SOMETHING ABOUT OUR TIME OUT

Something about time out always makes you want more! When I take time out it makes me have to work more, before and after but it is always worth it and I am so thankful that my clients work with me!!

We took off a few weeks ago to go on an adventure that I was not too sure about. We committed to go camping with a group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from church. I didn't have a problem with the camping since I have been doing that my whole life. The part that I wasn't sure about was spending 4 days with people I barely knew! Once I commit, there is no turning back on most things but then the dread sunk in. What if there were no other women going? What if I didn't feel comfortable? What if we didn't have anything in common?.......... I knew I was being unreasonable but at the same time my client were scaring me too. As with all things I came prepared. I brought my book, cards and knitting and if all else failed I could spend some time in my tent.

Thankfully my prayers were answered and I didn't spend much time in my tent and I got to know some really awesome people. In the back of my mind I had to believe, above all else that people that would camp couldn't be that bad. I know that if you are a camper you have to be easy going or you won't survive. You have to be able to put up with unpredictable weather, bugs, scrapes, cold water unless you want to wait (and make the effort) for hot water. Which was always a necessity in the morning to have our hot coffee and tea.

I could go on but you'll just have to wait and buy the book. This will be under the chapter of firsts.

Some highlights include:

Unlimited friends for Levi
Unlimited time with priest that Naomi so dearly loves.
New friends for ALL of us
Elijah's dream come true of being IN CHARGE since he was a junior chaperon
Beautiful waterfalls and streams
Outdoor mass
Being in the mountains
Beautiful weather
Interesting food
Waking up to the sound of running water
I am sure there is so much more that I am leaving out but this is what comes to mind first. It was something I will never forget and hope to go again.

My camera's battery went out so these were the only pics I could get but they summed up a lot of what went on. We had 3 meals a day and the kids got served first. We all took time serving and cleaning up. Time was spent playing in the fields, going on hikes and tubing in the freezing water. There was always hot lemonade and hot chocolate to warm you up! The campers went to bed at dark and then the junior chaperons got to stay up and play cards till they got rowdy. They quickly learn to stay quiet and enjoy the time they had together NOT working. We adults hung out at the campfire sharing stories among ourselves.

On Wed. night we had a outdoor mass that was beautiful. Two of the campers had brought guitars so we had music. Naomi got to sit up (almost) with Father Will and she was SOOO HAPPY! This is something she has always wanted to do. Tues. night we had a sing along with the guitars that got the campers all around to notice us, they loved it of course. Mon. night there was a slide show of last years camp out. We were all enjoying it until Naomi comes up to us crying her little eyes out "I missed it, WHY did I miss IT???" Joe and I were having a hard time with this until we realized that she was talking about the slide show. They had shown pics of the marshmallows and smores. She thought the show was of this year and she had missed the marshmallows! It took a little convincing but she finally went back to her place and enjoyed the rest of the show. Joe in the kitchen.
The first morning, the little girl on the left in pink (Maria) and the lady on the right (Stacy) were in our tent.
Waiting to be fed.
Lee Ann, Pat, Father John (Naomi's hero) and Joe (My hero).
Luna moth found at camp.

In Cherokee a few days later. Hanging out in the bamboo.
Levi and a water dog found in the river.
Joe's BIG catch!
Water sculpture made by Levi.
Packing up, done playing in the water for the day.

This is one place that feels like home. We try to go every year to enjoy the great outdoors. Joe's grandparent lived in Waynesville so he really has a lot of good memories of being in the mountains. I wish they were still alive so they could share in our good times. Any one else that would like to join us for our next adventure LET US KNOW!!!

INTRODUCING......

Introducing the newest member in our circle of friends. Mary Lillian Robey, aka Lilli. In these pics she is 4.5 months old. She is the daughter of one of my grade school friends, Leah. We get to see each other about every six weeks when I do her hair, which is not often enough. Life with little ones is not always good for friendships but we are making it work. Lilli is a big girl, the first time I saw her she was sooo tiny. It doesn't take long!
Lilly and big sis, Camelia Kay. One of the oldest young people I know! She has a great sense of style and is not afraid to show it. I know she is going to keep her momma young!!
The girls of the family. Leah, Camelia, and Lilli.

WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL TOOLBOX

What is a Spiritual Toolbox?

A spiritual toolbox is a guide to help you become more aware of not only yourself but your surroundings by teaching you how to use energies with known associations for your particular intention. Utilizing all aspects of a spiritual toolbox will bring you closer every day to what you desire.

