Catch up month, AGAIN

My my, my life never seems to have a dull moment. I say it's because I have four kids. Yep, that's it! As much as I should be writing a book, I will settle with this for now. I am at a point in my life that I need a reminder to check my own calendar. Really? It's crazy. I have to set a timer on my iphone to tell me to check my calendar. It should be slow down month for me.

So, where did my life leave off? I had a wonderful mother's day. I spent the day with my family, my wonderful husband and the kids surprised me with a new iphone 5. It was a great surprise. I am loving the new camera on it and all the extras. I have been to the Tim Mcgraw concert and the Darius Rucker. Jonathan and I were in the sixth row and definitely one of the best shows I've been to! Meeting Jana Kramer was interesting, she was full of spirits and only wanted to talk about how she couldn't wait to take off the excessively high glitter high heels that she was wearing.

So, the last few weeks have been amazingly fun! I have been to Chicago for my first time and had some of the best food I've ever eaten. I had the opportunity to see a city I have always wanted to explore and some of the greatest girls made it all possible! I was home from Chicago for one day and then was off to another fabulous city that I had never been to! Good ole' Boston!

My oldest son, Chase was honored with an All American Scholar award for being in the 2% of kids affiliated with Pop Warner football that fell into the bracket of an outstanding high GPA and all kids were invited to attend the national banquet. What an honor it was to be there and see my son get recognized for his accomplishments and have him comprehend just what an achievement it really was. We had the opportunity on our off time to go and see the beautiful city and tour part of Harvard College and it was such a gratifying moment to see my son's face and hear his opinions of the college but mostly to hear him say "Mom, I could really see myself at this college."
Wow! I was breathless! What an honor it would be to have a child at Harvard. I think that is every parent's dream.

As we meet back up with the family in North Carolina for the week, I thank God every day for what He has given me. I am grateful for such an amazing life. I have the best  husband anyone could ever imagine. The greatest kids and serve the greatest God that makes all of this possible. I hope everyone is enjoying the begining of their summer journey and looking forward to reading about everyone's summer plans.

What are you doing this summer? Can't wait to hear all about it!

Happy summer!

Until next time,

S~

The Famous Fortune Cookie

What a day! We had one of those days when you can't get out of bed. I kinda have those days everyday, but today was REALLY one of them.

Spent last night with some old time friends that we haven't seen in 7 years. Had some great Mexican food and told stories that were the "Wow, how long has it been" stories.

Had a great day at a fun birthday party with Braden and Zach. Was really hoping the rain had a date but it was obviuosly cancelled. It seems to always find a way to find us. They jumped in the jumpy house with about 15 kids that were very clamorous. It was fun, but glad it ended when it did, due to the weather. Braden threw a fit because he didn't get to stay and watch the little guy open all his gifts. His fit resembled as if the presents were going home with us.

We had a great day overall.. We ordered Chinese to go tonight. We love this little hibachi place right around the cormer from us. We picked it up and brought it home, of course we had to end the meal with a fortune cookie.

Braden says "A little girl in my class had a fortune cookie one time and it said that she would be rich by tomorrow"

Zach says "So, did she get rich?" Braden says "Duh Zachary, it's a fortune"

Until next time...

S~

April Showers

Wow! Has it really been a month since I posted? Where does the time go? I could really write a book about my life in just one sitting, to include everything that has happened over this past month. Bullets? Nah, I think I will just do a quick summary to catch everyone up, since my life is just that exciting.

Chase turned 14..Did I really just say that? ouch. Spring football tryouts came and went. Chase is down to 4 left for Quarterback. I must say that everyone so far has said that Chase has the golden ticket with the last name "Van-skyhawk." I have to admit, it's quite the charming name, it's definitely not "Smith, Jones, or Johnson."  A dad  approaches us at tryouts, and the dad to one of the 4 QB's in Chase's group to boot. He says, "you have a good looking boy, with a good looking name, he is going to go far in life with looks and a name like that." Of course, my head got a little big.
I am for sure getting anxious for our first year of high school ball, under the lights they say. It is going to be a fun yet exhausting year when August gets here.

