I have not posted anything in a month! A month??? How can that be? Well, my excuses range from 2 kids birthday parties to finishing up work, to flying to NC, to driving back here, to flying to Vegas, to flying back (via Minneapolis) and then the onset of Christmas. I have lots of good pictures - but I can't get them off my camera b/c my cord is missing. "Where is the last place you used it?" Jamey asks me. Um, if I knew that - it would not be lost. So he gets no helpful points from the couch this morning.
My dear friend Kelly asks on her blog this morning - what good news do I have to share? So here goes:
1. The kids biyearly trip to the dentist revealed Ansley is cavity free and she has her permanent molars. We will not discuss the results of Stephen's visit as his results are neither physically or financially good news. Poor man.
2. We had a great time in Vegas. It rained and rained and rained and rained. And guess what? The streets and sidewalks there are absolutely not designed for more than a centimeter of rain at a time - so flash floods were the weather highlight of each day. But we did indeed celebrate 10 years, had lots of fun and I am thankful for that. I am thankful for him. A Great husband and father. And a great son and son in law.
3. Still off work for 5 more days. This is good news, right?
4. Christmas was great with my brother and Sara here - we ate and opened presents and ate and opened presents. We were just glad to all be together.
This is all the good news I can think of at the moment b/c all I can think about is where that stupid camera cord is! Ack!
Happy Wednesday everyone!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
My little man
We are just about ready for Christmas here, but we must first get through a greatly anticipated "skate party" on Friday for my two kiddos. Some will skate, most will scooter. But either way, it should be a fun time.
Ansley is doing well on her heart monitor. The worst part is the affect of the sticker leads on her skin. We air her skin out as much as possible - but there is only so much surface we can move the leads around on.
Pictures to come....
Monday, November 22, 2010
Life according to Reba....
I am a quote person. I like quotes. I like to read books that are full of quotes. I end parent bulletins at school with quotes. I stick them in our yearbook. I just like them. Mother Teresa is one of my favorites. Another is Kermit the Frog (he has some good stuff out there - look it up sometime)
There are so many great leaders, thinkers, and writers who have given us wise words by which to live our lives. I saw one today by Reba McEntire and I liked it. It spoke to me today. Wise Reba McEntire. Hey - she has to be pretty smart to manage singing, acting and a shoe career. So here is the quote:
To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone. ~Reba McEntire
This is brilliant. Today, I saw all three of things. So here goes:
1. Wishbone: I wished ALOT today. I wished I could blink myself to Ansley's school when they called to tell me she had passed out and hit her head. I wished I could blink the EKG maching to her school and take a reading immediately. I wished that she would not be scared. I got one wish. Maybe one and a half. I made it to her school in record time, there was no EKG maching there, but she was not scared. She knew we would be headed to the dr. And we went home to get some clean clothes for her and she carefully chose which baby doll would be the lucky companion of the day.
2. Backbone -I really found my backbone on the last round of investigation into Ansleys issues. I always try to be very respectful and polite to medical staff (as they have to deal with the public daily and I feel their pain) but I am also not afraid to say I need someone to listen to me. And I need it today. Now. And they do. I am not scared to ask questions or to send Jamey to find someone - anyone.
3. Funnybone - this pops up in the most unexpected places. On the way to the hospital, my mom and I laughed as I groaned when she hit every yellow light on Springhill and immediately hit the breaks. She was not going through a yellow light - as much as I hit the pretend gas pedal on the floorboard of the passenger seat. But of course, she was right - there was no need to drive like a NASCAR driver. Ansley was fine in the backseat.
So we are home - Ansley has her heart monitor for a while. Hopefully we will catch something on the monitor and it will give us some answers. But she is a happy girl tonight. Watching tinkerbell and planning our breakfast menu for Thanksgiving day. Our menu for breakfast is a surprise for her daddy. I love planning events with my girl. I am blessed.
