Being "That" Mom Ain't Workin'

I confess - I am "that" mom. I get upset when my children are upset.  [While it's confession time I must also confess I ate a pint of cookies 'n' cream ice cream yesterday before supper.  Judge me.]  I do get very irrational angry sometimes.  Sometimes I vent to Craig but many times [because he is rational and can see the bigger picture] I keep it inside.  I don't tell anyone.  Next thing I know,  I am still hurting for them, I've eaten 45 pieces of candy, finished a pot of coffee, and it's 3:17am.  What has been solved?  Nothing [well unless you count the increased inches on my ever expanding waist line].  Nada. Zip. The hurt and anger is still there, my child is still hurting, and I haven't been able to "fix" the problem.

I don't want to be "that" mom anymore.

[Some of you just let out a silent gasp.]  That doesn't mean that I am going to just let my kids feel heartache without intervening.  I will be the first to tell you that it has taken a lot of intervention by God and some serious will power [I like to also refer to it as "bigger picture thinking"] when it has come to some of these situations.  More often than not I fail miserably at it. [Yes. #loserstatus]  I tend to get overly upset with simple situations [but that is just the mom in me] but that doesn't usually make for fun times.

Trying to fix it is not my job.  Fixing nachos to go with my delicious salsa is my job.  Teaching the periodic table is my job.  But fixing broken hearts - that is God's job.  My job is to pray for the broken hearts and hurt feelings and grief stricken friends. Why does it take me so long to figure things out? [My daddy has asked that question a million times since my birth.]

I recently wrote about Cooper's broken heart.  Looking back, after getting a few weeks away from the situation, I know that God had His hand in this the entire time.  My first thought after the break up was that Cooper would be thrust backwards, into that dark abyss of despair, that God brought him out of just a little over a year ago.  My tremendous lack of faith only allowed God's light to shine brighter as a beacon to my son.  Cooper realized that while his heart was hurting, he was almost relieved to know that he could handle the situation because he could give it all to a power higher than himself.  [I have a lot to learn when it comes to my own faith.] And I realized, during all of this, that I can't "fix" situations that happen or don't happen to my children.  I can only pray for my children, their friends, their teachers, their future spouses [because the lucky lady that marries Gabe is really going to need the extra prayers], and mostly, that their hearts are alive for Christ.  [I promise to work on having faith in every situation but pray for me.]

[I have officially been working on this particular post for 3 days.  I am guessing I must have something that someone out there really needs to read or God wouldn't continue to push me to keep typing after I run out of things to say.]

I just came back from an amazing week at MFuge with the youth from our church.  All I can say is WOW!  I love being a part of the youth. [I mean at 40, they may not want me around, but I love hanging out and worshiping with them...keeps me feeling young.] I was in a social track so we did something different each day in the communities around Greenville.

For me, the day enjoyed the most was the day we worked at a food pantry in Greenville aptly named God's Pantry.  Our job was to package food into boxes that would be distributed to needy families.  This particular day we were packaging food for a family of four for a week.  The items were things like rice, green beans, beef stew, breakfast items, juice, canned fruits, some snacks, etc.  As I helped to package the food I was reminded of my own disdain for grocery shopping.  It really is one chore I absolutely do not like.  Then I felt this strong conviction to pray over an entire pallet of boxes we'd just packaged.  After my prayer, I felt like such an amazing jerk.  How dare I even think about complaining about shopping for groceries when there are people in this community and my very own community that are denied that privilege.  I felt so small and very embarrassed that I have ever even thought about whining over grocery shopping.  There are so many here in KM that cannot afford groceries.  It may take a chunk of money to feed the Shorties but how good do we have it?  Honestly, two boxes of that food wouldn't last two days around here - with two teenagers and the baby goats, not to mention Short.  I have prayed for forgiveness and humility.   I have also been challenged to help more food insecure families here.  It is the least I can do and God has challenged me to step up.

During the week we were able to visit with the elderly in several nursing homes and assisted living centers.  We received huge blessings from the residents we visited.  My biggest blessing was watching the youth in our track group interacting with these people.  It was heartwarming to watch them and see so many smiles.  God is so amazing!

I have no doubt that the words that were shared through our amazing speaker, Gary Morgan pierced many hearts [including my own] and definitely convicted us to seek God with all that we are and hope to be.  In particular, he spoke one night about giving all of our worries, anxieties, dreams, ideas, thoughts, hopes, etc. to God. I stood there, at my seat, and I asked God to help me do just that - give it all to Him. Really give it to Him.  Let's be honest, I'm doing no good trying to do all of this on my own terms.  My prayers have truly been to just let it go.  

