Well I'm back! Needless to say it has been an extremely busy week and not much time for blogging. I've been trying to read and stay caught up with everyone else and I have been praying for all of you!
We had a great time in Savannah! I didn't want to come back home :) I should say we ate our way through Savannah but we did a lot of walking too (I'm hoping the scales aren't too hard on me this week). We ate at The Lady & Sons and at Uncle Bubba's seafood as well as a little British restaurant. We did a lot of shopping and went on a tour. It was nice to getaway, just the two of us and enjoy some time together. It's hard to believe we have been married for 11 years now. When I think back at everything we've been through, from moving away from family, to Tommy's heart problems and then cardiac arrest, buying our first home, a job lay-off, moving back "home", and our infertility struggles and miscarriage, it's been a wild ride. But, I wouldn't change it for anything. When I look at where we started to where we are now, I wouldn't want it any other way. Sure I'd love to have a house full of kids but I know that God has us here for a reason. I know we've been put through the "test" more than once and God has always been there to pick us up and put the pieces back together. I also am reminded at how short life really is and can be taken from us at any moment. I am just so thankful; God truly has blessed us.
Work this week was crazy! The kids have been crazy and it's just a busy time of year. I'm glad we have a break coming soon! Thankfully this weekend we had no plans so I've been able to rest some (and do some more shopping)!
I'll be posting some pictures soon and some recipes that Pillsbury sent me that we tried out this week!
Showing posts with label weekend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekend. Show all posts
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
What a thrill!
What a thrill! Woohoo! We had so much fun today at the Paraclete SkyVenture. It really was quite a thrill! We had planned to do this in September for my best friend Ashley's birthday. They had to reschedule us because they were doing work on the tunnel. I really had no idea of what to expect. Tommy was uncertain he was going to do it because he has a huge fear of heights.
We were early so we got to go up and watch a group of guys from France; they are the "champions" with their tricks and movements. Some of their stuff was crazy to see but they made it look so easy!
While we were watching Tommy was a bit nervous not knowing if he was going to be able to do it. You actually go into the tunnel right through the door (towards the right side of the picture). You stand there and basically fall right into the air, it's not like you're dropping 60 feet and then stopping. Ashley and I finally pressured (ha ha) him into doing it. We then had to go for our instructional class so we'd know the hand signals and what to do with our bodies :)
Then we were equipped and ready to go!
With the flight time we had today it was equivalent to skydiving from 13,000 feet and we did it twice. I actually didn't do bad. The instructor said we all did really well for our first time. He had to spin Tommy and Ashley to get them in the "spinning mode" but for some reason I just had this au natural spin. When we were finished, Tommy said, I want to do it again---he loved it! Actually, we all did. We have a video of it too, we weren't allowed to bring the cameras into the holding chamber for obvious reasons, and if we can get it uploaded, I'll post it for you to see.
Ashley and I upon arrival :)
We were early so we got to go up and watch a group of guys from France; they are the "champions" with their tricks and movements. Some of their stuff was crazy to see but they made it look so easy!
Here's a shot of the main part of the wind tunnel; it goes up 60 feet from this point
While we were watching Tommy was a bit nervous not knowing if he was going to be able to do it. You actually go into the tunnel right through the door (towards the right side of the picture). You stand there and basically fall right into the air, it's not like you're dropping 60 feet and then stopping. Ashley and I finally pressured (ha ha) him into doing it. We then had to go for our instructional class so we'd know the hand signals and what to do with our bodies :)Demonstrating proper technique
Then we were equipped and ready to go!
With the flight time we had today it was equivalent to skydiving from 13,000 feet and we did it twice. I actually didn't do bad. The instructor said we all did really well for our first time. He had to spin Tommy and Ashley to get them in the "spinning mode" but for some reason I just had this au natural spin. When we were finished, Tommy said, I want to do it again---he loved it! Actually, we all did. We have a video of it too, we weren't allowed to bring the cameras into the holding chamber for obvious reasons, and if we can get it uploaded, I'll post it for you to see.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Family Reunion
We've had another great weekend here. The weather is beautiful and it's still warm (thank goodness, I'm not ready for winter)! I will be glad when we have one weekend where we don't have anything planned so we can just kick our feet up and rest! But honestly it looks like it will be a while before that happens :)
On Friday night I had to chaperone the first middle school dance. They are always quite entertaining. I remember going to those dances and being goofy and it really hasn't changed much! On Friday afternoon before I left from school, 2 sixth grade boys were talking in the locker hallway. Here's how the conversation went:
Boy A: "Are you going to the dance?"