I wanted to announce the re-opening of my dear friends business. She is the proud owner of http://www.innertrinsix.com/ which is the home of the spiritual toolbox. She has taken great pride in her work as she has spent countless hours on research and detail. Her boxes are made with love and care and meant to be touched! You can tell by the beautiful wood and all of the fabulous things inside that make up the toolbox.

I have the astrological one for my sign, Scorpio. The artwork is unique and inspiring. I was moved by my toolbox and its contents. It was something I was not expecting and felt like it came at such a good time. I think there is definitely a need for this product in every one's lives. I see it as a tool to better enrich your life. I am always open to ways to better myself and this is a easy way to do it.

Take a moment and go to her web-site and let me know what you think. I have too many to pick a favorite, but I would love to hear what you think about the fabulous artwork!!

GONE FISHING!!!

I am loosing my touch. I went on a wonderful (almost all) family outing and forgot my camera! Joe has been wanting to go fishing for a while. Most of the time he doesn't have the opportunity to go, but his desire is always fueled my my Dad. (Who gets to go almost daily now that he is retired). So, with nothing more to do around the house, HA HA we set off on our adventure with the fishing poles, some worms and a map.

Now you must know that I was not really into this adventure but the time to spend with my family. I don't have a fishing license because most of the time I am watching kids and the few times Joe has got to fish he hasn't had the best of luck, around here that is. In my hometown he catches the biggest and most fish, which leads back to him always wanting to find that around here.

An hour later we get to our destination, find the road to the lake blocked some ways up but we are not deterred. The kids get changed into their bathing suits and boat shoes, (mine turn up missing) and I have chosen to wear wedge flip flops knowing I am going to change when we get there. Book and water in hand we start our journey down the path. There are beautiful wildflowers everywhere, that's when I started missing my camera. The path is steep but still doable in my shoes, I am praying no one falls. We get down to the end of the paved road and we don't know which way to go. My wonderful husband leaves us on the trail and sets out to find our way. At this point we have to cross a field that has been plowed but is growing back. We try to find the grooves for Naomi to walk in but she was to have no part in that after going out to the farm and being scratched one to many times. We regroup, Naomi goes on my back and once again we set off. I'm loving the shoes at this point--something I have never tried to do before and won't again if I can help it!

The trip only gets better at this point, the mowed weeds end and there is nothing but tall weeds. Now anyone who has ever been in tall weed can tell you, AVOID THEM AT ALL COST. So, once again we send out our trusty scout. He comes walking back "OH MY GOSH, MY LEGS ARE ON FIRE!!!" Let me tell you, he is making me want to turn around right then but he will not be deterred! He presses on and finds us a path that is not full of stinging nettle which was the culprit before. The only path that he found that went to the water went 9 feet straight down. Once again, have you ever done that with kids and flip flops? It makes life interesting to say the least. We get to the water and it is BEAUTIFUL, clear much like our trip we took to North Carolina. Thinking we finally made it I was ready to stay put but that was not the case. We had to cross the water! Once on the other side things really came to life. We saw a little frog about the size of half a dime, lots and lots of shiny shells and tons of really cool rocks. Joe was still not ready to plant himself so we kept on going.

Once in place we noticed lots of crayfish so the kids started catching them. I was fascinated by the sight of many more tiny frogs! I have not seen that many frogs in forever and after the stories I have read was really happy to witness it. There were beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and more shells. Then, the fish start biting!!! Levi caught the first one, it was small, but a fish and that's what we were after. It turn out that was all we caught. Small fish, but there was about 15 in all, they were about 5 different kinds which I thought was really cool too. Our trip was cut short by the threat of rain but we had a really, really good time!

Memories of our trip include:
1 raccoon
1 deer
1 turtle
3 turkey buzzards
5 different kinds of fish
loads of crayfish
25 tiny, tiny frogs
butterflies
dragonflies
lots of nice, steady rain
1 big, beautiful, clear rainbow with BOTH sides present. It was the most beautiful one I can ever remember seeing.

As with most things, you never know how things are going to turn out. I learned a lesson today that I thought I knew well.

COMMENTS

Summer has proven to be more of a challenge than I thought. Some of the best made plans have been broken and rearranged. I am finding that is more of the norm than the exception these days. But with that said, it's all OK, we are making it work.