Why is it so hard to give worry and anxiety over to God?  Why is it so hard for me?  I say I trust Him and I have faith but then by hanging on I am openly admitting I have neither trust nor faith that what He says He will do...that makes me feel like a failure.  Prayers are appreciated.

[Some of you have had to be aroused from your slumber to finish reading this ultra long post tonight.  I will not apologize.  It's my blog.  I could type the word "fart" 17,349 times if I wanted to.  I might try that one day.]

As always, life as a Short is awesome:)

***Please read this blog.  Amazing. Awesome. God is at work.  Pray for us, here in America.****

'Bout to Go H-H-H-Hammer

There is a lot going on in my brain right now [and some of you just said, "She has a brain? Huh...whoda thunkit?"] so beware....you've been warned.

Insurance SUCKS.  Just in case you didn't hear me....INSURANCE SUCKS. Let me back up and 'splain this situation:
Mid-April we begin to notice ants in our bathroom. [Now I do not profess to be the best housekeeper but ants?]  I did a little bit of research and found they were probably being attracted to a water source AND/OR rotting wood. [Hmmmm......the assumption is that the bathroom should contain water but not rotting wood...not the case.]  Short calls a contractor and long story short, we have a MAJOR problem under the bathroom.  In the midst of this discovery we also found a soft spot in the floor [and I don't profess to be a rocket scientist either but I know that a soft spot in the floor of the bathroom ain't a good sign at all] that was being caused by the water problem.  So where exactly is the water leaking from and what are we going to do about the problem?  Seems no one can tell us for sure where the water is leaking from - could be the tub, sink, or toilet - but the answer is not clear until we tear it out to fix the problem. 

Allow me to ask you a question [it's my blog and I can do what I want - I don't really need your permission] and see what you think about our predicament:  If the floor is rotting and in danger of collapsing and said leak is coming from somewhere but no one is sure should that be covered by homeowner's insurance? [The same company that we've had for over 9 years, without a homeowner's claim EVER being filed and only one minor claim for a road hazard issue on a brand new car.]  This was the response:  We do not cover claims for damage done by water [even if the insured (aka me and Short) had no clue that the water was leaking AND still do not know where the leak is coming from], water vapor, or humidity under an existing structure. We consider this a pre-existing condition [meaning Short and I ignored a major leak THAT WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT UNTIL WE CALLED THEM] and we do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Well ain't that a kick in the pants?  [Let's see...YES!] No worries insurance company - I've got PLENTY of cash hidden away for a complete bathroom makeover. It honestly could be a double bathroom makeover if they discover the leak is actually coming from our bathroom...wouldn't that just be peachy?  I suppose we should spend some more time in our crawl space or something.  I don't get it...at all.  Not going to lie - we are trying NOT to worry about the money and where it will come from BUT we are worried. We are trying to work a few angles to get it torn out and put back together but so far, we aren't sure. The insurance just crapped on us [100% for sure] yesterday so we are going to drop back and punt and figure it out. 

Just how God works though...On our way to a salvage place to buy a vanity for the bathroom makeover [wish some of those people that seem to find other strangers in Home Depot and redo rooms in houses would find me...I am guessing they don't hang out at the Salvage Depot] we passed a sign that said: His plan is still good Jeremiah 29:11.  Yes, His plan is still good. 

Enough about that...my Gabe got to show off his skillz at the Kindergarten talent show today.  He loves to do anything and everything that Cooper does or has ever done. Cooper has written and performed his own raps at several talent shows. [Yes, he takes after his mother.  Please...no autographs - this is about Gabe...I shouldn't be stealing his thunder.]  Gabe chose a song from one of his favorite Christian rappers, Lecrae, and peformed it today. Love that kid!  He told me today that his classmates laugh at him because he is the class clown [thank you Captain Obvious] but he loves to make them laugh.  How can you argue with that?

Pray for my Cooper and for his heart.  When his heart hurts then my heart aches.  Nothing is quite as painful as seeing tears falling from the eyes of your 14 year old son and not being able to fix a thing.  He is a good boy [not perfect by any stretch] and he wears his heart right on his sleeve.  I know he will be OK. Remember, His plan is still good.  My tears have come equally as easy over the last few hours as I have watched Coop beat himself up.  [Broken hearts suck as much as insurance...and mayo...and public toilets...and Duke basketball. Word.]  My boy will be OK..and so will I.

