Wren's Writings

Those very cool GOD moments

2011-04-09T10:39:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, I presented a workshop at the LEA Convocation [which to all you non-Lutheran teachers is the National Lutheran teachers conference held every three years.]

My journey began over two years ago when I decided after much back and forth conversation with God that I would submit a proposal to submit. I had never taught in a school that attended the LEA Convocation and I SOOOOO wanted to go......so what better way to go than to present? My father-in-law helped me with the proposal, and after an agonizing 5 months, I learned that I was in!!!!!

God is so mysterious in his ways, and in my life I have learned that when I try to do things my way HE turns events around. and he did. I panicked until the very end. I used a buddy pass (flew stand by) to get to Cincinnati, scrambled and begged to find (literally) funds to support my journey, and watched God worked his miracles, all the while noticing that none of it was because I had done anything. ALL happened because he worked his wonders.

Sharon and Carilise helped fund my way to Cincinnati, and Sharon had one request: give Gordon Stueckert a hug. I had never met Gordon; he was the founding principal of my school so I walked by his portrait every morning, but I had never met him. And, find him? In a crowd of 15,000? By Friday night, that seemed impossible, especially when I was leaving Saturday. So my prayer that night as I fell asleep was simply, "God, only you can cross my path with Gordon. I promised Sharon I would give him a hug."

Lo, and behold, and I am signing in for my presentation Saturday morning, whose name tag is at my eye level? Gordon's!!! I started jumping and yelping!!! "God answered my prayer!!! He did it! You are Gordon!!"

He must have thought I was crazy. Once I introduced myself though, I did give him a hug, and even better, I took a picture and instantly tagged Sharon via Faceboook. One of those times I LOVE social networking!!

I still get chills when think about my Gordon God moment, and the cool thing is, God was all over my trip. Four job offers, someone to design my website; the sky is the limit- I just need to let go and let God be GOD!!!!

Father's Day and a Mother's Pride

2010-06-29T11:08:00.005-04:00

My Chad, now 11, demonstrated the kindest heart recently in a way that pierced mine. As he nears closer to those teenage years, I hope he never loses his sensitivity, his tenderness.

His friend, Jared, lost his dad two year's ago tomorrow. Chad was with Jared when RJ died. Chad and Jared were inseparable for the entire week after he died. Those two are just solid friends.

For Father's Day, my kids decided that they wanted to take Cory fishing in north Georgia. That Sunday, Chad came to me and pulled me aside,

"Mom, today's not a good day for Jared. Can we bring him too? He loves to fish."

After convincing him to ask his dad privately, not in front of Jared, he did just that. Two hours later, Jared joined our crew as we headed north for two days of fishing and camping. Only Cory rivaled Jared in the number of fish caught. He had the best weekend, and I think RJ was smiling.

I was smiling too- I was beaming with pride. My son understood friendship and he shared his dad.

(Jared- is the one holding the fish! :))

Say What?

2010-01-27T20:43:00.002-05:00

This school year has been a challenge, to say the least for Blake...and his parents. after several months of pulling my hair out and worrying and stressing and then still trying to cope with the other kids. i broke down.
i asked my counselor about it.
"From what you are describing, it sounds like he has ADD"
Ok. I can live with that. So she sends me to a website, run by the ADD guru Dr. Amens to investigate further. i took the quiz- for Blake. Yep. That was easy. But as I was taking the quiz, I started to sweat.
Some of the questions were uncomfortably personal. Many of the questions seem to be describing me.
Yep- According to Dr. Amen's quiz, I DEFINITELY have ADD.
Ouch. I didn't see that one coming. I have blamed Cory for years for having ADD and being in denial.
Apparently, i was in deep denial. My train wreck house managing skills (or lack there of), my impulsive spending, my 90 mile per hour work day, with 52 projects open at a time. The anxiety....the list is actually endless! :)
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. i can't wait to see what she says.

