I got tagged!

OK, yesterday Trinity tagged me to post 7 random facts about myself. After reading everyone else's, I must say I was a little intimidated b/c I don't find myself very interesting, but here goes. These are in no particular order.

1. I keep a pad and pen by my bed so I can write things down at night when I wake up or can't sleep. It comes from my years of teaching and having ideas pop into my head as I was trying to go to sleep, knowing that if I didn't write it down I would NEVER rest. I still wake up and write down Christmas gift ideas or things I need to do that day. When I was pregnant, I would write down baby names or questions for the doc. Imagine trying to decipher(sp?) the next morning what you wrote in the dark at 3 a.m. After I got Trinity's "tag", of course, trying to fall asleep last night, I had to get my pen and paper out and jot down some random facts about myself. Silly... I know, but that's me!
2. 3 things I love, love, love...
Captain D's sweet tea- I go through the drive-thru at least 3-4 times a week just for the tea. They know me there, I'm the lady with the "medium sweet tea, no lemon". I hand them my $1.96 and they say, "See you tomorrow!" I figure if that's the worst thing I'm ever addicted to, it's OK.
Massages- Don't get them often (too pricey) but would everyday if I could. If only I could convince Jimmy it would make me nicer and easier to live with.
Open Houses- I don't know why, maybe I was supposed to be a realtor and missed my calling but I LOVE going into open houses. We aren't even looking for a house, but you let me pass an Open House sign on a Sunday between 2-5 and oh I'm gonna stop! I don't know if it's a nosy thing of mine but I can't help myself. I feel like I've hit the jackpot if I find a neighborhood under construction and all of the houses are open... hours of fun!! When we were building our house and getting ideas on floor plans and paint colors, Jimmy laughed and said I had been in every house being built in Hamilton County... he's probably right!
3. I have a gun permit. I know, it's scary that the state of Tennessee found it fitting to issue me a permit to carry a concealed weapon. What is even scarier is the picture of me on it. I made Jimmy promise if I ever came up missing he would not use that picture on my missing posters or TV. But really, are you supposed to look all glammed up for a gun permit picture?
4. I got my Masters degree in School Administration knowing I was never going to be a principal. Believe me, sometimes I think "how stupid" too. I hold the upmost respect for school administrators and feel they are underappreciated. However, I wanted a master (your teaching salary increases with one) and the guidance counselors degree was to long. I am the only person from my graduating class that has yet to pursue a job in administration. Oh well, I knew I wanted to be a mommy and didn't think I could do both well.
5. I can do the splits on the wall. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous and somewhat crude but there are pictures to prove it. I loved dancing when I was younger and in high school my dance coach made us do these warmups and stretches that made me very flexible. My best friend in high school thought it was hilarious and made me do it at random gatherings. I haven't tried it in years and don't plan to anytime soon...I'm sure I would seriously hurt myself!
6. I am still looking for my great hobby or passion. I always feel weird when people ask what do you like to do, what are your hobbies? I don't know. I love doing a lot of things but can't say I am great at anything. I would love to learn to play golf or tennis one day or be a master gardener (I have a black thumb) but I just haven't found my niche yet. I laugh and say lunch/dinner with my girlfriends is my hobby. When I have a couple of hours free, that's what I enjoy doing most. Does that count?
7. If there was one thing I wish I could do really well it is... sing. I am so envious of people that can use their talent to inspire and touch people. I sit at church and get chill bumps listening to people praise God with their voices. It is truly and gift and anyone sitting around me at church will tell you, I don't have it! I am thankful God gave us many other ways to praise and glorify him.

Who knows, maybe when I get to heaven, I'll have... a voice like an angel, be a principal with a real estate license, grow any flower I want, get a massage everyday, and play tennis like Venus Williams. Hmmm... do you think there's a Captain D's in heaven?

Well, there you go, 7 random facts about me... that was hard work!

I tag Sean/Leslie and Andi L.

When boys get quiet...