There are so many great leaders, thinkers, and writers who have given us wise words by which to live our lives. I saw one today by Reba McEntire and I liked it. It spoke to me today. Wise Reba McEntire. Hey - she has to be pretty smart to manage singing, acting and a shoe career. So here is the quote:
To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone. ~Reba McEntire
This is brilliant. Today, I saw all three of things. So here goes:
1. Wishbone: I wished ALOT today. I wished I could blink myself to Ansley's school when they called to tell me she had passed out and hit her head. I wished I could blink the EKG maching to her school and take a reading immediately. I wished that she would not be scared. I got one wish. Maybe one and a half. I made it to her school in record time, there was no EKG maching there, but she was not scared. She knew we would be headed to the dr. And we went home to get some clean clothes for her and she carefully chose which baby doll would be the lucky companion of the day.
2. Backbone -I really found my backbone on the last round of investigation into Ansleys issues. I always try to be very respectful and polite to medical staff (as they have to deal with the public daily and I feel their pain) but I am also not afraid to say I need someone to listen to me. And I need it today. Now. And they do. I am not scared to ask questions or to send Jamey to find someone - anyone.
3. Funnybone - this pops up in the most unexpected places. On the way to the hospital, my mom and I laughed as I groaned when she hit every yellow light on Springhill and immediately hit the breaks. She was not going through a yellow light - as much as I hit the pretend gas pedal on the floorboard of the passenger seat. But of course, she was right - there was no need to drive like a NASCAR driver. Ansley was fine in the backseat.
So we are home - Ansley has her heart monitor for a while. Hopefully we will catch something on the monitor and it will give us some answers. But she is a happy girl tonight. Watching tinkerbell and planning our breakfast menu for Thanksgiving day. Our menu for breakfast is a surprise for her daddy. I love planning events with my girl. I am blessed.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The left side of the tracks....
We are home late from the last Jags game of the season. It was lots of fun this year - tailgating, parades, lots of great food on the menu - This has really been a great thing for the Univ of South Alabama. Jamey and I both graduated from USA for our undergrad and our graduate degrees - and through Sallie Mae and alumni association dues- we still feel a strong connection. As we were leaving Ladd tonight, they were directing traffic away from the stadium toward Michigan Avenue. "I have no idea where we are." My west mobile born and bread husband tells me. "Keep going." I tell him. "We will hit the interstate in just a few minutes."
From the backseat Ansley asked, "How come Daddy doesn't know which way we are going?"
"Because mommy is from this part of town and I'm not. I grew up on the right side of the tracks." Jamey said.
"So mommy is from the left side of the tracks?" Stephen asks. Um - yes. I guess I am. Raised down Navco in the 36605 zip code - Dunbar for middle school - Murphy for High School - after school hours at the Dauphin Island Parkway library near the cemetery. Years spent in these areas mean I am way more comfortable than most in certain areas. I may not can name every street, but I know where I am and where I am going. I have never feared the downtown area. In fact, I really like it actually. In another life I could see myself living in the downtown area. Maybe when the kiddos have moved on to their own things.
A few random things are on my heart tonight:
1. My brother and his precious wife. heroes - both of them. Thinking of them this Veterans Day.
2. My sweet friend Kelly. Her daddy is having some health issues and he lives a long, long way from her.
3. My mama - who cares for so many. Who deserves so much more than life has given her. I could never have asked for a better mama.
We celebrated Stephen's birthday this past week. Lots of good pictures to come soon.
From the backseat Ansley asked, "How come Daddy doesn't know which way we are going?"
"Because mommy is from this part of town and I'm not. I grew up on the right side of the tracks." Jamey said.
"So mommy is from the left side of the tracks?" Stephen asks. Um - yes. I guess I am. Raised down Navco in the 36605 zip code - Dunbar for middle school - Murphy for High School - after school hours at the Dauphin Island Parkway library near the cemetery. Years spent in these areas mean I am way more comfortable than most in certain areas. I may not can name every street, but I know where I am and where I am going. I have never feared the downtown area. In fact, I really like it actually. In another life I could see myself living in the downtown area. Maybe when the kiddos have moved on to their own things.