Watch where you walk

2009-12-30T21:10:00.004-05:00

The day started out better than it ended yesterday. Last night, I retired early- around 7 pm- fighting a stomach bug, riding the waves of nausea, vowing not to throw up, and aching. Oh, my head ached.
So, this morning was looking to be better. The nausea was gone, the headache was minimal, and we were headed to the beach. I packed my five favorite books, my new iPod, and was looking forward to what the day held.
Until, the stupid bird pooped on me. Seriously. I have always joked about it. But, there I was, standing under the tall Florida pines, feet away from the water, and I felt something wet graze my hairline and plop onto my shirt. Looked down.
Yep. definitely bird poop.
After hollering for a moment or two about just my luck, I laughed. I mean, seriously, what can I do?
If this is any precursor to the year ahead of me, I better keep laughing! Or find myself some serious prayer warriors!
After the poop- the beach was great. I just avoided all trees! :)

Christmas Eve Reflections

2009-12-24T22:16:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas to all!
As I sat my four children down in front of our tiny little Charlie Brown tree this evening, my voice started to rise, trying to reach above the mayhem that comes from taking pictures of four squirmy children on Christmas Eve. I think I was getting a little too loud.

"Mom- stop!," my 12 year old yelled, "this is supposed to be fun and you are yelling at us!"

Oops. My voice was a little loud- but in my defense- I am naturally loud.
Anyway, she was right, trying to get the perfect picture, I was losing it. Moments before we left for church. I am sure my God is up there in the heavens just chuckling over my antics. Some people's children never change.
We have had a good year. And look at how my children have changed. Caelin seems to have grown overnight into a young teenager. Chad is still the most smiley boy I have ever met, Blake still pushed all my buttons and yet tugs at my heart strings with his quiet hugs, and Delaney. She still rules our roost. Even at three.
My prayer as I head into this new year is that you find your Savior and appreciate all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you. I would love the chance to chat with you again in heaven. My prayer requests? Pray for my journey as I head into the final countdown to Honduras. I am terrified and yet extremely excited at the same time. I know God will use me and I guess even that terrifies me. I hope I don't mess it up- good thing he will use me in spite of me!
Have a blessed remaining of your 2009.

My sweet Caelin is DRIVING...a golf cart! :)

2009-07-01T09:31:00.002-04:00

My baby is twelve- and in Peachtree City, at twelve you can drive the golf cart! So guess what we did? She cracks me up because she is such an old lady behind the wheel- so unlike her mother! Her daddy has taught her well about cautious driving!

The hardest part here will be me giving up control of the golf cart- I LOVE to drive- and I don't want to share that- but, I know that is extremely selfish- so I won't make any ridiculous rules...I'll just let the girl drive!

She is getting too grown up for me- the little girl is fading fast into quite the young woman!...So this afternoon, we are headed for a manicure/pedicure! That's what big girls do on their birthdays, right?

Heavy Heart, Much Work

2009-05-04T19:56:00.003-04:00

It has been a crazy day. Chad had a blow out in his classroom. Being that Jim (my principal is out of town, and I am the acting principal), guess who had to deal with it? That was a hat I'd rather not try on too often, especially with my own son.

Then, my 6th grade boys had a scuffle. Another trip to the principal's office, only I don't have an office, so we used Cory's. Round 2.

After school, my heart sank further. I was wearied from the angst and emotions my day had spit through. Upon opening the local news webpage, I discovered that one of my student's own life has spiraled further downward. Her father was convicted last Friday of assaulting and raping her mother, nearly to death. He was sentenced to three life in prisons today. From the outside looking in, as I peer over the rim of this girl's life, I don't see any trauma. But as she struggles to find her new parameters, I see tiny tears and rips that threaten to break wide open and my heart hurts.

Another students faces a reality of a brother gone over the edge and anger threatening to tear apart his family. Another student struggles with bullying. Another with sexting.

I want so much to scoop these kids up and make it all go away. How can they sit and listen to English and writing and Spelling amidst all their pain?

So, I trudge forward, trying desperately to share that Gospel I so boldly proclaim. I try to be the light in their lives, keeping boundaries, setting firm guidelines, and yet still loving them. Summer is only a stone's throw away, and yet for many of my students the relief is only temporal. I have so little time to show them the eternal relief found in Christ's love.

