A Year in the Life

And Loving... I recently started a new job.  Yes, at my age it can be a little scary, but it's been great.  Before I go forward, a little back story first... ...For the last 4 1/2 years I have been a sub in my children's school system.  (if you are a mom, love kids, and need a great way to make a little spending money, I highly recommend it.)  I loved being a sub!  I was able to be like everyone's favorite aunt.  You know the one I'm talking about.  She the one who comes in and loves you for you.  She helps you get through the have to's so you can have a little fun while your mom's not around. The way a sub enters a classroom is SO important.  You have to be confident, because it's true the children can smell fear, but you also have to be available to the kids:  available to offer an ear, extra help, smiles, a few hugs, and maybe even a little discipline in a life-giving way. We would play 4 corners if everyone finished with thei...

 A friend from grade school was going through old pictures and found a picture of the house I grew up in.  I have wonderful memories from that home.  We played football in the front yard, swam in the pool, built homecoming signs, and watched movies and the 1984 Olympics.  My parents let me invite the entire 8th grade over to swim the day we officially became 9th graders.  That house is filled with laughter.    My parents didn't care about your background.  They didn't care what kind of home you came from.  They wanted you to feel loved and accepted when you came over to our house.  It was a house that love built.  It's funny looking back.  You think that some kids have it all together just to find out they saw themselves as misfits.  I was always the one who felt like I was on the fringe.  Not cool, not as smart as I wanted to be, not a lot of things.  I wonder how many other kids felt & feel like that to...

I even asked nicely.  I have sacrifices I need to make.  Just kidding.  In case you didn't know, I'm allergic to alcohol.  Yes, it includes all kinds of alcohol.  Even if it's clear without sulfides I will have a reaction.  It's really pretty.  Think temporary hives & swelling.  Yeah, it's great. Last night I went out to dinner with a group of girlfriends.  It was hot & humid...duh, it's summer in Alabama.  My hair was exceptionally big, but that's another story.  I asked my waiter if I could have a virgin margarita.  It's a limeade with salt, but hey, I was in the mood for it.  It was so pretty when he brought it out.  It was limey & I really wanted to use the glass as a salt lick, but decided to use my manners instead. The first sip was so refreshing.  After about 3 sips, I started wondering if there was some alcohol in the drink.  I was starting to laugh a little  more, and I noti...

My view every morning at Grace Farm. 1 week ago Saturday I left to go on a mission trip to Honduras.  The months before I left and the entire way down I kept asking myself what in the world I was doing.  I'm about as white and as southern as you can get.  As I've looked back on my 44 years, I can't remember a time when I was hungry because I didn't have enough to eat.  I've never been without heat when it's cold or cool air when it's hot.  I was never abused by my parents.  I have always had plenty of clothes in my closet to wear.  So again, I asked myself, what am I doing here. Plane window view As we flew into the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa, I couldn't help but notice how urban it was.  It looked like a normal American city.  And it is.  They have malls and movie theaters.  (they actually have the movies inside the mall, brilliant!)  They have McDonald's, Popeye's chicken, and many other restaurants.  Th...

This is going to be short & sweet b/c it's April, and it's lacrosse season, and I have about a million and one things that have to be done tonight.  Know I have lots of postings rolling around in my head, but not enough hours in the day to sit down and spit them out. :)  With all that & a graduating senior that is just the way it is. Here are a few big things: 1st ~ So proud of my alma mater & my kids' high school!  They raised over $250K for Relay for Life.  That's over a quarter of a million dollars y'all!  Since both of my parents died from different forms of cancer, I'm super excited about how this money will be used for research.  Speaking of research, if you haven't seen the new immuno- treatment breakthroughs for certain kinds of brain tumors & skin cancer, google them.  Exciting things for sure.    2nd ~ I met an amazing young mom of three that has tested positive for the Alzheimer's Dominantly Inherited Gene...

It's a Jagged Little Pill Yes, I know it's a song by Alanis Morrisette, but it so applies to this post. Have you ever so totally messed up something that you relive your embarrassment and shame over and over and over again?  See, I told you the song title applied.  It's like a jagged pill that you swallow over and over.  (or at least I tend to relive mistakes in my mind...maybe I'm crazy, but that's another posting for another time.) Henry had one of those moments yesterday.  Luckily, it wasn't life threatening, but it was something that was very public & ended the advancement of his team in a competition.  I think, as parents, we tend to want to shield our children from failure and embarrassment.  No one wants their children to fail, but can I tell you, the lesson your child learns from that failure will be one that they remember for a lifetime. A few things that you need to know about Hen before I lay out what #4 did... Henry has b...

So, this past weekend the entire fam went to Oxford to visit the grandparents & go to to the Auburn/Ole Miss football game.  It was nice to spend more than 10 minutes with Hop, and it's always nice to be spoiled by my in-laws.  Tickets, check.  Very warm clothes, check.  Tailgating, check, and as far as tailgating goes, The Grove is iconic...and...a little crowded...and...a little rowdy.  We passed about 7 different Elvis impersonators.  (hilarious)  Most tents are decorated to the hilt.  (love it)  The food is second to none.  (my pants are a little tighter today.)  It's funny because when the game starts, there are about as many people in the Grove watching the game on TV as there are in the game.  It's great! Our game plans were varied and interesting.  Hopson wanted to say in the Grove to watch the game on TV.  Hop, Harry & nephew Garner all went into the game & sat in the Auburn section.  We...

