homecoming

Yesterday was crazy busy!! We had teacher meetings in the morning with Kara and then we all sort of worked in our rooms. AFter that I came home ate lunch and took a quick nap before bootcamp where we did 160 real pushups. First of all I can't believe I can do 1 real push up let alone 160. Now we don't do 160 at the same time but with in 45 min, we did 160! whoo! I'm feeling it today. I need to do some good yoga stretching today. After bc Jack went with me to Belk to get some new clothes. He really needed them and then we bought very sweet baby orange roses so he can "officiall" ask Teressa to hc. We drove to her house last night and he asked her, I got a piece of thread from the dress so we can get a matching tie. She is so sweet and she didn't want Jack to see her dress so he couldn't look. Kate had a great day, it was Maddie's bday so she planned a little surprise lunch at Zoes for her and then she saw Alex in the evening. She said this morning she really needs to go shopping for her hc dress. Joe had practice last night and that was about it. This is my last Tues home, next week I'll be with my 2's! Can't believe it! I have a lot of orders to work on today. Thankfully Theresa is here cleaning so I don't have to worry about that.

Have you ever set a goal for yourself, only to find yourself falling short of it? Maybe you have come very close but haven't reached into the success of completion.




Use the theater of the mind to envision your success -- your accomplishment, completion, achievement. If you create this vision strongly enough, it will happen for you. Even when a part of you seems to give up -- consciously or otherwise -- there is another part that will hold the vision. Then, perhaps when you least expect it, you will "suddenly" have accomplished your goal.



- John-Roger

wrap it up

Well, it's time to wrap up a beautiful busy weekend. We are all tired! Monday will for sure kick our butt's! Woke up this morning with a majorly swollen eye! I knew it was coming on last night while we were rewatching the game. I should have put medicine on it then but I didn't. So this morning when I woke up my right eye lid was puffy and swollen. I didn't think I had to work in the nursery this morning so I put medicine on it and went back to bed. Kara called about 8:45 making sure everything was okay? I was like umm yeh, why? She said, oh I was just making sure b/c you're on the schedule. Whoops!! I told her my eye was a mess and I look like frankenstein and I can't even come in late!! Anyway, the day turned out fine. My eye is almost back to normal and tomorrow I"ll be there for more work week stuff.  Went to Joe's scrimmage this evening. He did good but his team has some work to do. Kate had a great day with Alex, Jack golfed and Joe just chilled.

Let go and Let GoD

Remember, your Soul, who you truly are, is not your body. As with every Soul, you are destined to leave the body. Consider shifting your awareness and view to the spiritual domain while you love and care for the body, doing what you can sensibly to assist with healing, and focusing on your growth and learning in your process. If you attempt to control anything in the physical world, including your body, you are likely to come up short and judge yourself as inadequate.




This is all part of your opportunity to let go and let God which translates to be open and trust that greater good is what is to become.



- John Morton

so fun! espn in hoover

We had a great day. Yes it was hot but I love it hot so I don't care about that. We went to the game, Kate got to go too and I even bought a game day skirt! I felt a little bit like a 1950s cheerleader but I got lots of compliments on it and it is super cute. I don't think its for everyone but it seems to suit me fine. Hoover did awesome so happy we won. I just wanted us to play strong and look good on espn. Here are a few pics.

ESPN!

Today's the big day!! Everyone is super excited about espn taking over hhs! Hoover is playing the #1 team in the nation at 2:30. The bucs are ranked 70th which isn't any thing to cry about but I think it'll be a tough game. We'll be there. Rick would prefer to watch it on tv in the man cave with a cold beverage but I'm making him go! We went to beefs last night with a bunch of friends. We went a little late b/c I knew it would be crazy crowded and it was but getting there about 8:30 was perfect. We saw lots of peeps and sat outside and had a great time. I went a little willy nilly inviting a slew of people over for a party on the patio after the game. hahaha Rick was like oh geez...I've since sent everyone a message b/c there is no way we will feel like sitting outside any longer once we get home from the game. I promised everyone we will for sure have plenty of opportunities to party on the patio when it cools off a bit! So here's to the Hoover Bucs and especially to the seniors! The seniors who play ball, who cheer, who dance, who play in the band so the 'rents can dance in the stands, to the painted boys, to the little boys who can't wait to be Hoover Bucs!! Go Bucs!

Inspiration comes from a level deeper than thought. It comes when you are quiet: when the mind is holding steady, the emotions are calm, and the body is in balance. Then the Soul comes forward with its joyfulness. When it does, the imagination comes with it. As the mind lets loose, you may doubt yourself and wonder if you're deluding yourself.




It's important to train yourself to recognize the difference between your wishful thinking and the inspiration that comes from your divine nature and intuitive knowing. To do this takes practice and learning to trust yourself.



- John-Roger

Friday!