A few random things are on my heart tonight:
1. My brother and his precious wife. heroes - both of them. Thinking of them this Veterans Day.
2. My sweet friend Kelly. Her daddy is having some health issues and he lives a long, long way from her.
3. My mama - who cares for so many. Who deserves so much more than life has given her. I could never have asked for a better mama.
We celebrated Stephen's birthday this past week. Lots of good pictures to come soon.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday Funday....or something like that
Here is a list of the Duke family's most recent updates:
1. Stephen has decided that he will not be attending school. Ever. K4 next year? No, thank you. I am not interested. Going to big school with other big kids? Nope. Not for me. Ok - so we have a few months to work on this.
2. Ansley and I were riding in the car listening to the radio. Dave Matthews' song "You and Me" came on so cue Ansley and I to sing along through the entire song. At the end of the song Ansley comments, " This song makes me think of Daddy. You and Daddy sing this song." This makes my heart happy. She sees that we love each other, and that is healthy for kids, right??? She then continues, " Also, that Toker song makes me think of Daddy. I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm midnight toker." yes, baby, that song also makes me think of Daddy. This makes my heart sort of confused.
3. I can barely type this without gagging, but Tilly (the newest member of our family) is in ......HEAT! Blech. There. I said it. Ugh. She was literally scheduled for her "fix all her business" surgery one week after her hormones started going crazy. So now we have a 6 month old hormonal hyper puppy. Y.I.K.E.S. So Tilly is in confinement until her delicate condition improves. Oh yes, you can have a dog fixed while they are in heat, but guess what?? It costs about triple the price. So she is just gonna have to make it through this stressful emotional time. I am hoping I make it too. (GAG.)
4. Fantasy football is a completely separate world that many people have no idea even exists. Fantasy football means Jamey not only watches pro-football, but also participates in "pretend" , I mean "fantasy" games. Long telephone conversations about things that are not actually happening in real life take place. Setting lineups, checking scores, staying up until west coast games are over at 1am to see your score at the end of the night. All fantasy football inspired actions. Secretly, I kind of want to play next year just to see if I can beat any of these boys and make their blood pressure go up. I can't watch this much football without some of it sinking into my brain. My mom says my competitive side is getting the best of me. And honestly, the last thing I need is another reason to pick up the laptop.
5. And finally, we all had a lot of fun this past weekend enjoying Halloween activities. Stephen dressed up as Cat in the Hat. Ansley was Tiger Lilly (The Indian from Peter Pan - NOT Pocahontas - don't confuse the two). Stephen very much liked his costume, but his hat would become itchy after a little while so he would take his hat off and say, "Do not call me Cat in the Hat. Because I am not in the hat. I am now Cat out of the Hat."
Happy November, everyone!
1. Stephen has decided that he will not be attending school. Ever. K4 next year? No, thank you. I am not interested. Going to big school with other big kids? Nope. Not for me. Ok - so we have a few months to work on this.
2. Ansley and I were riding in the car listening to the radio. Dave Matthews' song "You and Me" came on so cue Ansley and I to sing along through the entire song. At the end of the song Ansley comments, " This song makes me think of Daddy. You and Daddy sing this song." This makes my heart happy. She sees that we love each other, and that is healthy for kids, right??? She then continues, " Also, that Toker song makes me think of Daddy. I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm midnight toker." yes, baby, that song also makes me think of Daddy. This makes my heart sort of confused.
3. I can barely type this without gagging, but Tilly (the newest member of our family) is in ......HEAT! Blech. There. I said it. Ugh. She was literally scheduled for her "fix all her business" surgery one week after her hormones started going crazy. So now we have a 6 month old hormonal hyper puppy. Y.I.K.E.S. So Tilly is in confinement until her delicate condition improves. Oh yes, you can have a dog fixed while they are in heat, but guess what?? It costs about triple the price. So she is just gonna have to make it through this stressful emotional time. I am hoping I make it too. (GAG.)
