ONE LAST POOL FLING

The end is near - the end of summer that is! We decided to spend the afternoon at the pool for one last swim of the season. We also let Trav invite some of his buddies over as a little mini late birthday party. My neice also came over to swim too so Flicka wouldn't be the only girl. All of the kids had a great time. We had pizza and cake. Of course we listend to the RAZORBACK game - GO HOGS - we won the first game and hopefully will have many more wins this year!!! GO HOGS!!! (did I mention, I love RAZORBACK football!)

Here are a few of the pics from the day. Our last goodbye to summer!

Trav & his buddies! A rowdy bunch!

My girls - Flicka & my neice - she's 14 & they are good friends!

Blowin' out the candles - wishin' hard.

My 2 girls again - cousins!

I tried to get more pics of the boys, but it is almost impossible to get those boys to be still long enought and with all of the water flying up by the pool I didn't want to risk staying up there too long w/my camera.

A few things about summer I will miss: the beautiful blue of the pool water, the smell of the sunscreen, the shrieks of joy from the kids at the pool, the warmth (we will not lose that completely for a while though), the beach towels draped over the deck - each one showing the personality of the owner. Just a few of the things I will miss till next summer.

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND to everyone! I hope everyone enjoys one last summer fling!

ELEVEN YEARS

Today my baby boy is 11 years old. Eleven years ago, he arrived in this world at 8:16 pm weighing in at 8 lbs., 6 oz. He had a head full of hair and was all wrinkly, he came fast, and made us laugh from the beginning - something he still loves to do! This may be a long post, and I apologize for that, but I want to share the story of his arrival as well as some other fun things about him. (feel free to stop reading when you are bored)

Here is the story: My actual due date was September 3, but I told everyone and convinced myself his due date was August 31 - you see, if I said September it seemed like another entire month, and I just couldn't take the thought of one more hot month, so August 31 it would be. Well, obviously my little one had other plans, and arrived even earlier.

The day: It was a beautiful Sunday, clear skies, hot but not to the extreme. My parents came up to visit for the day; my dad and Hunter were doing somethings around the house, and my mom, Flicka and I went shopping. I was feeling great, in fact better than I had in over a week. (Little did I know that the constant back and leg discomfort I was having for the past week was most likely labor! LOL!) Mom and dad got ready to go and mom said to me: "We're not going to get home and then get call to come right back up here, are we?" I laughed and said no way, it's still too early, and I am feeling fine. So, off they went back home about an hour away. We went on with our afternoon, I cooked dinner and we - Hunter, Flicka & me - all sat down to eat. All of a sudden, I just didn't feel right, I got up to go to the restroom and halfway there my water broke, it was definitely time. We called my sister to come pick up Flicka - she lived on the same street so she was there in approximately a minute or less. We put the bag in the car, reassured Flicka that mommy was OK, and off we went to the hospital. The labor pains hit hard and strong w/in 5 mins. of the water breaking - much worse than any I had had w/Flicka. It was only a 10 - 15 minute ride to the hospital. Before leaving, we called mom & dad and said we were on our way to the hospital. They thought we were kidding and when we finally convinced them it was real, they headed back up.

A little more background: Flicka had to be delivered by C-section due to some problems with her heart rate. My doc w/Camo was convinced I would not be able to deliver him vaginally due to the previous c-section and his size. I was adamant that we give it a shot, so we compromised. We scheduled an OR for a c-section about a week before my due date of Sept. 3, with the decision if he did not come before then, it would most likely be needed.

