

So look at the post above this one for the after!

To Remember...

Like most Americans, I am making a conscious effort to remember 9-11. We all know where we were when we heard a plane had hit the tower. We remember the sights of the people coming from the buildings before they fell. We remember the news that was non stop for weeks on end. The hopes that we had that if just one more person was pulled from the rubble perhaps the madness would end.

I was sitting in a chair in the old house. I was 5 month pregnant and had just found out a week prior that I was expecting twins. I remember Katie Couric and Matt Lauer not knowing what was happening. I recall wondering where my daddy was, as he spent soo much time in the air. I recall telling Nathan that something was happening. I remember seeing tears in his eyes when he came home from work that day and saw the devastation.

I mostly recall how I thought "Oh my God! I am bringing two more people into a world that is so messed up. What do you do with that?" I am thankful for today, I am not thankful in anyway for what happened today seven years ago-but I am thankful for today. Thankful that I had today. Our mortality is not guaranteed-I am thankful that I-at 32 have only begun to know the loss that those people knew seven years ago.

And on a lighter note: When did I get old enough to need EYE CREAM? I will wear it and I like it-I suppose- but really do I have eye wrinkles at 32?

Sex Talk

So Hello! I bet that I caught you off guard with my title. It is such a taboo subject. I have a feeling Nathan will be calling me Dr. Ruth before long. As uncomfortable as the entire subject is for him, he is hanging in there with me-bless his heart.

I went to my first in classroom experience. That was so neat. Firstly, it was the Middle School that used to be a High School. And 49 years ago approx, my parents were smooching in the halls, being all happy and sock hoppy in the late 50's. Well I swear, they still have the same flooring and I can just feel Sally and Jerry in the prime of their youth being High School sweethearts.

Well all that has changed~ now it is filled with 6th 7th and 8th graders. I sat through a pretty fun, small class of 7th graders. They are goofballs - it makes me wonder how my kids are going to make it out of puberty without my killing them. Then the 8th grade class that I sat in was super good. They had good questions and really interacted with my director. We were talking about the value of oneself, the meaning of love and how to know you are in love. One little girl asked if it hurt to lose your virginity. HA! I would have never asked that! But it was asked and answered in a matter of a fact fashion.

I am headed out to get three little boys from school. Then we are heading to Sams, church tonight, and home again home again.

Thursday I have two more classes at another school that I will watch. Ah to be young and awkward again!

Big Bummer!

Today I hauled all the way to Belle Meade because Anatra Jewel called and said my ring was in from NY. So I dropped the kids at school, got dressed, jumped in the car for the 45 minute ride to Belle Meade. Just to find that they had made my ring a half size too small. UGH bummer! She is going to have it corrected and send it to me. Oh well-all good things.....

I did not tell you all that I have taken on a new task. I have committed myself to working with Asitia or Rutherford Abstinence Program. I am going through training at the moment and really look forward to getting into the class rooms soon. Basically we go into public schools and teach a 5 course abstinence education program. Or we can go into churches, health fairs etc. This is something thtat I think can be useful to younger people and if you know me, you know I have no problem talking about anything. I really think that this a ministry that I can help with in our community. I am going to watch a class in a middle school (YIKES) on Weds and Thurs. Next week I will be in a High School. I am thinking that I will do better in High School but you never know, I may LOVE the little pimply teens. Today I have to have a TB skin test, have not had that since High School. Then I have to have a CPR course and OSHA classes-our offices are located in the Crisis Pregnancy Center which is a medical facility, so I have to be "medical" I suppose.

All of this education bodes well for the kids. I know that when they are in Sixth grade I will still not want to talk to them about sex.

But I believe that when you know better-you do better and you let others in on your wisdom. Personally, this is something that I never thought that I would do~ but I have had more than one person tell me I will be really good at it. Wish me Luck....I am sure I will have plenty of stories.

Good Times, Fast Times, and reconnections!

What a week in the Summar home! Never have I EVER been so excited about politics! I watched Mrs. Palin and I think that I really am in line with MOST of what she is wanting for our country. The only thing that I do not agree with is perhaps her lack of Foreign Policy Experience and her liking the need to drill oil in AK. But seeing that she did mention that we are looking at other sources of energy leaves me hopeful that McCain and Palin will drill in AK-to decrease our exposure to foreign energy sources and REALLY hit hard with the alternative fuel. We also have some family friends that live in AK and they LOVE their Governor. Perhaps her daughter made a bad decision in her life-that does not make her a bad person. All the other things are just sideshows (to me).

Ok I am off the soapbox.

