Signs of Life

A little of this and a little of that

2008-04-21T00:12:00.007-04:00

All moved in
Thanks to all of our wonderful friends…all of our things are in our new home! Thanks to Lisa and Lori, we have contact paper on all cabinets and an assembled lawnmower. Thanks to Sammy and Tim…the fridge is INSIDE the house (had to take the doors off). Thanks to Mandi, my kitchen was packed and able to make the move with the rest of the things. Thanks to mom I have something other than grass and red clay in the yard! Johnny, Matt, Derek, Sammy, Tim, Lee and George all carried boxes, and large appliances – making 2 trips! Gail brought us dinner so we did not have to worry about getting quality food in our tummies.

Phil and Ken gave us a Lowes gift card making it possible for us to have grass (seed, hose, fertilizer and spreader), 6 sets of faux wood blinds, a large(outdoor) trash can and garage shelving!

Derek and Lisa gave us a brand new lawn mower…then put it together for us!

Dad and Pat gave us a new fridge and Lara helped us buy it at cost so we got SO MUCH MORE for our money (a $1400 fridge for $700!).

…and Rob’s parents gave us the down payment for the home!

We have GREAT friends and family who continually remind us how blessed we are!

Patellar update…
Rob is up to 101 degrees passive range of motion in his knee. He is no longer on crutches and does not have to wear a knee brace during most normal activity. Still needs it when active. He has been chipping balls into the woods and knocking around a few softballs on the diamond from time to time. He can not wait to return to his sports!

Last night I noticed that he was walking “normal” for the first time in almost 3 moths! Even walking without his brace on, he tends to limp some and keep his leg straight…but I noticed that he was bending his leg in a normal motion!

All his life, when he dreamed at night, he dreamed that he could fly. Lately he has been dreaming that he can run. It breaks my heart. Now, running is as foreign and unrealistic as flying used to be.

Soccer happens
It was bound to happen to me… I am a "Soccer Mom”. Now all I need is the minivan with a sticker and Rob needs one of those shirts that says “I love soccer moms” (http://www.cafepress.com/eteez.91625897).

Robin really likes soccer when she is not very tired from not having napped at school. She is more of a ball chauffeur than a competitor. They all get so excited to be near the ball, that they run along side the other tram and escort them into the goal. Yah! Everyone is happy.

Nicholas is doing very well with soccer. He has taken to it like a duck to water (is that the phrase?). He has 2 college guys as coaches and they can do no wrong. He has scored at least once in each game. (one time 3 points) Not too bad for a 1^st time player! I am confident that we will be seeing much more of the YMCA soccer fields

why women should not take men shopping against their wil

2008-03-10T11:09:00.001-04:00

[one of those emails we often get...]

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Walmart. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunately, my wife is like most women - - she loved to browse. Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Wal-Mart.

Dear Mrs. Samsel,
Over the past six months, your husband has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against Mr.Samsel are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2 : Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away.'
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&M's on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told other shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least.
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile; then, yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!'

Regards,
Tom Richards
Walmart Manager

Don't forget the house!

2008-02-24T22:35:00.009-05:00

Sheesh! With all of the other things in our lives...I forget about the new home we are buying! It should be finished the end of February, we close March 14th and we plan to move early April. So here is a basic preview.

It is a 3BR, 2 BA, split floorplan, 2-car garage, 1-story home on a .4 acre exterior lot. Here are a few photos...

Front entrance (the garage is at my left)

(I can already see/smell the Tea Olive plants at the entrance)

Kitchen/Dining

Just in the front door (kitchen ahead, 2 BRs & 1 BA to the right)

From the back of our property (at the edge of the woods)...

And...juts for Dad. Here is my concern with the master bath vanity. There WAS the same gap in the other bathrroom, now there is a TON of calk there.

9 words women use

2008-02-14T09:07:00.001-05:00

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2)Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3)Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4)Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5)Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6)That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7)Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is notthanking you at all. DO NOT say "you're welcome" ... that will bring on a "whatever").

(8)Whatever: Is a women's way of saying F**** YOU!

(9)Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Pain management failure!

2008-02-07T21:31:00.001-05:00

So today started with a VERY positive trip to the DMV to get handicap parking tags.No...you did not read that incorrectly. I got my number and as it is being handed to me, my number is called! (I have not even filled out the form yet from the Doctor) I go straight to the counter and realize that my not filling out the form is a problem! I can not sign for the patient. So, I lose my very available space in line, to get Rob's signature. Up to the Hospital...get signature...back to DMV. Again, no waiting. (I am not joking here) I walk away with 2 handicap parking hang tags, good for 6 months. Success!

- back to the hospital -

I got about 5 more lines crocheted in a blanket while Rob took a nap. Then lunch arrived...Mmmmmm! :(

The doctor arrived around noon to change his dressing and discuss the "what next". So first, the site looks good....for a LARGE cut over a knee. Nicholas counted 21 staples!

"wrong leg" ....hmmmm...if the doctor needs to write himself a note, I wonder if I should be nervous. No, really Dr. McGeorge has been outstanding!!!

The plan for the day was to take Rob off of the epidural drip and begin oral pain meds. If this proved to control the pain in a bearable way, they would unconnected all the tubes and send him home. So, off we go. No pain drip into the spine. In go the meds and 1 hour later he was at 6/10 in assessing his pain. We hold off a little longer, hoping the meds will kick in a little more. With 1 hour and 45 min before his next dose he was at 9/10 and NOT interested in pursuing this experiment any longer! It can NOT get any better!

In the meantime, I am driving ALL OVER Seneca trying to find a pharmacy who sells crutches. By the way, insurance will not cover any product that you can also get over the counter...even if you have it written on a doctor's prescription! So, FYI...crutches are $45!

So, in goes the drip! In addition to the constant flow, he watched the clock and hit the "self-serve" button every 10 minutes for about an hour. He was feeling better within 45 minutes.

Now I was off to Burgher King getting comfort food for the reluctant patient. He was ready to come home...but will stay another night.

The Physical Therapist came in to walk with him twice today. He did very well. The second walk followed his recent reconnection with the epi drip....so there was still some pain lingering.

Late afternoon the children visited daddy. Nicholas did homework and Robin played....

Tomorrow...we try pain management again.

Success

2008-02-06T21:52:00.000-05:00

Because I am tired and have told this story time and again this evening...this will be as brief as possible.

We arrived at 11:30 for prep and the nurses were ready and waiting for us. They got him all "dalled-up" for a date with Dr McGeorge at 1. At 12 sharp they wheeled him out toward the OR.

I was in the waiting room when I saw Dr., McGeorge walk by at 12:50 (right on time for his 1pm surgery on Rob).

The proposed 1 hour surgery lasted...ONE HOUR! I was paged at 2:05 to the special room where the family meets with the physician. Dr McGeorge walks in with this... "I put Humpty Dumpty back together again". The report was "all is just as expected". He pulled the tendon up to the kneecap through 3 holes and crazy durable sutures ("parachute thread"...). He also added a second suture around his patella down to his tibia and through a hole he drilled there. OUCH!

Mom had the children and they joined me at the hospital around 7pm. (aren't purple glove balloons GREAT!)

Rob was wearing out around 7:15 pm so I took the children home at 7:30 so everyone can get rest (except me because I am writing this...plus I rearranged the living room a bit!)

I will return tomorrow to meet with the doctor again and review the physical therapy plan. The will bring him home around lunch time.

In other news.
The bid we made on a house was accepted, so we will be closing on our new home on March 15!!! I hope to get better photos soon, in the meantime, this was on the MLS report.

And Nicholas has his Cub Scouts' Pine wood derby car race Friday and Saturday! He's making a skateboard. I'll have to get some pictures of it!

Slow down life...I can not keep up!
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Going under the knife

2008-02-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

Today's knee, bruised, swollen, and warm to the touch. Slight pain to the left side, but none other.

Rob has "officially" torn his patella tendon. The tendon has detached from the knee cap. There are no bone fragments (good news). Because of this injury, he has no control of his leg from knee to ankle.

He is scheduled for surgery at 1 pm tomorrow (Thursday, Feb 6) and has to be there by 11am. The surgery should take about an hour. Dr. McGeorge is going to drill 3 holes in his knee cap and thread fibers (some kind of durable stitches) through his tendon and into the holds, pulling the tendon up against the knee cap. This will hold the tendon in place while the knee heals. he will stay in the hospital over night and will come home some time Thursday.

He is to be 100% non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks. And the doctor estimates moderate recovery in 3-6 months. At least one year for the tendons to heal and begin functioning properly The tendon fibers will grow back in a random arrangement, it will take a bout a year to "train" them to reorganize so that they are all in the same direction - parallel with his leg.

He is selling all of his bats, his bat bag, and any addition softball related extras that he has. While it will be nice to have the extra money toward a house down payment, it is sad to see him go through this. I guess it is better to not even have the "paraphernalia" around if you can not use it. :(

Dr McGeorge explained that this type of surgery (and most) leads to depression for the patient and family. His lack of mobility for such a long period of time will be difficult on the whole family. Please be in prayer for Rob as he misses out on some things he loves - tournament softball team continues without him, church league begins (to which he was to coach & play), golf with the guys and as he has to step down from singing on the church praise team. Also, we will lean more heavily on friends and family to help us move into our new home in April.

Which leads to good news! We are going to close on a house March 15! A new home (not even finished yet). It is 3 BR, 2 BA (split floor plan). Lots of goodies, not to mention EVERYTHING is under warranty! Will post images when I can. FOr now...I am off to see to my patient!

Shades of purple now appear

2008-02-04T17:49:00.001-05:00

Rob' s knee is starting to bruise on each side of the knee cap. As of 5 pm there were quarter-sized splotches. He has an appointment for 10:30 tomorrow. So, we hope to know MUCH more by then!

In the meantime I have successfully broken the new knee immobilizer trying to pull it tight. And if we want a replacement we have to send away to the company for a request. Sheesh! The plan now is to wait until the appointment tomorrow. Maybe this doctor will advise ups differently...or prescribe a more complex/durable product...?

Maybe I'll have good ' yuky pictures later!

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a toxic waiting room!

2008-02-03T19:50:00.000-05:00

Today' s knee...still very swollen, warm to the touch

We ventured off to the Urgent Care Center this afternoon. It opened at 1pm and we got there at 1:20...hoping to beat the rush. Only to find a check in line to the door.

When I got the counter to check Rob in, I was told there is now a 2-2.5 hour wait. When I finished the paperwork and returned it, they were announcing a 3 hour wait for incoming patients!

I took off right then for the Dollar General and Starbucks. I returned with some a word find, Sudoku, a Snickers bar, M & Ms, puzzle books, pencils and a mocha frappuccino! (The children were with some WONDERFUL friends who graciously took them home).

After a 1.5 hour wait - I found out that there had been 6 confirmed cases of the Flu and looking at the waiting room victims....I was 100% sure that more of the same diagnosis was awaiting. The nurse informed me that there was a couple of chairs by the clock-in machine and we are welcome to wait there. We hurried off!

About 45 minutes later I hear the receptionist say to someone on the phone. "We are closing early today. We have a full waiting room and are at a 3 hour wait. ALL patients today have tested positive for the Flu."

At about 4:15 we were called in to the exam room. The nurse chatted a bit, took vitals and left. We asked her for the Flu vaccine and she said "Unfortunately it will do you no good. This is a different strand." THAT was comforting.

About 15 minutes later the doctor came in. He jiggled Rob's leg a bit and asked a couple of questions. Diagnosis: 1. Knee sprain/strain, 2. see orthopedist in the morning 3. wear a knee immobilizer.

So, we are home. We will see what tomorrow holds!

Softball knee

2008-02-03T00:55:00.000-05:00

I have heard of tennis elbow...well today I learned about "Softball Knee". Rob was playing in a softball game this afternoon (game 2 of a day-long tournament). He came home after game one and took Nicholas back with him for game 2 at 3pm. So when Robin woke up from her nap, we went to the ball field. We decided to stay a while and watch. However, nature calls for Robin so we step away for a while.

When we returned, I saw a couple of guys helping someone off the field. And I thought, "aww.... poor guy". Then..."hm...he has the same color shirt as Rob". As I watched him look around into the crowd I realized it was Rob. I casually walk over thinking it is not THAT bad. Then I hear my husband say "Guys, I am out for the game for sure...probably the season"...and I KNOW he is pretty hurt.

We drove in 2 cars so we thought that he could drive one (his left leg was hurt) and I could drive the other. But when he could not bend his leg, plans changed. Luckily, 2 of his friends helped out, and when we got to the house, they helped him into the house and in a chair (in which he stayed from 5:30pm-11 pm).

How is it you say...well, he reports no pain as long as it remains straight. He can put a little pressure on it but needs to hold the wall or a person to walk. He can not move it at all (from the knee down). Robin reports that his knee "looks like there is a ball in there". This is not too good for comparison, but you can kinda see how swollen it is. If you look you can see an egg-shaped circle where his knee cap is...hopefully IS, not was.

We are guessing it is a torn patella tendon. He is taking Ibuprofen every 4 hours and it was iced from 5-11 (when he finally laid in bed). If the swelling does not go down by tomorrow at lunch, we will be looking for an urgent care center. We'd like to avoid another ER visit after his $900 puncture-to-the-hand on Christmas day (that was $300 for each stitch!).

Nicholas is struggling with seeing daddy what appears to be completely helpless. He is proud to offer a shoulder when Rob needs to get to the bathroom. He eagerly brings Rob drinks and puts movies in the DVD player. He is a FABULOUS nurse! He got a folding chair to sit RIGHT BESIDE daddy "in case daddy needs me".

If I think about it...I will post a follow up or two!

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Christmas happenings...

2007-12-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

This is what I have under my tree....

yep...she's asleep

Looks like Robin found this under the tree too (can you tell why I know Robin found her sleeping there?)

...what's under your tree?

Here is my Cub Scout before being in his first Christmas parade!

His sister had a great time...

The Massey's tree...all put together and the lights on. Just waiting for the children to decorate it...

Ahhh. Decorating is a family affair at our home...

(despite what you see going on here..."you are NOT in charge of your brother!" is spoken frequently in our home!)

Can you tell that this was taken JUST BEFORE the tree fall over on Nicholas!

After we finally convinced him that there WILL STILL be a Christmas this year. We went to get a new tree stand (Mommy cracked it!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Where to start?

2007-12-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

I was telling Nicholas about the annual gingerbread house competition at Grove Park Inn - Asheville, NC.

He loves to make things - especially houses and forts and such. He thought it would be GREAT to be a part of that. He had a WONDERFUL idea of a cowboys and Indians theme.

"Maybe next year we can enter a house in the competition"

"Wow, Nicholas. I would not know where to even start in making something like that"

"You start at the bottom." [duhh mom!]

Knock-knock!

2007-11-27T15:18:00.000-05:00

We were in the car making up Knock-Knock jokes (a usual practice for the Massey family!). Nicholas thought it'd be GREAT if he could trick his sister with the banana rendition. For those who are not familiar it goes like this:

Knock-Knock
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock-Knock
Who's there?
Banana.
Banana who?
Knock-Knock
Who's there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

So...he tries this on his sister and we hear:
N: Knock-Knock
R: Who's there?
N: Banana.
R: Banana who?
N: Knock-Knock
R: Who's there?
N: Banana.
R: Banana who?
N: Knock-Knock
R: Nichooolaaaaaas! (can you hear her whining?)

Then she proceeds (without hesitation):
R: Knock-Knock
N: Who's there?
R: Banana Knock-Knock!
N: Banana who?
R: Knock-Knock banana!
N: Who's there?
R: Banana Knock-Knock! Knock-Knock banana!

...roars of laughter! And Robin thinks she has been successful with the "joke"!

