Check this out!

Normally, I don't blog on Saturday evenings, but sometimes you have to make an exception.

If you're bored and have a minute, skip on over to I Am Boymom, would you? She has a giveaway going on that might be beneficial to all...especially those with kids. I know after having viruses going through our home lately, I was right interested in this product.

Boymom is right nifty (I can hear her laughing over that word now!) and knows her stuff.

Good luck all of those who decide to enter!

Now I'm off to watch Harry Putter ....again.....with the family.

I appreciate

I suppose I should be fair and do an "I appreciate the US Navy because...." post. I haven't always been too positive when it comes to the military, but that comes with living the life, I suppose.

I appreciate the US Navy because my dryer wasn't working and now it is.

Imagine my surprise when I went to do laundry the other day and it wasn't working! *Gasp* Oh, how that upset me because if there's one thing a family of five needs? It's the washer and dryer.

I got to thinking about that dryer. Dryers have motors. My husband works on motors- of a sort.

I told him he needed to go check that dryer out because I just didn't want to blow our budget for the month on a service call. It was running and air was blowing, but there was no heat. Heat is necessary to dry thick towels that we use on a daily basis. Not to mention underwear and things such as that.

Then The Man got sick. Some gastro-intestinal viral deal that put him down. To be honest, he's still sick and going to go back to medical today to see what the deal is.

Last night, even though I hated to, I asked him to see what he could do about that dryer because the laundry was threatening to take over.

He took his woozy headed self in the laundry room and started working. I went around the corner a little while later to find my dryer pretty much dismantled. I admit, I was a tad nervous seeing that, but I had faith in my husband.

Lo and behold, there was a paper hidden underneath the panel with diagrams and such. Pictures that made my husband go "Aha!" and mutter to himself.

He requested the vacuum cleaner with hose attachment in order to clean the interior of that blessed machine. I stood to the side as I have been trained to do since I was a little girl. My Daddy trained me to be a helper and go and fetch for him when he was working. I know how to do my job.

Next thing I know? My dryer is working!!!

Oh, the joy of having a good working dryer in my home again. I immediately started laundry secure in the knowledge that what I needed to put in the dryer would be nice and dried at the end of the cycle.

Granted, my dryer isn't a nuclear reactor and it's not located on a submarine. But, I am appreciative to the Navy for teaching my husband the past twenty years how to work under pressure (I feel I might be a tad worse than the Captain at times!) and maybe fix a small motor. Hear that prospective employers?!?! My man is GOOD.

Thanks to my husband for understanding my angst and need for a working dryer in our home. Thanks to him for being sick as a dog and still getting the job done right. THAT's a Chief for ya.

Now, if you'll excuse me? I have some laundry to do.

Go on and enjoy a wonderful Spring weekend, would you?

Got my Eye on her

Let me tell you what crazy me did.

A little bit of back story...

Paige came to me months and months ago with this crazy idea that she wanted to FLY to Tennessee to see her best friend who moved there (after her dad retired). I was like....yeah, right. I told her sure, she could go, but I wasn't buying the ticket.

I figured that would nix that idea quick like.

I keep underestimating my child.

She has worked (babysitting) for a while now. Lately, she's scored some good gigs that have paid well.

How well, you ask?

Well enough to purchase a plane ticket to Tennessee.

Crap.


What do I do now? I mean, she took me at my word and made the money.

The only thing that *might* could stop her now is that she may get a job working this summer on base. A real bona fide-take out taxes-file at the end of the year job. She has to fill out an application and go through the interview process. She's right serious about it as she is sure this will look good on her resume in the future. Seriously? Worried about a resume at age 15. Who worried about a resume at 15? I was more worried about getting a cancer causing tan than anything else.

On one hand I'm so proud of her I could burst. Her work ethic is amazing and I just know it will get her far in life. On the other hand...when will I learn?????

Jeesh.

Oh, and we're starting her a checking/savings account because she's seriously wanting the joy of a debit card and says she's ready for the responsibility. She's got to use it to purchase that ticket.

Dang.

That girl of mine is a mess.

Spring Break 2009

We had a birthday to celebrate and friends came in for a short visit last week. I had 10 people up in my house! It was bedlam. It was great. We had kids running around outside and adults enjoying time off from work. Thursday evening, the adults went out to supper and left the kids behind. A simple meal turned into two hours of sitting and chatting and being grown ups.

Friday was all about the kids. Carla and her crew, Lu and her crew, me and my crew headed down to the Jacksonville Zoo for a full day of fun. That would be 15 people doing the caravan with picnic goodies packed in the back of SUV's.

