A Coon in the Carburetor

[I know this probably isn't important to you but I HAD to change the template of my blog.  I do not like boring, the old template went AWOL, and I spent about 3 hours working on this.  You. are. welcome.]

There are all kinds of folks out there in the world and each of them has a unique story to tell.  Last week, at MFuge, I had the opportunity to meet some pretty cool people from Mississippi.  The group arrived late to our track group.  Want to know why? [Even if you say no I am going to tell you anyway.]  There was a coon stuck in their carburetor.  Did I ask them to give this information?  Nope - they voluneered it.  "Yep! We was late because there was a coon stuck in the carburetor."  [My analysis:  It was either a baby coon or a very large carburetor.  Do I know anything about either?  One is an animal and one is important to the car.  Apparently, if the two meet, it isn't a good thing.] 

I also learned to never open your mouth when pushing someone out of the mud. Now that, my friends, is important information. [Along with this whole idea of mud you can clean your ears out, if they should become filled with mud, with a syringe filled with water. Huh? Whodathunkit?] "Yep, I was pushing on the car, laughing, and he slung mud right in my mouth."

Deer sausage and the morning air are beautiful scents. [I will preface this with the following statement: I am not a princess but I do not eat deer meat.  The thought of it makes me want to vomit. It's a texture thing....I am weird.]  I am guessing if you cook deer sausage in the morning air you'd have the best of both worlds. 

Spud. What exactly is a spud?  I've always heard potatoes can be called spuds.  Growing up in the 80s [yes, I am that cool] I remember Spuds McKenzie. I even Googled spud for you [and I know you will one day thank me] and here is what I found: Spud Webb was an original member of the Charlotte Hornets [and the shortest at 5'7"], there are several resturants named Spud, and dictionary.com lists these definitions:

• A sharp spadelike tool used for rooting or digging out weeds.
• A short section of pipe or a threaded fitting that completes a connection, as between a longer pipe and a nozzle, valve, or meter.

While I learned several things I didn't know, a Spud is actually a freckled face boy from Mississippi.  I am quite certain this name was given for a good reason....we just never figured it out.  The kid was always smiling and happy.  Not going to lie, he was just funny and it was hard to say goodbye to him. 

God has a way of bringing together folks that might not otherwise have known the other existed, equipping them with the gifts, then working through them to reach the world. Thankful to have had a ring-side seat to watch God's children weave their gifts to cover world :)

Fighting ♥

Just returned this past Saturday from an AwSoMe trip with the FaNtAsTiC youth from my church to MFuge [Mission Fuge] at North Greenville University [home to the world's worst cafeteria food ever]. And, again this year, it was a humbling experience and one that I wouldn't have missed for the world.  I am so thankful that even in my seemingly old age I can still feel young enough to be a part of this group of students.

Of course, on of my fave bands Finding Favour was with us again [LOVE THEM!  I mean, how can you not love a band that can play Lynryd Skynrd's Sweet Home Alabama in praise to the Lord as Sweet Home Up in Heaven?!]  The minister o'the week was a man named Rob Turner.  He was absolutely amazing:)  He was honest, transparent [not literally you ding dongs but in a way that he didn't talk down to the youth but shared his inadequacies and failures as well], and hilarious.

This year's theme was The Pursuit.  Rob [like we're on a first name basis or something] spoke from several of the epistles of Paul to teach us how to pursue God like we've never pursued Him before. From 2 Corinthians 11: 23 - 28, we hear Paul describing his own fight to spread the Gospel. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. ²⁴ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, ²⁶ I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. ²⁷ I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. ²⁸ Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

He started out by saying that we are all in the fight of our lives as we pursue God.  It is a good fight but there are many fights that are just stupid.  Many times, after the fight, we forget what we are fighting for or why the argument began in the first place.  These fights interfere or hold us back from the real fight to know and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ.

He told us that the pursuit is...
a fight.
a finished race.
a trust.
a person.