1.5 days and this school year is behind us.  Woo hoo!  Today was just plain awesome - I had so much fun just laughing and dancing [yes, I dance...scary I know] with my students.  We had field day and yearbook signing - good stuff.  [Incidentally, lesson learned: If you leave your cell phone on the bleachers with a bunch of 8th graders you are going to have lots of pictures of those 8th graders..and videos...made my day!] 

As always, even if we are falling through the floor of the bathroom, life as a Short is awesome :)

Older....Not Sure About Wiser

I am 40. Yes, I belong to the 40 and over club.  I just turned 40.  No matter how I state that fact it doesn't make me feel any younger or better about getting older. I suppose I should really get over it right? [Shut up. Who asked you anyway?] 

I realized just how old Cooper believes 40 is after this lovely conversation:
Coop: So and so [he named some random NBA player but I have no clue who it was] is still playing at his age?
Me: How old is he?
Coop: He's like 42!
Well dig that man a grave and shove his other foot in since he apparently already has one foot in as he lays on his deathbed of old age!  42 is old?  I suppose when you are 14 then the answer is a yes, 42 is old. [That does not mean I need to be reminded, constantly.]

Pinterest and Twitter and the news [media in general] is not doing me any favors either.  I should become a recluse.  Every time I look, there's a fabulous looking 50 year old woman, a stunning mother of 4 that runs marathons, or one of those stay at home mom types that does the spa and the Y while the little tykes go to mother's morning out.  I look and feel like an overweight, mother of 4, with dyed hair to cover the gray, who apparently raided her grandmother's closet and sense of fashion.  Are these people I see, who seem to have it all together with looks, fashion, and health real people, with real families, and real jobs and real responsibilities?  I get to school and by 8:05am [which is sometimes when I actually get to school] and I am looking like I've worked 24 hours already.  What is the secret because I am willing to knock off a bank to pay for it right about now. [Seriously.  That was not a joke.] 

I had big plans for myself at this point and looking like a tired old hag was not on that list. [You know that is funny so go ahead and laugh as you shake your head in agreement.] I had to see the doctor today about my shoulder.  It has been aching for months and months.  I wish I could say it was from all the weights I lifted or that spin class accident or too much swimming but I am sure diving for the Doritoes or too much lifting of the ice cream is probably more fitting for me.  I am hoping for something that is easy to fix and I can start sleeping at night without shooting pain in my shoulder and arm.  The verdict? Arthritis and bursitis.  I am sorry, but when you start getting diagnosed with ailments that end with -itis then you've hit old age.  When the remedy is a shot of cortisone then you've sealed the deal. And to top it all off [yes, there is more]  my blood pressure is up. [I will now be recieving my mail at the local retirement village and buying all of my polyester at the new Hamrick's in Gastonia.]

So there you have it folks.  You've waited almost a month for this sloppy pity party and self loathing.  It will all be OK [as soon as I hit the lottery to pay for that complete makeover I need or find that fountain of youth Captain Jack stumbled upon] and I am the only one that can change all of this for me [well, the health part but I will continue to be poor and poorly dressed ~ it's in the title: 2 teachers rasising 4 kids on a little money and a lot of faith ~ pay attention!].  On a serious note [who needs to be serious?], I do need to watch the blood pressure and get myself back in shape. [OK. I heard you.  No need to beat me over the head with it old.  I got it.  I will have to fight you myself.]  

One of my favorite songs, by Sick Puppies [maybe my choice of music is the root of my issues] is titled, "You're Going Down" and a line in it says, "Cause I was never the one going down, you're the one going down."  That's what I say to being 40 and feeling old - One of us is going down and it's NOT going to be me.  I will keep you posted.  [I know some of you are saying, "Liar. You've said this before." It's not nice to call people names.] I realized how easily this amazing life could all be taken away from me by not taking care of myself.  I have too many precious people in my life that need me. So, stay tuned. [A few words of encouragement wouldn't hurt my feelings either.] 

The Shorties are all doing very well :) Softball season is going well for my favorite coach and my sweet Molly.  We are already talking about college and have visited one [private colleges are way down the list after the financial meeting] with a few more visits in the next couple of weeks. Can it already be time to talk about college? Say it ain't so!  Word of advice for those of you with little ones - once you go to middle school life hits fast forward and it's hard to make it stop.  CHERISH EVERY MINUTE! Trust me on that one.