With three kids in private school I am trying to work as much as I can, going in early when needed. Now anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. Don't get me wrong, I love the morning. Getting up early, reading the newspaper, sipping coffee. The problem is, with it being summer the kids have a lot more going on. Joe is doing his best to help with the transportation as much as he can and so far we have been making it work. This leads to the title of this post.

One of the first I heard was when I offered a client a 8:00 appointment. He hesitantly ask, is that AM? Laughing, I said yes and so did he.

Yesterday I went in at 7:30 am. This client ask if I was kidding. I told him I wished I was but if he wanted to get in that would be it.

The best is tomorrow, I will be in bright and early at 7am!!! I ask my client what was good for them and this is what she said, laughing (I thought she was kidding). So I took the challenge, knowing that she was not a morning person and said, "If you can do it, so can I".

I don't know if I can keep up these early mornings but I love the business and I get to spend more time with my kids. THANK YOU CLIENTS for working with me!

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

This is one of those just had to moments. It was almost 90 degrees today and I couldn't get Chicken and Dumplings out of my mind. So we started our dinner of with a big pot of them, followed by fresh bing cherries and topped off with mint chocolate ice cream. It was so good, no regrets!!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

This is the day we celebrate our fathers. I have one of the best ones that ever lived. He has taught me more about life than he will ever know. Being a handyman and letting me hang out with him I learned about construction. How to mow the grass, drive a car, buy a car, and live life while having fun. He has taught me to camp, fish and to help others and so many other things that I'm sure the list would go on and on. THANKS DAD for all that you have done for me and my family! WE LOVE YOU!!! Joe Dad, he is so special. He has many, many great qualities. Levi says he is a great Dad, likes to fish and spend time with his children. Naomi says he likes to have a good time, tucks me in at night and takes care of me. Elijah says that he has taught me many things.
Paul, Joe's dad takes time to fish with Naomi. Joe has this to say about his dad. He is insightful, helpful, and takes the time to spend many lunches with me. I love you dad.

TIME OUT

Off for a few days, going to see the great outdoors. I'm sure there will be lots to write about. Peace and Blessings to all!!

JUST CLOWNING AROUND

Taking the day to kick back, listen to music, do a little work and have some fun!

KENTUCKY WEATHER

I've always heard that if you're not happy with the weather in Kentucky stay a little longer and it's sure to change. Such is the case this Tues. afternoon. The day was a little overcast but nice until about 5. That's when the storm broke loose and I couldn't resist these shots. We were lucky not to have any damage but I heard some people in the area weren't as lucky. It was truly an amazing sight with all of the warm weather we have been having.
We are so thankful to have the rain, even if it did come down in bucketfuls!!!

FYI-FDA warns agaist Chinese toothpaste

Our paper publishes a section called YOUR HEALTH. This is where I find some really interesting articles. The latest is the the warning of use of Chinese toothpaste. Some makers are putting a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze in their paste! The ingredient, diethylene glycol (also called DEG) was found in a shipment at the US border and at two retail stores: a Dollar Plus in Miami and a Todo A Peso in Puerto Rico.

I check the label on most things I buy to see where they are made, try to buy American if possible but it never crossed my mind to check toothpaste! Because they are coming out with new ones all of the time and I have not found a brand that I will stick with forever I switch around, the latest is Gleem which I bought at the dollar tree. Of course I threw away the box and looking at the tube it only tells of the active ingredient. It is distributed by Procter and Gamble out of Cincinnati, OH but doesn't say where it is made. I guess we all need to be aware.

WE'RE DOING FAIRLY WELL

This is the BIG weekend! We started it off right by buying the unlimited ride band on Thurs. night, inviting Georgia and finding a friend there for Levi. At first I thought we might be able to stay together but the girls were just under the limit on some of the bigger rides and Levi did not want to be subjected to the "kiddie" rides all night. We had a blast! Donated by playing some of the games that I never win (not that I ever win anyway) and got lots of exercise by walking back and forth from the "big rides" to the "kiddie" section. We stopped at the dollar tree before we went and got some candy but in the end we couldn't pass up the cotton candy! Boy vs. girls. Levi wanted to spin the heck out of this ride and the girls didn't! It was just after we had eaten a big dinner, I don't know WHAT he was thinking!!!
Check out Naomi's face! I went with her after this run and we went even faster, I would have loved to see the look on her face then!
The girls hamming it up for the camera! They were so brave.
Cotton candy, a fairs not complete without it!
Being the good friend I am, I couldn't send our friend home without being sugared up, hair painted and tattooed!!!

