worn out

This is what happens when you play your heart out at your soccer game!! She did great this year...scored 2 or 3 goals and continues to improve.

Biltmore Trip

this is a tiny bat

We were very blessed to get to go to Biltmore for a couple of days during the holiday. We left Tuesday and came back Thanksgiving afternoon. We went to Grandfather Mountain but the bridge and top of the mountain was closed due to high winds and cold, snow, sleet etc. We were a little disappointed as the kids were looking forward to this, but we went to Linville Caverns and they liked that. After that we headed over to Biltmore to look around. We had tickets to the candelight Christmas tour. It was at 6:30 and the house was all decorated for Christmas with fire places going, 57 Christmas trees etc. One tree was real and was 35 feet tall. The house was quite impressive and very beautiful. I would love to go back and visit as I feel that I didn't get everything the first time.

civil war field trip

Jacob and I had a really good time on his field trip. It is such an enjoyable field trip. We drove to right outside Petersburg, VA to Pamplin Park and spent 5 hours there. I really enjoy having a tour guide do this trip as I feel you get so much more. I guess I have to go one more time next year with Jenna.....by then maybe I could get paid to do the tour:)

Abe

Jacob's class has been studying the civil war and today they presented their projects. Jacob choose to do Abe Lincoln. The class did a really good job presenting their work. On Friday, we are going to Virginia to one of the battle fields to learn more about the civil war. I love this field trip. I hate that it is 2 hours away, but it is worth it. I went with Joshua when he was in third grade. I'm not a history lover, but I so enjoyed this field trip.

Cute

This hardly ever happens, but when the football game is only 3-3 at the half (Alabama vs. LSU) Joshua falls asleep out of boredom!!

Proud Mom

Report cards came out yesterday. Jacob and Jenna got Pastor's list (straight A's) and Joshua got A/B honor roll. I am so happy. If you only knew what we have been going through with Joshua, worrying we did the right thing, questioning our decisions, you would know that we are flying high with his grades. I've learned as a mom that it's ok if we study spelling for two hours and he gets and 88%. I've really calmed down about it and taken a deep breath and realized this is ok. He even got an A in math....and that totally surprised me!! I've also learned with talking to one of his teachers that getting a "C" is like a "B" or low A" in a public school....that has really calmed my nerves.....but we didn't even get a "C"! I know things will get harder and he may get those "C's" but we're on the right track, mommy is calmed down, and things will be ok!!

Catching Up on Thoughts and Stuff

This is a random blog full of thoughts and things. First of all, let me catch up by showing some pictures from last week. We kept Hannah Wednesday and Thursday. The kids were off school on Thursday, so they really enjoyed keeping her. I think Jacob wants another baby around the house because he seemed to enjoy her the most.

It's been over a month since mom died. I've learned a lot through this experience. One of the things I learned the most is how important it is to follow up on people after the death. Things don't end just because the funeral is over. Also, I learned how important it is to say something....anything to someone who is going through this. I realize it is hard to know what to say, but not saying nothing is worse than anything. I won't let that happen again. I've learned now that I should say something even if it is just "I'm praying for you". I learned how much going to the funeral or visitation really encourages someone. I will admit although there have been people who have not said a word, some people surprisingly stepped up....people that I never really had contact with before. It's almost like now we have a common bond which has made us instant friends.

My last thought is that I really want a part time job. I greatly miss my preschool class and having something to be proud of.....something I can call my own. I am a little picky about what I get as I want to be around for the family and not miss out on things. I really would like something for when the kids are in school. I've been looking, but have not had much luck. I've enjoyed being at home....doing projects like painting etc, but I really need more. I had a feeling that I wouldn't get called as much this year, and it is true. Most of my days are known ahead of time and my phone has only rung once at 6:30 so far this year. I'm really needing something to have some sort of feeling of self worth. Jack and I also will celebrate 15 years next summer and I would love to get away for a couple of days......something I can't do unless the extra income comes in.