Funk

I've been in a funk this week. Not sure if it's because all my travels are over and life is back to normal or if the book I'm reading is getting to me or life is just...life. I guess it doesn't matter but it'd be nice to get out of The Funk I'm in. On Tuesday Rob found out he didn't get the management position he interviewed for because of politics in the company. We were both bummed about that. Then he had his court case and won that...something we were excited about. I thought it meant he'd be home this Summer recouping from surgery but he's postponing surgery and will be gone for several months...just like last Summer. Fabulous!

One of my favorite books is "Alexander and Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day". My mom and I'll call each other once in awhile and say we're moving to Australia. Just like the kid in the book, that means we've had our fill and want to get away from everything. This morning I thought I'd be moving to Australia. Ruby woke P up an hour earlier than usual. Then when I went to get him out of his crib he had filled his diaper...then proceeded to put BOTH hands down his diaper. To say it was a mess is an understatement. From there it was just downhill! P screamed from the time he finished breakfast until the moment we got in the car because Ruby was bugging him. Then he clung to me and started screaming again once I took him to school. I almost got rear-ended on my way to school (It was within inches I'm sure) and I was running late as it was. By the time I got to school I was spent. BUT, once I got to the comfort of my classroom the day got much better. The kids appeared, we had fun working on projects and the rest, as they say, is history! Hopefully tomorrow will be the "magic day" to get me out of The Funk and life will be a bed of roses once again.

On Top of It

This past month has been fun but I sure am paying the price for it. I like to think of myself as an organized person, on top of it, but lately I can't seem to get it together. It started last week when I donated a dozen eggs to P's egg hunt. I was proud of myself for remembering. It didn't dawn on me until this weekend that I never hard boiled the eggs! I can only imagine what his teachers think of me. The worst thing I forgot to do was renew my teaching credential after getting a notice about it back in February. Actually I didn't forget. I had taken the test and thought I had mailed in the renewal application. So I was quite surprised when my principal called me into her office on Friday to explain I was teaching with an expired license. I thought it was an oversight on HR's part but, alas, it was an oversight on my end. I rectified the problem today...or so I hope. To top it off, the house has been in constant disarray and other things have slipped by me this month. Birthdays, Easter cards and an Easter basket for Rob. Now that I'm back to work I hope I can get back on my game with being organized because I can't keep going on like this. Sigh.......

Happy Easter!

Today is a day to celebrate that Jesus is risen! He died for my sins, something I don't take for granted. But growing up, my parents also made it such a fun filled family day. We dyed eggs, did an egg hunt and had huge Easter baskets. Then we'd have a nice family dinner after church. These are traditions that have been important to me, something I'd like to carry on with our children. So far we're doing good on keeping up the traditions. P participated in 3, yes 3, egg hunts. We also dyed eggs when we were in MS. Today the Easter bunny brought him a small basket with a fire truck and lots of treat filled eggs. After a big breakfast, we went to church as a family. The service was beautiful and I'm so glad we were able to go as a family. Once we got home the boys took naps and I read then we enjoyed a big ham dinner. Although the wind was blowing, we went outside for a couple hours. P and I dug up weeds and Rob practiced his golf swing. When the neighbor kids came out P was invited to jump on their trampoline, which he loved! Despite a few glitches, all in all, it's been a really good day!

Saturated Saturday

Although it's been gloomy outside, it's been a rather fun family day! We started the morning with a big family breakfast (the breakfast was big, not the family). Then we bundled up and went down the hill in search of an Easter egg hunt. We found one- all the way across town! Since I am not a pro Easter Egg Hunter anymore, I am naive as to what constitutes a good one. But, I figure if P is happy and ends with a lot of eggs in his basket, then it's good. So, as far as I'm concerned, it was a really good egg hunt. The Easter bunny came in on a firetruck and after the hunt we got to visit animals that were on the property. Once we got home P napped and I went back down the hill to run errands and get a pedi. It's been a couple months since I've splurged on a pedi and, being a pro on pedis, I have to say it was one of the worst ones I've had. The leg massage hurt even though I asked the guy to lay off a bit and the foot water was cold. The nail polish wasn't applied evenly so it looks funky. But my feet are smoother and that's what matters. When I got home, Rob left to go play a round of golf. He's getting better and better every time, making me not want to play golf with him anymore.(HA!) I've decided to boycott this rainy/snowy weather, so once he got home we BBQ'd shish kabobs and had a summer type feast! Rob gave P a bath and I helped the Easter bunny in getting his basket ready for tomorrow.