Cooper is finishing up his last quarter as a middle schooler.  Scary thought that he'll be driving by Christmas.  Yes. The boy is still a nut. He was mortified that I, as his mother, did not know there is apparently a rather distinct division between DC Comics superheroes and Marvel Comics superheroes.  [I guess I get my my cool mom of forever card revoked.] These two groups of superheroes do not fraternize.  There are no DC/Marvel sleepovers. They do not dine together.  [Are they real or did I miss something? Better question: Do I really care? No fits both of those questions.]  Cooper and I are decorating a table for the parade of tables fundraiser at our church with the theme of "Jesus is my Superhero." I don't profess to know much but I do know Batman, Robin, or the Green Lantern will not be in attendance.

Emma continues to be my sweet hip baby.  She has planned a summer trip to the Cabbage Patch Hospital in Georgia for us this summer.  I can hardly wait! She is beginning piano lessons tomorrow afternoon.  She is super excited.  She is going to be the artsy fartsy of the brood.  I will finally have someone that will enjoy show tunes and Broadway musicals. [I took Molly to see Wicked and she loved it.  However, she was a little caught off guard that they sang so much at the beginning.  Bless.  Love her but that is something that comes from her daddy.  I took him to see Rent.  One act in to it he leans over and says, "Are they going to sing the entire time 'cause I can't understand anything!" I am guessing the term "musical" is secretly kept from some folks.] Love that sweet baby girl.  I can hardly wait to hear her tickle the ivories with one of those big flowers in her hair!!

Then there is Gabe.  He continues to be the most stubborn, hard headed youngin' in the history of planet Earth.  Tonight he took his shoe off and placed it right where everyone puts their shoes - on the kitchen counter.  He couldn't understand why I would yell at him to move it off the counter.  He and Emma are in the fun run on Saturday.  He told me tonight that he better start training for that tomorrow. I could only laugh but loved his logic.  His teacher puts them on a Kindergarten list or a 1st grade list based on their behavior everyday - he waffles between the two list and he is fine knowing this information. "Ah,  well sometimes I feel like acting like I am ready for first grade and sometimes I don't feel like it." What can you say? 

I do have some prayer requests and I've made a spot for these requests in the pages section. Please join me in prayer for these people and situations. 

As always, even after turning 40, life as a Short is just awesome:)

Say Yes to the Dress

Today was back to school shopping day for Molly. [It was her year.  When you have four then they each take a year. ] In the past [like last year...or last month] Molly typically picks out the same things: tshirts, shorts, jeans, and tennis shoes.  Actually getting her to pick out a dress to wear for Easter usually end up in some sort of "heated discussion".  She is an athlete and not very prissy so she likes to dress simple. As her mom, I pick and choose my battles.  If there is a situation where I think she should dress up then I let her know - does she always agree?  That would be a big fat NO! 

Yesterday her Nana wanted to take her shopping.  Nana likes to take her to Northlake and Molly is glad to oblige her.  We ended up at Belk first because Molly found some clothes in Shelby last week and wanted to look .  Now this is actually a feat in and of itself: The girl usually snarls her nose at Belk [my FAVORITE store]. She found a few shirts [none of them t-shirts] and then [*DRUM ROLL*] she headed to the dresses.  [Honestly, I was about to call 911 to report the kidnapping of my daughter for a replacement daughter until I realized she was, in fact, willingly choosing dresses to try on.]  She picked a few, my mom picked a few, I picked a few [hey, better take it while we've got it otherwise this might the last dress we get her try on forever a while] and she took the ALL to try on.

Bless her...she wasn't sure how some of them "worked" [didn't realize it was tough to try on a dress but she figured out a way to make it tough].  One of them, cute as could be, had a very large belt in the middle.  My daughter [the honors student] pulled the dress over her head [without unfastening the belt] then wondered why she couldn't get the dress on all the way.  "Honey, undo the clasp on the belt in the front." She didn't know there was a clasp on the belt.  The next dress had tie on the side but Molly's version of the tie was this random piece of fabric hanging down the side of the dress.  "Honey, you know that goes around your waste and ties on the side don't you?"  No..no...she didn't know.  We laughed so hard at her in the dressing room.

So I had to ask the question: What in the world has gotten in to you that makes you want to wear a dress?  Her reply?  "Well my friends pick on me because I don't dress up enough so its really just to spite them."  Hmmmmm...good reason I guess.  "And, after softball camp at Carolina I realized that girls that play softball in college are actually very prissy and dress super nice.  I don't have to always look like a bum.  I don't want people to think I don't know how to dress up." Hmmm.....well another good reason. The next statement [which nearly sent me to my knees] went something like this, "These dresses are all dress code so I can even wear them to school."  Holy cow Batman!  Did she just say the words "dress" and "wear" and "school" in the same sentence?  This from the same chick who wore her "Vote for Pedro" shirt in a school picture one time?  Wow. 

