If It's August, It's Time for Birthdays

Both my children were born in August. Micah, the big sis, on the 4th, and Bryan, the lil' bro, on the 23rd. I am truly blessed--my children are wonderful and I know they were sent to me directly from heaven above.

I don't get to be with Micah on her birthday now that she lives in New Orleans, but thank goodness for phones and e-mails. It shortens the distance somewhat. When we are together, we try to make the moments count. We went for a visit during spring break, and during a shopping spree, she found a treasure she liked so I bought an early present. When they were home in July, I sent a little gift sack home and made her promise not to peep until her birthday. This is a repeat photo, but here we are mom and daughter, making a memory.

Bryan's birthday is tomorrow. Since he has moved back to the ASU campus and since tomorrow is Monday, I probably won't see him on his birthday either and he is in Jonesboro. What is a mom to do? We celebrated today while having lunch at grandmother's and papaw's house. Since he is all about drums, he was pretty pleased with his gift. He is taking it to the apartment.

My children are now 27 and 22. They should be about 7 and 2. Time passes swiftly, but I have no regrets. I hope they have never been disappointed in me. I've spent a lifetime running to ballgames, band and choir concerts, plays, piano, flute, twirling, and drum lessons, just to name a few of the fun things. We also had some less favorable experiences like runs to the ER. I've enjoyed every minute (except for the ER) and would do it all again in a heartbeat. From time to time, I still do what I can to help them out or be a part of whatever they have going on in their lives. My major job seems to have ended which is sometimes a little sad, but I remind myself that I'm always on call 24-7. You just never know when the phone might ring and I hear, "Mom." I can usually tell by the tone of voice before the words are ever spoken.

I know birthdays are usually intended for the special person of the day, but I think when these days come along, I am the one celebrating that I have to be the absolute luckiest person in the world to be a mom and to have two such wonderful children.

7 Hugs, (Micah will understand and I think Bryan will.)

Marcia

It's Been Hectic

I do not believe we had summer vacation this year or either I blinked and missed it.

School has reopened once again, and I've been hopping for the last two weeks to be ready when the "little darlings" arrived. Thursday was the big day. I have been doubly busy since not only was my teaching assignment changed 5 weeks ago, but also on Monday at 1:00 for a second time just before school opening on Thursday. My job may be many things, but it is never boring, and secondly it is continually "STC"; the newest acronym in my life--SUBJECT TO CHANGE. I am officially teaching Travel and Tourism all day long. My internship program has ended through a long series of developments which trickled down from the state department in Little Rock. I'm rather sad to lose this program as I thought it was very beneficial to the students, not to mention I had invested hours in building it. I convinced students, area schools, and the business community that it would work and it did. I started 3 years ago with 7 kids and last year I served 60. I've been at the tech center 7 years and I'm embarking on a new program for the 4th time. I'm growing a bit weary of starting over time after time. They must think I have an anointing or a special gift for this type of thing. Just when I get everything running smoothly and in place, we decide we're going to do something different. Retirement is sounding better all the time. Ah well, I'm pressing on with a smile on my face. This, too, shall pass.
On a lighter note, I'm so proud of my son. He has received two ag scholarships this fall and on Wednesday, I got to go with him to have lunch and see him be recognized for one of them. His dad usually goes with him on these occasions as most of the time it is easier for him to get off work. He had a meeting this time that he couldn't miss, so I had a golden opportunity and I took advantage of it. He is moving back to the campus to live. In fact, most of his things have been carried out and he is about ready to stay permanently. It will probably be a little quiet around here, but I bet if he gets a little hungry or needs to do a little laundry, he'll be around.

Looking forward to Labor Day,

Marcia

PS To My Last Post

I love blogging, but sometimes the computer will absolutely not cooperate and I become quite very frustrated. I had one last photo and a comment about our Osh Kosh trip. Somehow, it deleted and you can't pass photos in order to carry a new one back to the bottom of the list. Or at least I haven't figured out how to do it. If you know how let me know. As you look at this photo, it will seem a little strange. Once you read the entirety of my next blog, perhaps it will make more sense. Bill, one of our friends bought this shirt and I picked up my cowboy hat at the Ford hanger. What do you think? Is it me?

Marcia

What Happened to July?

I can hardly believe that it is already August, the 8th month of the year. I think I blinked and something happened to July. It went by almost before it got started. Now summer has officially ended for me as of today as I head back to work tomorrow. Here is a little recap of the activity in my life.

After a week's vacation meshed with July 4th celebration, Micah and Rhyne came home for a summer visit from New Orleans and stayed a week. It was great to see them if only for a short time. It seemed that they only arrived to return home. That was week 2 of the month.