Boy B: "Yeah, are you?"
Boy A: "yeah"
Boy B: "are you going to ask someone?"
Boy A: "yeah"
Boy B: "who"
Boy A: "the list just goes on and on"
I thought I was going to fall out of my chair laughing at them. It was pretty funny! The dance was a neon theme and most of theme looked like they came right out of the 80s.
Yesterday we had a family reunion. It was for Tommy's Grandma's side of the family. It felt really strange being there without her. We did have a lot of fun though. We go out to the "country" where Tommy's Great Grandpa used to live. He was a farmer so there is a ton of land and fields there. We brought along our 4-wheeler and borrowed one from a friend. Tommy's brother and our nephew and a few of Tommy's cousins all met us up there early and we rode all through the trails. I'll post some pictures later of the riding :)
Our friends in Florida were supposed to be meeting with an expectant family today who are considering an adoption plan but the meeting was moved to next Saturday. Please continue to pray for them; we really hope that this is the one for them.
We haven't heard anything but are continuing to pray and seek God's will through all of this. Today on Bethany's facebook page they had this quote that I thought was appropriate for a lot of us, no matter what we're waiting for. "Waiting? Don't ever forget! "We have a God who delights in impossibilities!" - Andrew Murray
On Friday night I had to chaperone the first middle school dance. They are always quite entertaining. I remember going to those dances and being goofy and it really hasn't changed much! On Friday afternoon before I left from school, 2 sixth grade boys were talking in the locker hallway. Here's how the conversation went:
Boy A: "Are you going to the dance?"
Boy B: "Yeah, are you?"
Boy A: "yeah"
Boy B: "are you going to ask someone?"
Boy A: "yeah"
Boy B: "who"
Boy A: "the list just goes on and on"
I thought I was going to fall out of my chair laughing at them. It was pretty funny! The dance was a neon theme and most of theme looked like they came right out of the 80s.
Yesterday we had a family reunion. It was for Tommy's Grandma's side of the family. It felt really strange being there without her. We did have a lot of fun though. We go out to the "country" where Tommy's Great Grandpa used to live. He was a farmer so there is a ton of land and fields there. We brought along our 4-wheeler and borrowed one from a friend. Tommy's brother and our nephew and a few of Tommy's cousins all met us up there early and we rode all through the trails. I'll post some pictures later of the riding :)
Our friends in Florida were supposed to be meeting with an expectant family today who are considering an adoption plan but the meeting was moved to next Saturday. Please continue to pray for them; we really hope that this is the one for them.
We haven't heard anything but are continuing to pray and seek God's will through all of this. Today on Bethany's facebook page they had this quote that I thought was appropriate for a lot of us, no matter what we're waiting for. "Waiting? Don't ever forget! "We have a God who delights in impossibilities!" - Andrew Murray
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Weekend recap
With having yesterday off from work, I thought I would get a chance to update my blog but that wasn't to be :) Our weekend was packed with fun stuff so I had to play catch up yesterday on laundry and all of my chores!
Tommy started back bowling this year. He's actually a really good bowler and I'm quite proud of him (he'll never admit to his ability). Anyways, he took last year off with everything going on with the adoption paperwork and we just needed a break from it. He's bowling at a new place close to our house which is great. He had to have some work done to his bowling balls so we took care of that on Friday night. Afterward, we had a great dinner at Outback, just the two of us. It was really nice.
On Saturday, we took the boat and followed my parents in my dad's boat to a small island near here (only accessible by boat). It is still really warm here, for which I am so thankful--I'm not a cold weather person, so it was really nice. Tommy was impressed by my cast net throwing abilities---I caught half of the bait and my dad caught the other half. My dad doesn't like to admit it but I was the first one to catch any of the bait :) When we got to the island, Tommy and my dad started surf fishing. My mom and I decided to take a stroll and "shell shop" as Tommy calls it. I think we walked about 8 miles, so much so that my feet had blisters from the sand that night. We ended up finding all kinds of cool shells. I even found a sand dollar and a huge conch shell. I'll have to post some pictures once I get them loaded on the computer. They didn't have much luck with fishing. We were trying to catch red drum but they only caught blue fish and my dad caught a stingray as well. We did get to see a huge school of dolphin that came by playing in the water. We stayed until sunset and had a beautiful boat ride back to the marina.
