Payton's Opinion

Payton brought home a paper today entitled Everyone's Opinion is Important.  I thought I'd share a few of his thoughts...

• What scares you?  Homework
• If you could live anywhere, where would you live?  Oceana (where Darrin & I are from and where Gee lives)
• What would you do with $100?  Buy Bakugan stuff and a machine gun
• What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do?  Make my mom give me all her money so I could buy a lot of toys.
• What makes you happiest?  Going to Gee's (his grandmother)
• What do you enjoy doing outdoors?   Jumping on the trampoline and skateboarding.
• What makes you feel sad?   When my girlfriend breaks up with me.
• What is the sport you enjoy playing more than any other?   Baseball
• What about your best friend do you like the most?   Palmer - he is nice to me, is funny and looks out for me.
• Who is your favorite story character?  Slappy in Goosebumps.

My How Things Have Changed

Christmas 1984

There was a time, back in the early to mid 80's, that I spent virtually every weekend at the skating rink.  That was the place to be.  I spent countless hours walking and skating around and around and around with my friends.  Then, the rink put in a one screen theater.... wow!  That was big time for our little neck of the woods.  That was the very theater that I saw one of the best movies ever made, Top Gun.  Seems just like yesterday really.

At this very minute, I'm doing the same thing.  Sort of.  I have no skates on and I've been relished to a booth in the back corner, but I'm here... at the rink again.  This time I'm the mom, not the kid.  How did that happen?  I still love to skate but have nicely been asked not to by my two loving children.   They are afraid I'll embarrass them.  What?!  I'm still cool, aren't I? 

Apparently what passed at cool in 1984 is now equal to dorky.  Either that or the fact that I'm simply a mom is enough to permanently place me in that category.  I guess I can relate.  After all, I would have just died had my mom donned a pair of skates back in the day.  Like totally!

I suppose I'm going to have to pass the torch, whether I want to or not.  It's their turn to experience the fun the rink can provide.  But they can be sure of one thing, I have a good memory.  I know the dangers it hides as well.  I'm going to be lurking in the back, watching closely to keep them out of trouble.  My torch's light is officially extinguished.

A Stolen Post

I came across this post today on another blog and had to share it. It's amazing. I wish I had read it when I was a teenager.

Advice for a Teenage Daughter I Will Never Have

Even if you have just been shot with a tranquilizer dart for elephants,
don't sleep in your makeup. Or contact lenses.

What separates a professional eyebrow arch from the amateurs is scissor-trimming. This is the least important item on this list, but It took me 38 years to find out, and I have to pass it onto somebody.

Wear the bikini every chance you can, and use the sunscreen.

Every year you can possibly delay having sex will ultimately make sex that much
better. Think of it as the difference between spending every allowance on cheap
shoes that don't last, or saving up for some really fabulous Jimmy Choos. Not
that you have to go without even touching a pair of shoes in the meantime. Or
marry your first pair of Jimmy Choos. Don't tell your mom I said that.

As long as you are in your teens, avoid dating anyone more than three years older than you. At your age, a romantic relationship with an older man is actually neither
romantic or a relationship.

You look ugly when you gossip.

Throwing up drunk is not a good look for you.

Save this for later: the person you are now is not the way you behaved then.

Someday, a girl who is horrible to you now will request to be your Facebook friend. And though your cursor will linger a long and delicious moment above the "ignore" button, you will click on "accept" instead, and know that you have grown up.

Go to your prom. Wear the corsage. Stand under the arch. Get the pictures. Really.

Don't waste youth and resiliency. Have adventures.

It will never be more appropriate for you to be inappropriate, and society will
never be more forgiving. But avoid risks that will narrow your future.
Skinny-dipping: yes. Filmed skinny-dipping: no.

Most importantly, hang around for womanhood. I promise, the best is yet to come.

If you liked it as much as I did, jump over to Kyran's blog and tell her!

More Taterisms to Brighten Your Day

"Dad, when you were a little kid did you have a yo-yo?" Darrin said, "yes." Payton then added, "I guess it was made of wood, right?" His said asked, "why do you say that?" "Because I know they didn't have plastic back then," Payton replied.