WElp, here we are... Friday! Whooo. My favorite day of the week. I love this day more than Saturday. I love this day b/c I don't have to work today and I can go shopping albeit it is just groceries but still, its shopping and I can just putts around. All Leventry children are off to school. Kate has the best schedule ever! The child is out at 12:30. She does have a zero period but she doesn't seem to mind. She was sleepy this morning though. This weekend is Maddie's bday weekend. Poor child is the last to turn 17 in their class but I know they'll have fun celebrating. Kate helped Maddie clean for the get together and then she met Alex half way and she and Alex had dinner together and cleaned Lola's bowl. Kate said Lola is much happier now that she has clean water. I'm surprised Lola is still alive. Jack was able to go to the driving range with Seth the past couple of evenings. He loves hitting the golf ball. I"m happy he's found something he really likes and especially something he can do as he gets old! Lot's of business goes down on the golf course so its good to know how to play. I'm also glad that he and Seth have become friends again. I think they've turned a corner in their lives where they're not always competing with each other and they can kind of accept one another for who they are. yay!! Ahh and my Joe Joe. he had practice last night. Coach is practicing him as wide receiver. He did a great job catching the ball and he seems to like it. He is super fast so this might be a good position for him although it'll be different when there are defenders out there. He is really enjoying this team and I noticed yesterday that when I said "joe time for practice" he didn't moan and groan as he has done in years past. I think him being older is helpful too. I did spin yesterday and I ran 3 miles at the ball park last night. I've noticed that my workouts aren't as hard as they used to be so I'm not sure if that is good or bad. I can do the whole bootcamp with out dying and spin too. Im not telling Tatum or Terri that b/c they'll add like a million more pushups or something. I think a 100 in a work out is enough. But now I'm wondering if I should be adding some weights?? Maybe I just need to do my yoga more too. Ohh and yesterday was our playschool meeting. whoo!! so fun. Love seeing everyone and I think we have an awesome set of teachers! I'm so excited to meet my 2's and babies. I really can't wait to get in there and play and make lots of fun things and see the kids grow. Our program is top notch and chock full of kids! yay yay yay! I'm thankful to have such a great job. Rick was talking to one of his peeps yesterday and there is talk of realignment blah blah blah....there is always talk of something like this. That doesn't mean cutting jobs it just means shifting things around. It could mean cutting but not necessarily. Its always a little unsettling when uppermanagement does this stuf but I know everything will be fine and work out for the best. Rick's team is still tracking for Maui in May and he is an awesome manager. I told him if they layed him off for some crazy reason, we'll take the severence and run...He is so marketable he'd have a new job in a week! I love being his cheerleader! Tomorrow is the big ESPN game! Whoo. So excited to see the seniors play. I know they're pumped up and nervous. It's going to be a tough game. South Panola is really really good and they'll be here to win. Hopefully, the Bucs will play to win too. Kate will not be able to go to the game b/c she has to work..But she won't be working much longer. I went with her the other day just for support when she turned her notice in to Wrapsody. She talked to the managers herself, I was just there. She has truly enjoyed her time there and she loves the people she has worked with. The connections she has made are fabulous but senior year is a big year and I told her she isn't going to miss anything else. She doesn't have to work, she wanted to work. But enough. She still has several belle's hours to complete and there will be lots of football games here in Hoover and Tuscaloos and soccer games that Alex will be playing in. Also with Rick's mom going through treament again, Kate really needs to be at every holiday event.  She has her whole life to work, senior year isn't a year for working! I'm excited about the big grad party in May. Plans are already being made. I know its early but I think this event takes a lot of planning and I know the kids really love it. The seniors from 2 years ago had an awesome party. I know this class will too!

Love

Love yourself first, then love your neighbor as yourself.

So the loving begins inside of you. Fill yourself with it and then let the overflow go to the neighbor. That way you'll always be able to serve. It's not a ritual. It's an energy field. And we often have to present our bodies there as a conductor of the energy.



- John-Roger



Things are moving in the right direction these days! Love that so very much!! Today is ESPN day at Hoover. How cool is that? Kate was just excited to wear a grubby Ole Miss tshirt. She really doesn't care about any of the football hype but I think its kind of fun. We never had anything like this at Bergan or Spalding. I wonder if the Chicago schools do. Probably. I have my first meeting today at the playschool... yay!! Can't wait to see everyone. Kara has done a lot this summer to get things organized. I think its going to be a great year. :) Vonnie and I have almost a full baby room which has never happened but most of our babies will be at least crawling so that will make things a little easier. One year we had 4 babies that weren't sitting up. lol. Its funny looking back on it now but it really wasn't funny then. Got my hair done yesterday. I love Alicia! She is so great and I'm happy I'm back at her salon. She was telling me this crazy girl came in on Sat. to get her hair done for her engagement party. Alicia got her b/c she had the time. She said it was awful, the girl was so bitchy and mean and nothing was right. blah blah blah. So sad b/c Alicia is awesome and one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I told her to just forget her that she was all done with her and she'll never have to see her bitchy face again...Also told her that unfortunately there are nasty people in the world and occasionally we have to deal with them. It doesn't matter if its mama drama, work related or Mrs. Joe Schmoe next to you in the Target line. BEst thing to do is smile and say, I"m all done with you. Bye...