It was a wonderful shopping trip with Nana, Molly, and Emma.  My girls [all of my children] are growing up so fast.  I really cherish these times when we can laugh and giggle because I know, that all too soon, they will grow up and have their own lives.  Molly and I have prom to look forward to this year [which will probably be an adventure] and hopefully, many more shopping trips together.

Tonight we had the opportunity to see Mercy Me and Jamie Grace, right here in Shelby. What a blessing to hear 10,000 people sing praises in the name of Jesus.  We were very thankful to a good friend for the free tickets and the fellowship with those who joined us.  The Shorties are truly blessed. 

Coop and Madison ♥

Molly and her biffles

Emma and her daddy ♥

I do have a simple prayer request for myself.  I am mom to some amazing children [yes they are amazing to me] and I love, love, love them with all my heart.  However, I don't want to "interfere" too much because that isn't healthy.  I posted several weeks ago about praying for the man that Molly will one day marry.  I think it is important that I pray now because that will be a very important decision [MANY years from now] for her one day.  I have watched her grow as a Christian and a God girl over this last year and I am so proud of the woman she is becoming.  My prayer request is that I can deal with the things that happen in between now and then, when she gets her heart broken.  She is strong, she is grounded in her faith, and above all else, she refuses to let others dictate how she feels about herself.  

I found a sign [on Pinterest] that said something to the effect that if you mess with my kids you'll see 7 different kinds of crazy.  You will.

Disc Golfing 101 and Other Shortie Obsessions

There are actually idiots people out there on Facebook and Twitter counting down until school starts ~ Are you kidding me?  Any teacher worth their salt wants the summer to last FOREVER....stop ruining that for us!!!  I don't want my family to be running around in 40 different directions....I am so enjoying this lazy summer schedule so please keep your countdowns to yourself. [PSA from Teachers for a Longer Summer]

Raise your hand if you know my oldest son Cooper? [Many hands are raised right now and many more are wishing they could raise them :)]  He is currently OBSESSED [in every sense of the word] with disc golf.  The county put in disc golf courses at each of the high schools and the one at KM opened just before spring break this past year.  No lie, I bet he has played at least 3 times a week [with the exception of the weeks he was out of town] at that course.  The boy loves disc golf.  He seeks out courses to play if he knows we are going out of town and he carries his bag with him at all times. 

Cooper is that kind of kid that doesn't do anything halfway.  He has researched disc golf ~ he watches Youtube videos on techniques, he knows about all of the different kinds of plastics that the disc are made from, and he knows the best brands, styles, etc.  I have been amazed watching him learn all about this seemingly unknown sport.  He absolutely loves it.  In fact, he has also learned a ton about dying your own disc so he spent upwards of two solid hours the other night designing, taping, and dying some of his disc. 

I love the fact that he is willing to invest so much into learning about something that doesn't involve TV or video games.  I am glad he isn't obsessed with those things.  He is so much like me I suppose [because he's so smart and cute] in that he loves learning and gets bored easily [yes, we are nerds].  I love to hear him talk about discs [even though, most of the time, I ain't got a clue what he means] and techniques.  Actually, to live in this house, you need to just love to hear him talk because he does alot of talking [and that would be from his pops].

He is such an amazing kid [I know I am biased] and he is going to do great things.  Molly and I were talking the other day that he should go into ministry because he has a knack for people and a great love of the Lord.  Whatever he does, he will be good at it!  I love that kid :)

Speaking of obsessed...I can't stay away from Pinterest!  Its bad enough that I get on there and look for crap to make for my house, or to eat, or for my classroom but now I'm obsessed with quotes.  I love quotes anyway. [Yes, I am a nerd. It is now confirmed....as if it wasn't before right?] Some of these are just funny [to me anyway], some are from the Bible, and some I just liked.  Enjoy:

http://laurajul.dk/2011/11/08/i-have-a-list-of-people/

Not sure how to give credit for this one...can't find it!