We had a lot of pollen, rain, rain and more pollen. We have had homework out the kazoo, preparing for these EOCT'S that are this week as I type this.
Really? End of the course tests, at least it isn't the FCAT. I won't tell you what that one stands for except that I am so glad my kids don't have to take it anymore.

One of my great friends and was diagnosed with cancer, and she is now in remission and we have sure done a lot of praying. God is sure good to us, but not just in April, but every month of every year. My dad on the other hand, just finished his radiation and we sit patiently for a month or so to get his next scans and tests.

Of course the one thing in April we all hate is TAXES. I am sure glad that is over and as much as I was looking forward to my return, it's already spent. Sure doesn't take long. The journey continues as the money is taxed and adds up for next year. Wow, its already one month, gone.

The family is great, and this month is so packed with so much more. I have my trip to Chicago and then to Boston. We get back and then leave for the mountain house vacation for a week. I won Jars of Clay, Tim Mcgraw, American idol and Darius Rucker tickets, and 2 of the concerts are this month. WHEW!


I hope everyone is doing great, and how was your month of April?

A thought from Braden.."Ah, why does some girl have to be in love with my brother"

Until next time,

S~

The start of spring break

As I frantically ran around this morning trying to grab my coffee, my lunch and head out the door in a hurry, I came to realize that, ahhh, it's spring break and there is no traffic or buses stopping every 1/4 mile as usual. I thought, "I can actually drink my coffee today and not spill half of it before getting to work.

We have a pretty fun week planned ahead of us and I am really looking forward to going to Orlando for our last time to utilize our annual passes at the Disney parks. In the meantime, Morgan is home this week holding down the fort and enjoying her sleep and no homework for a whole 9 days! I think my husband is more relieved on that one!

We bought the boys a play set and basketball hoop last night. Braden wanted his up first, but of course he didn't win.
He ended up bartering with me on taking him to Walmart to buy some football cards instead that he claims the Easter Bunny forgot. So he won that one. Lets just hope his two older brothers don't try their swindling tactics on him.

Tonight the swing set got priority and as Braden tries patiently to watch and wait he found crayons and the box it came in, to keep him occupied for the time being. Lets hope it does.

3 days and counting for Disney. Does anyone out there have any great plans for spring break? I'd love to hear about them!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week.

I'm grateful today for an extra half hour of sleep, no traffic, a full cup of coffee and my family of course!

Until next time,

Xoxo
S~

So...I lost the blanket for partying

Happy Thursday, friends!

This week has gone by like a flash. I can't believe this weekend is already Palm Sunday. Where does the time go?

I was on my way to check out Braden, my five year old from pre-k yesterday. We were on our way to the dentist, when Braden says "Guess what mommy?" I reluctantly responded with "What's that, Braden?"
He started to say, "ummmm...I changed my mind, Mrs. Lourdes isn't really that mean after all."  I said, "oh yea" he started in on his story.

"Well, I didn't get to sleep with my blankie today."I was ready for his explanation. I said "why not?" he began the long five year old drawn out explanation. He said "Well, do you remember when I told you about the partying thing?" I was at a complete loss for words. I said "No, Braden, I can't say I do." He said "Ah, come on, you don't remember the partying thing, where when we are suppose to be napping, but instead I was partying?" I tried so hard to hold in my laughs, but they slowly leaked out.
He said "Yep, I was partying during nap time and I lost my blankie."

I kinda just sat there driving to the dentist as he was the center of attention, and he wanted me to know that he got in trouble. He said "Yep, that's what happened, and so she hung my blankie on the hook."  At this point, I was dying inside. I looked in the rear view mirror, and he said "What? I won't have a party anymore, I promise I will sleep tomorrow."

We arrived at the dentist and he was all excited to get to go in the treasure box. At this point, he had no idea what he was up against. The apt turned into laughing gas, 2 fillings and 2 toys from the treasure box. He was quite the charmer. He looked at me while the gas mask was on and said "take a picture so I can see how silly I look" so of course I did.

Well, we left the dentist and went and got 2 new tires, an alignment and an oil change. I have one impatient five year old I must confess. I think Good Year Tires was ready to take a blankie away,too.

Hope everyone is having a great week. I had the privilege to go to my nine year olds mother and son night out at his school tonight. It was such a great time and very special too. Have you done anything special this week? Any  funny stories? Have a great weekend!

xoxox
S~

65 flavors of Coca-Cola..really?

