Saturday Photo Hunters: Original

Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: PhotoHunt

I looked up "original" in the dictionary and two defintions jumped out at me:

1. new; fresh; inventive; novel

2. created, undertaken, or presented for the first time

And when I was browsing my photos, this one popped up and made me think about the originality of every single sunset. It is an "original" gift from God.

Happy Saturday!

Famished Friday "Feaster" Returns to FRIDAY'S FEAST!

Appetizer

How are you today?

Tired and perplexed by some recent events in my sons' worlds.

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.

It depends on the season, but right now it's House, Survivor, and Kid Nation.

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?

Hurricane Charlie (even though it was not a direct hit on our town, it DID directly hit our church and caused millions of dollars in damage). It also devastated many of our friends' homes and communities.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?

Thatsa' EASY....ITALY!!

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?

COMFY t-shirt and pajama pants or shorts.

Yes, But Did You See How the Breadmaker Sparkled?

I am not a housekeeper! I am not sure I've made this proclamation recently on my blog. Suffice it to say, that keeping up with it is a major chore for me. DH helps out quite a bit. The boys are "OK" when they want to be. But none of us are neat-niks by a long shot.


Up until March of last year, my dear dear friend was my "Alice" (think Brady Bunch). E would come to my house for almost two hours daily and keep it up. She even did our laundry. And occasionally, she'd cook--just because she likes to do it and I really don't. In March she took on another family that had to have Hospice Care. This led to her finding her "life's work" as she is now caregiving for people who are in their last stages of life. And she loves it.

I am glad she is there for these families. But, if truth be told, I don't like this job. It pretty much cut us right out of the picture. For the first couple of months, we thought it was temporary. So we decided that WE'D keep up with it. And we did OK for a few months. But slowly and steadily, things and jobs started piling up.

I finally put out a "call" at work for a new "Alice". I got three names from friends there. The first one called me and told me that she is a "House Cleaning Fairy". She said that she would NOT open our oven, clean out the refrigerator, OR touch laundry. She told me that she was a "surface cleaner". I said, "I am in need of a 'House Fairy' PLUS." She politely told me that she was not the girl for us.

The second girl called and said she could do the job, but she wanted to do the job in five hour blocks. So two days a week my house would look wonderful...but the other five...well???? I told her I really valued the consistency.

The THIRD girl called, I asked her if she was a "House Cleaning Fairy PLUS" AND she answered, "If that's what you need, I'm your girl." I LOVE that answer.

Yesterday she came for a "walk through". I happened to be home with DS 4 yesterday and so I set about to tidy up a bit before she came. I started in the kitchen which needed some TLC. I don't know why, but I found myself scrubbing the inside of the breadmaker for almost 20 minutes. I washed things that sit on the plant shelf up top. It was a relatively DEEP clean when really I needed to be a "Surface Cleaner" all over the house.

I thought she was coming at 5:30, but we said 4:30. She showed up at 4:17 when I was in the middle of totally emptying out DS 4's room and cleaning it. There was a mountain of clothes waiting for laundry. Old toys bagged up for Goodwill. And other "Junk" all over the hallway floor. The cat had knocked over a plant in the living room and I had done NOTHING in there to remove any dust bunnies.

As you can imagine, my heart SANK when I heard the doorbell. Then I thought, "There's no time like the present to let her know what I need." I walked her around and thank goodness, she didn't run away. In fact, she said that she wanted the job and then she said that she'd take all the Goodwill stuff for her church that is working in a high need area in a neighboring city. I'm THRILLED that she's coming. I feel like she's an answer to my prayers.

After she left, I sat on the couch so I could see the house from her vantage point. There was the spill of the plant (which I had not seen until she came) and the dust on the table. There was a duster on the table waiting to get that dust. And then I thought, "You should have taken her to the kitchen." She really could have spent more time there seeing the sparkle.

I mean at least there, she could have seen that beautiful sparkling bread maker!

So Worth Watching...

A friend sent me this in an email last week. I have watched it several times just mesmerized at the whole thing. Amazing. Then add the song and it's meaning and I was just blown away.

Blessings to all.