Good gravy the rumors have been flying around this city faster than a forest fire.  I should know because I heard someone ask me if I had heard what was going on.  First of all, yes I know what the rumor is & second, no it's not true.  I know you wondering what this is all about.  I'm going to give you a few minutes to... ...think... ...a little more... ...you know what it is... ...it's the one thing that can make the most rational person totally crazy... ...think a little more... ...it's little league sports. Here's my take on little league sports, of any kind, both girls and boys. Little league sports are to teach basic knowledge of the game.  In football it's blocking & tackling; baseball/softball it's hitting & fielding; basketball it's dribbling & shooting;  lacrosse it's throwing, catching & shooting.  Your football player learns that a 42 draw is the tailback (or fullback) going through the hole on the right si...

BBQ the Bucs Big & Midge #1 on your plate & #1 in your heart Every  year to raise money for Relay for Life our local high school hosts a huge event called BBQ the Bucs.  (This is one of our big rivals.)  Teams sign up to compete in the category of their choice:  hamburgers, chicken or steak.  The competition is judged and winners are announced.  Who will be king of the grill?   This is the 2nd year that Harry has competed with his friend Anthony.  The name of their team is Big & Midge.  You understand the name when you see the picture of them together.  :)  Harry and Anthony have been friends, I think, since they were 2.  Old friends are special, and theirs has always been an easy going friendship.  We love Ant.   Last year Big & Midge came in 2nd.  Harry was not very happy with that.  He felt team Big & Midge deserved to win.  Since they didn't, those two redouble...

Raising children can be hard.  Let me rephrase, dealing with other people's children can be hard. My children are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but there are some things they know.  They know what the expectations are for them in almost every situation.  (They should, we go over them enough.)  They know that when I say no, I mean no.  They know that when Hopson & I look at them 'that way' they better cease and desist what they are doing, or they will have consequences.  Other people's children may not know these things.   There are so many things I want for my children.  I pray for my children to be kind.  I want them to have the courage to stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves.  I want them to be a good friend in both word and deed.  I want them to be unafraid to love people, even when others hurt or are mean to them.  I want them to be bold in their knowledge of truth; be able to see i...

That should be the new motto of my state & city.  I stand in utter amazement this morning as I read about all the acts of kindness.  Is there anything more humbling than being served by someone? There have been pleas on FaceBook to rescue elderly grandparents, children, stranded motorists.  Churches opened their doors; neighbors opened their doors; businesses packed people in.  There were friends who abandoned their cars to start walking home last night, and stopped to rest at restaurants that were slammed with customers.  You know what they did?  They became servers!  How great is that?  (Kim & Jason)  Have hands, will serve. This morning an alert went out that there was a good Samaritan that didn't make it home last night & he was not responding to calls or texts.  He is also diabetic.  Oh yeah, and it dropped down to 17 degrees last night.  SCARY!  You know what a group of people did?  They formed a...

I need to learn that when I haven't had a lot of sleep I do not need to write on this blog or anywhere else. Oh.My.Goodness. They say that if you drive while you're very sleepy it's almost like driving under the influence.  Well, I guess that applies to writing as well.  I need to learn to just say no.  I wanted to get the pictures on Pinterest of the Magnolia leaves I used on the buffet table & wanted to  have a blog posting to go with it.  Well, that went well didn't it?  Thankfully a friend called me out...Allyson...yesterday over my phrasing.  I heard how I wanted the sentence to sound in my head, and it was fine.  But, the transfer to the blog was disastrous!  After I got over my mortification I had a pretty good chuckle.  I know y'all all laughed at me, so I might as well laugh at myself too.  But no worries, I promptly fixed it. I told everyone I had a huge breakfast & then I pooped.  So not what I was t...

Can I tell you how afraid I am?  No, I take that back, I'm not afraid...I.AM.TERRIFIED.  I'm terrified for this generation of young adults and teenagers.  I truly believe that social media has made most of them stupid and self-centered.  Yes children, I used the word stupid.  This is calling a spade a spade. Do young people realize that when they post something on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (WOW, y'all & your instagram pics), SnapChat, or any other social media site for that matter, that we can all see what you're posting?  Do you realize that some of your accounts are tied together, so when you post on one, it might cross-post on another?  I really hate SnapChat by the way!  It's shady at best. Do you realize that when you friend me, or I start following you because your account is not private, I will go in and look at stuff you've posted in the past?  To steal a line from one of my favorite radio shows:  "Hey buddy, you're br...