I said, "Look Payton, here's a coffee mug with a 'D' on it. That could be for Daddy or Darrin." Without hesitating he replied, "Or Doofus!!" I guess I should be happy he's learning to spell, right?

While completing his math homework, Payton was getting frustrated with the subtraction problems. He put his book down and angrily said, "I hate subtraction! When will I ever have to used that in my life any way?!" A few minutes later he was having difficulty with subtraction again and I was trying to explain the concept of re-grouping (borrowing for our old timers). Again, he got frustrated and said, "Never mind, I'll just do subtraction with my own style!"

He's recently given our dog Bo, who tends to pass a lot of gas, a new name.... Bo Mc Farts-a-lot. No, they are usually not allowed to say the "f" word, but that one was too funny!

I usually call my mom at least once a day to update her on the boys' day. Last night I waited until Payton was in the bathtub to call her because I wanted to tell her about a note his teacher had sent home. Now, he's upstairs, in the bathroom, in the bathtub, with the door shut and apparently still heart me telling her about the note. Next thing I know he's hollering, "Why don't you just put it in the newspaper for Pete's sake?" Now, why can't he hear me when he's standing right next to me and I ask him to clean his room??

One night recently we were going around the dinner table and everyone was to say at least one thing they liked about each person. When Payton's turn came he said....
I like that mommy is pretty.
I like that daddy plays the PS2 with me.
I like that Garrett is nice.
And, I like everything about me!

In the Words of Andy Rooney......

A friend recently sent this to me in an email and boy did it ring true! Just wanted to share it with all of you too. Enjoy.

I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned..... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned..... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned..... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Happy Birthday to Me for the L-A-S-T Time

Yesterday was my 38th birthday. 38th!! I'm still trying to figure out how that is possible. I still feel like I'm in my early 20's. As long as I don't look in the mirror, it would be hard to convince me I wasn't. I'm seriously considering stopping all future birthdays at this point. Seriously, is it really necessary to observe ones birthday every 365 days? I'm sure life would go on if I didn't. Yep, that settles it. No more birthdays for me. I'm 38 and holding forever!

So, want to see pictures from my very last birthday observance? Okay... here ya go....

Me trying to look younger without my glasses! Sure wish I could wear contacts.

Celebrating with Darrin's family at Red Robin.... Grandma, Lorane, Garrett, Dan, Danny, me & Payton. {Darrin was the designated photographer}

Juicy Couture perfume from my hubby :)

There you have it. Final b-day pics of me. Hope you enjoyed. Just come back to this post this time next year and we'll look at them again!

Don't Look to the Left

The third week of December the boys and I were lucky enough to spend time with family in West Virginia. We did a little early Christmas celebrating and fully enjoyed our time there. That Sunday I attended church at Toneda Baptist. That is the church I grew up in, was baptized in and Darrin and I were married in. It's a wonderful house of God full of wonderful people. I am always so thankful when I get the chance to return and am always welcomed back "home" with open arms. However, that particular Sunday was different.

That Sunday was the first time in all of my 37 years that my Mamaw was not sitting beside in the pew. She has been ill since the summer and unable to attend church. Of course I knew before I went that she wouldn't be there. I also knew that my mom, brother and his family would be. I never thought twice about sitting in the third pew from the front without Mamaw. It just never dawned on me that that would be a problem.

At first, when I sat down, it wasn't an issue. I was busy chatting with my family and giving hugs to my church family who I hadn't seen in a few months. However, as soon as the service started, I glanced to my left. She wasn't there! There was an empty space in the pew and an even bigger one in my heart. It was hard to sing with joy or listen to the pastor's message. My mind was focused on my Mamaw's absence.

I had felt that emptiness only once before. On May 23, 2005, my Papaw passed away. The first time I went back to church after that was extremely difficult. But, Mamaw was there to greet me with her loving smile. This time however, both of their seats were empty. I know that things change over time, but I am not ready for this change. I want my Mamaw healthy again. I want her back in her seat when church is in service. I want to hear her singing those old familiar hymns with me.

I pray daily that God will touch my Mamaw's frail body. That he will restore her health. She turned 86 on Nov. 9, 2008. I know her time here on earth is limited at this point. However, I'm just not ready to let her go yet (like I have a say so in the matter). She has so much more to do...... she has great grandchildren to watch grow, she has countless stories left to share with me, and she has so much love left to give. I know my Papaw is probably ready for her to join him in his heavenly home, but those of us left here are just not ready to let her go. Surely he'll understand.