This was special for us because it was The Boy's first visit. We just haven't been able to take him to places like this because he would just get so over stimulated and the experience would end up being miserable. What a blessing it was to see it all through his eyes. Animals he had seen in books and on television were REAL!!

We walked and walked, looking left and right. We fed stingrays and giraffes. Komoda Dragons were awesome in person. Even Paige got all excited and had a blast with her 15 year old self.

When we couldn't walk another step, it was time for a picnic. The kids ate quick so they could play (where did they get the energy???). The adults took their time and enjoyed just being able to sit down.

I do believe when we got home, all the adults crashed for a nap while the kids kept going strong.

Of course I got pictures! I'm researching new cameras now as the one I have is on its last legs. It keeps trying to quit on me but keeps hanging in there. I keep begging it to last "just a few more months". One day it's going to ignore me and just die. Probably at The Man's retirement ceremony!

This is feeding the stingrays. The Boy LOVED this exhibit because it was hands-on. Right up his alley. You can see The Man's hand on his back because he almost fell in a few times trying to reach the stingrays.

I love this because he had either just fed one or touched it. He was making sure I saw that it had happened! See the dark shape in the water floating away?

See what I mean? His expressions were just priceless and I'm so glad I caught them! By the way....everyone around the water was in our group!

Once she got past the "EWWWWWW Factor", Paige was all about some stingrays. That child of mine sure has some gorgeous hair.

I don't have a picture of Paige feeding the giraffes because I had to take a picture of her doing so with her cell phone so she could send proof to all her peeps.

Look at the tongue on that giraffe! My boy was living the life for sure at the zoo. When I called my parents to tell them about it, my Daddy asked if they let me bring all three of the kids home or did they keep them? I said it was a struggle, but I managed to bring all home with me.

The girls enjoyed the petting zoo for a little while. A few of the adults (*raises hand because I was one of them*) snuck off to sit down a minute while they did this.

All in all, it was a great Spring Break. We have so much coming up before we leave Georgia and I'm going to enjoy every single minute I can!

Birthday Blessing

Apparently, I took an unplanned vacation from blogging! It wasn't intentional...it just happened.

One thing I must address immediately is that my oldest child had a birthday last week!

Yes, Paige is now 15 years old. I could do the old statement "Where did the time go???" deal, but I won't.

This girl of mine has given me 15 of the best years of my life. On April 14, 1994, she made me a Mama. That, I believe, is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Each and every day I am in awe of the person she is becoming. She pushes my hot buttons and in the next breath, makes me laugh until I cry. I know my time with her gets shorter every day. Soon, she'll want to leave and spread her wings. I can't fault her for that because it was something I sure enjoyed doing when the time came. I am grateful that she willingly goes with us as a family to do things and most of the time surprises herself by having a good time.

She is a Mama's Girl through and through...unless her Papa or Poppies is around.

She loves small babies and the elderly. I encourage her all the time to pursue those interests.

She has a wonderful work ethic. She has no problem working and earning money to pay her own way.

She is passionate about her beliefs and can argue her side better than any lawyer you'll meet.

She is beautiful inside and out. (Uh..don't ask her sister about this-they tend to scrap quite a bit at times.)

I am honored that God picked this special person out for me to share my life with. She has been a blessing I wouldn't trade for all the riches of this world. With her, I am rich.

As soon as her grades are where her Dad and I want them to be, she gets to try for her learner's permit. Oh, joy.

Thank you, Paige, for not reaming me a new one for not putting up this post on your exact birthday. Just another sign of maturity and growth you're showing us. (I'll make another sushi run to make up for it later.)

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl. We sure love you.

Easter 2009

Look what time it is again! I searched google images to see what would best describe my feelings about this very special day. I found chocolate! Chocolate is my drug of choice in life, I do believe. My hips would agree with that statement also.

It is a little sad for us because this is our last Easter in Georgia (as far as we know). We have reached that point now. Where we do something like celebrate a holiday and know this is our last in this home. I wish we had known this a year ago! I would have appreciated those moments just a little bit more. Alas, that wasn't how it was supposed to be.

We at The Edge love us some Jesus. No matter what storm we have to go through in this life, we know Jesus is a rock we can cling to til that storm has passed. Right now we're in a storm of uncertainty. Now, when The Boy blesses our food before supper, he has been asked to add a little something to the end.

He says...."Lord, please watch out for our family and help my Dad find a good job."