He asked this question: Who do I need to be today?  We should start our fight, every day, by first battling ourselves - we are the hardest people we will ever have to deal with - by stepping out of the way and remembering that it isn't our plan but God's will in our lives.  Secondly, we set forth to battle our community - jobs, church, friends, etc. - as we seek to follow what scripture tells us.  Lastly, in order to make it "home" [makes me think of the song, This is Not Where I Belong, and hearing Gabe sing it at the top of his lungs because he LOVES this song] we must be competent about what we are saying - know your Bible.  He equated this to a baseball game where we run 3rd, 2nd, then 1st because we want to be in control.  Instead of saying, "What do I need to do today?" we should be asking "Who do I need to be today?"  It is a fight.  A good fight.

The good thing about MFuge [which never, ever crossed my mind until they said it] is that all of the distractions are removed for the youth.  They are not supposed to be texting or on Facebook or Tweeting constantly so cell phones are put away during most of the day.  There is a dress code [I shouldn't have to explain those distractions] and a very tight schedule for all to follow.  Everyone is expected to participate in all activities.  Youth from churches are split up so they are forced to find new friends and new opportunities.  The distractions are limited so that the focus can be where it should be the whole time - on God.

Rob spoke about proclaiming the name of Jesus by doing the following UPs:
Pray up - be steadfast in  your my  prayer life
Look up - seek Jesus with humility
Step up - be bold [incidentally, Craig tells Molly and Cooper this EVERY SINGLE day]
Speak up - don't sit by and let opportunities to share the gospel go by...we never know when it will be the last chance for someone or for ourselves

Many of us look at life through the "thorn" in our side: unworthiness, guilt, irresponsibility, arrogance, mistakes, fear, failures, etc. But in Ephesians 1:3 -13 we see that there are many other ways that we can see our lives, even if there is a "thorn": ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. ¹¹ In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. ¹³ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...

We have to stand for nothing less than what God would want from us...our thanks [Psalm 118 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."], repentance [1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.], time [Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."], attitude of compassion for those less fortunate [James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."], and to sacrifice that which keeps us from Him [Romans 12:1 - 2 "Therefore, I urge you , brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Don not conform any longer to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."].  Talk about steppin' on my toes...wow.  

Finally we must walk with Christ.  When Jesus walked a human, on Earth, he was dependent on the Father so what makes us me think I can do ANY of this on my own?  Jesus mimicked the Father.   If we mimic the Father also then others will follow suit. Jesus was LOVED by God.  We I should NEVER get over God's love for us, even when circumstances are less than ideal by our my standards. Jesus was used by God to teach others about his love and grace.  He was used to save humanity from itself.   John 5: 19 - 24 explains all of this very clearly: ¹⁹ Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. ²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. ²² Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. ²⁴ “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

Last year, during MFuge, I asked God for freedom and boy has he blessed me greatly.  I knew there were some areas of my life that I needed to work on and I have worked to give those things to God in this past year.  It has been a remarkable feeling.  I know there are many things I need to give to Him because I am not that attention to detail sort of person :) More than that, it isn't about me but giving Jesus the glory.

I am thankful for an amazing week to watch my oldest two children grow closer to Christ. There are many parents that will never get to experience what I was able to experience with Molly and Cooper this past week - I am truly, truly blessed.  Looking forward to next year already :)

As always, life couldn't be better!!

Flap Your Wings

How lucky are all of you to get not just one late night post but two?  I would say extremely lucky [of course I am the narcissist so....] and don't you forget it.

Seriously, this is a cool video about a book, The Butterfly Effect.  We may get immediate feedback on our impact on someone's life or we may never know.  We may never realize the impact the decisions made by others can have on our own lives. 

I have been thinking alot about this lately.  I am a firm believer that God puts people and situations in our lives at the exact time we need them...and always according to His plan.  I know, personally, when I was on my knees begging for hope for my own child He put so many people in our lives to help us cope as a family.  From that moment forward life changed for us and for our child.  As a result there is a whole lot to smile about these days...the butterfly effect.