TIME

The time is going by, quick! As I look back at our pics to see what we have been doing I can see why. There is so much going on, planned and unplanned that we are staying busy. Working but having fun too. Joe is off for the holiday so we have been able to make the most of the weekend.



Are you ready to hear about what we have done in the last week?! Hold on to your seat, it has been wild. It was Levi's last week at school so they tried to fit it all in. Monday started with Pioneer day. My friends Stephanie and Stephen are into the history re-enactment with him playing Daniel Boone at Fort Boonesboro. So when I was ask to volunteer I thought about them immediately. Stephanie was gracious enough to let me borrow her Rebbecca costume and had one for the teacher too. I brought flint for all of the kids from the farm and got to show them weaving. Levi looked the best! He was so into it. I can't believe I don't have pics of that but it was early in the morning and I never dreamed I would forget my camera! One of the moms there took a pic of Levi and I so you might get to see it sometime. None of the kids recognised me, my costume was so good! The teacher had ask us to make this as authentic of a day as possible. Start with the costume for them, pack unprocessed lunch and they would re-enact the day. We have my Grandmothers butter pail that she said was used to take lunch to school and with much talking I packed it for Levi. The lunch was a challenge. He had a plain peanut butter sandwich wrapped in a cotton cloth a apple and three unpeeled carrots. On the way to school Joe slipped a piece of jerky in. I wrapped his belt around his books and sent him off to school. Everyone at school loved his look and wanted to know where I got it (goodwill)! He was excited!!



Later we got the dirt bikes out and Elijah took them for a spin. It has been so hot that you won't last long on one in the sun. We have not had to mow our grass in so long that the clover is up and beautiful. Elijah was off all week so him and William got to hang out at our pool. We have a routine on Thursdays that I pick Elijah up and get his allergy shots while Levi is in choir. Well we have been going so much that I get in the car line at school and don't figure out that I don't need to be there (BECAUSE HE IS ALREADY OUT OF SCHOOL) until everyone is almost out. I felt REALLY silly but I was stuck and had to drive by all of the teacher that must have known I have finally lost it! So I drove home, got him and off to the doctor we go.



The last day was only a half day and Elijah had to go back for choir after school because they were singing at the Legends ball game that night. One last practice and they were ready! They sounded great singing the National Anthem and then we got to watch the game with friends and eat funnel cakes and ice cream! Then off to another Birthday party for our friend Chris. It was late but we felt like we needed to show up.



Saturday we had another party to attend! My client/friend just moved to a new home and wanted to show it off. It was her friends birthday so once again we were off! We met some great people, got to ride the horses and see some sheep. Joe got an open invite to come and fish in the creek that runs beside there home and of course we could ride the horses anytime. Their neighbors have 4 kids ranging in age from 13 to 2. They were very outgoing and would get along with our kids great. We ended up staying long enough to have a bonfire even though one of the host goes to bed at 9. The birthday girl wanted us to stay and how can you pass up a good fire!



Now it's Sunday, the weekend before the big church fair. Now I'm not talking about just any fair, this is the biggest know fair next to the Bluegrass fair! So because it is so big they need LOTS of volunteers and we don't mind. So after church we stayed for 3 hours and helped unload for the rummage sale. I was completely exhausted because of the heat and had not dressed to stay, but it was fun! We ended up getting some tap shoes for Naomi,a tennis racket for Levi, a shadow box with a sea creature in it and some NICE cowboy hats for Joe and I. All for about $10. There are perks to helping out! We came home, Joe took a nap and because the kids were so great about being patient and helping I called some friends and invited them over for Naomi. Georgia couldn't come but invited us to the drive in to see SHREK the third. We have been wanting to see that since it came out but hadn't found the time now we had to make the time. It was so much fun! We got to watch that and Blades of Glory and got to spend time with our kids and friends too!



Not quite sure what's in store for us today but the pool is calling my name.



I hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day! We have so much to be thankful for. We can never forget the past and all of the people that have served our country to make what it is today!
Elijah on the 23o. Seton choir
Naomi on Jeronamay with Vickie's nice.
Naomi, walking the sheep.

Vickie, the birthday girl.
Donna blowing bubbles for Naomi.
The three amigos, Naomi, Georgia and Veda.
PJ and Greg and the rest of the gang.

WE'RE READY FOR SUMMER

Our new pool is up and ready! The water is cold but with the hot weather it has been nice. (That and the fact that I have these really cool floats.) We hope to have lots of company this summer and this always makes it more fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGIA!!!

