Thoughts on Thursday: Back to Work Edition

1.  This is the end of my last week of vacation.  I appreciate the fact that I can spend the summers with my children and not have to work "full time" during the year (even though I am cramming a 5 day work week into 3 days)--I know I am very fortunate to have a schedule like I do.  Even when I'm working it's not THAT bad because even on my worst days, the majority of the time I have the next day to recover.

2.  I am trying to get my thoughts together in regards to routines and schedules when school starts.  Every year things get a little different as my children are in different stages and I need to formulate a plan of attack.  I try not to be a task master or crazy scheduled parent--and I especially try to give sitters or Rachel some freedom in deciding how the day will go.  However, there are some small things that I think will help make the day go a little smoother.  For example, last fall I put a little note inside the cabinet door where we kept sippy cups that simply read, "Please fill juice cups half with water.  Otherwise you will have lots of poop."  Lily couldn't handle full throttle juice last fall and I couldn't handle poopy pul-lups or uws.  I was just trying to help.

3.  It is so stinking hot outside!  I hope it POURS this afternoon to get some relief!  The kids have spent the last several days outside in our little pool.  This has worn them out and helped with Lily's sleeping issues.  They have been tired at bedtime and ready for a good night's sleep.

4.  Tomorrow we are going to spend the day with some friends of ours--I'm looking forward to catching up with them.  It's been way too long since we've seen them and I can't WAIT!

5.  Vanilla wafers are quickly becoming my favorite cookie.  So good.  So nostalgic.  So awesome.

6.  I am looking forward to the holidays.  Sad, I know.  It's only July. . .but almost August . . which is almost fall . . . which leads directly into the 2.5 month Christmas Holiday Extravaganza at Casa Avery.  For real, as soon as trick or treat is over, the tree comes up and I start cranking the Christmas music with gusto.  I often say it's for my kids--and it totally is.  But I won't lie--it is my absolutely FAVORITE time of year and I love every minute of it.  And, let's not forget last year's fiasco with ghetto tree.  Let's just all take a minute and think about Christmas:  Trees.  Presents.  Cold weather resulting in cute winter attire.  Hot chocolate.  Fireplaces.  Snuggly blankies.  Christmas music.  RUDOLPH!!!  Stockings.  Brown paper packages tied up with string. . .these are a few of my favorite thingssss!!!!

7.  Molly learned to tie her shoes today!  She's never expressed too much interest in it--and has always wanted Crocs instead of tennis shoes.  She had a pair last year but I double knotted them each morning to prevent them from flapping or becoming untied during the day.   However, we picked up a really cute pair for her and I told her that 1.  She couldn't wear them outside to play in before the first day of school.  2.  She had to practice tying them every single day because she would NOT be one of those kids sent to school with laces she was unable to tie.  So aggravating as a teacher--absolutely annoying when those kids put their feet on your knees for you to tie--especially when you have on nice pants.  3.  She had to learn to tie them herself before she would be allowed to wear them to school.  My fashionista would not be deterred from tying those bad boys.  She worked on them for about 10 minutes yesterday and an hour and half today and finally got it just right (several times in a row).  I'm so proud of her!

8.  Lily is going through a tantrum phase.  Mommy is going through a "beat more booty" phase.  If you're not a spanker, I apologize for making you feel bad for my children.  Feel free to read more about my discipline style.

Unless you're a nonspanker.  Then, just don't read it.

Or maybe you should.

9.  Pear recipes.  I need them.  Desperately.  We will have plenty of pears before too long--and I can't let them go to waste!!!

10.  I'm looking forward to my nap time this afternoon.  Whether I actually nap or not, it's 2 hours of bliss and quiet.

Happy Thursday everyone!!! :)

Motherhood Is

Dirty, grassy babies after a morning in the pool.

Upside down 3 year olds half in and out of said pool.

Little girls laughing so hard they are crying at the howling neighbor's dogs (and in their defense, it was the most peculiar sound ever).

Enjoying a stolen moment of peace on the backyard swing and reading a book while babies splish and splash in bliss.

Mind rolling over ever-present to-do list.

Deciding that perhaps it is a big t-shirt and uw sort of day and maybe shopping to get a few items can wait until tomorrow.

Deciding again that perhaps a surprise movie as a family would be a better option--especially when it's $1.00 popcorn day!

Feeling an overwhelming urge to snuggle up with a blanket and nap with your kiddos.

Take kids to see movie--very glad you did.

Smallest child throws TANTRUM in bathroom because she is fearful of automatic flushing potties.