You may never know how your "flapping" might inspire a person, a movement, a nation, a world....so never, ever stop.

The Dentist Nurse and Yoga with a Rocket Ball

Gabe and Emma had their six month check up at the dentist.  And, as with everything Emma and Gabe, this one was an adventure.  When I went in to talk to the dentist the hygienist she says, "He is so good.  I wish I could have one of him everyday!" What I hated to tell her was it was because he couldn't talk since her gloved hand and little dentist tools were in his mouth.  Otherwise, she would've heard a slew of Gabenese.  Bless his little baby heart...he is just a mess :) Unfortunately, he does have a cavity in a molar. [And, of course, he tells the dentist it is because his mommy feeds him a lot of sugar.  Thanks Gabe for throwing me under the bus.]  I've never had a cavity - he's had two!  We brush his teeth - I promise!!!!  We'll be back in a few weeks for a second "silver star". 

Emma's visit was a little more successful as far as cavities go...she didn't have one.  She's had one or two [again, we do brush their teeth....Molly and Coop have never had one] but none this time. However, the last visit she had a baby tooth that was sort of hanging on for dear life between two permanent teeth.  The dentist told me that it really wasn't much of a tooth [I'm not sure how that happens but I didn't question him - he's the one with all the degrees from dental school on the wall...I just teach 8th grade science] and that it needed to come out ASAP.  Love, love, love our dentist but pulling teeth is not in my mommy job description.  [What? You think of this as a "job"?  I know some of you are saying this...puhhhhllllleassseeee! I don't do blood and pulling teeth sometimes requires blood and that excludes moi.  Go ahead and judge me. I don't care. Really] Craig pulls the teeth in our house and so far, in the last six months, the Diva has not let him near the tooth that apparently isn't really a tooth. He looks at me, "Do you want me to numb the gum and get this tooth out?" Grrreeaaattt....now I have to make the decision as Emma vehemently [big ol word there] shakes her baby head with huge eyes. "Yes, please pull the....er.....tooth...thing." So he pulls it and it turns out there were no roots to the "tooth" just a bunch of tissue [which grossed me out completely] and of course....BLOOD!  Two things that gross me out: blood and tissues in the mouth - she had both at the same time....GEEZ....shoot me now!! 

We managed to make it to the car [though I will be honest in saying that I couldn't look at Emma] and get home. I just hope the tooth fairy remembers to show up tonight...she/he [I can't quite see the fairy as a "he" but stranger things have happened] has been known to be slack in the past. [It's that poor third kid thing...they get the shaft on everything.] 

Later Emma and I rode to the grocery store and Emma informed me that the dentist nurse was really nice.  Dentist nurse?  "Don't you mean the dental hygienist?" I asked her.  "Nope. The dentist nurse.  You know the lady that cleaned all my teeth and stuff?  She is nice.  I like going there."  So to anyone who is a dental hygienist you are the dentist nurse to my 8 year old :)

Well so far on my summer vacation I have managed to clean the dishwasher [not like empty it but actually clean it after reading about it on Pinterest] and the washing machine.  I have four kids that really want to do things this summer so house cleaning has been easy [*wink, wink*]. I am just enjoying a little bit of down time.  It will crank up soon with camps for basketball, softball, church, FCA, etc.so we'll enjoy this time right now.  I do have some things to do around here to sort of organize [if you know me well then you know that I ain't my cup'o'tea] and yes, the ideas all came from Pinterest. Don't judge me.