While I was vacationing at the White River in Cotter during week 1, my cell phone began ringing telling me of an additional teaching assignment I would have during the fall and the in-service I must attend in Little Rock for certification to teach this new program of study--Travel and Tourism. The conference was in 1 1/2 weeks. Micah and Rhyne left on Tuesday morning and I left for Little Rock on Tuesday afternoon to stay the remainder of the week. What timing and that was week 3 of the month.

Now while I was actually working, I must say this was one of the better in-service meetings I have ever attended. It was lots of fun and very enjoyable; I almost felt guilty having a good time at a professional meeting; however, let me hastened to say that the days ran from 8 until 6:30 or 7:00 every day, and I would go to bed absolutely exhausted. We would spend the better part of the day in class and then about 3, break for tours of interest throughout the city and end about 6:30 for dinner. We were housed at the Capital Hotel and it was incredible. If you want a weekend get-a-way while being treated like royalty, this is the place to go. When I arrived, I hardly got my car into "Park", when I was surrounded by valets taking my luggage, parking my car, and escorting me into the lobby. My room was decorated beautifully and was very spacious. The bed was so comfortable and the linens so soft. I can't believe I didn't think to make a picture.

I wanted to share just a few photos of places I toured.

We toured the Old State House. This is my group and Linda, our counselor standing next to me, went along for the conference. We had a great time.

We were honorary duck masters at the Peabody Hotel and went along with the "Duck-allac" to retire them for the evening.

We toured the Bill Clinton Library. I had never been there and really enjoyed it. We didn't get to stay long enough.

The Governor came to greet us in the reception hall of the capitol and had his photo made along with us.

The state capitol building.

When I arrived home, I had 4 days to get packed and ready for Osh Kosh. One of those was Sunday, so that one almost doesn't count. Keep in mind, I had to do laundry and pack clothes. I made a trip to the grocery store and made some goodies before leaving. There were bills to pay and errands to run. I had to even make a trip to school for a newspaper interview about my new class. The camper had to be loaded. By Wednesday morning I was ready and we headed out at 5:30 a.m. We make this trip to the fly-in every year and this time we were away 10 days including our travel to and from. We had a wonderful time seeing all the sights, meeting up with friends from all over, and enjoying cooler temperatures. Saturday's high was 72 while all the time the temp was rising the closer we got to home--about 100 to be more exact and we won't even discuss the heat index. And that was week 4.

Enjoy a few photos from our trip.

We did see several planes. The week's theme was a tribute to veterans and the war birds was the feature of the week. We saw an enactment of a WWII bombing by B-17s. It was very moving.

We've come to have so many long-distance friends who share a love of flying. Here is everyone gathered around our camp site sharing an evening meal of brats and hot dogs. It's a tradition at least one night and there will be around 20 or so come and go throughout the week.

On Tuesday night, we always travel to Fon da Lac to have dinner at the Sunset Grill. It's positioned on Lack Winnebago. You can see how it got it's name.

Believe it or not--that's me on a Harley traveling down the interstate. I've never been on a Harley before, so now I can say I've done another first. I loved it!!! Riding a motor cycle at 60 or 65 seeing the countryside gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Hitting the open road."

All this running around has come to a halt. Much as I enjoyed it, I'm paying the price as I have spent the last two days doing laundry and straightening my house before getting back into the routine. Without fail every year when the calendar turns to August, the entire world seems to start asking the age-old question, "Are you ready to go back to school?" Well here is my answer. "I just like to eat."

Marcia

Vacation Week

My New Orleans adventure came to a close on Friday as we arrived home about 5 o'clock or so. There was no time for rest or unwinding as Collin and I had planned to leave the next day in the camper for a week of vacation. We were actually splitting the week with two separate outings.

I slept in for a bit Saturday morning to get a little rest as we were in no particular hurry to head out. Collin had some things to do while I carried out some clothes and some food items to the pantry and refrigerator. We were off to Denton's Ferry on the White River at Cotter, one of our favorite spots that we have frequented several times. We were staying through Wednesday.

Upon our arrival, we met two very nice couples camped out in the adjoining sites. We pulled up chairs and visited for the evening. The next evening, they invited us to join them for fish, fries, and hush puppies. It was delicious. Another night, they shared taco soup with us. We had the best time getting acquainted and visiting with these folks from Texas. By the time we headed out home, I told Collin that I felt as though I had known these people forever and that they were old friends. He felt the same way and said we might have to make a trip to Texas one of these days. Here we are devouring the feast. Meet Tommy and Gale, Buddy and Charlotte.

Having come home on Wednesday, we had Thursday to regroup and head south to Hot Springs with Dennis and Regina to enjoy the 4th of July. We found a great KOA park. We did some shopping in Hot Springs, took a ride on the Duck throughout the city and on Lake Hamilton, and had dinner with friends, Neal and Rhonda. They grilled for us and their home is overlooking the lake. It was wonderful--the meal and catching up on the latest.