In the meantime, I'll continue to go to my old home church every chance I get. I'll continue to smile as I greet my church family. And, I'll continue to praise the Lord with song. However, I will not look to my left until Mamaw is sitting beside me.

Catching up after the holidays....

Our Christmas was busy, busy, busy as I know so many other peoples were. We were lucky enough to have four Christmases! Here's the run down....

December 20th found us in WV at Darrin's grandmother's. This is always a BIG event. She has five children, all of which were there. In addition, their spouses, children and grandchildren were there too. We had a super fantastic meal (pot luck of course) and then the wrapping paper started flying. We always exchange names as it would be (financially) impossible to buy a gift for everyone. After opening the gifts, visiting and eating some more... it was movie time. I retired early this year but the men stayed up to 4:00 a.m. It was a great weekend and a wonderful way to start the Christmas week.

Darrin's grandmother, Juanita
December 25th we were back at our house in Virginia. My in-laws (mom, dad & brother) came up to share it with us. The boys woke up bright and early at 7:30 a.m. By 8:00 a.m. we were all sitting in the living room (a little sleepy eyed) watching the boys excitedly pass out the gifts. This was the first year Garrett didn't still "believe." He took great pleasure in watching Payton's excitement. The big thing they got from Santa was Rock Band for their PS2. (Darrin seems to like it too!). They also asked for Nerf guns and ammunition which has gotten plenty of use. Darrin's mom and I made Christmas dinner and enjoyed watching the boys play with their new toys. Needless to say, we were all ready for bed early that night.

The boys, excited on Christmas morning
The next day, Dec. 26th, the boys and I headed back to WV to my mom's. We had dinner and exchanged gifts with she, my step dad, my brothers and their families. It was another first of sorts. The first Christmas we were all together in 26 years... since my oldest brother joined the US Air Force. We were so thankful he and his family were there with us and look forward to many more holidays with them.

Payton, Garrett and my oldest brother's girls

Our final Christmas was Jan. 2nd at Darrin's brother's. His two daughters, parents, grandmother and us enjoyed another meal together. As soon as we were finished eating the kids headed straight for the gifts. Since it was also Darrin's (39th) birthday, we celebrated that as well with cake and a few special gifts for him.

Garrett & Payton with their cousins @ Uncle Danny's

The decorations are down and put away for another year. Life has returned to normal, I suppose. It's always a little sad when the holiday season is over. It's such a joyous time of year when everyone is full of cheer. However, we're looking forward to 2009 and the new adventures it holds.

What to see more holiday pictures? No problem... just go to flickr!

Garrett's Love for Inflatables Continues.........

This one is HUGE and is his favorite.

Since Garrett was about three years old he has been fascinated with blow ups, i.e. inflatables. He loves all kinds. Any holiday, any shape, any size... he does not discriminate. Personally, I detest them. I'm just not an inflatable kind of girl. But, after seeing how happy they make him how I could I say no? One day in the near future, I'll miss them being in my front yard........right?

7' snowman, 8' Santa & pop up snowman in present

Garrett's First RCCC Performance

My two handsome boys

As I've mentioned before, Garrett auditioned for and was accepted to the Roanoke College Children's Choir last spring.  Their fall semester started in September.  Since that first gathering they have been practicing for the big Christmas concert.  That concert was today.  I could not have been more proud!

He looked so very handsome and did an outstanding job.  I honestly don't know how he learned those songs.  They sang one in French and one in Hebrew.  Amazing!

I'm one proud mom

Darrin's parents and brother came up to enjoy his singing as well, which thrilled Garrett of course.  He has three weeks off and then it's back to practice.  They now have to get ready for their spring concert.  They will also be competing in a choral festival in Williamsburg, VA in the spring.

A week ago they A, B and B+ choirs also toured three local schools to help spread the Christmas cheer.  I was fortunate enough to be a chaperon and was able to ride the bus with this great group of kids.  It was a whirlwind day but everyone really enjoyed their performances.