The order of Love

2007-11-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

Robin:
"I love Mommy, and Daddy, and Nicholas more than God. But I love Sable and Thunder a little more than God because they're fuzzy...and God is not that fuzzy really."

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W O W ! ! ! !

2007-10-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

I will have to write the whole story soon when I am completely awake and have time to upload the pictures. In short...Phantom was amazing and Greg was terrific! It was so nice to share him with friends (a couple from Clemson went with us). It was pretty neat to see so many people in awe of him...he's just Dreg!

Way to go Greg! You are doing so well in your career and I am honored to know you. And now that I've seen the show, I can send my well-wishes to you in a proper theatrical manner...

"Break a leg"

My buddy, Greg Mills - "Raoul", Phantom of the Opera national tour...visit his site.

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"Heeeeere's yer sign"

2007-10-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

[buying Nicholas' Cub Scouts Uniform - including all patches]

Momma El: "I know Walker, you can use a glue gun to sew the patches on the shirt" (wink...he he he)

Sales Associate: (having overheard the intended joke) "Ya, you can. OH...but I wouldn't! You know why? The glue will get on the shirt"

Really?

Look what Robin did today !

2007-10-16T21:46:00.000-04:00

She asked for earrings, but did not have her ears pierced yet. So I told her that if she got them done soon, they will heal in time for Christmas and she can ask for earrings then. She got very excited. So tonight we wen to the mall in Anderson and ..... voila!

Claire's would not do it without 2 sales representatives there. So we went to the Piercing Pagoda (one of the islands in the mall). That lady was VERY nice. She was a bit unsure about how Robin would behave (without additional reinforcements), but anyone who has seen her get hurt in public knows - she will NOT cry!

The woman told her "Turn your head and close your eyes real tight." And Robin followed directions VERY well. Wish I had a picture of this, but she asked to sit in my lap - how can a mom turn that down! NOT A FLINCH! She looked up at the lady and turned her head in the other direction. The girl is made of stone!Meanwhile...the boys were at the driving range and had plans to stop at the store afterward to get "that red drink and burp in the car on the way home" [per Nicholas]. Apparently this is a usual "guy-time" ritual.

do web designers still blog?

2007-10-10T20:23:00.001-04:00

ok...so my friend Adam did a research project on why bloggers blog. Pretty cool. I did not even know what a blog was then. So I looked into it and started this one. That was in grad school. Now that I spend ~8 hours/day in web design (architecture, consulting, imaging, blah blah blah...) I have no interest in this blog! Sheesh!

Mmmmm....Cranberry Sauce
So the other evening Nicholas said something absolutely wonderful and I can not remember. I was well taught as a child that the shortest pencil is longer than the longest memory. None the less...I missed that one.
But this I can remember. The other night we went to Ryan's for dinner. Works out well when we all want something different and Robin has NO IDEA what SHE wants for dinner. Well, Nicholas gets a huge plate full of what I would consider Thanksgiving dinner...right down to the cranberry sauce! I missed the live action (but got a GREAT replay) of Nicholas taking a HUGE bite of the "cranberry sauce" only to be perplexed with the unusual taste. Seems he's never eaten pickled beets before! Yah...turns out he does not like them!

Breathless
Yesterday I let the dogs out of their pen and they took off all over the yard. Our small dog (Sable) loves to herd the larger dog (Thunder). Their pen is on the far side of our yard, away from the house. When I was walking back to the house I was clipped from the back by Sable barreling into me full speed. The hang-time time I had in the air felt rather cartoon-ish as I could feel myself frantically (in slow motion) doing the backstroke in the air, praying that I would actually rotate and land on my feet. No luck. Smack on my back. I think the last time I got the wind knocked out of me, I was in 1st or 2nd grade and fell off of a pulley as I slid between the Pecan and Cherry tree in our back yard. So today, I am rather sore and PRAYING that it is due to muscle issues and not bone/joint problems!

Wisdom Nugget: Don't push the button!
I have this GREAT new camera for work that currently has some WONDERFUL images on it. I can not share those with you now because it is locked in my filing cabinet. Sure, you say I can just unlock it. However, without the key, my camera is hostage! Note to self: don't puch that little silver button in if you do not have the key that pops the little button back out!!! Anyway, here are a few images I took with that camera!

a "Red Hot Poker" from the South Carolina Botanical Gardens:

Hummingbird at my neighbors feeder...

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a weekend update

2007-09-22T23:04:00.000-04:00

Stomp was outstanding. We went to The Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA Friday night with 2 other couples and had a blast! We ate at the Cheesecake Factory. My dinner was fantastic. And I ordered a fork for dessert (and got to sample 3 different kinds of cheesecake!).

The next planned show is the Phantom of the Opera in Birmingham, AL.

We took the children to get milkshakes at Sonic tonight ...by the way, they gave treats to our dogs! Then off to the SC Botanical Gardens for a walk with the dogs. On our way out...I saw a copperhead on the stone stairway. FREAKED ME OUT! The children and dogs were JUST paying there. I can not believe - but am so grateful - that no one was hurt!

Ok...so what is even more interesting is that I just Googled "Copperhead" to find an image to share with you. The 3 images I clicked on were form OTHER "Blogger" blogs which reference copperheads. CRAZY! So, if you want to see a picture of one, Google "copperheads"!

September already

2007-09-20T11:01:00.001-04:00

ok...so it has been months. Crazy how it is so hard to keep this up while my full-time job is a web designer. Sheesh! This weekend we are going to the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA to see Stomp! We're excited about that because the children are staying with some fiends from bible study, and we're off on a couples date with 2 other couples (also laving children at home for some adult time!) BUT...even better is our trip in October to Birmingham, Alabama! We're off to see Greg Mills in The Phantom of the Opera. Again, kidless! I can not wait. We have not seen Greg in years. I think he met Nicholas when he was a baby, but that's it! Maybe it's been 5 years?!?!?! Yipee!!!

Nicholas has lost 2 teeth and is TERRIFIED of the Tooth Fairy. No way is he putting something under his pillow so a stranger can com into his bedroom and mess with his pillow while he is sleeping on it! Here he is with Thunder:

...and my little dancer
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What holds YOUR house together?

2007-04-23T13:02:00.000-04:00

There are condos being constructed on the way to Robin's school. They are all at various phases of the construction. Today she announced:

"I know what is under all of that wood [vinyl siding]"

"What?"

"Tape."

"Tape?"

"Yep. It keeps the house together so it won't fall apart"

So...now you know.

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ok ok I'm awake!

2007-03-22T16:15:00.000-04:00

Despite what any remaining readers may think, I have NOT fallen off the face of the earth. So here are some updates:

Thunder storms into our house
We adopted a new dog from the pound, Thunder. He is wonderful. Very fluffy and so sweet. He’s just a very large toddler (55+ lb 10 month old). The best we know he is a Boxer/Golden retriever mix.

Almost finished with First grade
Nicholas has done a pretty good job adjusting to his new school. It was rough for a bit, but he seems to be getting the hang of a new place and new friends…again! He has a very special young-lady friend. Apparently she is very athletic and a sweet girl - - he is smitten!

The same preschool
Robin is going to preschool at the same place I went to kindergarten and first grade. They renovated the facility and it is now a community building – with half of it dedicated to a childcare center. I can not tell you the flashbacks I got when I walked in the first time! Sheesh!

Baptist, Methodist, Wesleyan, Oh My!
So, we have been church hoppin’, trying to find a place here to call home. There were a few definite “NOs!” and so ho-hums along the road. We’ve visited a Wesleyan church lately and I really like it. They have 2 services at the same time (one modern and one traditional). The children seem tolike to programs for them, so we’ll head back this Sunday. We’ve been invited to a park with a family to have “tube steak”. [hot dogs!]

All in one place
Rob is here at Clemson University also now! He really likes his job with the Academic Success Center. I thin what helices most is the VERY flexible schedule. Part time temp (~30 hours a week). With his schedule and this amazing weather, we’ll be on food stamps before we know it!

The weather is beautiful here. Still renting a small house with a yard and dog pen – for cheap rent!

I need to figure out why my pictures are not displaying on this blog.

Happy Spring!
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Happy New Year...ok a little late...but I still mean it

2007-01-11T15:29:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I feel like there is so much to write that I don’t have enough time to say it all. Othertimes…what I have to say is not so positive and I’d do much better just keeping my mouth SHUT! So, today there’s lots to update on but I’ll make the posts brief.

New Residence
We moved from Greenwood over the break. Nicholas loves his new school and I am closer to work. But, Rob is still in Greenwood M-F until our lease runs out there. The new place has a yard and some wooded area, so Nicholas (all of us really) is thrilled!
(new place above...old place below)
Dance Class
Robin is in dance class. She LOVES it and is doing VERY well. The sweet teacher who’s been teaching dance for 50 years is FANTASTIC, and loves Robin. Her recital is Mother’s day weekend. Her little class of 8 girls will be chickens! He he he. I’ll HAVE to send pictures.

Science Class
Nicholas’ new school (K4-5th grade) has a science lab. His after school program is offering a special 8-week science course Mad Science. The week he will learn about atoms and chemical reactions. (hide the household products!)

Christmas
What a Christmas! Having a 3 and 6 year old in the home makes this a magical time…that’s for sure. The best thing said all day was when Robin saw what Santa brought and she said “I got just what I asked for! I got just what I asked for!” Yep…that’s on video. Despite his stomach bug Christmas Eve and some Christmas morning, Nicholas was thrilled to get a rubber BB gun (just like the one he got for his daddy). Robin made sure that we got ALL gifts from under the tree.
Pumpkin Pie
The children did a fantastic job making 3 pumpkin pies and about 6 min-pies. I had cooked a pumpkin in the crock pot back in Nov and froze the pulp. We gave one pie to our friends Brian and Amy and took 2 pies to Mom’s for Christmas! UMMMMM.
Literature Night
I recently got Nicholas a lamp to clip up in his top bunk. Last night he was so thrilled and offered to read to Robin. He was very excited about using his new reading skills to read to his sister.
Easy Bake meets Chocoholic!
The children were SO excited to get “debit cards” from My brother and Ken for Christmas. These cards (redeemable only at Target…AKA “Gift Cards”) made for an excellent shopping spree for the children. Among may other fantastic items Robin got an Easy Bake Oven!
Christmas Cards
The winning Christmas card we received was from my cousin Elise and her husband Brian. This photo card was an image an ultrasound of their baby to arrive in June…very creative!

Christmas Card OutTakes

2006-12-13T09:58:00.000-05:00

Good but blurry...
Can't wait to prview the picture...
Tried to do piggy-backs and Robin fell off Mommy into the tree!
[she was ok]
Cute, but we wanted the whole family...
Just taking pictures now.

whales, and dolphins, and rays OH MY

2006-12-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving break in Florida!

Wednesday we went to Sea World. Wow how that place has changed. There were VERY fiew people and we did not stand in any lines. The children had a blast (pictures to follow). When we went in the gates the lady directed me to a window where I could renew my tickets for unlimited admission for the next 7 days! YIPEEE!

So Thursday was turkey-day at the Massey's and then at the Fairey's house. Lots of fun and goooood gravy!

Friday we were off to Sea World again for an unplanned second trip. There were more people this day (at least tripple what was there Wednesday). But we knew what we wanted to see and had another wonderful day. It is nice to have cell phones. I stood in line for the Shamu show and found seats while Rob played with the children. He just called me when he was looking for us...excellent!

Saturday was my birthday. Rob played golf with his dad and I took it easy around my dad's house until a small family gathering for dad's home made BBQ! Ummmmm....

Sunday we had a LONG drive home, but got back in time for the children to play. The bunkbeds made a GREAt ship as they watched from the "lookout" to see the animals in the water (stuffed animals...Shamu, Balu-gee, dolphin, and Sharkie).

Enjoy these...

Shamu was all decked out for the holidays...although very cute and sweet, Robin was still rather afraid of him.
Nicholas (and Robin in the background) had a blast on day 2 playing in the water fountains. After this we were headed for the car to get a change of clothes and head home. We spotted Mrs. Clause on the way and asked if they coud sit in Santa's lap. She thought these elves were a bit too soggy, but offered to speak to Santa through the window. Santa was very surprised to see them standing in the window sil waving and smiling at him.

(no caption needed)

Robin found the best of both worlds...ice cream and Shamu!
Nicholas' favorite thing (hands down) was feding the dolphins!
The whale and dolphin show was OUTSTANDING! If the tickets were not given to us, I still would have paid to see this show. Gave me chills. Check out the video on Sea Wrold's page.

Nicholas rode his first roler coaster. (we're in the last fully visible car on the left)
Nicholas bought an oyster and therfore the pearl which was inside. It is a large, perfect "female" pearl.

The viewing window of the dolphin feeding tank.A Shamu "jelly bean" car!
Robin SAID her favorite thing was the tall tower (sky needle thing) but she never rode on it. She seems to REALLY like the walrus, Shamu and petting the sting rays.
Not 10 minutes form the parking lot...

Pre-K level Planned Parenthood

2006-11-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

Robin: I used to be inside my mommy’s tummy. Some people have babies inside their tummies and some have babies outside their tummies.

Daddy: Really?

Robin: One day I’m going to have a baby in my tummy.

Daddy: Oh no you’re not.

Robin: Uh huh!

Daddy: When?

Robin: When I eat a lot of food one day.

Festival #3 and we're off to Trick-or-Treating

2006-11-01T08:11:00.000-05:00

I can not tell you how many times I hit the snooze button this morning. Whew. Last night we went to 3 different places.

Trick-or-Treat
We started at a church festival. It was nice, but all ndoors and very crowded. We met up with Zach and his family there. They had a lot of the same games as at the Y and the children had fun…but we soon split for new adventures. We went to mill village near our apartments and did the traditional “Trick-or-Treat”. (Robin and Nicholas say “Happy Halloween” instead of Trick-or-Treat) Most people were sitting out on their very lit porches in small groups. One home was decked out in haunted garb, which was exciting for Zach…not so much for Nicholas. I took him and we went down the road a way. The rest of the time he tried to figure out how to get back to the car without going past that house again!

We came across a fire station in that neighborhood. The boys were very excited about going up to them…the doors were all open, all the lights were on, and the firemen were all hanging out by the trucks giving out candy from a big metal washtub. Robin was more cautious. I held her hand and just as we got to the firemen she said, “Are they scary?” (loud enough for them to hear it) The man beside the washtub said, “No way! We have candy.” So I told her, “See, they’re a bunch of nice men with big trucks.” After making a big loop (to avoid the scary house) we decided to all go back to our apartment. The men would order pizza and Amy and I took the children all over…up and down stairs…for about 45 minutes.

The Great Candy Swap
By the time we got back to the apartment the children were starving! Robin suggested to bypass the pizza and enjoy all of her new candy, especially the gummy savers. After a little pizza, the children all traded candy. Nicholas gave away all of his chocolate bars, Robin took them all, Robin didn’t want to give any candy away even though Zach made every attempt to “shop” in her candy pile.

The parents, well we were very well behaved. We sorted through the candy, looking for torn wrappers and mysterious candy, all the while coaching our child on what NOT to give away. (I think Brian really likes Butterfingers, Amy wants ANY kind of chocolate, and Rob was torn with what he wanted and what he thought would be wise to keep in the house!)

“Halloween Came”
When we moved to greenwood, we stored all of our Fall and Winter clothes in mom’s basement. Since the recent cool weather, I have arranged with mom to get 5 or so Rubber maid tubs from her basement. So, at work on Monday (Halloween eve) I made the swap with mom. Later that evening, after the children had gone to bed, Rob and I got them out of the car and put them in the living room. The next morning, having anticipated the festivities of Halloween, Robin woke up very excited, and when she saw the boxes she exclaimed “Halloween came!!”
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you say "trash", I say "garbage"

2006-10-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

Nicholas has been getting a little extra attention at school with speech classes. He struggles a bit with the “ch”, “sh”, and “j” as in Just sounds. Last night I was working on these sounds with him and doing some practice exercises with the “sh” sound. I would say a word and he would repeat it. If he didn’t say it correctly, I would say it again and continue this way until he made the correct sound. So we’re on the couch going back and forth…me: “trash”, him: “trash”, me: “trash”, him: “trash”…All the while Robin is on the floor making pairs of Potato Head concentration cards. Finally she looks up in the middle of this banter and with a wrinkled and yet assertive brow declares “garbage!” She’s so helpful.