Matthew 21:22 states: " And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." KJV

I could get a little more in depth with asking God to let us move back home to South Carolina. I have the town picked out, the desired school system and even a few neighborhoods I'd love to live in. You can't get much more specific than that, can you?

Mark 11:24 states: "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." KJV

I can only ask. God knows what I want in my heart. I know He will make the best decision in order to best look after me and my family. I am humbled by that thought.

We are excited to celebrate Easter with good friends and a good church. Good food has been planned to enjoy after a wonderful church service. Eggs will be hunted with lots of giggles and pictures taken.

I am blessed this Easter weekend. I am blessed with an amazing family that I hold so close to my heart. I am blessed that we have the freedom to celebrate our Savior's Resurrection. I am simply blessed.

I wish you all a Happy Easter.

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.

Matthew 28:6

KJV

Things I have Learned

The past three weeks I've learned a few things about myself.

For instance, life is going to happen no matter what I think or feel. I can sit and pout or I can get motivated. That's simple enough, isn't it?

I love having "Perfect World" visions. You know where you envision how things would go in a perfect world and would just work out to your advantage with no tears- just smiles, lollipops, and rainbows. P.W. visions keep me sane some times when I get overwhelmed.

My family and I are going to survive this retirement. We really are. I don't know where we are going to end up when all is said and done, but I have faith that God knows and He will reveal it to me in His time. God also knows I'm a planner and I just know He won't let me suffer too much. Maybe just enough to be a touch frazzled and call on Him a little bit more, you think?

My husband finally gave me a tentative retirement ceremony date yesterday. It's going to be around mid-September. The date isn't set in stone, but it gives me a day. A day to plan somewhat. That date grounds me. Even if it changes, it will only be the week before or the week after. I have peace in knowing I have something to work with.

I also know my children will be okay. My Paige is a good kid. She has had to plan her classes for next year this past week. This is hard for her since she doesn't know where she will be finishing up 10th grade next year. What did she do? That girl got all proactive and looked at a couple of high schools where we *might* end up. She studied their requirements and compared them to what she can take here and finish there. She has a plan for next year for her classes. I never had to do a thing. She took care of it so that she, herself, could have peace of mind. She is just like her mother, that one. Give her a plan and she's set. She has reconciled herself with the fact that she has to leave this school she loves. I really hate having to do this to her- more than she will ever know. But, she's going to be just fine.

I have learned that I have amazing friends here where I am. The past two weeks have found me helping Neighbor Debbie with getting her homes taken care. Carla and I helped her clean the one she was leaving and we painted the one she was going to. It was back numbing work with long hours, but it's done! I would do it again in a heartbeat. That's what friends do, you know. They jump up and help without a second thought. I feel lost now, like a part of me is gone because we've been next door to each other for almost three years. Neighbor Greg had it pegged right when he said we needed to wean from each other a little bit. I have to say I agree with him. At least I can still see her on a regular basis and our dwindling group can stay intact for a few more months.

Ultimately, I have learned that I'm going to be okay. I say that now, but the closer it gets.....the more I'm sure I'll need nerve pills of some sort. I will plan what I can as I go and let God handle the rest. Now, if I could just follow my own advice, I'd be good to go!

Award Catch Up

I've been blessed to receive a few awards lately. I haven't done my part to pass on the love and I apologize for that. Lately, I've been unable to multi-task as well and I used to. I've been swamped with many things going on and it's messed with my zen. I would like to take a minute now to share the love, if you don't mind.

"This award may be passed to ONLY ONE! We all have that ONE blog that we look forward to every single day whether it's updated every day or not; that ONE blog that reaches to the depths of our soul; this is the ONE deserving of the "Tea Cup Blogger" Award. So -- because your blogging warms my soul like a hot cup of tea, you are deserving of this very special honor ... "

USS Retired passed this sweet award on to me. I have to laugh because we live only a mile or so apart and have yet to meet! We've chatted on the phone and computer and can't seem to find a spare five minutes to see each other in person. We'll have to soon, though, because I don't want to leave here having never met her. Thank you, Ma'am, for the honor!

This was hard for me because I would love to give this to quite a few bloggers I know. Alas, I have to pick one and I choose Andria over at Boy Crazy. I've shared a few awards with her over the past couple of years, but I like me some Boy Crazy. We've since become Face uh Book friends where we've challenged each other to word games and even chatted a few times. Oh, the power of technology. I adore visiting her blog because she has a son older than mine so I'm reading on what to expect. She has a daughter younger than mine so I can feel her pain on fixing hair and frilly clothes. She's also started another blog on her thrifty savings that I enjoy. I'm all about a coupon and saving a dollar and it's great knowing someone who gets that. Thanks, Andria for some great reading!