Promise spanking as soooooon as you arrive at the car because of the sea of mothers in the bathroom.

Father hears small child and gets really angry and takes care of spanking for mommy.

Long drive home results in very little noise.

Headache begins.

BLTs for dinner and girls entertain themselves with library books.

Bedtime on time this evening--long chat with small child about staying in her own bed tonight so mommy and daddy can actually sleep.

A long bath with library book.  Wonders if she actually could stay in until the water turns cold.

Knowing these days are short lived and one day I will look back and miss the simplicity (what?!?!?!) of these days.

Listening to Maroon 5 on FuseTV and wonders why they have to say so many bad words.  What a great band. . . .if only there was an alternative that I didn't feel so dirty for liking.  . .

Wondering what tomorrow will bring--and dreading the trip to Walmart because we need to repair nose piece on Lily's glasses.  Wahhhh.

Content.

Lily Says

Can you translate?

"Spicy dum.  It for drone ups.  Not yittle guls like me."

"I like to play with Molly's speecher."

"Rashur, you you you you you like chocklatepartars?"

"I feel tanected!"

With Arms High and Heart Abandoned

Tim spoke today about serving others.

Today after lunch, Chris and I were approached by a lady.  She told us about being new in town with two small children and not having money for power, food, etc.  She talked to us for about 5 minutes and then asked us if there was anything we could do to help her.

I will not share what we did because this isn't about pat on the back or shame on the Averys. 

I guess my bottom line is, how do we know?  How do we know if these people are scamming us?  How do we know if they are seriously facing difficulties?

We don't.

It can be very hard to serve when the world has caused us to become so jaded.

I remember getting sooo angry when I was in Prague and seeing supposedly one-legged beggars SWITCH their "missing" appendage by tucking it under their bodies just so.  Chris said there are people who come by the church and have worked the system of churches in town trying to scam money.

Chris and I talked about the situation the whole way home.  It's so sad that we didn't know whether to believe the woman or not, and we weren't really sure if we did the right thing.

We decided that, at the end of the day, it's really not up to us to choose whether or not someone is lying to us.  That judgement will be handled by the Lord.

However, if and when we have been given resources to help, then we should help.

Period.

And sometimes that is not fun nor convenient.

And sometimes I choose to and sometimes I choose not to--and I'm just being 100% honest.

Sometimes I'm too scared--scared that I'm going to get hurt or taken advantage of.

Scared that they could want something more than just a meal or a few dollars.

There has to be a happy medium--a place where it's ok to help but with caution.

Even typing that makes me feel badly for being cautious.

Shame on me.

I sing things like, "I'll stand, with arms high and heart abandoned" but then 2 hours later I get worried about being "safe."

Please know I've never claimed to be a perfect person and I've certainly got my share of faults.  I am just like most of you--struggling with issues and things that keep me from being my personal best.  I'm working on my issues and if you are someone that is planning on judging me for this post, please let me save you the time and say, "Yes, you're right.  I'm a minister's wife and I'm not perfect.  I'm sorry and I'll try to do better next time."

I want to be as transparent as possible on my blog.

I tend to lay my opinions and thoughts out there--it's just a "bonus" (or "minus") of being a friend of mine.  I'm either going to say it out loud or my face will say it for me.  People tend to like me or dislike me for my frankness, and I'm coming to terms with that as well.

So, major fear in my world--there is a part of me that is SCARED TO DEATH about what it will really cost to follow Christ.  Will it cost me my security?  My home?  My job?  My family?  My life?  There's a part of me that clings desperately to the little bubble I live in.  My safety net.

I think it's ok to be concerned, but not ok to worry to the point it paralyzes me and prevents me from doing the right thing.

And, I'll admit, I was scared of this lady today.  My thoughts were so worried--for my safety and the safety of my family.  Her lack of respect for personal space when speaking with me.  I didn't know what to do.  I didn't know if I believed her.

So, what will we be willing to give up?

Are we really all ready to give up EVERYTHING for the sake of Christ?

Do we mean it? 

We want to believe we mean it.  And I think we have good intentions, but when the rubber meets the road, will we stand for the challenge or run and hide?  Lindsay and Jill have written on this before--the ease to praise and follow Jesus when everything is just fine.

But, what happens when your world is upside down?

Then what?

Will we have the ability to stand and honestly sing about having abandoned hearts?

Will I?

I hope so.

But I'm a work in progress.