Fall into Reading

Katrina of Callapidder Days is once again hosting a Reading Challenge. I was so excited to see this come around again. I participated last Fall, but didn't get even half way through my list. I'm on a roll lately and want to try again this Fall. I went to my bedside table to see what books I had in my "To Be Read" pile and decided I'd pick some to get done before the challenge ends.

Here's my list:

For Nonfiction, I picked:

1. For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. The back cover says, "This is the book about things we just don't "get" about guys." This book has been on my "list" for quite some time, although I've never purchased it. I found it in a bargain bin at Publix a few weeks ago and decided to pick up a copy.

2. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Tom Brokaw has this to say: "Three Cups of Tea is one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time. Greg Mortenson's dangerous and difficult quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan is not only a thrilling read, it's proof that one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, really can change the world." I figured this would be an excellent addition to The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns that I read earlier this year.

3. Fresh Elastic for Stretched Out Moms by Barbara Johnson. Enough said.


4. A Quiet Strength by Coach Tony Dungy. Tony has been a favorite of mine since he coached The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is an amazing man who walks the walk. My brother read this book this summer and told me it was "must read". It's on my list.

5. 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice by Les Parrott. I received this book to review this summer. I read most of it in practically no time, then put it aside. I'll finish it first and write my review as promised. I was moved by what I read. DH also read it and has shared it in his consulting work. More to come on this book.

Now on to the Fiction:

1 and 2. I'm going to finish the last two books in Karen Kingsbury's Redemption Series. I am about half way through Rejoice and then I'll finish up with Reunion. I could go on and read more about The Baxter Family after that, but think I'll put that on hold for a while.

3. Gregory Maguire's Wicked remains on my list. I have had this one on my table for quite some time as well.

4. The Penny by Jocye Meyer and Deborah Bedford is also one that caught my eye earlier this year. The back of the book has this quote: "The Penny is an emotionally gripping story that stayed with me for days. Unforgettable!...Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford shake up the Christian Fiction world."

Well, I may add some more. Who knows? I know I have a couple of books at school waiting to be read.

I can't wait to visit and see what others are reading. Happy Fall, Y'all!!

A Timeless Truth

When our boys were little we listened to The Donut Man aka Rob Evans. Evans' theme song is based on the donut. It says:

"Life without Jesus is like a donut, like a donut, like a donut. Life without Jesus is like a donut, there's a hole in the middle of your heart."

This week, DS 2 was in a position to counsel a "nonChristian" friend who is in a bit of a crisis. When he and I talked about the trouble this young person is going through, I asked him about their faith. He said, "There is none there." I sang the refrain of this song and told him that's really what it all comes down to. He agreed and said, "I know Mom. I told _____ that all day today and it just didn't get through."

I was reminded that we have many many opportunities to plant seeds into the lives of others. I'm glad my son was willing to plant this week. I know there are other people in their group of friends who have also shared the same message. Now I pray that they get to see the seed take root and start growing.

I was also reminded that the most important lessons are often those we learn in our childhood. They are, after all, the rocks we lean on when we grow up.

{Note: If you have young children (or grandchildren) and have never heard this music or the videos, I highly recommend them.}

Sunday Seven

It's been a few weeks since I participated in Sunday Seven. Here's my "First Day of Fall" edition.

1. To prepare me for the Fall Reading Challenge (which I'll post later), I WON a book over at Jill's! I will be getting a Biography or Autobiography of my choice AND a Vera Bradley Bucket Tote. I gave Jill some ideas and asked her to surprise me!

2. DH came home last night....EARLY! I was expecting him late and he walked in the door at 9:15! It is always nice to have him home.

3. DS 3 helped me clean yesterday. He is such a help around the house. He also went flying and was so excited.

4. DS 2 played a soccer game yesterday. We'll be back at the field today for another match-up. He's doing well...but the team, well, isn't!