We have successfully endured 2 Halloween events within the past week (downtown greenwood and YMCA, pictured below)…

After a few attempts to be brave and participate in the events (to no avail), Robin realized that to get any candy at the YMCA, you have to play the games. She stood in line for everyting...even the costume contest!A hayride (minus the hay) with Daddy...Nicholas had a blast with his buddy at the Y with his buddy Zack, radio-controled boat races!Trick-or-treating downtown. The children got to climb into all sorts of emergency vehicles. All in all, too many people and not a whole lot of fun for all involved.

We plan to go to yet another big gathering this evening. Seems we will depart from the traditional door-to-door activities as they children prefer to attend a local church’s festival. None-the-less, pumpkin carving was quite fun…

Robin doesn't remember carving pumpkins last year, so Nicholas was very excited to fill her in on all of the excitement!The best part is playing with all the ooey-gooey insides!Instead of carving faces or images into the pumpkin, the children have really neat little plastic nails they hammer into the pumpkin.

No word on jobs for Rob so we are in the middle of making some more pretty rash location decisions. Greenwood, Clemson, …or somewhere totally new for all of us! We have exactly 3 months left on our current lease in Gwood and need to make some kind of decision. Where oh where will we go next!

Here's Clemson's Bowman Field on Homecoming day with ESPN Gameday there. Can you tell where their booth was? (Notice the shadows, this was early in the day. ESPN Gameday was 10 am - noon and the game was 7 pm. I imagine this field was COVERED!)

happily bunked

2006-10-11T07:59:00.000-04:00

Whew. It’s been far too long since I updated this site. Sorry to anyone who still checks in from time to time. Here’s the lowdown on developments and life in the Massey home.

Robin-isms
While at Momma El’s home in the country, I took the children for a walk with the dogs down the gravel road. The horses across from Mom’s house came to visit at the fence, hoping for some fresh grass hand-fed from Nicholas. Robin questioned:
“Mommy. Why does that horse have socks on”
[a black horse with white “socks” on it’ s back feet]

[a little history first] I have a brother who is 3 years older than me. We got along splendidly (right!). I am not quite sure of my age at the time of this particular event (but I would confidently guess that I was Robin’s current age). So, after an attempt to get my way in arguing with my brother, I figured the best thing to do was tell on him. So I did. With tears and confidence I exclaimed, “Mommy. Phil hit me back!”

[present day] In the car, Rob and I hear continued bickering and fussing in the back. Most dominant was Nicholas’ cry “Robin, leave me alone!” Finally, we intervene to have Robin so confidently explain how her bother was pestering her., “When I poke at him he messes with me!” Robin is so similar to Rob that we reach to find commonalities between mother and daughter. At this statement, Rob declares, “Maybe she IS your daughter after all.”

Happily Bunked
We visited Phil a few weeks ago. It’s always nice to see him. He gave us the hardware to bunk the children’s beds. After some elbow grease we overcame to wood. The children LOVE the new beds. Robin has her fort. Nicholas is on the top bunk with his fort. And they both sleep well through on the nicest furniture in the house!

A Family of Tigers
So. For those of you who do not know, Rob had an employment scare in the middle of September. A college grant was not continued and 4 people at Piedmont Tech would be losing their jobs. Although this was not the grant that Rob works for, he was the most recent hire and therefore would be sacrificed to place the other 4 people losing their jobs. Rob was give a termination date of October 31. This spawned a frenzied job search from jobs he’d like and a positive career move to anything brining in an income.

At the end of September he was notified that he would NOT lose his current job. The program appealed the grant request, the source reconsidered and they were ultimately granted the funding. Sine then, however, he has had positive contact from each of the search committees. Some to establish interviews, some to confirm that he was over qualified and insure he’d be interested in a lower status and less pay. Now that it is not a desperate decision, he has the freedom to be choosier.

All of this to say that he had a positive interview last week with Clemson’s Orientation office as the Assistant Director of Orientation. There are a couple of other jobs at Clemson that he will be just as interested in. Now it is a question of time. But I’ll try to remember to update you.

Expeditions on-line
January 2007 a new SC Public Television show will air, Expeditions with Patrick McMillan. This is a Clemson production and the first assignment of the Clemson University PSA CAFLS web team (my office). It has to be live (on-line) by October 16th …although it is designed and ready now. But, if you’re interested, check out Expeditions with Patrick McMillian.

Reading While I Drive
I'm still driving an hour and 20 minutes to and from work each day. Whew, good thing Wal-Mart gas is 3 cents cheaper if you use a Wal-Mart gift card! I frequently visit the library form new CD's. So I am listening to the DiVinci Code right now. I really like it. True, there are serious spiritual issues that conflict with scripture. But this is fiction full of fabulous mystery and drama. I am interested in watching the move as well. [has a little to do with the fact that I am a big Tom Hanks fan] The narrator is fantastic. I love the English mans character and hope he is just as funny in the movie as he is on the CDs. If you have a long drive scheduled, go to your local library and reserve this one!

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Good bye Steve.

2006-09-04T08:17:00.000-04:00

My son is an avid fan of The Crocodile Hunter. I always thought it would be neat to take him to the Australia Zoo one day and see him. Today’s post is in honor of Steve Irwin and his contribution to animal conservation and education. I’m sure he will me missed my many!

CNN news report

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A quick trip to Boone

2006-08-24T14:16:00.000-04:00

A Grand Move
My wonderful professor at ASU has been generous enough to baby-sit our baby grand piano while I was in school. Her family has since been given a piano. So, we are up to Boone this weekend to load it up and bring it to mom's house.

The children are excited about seeing their friends. Maybe we can make a quick visit to see our dog. We really do miss her!

Driving and Crying
So, I am plundering through the books on CD. So far my favorite has been Good Grief. It was a nice story about a widow's road to recovery and recuperation. There are some very funny parts and a few touching moments. My choice.

I started my newest book this morning when I finished Animal Farm (less than half way into my drive). We'll see how that goes. It is neat to listen to the readers character voices.

Walking Petri Dishes!
I love this phrase and it seems a very fitting description of children once public school is back in session. As a result, I have had a miserable stomach bug all week. Food neither helps nor hurts at this point. Soft serve ice cream DID prove to be nice on the tummy after lunch today.
I had wanted to stay home today, but no sick leave accrued yet and I can not afford leave without pay yet!

Singing in the rain...

Nicholas' new collection!

building the bunk beds...just not bunked YET!

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learning to love books ... at almost 35 years old

2006-08-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Not being an avid reader [ok, I can count the number of books I have read on ONE HAND] I have decided to create a family tradition as well as provide entertainment to and from work.

Both involve books.

Discovering the library
As you may have guessed, I have gone to the library to check out some books on CD. I have to admit that this was my FIRST ever personal leisure visit to a public library. No book reports, not Internet needs, no kids section. An honest to goodness desire to just go check something out for pleasure! Call me crazy.

I walk in, find the appropriate section of the library and scribble frantically creating a “next” list…a “books-on-CD” version of NetFlix. I decided against the Steven King books, political books, and other deep and complex literature. I was looking for light, whimsical, fairy tale, funny, or just a downright a good story! I left from the library with 2 “books” …”cold Mountain” and The Same Sweet Girls”.

The best part and I knew this ahead of time but didn’t realize how good it felt) was that I took my selections to the counter asked for a library card and as simple as a few lines on a form, the books (and a DVD of “Finding Neverland”) were mine to use for the next 3 weeks…FREE!!! I was very surprised with my excitement of discovering this secret treasure…a public library!

Might as well have been Steel Magnolias
I began my car “reading” with The Same Sweet Girls. A story of 6 southern girls read by a Georgian. The accent is wonderful and adds character and believability to the personalities. Each of the girls takes a turn in sharing the story. The plot continues with only minimal overlap between character’s perspective. For example: in one “chapter” Julia talks about a packing for a trip to meet all the girls for an annual gathering, then Leneer picks right up and talks about the drive to the inlet to meet up with her friends.

It has been light hearted and funny…until this morning. I’m on CD #3 and all breaks loose! They all start talking about problems (past and present). Big ones like suicide, handicapped children, teen aged love affairs leading to a Convent and lost pregnancy, physical abuse, and life threatening illness….it goes on an on! So for and hour and 15 minutes on my way in this morning I cried and cried!

I was hesitant about the drive home but just had to find out what stupid selfish snobby thing Aster was going to say, how Bird was going to try to generate some kind of harmony among all, if that jerk of a husband Miles was going to get his... blah blah blah. The sad part is, I have to keep reminding myself that these people are not real. The southern accented narration draws me into their lives. Is that how books really are?

The Chronicles come alive!
Nicholas has wanted to see “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” since hearing about it at church. But I feel that with his sensitive emotions, anxiety and fears, its better that he wait MANY years. Yes, I agree. It is a GREAT story. But the movie is too graphic for him. Heck…it was too graphic for me.

So the other evening we curled up on the couch and I read the first 2 chapters of the Chronicles of Narnia’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. He fell in love. Every once in a while I would look up to find him eagerly staring at me or the book. He has always like to be read to, but this is the first book with NO pictures and he is captivated!

A couple of chapters ago, I snuggled with the children on the couch with the book and 2 small bowls of popcorn. They had blankets and nighttime snugglies with mommy in between. Nicholas said “This is like watching a movie”…[pause then an excited revelation]…”it’s better than a movie!”

Last night Daddy read the book. We skipped tonight to make time for a new book from school. But tomorrow we will find out where Edmund went and see where they are off to with the beavers….in search of Edmund!

Webinar lesson in practice
It is only day 2 of my new job and I am overwhelmed. I am so glad I started work in the middle of the week. Today I went to a “webinar” class…never done that before. It wasn’t any less than a seminar, but I guess since it was broadcast over the internet it gets a new name!

I learned about paragraph sizes, subheads, and the importance of links and bullets in the copy. He had examples of good and poorly designed pages. The main topic was focused on writing for the web, so it was mostly copy specific, but some design elements were highlighted. I have tried to use his suggestions in this entry. Short choppy paragraphs, bold subheads that mean something and a entry title that’s catchy and descriptive.

How’d I do?

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crazy times

2006-08-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

This week is full of firsts. Tomorrow is my first day of work at Clemson and Nicholas’ first day of first grade. Robins started preschool this week and LOVES it! Nicholas started the Y this week and LOVES it as well. Mon and today were full-day programs. When I picked him up yesterday he said “Mom I am tuckered out!”. He begged me to let him lie down when he got home and I wouldn’t let him. No naps at 6 pm! So he was off to bed by 7:45…and it could have been much earlier.

We have had a wonderful and eventful summer as a family this year. It has been a blessing that I could be off with the children. We spent most days at the pool…for at least 2 or 3 hours. The result of which is that Nicholas can swim…EVEN IN THE DEEP END! He loves the pool. Robin in VERY close as well. He thinks she can swim and tried to very hard. She lacks the ability to come up for air. She has NO FEAR and NO HESITAITON at all!!! She can be rather dangerous at times when she is going to “swim to get that toy” and no one is near.

I took the children to Florida to visit family there. Rob could not go as he did not have leave yet from his new job. In contrast to last year, Robin LOVED the waves. Instead of crying the whole time we were there, she begged me to go way out in to the water and jump waves. Nicholas had a wonderful time on the boogie board! He really got the hang of it and did quite well. He hollered and cheered the first time he rode a wave all the way in. It was nice to spend some time with Terri and Jamie and their children. Nicholas just LOVES Austin!!! We checked out the Disney ship also while we were there. Nicholas will be enjoying a 3 night cruise with his cousins in the spring. He could not comprehend how in the world you could swim on a boat…seeing as how the only boats he’s ever seen is Phil and Ken’s John boat, and great Uncle John’s ski boat. When we pulled up they were all celebrating before they sailed. There was great Disney music and a loud DJ. We couldn’t see much but we heard him introduce the characters and we heard them all speak. The children on the ship were yelling and screaming. We could see the HUGE 2-story bright yellow slide into Mickey’s pool. Nicholas got SO excited!!! Robin too. Now she keep saying “I can go on the Disney ship when I turn 6!!”

Nicholas’ 1st grade teacher is engaged to his after school counselor at the YMCA. He thinks that is really neat. He is excited about starting school. He is a bit nervous, but today he said “Mommy, this is just like starting Hardin Park. I didn’t know anyone there either, but then someone came up to me and said ‘What’s your name’ and we started to play. I know that will happen here.” He’s really doing rather well.

My brother came over Sunday to give the children new bunk beds! It was so nice to see him. The children always enjoy playing with him. The love the beds….they’re so colorful with lots of extras! HOWEVER, Robin still wants to sleep in the closet. I finally figure out last night that she is afraid of the thunder and lightning. If she can see the blinds, she will see lightning. So last night I made a make-shift “tent” over her bed so she couldn’t see the windows. Uses we’ll be asking for the pink castle decoration that covers the bed like a tent!

Rob is enjoying his coworkers at his new job. They are pranksters and are happily inducting him into their community. Paper shreds, phone taped up, all sorts of stuff. They think they’re getting one over on him…but they don’t know who they are messing with. Today he kidnapped a fan and left a ransom note. The note says to meet in the mail room on Wednesday at some particular time to get the fan back. BUT….he is setting up another person to be there at that time too so that each will think the other is the thief! Whew!

I’ve been reading The Chronicles of Narnia to Nicholas and he LOVES it. It’s amazing what you can do when you don’t have to study and write papers! The house is still a bit in shambles, but who cares! I have been wanting to read that series. Last night we settled down to read and I gave the children popcorn to munch as I read [if I read I could not eat the popcorn]. Nicholas got so excited and said “This is just like watching a movie….maybe better!” That’s exciting. We read about 2 chapters each night. Who knows what book we will pick up next!

Sorry. No pictures still. I can never remember to put them on my jump drive to bring them to the computer at the office. Maybe I can get some on here when I get to Clemson. Until then…GO TIGERS!

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C L E M S O N!!!

2006-07-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

So much going on.

I got a job at Clemson University as web designer/writer with Public Service. Then university is moving to a CMS web software and is developing a whole team for the university (there is currently no web team). I am the first on hired so far of a team of 7. Three of us will be at Public Service and the other 4 will be in the Promotions office doing university wide web design. The university is about to get a whole new web presence and i am on the team to make it happen!!! That's exciting! Also, I will work as a prepress designer for all Public Service literature. I am also excited about that.

I've been busy visiting family at the lake, and family on the river. The children are registered for schools or on the waiting lists.

I will probably remove this blog in the near future. There is a lot of personal information on here and I would not like it to get into the wrong hands. I'm sure you understand!!!

Anyway. We are very happy, very tan, and very busy!

