Tarheel Conference Champions 2009

This summer my kids and I had to make a decision....do we continue swimming with the McDowell Mariners, my Alma Mater, or make the switch to Morganton Marlins where we live. It makes sense to swim in Morganton, however with family ties and friends, we have continued swimming with McDowell for the past several years. Well this summer we made the switch, and while we missed those whom we've grown close to, it has been a good summer. Saturday, our team won the Conference Championship with McDowell not far behind. We aren't bragging, or glad we switched because we won, just glad because summer has been much less stressful from having to drive one town over every weekday just to swim. I for one was also able to enjoy watching my children swim for once instead of being on the sidelines as a coach! I was proud of all three of my little swimmers this season and past Sat. They were awesome! Way to go Caleb, Joshua, Rahlee, and way to go Morganton and McDowell!!!!

Rafting with Family and Friends

I was so excited recently to go rafting with my older brother Briggs, my son Joshua, and friends Whitney and Carol. It was a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in the mountains of Tennessee. My thoughts were turned to another rafting trip a few years ago with Briggs again, when half way down the Pigeon River it began the storm. There was lightning illuminating the afternoon sky and the rain was beating down upon us. If you have ever been rafting you know it can be almost impossible going down rapids to just "pull over". Instead of fear, I had one of the most exhilarating feelings I have ever felt in my life! If my experienced guide brother was worried that day, it didn't show.

No rain, and no thunder or lightning this trip, but as I recalled those feelings going down this memorial Weekend, the same peace came over me. Could it be the call of the river? Nature? My calling in life has led me another direction in being a mother, but I secretly admire my brother and his "free spirit". Today is Briggs's birthday and I want to dedicate this blog entry to him. Happy 41st Birthday Briggs - We love you!

Home Improvement Mommy Style!

Well since I dedicated my entire weekend last week to the kids, Carowinds, and picnics....I decided today I needed to do something to add to the upkeep of our home. I have a ton of projects and wish lists I dream about completing someday, but truth be told, I usually make the excuse I need a "man" to do them or help do them. For some of the projects this is true, but a majority I really think I could do or learn to do if I just put my mind to it. So anyway, this weekend I decided to tackle one of two bedrooms and rip the carpet out. I have hardwood floors underneath which I had professionally refinished in other parts of the house but not these two bedrooms. After some months with two new puppies and almost a year with one of them )had to give one back, too much), the carpet had to go. My first thought was I wonder if I could persuade my ex to do it, but my pride quickly shattered that, (%^$#) pride! So I was off on a mission to boost my self confidence in my ability to be a home owner and independent single woman (with kids that are little help!) I actually got up at 4:30 a.m. on a Sat. I know what your thinking, I am the bomb, getting up that early on a weekend just to get started on projects right? Are you kidding me? I am not that motivated. I actually had to take my eldest son to meet the youth for a temple trip to Colombia S.C. today then I cam back home and went back to bed. I slowly arose again around 8:30 or so, had a bowl of shredded wheat, and a momentary struggle with my lazy side who was trying to talk me out of "working". Wouldn't laying back down, or doing something fun with Joshua (only one at home today), or watch TV or movies all day be so much funner )I know that isn't a word)? As you can see, my "responsible" personality took over. But, once I started I was on a roll. Early on I felt like I could do the boys room as well, but that quickly subsided after my back and fingers stiffened from pulling up tack stripping for several hours. From start; moving furniture out, pulling up carpet and pad, to finish, pulling tack stripping, washing the floor, and moving furniture back in, I was done in about 4 hours. Proud of myself I must say. Nothing like tackling a project like this to boost your self esteem. Now for the boys room. We'll have to wait and see how long it takes to go through this whole self-talk process again - lol!

Pinewood Derby Girl Style!

Well, when Joshua graduated from Cub Scouts this past year I thought my Pine Wood Derby days were all over. Rahlee just turned 8 years old and is now part of Achievement Days at church on Wednesdays for the 8-11 years old girls (similar to Girl Scouts). And what was the very first activity she gets to participate in but a "derby". Ugh! I thought I had made my last derby car. To my excitement, Rahlee's older brothers took right over and helped her make and paint her car and then assemble it in preparation for "Race Day"! It definitely had the female flare and was lots of fun! I think regardless of what place she came in, Rahlee did too!

Rahlee Is 8!

Our little Rahlee turned 8 years old on the 3rd of March. Rahlee has her own unique personality with a strong sense of compassion for those around her. She is so smart and loves school. Rahlee celebrated her birthday with a skating party in which she spent more time on the floor than on her feet. LOL! We love Rahlee, she is a special part of our family and brings so much joy into our lives.

Elsa - Our French Exchange Student...Our New Friend!

We love Elsa! Elsa has been visiting with us for the past ten days. We have fallen in love with this dark haired beauty from the exquisite country of France. Elsa has enjoyed getting to know our American customs and we hers. I have been anxious for the kids to learn more of what it is like to live somewhere other than the United States and to feel grateful for the things they take for granted. The french seem to live simply as Elsa has taught us by her excitement for chocolate chip cookies, television with more than 4 channels, and ipods. Yes, Elsa finally has her first ipod we purchased for her on Ebay (new), but much cheaper than buying in her native country. We are sending her home with it loaded for more than she most likely bargained for (the kids wide array of music off itunes). I'm sure her trip home will be full of memories with each song. "Bon Voyage Elsa!" we will miss you. Can't wait to visit you in France!

Rascal Flatts

"I LOVE RASCAL FLATTS" Yes, i am in love with this group. I know I shouldn't be so enthralled but what the heck, these days I have to have some excitement in life with the opposite sex. LOL! Joe Don is my favorite as if you couldn't guess by all the pic's. They gave an awesome performance and really shared thier love for God, thier relationships, and for this great country in which we live.

Caleb turned 14 years old! I was pregnant with Caleb when we moved from Florida to North Carolina. My pregnancy was difficult emotionally and his birth was a welcome relief from that. So we have lived in North Carolina for the past 14 years now. WOW! Seems like just yesterday in some ways and in others a lifetime ago. Caleb is a special young man. He has always had the most perfect smile. Caleb has a very unique personality. One in that he doesn't really care what others think about him. He isn't afraid to be different and is very charming. There is a sensitive side to him as well. Caleb is upset when your upset and happy when your happy. I appreciate that Caleb want to do the right thing. I hope he always chooses to do the right. I can't imagine my life without him! I love you Caleb.

January Fun!

Well what can I say, 2009 is already here and the month of January is half over. I guess blogging has taken a bit of a backseat for me over the holidays so I need to catch up! The kids and I have been busy most weekends with activities. We went paintballing the first weekend with the Caswell NC Ward Youth. Scott, whom I have been dating, invited us to go with his boys, Brandon and Will to play. Michaela brought along Auby Mears from our ward and much to thier liking, were the only girls who ventured to play, except of course for me, "cool" mom! We had a blast despite the cold weather. I didn't know those things could hurt so bad. The next weekend we went to see the "Monster Truck" show in Greensboro. Am I turning into a "red-neck"?! Last but certainly not least, I am going to see Rascal Flatts this coming Friday in Winston Salem. I Can't Wait!!!!!