The school tour

A Visit with Santa

Today we visited Santa at our local mall.  It was a relatively short wait at just 45 minutes.  Since Garrett has figured out the whole Santa thing, he wasn't too excited.  However, he put on a good show for his little brother.  What did Payton tell him he wanted?   A paint ball gun and a new toothbrush! 

The Tree is Up

The boys were so excited to put up our tree this year since we didn't have one last year.  Yes, it was the Christmas without a tree.  We moved from South Carolina to Virginia on 12/18/07.  As hard as I tried, there was just no way to get that tree up before Christmas day.  I hated it for the boys, but we all made it through.

All of that being said, this year's tree is super special.  We all missed.  We also had a little extra help putting it up and decorating it this year... Uncle Danny (Darrin's brother) joined us.  We shared a pot of homemade chili and then started playing the Christmas music! 

THE ornament... WVU

We have a pre-lit tree which has never given us any problems before..... before this year.  We had to wiggle and re-wiggle almost every branch to get all of the lights to work.  As is our tradition, Garrett and Payton each had a new ornament to put on the tree this year.  I always try to get them something that represents their interests from the previous year.  Garrett got a High School Musical 3 ornament.  He loves those movies!  Payton got a guy on a skateboard.  He's really been into learning that this year.

So, the tree is up and the house is looking all Christmas-y.  Bring on Santa!

It was Payton's year to put the angel on

Payton's Indian Project

Payton's second grade class had to choose one Indian tribe and make a project about the living conditions of that particular tribe. He chose the Plains Indians because he wanted to make teepee's. He and I had such a great time making this (I only helped a little). He helped pick out all of the materials to use and drew the symbols on the teepee's. He loved using the hot glue (while I supervised intently). He got an a A+ on the project and couldn't have been more proud. Way to go, Tater Tot!!

The Best Thanksgiving in 27 Years!

The "grown up" table

This Thanksgiving ranks as the best on in the last 27 years. Why was it so special you ask? Well, that's easy enough to answer.

You see, for the first time since 1982 both of my brothers, my mom and I were all together to celebrate this day of Thanksgiving. This hasn't occurred since I was 11 years old. So you can imagine what a special treat it was to have our whole family together.

My oldest brother left for the U.S. Air Force in August 1982. This past June he retired and decided to move he and his family back "home." He bought the house right next to my mom's. She was elated. We were happy that he was going to be a visible part of our family again.

Now it's not like we never saw him for those 27 years, we did. He came "home" for my wedding, for a Christmas or two and for a couple of weeks almost every summer. But, never for Thanksgiving.

My mom was especially happy to have all of her children at "home" at once. She, my two sisters-in-law and myself shared the cooking duty which made my mom even more happy. We had such a great time gathered around my mom's dining room table. We had much to be thankful for. We're all looking forward to many more years of holidays shared.

The "cousin table"

{They had never shared a T'giving dinner before}

You can click on each picture to enlarge them if you'd like. Pictured in the top picture starting on the left and going around the table is: me, Darrin, Lisa (sis-in-law), Rodney (middle child seeking attention), Jim (trying to hide), Dawn (sis-in-law), mom and step dad.

Celebrating 17 Years Together

Shane & Darrin ~ July 1990

On November 16th Darrin and I celebrated 17 years of marriage. I can not believe we have been married that long. It just seems impossible. It seems just like yesterday that we were dating!

November 16, 1991

We are both from a tiny little town in West Virginia. According to our parents, we've known each other since we were toddlers in church. We were the best of friends in high school. We'd spend hours on the phone with each other discussing our latest heartbreak with each other. It wasn't until my sophomore year of college that we actually started dating.

It was the first week of December 1990. I was in Fairmont, WV at college and made a trip to the local emergency room. The doctor determined that I had a bad kidney infection and needed to be hospitalized. My mom, brother and sister-in-law came and got me the very next day and I was admitted to a hospital closer to home. Darrin came to see me that very night... and the other five nights I spent there. We have been together ever since.

Before kids ~ 1994

We're more in love now than we were all those years ago which is a wonderful blessing. I still get butterflies when I see him. I still love it when he calls {from work} just to say "hi." And we still haven't ran out of things to talk about.