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visiting family

2006-07-09T13:40:00.000-04:00

(an attempt at a post on Sunday!)
We're having a good time in Columbia this weekend visiting my brother and Ken. The dog (Jackson) as been in the lake for hours. He wears a lifejacket so he can stay in longer and not get so tired. He loves the water (Golden Retriever...go figure). So he just swims all over, splashing and biting at the splashes! He's a beautiful BIG dog. The children aren't so sure about the lake. They played a little bit. Right now they've had their fill of watermelon and are crashed on the couch. Robin is fast asleep and Nicholas is enjoying Robots! We went to my grandparents house again this morning to visit a bit with them. Nicholas and Papa are buddies. Papa walks Nicholas all over the yard teaching him about the plants. Nicholas is so cute. Papa was showing him a hot pepper and how you can eat the outside and it is not hot. Papa shaved off a bit with the vein and seeds to show me what NOT to do. He threw that on the ground so the children wouldn't eat it...or so you'd think. I say directly to Robin "Robin, don't eat that. Papa will cut you a piece you can eat". Next thing I know she was spitting and rubbing her month. I told her to go the back of the house and get some chips form Phil, Ken and Meme who were visiting back there. When we made it around to the back she was quite as a mouse, rubbing her mouth and spitting a little bit. But never any noise or obvious signs of discomfort. Finally I took her in to get a glass of milk and some ice cream. When we went in she started crying. back outside everyone commented about how calm she was a never cried.

(wasn't able to complete this post before because the connection messed up)

I think we're going to get internet at home. I have decided that it is virtually impossible to get much "done" during the day as a fulltime mom. No time to unpack...run errands...the children need/demand all of my attention all of the time. I'm sure it would be easier if we had not moved and we were in a familiar place with a settled home. Today, I need to find the post office, the DMV and need to get my oil changed! Whew! It can pile up. BUT...we have a washing machine and dryer now and a dishwasher....so life is good!

at last

2006-07-05T21:41:00.000-04:00

We are here in Greenwood at last! Boy it has been a crazy transition.

An update:

Robin LOVES the pool now. She is a CRAZY water bug! We reallyhave to watch her. She loves to jump in, go to the bottom and "swim". She's learning to push off of the bottom of the pool to get to the top again! What a transition. I can imagine that with 2 trips to the pool a day, she'll be swimming in no time!

Nicholas still loves it as well. And doing uite well swimming also! He is meeting lots of children here and being exposed to a lot of different things thna we had at "home". Stining and biting bugs are the most obvious. His body does NOT like them however, seems ants are drawn to him. FINALLY after years of fussing at him to walk onthe sidewalks...that is all he does lately...FIRE ANTS LIVE IN THE GRASS!!! His foot is swolen from various days of bites. You should probably buy stock in Benadryll!!! Not to mention the wasp he found today in the pool. It stung him trying to get it out!

Someone just knocked on the office door wanting a turn at the computer before the office closes. So I need to go.

Pleas know that we are all well and adjusting to this new life!!!

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in transition

2006-07-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

We are able to move into the apartment THIS WEEKEND! What a welcome surprise!!! This week the children and I enjoyed the pool while daddy was at work. I felt pretty lame complaining to Rob and laughed as I told him how tired I was from paying at the park all morning then in the pool for 3 hours in the afternoon! I realized that I need Gadget arms to reach parts of my back, which now ache from sun burn.

We are at Momma El’s this weekend relaxing and waiting for Sunday when we head back to greenwood to move all of our stuff in to the apartment. It is now in a garage (thanks to the help of our friend Brian!). Rob is in Boone today cleaning the apartment and checking out. We could not fit all of our stuff in the truck so we left it! He’s going to find some time to meet with some buddies to hit softballs. He signs out at 11 on Sunday then off to Greenwood!!! We’re going to try to move most of the stuff Sunday night and Monday so we can really enjoy the 4th!!!

As far as a job for me…my resume and electronic portfolio is being passed around Piedmont Tech. It’d be nice to have an adjunct position if needed. The director of the Art department where Graphic Arts is housed is out ‘till next week. No word yet from the interview, they said it’d be about 3 weeks. I need to get in touch with the fine folks at Cube Creative Design and have a further conversation with the owner! I’m ready to talk more seriously about possibilities there!

We have the new address but no phone yet. I forgot to call them Fri to have it hooked up. If you want our new contact information, please email me. As soon as we get a landline we will disconnect our cell phones (trying to save money!!!). We also do not have Internet at home yet, so no correspondence for me unless I got the “business center” in the clubhouse. When Internet becomes a work-related necessity for me, we will get digital. So, until then, there is no immediate way of getting in though with our family.

I’ll post every now and again, when I can jump on a computer. Until next time. Know that:

We are all quite well.
Nicholas LOVES the pool (Robin …not so much).
Rob LOVCES his job and his new coworkers are wonderful! His boss is into softball and musical theater and that excites Rob! I’m sure when we’re settled, he’ll auditioning for something in town.
I have a few weddings in September I’d like to attend. But until I have a job, we can not commit to either of them.
We really miss our dog, but know she is in great hands.
When I mentioned “where can I recycle the cardboard boxes” to our new landlord, he looked at me like I was NUTS!!! Guess I’ll have to get something going in the complex. I have no idea where the recycling centers are (if there are even any).
RealSimple magazine has a GREAT spread about saving energy in this month’s issue…check it our and SAVE!!!
We went to animal shelter in Greenwood and learned how to become a volunteer. The children are excited about “borrowing” a dog to walk and care for. They have a 3-week summer program called “Camp Good Dog” for children to learn to train and care for dogs. It is wonderful! They have a graduation ceremony at the end and the children and “borrowed” dogs show off their skills. When all the children invite family, and friends to graduation, all of the camp dogs (and some others) end up adopted! Everyone wins!!! (makes me cry)
Sure it is hotter here. But not unbearable yet…the AC and pool are VERY nice to have here.
I picked up a turtle from the middle of the highway in took it in my car (maybe a mile) to mom’s house to show the children. Good thing we have an element, it peed ALL IN THE CAR!!
The Fire ants are horrible here. Robin shows her frustration with “Those frickin’ fire ants!”
It's fun to drive through Clemson's campus on the way to and from mom's house!
The lakes are so nice and look like so much fun. Maybe we can borrow a boat or jet ski sometime!
We miss our friends in Boone! We have an extra bedroom!

Last post from Boone

2006-06-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

Laurel just left so I figured it an opportune time to post real quick before I tackle the last two rooms. Laurel, you are a treasure for helping me tonight!!!! Rob is at work doing silly stuff….ha ha ha ha.

So the truck is all packed up. Everything JUST fits. OK so it is not ALL packed up. But it is sure close. We are down to the random stuff that ends up being packed in the garbage cans and laundry baskets. I have YET to touch the top of my dresser. That shouldn’t take too long. Then there’s a few things in the bathroom.

The plan is to hit the road by 8 am to get to Walhalla by noon. Unload and LOAD a few items into and out-of their basement. Then to hit the road again by 1 or 2 for a 2 hour drive to Greenwood. UNLOAD it all there into a garage in the apartment complex. The when the apartment is ready, move it over to our apartment!

So, we have no place to go yet!! The apartment is still occupied until the end of June. Then hey need to go in and check for and make repairs to the place as needed. So we hope to be in EARLY July.

We will break down the computer (probably in the morning) and not have it at home again for quite some time. I will have access to the internet from the apartment complex…when I get there! So then I will post periodically.

Until then. Thank you to so many of you who have supported and loved us in Boone. There are a lot of mixed emotions for all of us. I look forward to hearing from you so email me…or post to my blog when you can!!! See you when I come around from the dark side of the moon.

So, here are some pictures…

Here's a picture of the movers in action...(the helmet is because he would ride his bike in between the dolly runs!)

Rob had a great going-away party this evening.
(the guest of honor)
(a gift for him to remember them by...a t-shirt)
(his cake)
(some of the children)(there were much more pictures...just not a lot of room. Wveryone wants to see the childrne anyway don't they!)

I can't remember if I posted these...so enjoy anyway!
I took this picture for Laurel when I was at Clemson last week...
We have had A LOT of rain the past few days...and Nicholas has loved playing in the mud! He was covered. He asked Rob to throw mud balls at him. So when he was done, Rob placed his muddy hand on Nicholas......Nicholas seems so big until that moment...
The living/dining room Tuesday morning...
The children's bedroom...
Nicholas and I found a moth when we came home this evening. Pretty cool. I like the newness and change that it represents to me during this time...
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Nicholas' going-away-birthday party!

2006-06-26T00:19:00.000-04:00

Today we packed more and played at the park a bit before a nice (but short) nap time, Then it was back to the park for Nicholas’ going away birthday party. I think he had a GREAT time…despite the rain. When I say rain…I mean BIG rain, thunder, and lots of lightening. The children had almost an hour to ride bikes and play in the field before we decided to move the party to CiCis! (where we were going to order takeout anyway!)

It was nice to see friends like George and Annette. They report that Duncan is quite well. They thoroughly enjoy having him in their home. I am so happy they were willing to “adopt” him form us 2 years ago. George showed me marks from Duncan’s claws….apparently Duncan likes to play all the time!!! Laurel stopped in to see the children as well. She missed Robin’s party so brought her a Little Pony! Robin LOVES Laurel. Always nice to hang with her. Hayes had to leave when the storm hit. Dad had little sister with him, so the storm was TOO much! But Nicholas has a play date with Hayes this week. That will be nice!!! We missed Bradley when the storm hit. They couldn’t make I to CiCi’s.

We invaded the restaurant with a surprise party for CiCi’s. We all knew about it, but they were surprised to have 16 people rush in, freezing cold and soaking wet! Thankfully the Taylor’s got there early and got tables all together and told the poor CiCi’s staff. We all ate more than we should have and then enjoyed some of Nicholas’ Orange Dreamsicle cake! (you have to try it. It is Nicholas’ favorite!)

It was good the see the boys too. Boy are they all SO big! Seems like years since we hung out last…guess it was. Can’t wait to hear all about it when Sundai and Philip’s ship comes in! Poor Andie had to sit on the other end of the table from her buddy Rob. She seems to really like him. He plays with her and really pays attention to her. Little girls seem to like that he is SO BIG and so gentle all the same. Molly too, boy, she loves Rob as well.

The worst picture here is when Matt realized that we are moving and this is probably the last time we’d see him…for a while at least!

U-Halt not U-Haul!

2006-06-24T13:27:00.000-04:00

No truck.

No move this weekend.

It is a long episode, but to sum it up….We reserved a U-Haul and they did not provide it to us! We did not double book a truck, ‘cause WE RESERVED ONE THAT WAS GUARANTEED!!! So, now the plan is to pack up the BUDGET rental truck on Tuesday evening and head to SC Wed am. For good. No going back and forth this time.

I’m sure some wonderful friends from here will help us get the stuff into the truck Tuesday. Then Mom and Ray will help at their house (maybe some friends too), then a college buddy still in G-wood is going to help when we get there Wednesday afternoon. I can’t tell you how nice it is going to be to have that pool there while we unload the truck!!!

Anyway. We’re here this weekend still. Nicholas’ party is scheduled for a VERY RAINY Sunday evening. So we may have to change plans to bowling or movies!

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my sweet reward

2006-06-23T00:24:00.000-04:00

I tell ya…it is a good thing I took Lamaze classes! ‘Breathe, concentrate, focus and it will all end soon, you will have your sweet reward.”

So we have been mad packing the past few nights. Each night we retire only after we have ran out of tape and boxes! Who would have thought we have so much stuff. The tiny kitchen we have…oh my the boxes! We are no where close to done but will be loading the truck tomorrow evening for a Sat am departure.

We went to Erin and Nathan’s tonight to celebrate friendship and visit with our dog which we will be leaving here with them until further notice. She loves them and they are So good to her. But Nicholas broke my heart. He just wanted to lay with her, sit by her, pet her, and love on her all evening. THEN saying goodbye was the WORST!!! He completely understands this move and what it means. Although he is very excited about being closer to Momma El…that is the ONLY thing!!! He is very sad about leaving his friends (I knew that) and his dog (didn’t realize that)! He kept hugging her goodbye and telling her he’d miss her. The boy and his dog. I was in tears over his anguish…even now. We will come for her when we have a place. In the meantime I will try my best to entertain and occupy them throughout this transition.

I had a wonderful job interview this week. There was a panel of 5 and I felt like they were all my friends from the start. We chatted, laughed, and talked about some serious stuff. I hope they understand how badly they need me…I’m sure they do. The job would be 1.5 hours from our new home. So there will be some serious gas procurement for a few months! It was a long day (left Boone at 8 am and returned at 8 pm…no dilly dallying along the way wither!) but very well worth it!

So, we will not have internet at home for a while. I will be able to check my email and update this some form the business center in the apartment complex. I will update at least once more before our final departure next Wednesday.

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Packing and moving...

2006-06-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

Cake and icecream were fun for daddy's birthday...

Ther was a bit of fear that the re-lighting candles would set off the smoke detectors! Eeek! Imagine if I'd have put all 35 on there.Birthday kisses for all...

The children were excited to outfit daddy's new office with cool stuff. Including this really neat robot lamp!We had a day of fun with Sasha on Saturday...And Father's day was just as it should be!

You could say this will be one of the most insane weeks yet!

Monday – Will do the morning drop-off’s to day-camp and childcare then a full day of Energy Center work and my going away party at work! A celebration with my dear friends at the Energy Center, Department of Technology, and Southface! Hunan here we come. Then…PACK!

Tuesday – Will do the morning drop-off’s to day-camp and childcare then a full day of design work at the Energy Center along with getting my portfolio in order, brush off the ol’ suit, and get in the interviewee mindset! Then…PACK!

Wednesday – Off to SC for an interview!!!! Will do the morning drop-off’s to day-camp and childcare then on the road for a 3-4 hour drive. Only to have a 1.5 hour interview and turn right around. They offered to fly me down, but since the nearest airport is 2 hours away from home….then another from the interview site…I figure I can drive in that time and not have to deal with delays and other stuff. Then…PACK!

Thursday - Will do the morning drop-off’s to day-camp and childcare then a full day of design work at the Energy Center. Dinner with Erin and Nathan at their house…yippee!!! Then…PACK!

Friday - Will do the morning drop-off’s to day-camp and childcare then my last day of design work at the Energy Center. Off to an early start packing the truck!

Saturday – MOVE stuff to SC!

In the midst of this, mom is here at Cheap Joes for a water color class and we’re not certain that the apartment will be ready for us by this Saturday!!!!

Life is crazy and full of life!

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Happy Birthday Rob!

2006-06-14T23:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to Rob…
Happy Birthday to you!!!

35 years strong!

I love you Rob and hope that you have a wonderful day today. That Orientation goes well once more and that Debbie’s cookies are OUTSTANDING…I know they will be. She baked 35 of them right? Robin and I had fun making your cake last night. Nicholas will help me ice it after camp tomorrow. They were SO excited about the birthday gifts they picked out for you. Can’t wait for you to see them.

So we leaver in a few weeks for Greenwood. It is coming down to the wire! So much to pack and such LITTLE interest in packing it!!! It has been nice to be able to go through our clothes and stuff. Whew….how many more trips to Rams Rack? The children are a bit confused with 1. packing it up for long term storage 2. packing it up to give away and 3. packing it up JUST to move it to greenwood! Poor little things.

We’re planning a going away birthday party for Nicholas! I know he will LOVE it. So many people have said they want to come already and I haven’t sent the invites out yet!!! They’re real cute. I’ll have to post one later.

Speaking of posting Jess….WHERE ARE YOU!!!! You and yer blog have disappeared. I miss seeing your newspaper spreads.

We visited and said goodbye to our pediatrician. Boy will we all miss him!!

A gardinia at mom's house. Too bad you can't smell this image...it is OUTSTANDING!

Howards Knobb...from my back yard.

Some recent Robin-isms:

When Robin shares M&Ms or other treats she will give you ONE. You ask for “some” and get ONE. So Nicholas has been trying to teach her about “some”, and here’s a recent exchange.
N: “Robin can I have some of those crackers?”
R: “Yep. I’ll give you a full-hand” (hand-full)

At the ball field last night.
R: “bye” (to a stranger getting in a car)
W: “Who was that”
R: “My other mommy”
W: “Are you getting rid of me?”
R: “yeh”

Robin and Nicholas are always picking flowers for me. Robin consistently picks the top of the flower off of the stem. So I can’t possibly do anything with it. So I remind her, “try to get some of the stem”. At the ball field she picks a dandelion with a bit of a stem and proudly proclaims “This one has a stick on it!”