5. I worked out five days this past week--two with the trainer. The second training workout was with DS 2 and me because my friend Debra couldn't make it. It was fun working out with him. What was really funny, though, is when I did my bench presses with those HEAVY 10 pound weights and then DS 2 prepared for his and the trainer said, "What do you press? About 45 or 50 pounds?" DS 2 laughed and told him what he did. Next thing I know, the two of them are grabbing the EIGHTY pound weights (one for each hand) and DS 2 is down pressing 160lbs. They are both so sweet though because they treated my 10lbs (really 20) just the same as they treated HIS 160!

6. I went back to Water Aerobics this week. It got a bit more challenging and we did NOT sing "Kumbaya".

7. Now I'm heading out to my favorite part of the week---CHURCH!

I hope you all are having a Super Sunday!

Saturday Photo Hunters: Paper

Here's the code to get the blogroll and play along: PhotoHunt

I've been saying that I wanted to jump in and BE a Saturday Photo Hunter. Well, today (and it's theme) was my day. I mean, "Paper"? It was EASY. THIS is MY favorite piece of paper from my Summer. It's the winning Bingo Card from our cruise where DH won another 7 day cruise anywhere we want to go. Where are we going?? If all goes as currently planned...Alaska!!!!!!!!!!!!

25 Questions Meme

25 Questions Meme ...

Melli did this yesterday and I liked the questions. I keep commenting on her memes that "I might try that one" and I haven't done one yet (I don't think) so here I am today with mine. I'm not going to tag either...but if you DO play, let me know.

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
I DREAM of having a house in the Mountains someday. I don't know if it will ever happen or not. If I end up in Florida forever, then at least a wrap-around porch and a couple of stories will do. (And don't forget, I WANT a pink room!! All girls. No boys allowed.)

2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
Well, I'd have to say my workout pants. I love to sit around in them because they are SO comfy. If it's not comfort I'm after, I have a silk jacket that I love to wear out.

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Hands. I notice hands on almost everyone. Second to that is the eyes.

4. What's the last CD that you bought?
Wow, I can't remember. I think I bought a 70's hits CD not long ago at Target.

5. Where's your favorite place to be?
The Mountains.

6. Where is your least favorite place to be?
Anywhere that's overcrowded. You know, when you are shoulder to shoulder? That bothers me!

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged?
Hands (Are you noticing a theme?)

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
I'm definitely strong in mind and since I'm working with weights two days a week, I'm GETTING stronger in body!! (And yes, Melli, people would call me VERY strong willed.)

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
Usually by 6:20 on work days.

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance?
The telephone to call for take out!! Seriously, I hate to cook. My DH cooks most days. When he's not home, I like to use the crock pot.

11. What makes you really angry?
When I see people mistreated based on ridiculous stereo-types.

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Guitar. I love listening to a guitar and actually doing sing-along with it.

13. Favorite colour?
GREEN by a landslide.

14. Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV?
I'm passing the SUV stage and ready to go to something a little more sporty...so I'm a bit on the fence with this one. I'm afraid I'm going to have to settle for a mid-size SUV for the next vehicle, though as I'm not done carting things or people around yet.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Most definitely

16. Favorite children's book?
Just ONE????? I have close to 3000 here at school.

Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

17. What is your favorite season?
Without question, FALL. I just WISH we had it here.

18. Your least favorite household chore?
Laundry. With six people (and a few sweaty sports guys) we can generate some HUGE mountains of laundry.

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Beam me up, Scotty!

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it?
No tattoos here. I DID toy around with getting one not long ago...I just can't picture myself at 80 with one, so I didn't do it.

21. Can you juggle?
Only my schedule and the "balls I have in the air" between work, writing, teaching, and being a wife and mother.

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
Wow. I'd love to see some of my middle and high school teachers again.

23. What's your favorite day?
I like Sunday as it's usually not filled with too much (except church).

24. What's in the trunk of your car? Car, did you buy me a car?
What's NOT? might be an easier question. Soccer chairs, a computer that Good Will won't take. Training supplies from a conference I just did. And I'm sure there are a few food wrappers and drink cups there too. Did you know I LIVE in my car some weeks????

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Hmm...I like sushi, but I'm picky about it. A good lean burger grilled out with mushrooms and tomatoes and onions...yeah, it's the hamburger.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen random things I am thinking today....

1. I need to get DS 2 bedding for his new bed. He set it up and has been sleeping on it, but the bedding is not the right size.