Once you find the true self, you have found your Christ light within, you've found our own God center. You have found that all things are right and proper, and one immeasurable thing you find is a serenity within you that urges you upward.







It won't urge you to go to the local go-go bar or run to the local pastrami joint at three in the morning. It just urges you upward into a higher consciousness. It always says, "I can," and rarely ever says, "I'll try." It just says, "I'll do that," or "I'll look into it."

Joy

my bad

Just noticed the pep rally for Hoover is Fri. night...Hmmm, I hope lots of people show up! Go Bucs!

New Hair!

Taking time this morning to get my hair done! Thank God! I need it. Gray hair is just not for me! I told Rick I had to get it done just in case I'm on tv this Sat. at the HOover game. haha. kidding. I know I'm not going to be on tv. We are getting excited to see the Bucs play! It's going to be super hot but it'll be fun to see everyone. I saw that there is a pep rally on Fri. With all the seniors getting out early the only ones who will be subjected to the pep rally are fresh-juniors. Kate has never liked the pep rallys. She said no one cares and they're basically just for the kids who are participating in them. Seems strange b/c they're supposed to get everyone pepped up for the big game. Oh well, most seniors won't be there to get pepped up but I'm sure they'll be at the game so that is really what matters. I was talking to Jack about homecoming a few min. ago. He asked what exactly you do on homecoming. The boy's perspective is so different from the girls. The girls just want a date so they can go shopping and get a dress and look beautiful. The boys could really care less but on some level they don't want to miss out. Got a text from a friend yesterday asking if Jack had a date yet. Told her he does then asked if her daughter did? She doesn't. I told Jack to tell his friends to get asking b/c the girls really want to go. I don't think the boys understand that. Kate and her friends went shopping for dresses yesterday. I don't think she found anything. I know Kate is ready for senior year to be over and I don't blame her but I'm praying that she can enjoy it in the mean time. It's going to go super fast even if she doesn't think so. It really will!! Ohh need to mention that my very social Joe Joe got in a little trouble yesterday...Got a call from a teacher/friend who said that Joe's phone was in his pocket and it was on and he was getting facebook notifications. I said, ohh yes, I think his friend is home sick and she was on fb...Well, he wasn't in big trouble but he was told that the handbook says to leave phones in the locker turned off...I told her we'd reitterate it when Joe got home. Bless his heart, my sweet baby getting in trouble. lol.

Ahh. quiet house, quiet morning. It is picture perfect outside. I can feel that fall is just around the corner! Love this time of year, although I'm truly a summer girl, I love it hot hot hot and humid! I didn't get enough pool time in this year. JUly was rainy and I was so busy this summer. Anyway, we are all excited for football season. I've ordered my Bucs blanket from the freshman cheerleaders and a Bucs umbrella from the cross country team at Bumpus and my Bama bow from Melissa's mom's garden club should be here soon! Soon, I will pull mr. scarecrow out of the garage and put him in his spot on the front porch. He's wearing his favorite Hoover Football camp tshirt so he'll be ready too. I pulled the teddy bear sunflowers out the other day. They were dry and tired and I think I"ll put in some crimson and white mums by the mail box. I think everyone is getting super excited for the ESPN game on Sat. I'm nervous for our team. Hopefully they can pull off a win on nationally tv! Wonder if anyone has splurged for the underarmor special seating?? We'll just hang out in the bleachers. I think we'll have a fun tailgate this year. We've made some new friends through Joe and Jack's friends so hopefully they can stop by. This weeks game is at 2:30.. It is going to be super hot! I think Alex is playing out of town so hopefully Kate will go with her friends. I don't want her missing one thing this year! She applied to Montevallo last night! She is very excited and loves the campus but mostly she loves Alex. lol. We'll see. Rick and I think it will be a good place for her to start even if she doesn't finish there. We love that it is close to home and it is more affordable than some of the other in state schools. My Auburn fan, Jack surprised me the other day when he said he would consider Alabama.. I was shocked. And Joe, we'll, he is just enjoying 6th grade. He and his friends have been hanging around the trace crossings girls. They are cute and sweet and lots of fun. Yesterday, during bootcamp, I was talking to Kim. A mom I've been working out with all summer long. We were talking about her girls, she has two and how they were shopping for jeans and then she said, Mell, her second daughter needed jeans too. I looked at her and said, Mell? How old is Mell? She sid 6th grade. I said, your Mell's mom? she said, yes... I said, I'm Joe's mom. hahaha Joe and Mell having been hanging out. Crazy!!

broke the #1 rule this morning...opened the kiln before it was completely cool. I couldn't help it. I had to peek. Its like Christmas morning! Auburn piece...sooo cute...I'm a Big Brother tag...adorable...baby tags & crosses for baptisms...precious!

lot of the things we choose to keep remembering keep us stuck here on earth.