At the hospital: I was pre-registered so we were escorted straight to labor & delivery upon arrival. We checked in at 7:20 pm, I changed into a gown immediately. Before even making it to the bed for my first check, I had a sudden urge to push. I announced this to the nurse as soon as I finished putting on my gown, she just laughed it off and said, I had not been here long enough, it was probably just nerves. I again told her of the urge and was very adamant that it was not nerves. She got me to the bed and checked me and her eyes became as big as plates (not saucers!). She then ran into the hallway and screamed page the dr. stat (remember it was a Sunday night, and there was no OB in the building, just one on call - it just so happened that my OB was out of town so they would have to use the on call dr. who was one of the other drs. in the same clinic as mine.) She came back and talked to us, checked the monitors, etc..., checked me again, and again went hurriedly out and we could hear her asking if the dr. had arrived yet, and then a "we need someone in here stat!" She came back in (along with another nurse or 2, but no dr.) sat down at the end of the bed, and tried to convince me not to push, I insisted that I was not going to be able to stop it much longer, she finally gave in and let me push. The dr. walked in, basically just in time for the last 2 pushes and to catch the baby. Camo was born less than an hour after we arrived at the hospital (less than 2 hours of my water breaking), we signed the paperwork giving them permission to deliver him and administer care after the birth. Needless to say, his birth was 100% natural, they didn't have time for anything. He came when he was ready, and there was no stopping him! It was perfect! My mom & dad arrived, and when they walked in they could not believe I was already holding him; they were just expecting to get to see me for a minute before being asked to leave so I could be prepared for the delivery! (Lynn's parents decided to wait till the next morning to come up, since it all happened so fast.)

OK, that may have been more information that you wanted, but I just love that memory and wanted to share it. Now for some of the fun stuff.

I have to confess that my first thought when they handed him to me was "oh, my gosh! he's a monster!" I know this may sound like I was a terrible mom, but not really, it's just that Flicka was only 6 lbs. 7 oz. and with him a full 2 pounds bigger, he just looked huge! He was just so beautiful - head full of reddish brown hair, big blue/gray eyes, no smushed head from delivery, just beautiful. He was very laid back from the beginning and still is, not much flusters him or gets under his skin (except for his sister now - LOL). He never lost his hair as some babies do, it just turned to snow white - my little cotton top! His eyes are still a beautiful blue/gray - they actually change colors from bright blue, deep blue, gray and sometimes a greenish color depending on his mood. I tell him I can always tell when he is happy or sad by the color of his eyes.

He loved to eat from the beginning, and that is something he still enjoys, he is definitely not much of a picky eater. He has had a very sweet, and different sense of humor since he was very young, he loves to make you laugh. He has a very unique outlook on the world around him, his interpretations of things are sometimes so simple, it just makes you think - yeah, you're right; and sometimes makes you think - that is so funny! He rarely meets a stranger, he is very friendly and most people fall in love with all that is him after only a few minutes of getting to know him. He has always been a good kid, a bit mischievous at times, and about 500% boy, but very good - he has a good heart and it is easy to see. Also, he is very smart - he has always been an A student (sometimes some Bs sneak in and that's OK w/us too.)

He loves all things outdoors - hunting, fishing, riding his bike, swimming, camping, baseball - I could list things for days! I like to say he is a country boy locked up in the city.

I have decided to share his real name with you because I think it really is a part of his personality and have decided since I will be sharing so much about my family on my blog, I want everyone reading to know the real family (and besides I use their real names on myspace & facebook, why not here!)

So, today, you have met - Travis Lynn - my eleven year old wonder! Sorry, for such a long post, but I could ramble on for days about my kiddos and all that is great about them. And just thought since it is his birthday, it was a good time to share some things.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of him:

6 weeks - still w/reddish hair

1st bday - loving the cake!

2 1/2 yrs - a very brief stint w/gymnastics - not his cup of tea, he needed more activity & something that was outside!

10 yrs. - his first deer (sorry, if this offends anyone, but this is who he really is!)

Eleven and a cell phone!

A new gun & new phone - life is good. He chose the gun over a birthday party (we couldn't afford to do both.) For those who are not used to seeing an 11 year old with a gun, please remember he is a hunter and the love of it was born in him - his dad loves to hunt as do both of his grandpas. This is not his first gun, but is one he has been wanting for a while - it is a pump action, 20 gauge shotgun. Also, for those who are concerned, please know that all guns in our house are used for hunting only, and are kept in a locked gun safe. Travis is not allowed to hunt alone yet, and all gun usage for him is strictly supervised by an adult.