It's back to the grindstone. Another day's work beckons. Pray for me. Pray for my students.

a little mother daughter time

2009-05-03T08:26:00.002-04:00

After bringing Caelin home from a party last night, she and I sat n the car, just talking. Strangely, that is not something that happens often. I am ashamed to admit it, but she said to me that last night was the FIRST time we had ever talked liked that.
We talked about middle school life. She sees her friends changing, trying ever so hard to be popular and liked and she gets sad. She said, "Mommy, why can't they just be themselves? I don' like who they are becoming."
I remember those struggles. Only I was the one changing. Caelin is a rock. She was sad because she doesn't know all the "popular music" (we listen to Christian), but she also said she is more sad because she doesn't really want to listen to it because it is "bad" for her "soul". She was sad because she feels she has no one she can be real with and she is lonely. I wanted to scoop her up right then and there and make it all go away.
Only I can't and I hate that.
Popularity is such a double edged sword. I tied to tell her that even the popular girls feel lonely, but I don't think she heard me. I tried to tell her that popularity doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I don't think she heard me. All in all, these are hard life lessons she must grasp. I just have to wait and catch her when she cries.
Sometime parenthood sucks.

Hope

2009-04-14T21:32:00.003-04:00

Another post topic taken from the One Minute Writer.

For what do I hope?

I hope for a day in which my students- all of them- treat one another kindly. I hope for the day that they understand the meaning of bringing glory to God in their actions and their words.

Another disheartening day- although by all accounts, it started off well, and quite frankly, the school day ended well also. Until I looked in my inbox and noticed an email regarding bad behavior on my student's part. Bad bullying, mean behavior. I can't stand it.

It scare me because there are many days I see glimpses of their adulthood and I want so desperately to be able to shape their future. Yet, sin is always crouching at their door and the minute my guard is down, it creeps back in.

I think I must have let down the full frontal prayer attack. I need to step it up. I need Jesus to calm the mean spirits that are encircling around the 6th grade classroom.

I hope for an overflow of kindness, gentleness, and love. Jesus, help us.

Project Time- Smith Style!

2009-04-11T19:15:00.008-04:00

My in-laws are in town and that means we are working furiously on something around the house- this time around- it was the garden! Cory and his dad have been building a firewood rack (from "useless" stuff in our garage!), while the kids and I weeded, planted, and mulched the front yard. I hate gardening, but it was good family time. The kids love to help out on projects- especially ones not associated with any type of cleaning! We are enjoying the beautiful Easter weather- if you manage to forget the scary hail, tornadoes swirling around, and torrential rains last night! Got to love living in Georgia!

Hardest Job

2009-04-10T10:53:00.002-04:00

I frequently visit the blog, The One Minute Writer. I will use the prompt given in my classroom as journal topics. That being said, I saw a prompt that interested me: "What is the hardest job?"

Hardest job? At first response it is being a mother, a working mother, with four children who actively volunteers at her church. But then, upon reflection, that seems a little self-centered. Maybe it is the guilt I feel because I don't necessarily do the best on either.

No, I think the hardest job is being Christian in today's world. I spend every morning in Bible study talking with my 6th graders the hardships we face as Christians in today's world, and yet how important it is to let Christ's light shine in us. It is hard for them- and as I keep sharing with them- it is no easy street for me either.

It is so hard.

It is human nature not to want to stand out. Standing up for Christ often means standing up and being noticed as separate and that is so stinking hard. It is hard not to do what I want to do, but to do what I ought to do (I sound like Paul there!). It is hard to bear the fruits of the Spirit- to say the right, kind thing, the be patient, to be faithful. And there are days I just don't want to do any of it. How many of us wake up some mornings and just want to do all the wrong things- because they just are more fun and feel better?

It is a constant struggle for me. And to add to that job, I have been commissioned to share the Gospel. So I have to stand up for Christ AND share the Gospel, not only in my actions, but in my words. It's a total package.

That is the hardest job for me. Showing Christ's light in me, bringing glory to God in all I say and do, and trying in everything I do to share this life-giving message of the Gospel. Hardest job ever- that really requires the strength of God. Good thing I am connected!