Thoughts on Thursday: Breathing Edition

1.  My summer vacation is drawing to a close.  Sigh.

2.  I am obsessed with the Dayspring Ever Grateful collection.  Beautiful.

3.  My girls and I had the best day today.  They were sweet and kind and funny.  Then Chris came home and the wheels fell off.  What is it about 5pm in the afternoons that makes everyone act so crazy at my house?

4.  Buster looks awesome post-grooming today.

5.  I had a strong, strong urge to listen to Charlie Brown Christmas.  Just "Skating."  Just once.  Don't judge me.

6.  I watched too many reruns on Netflix of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" while folding 7 loads of laundry yesterday.  Again, don't judge me.  They used to be a cute and sweet little family.

7.  I'm going to Waco in September.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.

8.  I purchased a crape myrtle earlier this summer for my yard.  The shade of pink I wanted (POW pink) was not in stock so I went with a regular pink.  Surprise, surprise when my tree budded this past week in a lovely shade of POW pink.  I love a good mislabeled tree!  And I'm delighted about POW pink (think fushia) in my backyard.

9.  The Kia Soul hamster commercial is the bees knees.

10.  Want a good sandwich?  Baby spinach, roma tomatoes, bacon, and mayo on Pepperidge Farms Deli Flats.  Heaven.

Dear 22 Year Old Girl

After reading a post from my beloved Rashur, I decided to write a letter to her and any other girls at age 22:


Dear Girl at 22, 


If you're like a lot of us, you are dealing with life changing decisions.  You're done or almost done with college or working and trying to make ends meet.  You have no clue if this is what you want to do for forever because you haven't figured out who the crap you are yet.  


You may be in a pretty serious relationship and may be curious if this person is THE one.  Lots of your friends are settling down with whom they believe are THE one, and it seems only natural that THE one is in your immediate circle at school, work, friendly gatherings, or at church.  You have no clue if this person is THE one because you haven't figured out who the crap you are yet. 


You may be dealing with the "I want to know who I am going to be for the rest of my life" because you're smart and not dealing with parents or friends telling you what and how to do things.  You're ready to be independent.  You're ready to take on the world. You feel like you're standing on the cliff ready to jump.  Or maybe you want to cling to the edge because you haven't figured out who the crap you are yet.  


You may be facing a difficult situation:  a nasty breakup, a job loss, financial issues. a death, or a move.  You don't know how this is going to all work out because you haven't figured out who the crap you are yet.  


Sweet Lady at 22--it's all ok.  

No one has figured out who the crap they are yet.  

Because, we have the rest of our lives to figure this out.  And you will change yearly, monthly, and daily as life hits you square in the eye.  


So, instead of figuring out who you are going to be, start focusing on who you are today.  


And be the very best you can be at doing that today.  


And the rest will take care of itself.  

Matthew 6: 33-34: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Scary Parody: Ignatius the Ultimate Youth Pastor

This is one scary post.  Seriously.

Super Mom

Today has just been one of those chained to the house sort of days--I've been doing laundry since last night and I'm still not done.  Blah.  I don't mind the putting of laundry into the machine nor the folding.  But the putting away is my least favorite thing to do.  Yuck.  I hate it even worse when I'm doing mega laundry like today post-camp and vacation since I'm not only doing clothes but sheets and towels and other items we don't normally all wash at the same time.  However, I believe that if it went to the camp or in a suitcase it must must must be washed.  I always have a fear of a hidden spider or tick or germ or who knows what so I have thrown everything in the wash.

Buster also decided to poop in his cage AGAIN while we were gone, so that involved cleaning the blankets, scrubbing the cage, the wall, and the floor.  

Not-So-Graphic-Random-Thought:  And, am I the only one that thinks there is a difference between poop and another 4 letter word?  This may be completely random, but when Buster normally goes it's a nice and tidy little poop.  Easily picked up with tissue.  However, when it is smeared it suddenly goes from poop to that four letter word in my mind.  For example, I think not nice things like, "I am absolutely tired of cleaning up dog (insert other four letter word) in my kitchen for the 2nd time in a week."

I also feel this way when I visit a less than stellar restroom.  Usually in a gas station.  

I am working on repenting.  I never, ever use this word in conversation.  But I can't help it--there is just a distinct difference in my mind.  