I'm reminded each time we're out like that at how fortunate we are and how blessed we all are at the beauty of the things God has put all around us. It was a perfect day and very relaxing, something we both needed.
On Sunday, Tommy got called in to work and I went to church. We then went to his parents and had dinner and I helped her with writing the thank you cards for flowers/memorials that people had sent for his Grandma's funeral.
We also learned that my aunt, my dad's sister, is back in the hospital. Her cancer has returned and has spread. My mom called this morning to let me know that her oxygen level dropped about 50% and they don't think she's going to make it much longer. It seems almost unreal that we're about to go through this again.
After my pity party last week about waiting, I have felt much better about things. My hope is renewed and I know God is going to provide; we just have to wait for His timing (I have to keep reminding myself of this). Thanks again for your continued prayers and know that I am praying for all of you as well!
Tommy started back bowling this year. He's actually a really good bowler and I'm quite proud of him (he'll never admit to his ability). Anyways, he took last year off with everything going on with the adoption paperwork and we just needed a break from it. He's bowling at a new place close to our house which is great. He had to have some work done to his bowling balls so we took care of that on Friday night. Afterward, we had a great dinner at Outback, just the two of us. It was really nice.
On Saturday, we took the boat and followed my parents in my dad's boat to a small island near here (only accessible by boat). It is still really warm here, for which I am so thankful--I'm not a cold weather person, so it was really nice. Tommy was impressed by my cast net throwing abilities---I caught half of the bait and my dad caught the other half. My dad doesn't like to admit it but I was the first one to catch any of the bait :) When we got to the island, Tommy and my dad started surf fishing. My mom and I decided to take a stroll and "shell shop" as Tommy calls it. I think we walked about 8 miles, so much so that my feet had blisters from the sand that night. We ended up finding all kinds of cool shells. I even found a sand dollar and a huge conch shell. I'll have to post some pictures once I get them loaded on the computer. They didn't have much luck with fishing. We were trying to catch red drum but they only caught blue fish and my dad caught a stingray as well. We did get to see a huge school of dolphin that came by playing in the water. We stayed until sunset and had a beautiful boat ride back to the marina.
I'm reminded each time we're out like that at how fortunate we are and how blessed we all are at the beauty of the things God has put all around us. It was a perfect day and very relaxing, something we both needed.
On Sunday, Tommy got called in to work and I went to church. We then went to his parents and had dinner and I helped her with writing the thank you cards for flowers/memorials that people had sent for his Grandma's funeral.
We also learned that my aunt, my dad's sister, is back in the hospital. Her cancer has returned and has spread. My mom called this morning to let me know that her oxygen level dropped about 50% and they don't think she's going to make it much longer. It seems almost unreal that we're about to go through this again.
After my pity party last week about waiting, I have felt much better about things. My hope is renewed and I know God is going to provide; we just have to wait for His timing (I have to keep reminding myself of this). Thanks again for your continued prayers and know that I am praying for all of you as well!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Being too busy=getting sick!
We have been so busy lately! In one way it's nice because it keeps our minds occupied but in others, it wears you down! We had a busy weekend. Our church is a new plant church in our area and we had a big launch weekend. We helped out with that almost all day on Saturday. Then we were back over there at 8 Sunday morning to help get things set up for the service. In between the volunteering times, we were at Tommy's Grandma's. We visited with her for a while on Friday night and then took her and Tommy's mom dinner on Saturday night. Sunday, we had a big "Sunday lunch" with a lot of the family. It was nice having everyone together. It seems like none of us do those big Sunday lunches anymore.
Needless to say, last night we were exhausted. I had a little bit of a scratchy throat but when I woke up this morning, I felt like a truck had hit me. It feels like a head cold, probably something I caught from one of my "darlings" at school, but the running all weekend probably didn't help. I've been resting since I got home from work so hopefully tomorrow will be better.