These next two have to be in the favorites category.  I am sooooooo sick of getting on Facebook and Twitter to see women [some young and some old] that post pictures of themselves scantily clad and in provocative outfits.  PUT SOME CLOTHES ON!  [Some of you are currently saying, "Just unfollow them."  I have with a lot of them but I still see them.  It disgust me.  Put your clothes on.]  Vanity is so very unattractive.  

http://sparetimz.tumblr.com/post/24999280184/chivalry

http://www.someecards.com/usercards/viewcard/MjAxMi0yMjc3ZDJkZmU2ZGU0ZGE3

Some of my absolute favorites are just random Bible verses:

http://awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com/post/10593648684

http://www.etsy.com/listing/100778368/scripture-art-bible-verse-art-faith

I could go on and on and on [and some of you know I would] but I will stop with some that I think are just funny.  [FYI...I may or may not have a slight obsession with Josh Hamilton.]

http://marbletulip.tumblr.com/post/3883639468

www.someecards.com

www.someecards.com

As always, life as a slightly obsessive Shortie is really awesome:)

Some of My Favorite Things About DC

Well our week of vacation is coming to an end.  What an adventure we've been on!  Here are some of my favorite things about DC:

• The National Archives ~ Everyone should take a trip to see these documents at least once!  I'm no history geek [though I am married to a pretty cool one] but I loved seeing the things there were in there.  I was able to look at the real US Constitution...that is just amazing!  Not to mention the very cool museum section in the back.  I didn't realize so much stuff was housed at the archives. 

Shorties on the Archives steps

• Arlington Cemetary ~ I think my family has an obsession with cemetaries. A few summers ago we took the time to hang out at the Sunset Cemetary in Shelby a few times. [Yes, we hang out in cemetaries.  Don't judge us.] It's just cool to look at headstones and imagine what the lives of the people buried beneath them was like.  We like to look for the oldest headstones.  Arlington is just amazing and humbling. 

View from Lee's house at Arlington

• The Space Shuttle ~ I was never able to see a shuttle liftoff in person. My dad took us to see one in 1988 and 31 seconds before liftoff the mission was scrubbed.  31 SECONDS!  That is as close as I've ever come.  I've seen the shuttle sitting on the launch pad but that's it.  Yesterday I was close enough to touch [I didn't touch it but I wanted to] the Shuttle Discovery.  Wow!!! My geek meter went to yeeeee hawwww!!  It was just one of the coolest things ever!  I took a gazillion pictures.

Yeah for the Shuttle!!

• The Enola Gay ~ I was right next to the plan that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.  That was just very cool to actually see this piece of history.  Amazing to look at it's cargo hold and know that is where the bomb was dropped. [Not that I am a huge fan of bombs and death but just the sheer fact that this was the actual plane was cool.]

I loved seeing this up close!

• Monuments at night ~ I will be honest, I wasn't expecting this to be such a neat sight but I am so glad we went.  I especially loved seeing the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial lit up at night.  They are amazing during the day but illuminated they were spectacular.

But, by far, my most favorite thing about DC was spending time with my family.  We were together 100% of the time and it was SO MUCH FUN!  Not that I didn't already know this but I am so very blessed....I can't even describe it.  God has given me the opportunity to do many things in my life but this family vacation is the pinnacle.  We truly had the very best time.



Not to get all history teacher on ya but EVERYONE should visit DC sometime in their life.  There is so much to do, most of it is free, and the sights are worth the drive.  My kids LOVED it and Molly and Coop were on their third trip.  Emma was just at a really good age to enjoy it and understand.  Gabe was constantly in sensory overload - he couldn't wait to see the bookstore or gift shop to spend his lemonade stand money!   

Dorky I know...but it does look like she's holding the Washington Monument :)



We love Mr. Lincoln...can ya tell?

We took one last chance to see some things at Manassas Battlefield that we didn't get to see last Sunday.  [No, the porta john is not historical.  At least I don't think it is...]  Cooper had to go so we took the opportunity to pull the car right up to the door.  We found it so funny that we took pictures and video from our point of view. [Doesn't take much to entertain us...we is simple folks.]

Classic!!

This was just a fantastic vacation - Go to Washington DC!!  As always, all the way from Richmond, life is awesome :)

MAN-A$$-AS

Surprisingly [especially to those of you that know us well] we left right on schedule this morning.  The kiddos were more than excited.  In fact, we'd not even made it to 85 from 74 when Gabe said, "How many more minutes daddy?"  The excitement quickly waned and this is the result :)


Love that sweet mouth ♥



Not quite all the way asleep but quiet for the first time :)



Sweet girl ♥

And of course we can't forget DJ Coop!

My favorite coach ♥


About 15 minutes from Manassas, [or MAN-ASS-AS as Craig says it in chunks and as Gabe later repeated, "Are going to see a lot of asses here?"  Thanks Craig] the hotel calls to tell us we've been walked.  Now for those of you that travel a lot you may well know what the heck that meant.  However, to me, the girl who made and PAID for the reservations in FEBRUARY I was a little more than ticked off.  We arrived at the hotel to be booted to another one ~ WAY NICER :) We win!! 