Anyhow, so I'm folding and putting away and also decided since just about all items were pulled out of Molly's drawers to go through all of her clothes and uniforms and see what fits, what goes to GCF, and what goes in the attic for Lily.  I dislike this as well--and I thought Molly was going to have a nervous breakdown, but it had to be done.  School uniforms go like crazy when they are put out and you have to get a few key pieces right away or go out of town.  It looks like we only need one or two more items to get her through the winter.  She will need new shoes--and she may resort to her signature Crocs, which while not as fashionable, she loves and can put them on by herself in the mornings--a lovely, lovely few minutes when I'm trying to get everyone out the door in the mornings.  

Summer is quickly drawing to a close for me and I will be returning to the office for a few weeks before the start of the semester the first of August.  I dread the end of summer--but I look forward to the months following--the Perfect Day, DCB conference, autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving. . . leading up to CHRISTMAS and cooler weather.  Hopefully it will be a less stressful year because I'm not dealing with graduate work this year HURRAY!!!!

So, for the time being I will continue to wash, fluff, and fold, being grateful that I'm able to be semi-stay at home mommy even during the school year, and that this helps my household run better and remain happier.  And that will simply be enough.  

Camp Blog

Absolutely filled with inside information but must be remembered for at least 3 weeks:

1.  Green ice cream is mint.

2.  Back tat flash by 6 year old boy.

3.  Wet milk in a bag=elusive ice cream.

4.  Ring Worm.

5.  James Madison, the girl.

6.  "Oh.  My.  Gosh."

7.  Thunderstorm and 5-7 year old girls.  

8.  Sweaty little boy hugs.  Or denial of said hugs.  

9.  PJs at Pop Shop.

10.  Mismatched shoes.

11.  Lost and Found pretty panties.

12.  Wall-E is the darkest movie ever.

13.  Soapy heads--but clean heads.

14.  Tangles.

15.  Belly Flop 2010.

16.  Jordan loves camp spaghetti.

17.  Mike wears belts (but only name brand).

18.  Water balloons.

19.  Jordan's operatic debut.

20.  Chris N.  skipping following camper departure.

21.  Jordan's girlfriend.

22.  Froggy in the shower.

23.  "How old are you??  6????  You don't act like it."

24.  Rock Paper Scissors to avoid ADD All Stars Team.  Whewwww.

25.  "You're not homesick, you've just got the snubbs."

Roots

It's a hazy morning and I'm up earlier than normal with my girls. I've had my coffee and have started working through a stack of magazines my mother-in-law has passed onto to me.  While my girls finished their breakfast I flipped through Southern Living and Our State and pulled out recipes and decorating ideas.  I admire the flowers and the paint choices in the features and smile at the familiarity.

This is the South I know. 

It saddens me that we are often known for our accents in the most awful and ridiculous exaggerations--similar to cats and in which it takes 5 syllables to say most words.  Or the fact that we're apparently all inbreeds who share 20 teeth between the 12 of us in the house.  Or that we living out in the middle of no where without running water nor shoes--and lookout for the crazy loose rooster.  Or the fact that we wear bib overalls with manure smeared on them.  Or that we are the cast of "Hee Haw" with cute pigtails and 4 freckles painted on our cheeks.  

That is so embarrassing.

My Southern world is a place where sweet tea is a delicacy, not just a cheap and easy beverage.  People enjoy this, or maybe lemonade with slices of real lemons, in a frosty glass while sitting on their front porch.  There might be children riding bicycles in the street right in front of your house, and if it's close to the 4th of July, there will be sparklers involved.  People walk to and fro not so much for exercise but for conversation and greeting their neighbors who are also out walking, sitting, or tending their yards.  

It's a world in which manners are required--and gentlemen hold the doors for ladies, we yes and no ma'am, and we always say please and thank you.  We acknowledge those in traffic who let us into the lane, and we smile and nod to those who cross our path.

It's a world where a home cooked meal is routine and not a treat.  We love each other with Jesus and food--and often at the same time.  

We take great pride in our family history and often name our children after relatives or maiden names.  We like to give our babies names that mean something.  We respect our grandparents, even when we feel they may be outdated or old-fashioned.  They are our link to our past and they know why we are the way we are.  They shaped our parents, who in turn, shaped us--as we will one day shape our children.

I want my children to know the true charm of being southern. 

While we were in Savannah, I felt like I was at home.  Shop keepers who smiled at the locals and visitors alike.  Ladies who dressed well because it was Thursday at 10am.  Gentlemen who held doors for ladies and call even the smallest girl "ma'am" or "miss." Where a smile and a kind word is shared by all.

It also helped to see the spanish moss hanging from the tree-lined streets and horse drawn carriages.

This charm, this forgotten art of being, is what I desperately want to recapture this year, this season, this life.  