Tonight was a night that I wish I'd had a camera that actually worked on my ghetto phone.  I was sitting in the chair and look over to see Gabe in a yoga-type position in the kitchen with a small ball between his feet in the air.  He was so in to what he was doing that he didn't even notice me staring at him.  He is so tiny still that he looked like an egg laying in the kitchen floor.  Later [while Craig was totally into Dallas on TV. Seriously. No joke.] he demonstrated how he can scratch his butt with his arm pips [Gabenese for arm pits] . He will probably join the circus one day.  Or a traveling freak show. Or the Reithoffer fair that comes to Cleveland County.  I will pay to see him every time he comes to town :)

As always, life here at Shortie Manor is good:)

Now and Then

Ahhhh.....summer is finally here. Yes, science geeks, I realize that summer has been here for weeks.  But, you see, my summer just started today because I am done for the  year.  [I've heard the grumbles and seen the eye rolling of my non-teaching, working "real jobs" friends.  Have fun working all summer :)]  I really am lucky that I am home with the Shorties all summer so I am thankful that I am able to work a job that gives me this opportunity.  [Sidenote: For those of you still rolling your eyes just know that most of you get overtime when you work past your designated time.  I get "a teacher's job is never done" or "you didn't do this for the money" so we're even.]

I've been walking for about three weeks now.  I haven't quite had the gumption to stand on the scale. [Actually, if I am being completely honest, I do not own a set of scales.  So it's really not lack of gumption as much as it is lack of scales.] I do know that I haven't missed diet Sundrop as much as I thought I would.  Not going to lie...it ain't been easy.  There have been many times I've almost caved.  In fact, when buying groceries on Sunday my usual trip would've included one on the way into the grocery store.  Yesterday? I was tempted.  [I believe the Sundrop company is on to me...those bottles just stare at me whenever I'm near them....] But I was strong :)  I've actually come to crave water.  Every now and then I will have a cup of coffee to help prevent a headache but so far so good.   I am very sure my pocketbook is also feeling the effects.  I guarantee [I am almost embarrassed to even say this but what the heck] that I spent at least $15 a week buying bottles at school.  Just for giggles, let's do some math: $15/week X 36 weeks = $540!! My good gravy....what in the world?!  That's as bad as someone who smokes.  I can carry a water bottle, save my kidneys [and my quarters],  and get a little healthier in the process.

Short and I think the air conditioner is gone in the Pilot.  Gone as in major money to get it repaired.  Gone as in take your savings.  Gone as in stressed out because you feel like you can't get ahead. Gone as in we are going on our first family vacation in 5 years in just a little over a month. Gone as in we'll have that car finally paid off this summer. Gone. Molly took Coop to a friend's house and it was working.  She drove to the store just two hours later and it didn't work.  [This isn't one of those "let me Google" and find out how to fix it situations.  I am pretty sure the DIY on Pintrest isn't going to help me either.]  I am guessing we will take it and get it fixed.  The best part about never having any money is when you do get a little extra and it gets spent to fix the car then you're right back to what you're used to :)  No worries [please tell Craig that]    Life's little tangents just give me another opportunity to praise an awesome God.  We have a roof over our heads [a very nice one], lots of good food to eat, and all of the necessities so when life throws us a curve ball we just adjust.

Tonight is my 200th post.  [Imagine confetti and balloons falling from your ceiling, horns, kazoos, and lots of cheering.]  I thought I would take this opportunity to reminisce about some of my favorite posts from the past [just click on the green link to take you there:)]

Crack to the Head

[Gabe falls on the only thing in the living room and I don't know he needs STAPLES for a good 30 minutes.]

Table Dancing

[Oh my....]

Never, EVER run behind me...trust me

Squeal like a pig :)

[I am still scarred for life after seeing some of those people at that pool.]

Gabe and Emma ♥

[Involves blood for those of you that are weenies squeamish like me.]

Worth the picture at the end

Family Reunions...Short Style

Girl....Please

[This might be one of my favorites!]

Overhearing things...and remembering them well enough to blog about them!

Purple Goats ♥

[This one is kind of cruel but funny at the same time.  I am evil, I know.]

Men in Costume

The bat that almost ate my head

Emma's getting baptized

Baked Beans

Socks in the kitchen cabinet

[And yet, it wasn't that surprising.]