Again at the ball field last night (boy, the best comes out of Robin is public!).
R: “Mommy look at that man. His hair is sticking up” (a gelled short-spiked hair style)
Man’s friend: (laughing) “Did you hear what she just said about your hair!!!!!!”
Man: (rolling his eyes and hanging his head) “yeh”
(Friends all around are laughing)

Not much else going on…isn’t this enough?
OH...and Happy Birthday Fanci!!!

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Happy Birthday Robin!

2006-06-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

Robin Walker Massey
June 12, 2003
10:30 pm
6lb 12 oz, 20 incles

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to Robin.
Happy Birthday to you!

So much is happening these days. I have to catch you up...

Robin had her 3rd birthday party Sunday evening. It was so nice to see so many of our...her friends. She had a wonderful time. She really understood the party idea this year. So she was VERY excited and interested in all the happenings! We had CiCi's pizza! Robin's favorites are spinach or balck olive, so she had a slice of each. She helped bake the strawberry sheet cake, and put sprinkles on it! (but wouldn't blow the candles out...she chose Matt to do it) I bought some foam visors and lots of princess stickers for all the children to decorate them ( there were dragons and kings for the boys!). Robin kept opening the gifts and then tried to give them back to the person. "This is yours". Because the children were all saying "Open mine next!" They palyed inside and outside. Toward the end of the party, it bagan to thunder in the distance. She wasn't too happy about that...

Nicholas said goodbye to his friends from school this year.
We've played horse shoes, kickball, and baseball in the back yard....and enjoyed lots of watermelon, icecream, and popsicles!
Nicholas made up for some lost time on his pick up truck (has been stored at Momma El and Papa Ray's for 2 years!)
We let the last frog go and I got a great picture of it. They all looked like this one...We visited some friends in on our way to a whirl-wind trip to Greenwod this week.
AND
We found a place to live...as long as the approval process is in out favor.
Goodbye Gurrie. You were deeply loved and will be terribly missed.

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Hit the road Jack!

2006-05-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

Greenwood, South Carolina. Our home for 3 years while in college at Lander University and our soon-to-be home again. We will be puling out of Boone for our final trip to Greenwood on Wednesday am, June 28. Rob will work at his new job for 2 days in June to receive the college-wide raise of 3% (how funny!). Rob will be working at Piedmont Technical College in Student Support Services. He is very excited about this job and is looking forward to the new aspects of university/college student services. He’s happy to reduce his caseload by at LEAST three-fourths. He can spend more time and attention with each student.

We are headed down there this weekend to look for a place to live. Several realtors said they’d meet with us on Saturday. So, mom is keeping the children and we will spend the day there. It’d be nice to get something lined up, as Rob has to return this Wednesday to complete HR paperwork. I’m sure we’ll all go down, but it’d be nice to take a load and have a place to “camp”!

I have several applications out still and am looking forward hearing from a few in particular. I have been notified about a few holds and still waiting on another application deadline (I should probably submit that one ‘cause it’s the one I REALLLLLLLLY want!). I am applying to places near greenwood (within 1.5 hour drive). We decided that if I get one of them I will commute until we come to a conclusion. The idea is to move to where MY job takes me. We MAY split the distance, but that seems like eternity from now. I need the job first!

The children will be staying home with me over the summer. We will take Rob to work and pick him up (should we need the car that day). I plan on LOTS of park and pool days, sprinklers and walks! We have all the details worked out in our heads right now…but who knows what will come to pass??? I will keep you posted, that’s for sure.

Tomorrow is Nicholas’ last day of kindergarten. I can not believe this year has gone. Here he was going out the door on his FIRST day of school!

And comming home!

We are enrolling him in day-camp until we leave. I know he’ll enjoy that time in the sun and with friends. He is very sad about leaving Hayes. Tonight he made bracelets for Hayes and Holly (Holly’s has a heart where the “o” goes!). I met Holly’s mom at school and told her how Nicholas adores her. She said Holly talks about Nicholas a lot at home. She’s a very shy little girl and today FINALLY agreed to have her picture taken with Nicholas.

Here are a few recent pictures of the children and stuff we do!

Robin is zipped up in the body pillow case saying "CHEEEEESE" so I could take a picture of her!!!This was the wildest frog we had. One left, and we will let him go tomorrow!Water balloon fights in the evenings before bed!Who wouldn't want to hire this man?...even at 11:30 p.m.Nicholas and his best friend Hayes!Nicholas and his teachers (Mrs. Blakeley and Mrs. Isaacs)

The "Lost Sheep"

Robin shares Nicholas' chair in his class (she CAN NOT WAIT for Kindergarten!)

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wish list and updates

2006-05-28T22:58:00.000-04:00

I found my camera cord and have up dated previous posts with images! Check out “Witty post title” and “life begins on Monday”

So, Robin will be 3 in a few weeks. Where has the time gone. I tried to conjure up some older images. How ‘bout these…

1 week old...

2 weeks old... 4 weeks old... 5 weeks old... 6 weeks old... 7 weeks old... 8 weeks old... 9 weeks old... 10 weeks old...

We are having a little shindig for her on the 11^th. For those family member I have not spoken to about this. Here is a “wish” list for Robin. As you can see from the last item…she’s still not familiar with asking for gifts…so most of this I made up!

Robin (June 12, 2003)

We’re going to get her a bike with training wheels (she loves Nicholas’)
Sun dresses (4T)
Barbie’s and Barbie clothes
Favorite candies: Gum (sugar free bubble gum), CHOCOLATE, gummie bears…really any candy!
Loves to write and draw
Loves all colors but mostly pink and purple
Any atrociously gaudy girly things (fluff, frills, puffy, flowery….) I think Claire’s is her favorite store. She loves the bracelets.
Isn’t into fixing her hair at all (no need for that kind of stuff)
Doesn’t watch TV much but loves to listen to music (ideas my be Disney Princess songs, or any other CD’s where kids sing the music)
She LOVES VW bugs (she calls them “Jelly Bean Cars”) if you can find any toy VW bug she’d LOVE IT!!!! (We found her a Herbie radio control car and bought her the movie).
Likes dress up clothes and jewelry (I thought about letting her get her ears pierced, but I think she’s still too young to understand)
LOVES shoes but PLEASE refrain!! She has WAY too many. We find that just taking her to a shoe store every once in a while satisfies her shoe craving as she tries on as many shoes as she can in the time we’re there! (Same goes for bathing suits too…thanks to several older friends and relatives of hers.)
Board games!!! (has Candy Land and Chutes & Ladders)
Little People. Doesn't have: Zoo, Farm, Garage (which she would like), airplane, school bus, SUV, Lil Kingdom Palace, or boating fun.
She likes books: Care Bears, Princesses, Clifford, animals (he favorite books have always been the Peterson Field Guide books on reptiles…go figure!)
She has asked specifically for princess stuff. She’s still rather unfamiliar with asking for birthday gifts. I’m sure this will pass!

I’m still job hunting. We’re trying to determine the best move come July 1. Rob has been offered that job at Piedmont Technical College. We have a lot to talk about! We went to Greenwood, where we were married 10 years ago, for our Anniversary on Thursday. It was a special time. The children stayed with some friends and we were able to spend a lot of time together talking about our future and enjoying the moment! Thanks Chad and Jerianne!

Nicholas’ school play is tomorrow. “E-I-E-I OOOPS!” It sounds very cute. Don’t you know I will have pictures!!! I’ll get to meet Holly too!!

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May 25, 1996

2006-05-24T21:02:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago a wonderful man sang a beautiful song to me as we stood in front of our family and friends and he declared his loved and commitment to me alone. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church and I felt like the princess that the day was made for me to be!

I have been blessed to have shared almost 15 years with Rob; from BCC in Cocoa, Florida, to Greenwood then Easley, South Carolina and now Boone, North Carolina. These past 10 years of marriage have been a huge adventure. We have both received our Master’s degrees (8 years apart) and have the honor of bringing 2 beautiful children into the world! Our lives are full and rich. He is my best friend and confidant, I love and respect him with all that I am. I admire his character and passion for things he loves. Our children will never know how they bless him each day, and I watch how their unfailing love humbles him! He adores everything about them and marvels at how they grow and change. From dating to marriage to parenthood, our lives are changing all the time. But as the 1^st Corinthians 13 says “And if I have the gift of prophecy and know all the mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” Simply: “love never fails”.

I love you Rob.

Thank you Rob.

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Holly

2006-05-22T21:49:00.000-04:00

I am getting nothing done. I have spent the last hour trying to create a birthday list for Robin and Nicholas (which I will post soon). I need to be finishing my Thesis edits and working on finalizing my cover letter for an application due FRIDAY!!!!

But I have to post instead.

I still can not find that stinkin’ cord for my camera, so my pictures are all trapped on it!! BUT, here is one Dr. Hoepfl gave me of me and Jess!

And then one here of my whole cohort! Seems like we were all in Leadership class just yesterday (not Aug 04).

Robin was home sick today. She had a fever Sunday and some of today. She got up this morning as Nicholas was getting ready for school. Then after I put him on the school bus she laid back down with me (7:15 am). She woke up at 12:30pm!!! She obviously needed the rest! She is in the habit of getting in bed with us now. A few days in a row of thunder then a fever…bet she’ll crawl in bed with us again tonight!

Nicholas is not doing so well in school and on the bus. *sigh*…what to do. We take it one day at a time and do our best. He is very excited about a school play next Monday. We will work on his sheep costume this week. The whole family has been invited to stay after for a brunch with the children. That will be nice. I hope to get a lot of pictures of him with teachers and friends.

He is particularly fond of Holly. It is so precious to hear him talk about her. I want to laugh because it is so cute. But I am afraid that he will not trust me to have conversations about girls if I don’t establish that RIGHT NOW!!! He confided in me last week about how he really wants to be her friend and she won’t play with him. I asked if he plays with other girls and he said “they all beg me to be their friend”. So we talked about how it’s hard when the one you like doesn’t like you back. I know adults that struggle with this!!! So anyway, Holly is very special to him and I told him that I’d get a picture of them together when I got to the play Monday!

Rob has a follow-up interview and a meeting with the college president that afternoon (next Monday). He will go to the play (8:30 am) then head to Greenwood around 10 am. We are assuming that this will be the conversation about pay and start date if he is offered. Still a lot to think about and decide on. I can not cross that bridge until we come to it!!!

More frogs. It is interesting to see them transform into land dwelling creatures. Particularly this one. He still has a long tadpole tale but was on land the other day…then under water a few hours later and back and forth. He has been on land most of the day today. I can’t imagine….what happens? All of a sudden they can not breathe so they know to go get air instead of water??? Nutty!

Ok so now almost 2 hours since Nicholas went to bed and I still have made no progress on the necessary things! Must go make thesis edits! Check back for images!!!

In the meantime , some pictures from earlier in the month of Robin and her buddy Molly!

and a nice Trillium I fond along Howard's Creek.
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witty post title

2006-05-21T20:42:00.000-04:00

The bird feeder was empty and, as the Cardinals chirped outside, Robin was quick to inform me “You need to get them more food, ‘cause they are fussing at y-e-w.” Needless to say, we have more “songbird food” for the feeder. She is also quick to recognize the “Robin bird” and loves that it’s “her bird”.

Nicholas is riding his bike so well these days. He loves it and I swear would ride for hours and hours. Today we went to the Watauga River at a park we love! After splashing for a while he realized that it would probably be a lot of fun to ride his bike into the water! He had a BLAST!

Fancy at the river...

Rob’s interview went well. He said that he’d really like to work there. The only questions now are….will they offer? … What will they offer? … and what will I do there? I have applied at the hospital in town. Who knows.

Some other application are in the process and another soon to be submitted for grant research in a university college of Arts, Architecture, and Humanities. So far my letters of recommendation are glowing and remind me that, every day, I am responsible for being the employee that my resume says I am.

We released 3more frogs the other day. The children are really enjoying watching them change! They do well with the release also. They seem happy to see the frogs in their normal habitat. Great children!

Robin had her first hair cut. Yep almost 3 and this was the first! She was very serious about the event! She likes to do “girly” things and getting fancy in a beauty salon was definitely a fancy thing!

Some friends have developed and shared their blog for their daughter. You can check out Isabella “Bella” Kate from the link to the right.

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life begins on Monday

2006-05-15T21:09:00.000-04:00

Did someone say things would get easier when I graduated? A little less stressful? Well, they were horribly misinformed! For now is the transition back into the real world….with a family this time.

So, Rob has an interview tomorrow in Greenwood, SC. He leaves tonight after his softball game. CRAZY night owl. He went through the whole” does the suit fit anymore” fiasco. It worked out well with a mismatch color pant and coat. Wow. He’s so handsome all dressed up. I can’t decide if I am glad that he doesn’t always wear a suit so that I don’t begin to take it for granted or wish that he dressed up more often!

I just got off the phone with a previous grad student who asked me to apply for a full-time teaching job at a technical school in a program he is the coordinator for. He is looking to find a replacement for his retirement in 5 or so years. Ya gotta be humbled when employers seek you out! The job will be posted this weekend. So I have some time left to think and pray.

Still working on completing my application packet for a grants research job that I am VERY interested in at one particular ORANGE college!!! That deadline is next Friday.

In the meantime, I have been informed of jobs that I will NOT be getting; others I applied for have closed their postings…so now I wait; and still others are not quite what I had expected.

The big family question is who gets the job first and go we move based on that job or hold out for the other person’s offer?????

I also found out that a dear friend form high school is not doing well. A very serious brain surgery just a few months ago must be performed in an emergency. She was misdiagnosed originally (not a tumor it was an aneurism) and the surgeon in Chicago (who saw the aneurism) was not able to remove it before because she was bleeding too much. So off she goes tomorrow to Chicago. I was with her in middle school when she had her first brain surgery. Crazy times! Wish I could be there with her to laugh at how the hospital gown is open in the back again. [please mention my friend Angela Dale in your prayers Tuesday May 16, her anniversary is this week also]

On a less intense note, I had a GREAT Mother’s Day weekend. Lots of outside time, walks in the park, bike rides, playground fun, long naps, and good food! It was very relaxing and rewarding. My children and husband are wonderful to me and are such blessings in my life!

We found a baby Catfish. How cool. I've never seen one this small!!!

Can you believe we live here?!?!?! This is the park we love in Vally Crucis.
We have successfully raised ONE of our 7 tadpoles! We released the first FULLY DEVELOPED FROG last night. Nicholas was great! He was so happy to be putting it back in its environment. What a treat to watch them throughout their transition into frogs. Thanks Adrian, the HUGE tank is wonderful. Lots of room for tadpoles, fish, and frogs! There are 6 more at all levels of development!
Dad has a Prius...did I show you that yet?

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FINISH STRONG

2006-05-06T21:02:00.000-04:00

Finish strong. That is what I told myself all the way through. Please share in my accomplishments with me!

I wanted them to play "Walk This Way" when I processed, no luck. None the less, I am shaking hands!
Me and my amazing support group!
My rock.
Pat, Dad, me, Mom, and Ray
On top of the world (or so it seems).
Me and the Department Chair, my buddy, Sid Connor!
The children made a sign to hold up so I could find them!

Thank you for coming Shirley. You are a very special lady!

the end is near

2006-05-04T00:27:00.000-04:00

I posted before but the server went out on me as I uploaded it so I lost about an hour worth of Blog work! Takes a while to upload these photos [but you have to see them!]

So, this weekend is Graduation! Amazing that it is already here. No job yet…but I am not worried TODAY! Yesterday, now that is a whole other issue! I’m looking forward to the festivities this weekend will hold for me. Dad and Pat will be here Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. Mom and Ray here Saturday am through Sunday am. And Phil will be here for Saturday (an up and back trip). I will miss my Meme and Papa, but understand their need to stay in Columbia.