We went out to dinner to celebrate - Travis chose one of our local restaurants that serves catfish and all the fixings (fries, hush puppies, slaw). This photo was taken outside the; they have a nice sitting area, this bridge leads to it. There is also a pond and the provide bread and other goodies so you can feed the fish & turtles.

Travis had a very good birthday & we had fun celebrating with him.

FISHING DERBY

I think I may have mentioned previously that Camo and Hunter like to fish. Flicka and I also enjoy it, but it seems to be more of a daddy/son event the last few years. Tonight it was a family event. Our local parks & rec dept holds an annual fishing derby each August. It is free at a local lake in our community, and is open to all children under 16. Basically, we just show up with rod/reel/bait, sign in and then fish for 2 hours weighing in each fish, hoping for the biggest in your division. Last year, this derby is what Travis chose as his birthday party, he loved it. This year it was just the four us, and it was a good night. Here are a few pictures:

One of the beautiful lakes in our community. It has a very nice walking trail all the way around it and it is right behind our library.

Our local library. You can check out fishing poles, walk out the back door and fish!

Beautiful skies & beautiful weather for a fishing derby!

The first catch! 1 lb 12 oz -she is in first place!

A rainbow blesses the event!

Uh-oh - dark clouds start rolling in! (but they are beautiful)

Brother & sister fishing together in the rain! The rain held out till the second hour (only a 2 hour event), but it was still fun!

Finally another catch - it's raining and hard to hold it up!

And the winner is... he won his division (10-11 yrs). He won a new rod/reel and new tackle box!

And the winner is.... she won her age division (12-15 yrs) as well as the overall winner, her fish was the biggest all night. She also won a new rod/reel and a new tackle box.

It was fun night. They were both very happy they won, and Flicka was ecstatic that no one caught one bigger than hers! (Not to mention how happy I am they both won, no disappointed one to break my heart!!!)

I HAVE BEEN BLESSED

I heard this song on the way to work this morning. It really made an impact on me today.

Yesterday, for some crazy unexplained reason, I was really having a bad day. Simply put, I was in a bad mood. I did not have a real reason for my bad mood - I did have some work issues to deal with, but nothing really extreme. My day yesterday started out fine, no morning hassles when I got the kids up for school - they got up and were dressed on time with no problems, basically it was an easy morning. So, I don't know what happened to put me in my gloomy state, but there I was in a foggy gloom and it lasted all day.

So, when I heard this song this morning, it made me really evaluate things. I could have very easily slipped right back into the same state of mind that I had yesterday and again there was no apparent reason for this state of mind that kept creeping in. I love Martina McBride, not only can she sing and sing extremely well, she sings many songs with so much meaning, including this one. As I listened, I began to think about how I am blessed, and slowly I realized I was the only one with the power to change my attitude/outlook.

And so as I trudged through the day today, each time I began to slip into the gloom, I replayed the song in my head and played scenes from my life that fit the words. I AM BLESSED - I get to hear the laughter of my children each day, I have a husband who loves me, and oh so many more people and things to count as blessings too; and I do thank God each day for what I have, I AM BLESSED!

I am blessed and I hope you are too. Next time you feel down, remember this song and play the scenes from your life that fit, and I hope it helps you to rise above and have a better day like it did for me. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED!

1st Day of School

The first day is over, and everyone survived. I know my kiddos are older, but I was so anxious to pick them up and hear all about it. They both wanted to talk nonstop when they got in the car. They wanted to tell me about their friends who were in classes with them (a few they haven't seen all summer, and some they have seen often), about all of their classes, etc.... Both kids are very happy with their schedules and today seemed to be a success. Below are a few 1st day of school pics - obtaining these was not an easy task. My kids now seem to think they are too big/cool for 1st day of school photos! I finally convinced them I would not give up till I had the photos; so very begrudgingly they gave in with stipulations - we had to go out back so no one could see (my usual photo spot is in the front yard, but the local bus stop is out front and they couldn't risk being seen posing for mom), I decided I might as well give them something, and so to the back yard we went. Here is the result.