Angel Kisses and Hugs

2009-04-04T11:29:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was such a low day. I woke up weeping. A friend (she is in the red sweatshirt- she was Chad's most amazing Kindergarten teacher!!!) very dear to my heart suffered an acute asthma attack and is still in ICU in a coma. I arrived at school Friday, swollen-eyed and not very excited to be there, especially because I was facing 21 students ready for their Spring Break to begin.
My eyes may have never dried out had I not paid close attention to the four angels sent my way to give me an "angel set of hugs and kisses". Two vase of flowers arrived on my desk with notes of sweet encouragement, a card from a group of girls reminding that Jesus Loves Me, a soda from a co-worker with a back scratch, and a hug from a mom all snuck in throughout the day. By the end of the day, my heart felt a little less burdened, and as I went to my doctor's appointment, I was replaying these moments.
Then my doctor's visit. We spent probably 45 minutes (which is a long time for a doctor's visit- especially for just a prescription refill check! :)) sharing our faith stories and God- moments back and forth. I shared my fears about Cherie, the thoughts of losing her earthly presence, and she quickly reminded me how powerful prayer is. She said she sees more of God's handiwork and his miracles in her job than I could imagine.
Cherie is in God's hands, and even in my moments of weak faith, God put these many angels at my side to remind how incredibly powerful and loving he is. As I lay in bed last night, reading the latest updates on Cherie, I was reminded of Cherie's faith in her Savior. She truly lets her light shine and never seems burdened by the struggles that she endures. I thank God for this faith mentor he has placed in my life, and that he took a whole day to remind me that I am his and he cares to hear even my fears for a dear friend.
My God is an AWESOME God!

UPDATE- She is off the ventilator, trying to speak. The miracles keep happening, hour by hour!

a memorable memory

2009-03-30T17:37:00.005-04:00

Although it has only been twenty four hours since we returned from the land of the wet, I am now nostalgically reflecting upon our camping trip this past weekend.
It was very wet, mostly cold, and did I mention, very wet? Yet, as I look upon those moments now- I remember sitting with the Newman's inside their food tent- enjoying the cocoa, hot coffee, and conversation about the funny things 6th grade girls do!
It was a fact that my children went through all of their packed clothing and completely soaked them by 1 pm on Saturday and I did pay $4 trying to dry them in the camp dryer. Yet, I fondly remember the absolutely delighted look on my sons' faces as they trounced through the mud, puddles, and yes, the stream running alongside our campsite. It was priceless.
It was a fact that my tent became a lake in itself- a lake so large that not even a plethora of both towels could diminish it. Yet- it sticks in my head the hushed, quiet whispers of 9 children all tucked in a cabin rented just for the evening, trying desperately to keep repressed all the giggles that were erupting to the surface.
I did not sleep well in that cabin- it was a fact that Delaney did wake up at 2 am screaming, "I WANT TO GO POTTY", only to be put on the potty and then scream, "NO POTTY!!!". Now, as I look back on that horrid experience, I remember the tweens/teens retelling the story to each other, laughing in gusts between sentences.
And, it was a fact that in my bed, not one, but TWO children (who shall remain nameless) had accidents, so that by the end of the evening, all 4 of us (Delaney, Chad, Blake, and I) were squished in the amount of space normally reserved for ONE person. I was very annoyed and cramped for space. But, the next morning, when Delaney was running around the cabin, naked from the waist down and those tweens/ teens were screaming, aghast, at the naked baby, I could only laugh myself. They have so much to learn. Naked babies are just plain cute!
So- by all accounts, it should have been a miserable weekend...but as I remember it, it was only a memorable memory!

UPDATES!

2009-03-22T22:33:00.006-04:00

Caelin won third place in the Poetry Slam- not bad for a 6th grader! She is quite the writer- a girl after my own heart!

SAVE HIS HAIR!!!! If he doesn't get enough pledges by Friday- his hair is gone...shaved...it won't be pretty! :)

I LOVE THIS PHOTO! These two- maybe it is because they are only 22 months apart- really do click...then there are those moments they are fighting...we won't talk about those!

My Easter 2009 photo- I spent way too much time trying to color coordinate 4 kids. Sometimes I scare myself- I really don't have that much time on my hands!

Delaney enjoying herself at Chad's game- don't be deceived- in less than 20 seconds- she was on the ground screaming. We have hit the two's!

2009-02-22T08:26:00.008-05:00

2009-02-22T08:26:00.007-05:00

Yesterday- Velocity
Today- Can.hardly.move.
hurts. to. sit.stand.move.

Winter Break!

2009-02-21T14:52:00.007-05:00

The last week has been quite productive. For one thing- I don't recognize my house anymore- i emptied this house of JUNK!
This is all the junk I filled my hallway with and then donated to Goodwill....and I did this three times! Yikes....Then, this morning, I finally used the brithday present that Blake won for me at the Frostbite 5K- 8 weeks of unlimited training at Velocity....so I went this morning....and boy was I out of my element. One hour of grueling exercises, 5 other people not sweating nearly as much as I was, and one trainer watching me....But, as I said, walking, crawling out of the door- "I survived". Not only did I survive- but I am going back- every morning at 5:30 for more.....
So now, after this week I have a clean house and am getting slimmer by the day....