Still chugging along at the Energy Center and trying to get some GA tasks completed as well. There is lots to do all the time!

The tadpoles have back legs and I have built them a “shore” in the aquarium. We’re all ready for them to crawl out! Nicholas thinks this is pretty cool. We look at them every day and the magnifying glass sits right beside the tank.

Nicholas’ behavior is tops! Amazing how he has matured this school year. Only 3 more weeks of Kindergarten, and I’ll have a first grader! Robin is her spunky self. It’s been a while since I shared a Robinism, so here goes: The item in this photo is referred to as a “Jelly Bean Car”. She wants a pink one.

I never told you all about Earth Day at ASU. Matt was haning out with Nicholas that day so we went for a walk all over campus. They LOVED the solar powered bubble machine…

the demolition of Broom Kirk gym (they were cheering for the machines as they ripped apart the brick and metal!)…

and the cigarette butt scavenger hunt where they got candy for picking up over 40 cigarette butts!!

BUT MOST OF ALL….they boys got to throw water balloons at people! I have no pictures as they were running so frantically to “get those girls over there!!!”

We went to Grandfather Mountain this weekend [the last of Watauga county residents’ “dollar days”]. We saw all the local animals, went for a short hike, walked across the swinging bridge (Robin loved it), and had a short picnic (the wind drove us away). We were one mile above sea level on Saturday, where were you?

Have you seen this picture of the boss?

Nicholas at the rock wall on campus!

Robin's dinner napkin doubles as a "graduation hat"...so apparently the previous post did work. I just never saw it until I posted this one. Weird?

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the climber!

2006-05-01T20:49:00.000-04:00

I took Nicholas to the new climbing wall here on campus in the new Student Recreation Center. It was LOTS of fun. He is generally very cautious in crowds and with new things. But he did VERY well. He played around on the bouldering wall for a while to get used to the process. We talked about etiquette and movement along the rock face. I climbed to the top of one run to show him what it's like [holy cow...can't believe I made it up there after all this time!!] then he took a turn on the big wall. Check out the fabulous form!

[bouldering here]

yes! this was an overhang...check him out!
My friends Adrian and Jess from the Ind. Technology graduate program.
Look at him get up OVER Adrian's head!!! [and Adrian is TALL]He LOVED it!!! I think it i sgoing to be a daily activity until we have to move!!!

We went to Grandfather Mountain this weekend. The last of the April “dollar days” for locals. It was pretty nice weather. We took a pic-nic lunch…but it was so cold in the wind up there…we finished it all in the car on the way home. By the time we got home both children were asleep! Here are some pictures…No more classes. This Saturday I “walk” with my cohort from the Department of Technology. I am excited that Dad and Pat and Mom and Ray will all be here along with my dear Rob, Nicholas, and Robin!

Still have the feelers out on some jobs. I’ve heard back form two that I am not being considered. We’re in the process of looking for housing here as I also continue to look for a place to work in the upstate of SC! Let me know if you hear of anything!

[there are so many more. I will post images from the campus Earth Day celebration next time!]

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just pacing the floor...

2006-04-27T21:39:00.000-04:00

Have I shown you this? It is my portfolio. In printed form it is 12x12 individual coverstock sheets all wrapped up in a cool “envelope” I made out of watercolor paper. Pretty sweet if you ask me. It was a class project for Electronic Prepress and has been AWESOME for job seeking! My professor was the BEST!!!! He is a graphic artist at Samaritan’s Purse. Too bad the job there didn’t work out for me.

Had a Pic Nic today for the residents of Mountaineer Apartments. It was nice. Catered by Backyard Burger….and free ta boot! I wish I took my camera. Nicholas had a blast hanging out with Sasha and “Eggs”. Sasha moves in a couple of weeks and Eggs just got his orders for the Army! We will be sure to get an address from him. I know Nicholas will like to keep in touch with him! How cool for him to know a Soldier!

No more classes! No exams! I’m just waiting around for feedback from the grad school on my Thesis and then Graduation on the 6^th! Were has the time gone?!?!?!?! Check out this picture of the children when we first moved here in August 2004! Robin was 14 months old! And Nicholas had JUST turned 4!

Saw Adam and Jess yesterday for lunch. That was nice. Adam, where’s the blog update with the picture? I was going to get a copy that way! (and how was Chad’s class?)

Well. Now that school is over, I don’t know what to do with myself. Last night I was pacing in the house. I wanted to do something that I wanted to do…but I couldn’t figure out what that was! It’s going to take a while to get used to this!!!

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the Founders Award

2006-04-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

The 2006 Sustainable Building Design Competition was held in Raleigh this weekend, at the NC Natural Museum of Science.

Here are some pictures of the children enjoying the museum:

There was a really neat butterfly sanctuary we could go in. They were all over the place! Nicholas dressed up like a yellow jecket in the museum's discovery room.Robin and the hissing cockroaches.

Nicholas and Robin learned all about things animals make. Here they're making a caddisfly.

Robin checking out a bullfrog. Did you know it takes 2 years for them to turn from tadpoles to bullfrogs?

Nicholas learned that salamanders and frogs both hatch into tadpoles and even biologists have a hard time telling them apart until the salamanders develop frilly "gills" behind the eyes.Daddy holds Robin up to see a beautiful green Pithon.
Nicholas didn't like the bottled water....AT ALL!

Now on to the competition:
Team 12 won the "Founders Award" for most innovative design and reveived $1000 for the team! Here is a list of the judges (for my dad):

Chris Benedict Architect, Chris Benedict, R.A, New York, N.Y.
Bob Calhoun Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys, Ramrod Key, Fla.
Brian Coble Director, Healthy Buildings Resource Center, Advanced Energy, Raleigh, N.C
Dan Estes President, Weaver Cooke Construction, Greensboro, N.C.
Rex Pace Universal Design Solutions, Raleigh, N.C
Sam Rashkin National Director, ENERGY STAR for Homes, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C.
Sharlyn Underwood Interior Designer, SmithLewis ARCHITECTURE, Roanoke, Va.

It sure was windy in Raleigh! (Adrian and Nicholas)Team XII sets up the display!

Here is the master team: Adrian, Walker, Beth, Matt, and Nikki
The finished display! Ready for the judges.

Charline: I don't have your email.

Easter fun

2006-04-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

So the semester is winding down and projects are finally being finished. I got 7 signature pages signed today for my Thesis. Whew! My newspaper project is due tomorrow with a group presentation. No worries. My team (Jess and Justin) ROCK!!!

We head to Raleigh this weekend for my design competition. Our team (Team 12) won the ASU competition, I'll have pictures soon!!! (Here's the book I designed for it!) So we’re off to Raleigh for the state competition. If we win there we go to Colorado in November to compete agian in the 2006 Greenbuild Conference. CRAZY!!! Many people think we have a good chance to win in Raleigh!

Nicholas and our RA Andrew. We know him as "Eggs"

So, Easter was great fun. Went to Momma El and Papa Ray's then off to Sammy and Melissa’s on Monday. Here are some pictures!

Robin dying Easter Eggs at Momma El'sNicholas dying Easter Eggs at Momma El's

Eating recently dyed eggs!
The Easter Bunny visits NicholasThe Easter Bunny visits RobinA hunt for eggs at Momma El's This is not what it looks like.
When one of them got an egg that was the favorite color of the other, they would share. Robin was putting orange eggs in his basket and taking a pink one. The Clemson Tiger was at the city-wide easter egg hunt in Walhalla!Daddy and Robin in the shade.Nicholas shares his eggs with a boy who had none.
(You trade the eggs in for items or food at the festival. It was all FREE!!!)
Carter!Raigan!

(thanks Raigan for the wonderful hand-me-downs for Robin. She LOVES them!)

Sable

2006-04-07T14:57:00.000-04:00

Erin and Nathan are taking such good care of Sable for us. I know it will be strange for all of us when we are ready to move and take her with us. They have loved her so much and it is obvious by her happiness there.

Busy here. Off to spend some time with Rob then to school for work on Adobe programs which I don't have.

Have a nice weekend!

school work for all!

2006-04-04T23:57:00.000-04:00

Here is a sample of Nicholas recent homework. We had to research trout. We looked on wikipedia for the information. He loved it. I read the article to him and he determined the answers!

Also, this week was report card week. Still improving!!! He wanted to go to Chick-Fill-A as a reward.

Will turn in my final "draft" of my thesis tomorrow before the "really-final-draft" goes to the Graduate school on the 12th! Still working on the book for our Sustainable Design Competition. I'll have to PDF a few pages when I get it done. It is NICE!!!

I have a meeting tomorrow with a new Graphic Arts faculty member to discuss potential employment opportunities in the Carolinas!

Rob is feeling puney now. This time change has got us all messed up!

Busy day tomorrow.

all better now

2006-04-02T23:46:00.000-04:00

B E A U T I F U L weather here in the mountains!!! It has been very nice to enjoy a lot of time outdoors this week.

I turn in my final Thesis on the 12^th so the last draft will go to (some of) my committee member(s) this coming week.

Need to spend more time looking for a job and finishing more school projects.

Here are a few fun spring pictures!

Chicken with Daddy's reomte control car...

that Robin is driving!

playing with a motion sensored video game (that was funny)
Right at Daddy's side!

more sickness...

2006-03-29T01:03:00.000-05:00

So Nicholas is MUCH better and now Robin is sick! She munched on dry Cheerios and Ginger ale all morning....between naps!

Spirit week at school: today was “Tacky Day’ for Nicholas. Yep…toe-socks and flip flops on the feet.

Making thesis revisions, working on a group paper on the lifecycle of newspaper, and need to get going on the book layout for the design competition. Not to mention job hunting!!!

Have a great day!

What a weekend!

2006-03-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

Rob went to Alabama for a conference (2^nd weekend in a row), and mom came to visit. It snowed ALL weekend! We ate at CiCi’s, ran all over the mall, went to Chick-Fil-A (with the only indoor playground in Boone), went to the doctor, and Wal-Mart....met Laurel, Matt, Joe and other campus friends, fed the ducks, had snow ball fights, discovered impetigo (poor Nicholas), spent Saturday evening throwing up (poor Nicholas again!), scrubbed carpet and couch cushions, fed the birds, washed a bunch of laundry, caught a water bug, and went to Sasha’s 5^th birthday party. I only have a few photos…

Fun times at CiCi's !

Daddy is the best in-door "jungle Rob"

Feeding the ducks on campus!

This one is not as friendly as it appears. It went straight for the bread all the time. Robin began throwing whole slices AT it, as she squealed!

Onlya few minutes later!!! (notice Momma El doesn't have a hat!)
...so we made her one!
...ahhh!!! Warmth!!!!
self-portrait at Chick-Fil-A

D...D...D...De-fence!

2006-03-19T22:49:00.000-05:00

My thesis defense is tomorrow at noon and I am scrambling for a few more ounces of motivation. That is one sure drawback to doing a thesis is the burn out and the lack of interest. But…this is one small step toward the end result…GRADUATION!

After this I still have a full agenda. Lots of work at the Energy Center and complete my GA hours for the semester; a group project in tec and culture on the lifecycle of newsprint (amazing what people use old newspapers for!); design a hardback book (contents and cover) for my design team by mid April; make graduation announcements; find a job and a place to live; and watch my children grow up before I miss it!

Just a note: Our friends Erin and Nathan lost their baby. In an effort to bring healing into their life, we bought them a holly tree. An evergreen symbolic of that precious life. When we delivered it they let us help them plant it then we stayed over for dinner. Later that night, Nicholas said to me “Mommy, I bet Nathan and Erin would rather have their baby than that tree we gave them”. The extremely tender heart of my rambunctious 5 year old.

Student of the week

2006-03-13T15:44:00.000-05:00

There is so much to talk about. I still have not posted some winter pictures. BUT…this is most important. Nicholas is student of the week at his school!!! We are all so proud of him. He got to chose a pencil or a free meal at CiCi’s. Holy cow! What do you think he chose?!?!?!?!We had a wonderful weekend playing at the park and going for walks. Here are some pictures!

Robin's feet in the sandboxNicholas and Robin (Cone Manor in the background)Nichoals and Robin at Bass Lake
My study area....the result!!!!
(tirned in my thesis Wednesday!!!)

I had tonsillitis and had to turn it in a few days late.
I defend it Monday!!! Then final revisions and all through!

Florida and back

2006-03-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

To catch you up on a week or so of my life.

We went to Florida the end of February to celebrate Clarence’s 60^th birthday and see Kathy and her family. It was nice visit, but too short, as always. Here is a family photo of everyone!!!

Donna and Johnny Massey, Linda Massey with Campbell Skelton on her lap, Walker and Rob Massey, then in front is Dan Skelton, Clarence Massey with Robin and Nicholas Massey on his lap, and then Kathy Skelton

Dad and Pate weren’t there. They were in TX at a conference with my coworker and supervisor from the Energy Center. Strange.

Home now and back into routine. My thesis is due to my committee on Monday. I had hoped to have the weekend to do a lot of work on it. That plan was tragically altered as I have an amazingly AWFUL case of tonsillitis (textbook...blisters and all)! I have spent more time horizontal today than vertical. But, feeling much better after the first round of antibiotic. I hope to get a lot accomplished while the family is at church and napping. Then more work to do in the evening after dinner. I’d really like to still turn it in on Monday. I want it out of my hands!!!

Oh…apparently when it’s a little cold in the evenings in Florida (like 59 degrees) this is how they interpret it.

last chance to give!!!

2006-02-19T20:40:00.000-05:00

Last chance to give to the fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Nicholas’ jump rope for the heart activities are this week during PE.

Here’s his web page if you haven’t given yet!!!!

In other news. Pastor Nathan and Erin announced that they’re going to have a baby in October!!! Yipeee! Congratulations to our wonderful friends!!!

My thesis is coming along well I suppose. Some days I feel totally ready, some days not so much!!! The final draft is due to my committee on the 6^th. Then I have my oral defense on the 20^th!! So far I’m on page 104. We’ll see how big this monster gets!!!

Hard to believe that in a little over a month I will virtually be finished with school. I have to get a few applications in for some positions at ASU this week. Still no word from Samaritan’s Purse, (where I’d really like to be). And the career fair is in March too. Too much too fast.

a pink card...What?

2006-02-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

Early one morning I am up with the children snuggling on the couch. Robin notices that I don’t have my glasses one so she asks, “Mommy, you don’t have you sun glasses on?” I explain that I do not sleep with my glasses on. After her questioning why, Nicholas responds quickly with “because they keep her eyes open all night long.”

Robin:

Toaster Strudel = “toastry” (with no attempt at Strudel)
Oatmeal = “oakmilk”

Everyone seems to be doing well. I am the latest patient with a cold and sinus issues, but noting that a lot of sleep wont fix. Heck, I want a lot of sleep all the time, what an I talking about?

Haven’t had time to clean off the camera. Lots of fun snow pictures on there from last weekend. I’ll have to get those posted soon.

Today Nicholas had to pull ALL of his cards at school and got in trouble on the buss for poking holes in the seats with a pen. After picking up Robin and Rob we were having this conversation in the car. It started with Nicholas telling daddy “I have some bad news Daddy”. After some explanation Robin chimes in “I didn’t have to pull my pink card today” [Robin has no card system]

P.S. here's Ray's Weather Trampoline Snow Contest Winners
Ninety people submitted answers in yesterday's contest. There are LOTS of budding scientist out there! The correct answers were:
Weight of the snow: 196 lbs
Many of you accurately computed the total volume of snow but used a snow-liquid ratio that was too low. The actual snow-liquid ration was between 16:1 and 15:1. The clue on this was that Sunday was very cold creating somewhat higher than normal snow-liquid ratio.
Time of Photo: 2:22 PM
Many of you guessed AM. The clue on this was snow on the tree truck in the photo. Sunday's winds were predominately from the west putting some snow on the west side of the tree trunk. From that you could have determined that the sun was in the west, thus afternoon.