These are just some of my favorites. [Isn't it slightly narcissistic to like your own blog posts? Oh no...I've turned into one of those people who "like" their own status on Facebook.]  Anywhoo...I hope you enjoy reminiscing:)

As always, life as a Short [the same Shorts that are ALL out for summer vacation] is good :)

Thank You Lord

This has been an incredibly frustrating and trying week at work for a number of reasons. While I look forward to the school year coming to a close it seems like it takes more to finish  than it does to actually begin a school year. [I won't go into the whole testing thing but let's just say it ain't my favorite part of being a teacher.]  I don't mind scheduling issues that come with this time of year as that is to be expected.  It just feels like there are mountains of things to do and I can't get a handle on it. [Just a little bit about me: I am not "an attention to detail" kinda girl.  I also don't see the end picture.  I'm a freak.]  This too shall pass. 

As I was thinking about this blog post [yes, I do think about them BEFORE I write them...I don't always check for grammar, clarity, and so on but I do think] I also began to think about all of the good things that have happened this year. Much too often I allow myself to get caught up in the "stuff" of teaching...like over reacting, over analyzing, and NOT getting over me.  Is every battle worth fighting?  I think not.  Is it necessary to always question changes if they are for the greater good but don't benefit me?  Nope.  Does it make my life any more meaningful to complain about things that don't seem fair?  Not hardly.  So tonight I choose to pick out all of the cool and wonderific [it's my blog so I can make up any words I want to *sticking out tongue*] things that have made me smile this year:

1. Busting a kid for eating beef jerky [during first block...gross] that was hidden in his coat pocket and calling him Beef Jerky all year.

2. Laughing hyserically, with kids on the bus in Wilmington, after playing a silly game [made up on the trip the year before] after learning about another teacher's first date many years ago.

3. Being the ONLY adult that has NOT fallen down in the skating rink for 4 consecutive years of going on the 8th grade trip.

4. Hearing the kid that reminds me of Gabe [oh my] say, "Hey, watch this Mrs. Short" to and from lunch.

5. Watching 8th graders get super excited about blowing bubbles on the table.

6. Learning how to do the Wobble on the boat cruise in Wilmington [which also made some other people not only smile but hee haw at the white woman that cannot dance].

7. Finding out that a student does not like people staring at her toes when she wears sandles then going out of my way to stare at her toes.

8. Not ever winning intramurals but dominating at field day. [As teachers winning things like intramurals and field day are bragging rights that we relish.]

9. Watching kids slide down the banister on the way back from lunch....and sometimes making it...and sometimes not.

10. Overhearing mumbles and grumbles when playing I ♥ the 80s on the computer.

There are so many things that make me laugh and smile.  Yes, there are going to be days that make me want to pull my hair out [or stab my eyeballs out with pencils] but there are too many more that are just fantastic. 

As I begin my summer I am going to focus on the positives that this world has to offer.  Spending too much time in the bitter barn tends to make you feel yucky.  

I choose to be thankful to God for...

....being able to do something I truly love each and every day.

....my four GORGEOUS children who make me crazy [crazier], make me laugh, pick me up when I am down and love me.

....my favorite coach ♥ who is still my heart throb and incidentally, did hang the moon :)

....trying times that help me to understand that God is always in control.

....for a wonderful set of parents that raised me to live, laugh, and love every single day.

....for an awesomely wonderful little sister that has always been there not matter what the circumstance.

....for friends, too numerous to name, that keep my kids, help me out in a pinch, and love me despite knowing me :)

As always, life as a Short couldn't be better:)  Happy Summer Vacation!!!!

Graduates, Presidents, and Juniors..Oh My!