2. DS 3 has been sick all week. He is planning to go flying on Saturday. I hope he feels better to do that. It's such a passion for him...and I hate to see him miss out on something he loves.

3. My exercise partner won't be able to attend our training session tonight, so DS 2 is going with me. That ought to be interesting.

4. Our school was selected as one of five "Schools of Distinction" for the Arts in the country. This is going to result in our kids performing on The Kennedy Center Stage in March. Since I am one of the people who worked on the application, then my boss says I get to go as a chaperone. I think that is SO exciting!!

5. Today is "Jump Start for Reading". This is a day when everyone tries to set a record by reading the same book. Today's book is, The Story of Ferdinand. If you have a child in your life, why not pick it up and read it? Or you can watch Matt Lauer read it on The Today Show.

6. I finally was able to hire someone to take care of my plant beds in my yard. I just don't have time to do it and besides, IT'S HOT!! He worked on them for the last couple of days and they look great.

7. DS 1 is getting closer to the date when he ships out for Basic Training. I think he is excited to go. I just want him to purge some more stuff before he does leave.

8. I need a "Pink Room"....not literally, but figuratively. I just want a room where I can watch "girl shows"...and do "girl things" (like scrapbook, read, write, etc.). There is SO MUCH testosterone in my house. They like to watch totally different things than I do. Sometimes I just dream of a "getaway room".

9. Speaking of shows, though, I enjoyed watching Kid Nation last night. It's an interesting concept. I'd love to see what would happen if they put the parents of these kids together.

10. And continuing in the TV theme...I couldn't believe The Biggest Loser the other night. It's quite amazing to watch what these people who are so out of shape can do...like run up 10 flights of stairs. I'm not picturing ME being able to do that and yet they did.

11. We have two soccer games this weekend (both DS 2's). It will be HOT at the fields, but I do love to watch him play.

12. He has had four separate college recruiters introduce themselves to him in the past month or so. It's nice to know that he's "noticeable" on the field.

13. DH is away this week. I am, therefore, "single" and missing him terribly. He is gone for the next four weeks and only home for a day or so in between each week.

Now those WERE totally random thoughts!!

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Wordless Wednesday...

Sorry about the fuzzy one on the left...but here are my two cool soccer guys.

Without further ado...

The photo above is my DS 2 with "his duck". He said, "I meant I wanted a cute little yellow one, not a beast like this." I really did teach my children to be gracious. And if I'm honest, I can't say I blame him on this one.



DEAD MAN {I mean} DUCK-BILL WALKING!!!!!!!!!! {I couldn't resist the thought or the picture to show why I had this thought.}

Llama the Duck inspects his new home.

Now to add to this story just a wee bit more. Yesterday I was sharing it in the teacher's lunchroom at school and Ms. Greenpeace (that's not her name...but she is rather Earthy) says, "You know those ducks can't fly if they are molting. And they are known to carry tuberculosis."

I'm not sure how she knows that. But THAT certainly made me even happier about this chain of events.

Seriously, if you think about it (REALLY HARD), it's a special thing to have friends who will go to the nth degree to try and make your "dream" come true. I mean they had to capture this thing. I know it took three of them. I think my DS will look back on it and be touched by their effort and, yes, generosity.

And, THAT, my friends, is the end of my duck saga!! Have a QUACKY day!!

Weekend Window...

Well..."Saturday's Suprise" turned into Monday's Memory. We opened the door to the crate and Mr. Llama (you've got to read my last post to understand) the duck headed down by the lake in the back of our house. I have photos and I will post them...perhaps on Wordless Wednesday.

On the exercise front, I went to water aerobics on Saturday morning. It was good, but I had to wonder when the instructor started with the following introduction. {Note: Put your best soft, but high-pitched, Minnie Mouse, maternal voice on...}:

"I'd like everyone who's new today to leave your name and number at the front desk. I may need to call you sometime if the class is changed. Of course, I'm the only "W(insert last name)" in the phone book so you can call me anytime. Anytime. In fact, I'm a Psychologist so if you need me for that reason too, why you just feel free to call me. I want to be there for you."