I can't figure out where to put this part in so it's its own post within this blog. Last year we decided to try our best to give P a sibling. Unfortunately, we have yet to accomplish our goal. However, I realized today, that if we can't make it happen then Ruby makes a good sibling. P and Ruby love and fight just like siblings. They frequently play together and get into trouble together. But they also get on each other's nerves. Every time P has had a snack in his hands today, Ruby has tried to snatch it. A couple times she's been successful and P's run to me, crying. He's mastered, "No No Doggy!" so I've heard that phrase more times than I can count today! So, as much as I'd like to be blessed with a 2nd child, if it's not meant to be then P already has a 4 legged sister that's about his age, one that will continue to keep him company and us entertained.

The Sultry South

Boy, this has been a busy month! With 3 weeks off I thought I'd have plenty of time to get a lot of house projects done.....WRONG! But, I wouldn't have it any other way. I got to travel quite a bit and spend time with people I don't see too often. I ended my time off with a long weekend trip to see family in MS. Just between you and me, I was dreading it because of the humidity and warm weather "wildlife". However, it was hands down the best trip I've ever taken there! We got there last Thursday and, of course, it wouldn't be a trip to MS without a few minutes in the closet, "hiding" from a possible tornado. Other than that, the weather was perfect! It was nice being able to go for a run in the morning and sit on the porch at night.

We packed A LOT into the trip, which is my idea of a great vacation. We started out by going to Mudbugs for crawfish. Let me rephrase that. The guys ate crawfish. I ate a grilled cheese sandwich. After the multiple tornado watches, we went golfing with some of Rob's friends on Friday evening. Then we topped off the night with a houseful of friends over for dinner.
Saturday we got up, left P with Mom and Dad Herrington and took off kayaking. I have to admit that I was nervous about rafting due to water snakes. I was worried that I'd fall out of my kayak and have to wrestle a water moccasin. It didn't help that the water was up 8 inches due to Friday's storms. However, my fears quickly disappeared when we passed a sign that said Okatoma CREEK. I figured I could stay in my kayak on a creek, which I did with no problem. It was a fun day, but I ended up getting a SEVERE sunburn on my legs despite putting 50spf on twice. (I'm still burned a week later!). Sunday Rob, Jay and I got up before the sun to make a day trip to Talladega. I was more excited about people watching and the whole "event" more than the race. I was disappointed with that part of Dega but the race itself was like no other. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to go back to that track for another nail biter race!
While we were at Dega Mom and Dad Herrington spoiled P. They took him to pizza, to the zoo and topped it off with Dairy Queen. I doubt he missed us but we sure missed him, after being gone from him for almost 2 days. Monday we decided to stick close to home so we could enjoy family time. We tried to help around the house and then went to visit Dad at work.
Mom and Rob were able to enjoy an afternoon of golf while I hung out with P. That evening P got to enjoy a VIP egg hunt. All the eggs were just for him so he had no competition and he was thrilled to discover that each egg was filled with a toy car!
Monday night I talked Rob and Jay into taking me gator hunting. I was more than a little nervous at first but Rob kept reassuring me that he wouldn't do anything that would harm me. I finally relaxed, more because we never caught a gator than because of Rob's words of comfort. Tuesday we packed up, but weren't ready to say our goodbyes. We had had such a fun trip that we wanted to stay longer. I have wondered on several occasions why anyone would want to live in MS, but this time I finally understood the reasons.
I got to see different parts of MS and realized that, other than the brown water, it is beautiful. But, I digress. We said our goodbyes and boarded the plane to come back home.