On a fun note, my best friend's birthday is Saturday. We've been friends since the 9th grade (18 years now--that sounds scary) :) We've been talking about going to this place that offers an "indoor skydiving" experience (sky venture). So we are taking a little road trip on Saturday to try it out. I'm really excited. Tommy will decide when we get there if he's going to do it (and if they'll let him) :) It should be fun and I'll definitely post some pictures once we get back.
Needless to say, last night we were exhausted. I had a little bit of a scratchy throat but when I woke up this morning, I felt like a truck had hit me. It feels like a head cold, probably something I caught from one of my "darlings" at school, but the running all weekend probably didn't help. I've been resting since I got home from work so hopefully tomorrow will be better.
On a fun note, my best friend's birthday is Saturday. We've been friends since the 9th grade (18 years now--that sounds scary) :) We've been talking about going to this place that offers an "indoor skydiving" experience (sky venture). So we are taking a little road trip on Saturday to try it out. I'm really excited. Tommy will decide when we get there if he's going to do it (and if they'll let him) :) It should be fun and I'll definitely post some pictures once we get back.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What a crazy day!
We usually always have plans for the weekends. While most of the time I don't mind it, it's nice to plan a weekend with things we want to do--just go out and have a little fun! Friday night we went out to dinner with some of our neighbors. They have become great friends to us and we're lucky to have them nearby. We had a great time with them.
Saturday we had planned to go out in the boat and do a little fishing. When we got home from dinner on Friday night, we decided to go ahead and get everything together for our adventure on Saturday. We realized we were going to need a few things so we made a quick trip to Wa.lmart. We laughed and said we were really out living on the edge going there at 10:30 at night :) When we got home, I made sandwiches for our day and Tommy got everything ready to go. You have to get to the boat ramp pretty early here or you won't have any place to park.
We woke up at 6 on Saturday morning, loaded up the last few things, and we were on our way. Bailey got to go too so she was super excited. Tommy always puts the boat in the water at the boat ramps and I wait for him on the docks while holding the boat. So as I go down the dock to meet up with him, I grab the few little things from the car and put our cell phones in my pocket. He was going to bring Bailey down with him.
I squat down next to the boat and the phones drop out of my pocket. To my horror, Tommy's phone (iph.one mind you) bounces off the dock and lands in the water....strike that...sinks in the water. All I can see is it light up as it goes down and then it's out of sight. It happened so fast, there was no getting it back. My stomach drops and I feel horrible. Mine landed on the dock. When he gets down there, which seemed like an eternity, I tell him I dropped his phone in the water with tears in my eyes. He looks at me and says don't worry about it, it's not a big deal, it's a phone and I love you. I felt really bad; it would have been better if it were mine that went in. He then said there was nothing we could do about it and we needed to go out and enjoy our day. We start down the waterway and he looks at me and says "oh no." I have no idea what's going on now. He then says we left all of the bait at home. We both laugh and just figure it was going to be one of those days.
We brought the cast net with us and I can throw it (if you don't know what a cast net is, look it up, it takes some skill to do it) :) Thanks to my Dad for teaching me how to do that. I caught a couple of little bait fish in the net and then we stopped at a local seafood place on the water and bought more. The rest of the day we had a great time, talking, fishing, and just hanging out. It was going great until we were anchored up at our "secret" fishing spot. We were getting ready to move spots and I pull the anchor up. As Tommy goes to crank the boat, the battery is dead. We brought an extra battery along with us but unfortunately we needed a nut to help hold the wire to it. We had to call my dad to bring us one. Thankfully we were near some docks so we drifted over to them, tied up, and my dad was able to park and bring it right to us. We hooked it up and it cranked right away.
Even though it was filled with all sorts of adventures, we had a great time. Bailey was so tired when we got home! It's those types of days that you'll never forget!
Saturday we had planned to go out in the boat and do a little fishing. When we got home from dinner on Friday night, we decided to go ahead and get everything together for our adventure on Saturday. We realized we were going to need a few things so we made a quick trip to Wa.lmart. We laughed and said we were really out living on the edge going there at 10:30 at night :) When we got home, I made sandwiches for our day and Tommy got everything ready to go. You have to get to the boat ramp pretty early here or you won't have any place to park.