I actually considered leaving at that point. One thing I'm fairly certain about (at least before the duck arrived) is that I don't need a psychologist visit. But I stayed in the water and waited for us to pass candles and sing "Kumbaya"...

Sunday, my wonderful DS 2 took me to the YMCA and worked me out. I actually wondered why I am paying a trainer. He was tough...and I was so touched. I mean how many 18 yo boys do YOU know who would lay on the floor at the YMCA with their Mother doing crunches or hip raises?

On another note, my Buccaneers won yesterday! DSs 1 and 3 decided it was because I wasn't home yelling at the TV. Whatever...it was just good to see them play fairly well. AND for the first time in several years, my Fantasy Football team actually scored some awesome points.

DH left today for Texas. He'll be gone a week. I took DSs 3 and 4 to the doctor this morning with sore throats...no strep (thank goodness). They are home with DS 1 for today.

So, all is pretty well in my world...and I hope all is well in yours.

If it walks like a duck...and talks like a duck...

It's probably...a DUCK!

Some of you know that DS 2's 18th birthday was earlier this week. Almost three weeks ago, he dropped a "test balloon" conversation like this:

DS 2: Mom, I've got a question for you.

Me: OK

DS 2: Uh, what would you say if my friends bought me a duck for my birthday?

Me: HUH? Like a LIVE duck?

DS 2: Yeah, I've always wanted a duck. And I asked them to get me one for my birthday. And now they're looking for one. And I want to name it "Llama".

Me: Ducks are DIRTY. They are not meant to be kept in a house. Call your Uncle Greg and ask him about the ducks HE had as a child.

DS 2: OK, I will. {Note: He called but Uncle Greg wasn't home.}

Me: Still it's not a good idea. I would NOT be happy.

{End conversation...}

Now, if there is one thing the men/boys in my life know it's this: "If Mama ain't happy, ain't NO ONE happy!" So the duck conversation stalled there and I thought it died completely when my DS announced a few days later that his friends haven't been able to find one anyway. I assured him that was a good thing.

The birthday came and went. His friends filled his car with balloons. They took him to dinner. He went to a concert one night this week. All was well.

Today he and I went shopping for a new bed for his room. We found a great sale at Pottery Barn and got the lady to reduce the floor model even further. You might say I was feeling "just ducky" about our success shopping. DS 2 and I were in two cars...so I arrived home just minutes after he did and noticed his friend's (the Debutante)car parked awkardly out front.

"Just ducky" took on a WHOLE new meaning as I opened the door to find my DS 2, my DH, my DS 4 and DS 2's friend sitting around a crate in my entryway staring at a full grown duck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They all looked like they got caught with their hands in a cookie jar.

She begged me not to hate her. I assured her I didn't. I did, however, threaten to strangle someone! DS 1 and DS 3 both came out to tell me it'd be fine that the duck could go out to our lake as soon as "she" left. Suffice it to say this was little consolation as I looked at the behomoth crate with this critter inside it!

DS 2 tried to "make friends" with the duck, but the duck continued to whimper and snap. He knocked the water bowl over. She left after she got some pictures of my son with this thing. DS 2 left less than 40 minutes after meeting his "new pet". He has a party to attend tonight. I promise I'll post pictures as soon as I can take some...my camera isn't charged. And I wasn't going to admit to her that I might take some.

As I type this, the duck is still in the crate in my entryway waiting for his new owner to come home. I'm thinking since it's been a bit rainy this afternoon, that it's a great day for a wet duck...uh....OUTSIDE! DH, however, says "It'll be OK. The duck will go into our lake soon enough. She just "walked in with it."

Whatever! Let me just tell you there is NEVER ONE dull moment around this house. And I am once again thankful for my friend Cindy's wisdom as she reminds me, "This is just an event." She's right.

I hope YOUR day is going just as "ducky" as mine was before the 'real thing' showed up in my house......I'm laughing now...truly I am...cause if I don't...come to think of it...I might QUACK!!

Do You have Balcony People?

Last week I heard Steven Layne speak. He's a teacher and an author who has quite a story to tell. The keynote that he gave was called "Balcony People" based on the book by Joyce Landorf Heatherly.