Here is details form Dr. Tashakkori about how the answers were computed. Many thanks to him for providing the fun problem.

And the winners are (pause and drum rolll please):
Best Weight Estimate: A tie between Claxton Graham (192 lbs), Nathan Faulks (192 lbs), and Jonathan Trivette (199.9278 lbs) Best Time Estimate: Jonathan Loss (2:15 PM)
Best Overall Estimates (the smallest error total considering weight and time): Kim Greer (175 lbs and 2:30 PM)

Many thanks to everyone who submitted answers. This was a lot of fun. Hope you learned something. If it weren't so much work, we'd do it more often.

Ray's challenge

2006-02-15T22:43:00.000-05:00

Don't know how many of you saw this today...or how many of you care. BUT, here is today's photo and post from Ray's weather center...any takers?

We have not had a contest in ages, and I'm fearful of the amount of email I'm about to receive... but here we go. Students think that college professors just sit around all day thinking of mean things to assign; well, sometimes that's correct. In our faculty lounge Monday (Computer Science Dept. at ASU) Dr. Rahman Tashakkori (Dr. Jay Fenwick was chiming in too with this evil plot) and I decided that it was not good that students were out of school missing all the education they would have received otherwise. So the three of us decided you needed make-up homework.
Here's the challenge...

Below is a photo of the snow taken at Dr. Tashakkori's house Sunday February 12. There was about 4" of snow on the trampoline at the time. He wondered if the weight of the snow was over the advertised 250 lb weight limit for the trampoline. The trampoline is slightly over 14' in diameter. Your assignment is to answer two questions: 1) What is the weight of the snow on the trampoline? and Exactly when (time of day) was the photo taken?
Send your answers to ray@raysweather.com with the word "Contest" in the subject field. In the text of the email, put only the following information (in this order, each item on a seperate line):

Your name
Your email address
Your estimate of the snow's weight
Your estimate of the time of day

Don't send me email asking for more information--college professors are mean like that. I'll give a T-shirt to the persons who have the most accurate estimates. Children of ALL ages are eligible to win (even if you did not have to miss school Monday, you can call this "extra credit").

Yes, Dr. Tashakkori sampled the snow, melted it, weighed the water, and calculated the weight of the snow. College professors are like that sometimes! Many thanks to him for providing the problem.

Now, what are doing reading this... Go calculate!

Where will you be in 2012?

2006-02-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

It's kinda crazy and rather ambitious, none the less...look what I did today....

"Thank you for you interest in London 2012. If you are responding to a specific role as advertised on our website , thank you very much for your application. We will contact you if you are selected to go forward for interview. Further details regarding any future opportunities with London 2012 will be released via the website as they arise. In the meantime, please note that we will not be processing or retaining any speculative applications that we receive.

HR & Recruitment Team The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Limited. Thank you London, Thank you UK - London 2012"

hmmm....? Is it possible I will be here???

misc...

2006-02-13T23:24:00.000-05:00

Have to write while I’m thinking of it. Another Robin-ism: She has recently discovered an older video of children singing bible songs. One of them says, “I read about it in the book of Revelation, you read it too”. (“do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me….”) anyway, it’s a rather fast song and she LOVES it. She tries to sing it and it comes out “I read about it in the book-a-vation…you too”

I’m trying to get some of a paper written. Thankfully this will be that last one for a couple of weeks. YIPEE!!! I can really focus on my Thesis.

I got bored with writing Chapter 4 last night do I began tinkering with the Acknowledgements and Dedication pages. I don’t know... that may be tougher than any other part.

Finally, I’ve had a recommendation to move away from table salt and only use Kosher for cooking. I just might do that. I like the taste much better…and heck, I have about 5 pounds worth!!

please, no more salt...

2006-02-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

How many different kinds of Salt do you have in your house?

I have four different kinds of salt (inside my house).

There’s the obvious, table salt, used for….well you know.
Then there’s Kosher salt, recently purchased to make soft pretzels for the “tailgate” party with the Taylors. (by the way, I had to buy a HUGE box for topping just 6 pretzels!).
Next there’s Rock salt. Purchased for making home made ice cream. (E-mail me if you want a really cool recipe for making it with your children using a coffee can and a 5 gallon bucket!).
Finally, we have a few bags of Epsom salt, purchased for soaking body parts. Yeh..."gross"....I know.

That doesn’t account for the side-walk salt under the stairs outside (not to mention all over the sidewalk and parking lot….did you see Ray’s weather for this weekend!!!).

We have salt!

…then I have “salt-free” seasoning in my cabinets. I can’t even go there right now.

It’s been a crazy day! Among some other events, I had a job interview with ASU’s Webmaster’s office. (located in ITS). That went well. I am over educated and under qualified. (Yep …it can happen). So, we’ll see. There are lots more options on the horizon. I submitted an application to Samaritan’s Purse, BMW, Duke Energies, and Staples. This week I will get my act together to apply for another position at ASU in the College of Business.

I have to close with a Robin-ism.

When anyone goes anywhere in our family, Robin has to have a hug and kiss. Well, Rob had a fever a few days ago and told Robin to kiss on the cheek only (she demands, “no, kiss me on the lips”). Her reasoning is :”Daddy, your lips are sick?”

Check this out…

Nicholas, January 2005

...and January 2006

Robin, January 2005

...and January 2006

how do you let go?

2006-02-08T17:12:00.000-05:00

I have given away most of the children’s clothes and baby bottles, sold the smaller car seats, the walker, and bouncy seat. Nicholas sleeps in a double bed and Robin in a day-bed. Every transition made easily and naturally, with no hesitation…until today.

A friend is having a baby and I offered my child carriers….both of them. Robin can still fit in the backpack, but she’s to independent. So as I walked from my apartment to the Technology building carrying my items to a friend, I stopped a few to contemplate my decision, and I turned around a few more times to go back home.

This all took me by enormous surprise as I had not been emotional about anything child related in the past. Not their births, not their steps, teeth, potty training….(not that I shouldn’t have been…I’m just not used to having these emotions). So when I spent most of the day fighting the tears (even now) I feel like I should acknowledge my feelings as real, and more so natural!

I think this was a more substantial transition for me because I was very attached to the freedom that these products gave me in motherhood. From long wilderness walks, strolls to the mailbox, easier shopping, participation in fundraising events, and even lawn mowing…these wonderful inventions allowed me a certain freedom and encouraged fitness. In a weird way I feel like I have lost both while in school.

So in tribute to my children’s infant and toddler years and all of the adventure they shared with me, here are a few memories…(this is more for me than for you…sorry!)

Walkin around campus wiht Robin, August 2004

Weekend day hike with Nichlas and Robin, Fall 2003

Aquarium in Southport, NC summer 2003 (with Robin)

A wise woman (and mother of 2) has recently replied with the following advice:

Hang onto them…. It’s important to have some reminders, and this clearly meant something more to you than the other stuff you have already given away.

life is full of life

2006-02-05T22:54:00.000-05:00

Have to take a break from typing my cross-culture interview for Tec and Culture class to share some photos.

Well, tonight we had some new friends over for a “tailgate” party as Nicholas calls it. After being inspired by the Food Network this week. He asked to “have a tailgate”. So we invited the Taylors over (Chad, Jeriane, Matt, and Molly). Here are a few shots.

Everyone played together (Matt and Nicholas on the bed, Molly and Robin in the middle of the floor and Sasha in fronto of the window!)

Then the boys got too rowdy...So the girls played in the living room...
Everyone ate so nicely...do you really believe that!?!?
Nicholas and Matt...they like eachother a lot.

Almost as much as Robin and Molly!

Dad took the children to church today and I stayed home to work on my Thesis. After nap, not mine unfortunately, we went sledding. The snow was to fluffy to make a snowman but we tried. Some guy asked to take our pictures…hmm. Wonder who he was? Anyway, we had fun.

Now I know why Eskimos like to kiss so much!
This is what it look like when you would otherwise be runing away form the snowball.
Nicholas' Snow Angel...
Robin making a Snow Angel with Daddy.
The she got her first lesson in Snow Angels!
A whole family of Snow Angels...(from bottom) Robin, Mommy, Niicholas, and Daddy!

Earlier in the week, Robin decide to wear Nicholas Fantastic 4 boxers. How cute is she?!?! (Isn't this going to look great next to her wedding portrait one day!!!)

Still for Jump Rope

2006-01-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

Nicholas is still taking donations for the American Heart Association Jump Rope challenge. You can donate on line from his web site! Thanks to all who have given. If you’d like to give less than $25 you can make a check to the American Heart Association) and mail it to me.

Congratulations Brent and Laura Stainback.
Bryce James Stainback is absolutely beautiful!!

It was so windy today, I think I was airborne while trying to walk to work! The wind would sweep my feet away as I walked making one leg knock the other out. Luckily, it was coming from behind me. Those poor people walking against the wind. I’ll tell you what, I got an education on popular terminology while among intense and uncomfortable situations!

Also, I’m in the process of applying for a job at Samaritan’s Purse.

Jump Rope for a cause

2006-01-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

I am raising money for the American Heart Association (AHA) by jumping rope in P.E. class. The AHA has made it easy for friends and family far away to contribute. Here is my personal web page....

Nicholas' donation page

Thank you for considering a donation.
Nicholas

This is a somewhat special fundraiser for Nicholas because he's seen me check my pacemaker over the phone and knows my heart is "broken". He also has a minor heart abnormality himself. And while neither one of our problems are specific to the AHA's work with vessels and disease (ours are electrical problems), he expressed a compassion to this cause.

Today was the 100th day of school at Nicholas' school. Here is a book he created along that theme...

a busy life...

2006-01-22T22:41:00.000-05:00

We had a great time with the Taylor family Friday evening. So much so we didn’t take Nicholas home. Yep! His first sleep over (excluding the time he stayed with “the boys” the night Robin was born. He had a blast. Rob picked him up at 11 am on Saturday and after lunch he took a 3 hour nap!! It was Robin’s first night without her brother…ever…and she did very well. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we left their home at 9 pm (1.5 hours past her bedtime). All 4 children had played so much, they all passed out!

Yea…and no pictures. I left he camera in the car. We were too busy talking and laughing to think of photos. I will try next time though because they are so cute together!

Been job hunting tonight. I have decided that I want someone I know to call someone they know and voila!....I land the perfect job! But, since that will not happen, I will continue the pursuit.

My thesis is coming together. I hope to knock out a big portion (that being all) of the standards by the end of February…that will give me all of March to write and then early April to get some good proofers and make final revisions. Defense will be the second week in April then it’s smooth sailing until May 6^th!

My friend Angel has come through her major surgery well. I need to call her! Love you Teddy Bear and hope you are back on your feet soon! Glad to hear there was no tumor!!!

second nine weeks

2006-01-19T22:10:00.000-05:00

Nicholas brought home his second report card today. We are SO proud of him!!! The first 9 weeks he has really struggled with social skills. In fact, most areas of record involving social skills were scored at unsatisfactory (U). ALL OF THEM have gone up to a Needs Improvement (N) this term. The only two scores to go down were Music class (which I’m sure is directly related to social skills) and homework. It was a very difficult semester for all of us in the Fall. It’s a wonder we helped Nicholas with ANY of his homework!!! We will do better this semester. He does seem to have a good understanding of the need for homework and enjoys the activity (mostly because it involves individual attention from mom or dad.

Off to Matt and Molly’s house Friday evening to have dinner with their family. Their mom, Jerryann, is a new faculty member in the tec department. What a wonderful match to have children the same ages and a couple that you can become friends with.

Robin just loves Molly. Today when she left her classroom, she yelled, “Bye Molly! Hugs and kisses” Molly came over and they kissed then gave hugs and went their separate ways. Very precious. I’ll try to have pictures tomorrow!

Also, Matt’s mom is picking up Matt and Nicholas form school tomorrow. So Nicholas will play at Matt’s house until we get there. What a treat!!!!

Until next time…. Here is the infamous report card! (you may need to click on it to enlarge it)

our EdVentures

2006-01-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

Some highlights from our trip to Columbia this past weekend. (Not in chronological order!)

We had a wonderful visit with my paternal grandparents. Who despite physical limitations and discomforts opened their home to my rowdy bunch, fed, loved, and educated us! I love you very much and am thankful for the time we can share together. My children love you both so much. Papa, you have made a very special buddy! (looks like you kinda like him too)

Meme and Papa with the children.

Meme had some time to love on RobinPapa taught Nicholas all about his grandfathers' surgical toolsLoads of fun and even more spoilage at Phil and Ken's home!!!

Root beer floats late at night (who is the kid here, Nicholas or Ken?)Olives are a great snack...especially if you get to eat the whole can and play with your food...

After a quick stop to the baby furnture store, we spent all morning Saturday at EdVenture in Columbia SC.

Meet Ed (a 3 story tall educational indoor jungle gym)...This is Ed's stomach,his heartand his face and brain,Other activities at EdVenture are the barn yard...
A life sized Operation game (Nicholas did not make the buzzer go off at all)A wonderful outdoor play center providing education on renewable energy, this feature was all about Methane cleverly titled "Garbology"A trip to the dentist calls for a look at x-Rays, tooth identification, and a cleaning of course!and the grocery store sponsored by Pigly Wigly...
Back at home Robin takes a morning peek at the ducks on the lake
a nice snuggle with Jackson, the fuzziest dog ever (my brother, Phil, and Robin)
We played lots and lots of Candy Land (actually, started a lot of games)
Robin did not hold back in sharing her "book-of-facts" with my brother Phil...
Ken loves on Robin over and over again...
Jackson patiently awaits his turn to seek the hidden toy (he finds it every time)...
only this picture can explain how much fun it was to visit Phil and Ken in Columbia this past weekend.
Thanks Guys!!!

(I have not done ANY homework for the past hour....must get busy!)

growing crystals

2006-01-11T20:33:00.000-05:00

Uncle Dan and Aunt Kathy gave Nicholas a really neat crystal growing kit for Christmas. The mixture has been on the rock for about 24 hours and already crystals are growing. Here’s a shot of the progress so far…

Do you see the little parts sticking out on the rock?? Can’t wait to see what kind of crystals are there after we return from Columbia.

Nicholas got his first phone number today. One of the girls in his class gave it to him. She wants him to come over sometime.

Today was my first day to spend on my thesis. I may have to come up with a new routine. Because after getting Nicholas up and on the bus. I laid down for a little bit. Yea…turned out to be a couple of hours. I still accomplished a lot. Nonetheless, I will need to come up with some kind of post bus stop game plan.

Tomorrow night I have my first class meeting of my only class this semester. I don’t look forward to the LOTS of reading I keep hearing about. But I really enjoy and respect the professor so I look forward to more interaction with her and my peers.

Remember this little guy...Now he's getting girls' numbers.

the tallented ones

2006-01-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

Here is a copy of the class work Nicholas brought home from school today…

Also, a drawing from Robin. It is a snow storm…

a fishy update

2006-01-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

Another new fish…

I found out that on a one gallon tank, you should not have a light. The only fish you should put in there is a Beta and the bulb puts off so much heat it gets the water too hot. Yep…I cooked the other 2 fish!!! NASTY!!!