Another option is for us to stay in a state of forgiveness, which is a state of grace.



Historically, we can see that those human beings who lived in the state of grace, as a statement of their lives, became the saints.



To live as a saint is to be living in grace and extending grace. Even when you want to tell somebody off, the words come out differently, and the person senses the grace you are extending to them, when you really had all the right, authority, and moral and ethical positions to have laid them low. When you withheld it, grace went in its place. That's the forgiving that continues on, and you will not finish up the forgiving until your last breath.



- John-Roger

It's called unconditional loving and acceptance. It's called forgiveness. It's called letting go and letting God such that your experience becomes the direct and complete experience of God which is, again, unconditional loving and acceptance for all of the creation.




- John Morton

People say, "But I'm confused. I don't understand." I say, "That's your concern." For you must still keep breathing, even if you're confused, and you must still eat, even if you don't understand, for no one will do these things for you.




Oh, you might get a slave for a while, but even slaves eventually say, "When do I get mine?" And the master always answers, "Later." And so the slave revolts. But if the slave is smart, it just evolves. For at that point of evolution, you find out that the one who has served you has been your God, and the one who has understood you has been your Light, and the one who walks with you has been the Beloved.



And you never had to go anywhere.

Good Luck

Love this sweet gift tag... Good Luck my friend.

Therapy

Dropped off Sue's bama ornaments. She is precious. We've been facebook friends for over a year, I drive by her house at least 5 times a day, our girls work together at Wrapsody and they've been friends for several years but Sue and I had never met in person. She is adorable! Oh and she lived in Oak Harbor, WA too about the same time Rick and I lived there. So weird. Anyway, she is moving her daugther in today at Alabama and she ordered four bama ornaments for her roommates. They turned out super cute. I dropped them off on my way to bc. Bootcamp is one of my many therapies. I love the girls that are with me. We laugh and cheer each other up and encourage one another.  Some of us are older  than others and some are in better shape than others but we are all there to work out and chat. It's such good therapy. My other therapies include, working with Vonnie in the baby room, hanging in the man cave with Rick, talking to the kids, painting, yoga, praying and a little wine here and there oh and let's not forget Cymbalta! ha. the one thing that actually helps me get out of bed.

Went to Beef's last night with the Shulas. We always have so much fun with them. There were tons of people there and Matt Hill sang. I saw Kate's group of girls walk in but no Kate and Maddie. I think they were still getting ready. lol who knows!  I love having Kate be a senior. Not that I don't worry anymore b/c there are always things to worry about but she is confident in who she is and happy and I just don't have to fret about social situations with her. I've said it a hundred times this week to friends but I'm truly enjoying having boys coming up the ranks now. The drama is all happening in the girls houses, I don't have to deal with it b/c boys don't have drama. They don't care. I don't care who you are if you have girls you're gonna have some kind of drama. I'm not saying boys aren't the cause of the drama, I'm just saying boys don't care & that makes me one happy mama! We are definitely on the down side of drama with Kate, not that there won't be some popping up here and there and esp with the bf being in college but this time next year, she'll be at school and she has learned how to handle most of it.

Soo. its super hot today. Rick is at the lease working on fields or something. I'm taking jack and joe shopping for some clothes and I need to buy groceries!

Instead of returning harsh words to match theirs, all you need do is cure them with gentleness. When they throw the hard ball of anger at you, you catch it and return the soft ball of gentleness. You play with it. Pretty soon their anger will be transformed into loving and upliftment.

Often called Kill them with kindness. It works every time! Not always easy to do but it works.

all the fish in the sea....lola

It's Fri. and I'm happy! Not that I will be sleeping in this weekend b/c tomorrow is 8am bootcamp. (omg) and Sunday I'm working in the nursery but I love Fridays, it is my favorite day of the week! The kids have had a wonderful week. I'm so happy. My two bucs have homecoming dates. Kate asked Alex last night. She and Maddie picked out a super cute fish. The whole theme was how he is the only fish in the sea for Kate and will he go to hc with her? It was cute and he said yes. Now, he'll most likely get some razzing from his new college buds but hopefully he can take it. Kate named the fish lola. haha. I just hoped it survived the trip in Maddie's tahoe to Montevallo! Joe had a great practice last night. I didn't get to go as I was working at the playschool but he said he was doing great as corner! That was what Preston played and I think that is a good position for him. We'll see. He just said he is so sore from last night. Hoover had their jamboree last night. They won! Yay Go Bucs. We're hoping for a great year for the seniors! Today is busy, I have a bama ornament order to rush, Ralph is going to the groomers,spin this afternoon, dinner with shulas and then bed! its all good!!