4. Fantasy football is a completely separate world that many people have no idea even exists. Fantasy football means Jamey not only watches pro-football, but also participates in "pretend" , I mean "fantasy" games. Long telephone conversations about things that are not actually happening in real life take place. Setting lineups, checking scores, staying up until west coast games are over at 1am to see your score at the end of the night. All fantasy football inspired actions. Secretly, I kind of want to play next year just to see if I can beat any of these boys and make their blood pressure go up. I can't watch this much football without some of it sinking into my brain. My mom says my competitive side is getting the best of me. And honestly, the last thing I need is another reason to pick up the laptop.
5. And finally, we all had a lot of fun this past weekend enjoying Halloween activities. Stephen dressed up as Cat in the Hat. Ansley was Tiger Lilly (The Indian from Peter Pan - NOT Pocahontas - don't confuse the two). Stephen very much liked his costume, but his hat would become itchy after a little while so he would take his hat off and say, "Do not call me Cat in the Hat. Because I am not in the hat. I am now Cat out of the Hat."
Happy November, everyone!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Superhero time...
We listen to satellite radio in the car ( I love it - I could never go back) and when the kids are with me, which is a high percentage of the time, we listen to a station called Kids Place Live. This afternoon they were asking kids to call in and talk about people in their family who might secretly be superheros. So Ansley decided if she called into the radio station she would talk about Mamaw Jo - who is Jamey's grandmother.
"Why is she a superhero?" I asked.
Ansley replied, " It takes her about one minute and she just has all the supper made. She just does it and then we eat it. It's like magic."
"So who do you think is a superhero, Stephen?" I asked.
"Grandad (Jamey's dad) because he can make you laugh and even when I want to mad I still can't be mad and then I laugh and I can not be mad so he could make bad people laugh and they wouldn't be bad anymore."
I think those are 2 pretty good superheros myself.
But I also thought yesterday, while sitting in church, about two women in my life who I learn from daily.
My motherinlaw is one. A few weeks ago, our pastor preached on true hospitality. Willingly and totally giving of yourself for the comfort and happiness of others. And that is Judy. If you come to her house, she will not rest until she is convinced you have everything you need - food, rest, toys, entertainment. Many times on Christmas Eve, a random friend or relative will unexpectedly show up to family Christmas and she miraculously pulls out a wrapped gift with the correct name and when it is opened, it is always a fabulous present that seems chosen especially for the recipient. When she packs for tailgating, she packs for anyone and everyone who may show up and she is happy to do it. Does everyone have a seat? Does anyone need something to drink? Can I do anything for you? True hospitality. A lesson for us all.
I also thought of my mom : for reasons I can't really talk about b/c of privacy issues with her job, my mom recieved the most thoughtful and heartfelt thank you note from a patient. The woman was thanking my mom for going above and beyond her job to help her. The woman wrote, " I do not know your religion Ms. Anne, but I believe you must have goodness in your heart. I would like to have a mass said for you that you will be blessed as you have blessed me. "
How wonderful that the lady took the time to thank my mom. And how wonderful that my mom works in the field of hospice. Full of compassion, a heart that desires peace for those at all stages of life, and spirit of love and respect for those who are dying and the family members surrounding them. If I have learned anything from my mom, it is that death is not to be feared. It is a part of life and a part of life where we can walk together and not be alone. And she is good at what she does.
Superhero time - they are here with us. They walk with us. And we are grateful for them...
"Why is she a superhero?" I asked.
Ansley replied, " It takes her about one minute and she just has all the supper made. She just does it and then we eat it. It's like magic."
"So who do you think is a superhero, Stephen?" I asked.
"Grandad (Jamey's dad) because he can make you laugh and even when I want to mad I still can't be mad and then I laugh and I can not be mad so he could make bad people laugh and they wouldn't be bad anymore."
I think those are 2 pretty good superheros myself.
But I also thought yesterday, while sitting in church, about two women in my life who I learn from daily.