If you are squinting at the pictures above trying to tell what that is Trace is playing with, you are correct...it is a feminine product! I have learned since Trace became mobile that if it ever gets quiet, you better go... quickly. The last few days I have found him in my bathroom, in the drawer, unwrapping these. He is fascinated with them for some reason. After all the hundreds of dollars we have spent on toys, who knew this is what he wanted to take apart and put back together! I told him the other day to go show daddy what he was playing with and he proudly ran into the living room and threw it in Jimmy's lap. He looked at me as if to say, "Should we be worried?" I remember my mom telling the story of my brother emerging from her bedroom in front of the cable man with maxi pads stuck all over his body, so I guess it could have been worse. You've always heard the saying, curiosity killed the cat... in this case, curiosity killed the kotex!

Cheap Sheets

OK, with the economy in the dumps and everyone's wallet stretched thin, I thought I would pass this along. I found CHEAP sheets... even king size! As you know, usually a set of king sheets cost a fortune and rarely do you find a deal where the price is the same no matter the size. I always cuss a little under my breath when buying sheets for my jumbo, California King mattress but we sleep with a dog every night who thinks she is a human and should have her 1/3 of the bed (and preferably a pillow) so... looks like there are no Queen size beds in our future.

In the mall (Northgate) in the Applebee's wing there is a kiosk selling Egyptian Cotton 400 thread count sheets (all sizes and colors) for $20 or 600 thread count sheets for $25. Now everyone that knows me laughs about how I am always looking for the next great deal. I can't even remember the last time I actually paid full price for something. Well, I take that back, I bought a shirt (not off the sale rack) from Target and paid FULL price for it yesterday. However, I figured that since it was from Target (my favorite store) it was already "discounted" enough. I am such a sucker for great deals. Hobby Lobby and I are really tight, I get giddy looking at the 50% off adds in the paper! Target is another example. You can't believe what all you can find on the end of the aisle shelves all marked 30% off!!

Anyway, I bought a set of King sheets (I did the 400 thread count) and it actually came with 4 king size pillow cases which was nice! I am not a conisseur of sheets so I'm not promising anything. I have only washed them and slept on them once but they didn't fall apart in the washer or form little balls in the middle of the night (I hate that) so... so far so good. Just thought I would pass that along in case anyone is in the market for sheets or looking for a quick, inexpensive Christmas gift. Happy shopping!

We're Home!

We are home from Destin, aka... paradise! It is such a beautiful place and we love going there. We had a wonderful time and Jimmy's parents came down for the weekend. It was nonstop. The biggest hit by far was the golf cart! Trace would have ridden on it all day long. He loved the beach, even took a plunge in the ocean (fully clothed I might add) the last day we were there. The picture below shows him after we had striped him down. He was rubbing sand into his eyes which made me cringe but didn't seem to bother him. Bless Granddaddy, he had to take off his shirt to wrap Trace up in it b/c there were no towels. We obviously had no intention of getting wet but Trace had another plan. We came over in the golf cart but once Trace decided to take a dive we had to ride back on the tram so he wouldn't get pnuemonia! Here we are in the GREAT BIG chair at the wharf. You should have seen me trying to get in and out of that thing... not a pretty sight I'm sure!

Trace has had little golf clubs since before he was even born (thank you Uncle Andy), but he got his first lesson from Daddy on this trip. He was much more interested in grabbing the balls off the greens before they could be putted into the holes or playing in the sand trap than actually learning to hit the ball with the club! And again, the BEST thing about golf is... the golf cart, of course!

Here he is on a ride with Sisty and Granddaddy. We took it everywhere... to the pool, to the beach, to eat, to the wharf, we even found a backroad through a parking lot and took it to Publix... now that's the way to grocery shop!