Little did we realize that we were about to be on a travel nightmare. We were in the air when the pilot came on the speaker to inform us we'd be diverting because of storms in Dallas. We were taken to what I'm sure is the smallest airport in the US, as were several other planes. We then had to sit there for a few hours, uncertain as to our final destination. Thank goodness for FB and thoughtful friends we were able to get a last minute flight back to MS since our flight to Reno had been cancelled. So, long story short, we got to spend another night and day in MS. We flew out Wednesday, and after a delay and luggage issues, we got home. Rob and I both had to work yesterday and we were BEYOND exhausted by the time we crawled into bed last night. Other than our flight we had the perfect vacation, a wonderful way to end a great 3 weeks off.

steppin' out

this morning when i woke up, i proceeded to don khaki slacks, dress shoes, blue button up shirt, and belt. after feeling like a duck out of water i then began my commute to the office building where an interrogation was about to begin with me as the guest of honor. the interview time was at 8 am so i got there around 7:45 with several copies of my resume' in hand to give out to the interrogators, i mean interviewers. finally at 8 am i was called into this really small room with a table surrounded by chairs. with a gut full of butterflies i took the seat front and center. i could feel my heart pounding in my throat and was wondering if puking during an interview would be a bad thing. well, the first question began and for whatever reason the nerves went away and i took off. i absolutely at my most uncomfortable worst during interviews. however, halfway through it, i started to actually enjoy it. i realized that i was prepared and there wasnt anything they could ask me that could rattle me. it lasted about an hour. when i walked out, i felt the best ive ever felt about an interview. my thoughts were, "how could they not hire me?" no matter how it turns out, i know i gave it 100% and i left it all on the table for them to decide. if i dont get the job, ill be able to tip my hat to the person that does get it and be able to do it with peace in my heart because i know i did my best. thy will be done. i know that without the help of my wife helping me practice with the interview, dressing me, and my supervisor giving me the material to study, it would have been a disaster. the whole purpose for me applying for the safety job is so that i can have some normality with my family. ill be home every night, work 7-4 monday-friday and have every weekend off. also, our safety program is the worst ive ever seen in any place ive ever worked and i honestly feel that with my experience i can turn that around. we shall see. thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers

World Traveler

I feel like P and I have become quite the world travelers even if our "world" only includes traveling to one state. We were in Sacto for a few days. Then came home long enough to regroup before heading to SD. We went down there to visit family and friends and enjoy the So Cal sunshine (which was hiding for most of the time we were there). To me, the vacation was busy yet relaxing. We fit fun sight seeing into every day but also had time to relax due to P's naps and early bed time. I got to spend lots of time with my parents, brother and sister in law. We got spoiled beyond belief and ate some great food. I also got to see a few close friends that I hadn't seen in awhile, which is always a plus. It was a fun trip full of lots of fun memories. Here are a few pics from it....

New Season

When I married Rob I knew he was a lineman and a part time bull rider. I knew that and was okay with that (well, not the bull riding so much but I got used to it). He's also not one for changes, something I knew but struggled with myself. BUT, that being said, Rob has made some changes in his life lately. As I blogged before, he's taken up golf. He loves it and is constantly striving to become a better golfer. He's also decided to step out of his comfort zone, one he's been in off and on for 17years, and walk away from direct line work and into a management position (if offered to him after his interview). I am so proud of him for trying something new, for being open minded, for stepping out of his comfort zone, for having the confidence to do it all and the faith to know that his job is in the Lord's hands. Whatever happens with his job is okay with both of us. I know he'll do well with his interview because, when he wants something, he goes after it with 110%. He's been studying about the company, reviewing potential interview questions and asking my opinion about the whole thing. He is ready for whatever lies ahead. But, hey, even on the very off chance he doesn't get offered the position.....there's always GOLF!