Crazy Mazy

Learned from a friend the other day that another friend has held their child back in school. I totally get that, like if you're in 1st grade, gosh maybe even 2nd grade but 8th grade? Whoa! Now, if there is a serious issue with grades and maturity level, again, I can see it but to be held back in 8th grade for sports just doesn't make sense to me. I love sports. I love all kinds of sports and I'm all about kids making teams and doing awesome and getting scholorships blah blah blah but people, there are very few professional athletes in this world and knowing one personally, it isn't all glam and fame. If Rick and I sat down with our kids and said, look we think you need to redo this grade so you will have more potential to make the team, they'd look at us and say hell no! I know we all have different goals for our kids but sometimes things get skewed and just a little crazy. We've known several kids that their families have chosen this route and those kids struggled in school. Their friends were all a year older, they got bored, I do think they made the team, but I bet they would have made it anyway and both kids at one point or another had been suspended from school for major issues. I don't think either of them ended up playing ball in college. I live in a place where sports gets a little crazy mazy. I've always disliked that kids have to "pick" something at age 8 and focus on it. I'll never forget RS telling me, "I loved playing baseball as a kid because I loved the snack at the end of the game." Amen!

Wow. It sure has been a good week! The kids are really enjoying school and Jack is adjusting great to HHS! Yay! I always worry about him and then bam, he just does great. He is so comfortable with his friends and his life. I love that so much! He has asked Teresa to homecoming and he said he gets to see her after 3rd period. He walks her to her class. He told me yesterday that he totally messed up b/c she was carrying this big bag and he didn't think to carry it for her until they were at her class. Aww. He is learning. He said that his friends are getting ready to ask girls to hc and the girls they're asking are friends with Teresa so that will be a great group! yay! Kate learned yesterday that Alex should be able to come back and take her to hc b/c hc is on Sat. this year. His soccer game is on Fri. Hopefully that will work out. She seems to be adjusting to this new life of Alex being busy busy with soccer and not being here all the time. I told her that is just life and its all good. She didn't really like hearing that but oh well. Being a mom, I can't win. The other day she said, I think i'm going to work out so I can stay in shape b/c now I'm competing with college girls. I said, oh yes that is a great idea.. She got mad and said mom geez. haha so now I just smile and say okay. Joe is loving his hall and bgi. He said he got 2 new phone numbers yesterday. I'm just happy everyone is settling in and doing well. One of Jack's main goals is to make the golf team. I love that he has found something he really enjoys and a sport that he can do pretty much his whole life. Don't get me wrong, I love football and I would love it if he were going out for the team but its okay. He is loving golf and I love that!

cross with pink ceramic bow

Successful day yesterday for the first day of school. My two bucs and baby buc all did great! Kate was home at 1 due to her early release on her schedule. How cool is that? I would have loved that! Jack had a good day and he had to maneuver the new Hoover Hall. Joe loved his day. He saw all his friends and enjoyed his teachers. We'll see what today brings, hopefully it'll be all good!! Went to bc yesterday, took Joe to practice and ran 3 miles then came home grilled chicken, cleaned the kitchen and went to bed. I was exhausted! Teresa comes today!! She will be very impressed with my organized pantry. I'm hoping to get in the laundry room next and get it organized as well. We've been blessed with some lovely weather the past two days. There is a tiny bit of fall in the air and football season is just around the corner! Good times!

A perfect morning to start school!

Well, they're off! Senior year for Kate has begun, freshman year for Jack and 6th grade for Joe Bob. Our summer was good, busy and fast. Wish we could have taken our Michigan trip but it just wasn't to be. Kate had an emotional day moving Alex in to his dorm. He was so excited and having fun meeting new people yesterday, I think Kate felt a little left out. It ws a tough day. I took her shopping and she cried randomly as we walked through tjmaxx and Kohls. She is fine today, she looked cute as ever and she is ready to rock senior year! I cannot believe I'll be pulling out the toga fabric Vonnie gave me 3 years ago! Whoa!!! That means I've been in the baby room for 3 years with Vonnie and we're going on our 4th class. Crazy!! Our first babes are off to 3 year preschool in a few weeks. Aww. love them. Jack was definitely a little nervous this morning. He had his back pack out with his schedule on top of it. I packed his lunch and his phone is charged. I told him that if wants to just wait for me, I can take him home after bc today. Kate has early release so she'll be out by 1. She is very excited about that and Joe is really really excited that half his football team is on his hall! I told him that if he for some reason can't get his locker open, don't panic, just ask Mrs. Clark and she'll help him. I told him that I would be all panicky but thats not good, just ask. The teachers are all so nice. I'm very excited to hear all about it. Today, I'm going to be organizing and cleaning. I also have to get my dl renewed. It expires today. New ceramic tags are in the kiln. can't wait to see them! Kate finally brought my camera up from her car so I can take better pictures of the ones I have listed. Here are some pics of my precious gifts! Take note on the one of Jack looking like a tool with Kate, he was not happy about getting up off the sofa to take the picture.