Here we are riding the Duck.

All to soon, it was back home Monday afternoon and back to work. Collin had been out a week and had plenty waiting on him. It was time for me to do a little laundry and see about things on the home front. Traveling is great and we always have a good time, but it's also good to be back home.

I'm actually traveling again next week to Little Rock, but it's work related. Yet a whole other story of the unexpected wherein I got quite the surprise. More on that one later.

Next adventure--Osh Kosh; Airventure 2010!

Marcia

Setting Up House

I'm way, way behind on blogging. I have been on the road the last two weeks to the tune of over 1400 miles. I have a number of posts to catch up on, but will try to break them down into smaller portions and tell about each one. It has been planned vacation time as well as some unexpected travels that have kept me from the computer, but here is the first in a series of several.

Nearly three weeks ago, Micah called with news that she and Rhyne were getting keys and garage openers to their house. They were starting to move boxes to the new house and movers would be there in a week to carry over the big furniture. Everybody was excited. That same night, our neighbors, Steve and Robin told they were headed to New Orleans the next week for a few vacation days and invited me to ride down and they would drop me off for a visit with Micah. I didn't know; I thought she might want to move and set up on her own. It was after all her first house, but definitely not a first move. I called her back and told her they had offered me a ride if I wanted it. If she would like for me to come a couple of days to wash dishes and help her, I would be more than happy to come. She said, "You want the ride." The next week I was headed south strong of back with willing spirit and Steve's truck loaded down with boxes of stored dishes, linens, and miscellaneous kitchen items that she had never been able to enjoy due to lack of space.

Tuesday night the kids took me out to eat since for the obvious reasons the apartment was just a bit shy of groceries. When we got back home, everybody began more packing of boxes and carrying over the small stuff to the house. The movers were coming the next morning. Here we are working together in the kitchen.

I was dressed and over to the new house the next morning by 7. I had awaken and thought I might as well go ahead and get started; we had a lot to do. I'm not one to sit around too much when I know there is so much to be done in such a short amount of time. I slipped out and left Micah asleep, but that was OK. She was extremely tired and I knew it. She could use a little more rest. I began loading the dishwasher, moving stuff off the counter tops, and kept a sink of water going all day Wednesday. We went from this

(and I had already done some work before I remembered to make a picture) to this.

Our efforts were most productive and I felt good about our progress at the end of the day.

Thursday was another day of emptying boxes, cleaning, washing several loads of laundry, and hanging a few pictures. Again, some of our finished efforts.

Micah was a little tired--just one short power nap.

Some of the faculty wives brought dinner Thursday evening and did we ever enjoy that! You know, bringing over a meal for such times as these is very SOUTHERN and hospitable. We were tired and this kind gesture meant so much. I'm so glad I live south of the Mason-Dixon line! What great traditions! There still wasn't too much in the house to eat. There hadn't been time to grocery shop. We had other priorities.

I took a little house warming gift from the family. Micah has always loved and admired my flags, so about 2 years ago, I got this bright idea to start a collection for her. I knew the day would come that she would have a house and I wanted to be ready. I think she was surprised and pleased. Here is she and Rhyne opening up the surprise,

and here she is late Thursday afternoon getting the first flag outside to signal life and activity in the house.

Isn't she the cutest thing?! You cannot imagine how happy this child is to finally have a house. She said she finally felt all grown up--after nearly 5 years she actually had a house with a yard.

Steve and Robin came early Friday morning to pick me up and we headed home. I was thrilled to get to help out a little. Nothing brings a mama any more joy than to know she is still needed and can be useful even when her daughter is a big girl and quite capable on her own. She and Rhyne have a beautiful house, and I know very soon if not already, it will be home.

Travel--Series I complete. More to come.

Marcia

Weekend Outing

This was my first full week at home and I was pretty busy with projects on the home front. By Friday night, I was ready to call it a week and enjoy some weekend fun and relaxation. . .and we did just that.

Collin and I went to Memphis on Saturday with our friends Dennis and Regina to celebrate her birthday. After getting parked a couple of blocks from Beale Street, we headed out to find lunch. We had barbecue from King's Palace and was it ever good! If you've not eaten there, I would recommend it. The food was great and the atmosphere was unique. Here we are after consuming a scrumptious meal.

After lunch, we made a quick tour through one of the local shops and headed back to Auto Zone Park for a late afternoon baseball game between the Red Birds and the Iowa Cubs. It was HOT, but fortunately we were on the second level behind home plate. We were under a deck and blocked from the sun. We were also able to get a breeze every now and then. Here we are enjoying the game.

It got a little exciting near the end and the home team pulled out a win; 6-2.

Ready to go again,

Marcia