Steve's website says this about his speech:

Can you identify the people whose contributions to your life have altered your direction, smoothed the path ahead, or guided you across treacherous ground? Those who have helped us become all that we are - our personal cheerleaders - deserve to be remembered. These are our balcony people...

And here's what Joyce's website says about the book:

There are some people in the "balconies" of our lives who cheer us on, energizing us by their warm affirmations. There are others who live down in the "basement," coldly tearing away at our souls with their unfair and critical judgments. This book is about discovering the balcony people in your life - and about being a balcony person to others.

And so with those explanations, I have to say that this week I have been thinking of all the people in my balcony who help to move me forward. And there are many of them.

I have also stopped and asked myself, "Whose balcony am I in?" We, too, need to make sure we are cheering others on...that we are encouraging...loving...kind...and supportive when we can be.

Although Steven only hinted at the concept of "basement people", Landorf Heatherly mentions these people in her summary.

I guess that we need to ask ourselves two questions:

Am I a balcony person? AND Am I doing my best to NOT be a basement person?

A Semi-Squat Flunkie

I can do this......................................

I CAN'T do this..............................Ever since I was little, I have had trouble putting my heel down when I walk. This has resulted in me NOT being able to keep my heel down for what looks like a SIMPLE exercise. Let me tell you the trainer was amazed yesterday that the FIRST thing was something I could not do. After he explored the issue (he's a nursing student...so I'm thinking some of the questioning was for his future employment), he said, "Well, you might be a squat flunkie, but we ARE going to do squats today."

SO....off to the machines we went. Let me just tell you that my eyes about bugged out of my head when we went from holding 10 lb. weights and standing in front of the mirror to try this exercise to doing 50 lbs. on the machine! I was successful there...thank goodness.

As he promised last night, though, today I am doing the "Potty Walk" today...it's kind of that bent-over-I-can't-really-sit-OR-stand walk!

Last night I watched the end of The Biggest Loser and I have to say I was motivated by these people. It seems to me that these are some of the largest contestants yet. They are learning to turn their "I Can't" into "I Can". It's critical. And while I don't have quite the amount of weight to lose that some of these people do...I find the whole thing quite motivating.

Will I ever be able to squat without a machine? I don't know. BUT what I LOVE being pushed enough to realize my own potential.

And that's something most of us could use...we have to find the person or thing that pushes us forward and motivates us then we have to GO FOR IT with the "I CAN" spirit!!

Remember...

Today's news is filled with stories and memories of the tragedy on 9-11-01. Most of us remember well the events of that day. I am no exception.

While I'll never forget what happened then, today I'm reflecting differently. I was thinking on my way to work this morning about the awesome RESPONSE to 9-11. It seemed that American Flags were more plentiful on 9-12 and beyond. They flew everywhere. It seemed that more people stood in line to donate blood, enlist in the military, and offer help in whatever way possible. The outpouring was beyond what most of us had ever seen in the United States. It was, in many ways, a beautiful reminder of the human spirit.

Today, rather than looking back, I want to look forward. I want to ask myself, "What am I doing NOW to make the world in which I live a better place?" And, "How can I respond in such a way that hatred and its wrath might not fall on those around me?"

I know I cannot stop evil in the world. It's here. It's part of our make-up. However, one of my favorite scriptures says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." In my opinion, every American's response...and most certainly EVERY CHRISTIAN'S RESPONSE should be intentionally finding ways to do good as well as recognize and encourage it in the world. We cannot stop. We need to find ways to love and love some more.

In my opinion, it's the only way we'll ever win the battle that we all became so aware of on that day. I remember. Do you?

Weekend Window

What a busy busy weekend we had!! I was at our state's Reading Association Conference starting last Thursday. I presented twice with my friend and colleague, Mellissa. It's been a while since we've had a chance to work together. It was fun to be together again. We had two book signings on Saturday and an author breakfast on Sunday.

I realized once again that I am simply not as young as I used to be! We went to an event on Friday night that included music and dancing. This is kind of interesting when it's a bunch of Educators. They were giving air brush tattoos so I got one...I wanted to take a picture to share, but it's rubbed off now.