Went to Highlands, NC this weekend for a wedding. I was excited to go and check it out. I'd never been in the mountains before. It took us about 4.5 hours to get there and it was an easy drive. The town is super cute and Rick and I enjoyed walking around and visiting the cute shops and seeing some of the work people that were there from Rick's district. Our hotel was less than stellar but it was fine. It was clean. The last place I stayed was the four seasons Kona. I teased Rick last night as we were leaving for the wedding saying I don't think we'll get turn down service here. haha. The wedding was at the Farm. They got married under a tent and then we all moved over to the inn where the reception took place. The appetizers were yummy and the dinner was good too. They had a huge cupcake and then lots of individual cupcakes for guests. Rick and I love Chris and his wife seems just as sweet as he is!

two Bucs!

I have two very happy Bucs! Jack and I met Kate at the high school this morning to have their schedules changed. Surprisingly, it went great! The 12th grade line was much smaller than the 9th grade line and she wanted me to wait with her and chat. So, I did that and we got her schedule the way she wants it and she is a happy camper. I met Alex's dad and brother while they waited in the 10th grade line which was by far the longest of the 4. Loved meeting them! Then, by the time I got over Jack, he was at the front and it took about 5 min. to rearrange his schedule then we were out the door. I saw one of the peer helping teachers and made sure she saw Jack and met him so she can watch out for him. It is so nice to be comfortable up there and know people with Jack going in. I remember when Kate was a freshman, I found the high school to be a little intimidating. We're boarding Owen for the weekend. I picked up his food and chewies and I have to put them in my bag. Kate and Alex will be taking turns watching the Ral. I'm looking forward to visiting NC, I've never been there and it'll be fun to see friends! I was up at 6 and ran 3 miles knowing that I'll take a good nap in the car. :)

The Dawg Days of Summer are in full swing with the fall right of passage just days away. Soon the chants of passionate fans from all corners of the south will be heard. As the Tide Rolls in to the Gator Chomps and Rattling Cow Bells, Commodore Cannons in all the various Bull Dog Pounds will be heard. No matter if you scream Go Tigers or War Eagles, Gamecocks, Rebels or Pig Sewee, VOLS! or CATS, the fans will all have their moments. There is one thing for sure, "It's Football Time in the S.E.C.!"

So excited for football season. Its so much more than just a game. Its funny because I grew up around football. My dad still coaches high school football but I didn't love it until I moved south. Every school has traditions and mascots and team colors but there is something special about the SEC. My northern family and frineds always give me a huge sigh and whatever and major eye rolling but its true. I'm a traditional person, I love all of it! I love getting together in the quad with our friends, I love seeing people I know in Tuscaloosa. Living in Hoover, it is quite possible that we'll know some of the kids on the team. Its all fun and happy and even if Alabama loses, we've had a great day. I'm happy to say, I've been a Bama fan since I was small. There is a picture of my dad holding me as a baby and he has a Bama shirt on. We need to find it! I swear I lived here in lives past. So when my sweet daughter says, mom, stop trying to be southern, I just say, I can't help it! Roll tide!

Now on to the Bucs! This is Kate's senior year, I know I've said that in previous posts but its a big year for the seniors. This group of boys playing football many of them Kate's friends have only lost mybe 2 games ever, well maybe 3 including last years state game but the two previous ones they were freshman or sophomores and probably not even on the field. They've been playing together since first grade, a good handful of them and this is their year! Saw on fox news last night that Pratville is number 1 in the country! Wow. That is awesome. Hoover is 70th. Rick and I rewound our dvr several times b/c we weren't sure if the sportscaster said 7th or 70th. Well, it was 70th, shoot! To be ranked at all nationally is awesome and we're excited to see the Bucs play at the SHIP! Go Bucs!

couple of freshman pics of kate and friends homecoming too

so how cute is this? Jack has a date to homecoming already! Like, that was so drama free. omg amen!! homecoming is sept. 16, that is so early for the freshman but he has been talking to this girl all summer. I think they're just friends which is so great. now, i realize everything could change come next week and jack is pretty easy going so it will all be fine but for now, he has a date! joe is my mover and shaker. can't wait to see what the fall brings, praying for all good things to happen! kate is getting ready to help the morton's move alex in on sunday. he won't be too far but their lives will be different. time will tell if they can handle the college thing. kate is super excited for senior year and wrapping up a successful career at hoover. i can't believe she and her friends are going to be seniors. absolutely amazing! we have to go to the school on fri. and have jack and kate's schedules changed and then i'm getting a mani and pedi and taking joe to logans and jack to trissy's and kate to maddies and then rick and i are off to nc for a wedding! should be fun. bootcamp was in the afternoon today, we are back on the school schedule. i had a good work out and spin will be in the afternoon as well. most of the summer i've walked around a stinky mess lol. lauren is getting all moved into her new apartment. i'm so excited to ship all of her new pampered chef i bought her. yay!!