On another note- Blake celebrated his 7th birthday this week- so the kids and I went to Jumping Jelly Beans for an afternoon of jumping.

It has been quite the week!

2009-01-21T20:38:00.002-05:00

Not many people know this, but I used to stutter. Strange, I know, especially with how much I love teaching, language, literature, and drama, but it is true. I stuttered. And not just little unnoticeable twitters; I was a full-blown stuttering child.
I don't remember much about actually stuttering, but I do remember the shame and embarrassment that followed. I hated speaking. In fact, there would be moments I would beg God to let me melt into the floor. Reading aloud in school added to my terrors.
This small unknown fact about my childhood could have remained buried under the layers and years I have piled on top, except for Delaney.
Delaney is incredibly verbal- I swear at 9 months she was talking clearly and at 18 months, if not sooner, the child uttered complete sentences. Brilliant sentences. She is the fourth child- but I was seriously impressed with her skills.
Then last week, in a moment, her skills morphed. W's are her downfall. That is painful considering that almost every sentence begins with "Why" or "What's that". I always know what's coming, but invariable every sentence now begins with a looooonnnng process of w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-whhhhhhhy....you get the picture.
I cried. I cringed. I tried (briefly- for a day) making her slow down or correct her. My husband quickly squelched that- that isn't a good thing for her. So now I wait through all those w's and silently send prayer after prayer up, begging my heavenly Father to spare her all that shame and embarrassment. I love that child so much- even envisioning her pain tears me up.

Disappeared

2008-12-29T10:13:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I swallowed my heart. Literally. For fifteen minutes, my imagination carried me away to a land of pedophiles and creepy men who hurt 11 year old girls. I was sure I would never see my daughter again.

The Smith clan had decided that we were up for an adventure of seashell hunting on the Pass-a-Gril beach. It was pleasantly breezy, not the usual sun burning rays. I quickly established myself on a chair and was ready to read, Mountain Dew in hand. Delaney worked with the sand a few feet away and the boys were busy at the shore. Caelin was with Allison, trolling the water for pretty shells to add to her collection. She is not one that I pay close attention to or worry about because she generally is my most responsible little girl. So, with Delaney visible out of the corner of my eye, I began my afternoon of reading and chatting. We were surrounded by family, some awake and conversing, some dozing on the blankets behind us.

Allison came up and asked if she and Noelle could go down to the water. Caelin walked up and asked for a bucket. I acknowledged both in my quiet brain, but not aloud, and talked on, easily chatting in and out of a conversation. Then I looked up. I could Allison and Noelle, playing the sand by the water. Delaney was at my feet, and t he boys were to my left, playing bocce ball with their uncle and father. An alarm went off in my head.
"Has anyone seen Caelin?", I asked. I scanned the beach to the left and to the right and out into the water. Nothing. No sight of her and her soaked through t-shirt. The adrenaline started to creep up into my throat.
"Cory, Cory," I yelled across my shoulder, "have you seen Caelin?" He paused his game and looked up. This time, he didn't ignore me; he must have heard the panicked tone underlying my voice. He dropped his ball and started towards the water. I hurried after him and waited to hear what we should do next.
He told me we should split. I took the path up the beach towards the pier. As I walked, mostly sprinted up the beach, I tried not to look too much at any one person. I tried to remain calm, but inside my head was filling with all sorts of disastrous endings. Every person I saw, every man I looked at was possible my daughter's abductor. It chilled me.
I walked a ll the way to the pier, and not finding her, walked around to the street level and walked down the sidewalk. I started looking in cars, searching for a struggling arm or leg in the air. I looked nervously into people's faces, sure I could weed out a guilty look. My imagination carried me away, into conversations and distraught phone calls.
I walked back onto the beach, expecting to see the mayhem I felt. Not one person seemed ruffled, not one person seemed out of sorts. I could see no evidence of the trauma I was experiencing. I sought out my sister-in-law, beckoning her,
" Has Cory found Caelin?"
In a moments "yes", the drama stopped as quickly as it had begun. I turned to see Caelin walking towards me, way int he distance, clutching her daddy's hand, and her sea shell bucket in the other hand.