I am Boymom has tickled me to no end with this award. For those of you who are regular visitors to The Edge know that I've never even claimed to be in the running for this particular award. In fact, I just knew it would be the LAST one I could put on the mantle and polish every day. I guess the fact that I don't even have a fireplace (yet) doesn't even factor in. There are a few questions I have to answer in order to display this lovely picture and I'm all about participating!

Here goes:

Admit one thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are No Longer allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I'm not as consistent as I need to be. I'm anal about some things and let others slide. I need to be more on top of teaching my kids good housekeeping skills. While they get it and do it when I fuss and fuss and FUSS...I need to back my stuff up with consequences instead of just giving up. I let it stress me out too much and that's not what I want them to remember when they're older and deciding my nursing home.....how crazy their Mama was growing up.

Remind yourself you are a good mom, list seven things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself everyday that you Rock!

1. They all have an incredible sense of humor.


2. Since we moved away from family, we've bonded together as a family and have done so many things together. Even the teenager goes willingly!


3. All three use their manners and so many people have complimented both them and The Man and myself on this.


4. My kids love when I PMS because there will be a cookie in the house or Dad will bake something yummy. Yay for Mama's PMS!


5. I love when we watch movies together, how all three of my kids pile up on top of each other on the couch. I have more fun watching them than I do the television. It's moments like those I freeze in my mind to come back and visit later.


6. My kids might not love it now, but they'll appreciate later how I have instilled in them how to dress for different occasions and not to wear nasty dirty flip flops to church.


7. I love my husband. My husband loves me. I can't think of anything better you can show your children than a loving relationship with your spouse. To me, that's the biggest security blanket there is for a child.

•Send this to five other Mom's of the year that deserve credit for being great moms and remind them that they are the best moms they can be!! Remember to send them a note to let them know you've selected them, and add a link to the person who nominated you.

1. Queen of This Kingdom


2. Monogram Queen


3. Home is Where the Navy Sends Us

4. Spilt Milk 'n Mood Swings

5. Pikes Pickles

(I can't fix my bullets here! Meh, you all know what I'm trying to do so I won't stress anymore over it!)

These are all women that I admire. They are Mothers who are doing the very best that they can to raise their children and they love their husbands! I am blessed to be able to share their lives in a small part through their blogs.

Thank you again for such amazing blog awards. I am constantly humbled by the generosity of blog writers every single day!

Five Years Old!

Guess who had a birthday today!!!

That's right! My baby woke up bright and early this morning full of sass that he is now five years old. We kept it low key today since we're doing a small celebration tomorrow evening. Aunt Lu and her crew are coming into town from South Carolina and we're going to enjoy all there is about being five years old.

Of course we couldn't let the day go by without some cupcakes to share with friends at school. Did you doubt the color they would be?

My kid has the best teacher in the entire world. He earned an ENTIRE row of birthday stickers today. How cool are those?



What a year my son has had. What a past six months it's been. I feel like we've found the right road to walk on with him and now we're going to find our way. I live for his smiles where his eyes sparkle. I find myself looking at him some times and looking up to grin at God. I am in awe that I special ordered this child. I did! I wanted a brown eye'd dark hair little boy that looks like his Dad. Boy, did I get that. I get to love this little man and call him my own every day. This little man loves me and kisses me before he leaves for school every day.

I may have said it before and I'll say it again.

This kid made my life complete when he was born April 2, 2004.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!!!

Supper Table Tales...again

We have quite a few of these moments where we all laugh so hard at the supper table, someone almost falls out their chair.

Tonight was another one of those moments.

Paige was sharing her two fun things. Then she got sidetracked. She is an expressive child, bless her. She had to stand up in order to fully explain what she wanted to say. It had something to do with her changing clothes in between classes in a bathroom with a big stall. I *think* this was on a Thursday where she was changing from her uniform into civilian clothes for something or another. Dude, I really don't know.

All I know is that she was talking about hopping and jumping and throwing her clothes on and cramming clothes in her backpack. This was all complete with some hopping and plenty of action hands.

She said....."If anyone had seen me doing all that? They would have DIED laughing."

Then she paused a second.



Wait for it.




She said...."God probably pee'd his pants."


Yeah, we were done then. Only Paige.