Beautiful Day

Simply put, today is a beautiful day! We started the day by going to church as a family. We stepped out of our comfort zone and put P in the nursery so we could enjoy the service as a couple and not as parents. After church we came home to watch the NASCAR race. However, I kept dreaming about trains last night and didn't sleep well. So I took a nap instead of watching a great race. After my nap I felt refreshed so I took Ruby for a run. It was a little cool outside but a beautiful afternoon, perfect for a run. Ruby was a little difficult to run with because she has "heeling" down a little too well. But we found our rhythm and I enjoyed getting exercise. Rob has to work tonight so I took P to the park to give Rob a little rest time. P had so much fun collecting sticks and playing in the mud. I promised him a blueberry muffin so we took our date into town. Unfortunately we just missed the bakery being open by a few minutes. So we went next door to the candy shop. P was so excited to get a piece of candy...a rarity! We're now home and we're going to have a mellow evening. The ACMs are on as is Army Wives so I'm looking forward to an evening with my boys. Like I said, today is a beautiful day!

Boo....Motorcycle

We've long since learned that P is one smart lil guy. On top of being smart, he's Personality Plus. His new thing is trying to get people to laugh. A couple days ago he and his daddy started a game together where they try to scare each other. They'll catch the other one off guard and yell, "Boo!". P doesn't care if he's the scarer or the scaree. He laughs either way! After dinner last night he kept "scaring" Rob to the point where Rob was flopping all over the ground. P was laughing hysterically every time he scared his dad enough to fall on the ground. Then we were watching TV when a motorcycle commercial came on. Clear as day, P said, "motorcycle". Rob and I looked at each other, shocked. Then we burst out laughing. That got P really going. The rest of the night he alternated between "boo" and "motorcycle", trying to get us to laugh. All 3 of us were belly laughing because of how cute P was being. This morning he's not into those words as much as he is into growling every word he says. Oh, the lil jokester!

who'd of thunk it?

ive always said that the day hell freezes over is when ill take up golf. well, the devil must be ice skating! i went thursday and although i got really frustrated, i had a blast! so, jen and i went again on friday. i did worse my second time than i did my first. we played 9 holes and i shot a 72. terrible! every single time i tee off, i hit it over 200 yards...... to the other fairway! ive learned that if it goes left its a hook, right is a slice, and straight is a miracle. however, today i went and bought a decent set of used clubs and hit the driving range. i hit 105 balls, to the right. dadgummit! so, i came home and watched some pointers on you tube and went back out there. low and behold, it went straight! i have to work tomorrow night but if i didnt you can bet id be back out there tomorrow. i never thought id enjoy it cause i figured any place that wouldnt allow me to wear boots and a t shirt wouldnt be any place that i needed to be. im addicted! ive discovered that all it takes is one good shot and that is enough to bring you back the next day. when i get back to dixieland, im gonna con my momma into playing at castlewoods!

On a Peak

I've long since learned that life's full of peaks and valleys and, for many reasons, I like to share those with whoever reads our family blog. Lately it seems that I'm living on life's peak. We've been so blessed and I don't take for granted all that God's given us. Yesterday I got to spend the morning in beautiful Tahoe with a friend. We snowshoed to the top of a mountain that overlooked Lake Tahoe. After enjoying the beautiful scenery we hiked back down and went to lunch in town. The weather was so nice that we took our sandwiches to a local park to enjoy the sunshine. From there Rob and I met up after he got off work and enjoyed a 2nd round of golf together. I was so exhausted that by the time we got to the 7th hole I didn't know how I was going to finish the game. But I did and thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course with Rob. When we got home I relaxed while Rob finished installing our new dishwasher. I've wanted a new one since we bought our house but we've never had the financial means to splurge on one. This year we were blessed with a tax return so we used a portion of it on household stuff. It was SOOOOOOO nice to open the dishwasher this morning and find clean dishes! Before I would have had to handwash half the dishes AFTER they'd been run through the dishwasher. It's things like the ones that I've listed that make me realize how good life truly is. As I've said before, this break has been awesome and promises to continue that way!