A Very Thin Line

There is a very thin line between arrogance and confidence. 

Be wary when you dance around it.

What are your TRUE intentions?

I have no problems with those who are confident in the Lord.  Those who truly exude the joy and satisfaction of knowing Christ.  There is a glow about them.

I have less tolerance for those who feel they are superior to others.  To the point that rules don't apply to them.  Or they say one thing and then do another.  There is a swagger about them.

I can't STAND that swagger.  

Burns my hide.  

The worst, absolute worst part of it all is that people will follow the arrogant Christian like sheep.

And emulate that person.

And become that person--and make the rest of us look like pompous and arrogant jerks who believe their poo poo don't stink.

And THAT, my dear friends, is simply further from the truth.  

Please note--sometimes it's not what you say, but the tone you take on.  Or the words you choose.  Or the look on your face.

Please also note that the worst offenders are often those employed in full time ministry.

So, the next time you feel like, "Yeah, I got this.  People like me.  I'm smart.  I know what I'm doing and I'm going to show so and so how to do it sooooo much better"  blah blah.

Just stop.  

I've got something to tell you.

People really, really, really just want to punch you in the face.  Or run away.  Or be just like you.

All of the above are terrible options.

Your goal is to love people like Christ loved us.

And share your joy.

And share your promise.

And share peace.

And unless you've defeated sin, I really don't want to attend the Church of So and So Arrogant Person's Church thankyouverymuch. 

And, yes, there is a sting of reflection and identification--ouch. 

My Heart is

Full:  Chris and I had a wonderful time in Savannah--and I hope to devote an entire post to our trip soon.  We stayed in an awesome hotel with a special visitor, ate some delicious food, walked a million miles, and just had fun being together.  It was a nice trip and I'm glad we were able to get away for a few nights alone.

Exhausted:  We have been going, going, going since last Saturday morning and I'm tired.  We have a "day off" tomorrow as Chris makes last minute camp preparations and then it's off to camp Sunday through Tuesday morning.  Lots of packing to do.  Oh me.

Contemplative:  I did some soul searching while in Savannah.  I have lots of thoughts and things going on in my head and I really hope some of them come to the light.

Industrious:  I saw 2 or 3 really cute and/or practical items in some of the shops and said, "I can totally do that."

Weepy:  I have several serious situations on my heart--mainly the health of a few friends or parents of friends.

Glad:  My kids and husband are so important to me.

Silly:  I am so tired I'm slap happy and the dumbest things are making me giggle.

My Lerve

My lerve, Christacular, and I were married 8 years ago today.  

Happy Anniversary Pook. 

Love, 

Me. 

XOXXO

Rachel & Jo-osh sittin' in a tree. . .

Awww Rachel and Josh are getting married!

So cute.

We went shopping with my family (minus a few) and found the most precious flower girl dresses EVER.

Seriously.  Ridiculous.  Cute.

Poor Rachel.

Lily and Molly are going to have cute factor on lock DOWN.

But, what a beautiful, wonderful, December event it will be!

After a long day of shopping it up in Raleigh, Rachel, Robin, and I sat around the table last night eating salsa (perfection!) and looked at recipe books while discussing reception food.

So, my question of the day. . .

What is the most delicious thing you have ever laid your lips on at a wedding reception?  I mean, to the point you were starting to be rude on your 4th trip to the food tables?  Or parked yourself in front of the platter so you could just "casually" scarf down the food as you chatted with people?

Comments appreciated!

Discipline

Is not fun when you're a parent.

It makes you feel so bad.

You feel badly you hurt your child's feelings.

You feel badly they did whatever they did.

You feel badly that they didn't listen to you.

Blah.

Thoughts on Thursday: Vacation Edition

1.  This weekend my awesome family is coming down to NC for a few days.  Rachel is getting married and we're going to look for flower girl dresses for our girls.  I'm so excited!!!  We love Josh (Dosh according to Lily) and we're glad he's going to be a member of our family!

2.  It is hot as Hades outside.  Molly was invited to the pool with friends from church yesterday--Lily was beyond dismayed.  Poor baby!  We may pull out the slip and slide later this afternoon.  It's just too hot out there right now!

3.  I'm getting started on my notes and powerpoints for my fall classes.  I'll admit it--I'm a total nerd when it comes to that stuff.  I love the feeling of getting ahead!  I've got a few new classes starting in the fall so I'm looking forward to see how they go.  I have a lot of work to do--but with my degree completion it should be manageable.