Nicholas spent the day with his new buddy Matt…

They played inside a while, then palayed cowboys and indians outside with cap guns, we went to the pet store, the Tot Lot, and McDonalds before handing them both off to Matt’s mom for her afternoon shift. It really worked out well. I’m sure they’ll spend a lot of snow days (no-school) together. Matt is in 1^st grade and his younger sister, Molly, is on Robin’s class. We look forward to babysitting-trade-off with that couple!!!!

oh...just stuff

2006-01-08T22:22:00.000-05:00

Today at church we were given a photo. I knew that we would have to frame or laminate the thing ASAP to preserve it’s life. Nicholas carried it all over the church. When we got home I placed it beside his bed. Several times before bedtime I RE-placed the photo beside his bed (as it had been carried all over). I just went in to check on Nicholas and this is what I saw…If you look close under his left arm there is this…Please allow me to introduce you to the infamous “boys”. These 4 boys are Nicholas’ heroes (second…third, fourth, and fifth only to daddy). They are excellent role models and I could not have chosen anyone(s) better for him to want to become. They are so good to him. The oldest is fabulous at tolerating Nicholas’ groping. Nicholas loves him so much... to the point that he hangs all over him, holds his hand, sits in his lap…you name it!!! He is a very tolerant and understanding 15 year old!!

That brings me to the fish….fish # 2 is not doing well either. If he makes it until tomorrow, we will be making another trip to the pet store. At this time I am unsure if I will return with another. What is a mother to do? I asked the “fish man” all sorts of questions. And everyone I know says they can’t kill a Beta if they TRY!!! The boys actually left one in the garage for 3 months and it survived….uncared for!!

On a lighter note…we have a new vehicle. When I say new I do mean new!! We are thrilled!!! It is a long story but basically we were going to have to put about $1000 of repairs into a van we paid $2400 for and it didn’t make sense. Axel, barring, engine mount…..whose to say something else wont break in 3 more months. We got a good deal on the van and will have payments just at $300/month. She doesn’t have name yet, but let me introduce our new addition…

It’s an 2005 Honda, Element! We bought it with 8 miles on the odometer!!! I can not begin to express the peace I have about this purchase and the comfort I have knowing that my family is safe driving it and we have a warrantee!!! A lot of people think they look very silly. But 2 things… 1. when you see the space and materials of the inside you wont laugh, and 2. when you’re inside, you don’t see how silly it looks. If people point and smile at me I’ll just smile and wave back. Besides, they see me….not my silly orange car. (Which I think looks VERY cool by the way!!!

Our trip to Columbia was cancelled due to vehicle problems. Needless to say that is back on for this coming weekend.

The public school system decided to NOT have school tomorrow to provide a teacher workday missed from December snow. So, now he WILL have school next Monday (MT. Luther King holiday).

Tomorrow is the first day back to school for my final semester. And as you may have concluded from the previous statement, I will be home with Nicholas. I only have one class this semester and it is Thursday evenings.

3 out of 5 members of our design team met this afternoon. I am really looking forward to this project. I know I will learn A LOT about sustainable building and non profit construction work!!! You know I ill keep you posted.

Speaking of posted. I have an update in the M30 stuff I tried on Nicholas’ new t-shirt. The cherry and dirt came out with no problem. The blood, however, is a nice brown spot down the front of the shirt! There may have been different results had we done laundry immediately. But it wasn’t feasible to run straight over to the laundry mat just then!
Appointment tomorrow with Career Development to work on my resume and begin the job search.

Some random photos...

Fun with Legos

Family game time playing Kerplunk (Robin calls it "The Plunk"). There are 3 different colors of sticks and the pink are Robins!!!! The idea is to pull a stick so that no marbles fall . None the less, Robin is thrilled to get the marbles!!Nicholas and I had to go through the car wash without Robin (She's very afraid of it!). The van was nasty with salt and sand from a recent snow. As we waited our turn, I snapped this one of Nicholas (interesting light I thought!).

M30 and campus police

2006-01-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

A very busy day.

I made lots of appointments for next week and ran lots of errands.

Nicholas’ new fish died…

We got it from Wal-mart and it apparently had a fungus or something that we had not noticed. Rather than returning it we bought a new one (also named Sloan) from a pet store...(and I'm getting better with the new camera)

Nicholas got another green card today!!!

We expect snow tonight and tomorrow…probably no school for Nicholas.

I found these great childrens cough drops called…uhh…I don’t know the official name but the mascot is “Runny Rhino” They are lolly pops!! What a wonderful concept. We call them “cough pops”. If you have little ones who can’t have real cough drops you should look into them! They seem to work well for decongestion and cough.

When Rob got home we all went outside for a little RC truck racing and playing…Then realized that no one brought keys…and it was cold outside.(awwww....)

I used a neighbor phone to call campus police to let us in and another neighbor welcomed us in her home to stay warm (Tatiana and 4 year old Sasha).We went to eat Mexican as it was not 6:45 and no dinner…or as the children say “we went to Mexico”.

Nicholas got a bloody nose as we walked into the warm restaurant form the cold air. After that and the cherry on his flan his shirt got a bit dirty…Hopefully the new gel goop (M30) mom got me for Christmas will work miracles. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Bedtime was an ordeal as Robin had to get all dressed up in her new slippers and pajamas…Off to Columbia to visit Phil, Ken, Meme and Papa this weekend!!! I’m sure I’ll have pictures.

School starts next week and I am certain to be VERY busy!!!

nope!

2006-01-05T15:56:00.000-05:00

Nope! Not that easy! The following night she cried and cried for her passy. When we talked to her about her offer to put it away she said, "but I want it tonight".

Here's a picture of Robin that Rob took with the new camera.

And one I took of Nicholas (not a great picture...but we're having fun learning).

Nicholas got a new fish form Nana and Poppa. He named it Sloan (after the boys). Unfortunately, Sloan was sick when we bought him and did not make it, despite my efforts. So, there si a new Sloan in the house. He's real pretty. I'll get a picture soon.

One more day and he'll have a full week of green cards. That is, of course, if there is school tomorrow?!?!? See for yourself at Ray's Weather.

This is a fun link.... don't click. It is a research project about mouse clicking. I think it's pretty cool. Check it out and try your hardest not to click. If you do well not clicking, click for the heck of it and watch what happens.

I’ve been asked to be on a Sustainable Housing Design Competition team. There are 3 people on the team…2 designers/draftsmen/architects and me! My main purpose is to generate printed marketing materials and the project display. I am excited about the opportunity. Will post later about whether I accept the invitation or not (there are some requirements that I’m not sure I can meet).

is it that easy?

2006-01-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

Robin has been sick since New Years. This evening she has been coughing so badly she’s gagging. I got her up and she sat on the couch with me. She was having raisins and OJ as she watched football. (Florida State is losing)

When she was off to bed (again) we had a little talk about her passy. Daddy told her that babies use one and that she is a big girl. I told her that she could have it tonight but that soon we’d have to pack it up and put it away. Since she only has it in her bed at home (and none at childcare), we have not pressured the issue with her. After hugging daddy goodnight again, she said “You want this?” and gave me her passy. I said “What should I do with it?” and she told me “put it away.” With that she was off to bed. I’m sure she’s asleep by now and there have been no little cries for “my passy!” Surely it can’t be that easy!?!?!?!?!

Nicholas got a new fish today. It's a Male Beta. It's really colorful (blue, red, green...) and seems happy in his new home.

We got a new camera and we love it (just have to figure out the red eye)!! Look forward to LOTS more pictures (and videos!). They are growing SO fast, I hate to miss a single step! The images are so big on this camera that I can't seem to get them to post. I will work on it....promise!

Happy New Year to all!!!

Lots to share

2005-12-27T00:26:00.000-05:00

I found a trick to an early slumber for Nicholas on Christmas eve….tickle his tummy for about a half an hour. He was OUT COLD!!! Santa was very busy setting up little army men in a village of large tanks, air boats, and helicopters…then removing annoying twist ties from packaging after packaging. In the end there was a large wooden puzzle, a soft pink husband, a pink umbrella, lots of army men, 2 pair of cowboy boots, a purple light saber for Robin, and stockings FULL of goodies!!!

The agenda of wake up, stockings, breakfast, church, lunch, naps, then gifts was shot out of the water…but well worth it. Gift opening was a whirlwind. Robin kept “finding” them all over the loivingroom floor and opening them for you then proclaim “look what you got!”

Church on Jesus’ birthday was nice. A wonderful time of singing and reading of the Christmas story.

Then off to the New China House for lunch along with a lot of other Boonies (and many Florida implants hoping for a white Christmas).

Naps for most and dinner cooking for me!!! I made my first apple pie completely from scratch. I skimped on the stuffing (boxed) but everything else was scratch!!! The 13 pound turkey was very juicy, although it appeared a little over cooked. We were all able to sit around the little table for all meals which was very nice.

We woke to a white Christmas-gift-return day and headed off to K-Mart and outlet malls for returns and Christmas item sales.

In short, it goes like this:

Everyone played with Play Doh...

Nicholas loved his remote control car…Nicholas knew exactly what this was and Robin had no idea...Cindy Lu Who was thrilled with the entire concept of Christmas (not to mention all of the pink she got) and kept wishing everyone “Merry Christmas” all day…Nicholas had lots of "Grandpa time"...Robin has a new buddy...Can you guess Robin's 2 favorite gifts...Our digital camera was giving me fits with the focus...Imelda herslef may not have been as thrilled as Robin to have been given such lovely shoes at the bowling alley... Check out this form (just don't look at the air between the ball and floor)...Santa's elves double in the off season as bowling ball return caddies...Thanks to all who showed their love through giving this year. We missed so many of our family but were very happy to have Grandma and Grandpa visit for the weekend. Drive safe tomorrow and enjoy the 80 degree weather.(Thanks for tolerating the 25 degrees plus wind chill you had here this Christmas!)

Lasagna!

2005-12-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa will be here tonight. Nicholas helped me make lasagna for dinner. I don’t know which he liked more mixing up the cheese or “playing” with th e noodles.

A very bust week

2005-12-21T23:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I could go on and on about this past weeks events in the gift giving area. But it has turned out to be a bit more emotional than I had expected and I was VERY involved in the giving. I feel like I should not post here. Just know that everything went very well. If you want me to email you about it I will be happy to ...just bounce me a request at my email.

In other news…

Nicholas had his school Christmas concert:Robin had her school concert:Nicholas wrote a letter to Santa and received one back:Robin made this beautiful wreath:

Grandma and Grandpa are coming Friday, it’s Christmas in a few days, and I get to cook Christmas dinner in my home. (You know that means I get left over turkey!!!)

I have had nice time to relax and recoup for the Spring semester. I should spend a little more time on my resume and job hunting. I thought I’d have SOOOO much time, but it’s not looking that way.

I look forward to posting Christmas pictures and then New Year pictures with Momma El! This is a big one. Both children still believe in Santa and are very excited!!! I plan to video their reaction to the stockings when I go “turn on the tree” before everyone goes in there. Wish we had a digital video!!

C H A M P I O N S !!!!!

2005-12-16T23:53:00.000-05:00

Did you see that game? If not you missed out BIG TIME!!! How exciting. The first time in MANY years that ANY areas of Mountaineer athletics has won a National Championship title!!! Way to go…all of you!

Go App!!

2005-12-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

I scared Robin this afternoon when I was yelling at the TV in support of ASU’s final touchdown against Furman! She’s never seen me get excited like that…not to mention she was in her own world and all of a sudden mommy starts jumping all over!!!

So, ASU is going to the National Championship game in Chattanooga this coming weekend. You can read all about it here…ESPN or goASU.com or ASU!!

(image from ESPN)

After the game fans (AKA students) rushed the field, immediately removed the goal post. Rob and I speculated that it would be tossed in the duck pond so we asked Nicholas and Robin in they wanted to go for a walk to see where they carried the goal post. When Nicholas put it all together he realized that there would be a lot of screaming, crazy people on campus and pleaded not to go!!! Soon after, an image appeared on ASU’s home page that provided the evidence. (Keep hitting re-load until the image appears, there are about 5 random photos).

So, in a new movie with Adam Sandler, The Longest Yard, he mentions something about a lowly team like Appalachian state who never wins. With this, our Chancellor invited Adam Sandler to an ASU home game to learn the truth...here's a couple of articles about that...ASU and USA Today. It'd be pretty cool if he cam to Chattanooga!! (I know... I know, it was all in fun)

The Energy Star conference in Raleigh went well on Thursday. I roped home form there with Dad and Pat who stayed in Boone for 2 VERY COLD days. It was nice to spend some time with them. However, I had to go to school 3 hours one day and then they babysat for us that evening. So, my time with them was limited, but they seemed to enjoy the children!

I have to turn a paper in on Monday and I am officially finished for the semester! Don’t know why I’m not proofing that once more instead of writing this!!!

So, when Dad and Pat babysat for us we went to the movies to see The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Outstanding! Amazing animation and acting, the sets and locations were phenomenal (New Zealand of course). The battle scene and fictitious characters rival The Lord of the Rings! Most importantly however, was the story line and how it tells the truth of Christ. Here is a review by Plugged in! (I got the link from Focus on the Family). Go see it!!!

Oh and Nicholas did not get a Green card on Thursday to make 2 straight weeks of green cards. He was talking too much again. I explained to Dad and at however, that it is completely opposite of the "talking too much" that I used to get in trouble for all the time in elementary school! Nicholas answers all of the questions and "helps" the other children with their work. This disturbs the other students and makes it difficult for them to learn. If he's going to "talk too much" I'd much prefer it's for something like that!! So here we go, all over again from day one!

GREEN CARDS everywhere...

2005-12-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

The proof is in the pudding (not really sure what that means). But what I do know is that there is one boy in my house who is behaving VERY well…at home and school. (Not to say that the bigger one isn’t…have to clear that up!)

ONE more green card and Nicholas gets a Rescue Heroes movie and action figure form Momma El!!! Then 5 more days (3 weeks) and he gets a trip to Hickory Dickory Doc!!!

Last (minor) presentation tonight and a MAJOR paper due the 12th and I am DONE!!! Just 6 credit hours next semester and I graduate in May!!!!

Hopefully we can put up our Christmas tree tonight!!

Off to the Energy Star Conference tomorrow evening.

CiCi's, foam soap, and m&ms

2005-12-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

We had a blast! Nicholas got a whole week of green cards, plus 2 days last week. That’s 7 straight!!! I can not tell you how proud we are of him. Mom, dad, his teachers….basically anyone I tell…which is everyone.

Rob’s co-worker Ms. Shirley (who rides Nicholas’ scooter with him in the back hall of the advising center, cause it has a cool ramp!!) gave him an m&m dispenser! It’s real neat. She says she’ll give him a bag of m&m’s each time he gets a full week of green.

So, anyway, we went to CiCi’s for dinner (that’s what he chose). We all ate LOTS of pizza, salad, breadsticks, and cinnamon rolls!!! He took his quarters (a daily reward for green cards) and had a blast in the game room with daddy. Then we went to Big Lots and he bought some foaming bath soap. One for him and one for Robin…..

Our neighbor’s son just got here from Russia, Sasha. He is the cutest 4 year old. HE doesn’t speak any English yet, but they seem to have a universal language. Sasha showed up the first day at our door with a HUGE Batman figure. It was instant non-verbal communication! Nicholas has to go to Sasha’s house so his mommy can translate. Nicholas thinks it’s a little weird, but I am excited that he is being exposed to another culture. Hopefully I will have pictures soon. (Nicholas called him Sausage by accident...OOPS!!)

Nicholas just walked in. He’s having trouble sleeping. Say’s he afraid he’ll have nightmares. Anyway, he must have heard me typing. He said “Mommy, wouldn’t it be cool if we had a computer that already knew what you wanted to do and it did it for you?” Maybe he will invent that one day!!!

Robin was playing on the computer with me. We found a coloring page at Hasbro’s Candy Land. The I happened upon m&m’s web site (since Robin loves chocolate so much) and I found these screensavers. I downloaded the ski slope!! Also, check this out…you can have custom printed m&m’s. Wouldn’t this be cool as a wedding favor…baby announcement…birthday greeting…marriage proposal…store promotion item…WHATEVER!!! I think it’s a GREAT idea!

Back to my research paper.