My motherinlaw is one. A few weeks ago, our pastor preached on true hospitality. Willingly and totally giving of yourself for the comfort and happiness of others. And that is Judy. If you come to her house, she will not rest until she is convinced you have everything you need - food, rest, toys, entertainment. Many times on Christmas Eve, a random friend or relative will unexpectedly show up to family Christmas and she miraculously pulls out a wrapped gift with the correct name and when it is opened, it is always a fabulous present that seems chosen especially for the recipient. When she packs for tailgating, she packs for anyone and everyone who may show up and she is happy to do it. Does everyone have a seat? Does anyone need something to drink? Can I do anything for you? True hospitality. A lesson for us all.
I also thought of my mom : for reasons I can't really talk about b/c of privacy issues with her job, my mom recieved the most thoughtful and heartfelt thank you note from a patient. The woman was thanking my mom for going above and beyond her job to help her. The woman wrote, " I do not know your religion Ms. Anne, but I believe you must have goodness in your heart. I would like to have a mass said for you that you will be blessed as you have blessed me. "
How wonderful that the lady took the time to thank my mom. And how wonderful that my mom works in the field of hospice. Full of compassion, a heart that desires peace for those at all stages of life, and spirit of love and respect for those who are dying and the family members surrounding them. If I have learned anything from my mom, it is that death is not to be feared. It is a part of life and a part of life where we can walk together and not be alone. And she is good at what she does.
Superhero time - they are here with us. They walk with us. And we are grateful for them...
Sunday, October 3, 2010
the men in my life.
"Catch me, Daddy! Catch me!"
"Let's have a game, daddy - Let's play where I win and you are happy that I win and then you will chase me again, Daddy. Ok, Daddy? That is the fun part, Daddy."
This is love, people. My backyard is filled with love. How lucky am I?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wake up!
Random Happenings at the Duke House and a few pictures of Stephen at school:
1. We have a desktop computer and a laptop. The desk top has a delayed start - meaning you have to shake the mouse a bit, go do something for about 5 minutes and then come back and check to see if it has decided to wake up. At this very moment, Stephen is yelling at the desktop to "Wake Up Comp-oo-ter! I said wake up!" Patience is hard at age 3.
2. I literally ran a hole into my shoes last night. Well, I was on the elliptical, not the treadmill - so whatever you call the movement you are doing on the elliptical.Felt something funny, looked down at my feet - and there was my toe sticking through. My brother has told me for months I was way over the mileage on my shoes. So, I guess I will have to break down and buy shoes this weekend.
3. I ran my first 5K of the season last Sat. My time was, to say the least, not so good. It was under 40 minutes, but only by about 30 seconds. My running buddy Shannan is trying to talk me into the Bayfest 5K this Saturday - I am trying to want to do it, but honestly I want to sleep it. I know I SHOULD run, but....
Here are a few pictures of Stephen's adventures with Ms. Debbie and her crew:
1. We have a desktop computer and a laptop. The desk top has a delayed start - meaning you have to shake the mouse a bit, go do something for about 5 minutes and then come back and check to see if it has decided to wake up. At this very moment, Stephen is yelling at the desktop to "Wake Up Comp-oo-ter! I said wake up!" Patience is hard at age 3.
2. I literally ran a hole into my shoes last night. Well, I was on the elliptical, not the treadmill - so whatever you call the movement you are doing on the elliptical.Felt something funny, looked down at my feet - and there was my toe sticking through. My brother has told me for months I was way over the mileage on my shoes. So, I guess I will have to break down and buy shoes this weekend.
3. I ran my first 5K of the season last Sat. My time was, to say the least, not so good. It was under 40 minutes, but only by about 30 seconds. My running buddy Shannan is trying to talk me into the Bayfest 5K this Saturday - I am trying to want to do it, but honestly I want to sleep it. I know I SHOULD run, but....
Here are a few pictures of Stephen's adventures with Ms. Debbie and her crew:
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
To steal a quote from KPH.....
"Sweet baby Jesus - its the weekend!"