4.  My bedroom is getting cleaned--today!  It's so ridiculous!  I should really take before and after photos but I'd be ashamed to show you what kind of cluttery mess we've been sleeping in the past few months.

5.  Chris and I are taking a mini-vacation next week in celebration of our anniversary and my degree completion.  We're headed to Savannah and staying at The Marshall House--which might be haunted!  All I know is that if I see a ghost I may just pee my pants!

My mom is keeping our girls so it will just be the two of us!

I'm also very, very, very excited to eat at The Lady and Sons.  If I see Mrs. PD you may see my face on the news---I adore that woman and her recipes!

6.  I have a wart on my toe.  So gross.

7.  I've been to the beach several times this summer and have decided that it has become a high priority for the rest of summer to be there as much as possible!

8.  My girls and I have really enjoyed the summer reading program at Sheppard this summer.  It has been a great way to keep Molly reading, quiet time activities, and better than tv/movies all day long--especially on these days it is way too hot to be outside during the day.

9.  I'm ready to get started on a Christmas puzzle today.  I would love to complete one a month--which could be framed and become great gifts or decor.  We found some really nice ones on clearance at Barnes and Noble a few months ago that are so cute--I can't wait to get started on them!

10.  I'm currently looking for cute fabric to recover my kitchen chairs.  I'm going to use our $4.00 samples from Sherwin Williams and then cover the cushions.  It should be a quick and cheap fix.

Santa

Molly asked me today at lunch:  "Do you think Santa's real?"

I gulped and continued to take the mail to the living room.

I said, "What do you think?"

She said, "I think so."

I said, "Well, I think he's real."

She said, "Me, too."

Whew.

I'm not ready for this.  I'm not ready for this.  I'm not ready for this.

July 4th is coming

I'm kinda sad I'm not heading to my parents' for the 4th.

It has been 3 years since we've been to a proper 4th of July.

Sigh.

I'm excited for the wedding, but I'm really missing that tradition.

FRIDAY!

And no where to be. . .

I'm delighting in:

1.  The ability to wear my nightgown and glasses all day if I want to.  Please do not come over until at least 4:30pm because at that point I will have tried to look presentable for Kim as she is coming to do my hair.

Oh yes, I need my hair did in the WORST way---it's out of control.

2.  This wonderful breeze!  Oh my goodness!  It is heavenly outside today!  I am loving keeping my windows open and getting some well needed fresh air in the house.  I'm so tired of it feeling stale and cooped up!

3.  Reading "Financial Peace" by Dave Ramsey.  Great read.

4.  Catching up on laundry and cleaning--at my own pace.

5.  Hoping to get my room looking awesome this next week--it is in serious need of attention.

6.  Spending time with my sweet girls and cute husband.

7.  Kristi and Joe are getting married this weekend! :)

8.  Life is nice right this minute.  And that's all I need to worry about--right at this very minute.

Thoughts on Thursday: VBS Edition

1.  VBS ends today.  Praise the Lord!  I love the excitement it generates with the children, but I am exhausted.  It's been a great week with record attendance.  I am so thankful for all of the volunteers who have made the week so great for our kids at church. :)

2.  Molly is going through a "I don't have to listen to you" stage and it's about to kill me.  And, as a result of my killage, she is getting a healthy dose of stern talking to's, spankings, time outs, and loss of privileges. I hate, hate, hate having to deal with this.  Normally she's a relatively good kid, but this week she has lost her mind.

3.  Lily has started realizing there is something "wrong" with her eyes.  It breaks my heart to hear her ask "why?" and "what's wrong with my eyes?"  She is cute wearing her patches and glasses, though.

4.  Summer is officially halfway over for me.  I'm looking forward to seeing my students, but I'm not loving the idea of not being home.

5.  I could really use a date night with my husband.  I hope we are able to get away to Savannah in a few weeks for our anniversary.

6.  My dog refuses to potty when it's wet.  He's too prissy.

7.  Chris and I have been doing P90X and it's kicking our butts.  It's a great workout and we're enjoying doing that together. :)

8.  A HUGE spider jumped on me last night during music at VBS.  I felt something crawling on me but couldn't see it because I was wearing my swim goggles.  I looked down and saw this HUGE brown creepy thing on my arm and almost screamed!  Luckily, I tracked it down on the ground and stomped it. Dead.

9.  I am excited about attending the DCB conference in September!!!!

10.  Going back to the library tomorrow--any suggestions on summer reads?  I would like something easy on the brain. . .