A trip to downtown Atlanta, and guess where we ended? The World of Coca-Cola. It was pretty amazing. It was for sure a trip I am glad I made. As I was imagining in my mind what kind of place it would be, all kinds of things ran through my head. I guess what made me the most excited was I was about to taste 65 flavors of Coca-Cola and walk through a building of all sorts of things made out of coke cans, to end up in a gift shop?

Really? Is that what it's all about these days? Anything to get our money. It wasn't good enough that we had to eat there which cost an arm and a leg already. We had to pay admission, and then of course there was the good old "Gift Shop." The marketing scheme is such a wonderful tactic. It doesn't help that they mark everything up 3x the amount, but they make the maze so that you can't get out without spending even more money.
It reminded me of so many other places that is just the same. So 50$ later, I left with a hat, a wooden bat, a T-shirt and pictures where you turn in your "ticket" to claim the prize.

What they don't tell you is that the prize costs money, too! I got charged for everything today, oh even parking. I guess it's the life in having fun, but geez..I had 4 free tickets that my son won at school, and I still didn't get out of Atlanta without spending $150. They really know how to rake you through the coals. I wasn't even a tourist. Imagine what they spend? Anyhow, we had fun, tasted coke from North America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. I'd say I'm kinda glad that I live where the coke is "normal."

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Did anyone do anything fun?

I think I'm sick of coke for awhile.

Xoxoxo
S~

A trip back in time

What a week it has been! It has been very nice to spend time with my mom for a week and chauffeur her all around our new town. I say it's our new town, I'm not sure how long after you move that it's still considered the "new town." For me, I still recall myself saying,"I just moved here" but I guess it takes time to get out of that habit.

So, we had a pretty eventful week, but what sticks out the most for me was my trip to Dawsonville today. It was my whole family, including my mother. My 91 year old grandfather recently spoke to an old friend of his that he was in the navy with back in 1942. They were talking about old times and he asked him where he was living now. When the man stated Georgia, my grandfather said "What part, my granddaughter just moved to Georgia." The man said his town, and my grandfather asked me how close is that to where I live. I had to just laugh because I thought to myself, wow, that's crazy. "He only lives 20 minutes from me, Grandpa." We talked and visited last weekend while in Florida and as I left to get on the road, he said "will you do something for me?" I said "sure, what's that?" He said "I may never get there to see my friend again in this lifetime, so will you please make it a point to go by and take your mom and the family and visit him?" I gave him my word, and that we did.

After church today, we headed home and grabbed that lunch as we all know it as the rapid lunch. We all changed clothes and anticipated the arrival time to be about 2:30.When we arrived at the house, there was no cars in the driveway. We got out, knocked and rang the bell and to our surprise, the 90 year old couple was not home. We began to stake out the property as if they maybe couldn't hear the doorbell well. I made it around to the back of the house and was met by a younger couple coming out of the basement and their appearance came as a bolt from the bleu.They began to ask who I was, and I explained and they couldn't of been more excited. The woman began to tell me that she remembered at some point recently, her dad mentioning my grandfather and the lengthy talk they had just had. We sat and chatted awhile and we waited for "Paf" to arrive back from their late afternoon church visit. Considering Paf is almost blind, he greeted us with a huge hello and was unsure of exactly who we all were. When I introduced myself, my mom and family, him and his wife of 33 years, were in complete shock. The happiness that came from this 90 year old man was amazing. He just started saying all kinds of great things about my grandfather and the time they spent together in the Navy and at Imperial beach with their girlfriends in which they soon married very shortly thereafter. It was like a time capsule had erupted and we were living in the 40's. The moment was indescribable, and it was a time that I will cherish forever.