These are my favorites... my boys fishing! Jimmy's favorite thing to do down there is fish off the bay at sunset. I can only pray that one day Trace loves it as much as Jimmy wants him too! You know, would rather go fishing with dad instead of shopping with mom! And of course, Ginger never misses a cast. That is the world's best fishing dog. She LOVES it as much as Jimmy. She has even jumped out of Jimmy's boat when he pulls up to the dock to leave and jump in some strangers boat as he's pulling away. And here all these years, Jimmy thought it was there "special" thing. Sorry honey, that dog'll fish with anyone!!

It was a great trip! Thank you Sisty and Granddaddy for sharing it with us!

Hot Wheels

Today, we had adventures in wheels. First, my friend Jill called and invited us over to play in her "jumping" inflatable that she had for her daughter, Abby's, birthday party. The kids loved it for about 5 minutes and then they were on to rumaging through her garage to find anything with wheels, preferably motorized! Jill, your garage is every kids dream come true, I think they drug everything out except the weedeater. Abby, who turned 2 yesterday, amazed me at her driving ability! She even knew how to operate the radio. Aside from a little whip lash, they had a ball. I think I know what Santa is bringing Trace for Christmas.

They wore out pretty fast and had to stop to refuel! It's hard being little you know.
Then, Trace and I headed to Logan's to meet my friends for lunch. He always loves it when we meet Aunt Penny and Aunt Lynda because they always bring him something. You should have seen his eyes light up when he saws Aunt Penny's new scooter... sorry kiddo, not this time!! They brought him a huge kick ball and a sweet pig just like the one he carried around at Woodmore when we went to visit them. It won't be long before he'll be asking for a ride though, watch out world!
It was a very fun, eventful day! Now I have to go finish packing because we are leaving for the beach tomorrow and I have so much to do. I've got to get my DVR set to tape all of my shows while I'm gone, forget the laundry right... you've got to get your priorities straight!! See you soon!

Surprise, Surprise!

I love a good surpise... and today was a great one! We had my grandmother's 80th birthday party at Ichiban after church. It was a complete surprise, as you can see from the picture!
The world would be a much better place if everyone had a grandmother like my Nanny. She is the most amazing woman. She is the mother of 3, grandmother of 6, great-grandmother of 1, cherished sister, and friend to many. She was a loving wife to my grandfather for nearly 50 years and survived breast cancer just a few years ago. It only seemed fitting to celebrate this milestone and give thanks to God for these amazing 80 years. I have never met a sweeter, kinder person in my life. She loves her family more than anything and looks at us as if we do no wrong. If I had a dime for everytime someone in my family said, "Don't tell Nanny about ... she'll just worry". Maybe that's why she looks so amazing at 80!!
Bless her heart, she wore her little tiara the entire party even though I'm sure it messed up her "do". You know how women are about getting their hairdo. There were about 35 people there to celebrate with us. I had a few people comment that they could tell it was planned by a school teacher. Like the "perfectly" executed lesson plan, I was my typical anal self about having everything in perfect working order just like I had replayed it over in my mind. My teacher friends would laugh at this, knowing how obsessive I can be about the silliest things.
Get into room at 12:00 to decorate with cake, balloons, banner, and pictures... check
Everyone arrives at exactly 12:15... check, check
(Ichiban doesn't seat you until everyone is there)
Have mom and dad bring Nanny from church at 12:30 without her
recognizing any of the cars in the parking lot (she is a very sharp 80-year-old)...
check, check, check
My mom kept saying, "Heidi, it's OK if she's not really surprised, after all she's 80, how much surprise can her heart take?"

My Uncle Tommy greeting everyone and saying a few words about Nanny that made everyone cry, including her. It must feel so good to hear those sweet things come from your baby boy! I can only pray Trace feels that way about me someday! He did a great job! Here is Nanny with my mom, Uncle Tommy, and Aunt Patty. I can't believe in all the craziness, we didn't get a picture of the 4 generations together.