After we went to this event, we went to another event at a piano bar. I could sit and listen to music all night long...and let's just say that we tried to put that into practice! We were out with several teachers/publishers until almost 2am! I just can't do that anymore...especially when I have to get up the next morning.

I got home Sunday afternoon and spent time with DH and the Boys...but only AFTER I took a quick nap.

Today it was back to work.

DS 2 turned 18 today. He is out celebrating at Olive Garden with friends. They were so excited that the Never Ending Pasta Bowl was back. We'll celebrate later on this week as a family.

That's all from my homefront. Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Life is Short...

DS 2 experienced loss of a friend this week. He found out Wednesday that a member of last year's senior class was killed on his new college campus as he fell off a curb into the path of an oncoming car. The story is that there was alcohol involved. What a tragedy!

DS 2 has really not experienced a funeral before. He went to the visitation last night. It really hit him hard. I was so touched that he stayed in touch with both my DH and me (we were both out of town) as well as his Grandparents (who were in town). Thankfully, DH was able to go to the service with him today at DS's request.

It's never easy losing anyone no matter their age. But, it's even harder when it's a young life that is snuffed out so early. It's hard to think that anything good could possibly come out of this. Yet, we know that perhaps it can serve as a reminder just how precious life is for the young people who lost a friend. And maybe it will make some of them think twice before they make potentially harmful decisions.

And maybe it will remind them that life is very short and we all need to live it well.

It's NOT: "Keep Your EYE On the Ball"....

OK, for those of you who commented about the trainer, I can keep quiet about it no longer! I've watched the trainers at the YMCA for months and thought about how much I'd like to have one. When my friend Debra mentioned doing it together, I thought it was perfect. We had our first "real" session last night.

I should start by saying that Debra and I are not small women. So, when the trainer took us to the weight corner and said, "We're going to work on the core and use the weights." I thought, "OK...no big deal." But he soon added, "You'll both need a ball."

Note: I've never sat on one of these before last night, but let me just tell you I was REAL happy when I downloaded this picture just now and it was labeled "Anti-burst Exercise Ball". WHEW!

Not one to back down from a challenge, I went and got the "pretty green ball" and took it to the corner. He showed us how to sit on it and keep from falling off. Just when my tail feathers started to go into "show-off" position, he said, "Now, that you know how to SIT on the ball...you need to learn to LAY on the ball. And you have to go from one position to the other without falling off or getting up. It's just one fluid motion."

I tucked my tail feathers back in and promptly laughed at the man! He, however, was not amused. Before I could practice rolling into that silly laying position "fluidly", he put 8 pound weights in each hand and said, "We're going to use these when you are in position." (And I was happy to use the two pound weights at Aerobics the other night!) I explained that I only throw an 8 pound bowling ball..that's FOUR pounds for each hand. He laughed and said, "Not after working out with me, you won't. It'll be time to get a larger ball." (Well OK, then!)

Reminding myself that I am paying this man for the hour of entertainment he is obviously going to receive working with the two of us, and knowing the gym is crowded with plenty of people who could easily move up and down and all around on that ball, I promptly rolled myself into position and prepared for the pain. I wish I could report that I looked as relaxed (and as flat stomached) as this man does on the ball, but I can't. I chose this photo because it best shows the position we were in for the FIRST exercise.

There was absolutely NO easing into anything! The session was spent about 1/2 on the ball with weights and 1/2 on the machines to work the legs. Today I can tell I worked, but I'm not in pain (thank goodness). On most weeks we'll see him two days. This week, however, it's only one.

As I left the gym, I felt pretty good. But the thought that kept running through my mind was:, "We used to say, 'Keep your eye on the ball.' But now that's all going to change for me. No. My mantra has to be: 'Keep your rear on the ball.' Followed closely by: 'Keep your head on the ball!'"

I'm sure there'll be MORE blog fodder where this came from...stay tuned!!

An Update from the Homefront...