My 2 "middle schoolers"

My 8th grader & last year middle schooler.

My 6th grader & first year middle schooler.

Of course, I cherish the end of first day chats because they tend to give me less and less info. as the school year wears on, but I cling to every little tidbit I can get out of them. So, we are off to a good start, and hopefully will on stay on track to a great year.

I hope everyone else, had good first days too! I will continue to keep my friends w/the little ones going off to "big school" for the first time in my prayers - I love you guys and hope you are doing well.

End Of Summer Randomness

OK - I know that summer is not technically over. But, as the first day of school is tomorrow, it does mark somewhat of an end to our summer. I just thought I would take a moment to share some random thoughts with all of you.

1. My Retro Post - I know I have been promising a retro post for sometime now, it is still something I plan to do. I have to postpone it for now though as my scanner does not want to cooperate and allow me to scan the pictures. So, until I can get my scanner to work or get a chance to use my mother-in-laws, this post is postponed.

2. Last weekend - this weekend of course was the last one before school starts. We went to my sister's for one last visit and a small pool party with some of our mutual friends - it is a yearly event that she and my brother-in-law host. There is usually a good crowd, but this year it was very small (too many timing issues w/everyone this year), but it was still a nice visit with those who did attend.

3. First Day of School - I am a little sad that tomorrow is the first day of school. I am usually ready to resume the routine (as we don't have as strict a routine in the summer, and it can wear me down), but not this time, I really am not ready to get going with that routine again, I really could use a few more weeks for several reasons. We have had a good summer, but I would love to have a little more time to squeeze a few more fun activities in with the kids. Also, this will be the beginning of Flicka's last year at our local middle school, she will be in the 8th grade and that means I really have to focus on where she will attend high school next year (a decision will need to be made by January). The high school debate really stresses me as I do not feel we have really good options, and unfortunately we can not afford private school and homeschooling is not an option for us at this time. As Flicka begins her last year at the middle school, Camo begins his first year at the middle school. So, my baby is starting a brand new school tomorrow, but at least it is one we are already familiar with and the kids will have one year at the same school. And, yes it does make me a little sad to think of my "baby" starting middle school.

4. Summer Olympics - we have really enjoyed watching the summer Olympics each day. Of course we all have our favorites events we don't want to miss, but for the most part we agree about our favorites - swimming, gymnastics, beach volleyball, just to name a few. We have not missed a single one of Michael Phelps gold medal swims, and made sure to catch Dara Torres swimming too!

5. Busy, Busy, Busy - finally, I have to say this week will be very busy. Of course the first week of school is always busy, but I will also be preparing for Camo's birthday. He will be 11 on the 24th. We have decided not to have a big party this year, he wanted a more expensive present so we gave him the option of getting the present he really wanted or having a party and something less expensive, he chose to not have a party. We will still celebrate, and I will still invite a couple of his buddies over for pizza. But, with work, getting back into the school routine, getting ready for the birthday, and all of the other little everyday adventures that occur around here, it will be a busy week!

6. Last thoughts - I know a few of you who may be reading this are going to have a rougher week than normal, and have asked for prayers as you go through it. I have some friends who are reading who have little ones going off to kindergarten for the first time. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers (and I know that my blogging friends reading this, will say a prayer for you too). Don't forget to take those first day of school pictures and post them for us to see.

I do hope all of you are doing well, and have a great first week of school (or another great week, if you have already started. )

STUCK IN THE 80's?

Well, if you have read any of my previous posts, you know I just attended my 20 year high school reunion. You also, may know that I have promised to do a "retro" post and show some embarrassing photos of me from my past.

I think I have admitted previously that I loved my school days - especially high school. I loved the clothes, the music, the hair, etc.... I LOVED THE 80's and I still do!