21 years.  That's how long it's been.  21 years since my sweet roommates came to get me out of class to let me know about my dad.  Kim had to drive me home because my leg was in a full leg cast.  You know what I've decided?  21 years is a long time.  So much has happened in that time...so much life has happened.  Before you tell me that my parents have been watching everything from heaven, please know I know that.  Trust me, it's not the same.  I'm not trying to be mean, but there are days I just wish my parents could physically see and talk to my fam.  It's just life. You know I didn't even think about my dad when I woke up this morning.  I was focused on life with four kids in May.  May is crazy.  I finally realized that today is his angelversary when I was driving carpool & was trying to remember if Hop had an AP exam today.  I remembered E needs tights for her recital this weekend ...

I know Valentine's Day was 4 days ago, but I have to write about Henry's class party.  His teacher did something so wonderful and different & I loved it!!! Caleb drew Henry & guess what's in the heart...CANDY! Now, before I talk about the party, I need to let you know some things about how I view Valentine's Day & school Valentine's parties.  I absolutely abhor Valentine's day.  Well, abhor may be a little strong.  I dislike it...a lot.  We didn't celebrate Valentine's day in our house.  I don't want one day a year to show Hopson I love him.  And, I do not think that Valentine's should be given from parents to children.  That's just my opinion, and it's my blog & so, yeah, there you go. I love it when Hopson brings me flowers for no reason, or if he surprises me when I've had a really bad day.  I've actually saved every one of them.  I have different containers around the house that have all the dried buds,...

Stephanie & Hop I have to say, my boys have great taste in girls.  The girls they hang out with (and date) are just as pretty on the inside as they are on the out.  And to this momma, that's a big deal .  We don't have time for mean girls around here.  A BIG telltale sign about the kind of girls they are is that they are kind to little siblings.  They never complain when the little ones want to say hey, or get excited that other teenagers are in the house.  Elizabeth mentioned that she feels like she has a lot of brothers because of all the guys who come in and out of the house.  The girls are just as nice.  Hop's girl friends, and his girlfriend, Stephanie, are always sweet to the little ones.  Thanks kiddos!  Mama Nance loves you for this!!!  Last night after Sadie Hawkins, Margaret & Haley wanted to wake up Henry last night to say hey, and they pulled in Harry to help.  Any chance...

 Stephanie & Hop As you know, this is Hop's year of lasts.  I know how the girl's mothers feel wondering if your child will be asked to homecoming or prom.  That is how I feel about my boys at Sadie time.  Hop was asked tonight.  :)  Stephanie is a very smart & talented young lady.  (she also has a very sweet mama & daddy!)  I'm thankful for sweet girls.  I remember looking up to high school girls when I was in middle school & E has some great ones to look to.  They love the Lord and their families.  They are involved in different activities at the school & are always sweet to me and the other children in our family.  (huge points earned on the last aspect!)  Thanks Steph for asking Hop!  I know y'all are going to have a wonderful time.  It's the last one for you both...so have lots of fun & make a ton of memories.  :)  The American Flag ornament is appropriat...

This is the play the mojo happened. Um, yeah.  I don't believe in mojo, but I'm sure not going to mess with it.  I have accidentally, totally unintentionally, mess with him, and you know what, we lost.  I don't mess with him if I can help it. Is this behavior extreme?  Yes.  Is it logical?  No.  But again, you don't mess with mojo.  He is fickle, and he is mean.  The first time I realized I had messed with mojo was week 5 of the football season.  My lucky Rebel pin fell off my jacket & I looked down at the game & it was missing.  You know what happened?  We lost.  (Harry found the pin the next morning when he stepped on it.  Whew!) Last Friday, big Hopson couldn't find his hat he'd been wearing the entire season & settled on another hat.  You know what happened?  We lost.  We don't mess with mojo. What I wear every game. Last night our quarterback's dad decided to mess wit...

Every Friday night the fam can be found at the football field.  With having a child on the team, it would take a team of wild horses to drag us away.  Plus, big Hopson is the head of the varsity chain gang, so every home game he is on the sidelines working.  Away games are tough from him, he hates just sitting there.  It's really funny.  I just take pictures...I've been averaging about 200 a game.  Document, document, document. Hop recovered a fumble on this play One night a friend from high school sent me a face book message asking:  "Hey Betty Crocker, what's going on in the high school football game."  At first I was a little perturbed.  I mean, I know I'm a mom.  I like to cook, but calling me Betty Crocker was taking it a bit over the line.  Then I had a dose of reality & realized I am BC.  So, I've decided to own it, and when I do my game face book reporting, I sign in and out as Betty Crocker.  It's kinda...

Oh.My.Goodness. Look at all this stuff in my living room.  It's a little overwhelming.  October 25th is the Ballet Women's Committee Fall Extravaganza.  We have a holiday shoppe, silent auction, fashion show, and a drawing for some mack daddy inside-out diamond earrings.  (I really hope I win them!) My house is serving as the holding pen for all the silent auction things.  It's not so bad except that I really want to keep a lot of the stuff that's in here.  I know exactly where I would put the things I'm storing.  ;)  Just kidding, my house is already so full of stuff I really don't need anything else.  But, it has been fun to see everything the members have brought.  It's given me some great ideas for my house.  Today we worked on getting everything priced.  The red & white stuff is not quite my taste... I love orange & blue.  :) Well, I really need to go work on some bid sheets.  Lots to do &...