“If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence. Determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying. “Here comes number seventy-one!”







~ Richard M. Devos

Keep on keeping on! If one thing doesn't work then try something else. Ask for help and guidance and maybe just maybe you'll get to the one thing that does work and it will work perfectly and people will love it and embrace it and make them happy! But you gotta keep going and never give up. The "it" has to come from your heart and you have to want it and its not that there won't be times when you're down because Lord knows that will happen but get it together, pull yourself up and get moving again. Because maybe just maybe this will be the one and if you stop, how will you know? You won't. Be a service to others, give it away, give away, your love and talent so it will all come back around even more so. It will be amazing! It really really will!

Sooo Joe is all settled in at his new school! I think its going to be a great year and he is so happy about the friends on his hall. Sam, and Cam, Ethan, & JP and lots of others. Andrea C. has had all the Leventry kids. Joe worked and worked on opening his locker. He got it finally. It was fun seeing all the kids with their supplies and such. I ordered Joe's supplies last spring and they were there waiting for us today. Everything was there and ready to go.

Look!!!!!!!!

I'm in love with these new ornaments!!

Tweeeet!

Okay so I finally did some tweeting today. I still don't get it but whatever. Etsy has a tweet link so I used it b/c I do have a twitter account. But, I have like 3 followers, two are my sisters who haven't been on since '09. ha so we'll see. it is kind of fun and I love being able to post new etsy listings...

Worked in the office this morning at the play school. Teacher letters are ready to go, classes are full and there are a couple of waiting lists. Wow! I think we're going to have a great year. I was sleepy this morning as we didn't get in from the Shula's until 11 and everyone knows that is about 2.5 hours past my bed time. We did have a wonderful evening and we laughed and laughed and had lots of good conversations. Saw Austin and MD and it was fun catching up with them. The kids are growing up so fast. Jack has played golf all day again today. He has really been bit by the golfing bug. Kate is at the lake with Alex and his family and Joe slept til 1 and now he is at football. I'm meeting them over there for our team cook out. Joe's coach is a stickler with the uniforms even practice stuff. I totally forgot the boys were going to be in full pads this evening and I forgot to get Joe's white practice pants. So, he has black ones on. Whatever, we'll get them tomorrow. This is our last full week of summer vaca. Wow! can't believe it.

Trust that whatever the conditions are in your



life, they are in some way being served as Light


actions. Be open for transformation through the


grace of God.




- John Morton

Ahh, the second to last weekend before school starts. I'm ready for us to be on a schedule. We've had a good summer but it sure has been a different summer. I worked a lot more than in the past and July was soo rainy and yucky. I will definitely welcome the freshness of the school year and football and friends and tailgates and seeing Vonnie in our baby room. Last night we got together with some new friends. They moved here from well I"m not really sure where they moved from but their son, Nick is friends with Jack and their daughter Claudia is friends with JOe. We went to Beef O'Brady's for dinner and drinks and then back to their house for a little bit. They are super sweet and fun and I told them they'll be joining us for Hoover tailgates! This morning I made it to spin at 8am. Friday is always my free day where I can eat or drink what I want and I did enjoy some Chardonnay last night so getting up at 7 for 8 am spin was a little hard and did involve a prayer but I did it and it was great and I had an awesome work out! The sweat that pours out of me during spin never ceases to amaze me. I'm literally drenched so much that I can't put the a/c on in the car on the way home b/c I'm freezing. I do love my workout friends. Being able to do the bc and spin at hhs has been a lot of fun and I've made some good friends and contacts. Kate and I did some back to school shopping today. I didn't even realize it was tax free weekend. I don't really care about that but it was nice to save a few dollars. Kate helped with picking things out for Jack. She says "oh my guy friends wear this and they love this b/c of this." So Jack and I trust her and he loved everything she picked except one shirt. Kate found some super cute clothes too. The most expensive were the Joe's jeans but she is so good about her jeans and she really wears them for years. I have to say that it was actually pleasent shopping with Kate today and she has grown up so much from the days of shopping through Abercrombie. Thank God Jack and Joe don't care about clothes! We are going to the Shula's this evening. Can't wait to catch up with my good friend Angie!

So it's been super hot and sunny this whole week and I was really wanting to go to the pool and float on my new float thingy but I was too busy. I thought we'll, I'll go Thursday. Nope, its cloudy and yucky outside so no floating for me today. I did go to spin this morning, had a good workout. Jack had a good gofl camp and I'm firing some new pieces in the kiln as I type this. Kate is at Maddie's and the kids are soaking up the last bit of summer vacation. This time next week, we'll know what hall Joe is on and who is with him. He is excited to know! I am too!!