The only thing that would have made this day better, would have been for my Papaw to have been there. But I know he was smiling down on us from heaven, so proud of her and so happy we celebrated her wonderful life. My prayer is that she felt as special today as she has made me feel everyday of my life! I love you Nanny, Happy Birthday and many more! I'm already planning your 9oth :)

See Rock City

Well, here are some pictures from our Rock City adventure with the Ingrams. We got to spend the day with Jimmy's aunt and uncle,cousins and their adorable girls. We had so much fun and loved seeing the sites with them. Here we all are (except Sheila, who took the picture) on the bridge overlooking the waterfall... beautiful. I just hated we were about 2 weeks to early to see all of the leaves changing colors.
Trace and Jimmy crossing the swinging bridge. I figured... I did the sky lift at Lake Winnie, so he had to do the swinging bridge. My heart can only take so much!
Trace absolutely loved playing with his cousins, Hannah and Grace Anne. They are the sweetest little girls. This is all three with their mom, Deana, at Lover's Leap.
Granddaddy Rick and She She with their girls!
This cracks me up! Trace hasn't quite figured out the concept of "just your face, son". He literally tries to climb through the hole. In most of the pictures his whole arm was hanging out along with his head! We had such a great time with you guys! Can't wait to do it again!!

What a difference a week makes!

Well, the church carnival was lots of fun and wonderful to be apart of. Jimmy and I volunteered for an hour and then picked Trace up from my grandmothers (thank you Nanny) and took him for some fun. As you can see from the above picture he LOVED the inflatables. He climbed right in and jumped his heart out. I have always been afraid to put him in one (I know you are shocked), but this was just for little guys so in he went! There was face painting, kids crafts, free snocones, games, and yes... animals!

I am amazed at the difference a week can make! Posted below is proof of the transformation that took place in a mere 7 short days...

Trace, at the Hamilton County Fair one week ago. He was not loving the goats and certainly not wanting any part of touching, feeding, or smelling them! If you can't tell, that is a choke hold he has got around my neck. One of those, you put me down now and I will have a meltdown, holds!


Today at the carnival, gladly feeding the goats! He loved it so much, we later ventured into the pin and he touched (and probably terrified) the goats and chickens.
Again, at the County Fair last Saturday. I can only imagine his little face I couldn't capture on film. Why is it parents laugh and smile when their child is so obviously afraid? I am grinning like crazy in the first picture while Trace is terrified of the goats... is that cruel or normal?
And today, look at my little guy up on that horse! I couldn't believe it. Now... we got him on the horse, and he even petted him, but he wasn't too crazy about him actually walking, so this blissful moment didn't last long! But WOW... last weekend he wouldn't even look at it, much less get on for a ride!
In a toddler's world, seven days can mean the difference in crawling/walking, babbling/talking, up playing at 3 a.m./ sleeping peacefully through the night, diapers/potty trained... and ... terrified of farm animals/ riding your first horse! Goes so show how fast they really do grow up... I wish I could slow it down just a little. Cherish every moment!

Back to School!

Today, Trace and I went to visit my friends at Woodmore. I taught there for 9 years and am still very close to several teachers there. It is always great to see them and catch up on how things are going. Although I am so thankful to be at home with Trace, I will always miss my school, friends, and the children there. That was my first and only school and it has a very special place in my heart!

Pulling in, I told Trace that is were mommy worked when he was in my belly. He grew in me listening to my children talk to him and rub my belly as if they could touch him. I still remember the first time I took him after he was born, one of my former kindergarten students asked if he could "pet" him!

It was so good to see everyone. Lynda, Penny, and April were so sweet to share their lunch with Trace, who is quite the begger. I think he ate half of Lynda's peanut butter sandwich and half of Penny's candy corns. Aunt Penny and Aunt Lynda, we will be looking forward to lunch on Fall Break! I know Lynda reads my blog, so if you are reading, please know how often I think about and miss you all! When you do a job that is not always easy, the people you work with become your family. They understand your daily struggles and help get you through the hard days. They are also the first ones there to share your triumphs and successes with children and truly understand the joy teaching brings to your life. You guys made me a better teacher, and I will always be grateful for that! Thank you for all you do for children and for your friendship!!
GO WOODMORE EAGLES!!