And I am glad. We all slept til 9 this morning, Jamey is prepping for a day of football, and the kids and I are headed out soon for some kid friendly activities and maybe a bit of shopping. My mom is going with us and we are also on the hunt for a bakery we heard about that bakes without yeast! sounds like a good day of adventure for us.
Ansley is vegged out with Phineas and Ferb and I am going to attempt some cleaning before we head out.
I attempted pulled pork in the crockpot for Jamey to have while we are gone today. I hope it turns out.
Let the Saturday-ness begin...
And I am glad. We all slept til 9 this morning, Jamey is prepping for a day of football, and the kids and I are headed out soon for some kid friendly activities and maybe a bit of shopping. My mom is going with us and we are also on the hunt for a bakery we heard about that bakes without yeast! sounds like a good day of adventure for us.
Ansley is vegged out with Phineas and Ferb and I am going to attempt some cleaning before we head out.
I attempted pulled pork in the crockpot for Jamey to have while we are gone today. I hope it turns out.
Let the Saturday-ness begin...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
more car ride conversations..
Picking Ansley up from school is one of the best parts of my day. I love her hearing her stories. I know it wont be long before I will have to plead for bits of information about her life. Today I know that Aidan brought her diary to school, and that she only played with girls on the playground and that she did not, in fact, buy a pickle today because she thought the barbecue chips looked especially good.
While riding in the car, she is quiet for minute and then asks, "Why do you and Daddy not spank us?"
Ummmmm........
So Without getting into the great debate of spanking ( I learned not to talk about that with other parents a LONG time ago) I responded the best I could (translation - I mumbled a lot and said the word "Well" at least 30 times.)
"Well," I said, "Daddy and I never felt like it was the best way to deal with you or Stephen. We just felt like a timeout or restriction worked so we went with that."
To which Ansley replies, " Is a Whoopin the same as a spanking?"
Ummmmm.......
"Yes, I think so" I said.
"Will I ever get a spanking?" she asked.
"Do you think you need one?" I replied. (Answering a question with a question is a trick I learned from my better half WAAAAAY back when he was tutoring me in algebra)
"No, I don't think I do." she said.
So after talking to her for a bit longer, I figure out that playground time today included the swapping of some war stories of who had the best (or worst) spanking and what the transgression was that brought on the "whoopin."
Ansley could not think of a time she had been spanked, so had nothing to contribute to the conversation during social hour on the playground....
"What should I have said?" she asked.
So I used this as an oppurtunity to teach an invaluable life lesson, which is the ability in a social setting to nod, look really interested and say "hmmmmm" and then politely comment on the weather or her plans for the weekend.
I think she is now ready to tackle other taboo topics or religion, politics and whether or not PB&Js should be banned in schools....
While riding in the car, she is quiet for minute and then asks, "Why do you and Daddy not spank us?"
Ummmmm........
So Without getting into the great debate of spanking ( I learned not to talk about that with other parents a LONG time ago) I responded the best I could (translation - I mumbled a lot and said the word "Well" at least 30 times.)
"Well," I said, "Daddy and I never felt like it was the best way to deal with you or Stephen. We just felt like a timeout or restriction worked so we went with that."
To which Ansley replies, " Is a Whoopin the same as a spanking?"
Ummmmm.......
"Yes, I think so" I said.
"Will I ever get a spanking?" she asked.
"Do you think you need one?" I replied. (Answering a question with a question is a trick I learned from my better half WAAAAAY back when he was tutoring me in algebra)
"No, I don't think I do." she said.
So after talking to her for a bit longer, I figure out that playground time today included the swapping of some war stories of who had the best (or worst) spanking and what the transgression was that brought on the "whoopin."
Ansley could not think of a time she had been spanked, so had nothing to contribute to the conversation during social hour on the playground....
"What should I have said?" she asked.
So I used this as an oppurtunity to teach an invaluable life lesson, which is the ability in a social setting to nod, look really interested and say "hmmmmm" and then politely comment on the weather or her plans for the weekend.