We woke up at 6 on Saturday morning, loaded up the last few things, and we were on our way. Bailey got to go too so she was super excited. Tommy always puts the boat in the water at the boat ramps and I wait for him on the docks while holding the boat. So as I go down the dock to meet up with him, I grab the few little things from the car and put our cell phones in my pocket. He was going to bring Bailey down with him.
I squat down next to the boat and the phones drop out of my pocket. To my horror, Tommy's phone (iph.one mind you) bounces off the dock and lands in the water....strike that...sinks in the water. All I can see is it light up as it goes down and then it's out of sight. It happened so fast, there was no getting it back. My stomach drops and I feel horrible. Mine landed on the dock. When he gets down there, which seemed like an eternity, I tell him I dropped his phone in the water with tears in my eyes. He looks at me and says don't worry about it, it's not a big deal, it's a phone and I love you. I felt really bad; it would have been better if it were mine that went in. He then said there was nothing we could do about it and we needed to go out and enjoy our day. We start down the waterway and he looks at me and says "oh no." I have no idea what's going on now. He then says we left all of the bait at home. We both laugh and just figure it was going to be one of those days.
We brought the cast net with us and I can throw it (if you don't know what a cast net is, look it up, it takes some skill to do it) :) Thanks to my Dad for teaching me how to do that. I caught a couple of little bait fish in the net and then we stopped at a local seafood place on the water and bought more. The rest of the day we had a great time, talking, fishing, and just hanging out. It was going great until we were anchored up at our "secret" fishing spot. We were getting ready to move spots and I pull the anchor up. As Tommy goes to crank the boat, the battery is dead. We brought an extra battery along with us but unfortunately we needed a nut to help hold the wire to it. We had to call my dad to bring us one. Thankfully we were near some docks so we drifted over to them, tied up, and my dad was able to park and bring it right to us. We hooked it up and it cranked right away.
Even though it was filled with all sorts of adventures, we had a great time. Bailey was so tired when we got home! It's those types of days that you'll never forget!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Lost in translation?
Do you ever get that feeling that you're an outsider who's looking in? Or maybe share something with someone but they either didn't get what you were saying or they just chose to overlook it and move on/do their own thing? I'm sitting here right now with a full mind, lots of stuff swirling around inside. This "lost" feeling is strange and it's been bothering me for a few weeks now (and it has nothing to do with the adoption). I feel like sometimes people put on this facade that they're something better, more experienced, or can do things better than you mentality but in reality they're swimming along just like all of the rest of us trying to find their way, just not strong enough to admit it. I hate when people try to express a thought and then that thought gets twisted or they then look at you like you're the one who's done something wrong. I can see why there are so many people who have a hard time trusting. I know most of this makes no sense and it's a bunch of rambled/jumbled thoughts but I needed to get it out. I'm so thankful I have a husband that listens and understands and gives thoughtful advice. Sometimes I feel like it's us vs. the world, in more ways than one :) Together we make a great team!
Ok, so enough of that--my own little vent session :) School is going really well. I've already been observed and had a good response from that. My students (aka "my kids") remember a lot from last year so we've been able to use more Spanish in class which has been fun. They told me on Friday that I was a "gum sniper" because I can usually always catch them (probably because I'm such an avid gum chewer) :) The only downfall is having to get back into the getting up early routine!
We have had a great weekend. We did some major cleaning yesterday and last night for dinner we grilled shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops. I can't even begin to tell you how good it was. My best friend joined us and she was impressed too! Tommy said Chef Ramsey had nothing on him! The weekends always go by so fast. This week we'll have to watch the weather because of Hurricane Earl. Looks like he may be close to here.
Ok, so enough of that--my own little vent session :) School is going really well. I've already been observed and had a good response from that. My students (aka "my kids") remember a lot from last year so we've been able to use more Spanish in class which has been fun. They told me on Friday that I was a "gum sniper" because I can usually always catch them (probably because I'm such an avid gum chewer) :) The only downfall is having to get back into the getting up early routine!
We have had a great weekend. We did some major cleaning yesterday and last night for dinner we grilled shrimp and bacon wrapped scallops. I can't even begin to tell you how good it was. My best friend joined us and she was impressed too! Tommy said Chef Ramsey had nothing on him! The weekends always go by so fast. This week we'll have to watch the weather because of Hurricane Earl. Looks like he may be close to here.
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