Our first adventure was to Manassas [MAN-ASS-AS] Battlefield.  Short was loving this!!!  It was really cool and I had a great time watching the kids.  We decided to get Emma and Gabe some small Fuji disposable cameras for the trip.  We will have at least 10 pictures of the same thing from each of them.  I don't care - they totally loved taking pictures!!

Henry House where a poor old soul was killed in the crossfire - still standing at its originial spot.

Stonewall Jackson - This statue is pretty big!

Pointing to how Stonewall got his nickname



Ummmmm.....getting up at 4am is for the birds....He was so super tired!!



We didn't get to see much at the battlefield due to a huge thunderstorm that came bustin' up through Manassas [MAN-ASS-AS] so we are making plans to go back to see what we missed. It wouldn't be a redneck vacation if you didn't visit the Wal Mart now would it? We found one - IN A MALL - and this was the biggest Wal Mart I've ever seen [and I don't have to tell ya that I have frequented a Wal Mart or 10 in my time] and full of people - EVERYWHERE.  We got our groceries, ate, took showers [we smelled], then let the babies swim. 

Gearing up for day 2....more tomorrow!  As always, life as a Short is just plain AwEsOmE!!

Mending Broken Hearts: Part Deux

I was asked to speak at my church on Mother's Day several years ago.  I am not a public speaker [though I do play one on TV] so I decided to ask some of my friends at work what were their thoughts on motherhood.  The one, from my dear sweet friend CeCe, still rings in my ears when my children are hurting:  Being a mother means you  will forever wear  your heart outside your body. 

That couldn't be any more true than right now.  My Coop's girlfriend broke his little heart this past weekend with a text message. [A sign of the times my friends, a sign of the times.]  It happened Friday night but he didn't tell me until Saturday morning.  Then, my heart was broken for him.  He's just a baby [and momma's boy] and it pained me greatly to see him choke back his tears so that he didn't cry in front of me. 

It seems like such a distant memory when I think about the heart breaks I've suffered [or caused] and I seem to have faired pretty well...and he will too.  If you know Coop then you know he's all about being Mr. Cool but, at the end of the day, he's got a huge heart.  He is such a loving boy [a boy that is nearly 6 feet tall and has a wing span of over 6 feet but still a boy] and he wouldn't hurt a flea.  When he told me that he wasn't mad but that his feelings were just hurt all I knew to say was that I loved him.

I know, that eventually, she and he will be friends again. I know that there will also be more heartbreaks to come...and he'll probably dish out one or two.  He spent the night with a friend of his and I texted him good night and let him know that it was going to be ok.  His reply? "I sure hope so...."  I told him that maybe God needs his attention somewhere else and that He always has a plan...and Coop agreed.

He was a little happier today and had a little more pep in his step [Molly will certainly make fun of that one].  He knows that it isn't the end of the world...and mom does too. On the upside, she is a sweet girl and if he had it to do all over, I would approve :) Being 13 is not easy and I know that very well [I teach them everyday and I was an awkward 13 year old once too].

I will be honest in saying that raising kids has been and will always be THE hardest job....and the absolute most rewarding.  What a blessing to be able to go through heartaches like these for it gives us yet another reason to praise God. 
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Hoarding, Hobbies, and Having it All

I've said it often that Emma is going to end up in a tattoo parlor when she gets older [16, 17, 18 years old...] but after spending over an hour in her room, cleaning up, I am convinced she will be on that show for hoarders.  God bless the sweet little thing but she keeps EVERYTHING!  She had small piles of stuff all over her dresser [that was clean if you lived in her world] and the pajama/undies/sock drawer of her dresser wouldn't even shut.  It is a work in progress.  I have to cover the lovely Sharpie drawing that Gabe left her when I was out of town last year [which makes me think...where was her daddy when the babe had a Sharpie marker?].  I am going to make her a chalk board on the wall and all of my time on Pinterest has paid off...I found a DIY chalkboard paint recipe.  I have plans for creating her an art center using metal flashing [I am not a heating and air chick but I do play one on TV] so hopefully this will help her get and stay organized [I'm not holding my breath but it's worth a shot]. We even went so far as to hang up an outfit for every school day, complete with a tag for that day. [Pinterest is just awesome:)] I love her....she's my Flossie ♥

Can I just say how very much I am in love with Craig Hobby Lobby? I made Gabe, Coop, and one of Coop's friends go with me today after a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods.  I mean I could spend HOURS in there...seriously.  I don't often get to go anywhere alone [yes, even the bathroom....I have four kids and they find me] so when Coop and his crew hit the car [1.2 seconds after we entered], I took advantage of it and spent some time looking around.  I ended up with the letter S [I will share later what I'll be crafting with it], some of this E6000 glue all these craft blogs talk about, some hair clips, and shiny gems to make Emma some hair bows.  However, I saw a TON of things I'd like to have for the house and those will happen. 