2003

The Lord has blessed beyond belief... with each other and with our two sons. We're extremely thankful too. I only wish everyone could find their soul mate and live happily ever after like I have.

I'm Half Way There!

I started on my weight loss journey on July 1, 2008 after seeing this picture of myself. It was taken just a few weeks before. I was W-A-Y to heavy. I won't say how heavy... not until I'm at my goal weight anyway. That picture totally disgusted me. I was extremely disappointed in myself. How could I possibly let myself get so big? Laziness and lack of self control, that's how. I would eat when I wasn't even hungry because I was bored. And, I always had a nightly bowl of Fruity Pebbles before going to bed. Fruity Pebbles people!

Now, four months and two weeks later, I am half way there. I am half way to my goal weight. I know the next half won't come off as easily. I know I'll have to work even harder, be more determined and exercise even more self control. I'm determined to do it though. I've come this far and I'm not stopping now. I love it that my clothes are too big. I love it that I'm down two pant sizes and dress sizes. I'm excited to be even two sizes smaller than I am now.

I will admit that some days are harder than others. When I mess up and eat more than I should, I just forget about it and start over the next day. Luckily my fondness of Little Debbie cakes, 3 Musketeers, Fruity Pebbles and Vanilla Coke have all but disappeared. They have been replaced with key lime yogurt, honey crisp apples, flavored water and diet Dr. Pepper. Those 100 calorie pack of Chips Ahoy and the like have become a favorite too.

Even though the holidays are coming up I'm going to stick to my guns and not fall off the wagon!

Pounds lost: 27
Beginning BMI: 29.4
Current BMI: 25.2

I'm Out of Here....

It was just announced that Obama will be our new President. 

I'm moving to Canada!

The Pencil Post

My Question: Why do you want to use a pencil that is so small? Isn't it hard to write with?

Payton's Answer: No, not at all! Plus, it's challenging!!

My Thought: Isn't school "challenging" enough? Is it really necessary to resort to making minuscule writing instruments? Plus, there's not even an eraser. What happens if you make a mistake? Why not just use a regular size pencil and go with the flow?

My {actual} Answer: Whatever!

I do not Own "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

Photo from www.thegreenhead.com

Tonight, after carving our pumpkins, my boys are watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. It's such a special treat every year. We make our hot chocolate, with all the trimmings, and settle in on our couch for an hour. I know they sell this movie at every major retailer in the country, but I refuse to buy it!

Having this movie in our personal DVD library would take away its special-ness. If the boys knew they could watch it in the middle of summer it would just lose it's magic. Just like everything else, it would be taken for granted. Therefore, we'll continue to look forward to that one hour a year when we can snuggle as a family and enjoy the greatness of the pumpkin patch.

I remember when I was little... I would look forward to the one night a year that The Wizard of Oz was on television. Oh how I loved that movie. It's so magical, so wonderful. I would sit, undisturbed, in front of our TV through the entire movie. The possibility of ever owning this classic never even crossed my mind as a child. That was never even in the realm of possibilities. This was before we even owned a VCR for Pete's Sake. Even if my mom could have purchased it, I'm glad I didn't own it. I'm glad I had to wait 364 days to see it again. To this day it is one of my favorite flicks. That's another movie that I refuse to buy too.

So here's to the Emerald City and the Great Pumpkin, whom I shall only see once every 364 days. May you each retain your magic for generations to come!

Darrin was attempting to be all spooky and took this picture in the dark, hence the orange glow!

Help Me Sleep.... P-L-E-A-S-E

Okay, ladies, I'm in desperate need of some help! About three years ago I started having night sweats. Nothing too bad really. It only happened once in a while really. I wasn't too concerned and just lived with it.

Now, however, things are different. They have gradually increased in frequency. Now it's to the point where it happens more times a week than it doesn't. I wake up in the middle of the night absolutely drenched. I have to change my PJ's, go get a towel to sleep on and then try to get back to sleep. Meanwhile, I'm freezing to death. Crazy, huh?

I've had my thyroid checked and it was fine. My OB/GYN also confirmed that I'm not going through peri (pre) menopause. So, what's the deal?! What in the world can I do to stop this?

I sleep in a very light shirt and under a sheet and blanket. That's it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)

P.S. - Just for reference, I'm only 37!