Georgia's 7th birthday party was this weekend. She is the daughter of our good friends Greg and PJ. There were about 10 kids there and they all moved so fast that I was not able to get a close up of Georgia. Here is one of her and Naomi from the other night when her dad was preforming.

Her party started out great. The weather was perfect, all the girls were getting along, she had lots of presents and the food was GOOD! This is were the party took a turn for the worst. (I don't know if I can even tell it and give it justice.) Joe had left to get Levi at another party so he missed all the action too.

Apparently PJ is known for (I don't know how to say this) accidents? So I am sitting by the door and I look over and see PJ trying to get through the door sideways with the cake. It was such a big cake that it stopped her. Of course those of us that saw her started laughing so she readjusted and started through again, thinking it was funny herself. Well, on her way back through she tripped and the cake started coming my way (at this point everything is in slow motion) but I was able to catch it. Did I mention I had a little girl on my lap that had just got to know me? She was only 3, was tired and having a little bit of a hard time being the youngest one there. So I lock eyes with PJ and we both rejoice that the cake was SAVED! Then it happened, she fell right into the cake!! The little girl peed on my leg, Georgia started bawling and people started taking pictures once we made sure PJ was OK. Since Joe was already out, he stopped by and got a replacement cake and the party continued without any more problems. It made a lasting memory for a lot a people, we only wish we had it on video so we could have won $10,000!
Tis was only half of the cake on her back!
Dad to the rescue
Clean up crew! Icing was everywhere, the carpet the door on clothing and the dog.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Georgia!

GRADUATION

I am a little slow on the draw. They have already announced Elijah's name when this starts. It's almost like being there.

Some things that I thought were special. THE LIST---what the classmates thought of each other. It was in a sealed pack of papers that were given out along with there autobiographies. This is what his classmates had to say about him.

outgoing

funny

nice singing

fun to talk to

funny

great sense of humor

funny

you are very funny

good personality

you have a very good sense of humor

hilarious

good singing in choir

you are a good singer

goofy in a good way

funniest person in school

good taste in cars

a good class clown

funny

make me smile whenever i look at you

funny

makes everyone smile

funny

entertaining

funny

always makes me laugh

kind to everyone

nice funny, fun to talk to

knows that the Pittsburgh Steeler's completely DOMINATE!

nice person

I think the idea is great and something to look back on with good thoughts.

The other thing is what Mrs. Bell had to say about his Autobiography.

"I can hear your voice in your writing-this is a wonderful skill. You have done a very good job on this project. I loved reading every chapter-especially 'My brothers' and 'Singing'. Be sure to share this book with your parents-I know your Mom will love it!"

And that is the way she has been all year. Tells them what they need to fix but reassures them along the way. I couldn't have said it any better.

Looking back at the pictures I can tell I wasn't thinking ahead. I didn't get to take so many of the pictures I wanted to!!! Once me made it to the church Elijah was off with his classmates and didn't want to take any formal pictures with us or his friends. What I do have is most of the ceremony and the excitement that goes with it.

Father gave a wonderful speech to the kids reminding them to put Jesus first in their lives. We heard stories from two of the children on how being at Seton changed their lives for the better. During the sign of peace Elijah brought me a single white rose and gave us a thank you letter. They got their diplomas and shortly after that they were gone. It was really special, as I have said before I am very happy to be a part of this family.

The reception was dark and too crowded to take pictures but the 7th grade did a great job of decorating and hosting it. The class made a slide show of pictures the kids brought in. They also got to voice record the one thing that made 8th grade special or what they had learned. It was really nice. Thanks Meme and Pop for the card and cash!!!
We were so glad Pop could make it!!! We missed Meme though. She was where she needed to be even more.
Micheal and Elijah waiting their turn to go up the isle.
Checking out "THE LIST"
The teacher that worked so hard on Elijah this school year, Mrs. Bell. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your patience and understanding paid off.

MOTHER'S DAY continued

OK, I must admit this was the real mother's day post I was going to do for me. It doesn't have Elijah in it so it is just as well. The truth is when I tranfered my pictures onto the computer this on got left off. The battery on my camera was down and I thought one of my kids had erased it! Now I feel bad for thinking they would do that but with strong willed kids I never know what to expect when they get the notion to do something.

We spent most of the day enjoying the beautiful weather but I had gone in for a few minutes and when I came back out this was the surprise they had waiting for me. I thought it was really sweet!!!