So, while I scan my pictures getting ready for my retro post, I thought you might like to take a look at the following:

80's - You know you're from the 80's if...

It made me smile, and yes, I knew how to finish the line from #1, and yes, I was still singing the lyrics when I got to #6! I also, remember most of the things on the list (OK, OK, I really remember all of them, and no this does not bother me, it makes me smile!)

Hope this list made you smile. Were there any that you remembered from the list (it's ok to admit it)?

Till Next Time

Well, it is over till next time - my 20 year reunion that is. I had the best time, it was everything I had hoped it would be (I just wished more could have attended.) We had 11 of 27 classmates attend, and had a great day of sharing memories. We also had 2 of our former teachers attend - our 4th grade teacher and one of our high school teachers - it was so neat to see them and remember some times we had with them.

Here is a picture of me, Chickadee and Scrappermom from our senior trip and then one of us from the reunion (along with one of our friends who does not blog yet, but does read our blogs).

J, Scrappermom, Chickadee, me

Me, Chickadee, cmbbyrd, Scrappermom

Next is a picture of me and Chickadee from our senior trip - as you can see from the picture above and this one we had a blast on our senior trip, we went to Disney World!

me & Chickadee


And below - me and Chickadee now!

So, a good time was had by all at our 20 year class reunion. I am happy we all came as our current selves, no one tried to put on a show, out do each other, or any of that silly stuff, we all just had a great time sharing with each other what we have been up to for the last 20 years and also sharing memories of our days together at our school.

One final picture - all of the classmates who attended.

11 of the 27 classmates of the class of 88!

Of course we all drug family along with us. We had children ranging in age from 2 years old to 15 years old. All of the children were excellent, some of the most beautiful and well behaved children in the world!!! For such a wide range of ages, and a long time together, we did not have any "melt downs", no "boo boos" while playing on the playground, and really no arguments whatsoever! (Go here to see a picture of most of the kiddos in attendance.)

So, when it is time for your reunion (whatever # it may be), I hope you will attend and have as much fun as I did w/my former classmates!

**one final side note - I finally have a working scanner again, and I plan to do a "then & now" post soon. I have promised several blogger friends that I would post some pictures from my past to show those crazy hair dos, clothes, etc... In the meantime, please go here to get a preview of what to expect, and I promise I had some of the same hair and clothes, so get ready!

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

This weekend I will attend my 20 yr. high school reunion. We were the class of 88 and we were great! I think there is a part of me that is still in shock that it has been 20 years. It's not that I think I am still 18; it's really more that it doesn't feel like it's been 20 yrs.! I want to share a little with you about my high school, and the life of those days.

I went to a very small school - kindergarten thru 12th grade was on one campus with approximately 450 - 500 kids total at that time. My graduating class consisted of only 27 kids, and 11 of us had been together since kindergarten, and many others joined us in the elementary years. I truly feel like most of us were more of a family than just classmates. (You can visit 2 of my classmates that were with me from kindergarten to 12th grade graduation here & here - we even knew each other before we started school because at that time we all went to the same church.)

I have so many good memories of all of my school days it would take me days and days to share all of them with you. Of course on the other hand, I do have some bad memories too, but overall I think I have many more good memories.

I wonder as I get ready for the reunion, what does everyone remember about me?? Do they remember the shy girl I was in the very early years?? Do they remember the me who wanted to be the mediator and wanted everyone to be friends?? Do they remember the me from the later years who was more outspoken?? And which of these do they expect to see on Saturday??

I am still all of the people I mentioned above - I still have my shy moments, I still want to be the mediator and for everyone to get along, and I am probably even more than ever that outspoken girl (but have learned to reign it in to some degree). But, even though I am still all of those things, what side do they expect the most? Regardless of the answer, I know I can only show up as me. That is all I am, just me. At this point in my life the me that is, is the me that is the wife, the mom, the daughter, the sister, the aunt, the friend, and the list could go on and on...