Wow! I still can't stop thinking about it! I had the opportunity to spend some time today with a man that was 90 years old and as sharp as a whip. He was one of my grandfather's best friends in 1942 and they served in the United States Navy together and they are still both alive to talk about it today. My grandfather went his own way in 1943 and they both had separate callings for their lives, at which my grandfather had the honor to be upon the USS MISSOURI when the Peace Treaty was signed. The stories from these men are remarkable! I am so proud to have him has my grandfather and that I was able to meet his high school best friend and share some of our stories as well as he shared his. He is our neighbor. God brought us to him for great reasons. My grandfather was in awe over the fact that we were able to fullfill his request and we did it with much gratitiude. As I close today with my trip back in time, I have to say that it was a day well spent with a man that is still alive to recall the times he spent with my grandfather before he married my grandmother, to which they will celebrate their 68th anniversary this year. Now that's something to talk about.


What do you have to talk about? Has anyone out there taken a trip back in time lately? I'd love to hear about it. I'd love to just hear from you! Hope everyone has a great week.

A word from Braden...." Mommy, do you know anyone that has ever been sent to the devil for being bad?"

Until next time,
S~

Where dreams come true

What an eventful week it was! My 6th anniversary came and went and I even got a dozen red roses sent to my work from my amazing husband!

We packed up and headed to Orlando, Fl for a quick weekend at Minnie and Mickey's place and got a little bit of China Town from Epcot along the way, too! It was an adventurous and fun filled weekend all crammed into suitcases. We stayed at the Pop Century Hotel, which was another story of its own, and would not be my next pick on hotel stays that's for sure! When you find a used bar of soap under your bed, it's usually not a good sign. However, we didn't make our stay there to long, it is what it is I guess. Our long journey at Magic Kingdom was of course fun as always. The kids enjoyed every minute of it and it was exhausting that's for sure. You kinda see someone from every side of life. Especially, when your five year old isn't afraid to hold in his opinions of people with pink hair and tattoos. I thank God everyday I was a shy child.

We concluded our weekend with Chase's scholastic banquet which was such a treat. Not only did we get to stay at a top notch hotel on Daytona Beach, we got to participate in an evening which I will never forget. I watched my 13 year old son take awards and a trophy for his achievements and "Job well Done" for a 3.9 GPA that was recognized by the POP WARNER Scholar Athlete Program. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments and that evening was proof of the possibility to go through an entire day either stuck in your ruminations about the past or anxiety over the future, never really seizing the moment and noticing the pleasant things that are happening right now. Sometimes in life we forget to stop and enjoy the things that really matter. For a few hours, I was able to see my son shine, no stress, and being able to savor the moment with loved ones. It can bring a stronger connection and sense of appreciation, which leads to better quality relationships, and all the benefits of social support that they bring. It was definitely a time I will cherish forever.

So I celebrated my 6th anniversary, got to see Minnie and Mickey, ate at China Town in Epcot, spent a few hours with my 92 year old grandparents and watched my son receive awards for a job well done! Wow, what a weekend it's been!

Disney world really is the place "Where dreams come true!"

Until next time,

S~

My absence in leu of our "BIG GA MOVE"

As I welcome you back, along with myself, I do want to apologize for the long time it has been since I have posted. My family was all settled in living in the beautiful sunshine state, Florida! With that being said, we had many opportunities come alive and my husband was given several new job prospects. As we continued to gravitate on the few that were very appealing for us, we prayed and prayed that one of them would take us to the beautiful peach state, AKA, Georgia.

Fast forward from my last post, every thing happened as fast as lightning. In no time, we had a job offer, made 2 quick trips to see the area, secured the job, secured the new house, after 3 years of homeschooling, my kids are all now back in public schools, and I have a part time job for the greatest company I've ever worked for! Wheeeee, that was a lot to say all in one breath! Needless to say, we are now living as happy as ever in Georgia, the hubby loves his new job, we love the new house, the people up here are awesome as ever and we love our new church family! God is just that GOOD!

I am back, alive and blogging as ever! I will do my best to keep up with it on a regular basis again, with in mind that I am working now, running a house of 6, 4 kids to and from school, laundry, cleaning, dinner and of course I have the best husband God could ever give me! He definitely is a life saver! So for now, I hope you can draw the pretty picture of our new GA life and I hope you will be back to hear all the new and great exciting things I have planned for my blog this new 2013 year! Coming up this week, don't miss it!

***My 6th wedding anniversary on Valentine's day, as the family heads to Florida for a mini Disney vacation***

Until next time, please share with anyone that you may know, I'd love to get feedback and get my blogs generating!

Ciao!

Stacy