Whew! I feel like I've been in a whirlwind of activity and haven't really had time to update my blog. I was going to do a Weekend Window yesterday since Monday was the holiday...but it didn't work out. Soooo I guess I'm going to do a Wednesday Window that can get everyone up to speed on our "happenings" here in our world.

Friday night, my friend Debra and I met with our Personal Trainer for the first time. We are going to do "2 on 1 sessions". I liked him very much until I told him that cardio should be part of our workout and he said, "We'll do some walking some days." I thought, "OK, a little treadmill...a little ellipticle...not bad." Almost mid-thought, he added, "We'll be walking OUTSIDE." Debra said, "In the Winter, right?" (It's HOT in Florida!) He laughed and replied, "No, we need to be 'out in the elements'." WHATEVER! After our orientation, we did an aerobics class with our friend, Bill from work. It was fun.

Saturday began the weekend's main activities, The Soccer Tournament. Both DS 2 and DS 4 participated. It was HOT HOT HOT! They each had 2 games on Saturday. It was nice for Uncle Dave and Aunt Heather and their cousins to attend. The boys love having an "audience". DS 2's U-18 team lost both their games, but DS 2 played very well. DS 4's team won one and lost one.

Sunday was back to the field for MORE games! We arrived at 11:20 for DS 2's game and heard thunder in the distance. The officials came around in the golf carts and told us that we must "all go to our cars". We sat in a rain delay (without rain) for one and a half hours!! Did I mention how HOT it was???? Anyway, DS 2's team lost again and DS 4's won.

Sunday evening we got to go to my in-laws house for more visit with Uncle Dave and Aunt Heather and the kids. It was a nice visit. I'll confess, though, when I fell into bed that night, I CRASHED! But, almost right as I nodded off to dreamland, DH came in and announced that DS 4's team made the wildcard in the playoffs at 8:15 AM on Monday (which means be a the field by 7:30). I'm sure I growled as I planned to wake up early and get him there.

DH flew out on Monday morning early. DSs 3, 4 and I headed off to the wet, HOT field. DS 4 played goalie the entire game against this team that had scored a total of 35 points in their three previous tournament games. He did an amazing job...especially since this weekend was his first "official" time in goal. Their team lost 3 - 1...but they played a fantastic game. It was worth getting up.

Monday afternoon, we headed up to Tampa to meet Gram as she returned from Ohio. It was nice to fall in the pool and cookout at my Dad's house. But the nicest thing of all is that DS 1 surprised us and showed up there after visiting a friend all weekend.

As I went to bed Monday night and headed into Tuesday, I found myself thinking about just how blessed I am!

I hope your Labor Day weekend was just as satisfying! Happy Wednesday.

Book Review: Redemption and Remember

I was going to wait and review the entire Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley. But I decided that I'd go ahead and share the first two of these five books.

Redemption is the story of Kari Baxter Jacobs who finds her husband in an adulterous affair. She decides to stay with him and fight for her marriage. This books takes the reader through the process of restoration of their marriage. But it also introduces the reader to the entire "Baxter Clan".

In the true nature of Kingsbury's books, I found this book a pleasure to read. It was a reminder that "Love is a decision". It also is a beautiful story of letting go of the past and moving forward with grace while dealing with the loves and losses that sometimes define our lives.

The second book in the five-book series is Remember. This continues Kari's story while really digging into her sister, Ashley's story. It also introduces the reader more deeply to her brother, Luke.

Ashley spent time in Paris and came back pregnant with her son, Cole. She is a bitter woman who has pretty much shut down her faith. Luke, on the other hand, is extremely faith-filled, but also judgmental.

In this book, they literally "switch roles" as they each encounter the tragedies of 9-11-01. Kingsbury and Smalley do a great job of making us consider what it would have been like to watch this event from New York City and/or take part in the aftermath.

The next three books in this series are: Return, Rejoice and Reunion. I'm going to go ahead and continue reading about this family and their faith journey. It's a pleasure to read faith stories that are not contrived, but real. These are people with real issues, real questions and real lives. It's refreshing to read.

What I don't know is if I'll continue with the second and third series that continue this family's saga. Kingsbury continued their story in The Firstborn series and is currently adding the The Sunrise Series. I'm going to decide as a I go.