A different kind of tummy tuck

2008-12-22T17:55:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday, I had surgery. I have been having these issues- I won't go into details- but after many doctor visits (and co-pays) my issues were narrowed down to two things: my gall bladder and my polysplenia synrome (which, if you have never heard of it- and most haven't- makes me a feak of nature- but that's another story...).
So the illustious Dr. Winger- who looks like and not any older than Doogie- set my surgery date and we were off.
Ouch.
The good news is that it was not invasive. Even going into surgery, I was told he may need to cut me open to set my intetines straight. I guess he didn't, because all I have to show for my 2 hour surgery are four holes. 3 holes are in my upper belly area and 1 is right in my belly button. Which brings me to the tummy tuck. Somehow, in process of going in through the belly button, I hve received a funny kind of tummy tuck. My tummy is definitely tucked in there. It looks wierd. Very wierd. I wish he could have tucked in more....
We have been inundated with food by our church- mostly pasta- but to my surprise- tonight's meal is meat, potatoes, and vegetables....a nice break from the pasta...and then earlier, a couple from church dropped off a huge bin of food staples- canned goods, bread, all sorts of goodies.
A tummy tuck with benefits!

2008-12-01T21:51:00.004-05:00

Christmas cards are a chore for me- not because I don't like writing the letters or making the cards (yes- I try to make my own...), but because I can never seem to find enough time to get them sent out before Christmas...in all the craziness of the last few weeks of school, it is hard to find the quiet moments to work on them...
Nevertheless, I trudge forward. I have competed my design this year- I am including the latest photo I forced my four kiddos to sit through (on the beach- I have always wanted to try that),

a poem as the message inside, and a few handwritten words on each one. Goal: mailed by December 24.
Could be difficult though. My dreaded abdominal surgery has been scheduled for December 17- let' see how talented Dr. Winger is! He will removing my gall bladder, appendix and then re-structuring my intestines- all lapriscopically- or at least that's the hope. I have no idea what the recovery time will be like- but I am guessing it will encroach upon my Christmas card deadline.
So here's to those quiet moments I crave, and friends finding their quiet time to share their stories (Stacey!!), hot apple cider (nice to sip while witting cards!), and may the force (and God's steady hand be with Dr. Winger...

Black Friday- revisited.

2008-11-29T16:21:00.003-05:00

Black Friday is my free day of unadulterated shopping. It is the only time I spend Christmas shopping- it is highly caffeinated shopping. This last Black Friday was no different.
Cory woke up at 3:30- ready to set his place in line at Sports Authority. I was able to catch a few more winks of sleep- I left the house at 4:30.
My first destination was Walmart. I was planning to avoid Toys R Us at all costs- last years debacle was not going to be repeated (a different story...). I knew there was trouble when I couldn't find a parking spot. NOT ONE. After circling the lot for at least 15 minutes, I made up a spot in the wee back corner and trudged towards the store, which had just opened its doors.
No one was killed at my store- at least not that I am aware of, but it was mayhem. And the animosity was thick. Everywhere I looked there was some crazy person shoving five boxes of the same electronic into their already piled-high shopping cart and then ramming that shopping cart into the backs of the legs of the person in front of them, who was stuck. I was smart- I walked in and DID NOT grab a shopping cart. All I wanted was the $5 Barbie and the $10 Cabbage Patch baby.
A lot of misery for two stinkin dolls. A lot of "potty mouth" (as Blake would say) talk for $15 dollars of toys. AND, I was stuck in the swirling mass of gridlocked shopping carts, seriously hygiene-deprived crazy folk.
It was not the way I wanted to start the morning.
Once I finally managed to crawl out (my checker was Ann- I think she was nearly 92 years old...another story), I spent the next 4 hours shopping with a little less drama at Target, Sears, Macy's, JoAnn's, Radio Shack, and Staples. I did make a pit stop at Toys R Us around 9- it too was not a pretty sight. Glad I stayed away from there!
And my grand total of Christmas presents for the 4 kiddos, the grandmother, and the staff secret angel for Cory and I: $268. The 5 hour experience that not even my words can describe: PRICELESS.