13 plus years of writing a check, every week, for daycare.  13 plus years of dropping a kid [or kids] off, picking them up, sending extra "accident" clothes, making sure they are dressed for the weather, and sending cupcakes for class parties.  13 plus years of letting one of them go...to be taken care of by another person [usually named Miss Somebody] that loved them, hugged them, laughed, and cared for them.  13 plus years of Craig and I deciding who would take and pick up, who could get them when we were running late or out of town.  13 plus years of growing and playing and learning are slowly coming to an end.  Gabe will be done this Thursday.  [We never have to a write a daycare check again!!] It is bittersweet.  I will send the last one off to Kindergarten in a few short months.  It's really hard to believe that the preschool bully will be off to "real" school.  He is leaving "babyhood" behind to become a little boy.  Kind of makes me sad [but not sad like "let's have another baby" sad] that he is growing up but it's very cool at the same time.  I know that once school starts then growing up will fly so I intend to spend the next few months snuggling and kissing and dancing with my baby boy :)

Speaking of baby boys...Super Cooper was named Beta Club Pres for next school year.  He was so into his new accolade that he wore a cape all day, calling himself Captain Rainbow [yes, he is cool but still a 13 year old boy] to anyone and everyone who would listen.  I can remember when he was toddling off to Kindergarten.  I remember when he broke his arm at the neighbor's house and he didn't cry.  I have the cutest video of him dragging a hose across the front yard, wearing overalls [and a huge cowboy hat] and cowboy boots.  I remember watching him hit a ball off the T with one arm since the other was in a cast without a tooth in his mouth.  I remember crying when he chose to go to KM, with his daddy, starting over at a new school in 3rd grade without his mom being right down the hall...and it was the one of the best school years ever.  He makes me laugh [and sometimes cry], he's a foot taller than me, and he's one of the funniest people I've ever met. He loves his baby brother and sisters and isn't afraid to show it [also not afraid to rub his bare stomach in Molly's face].  I know that God has these huge plans for him [politician, lawyer, etc because he is full of crap] and that he is going to do some amazing things.  He is my bubber and I couldn't be more proud of him.


My Moo is almost a junior.  She is talking about the SAT and colleges and how much fun the prom will be this coming year.  What happened to the days when she was singing "One Two, Buckle My Shoe" and dressing up like a witch for her first real Halloween?  I remember [as it broke her daddy's heart] that she stopped us well before she got to her Kindergarten class and said, "I can go by myself." She is fiercely independent but still likes it when Ma [as she calls me] cuts her food up at dinner.  She is the best role model for her siblings.  She is easy going and witty [like her pops] and she loves anything cake batter. I remember being worried about moving her from Crest to KM right at the beginning of 7th grade.  Little did I know that God's hand was right in that entire situation.  She has the most amazing friends, she is strong in her faith, and she is loving playing softball for my favorite coach ♥ I can't believe she'll be gone in a few short years. [I can't believe I will have a junior in high school AND a Kindergartener.]  Again, bittersweet but part of growing up and letting go.


I cannot  blog without talking about Emma K. too.  She is a D.I.V.A!  I mean, serious one.  Girl always has a flower in her hair, polish on her nails, and is sportin' a necklace or jewelry of some kind.  Now she will get dirty [trust me] but she'll do it lookin' good. One of her favorite things to do is play hairdresser with me.  She will fix my makeup, do my hair, and occasionally, give me her version of a massage.  She loves to read [but hates the math like her big sister] and will wait until the very last minute [like her momma] to do her homework.  I cannot believe that she is going to be in 3rd grade...wow.  It seems like only yesterday that we were bringing her home and I was holding her for a daily nap, kissing her little face and smelling her hair.  Forever she had a curly mullet [which, if that were now, she would not appreciate since she is so into hair] and the fattest little cheeks ever.  She is the most loving child but she knows what she does and does not want...persistance is her game.  She loves animals [except any kind of dog] and the show "How It's Made." She is funny and she has the cutest belly laugh [and some days I am sure she'll be the death of me] and I love her.

3 and half days left.  3 and half days left to make some kind of impression on the youth of America.  3 and half days left to inspire and build a legacy. 3 and half days until summer begins!!

As always, life as a Short is really good :)