I went to look around in the local thrift shops around town on Saturday.  I found an end table [circa 1970ish] that I really want.  Its $12.  I have plans to make Emma a small art table for her things so with some paint, some Mod Podge, some vintage Hawaiian post cards, and $12 I'm gonna have me an art table. [I seriously could make this a career.  Not sure how I would make it a career but I am sure somebody would want something I made. Now just to talk Short into this idea.....]. 

Prayers requested for some things that cannot be discussed in public.  No one is sick, there aren't any problems on the homefront, and the job situation is A-OK for both of us.  I just ask for prayers for peace, understanding, and most of all, wisdom to make decisions that are not easy.

We spent some time with my parents and my sister and her family on Saturday night.  My dad cooked hamburgers and hotdogs and then we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.  We had the best time!  Mom, Dad, Craig, and I ended up sitting around the fire, trading laughs and talking.  The kids would come and go [mostly go b/c they were cold].  I realized [not that I haven't before now] how very blessed I am.  Having it all doesn't mean having the stuff and I'm content with what I have.   I have four healthy and amazing [like their momma] children, I have a wonderful marriage with a man who is Godly and my best friend, I have the best job in the world because I get to laugh all day and teach science [yeah for being a dork], I have a family that loves, supports, and encourages me, I am able to worship in public without fear, and I am a Jesus freak.  My house, my cars, my "stuff" really doesn't even enter into that  happiness.  I am blessed to have a nice house and cars but I am not going to put all of my happiness in the stuff that doesn't define me.  Having it all is awesome ♥

As always, life as a Short is good.
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When Daddy Let Me Drive

My Moo got her license today.  [Breathe in. Breathe out. Pray. Alot.] She is a good driver and very cautious.  I cannot pace the floor and ring my hands every time she leaves the house. [But I will.] I will have an ulcer AND weigh 400 pounds.

She picked up Coop from school today and I watched her pull out. [And yes....followed her car all the way until I couldn't see it from the sidewalk.] I know this will get easier. [I think] but it will never be like it was before.  How can time go by so very fast?  My prayers are always that God watch over my children and He always does....and I know He will this time. 

Her car is a straight drive but she's driving our cars [not at the same time 'cause that's just silly] until she gets some time under her belt and she learns to drive the stick shift.  If you see us around KM with those huge neck braces on then you'll know that Molly's been behind the wheel of the Accord.  [I mean, can't you turn in the driveway in second gear?]

I remember those days all too well...the days when my dad called me knucklehead more than once. [I'm thinking it was really more than a dozen times. In one day. But time heals and we forget. Not me.]  Bless the man's heart.  Seriously. I called and apologized to him for putting him through the learning of the straight drive.  I now know WHY he called me knucklehead.  I did learn how to drive a straight drive.  He still calls me knucklehead.  I still deserve it. [Most of the time.]

That's how dads are and I've seen that first hand today.  Short wanted to take her to the DMV and handle all the "stuff" of getting the license like insurance, etc. But deep down, he's scared to death and trying not to show it. [I can see it...and he told me.] He will be OK but he will also have an ulcer and weigh 600 pounds [he will weigh more because I don't want to be his size].

I remember my mom telling me [I had my license WAY before cell phones] that my dad paced the floor the first time I drove off.  All these years later he is still shouldering our worries.  His text back to me today was that now he had one more thing to worry about with Molly driving.  I would not be who I am today without his guidance, compassion, and acceptance of nothing less than my best. Sometimes alot of times I didn't understand why he did the things he did but now I know, as I raise my own children, that he was teaching me.  Best of all, he loved me [even when I got speeding tickets and had astronomical credit card bills and ruptured gas tanks and squeezed 4 years of college into 6 and --- OK...we can stop now.  Surely my sister did something that we remember.  Ummmm....nothing's coming to mind.] , loves me now and never fails to tell me. I love my daddy ♥

Life as a Short [anxiety and all] is the bomb dot com. [If you're dorky and you know it clap your hands! *Clap**Clap*]

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