2008-11-26T21:02:00.008-05:00

On Monday, Caelin and I were feeling rather ready to tackle the world of cookie baking- 2 days later, here we are, finishing the last batch of the sugar cookies. At least she is still smiling.
FYI, If I never see another piece of cookie dough or another pie recipe I will be a happy woman. Too much for me (4 pies and 120+ cookies later...)
And I still have to bake the candied yams recipe, the stuffing, and the monkey bread for the morning...AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
Good thing my girls and I got in a few moments of quiet time this afternoon. Caelin is getting so big- these moments will be gone before I realize it. It was fun just to watch them play and snuggle- their personalities are so much alike. These are the moments that I miss because I work so stinkin much!
By the way, potty training is a BUST!!! She still screams "NOOOOOOOO" whenever I even mention the "p" word!! :)

Jing

2008-11-24T23:37:00.002-05:00

So I tried this new thing- called Jing- it is supposed to help me upload short instructional videos. I thought, "great- perfect for helping kids with classifying sentences..." but I can't seem to get the audio to work...when I do, this will be magical!

2008-11-24T21:31:00.004-05:00

Today, Cory said, "Go to Target and buy panties for Delaney"
He is sick of paying for diapers, so he thinks he should try potty training. She wants no part of it. Anytime I even suggest going to the potty, she screams loudly, "NOOOOOO!!!"
So I gave up. She hung out outside and watched her brother burn things with a magnifying glass. Grandpa's house is so much fun!

2008-11-23T22:44:00.003-05:00

So we made it to Florida. I thought for sure that we were staying in Georgia. I cleaned my house. I scrubbed base boards. I planned meals. Shoppped for food.
And then Friday morning I learned he can get the van fixed for $1000 cheaper using his dad's mechanic.
We spend most of Friday night and all day Saturday getting ready to leave.
It's almost comical.
Actually, I really like my in-laws. They are easy to get along with and my kids love going to their house, so it all works/ Now I am the Nazi mom who is trying to patrol the Cartoon Network (we have no cable- so my boys turn into cable freaks whenver we get down here- I am trying to rectify that!)...and I sat down with mother-in-law and planned a totally different meal.
My roller coaster life.
On another note, I think I am getting old. I sit here and peruse the Black Firday adds that were scanned early (like Black Friday Black Market ads?), deciding what great thing each kid is going to get this year, and I am TIRED. I can remember getting so excited about shopping on Black Friday (I think it was the first year we could actually spend money- where we weren't DEAD BROKE!). Now, I am exhausted and It is isn't even Monday yet. I haven't even opened the Black Friday ads in a feverish excitement, after stuffing myself with a Thanksigiving meal....I am sitting in front of a computer screen, and quite frankly, none of it looks like something I want to get up at 3 am for....
But I will. It's a tradition around here.
Back to my meal planning, coupon clipping, and random grading (sorry, I ahve a ton to do- I had to grade over break!)

bittersweet

2008-11-20T19:14:00.002-05:00

For the first time ever, Delaney answered my question.
Actually, I should clarify- she answered with something other than "yes". We were driving home last night, alone (Cory had taken the older kids with him to a dog thing...), and i asked her if she wanted to eat pizza with me. i wasn't really listening to her, because i was really expecting her to answer back with her standard, "yes".
but then I heard it.
"No, mommy. i want mac n cheese".
I paused and then asked her again. And she said the same thing.
"No, mommy. i want mac n cheese".
it was kind of a bittersweet moment. She answered, YAYYYY, but then also, she was speaking her mind...and soon, very soon, that was going to be in direct conflict with my mind.
it is so hard to imagine that i am experiencing all these little moments for the "last time".
Sometimes i really do want another baby....

2008-11-17T19:52:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, and the 8th grade play (I directed!!) is Friday!!! it should be fun!

2008-11-17T19:24:00.002-05:00

So- today was a great day in my teacher life! One of my students took first place in the VFW's "Patriot's Pen" essay contest for our county. Out of 171 entries- she was #1!! It was thrilling! As I picked up my classroom phone today to annnounce it to the school, my hands were shaking! I was so excited. I can only imagine her thoughts!