This is such a busy time of year for some reason. We are gearing up for a MAJOR fundraiser at school. I have decided to take on a new role as a volunteer for a local charity and well Nathan remains busy and you know--it goes down hill. Today we met with mom's financial person. He is such a joy and so completely helpful. He really puts our mind at ease that she will be OK for her life and meet some of the goals that she and dad put into place. Then I was off to meet the plumber at the house, run errands, discover that I do still indeed have water behind the fridge-call the optometrist, the pest dude and the dentist-which I need to call back-note to self.

I also realized that Ethan's class is having a cookie exchange with their book buddies on Friday. So I was making cookies until I realized that you must have BROWN sugar and white sugar for Chocolate Chip Cookies. Which by the way, Walgreens does NOT selld BROWN sugar. Now I will actually cook the dough and not EAT the dough.

I also got in touch -via Facebook-with an old Jr. High friend. That was neat! She and I were soooo close and I guess that I just keep up with her thru hearing things from mom and Jason. I was really happy to hear from her. She has a three year old and she teaches pre-school and coaches the High School Cheerleading squad. AH memories.

Oh and Nathan's mom and I went in and bought him and two of his friends tickets to the AL v. KY game on 10/4. I said last year that I would never get him tickets to a game again and well I made it a year! He just likes so much to be at games with his friends-perfect gift for the guy what can I say?? But Daniel and Glen think that I am the BEST wife in the world! Just kidding M, he LOVES you!

There are NO words!

They say that the American Dream begins with home ownership. Nathan and I bought our first house almost 10 years ago. Our first house we lived in for 7 years and we had NO problems. It was new when we bought it, it was 1247 sq ft. We OUTGREW our house. We found our dream house about 10 minutes away. We bought this house and we do LOVE it, but in the short amount of time that we have owned it we have:

replaced 5 windows

replaced 2 air units

had a new roof installed (insurance paid for this)

and now this kitchen situation.

My American dream would be to save some money! I love my house but wow! What a mess and to have this in the kitchen and the Laundry room-well you may as well fire me as being the cook and laundress! Perhaps a Vacation will work in well at this time-so long savings hello Hawaii!

OK that was a quick trip, I forgot, in an effort to be SuperMom-I signed the kids up for Cub Scouts. They think that in being a Cub Scout they will go on adventures and shoot stuff with a bow and arrow. Little do they know what we will really do is tie knots and sing camping songs. But that is OK, just more quality time out in public with me throwing ugly looks trying to get them to pay attention to what is happening. Yippee for us! Although I signed Nathan up to help as well seeing that he is an Eagle Scout and all.

What a Weekend!

We had quite the weekend. Saturday started with a BANG or more of the dulll drone of the wind tunnel that is my kitchen-so escape we did, we headed to the YMCA for a quick workout. Then Melissa called and we got with the Young family and headed out (all 8 of us in my van) to the Wilson County Fair. I love a good fair, I love to see the arts and crafts, the quilting and things that take some kind of effort. Those things that make you feel completely talentless and nothing like the home maker that I am.....I thought that it would be a "learning" experience for the kids to know that you show cows, make clothes and make pottery. We watched one round of the cows and they were complaining of the mature -oh yes, my kids do not know that it is manure! I on the other hand LOVED the cows and Melissa and I picked the winner and got it right. I should have been a "Cow Judge". We spent most of the time at the rides, with the carnies (you know who carnies are, the people that work the rides that have not teeth and do not know that second hand smoke is harmful.) and listening to the requests of the FOUR boys that we had. Then we headed to the MAIN EVENT!

We went to the Demolition Derby! Oh yes, me, Shannon Summar went to the most red neck thing that I have ever seen. I have been to a tractor pull, I can help on a farm but I have NEVER seen anything like this! It is Redneckdom at its best. And it was hilarious-not only for the idea, but for the people that actually had family members involved! OH MY, they were passionate about their beat up cars. The kids had a ball. Now that is good wholesome (with your ears covered) family fun.

On Sunday marked another special and sad day for our family. It was mom and dad's 45 Anniversary! But Sarah and Jason decided to have Baby Elizabeth baptised. We had a wonderful time at church, we all went to the chancel rail to see her get "sprinkled" and shed a few tears. She is such a special gift and we are so lucky to have each of our kids, no matter that we would like to kill them from time to time. After church I had the family get together for lunch. Kristi was kind enough to open her house at the last moment since mine is well, loud and wet. Everyone had a nice time.

Today I was back to First Grade. Then the man came back to check on my water situation. I really thought that we would get off easy. I could not see that my wood floors were cupping, or that the HVAC system would need to be cleaned out, or that the hard wood would need to be ripped up so that the sub flooring could dry. I think that we are in for it. They are coming to "rip" up the hardwood in the kitchen and the hall today or in the morning, then they will have that dry and then who knows, new wood, new finish new house?? I will let you know when I do . In the mean time check on your insurance policies and make sure they are paid up to date.