So, I was looking closely in the mirror this morning and noticed I needed to wax my eyebrows again. Ugh, annoying and I noticed a couple of little hairs on my chin. really? super annoying!! What is up with that?  I know I'm not alone in this but still. Getting older is quite the maintenance process. My ob/gyn told me on Tues at my apt. that I'm doing great with my bootcamp and lifting weights. He said all of this will really pay off when I go through menopause....gag! I will totally freak out if and when I get pudge around my mid section. I've always had to work on burning calories to keep my legs from gaining, they're my problem spot. I'm good with my tummy but I can see where it could be an issue. It's really not fair that women need to change so much. I've been reading a lot of estrogen blockers and bioidenticle hormones. I'm in the early stages of this report but I cannot imagine myself just dealing with it. Ugh! Scares me!!!

If I could say to you one thing and you would do it, I would have you just say this to yourself, "be still and know that I am God."

farrrrrrrrrrrr!

Just took Big Pop to Oxmoore Valley for golf camp. It is so beautiful out that way but dang is it far! Ross Bridge is a beautiful community but it is way to far for me. We have friends that live there and their house is gorgeous but I'm thinking the gas bill isn't so pretty. Just when I think I live far, I'll think of my peeps in RB. It's pretty though.

Up bright and early to take Big Poppy to golf camp. He loves it and today he is staying to play the short course with a friend. I was thinking last night that all the years of Shades Mt. baseball and rec football have really been  blessing. The kids know so many kids and have made some nice friendships. Some friendships for Jack are really coming to fruition now that he is interested in some new things and going into high school. He is golfing today with JD, a friend who he played on several baseball teams and a football team with. JD went to the other middle school but now they'll be freshman together at HHS. I'm really excited for Jack and this new high school adventure. I think maybe just maybe he is maturing. The other night he went with me to Joe's football practice with me. We brought one bag chair and he sat in it while I ran for about 35 min. My friend Debbie told me that when she got to the practice, Jack offered the chair to her. I was so happy to hear that. You never know if the kids will really be mannerly when you're not looking. Im happy mine are!

Joe had a great football practice. He is practicing at wide receiver right now and he isn't happy. He loves playing on the line. I'm sure coach will practice kids in all kinds of places for the first few practices so he can see who is best where. I ran for about 35 min. this eveing at Hoover EAst. It was so hot and humid but it was a good run. Jack went with me this evening too. My friend Debbie said that he offered his chair to her. Aww. wow, he has manners! You never know if kids will actually implement the things we teach them! Yay Jack! Tomorrow is 6am spin, Jack's golf camp, and freshman orientation!

Well, I have wasted enough time this morning to miss the 10am bc so I will go to 11. I had an awesome run last night and I'm ready to get this work out over with. Tomorrow, spin is at 6am b/c Terri has to get her hair highlighted. I had to tease her about priorities as she did the same thing to me when I had to get my hair highlighted. Anyway, I'm excited to get back to spinning and booty camp every day this week. Worked in the nursery yesterday. I don't always love working Sundays as I prefer to go to church with my whole family but it has been nice this summer getting to know knew families and seeing some of our play school kids. I've also helped Kara in the office a little bit and there is a lot to do to get ready for the new year. Vonnie and I have 5 babies in our class. We aren't getting Zoey now b/c she is moving but starting off with 5 is great. At least we'll just get all the crying out of the way at once and we'll be used to a full house from the get go. I'm so excited for my 2's class. I know I'm getting two siblings from previous classes. One family switched from Mon/Wed. when they knew I was coming back to 2's. I love them and I'm excited to get to know their child. I can't believe Slaten is going into 3rd grade!!! Wow. Now that Joe has started football, I probably won't be doing too many more Sundays. We need to focus on Sunday school and school and I should be home for that. Rick said Joe was so excited last night for practice. His coach has coached middle school football for years and actually started the Bumpus program. I think Joe is going to learn a lot this year. I think this coach is very organized and a stickler for uniforms. Joe will have to help me be on top of everything this year. Jack is beyond excited to start his golf camp tomorrow! I think its supposed to be super hot this week but sunny so there shouldn't be a rain out. He also has freshman orientation tomorrow. I cannot believe its his turn for this. I feel like Kate was just at the freshman center! Two weeks from today the kids will be in school! Amazing. This summer has gone super fast.

Just a quick peek at Kate's senior picture pacakge. Rick and I love every picutre and print and the canvas is awesome! Karen did a wonderful job and Kate is excited that several of her friends are having their pictures done by her too.

There are friends, at least One for sure, who will minister to you right where you are.

So be open to share what's going on with you, rather than keeping things to yourself as some kind of dark secret that God does not already know and love regardless.

To know God knows our hearts and loves us regardless, all the time, no matter what is the absolutle most perfect gift in the whole wide world! Amen!