On a more somber note- the Smith van is on its last legs. So much so, that we cannot travel anywhere for Thanksgiving Break. We are forced to send the week at home stranded, with our golf cart. Cory tells me that the transmission is shot and that it will cost $2500 to fix it. I think that is more than the van is worth. In my world, time to go shopping. In Cory's world, time to get out the duct tape- or redo the transmission (with duct tape??) As I await the final decsion from the hubby- I guess I'll be golf carting it!! Good thing I live in Georgia!

I think this means the in-laws are coming here. Good thing we have been purging 11 years of stuff we didn't need. Maybe by Saturday it will be clean.

I guess this means, I have graudated into the world of adulthood- I get to cook the Thanksgiving meal?? That is a wierd thought. It makes me like my Grandma or something. I am starting to feel the pressure.I am also starting to sort through the Southern Living and Martha Stewart recipes...it just isn't in me to do ANYTHING small!!

Veterans Assembly- OVER! Craziness...still my BFF!

2008-11-13T20:44:00.004-05:00

My life can get back to life as we knew it before...almost to normal, or as normal as our life can be! I think I am speaking in circles...anyway, Monday night we spent (we being the enitre Smith family) a good portion of our evening at school, cutting laminated bookmarks (that I had so copiously designed with the names of the veterans in the school and church community...), folding programs, and setting last minute details. It was all worth it- because the rogram went off without a htich. the choruses were beautiful, the verteran speakers were great and overall, it was awesome! I was especially proud of my middle school writers that won the essay contest at school and read their essays during the assembly. They rocked!
So, this morning, rather than digging into the piles of grading I have ignored for weeks while planning this assemly, I started to plan my next event: middle school Drama play!!!: "Doc, Doc, Goose"- yep! A spoof on Mother Goose's nursery rhymes...should be fun...something else to consume my time until February!
So- yesterday in honor of mommy being home- I made dinner. and tonight, I did not. Caelin made breakfast.
Delaney has the flu.
Back to life in its crazy roller coaster ride. i don't even need a project to ride this one!

Yuck!

2008-11-09T19:47:00.005-05:00

So, the other evening, because I was really not wanting to cook, I took my kids to Golden Corral. Not my favorite restaurant. but my two boys are night and day as far as taste buds go, and it seemed like a good shot to feed them both, so off we went!
It is now their new favorite restaurant. i am pretty sure that Chad thinks it is located right next to heaven- if only because they have a self serve ice cream machine.
And Blake? Well, his first plate was loaded high with broccoli and cheese. need i say more?
I still hate Golden Coral. I think I had a salad and some fruit. it was all I could stomach.

2008-11-09T00:02:00.000-05:00

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2008-11-08T23:56:00.001-05:00

Quiet Saturday before the storm

2008-11-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

Caelin and Cory- and 30 other middle schoolers headed to Florida on Friday for the Florida-Georgia Middle School Youth Gathering...it is a little quiet and lonely around the house without them. Delaney keeps asking "Where's Daddy?"....
This morning I was feeling quite proud of myself. It was Saturday and I managed to get Chad, Jared, Blake and Delaney into the car, headed to Blake's soccer game on time. But we get there and immediately Blake says "Uh-oh". He forgot to put his cleats on. How does a child heading to a soccer game forget the cleats? I won't even go there! I was seeing red and actually considered strangling the child...
Veteran's Day is Tuesday- I have planned a huge assembly, decorated the school, assigned and graded 48 essays, and completed 3 Veterans history Project boards with the middle school classes...It is safe to say that I will be much happier on Wednesday- after Veteran's Day. I don't need to count down to Thanksgiving Break (which by the way is in 10 school days- count em!)...
Well, the house is asleep...best to lay my head down as well.

Halloween 08

2008-10-31T22:07:00.000-04:00

Here are the kids starting to act a little goofy- before the candy!

So, here we are at another Halloween, and this year, we decided to keep it close to home. We have always driven to other neighborhoods to try and find a great place to trick or treat- but this year, we were feeling lazy, and well, there are houses in our neighborhood now!
My little trick or treaters were a Grecian princess (Caelin), Captain Rex (Chad), Spiderman (Blake), and a pretty, pretty princess (Delaney). Chad tired out early and spent the last half riding the golf cart- but Delaney hung on to the bitter end- it was all about getting more candy!
I was sad earlier in the evening when I realized it was probably the last year Caelin would go with us- next year, she will probably want o go with her friends. Hard to believe she is a year and a half from her teenage years. But that is another post.

Delaney- post chocolate!