I thought as the date came closer, I would be anxious, nervous, apprehensive, etc.... basically worried about what everyone would think of me - how I look now (wow look at the weight she's gained), my life (am I successful, have a good family, good job), etc... But, I do not have any of those feelings, I am simply excited to see everyone and have a good time of fellowship. I believe, I thought I would have those feelings going into this reunion because I have had them at each previous reunion (we have had one every 5 years.) I also, believe I do not have those feelings this time because I am finally comfortable with who I am and with my life. In my eyes, I know I have a good family (great marriage, good kids), I am happy in my job, and I feel I am successful. My success, may not reflect success to others and I am ok with that also, I will just pray that someday, they can be comfortable with who they are and know that when that happens they are successful - it is not at all about the prestige of a job, the perfect husband/kids, or any material things we could possess. So, as I prepare to attend this reunion, I can only go as me and have the best time ever reminiscing, catching up, etc..... I pray that my fellow classmates all have safe travels to the reunion, and attend only being themselves.

Well, that may have been a little more deep than I intended, but it was all thoughts I have been having and really wanted to share them, and have wondered do others face these same thoughts as they get ready to come face to face with their pasts?

I can't think of any good stories to share at the moment, but I will come up with something (even if it might embarrass me) and share it with you when I do. If my friends here & here want to share any stories (or pictures), I promise I am ok with it.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately - lol), I do not have a working scanner at the moment so I can't share any pictures of me from those days. I do promise to take pictures on Saturday to share them with you in a post after the reunion. I also promise (mostly to myself) that I will attend the reunion only as me with only the goal of having fun and reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in years!

(Love to you all, and I pray that you have found the self you are comfortable with -it is a great feeling! All you have to do is pray about and let go and God will help you get there.) :0)

WEEKEND TRIP - PICTURES

OK - here goes my 2nd attempt to share the pictures. I am not the best photographer and we didn't have as many photo ops as I had hoped due to the extreme heat. The kids didn't even want to stay in the pool too long - the water was hot too. We spent most of the time inside just "hanging out."

My 8 yr. old nephew (Thad) with his art - he is still very lovable & who could resist that face.

Thad's artwork was displayed in a renovated Church that is now called the ArtChurch, it is also where his art camp was held. The ArtChurch is owned by a former art teacher & her husband, they run the art camps and classes and then do the art displays for the Gallery Walk that is held the 1st Friday of each month. This is in Hot Springs. This photo is of a stained glass window at the church (it is much more beautiful than this pic shows.)

My Sis, Thad, and my brother-in-law

4 Cousins getting ahead of us!

Thad & Camo - just chillin!

Flicka, Tanner (11), Camo, and Thad

My oldest nephew - Tanner. He has had a growth spurt this summer and his voice (among other things) has started changing! He thinks he is soooo cool now.

more lounging in the pool

Playing video games to cool off.

I took this pic right before leaving. Had to get them to pose for us - we wanted to show how much Tanner has grown, we lined them up according to height & Tanner is now about 1 1/2 inches taller than Flicka (she is 13, he is 11). At the beginning of June, Flicka was still taller! What a "motley" crew we have!

So that was our trip. The cousins still have fun together, and it was good weekend. Yes, we had at least one major disagreement between them, but they worked it out. Now they will all just be waiting for the next trip.

(BTW - Tanner & Thad are their real names, just in case you were wondering. I have been mulling it over, and will most likely introduce you to the real Flicka & Camo soon as I think their real names fit them and are a part of the window into the who they really are, so watch for that post soon)

Trip/Technical Problems

Well we are now home. We had a very nice visit with my sister and her family.

I have been trying to do a post and share the photos I promised with you, but every time I try to upload the photos I get an error message. It says something like "images can't be uploaded due to an internal error." If any of you with more technical experience than what I have (which isn't much) have any suggestions or advice on what I may be doing wrong, please feel free to share with me. I will keep trying it and hopefully, it will work soon.