I think she is now ready to tackle other taboo topics or religion, politics and whether or not PB&Js should be banned in schools....
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
all is quiet...
I have not posted in weeks. I have no idea why. I have random thoughts about things to write about, but if I don't stop and write myself a note, I have lost the moment.
It is 9:15 on Satur day mornig and both of my children are still asleep. Jamey is cutting grass (thank the lord - our neighbors were having trouble seeing the house from the street)
We are 2 weeks into school - and I think one of the girls at work figured out we have 34 weeks left til next summer break :) I have enjoyed going back to work though for the most part. My job is a lot different than it used to be - but Im learning ( I think anyway)
I decided that we were going to cut WAY down on tv during the week and this has been a postive change. They can watch tv after school, but once we have dinner, and take baths, the tv is off for the night (for them anyway - football season is almost here, so there is no way I can keep the tv turned off for one member of the Duke family) But we don't watch any tv in the mornings unless we just randomly have everything ready to go with 10 minutes or more to spare. So far, so good. Well, minus one morning this week when I asked Ansley to put the dog in her kennel and apparently all Stephen dreamed about the night before was the JOYS of it being his turn to put the dog in the kennel so all hades broke loose and Stephen was crying (actually, it was more of the crying dance - the one where he scrunches his face, cries and jumps straight up and down making his voice change with each bounce) and then Ansley started crying b/c she just automatically cries when other people cry, but it was 100% time to leave. And I can't even remember what promise or bribe I offered to Stephen to get him in the car without having to let Tilly back out of the kennel, but whatever I said worked and we were all pretty much in control of ourselves by the time we got out of the neighborhood.....
I believe in sending kids out to play (my mom did it to me for years, so I feel it is my family obligation to continue the tradition) but it really is still too hot for even my southern born and raised children to force them into the backyard and by the time it cools off in the evenings, it is too late to ride bikes when we have to rise and shine at 5:30 the next morning. So we play inside and they both have really started mastering some games on the Wii - bowling and boxing and baseball. So we have enjoyed that as an inside activity.
Ansley had her first tests this week. Spelling, Math and Reading. I am a tad worried about the pressure she is putting on herself already in school. She scored a 100 on both Spelling and Reading, but (oh my gosh - you should have seen her tragic expression when she told me her score) she made a .....(drumroll)..... 97 on her math test. yep - she missed one question on the math test and made a 97. So- I attempted the speech that covers the topics such as "we are proud of you for trying your best" and "we don't expect you to be perfect" and "oh my goodness, you are six years old and we don't want you to develop an ulcer before you are tall enough to ride Space Mountain." But I am glad she wants to excell in school. I wonder how long that will last - I always loved school - but honestly, by the time high school rolled around - it was probably equal parts socialization and learning and my grades were not nearly as good as they could have been because of it.
Jamey is trying to talk me into picking up the toys in the backyard so he can cut the grass back there. But - ugh - it looks so hot out there already...but pretending not to hear him is not working anymore - so I guess I will go help him...
It is 9:15 on Satur day mornig and both of my children are still asleep. Jamey is cutting grass (thank the lord - our neighbors were having trouble seeing the house from the street)
We are 2 weeks into school - and I think one of the girls at work figured out we have 34 weeks left til next summer break :) I have enjoyed going back to work though for the most part. My job is a lot different than it used to be - but Im learning ( I think anyway)
I decided that we were going to cut WAY down on tv during the week and this has been a postive change. They can watch tv after school, but once we have dinner, and take baths, the tv is off for the night (for them anyway - football season is almost here, so there is no way I can keep the tv turned off for one member of the Duke family) But we don't watch any tv in the mornings unless we just randomly have everything ready to go with 10 minutes or more to spare. So far, so good. Well, minus one morning this week when I asked Ansley to put the dog in her kennel and apparently all Stephen dreamed about the night before was the JOYS of it being his turn to put the dog in the kennel so all hades broke loose and Stephen was crying (actually, it was more of the crying dance - the one where he scrunches his face, cries and jumps straight up and down making his voice change with each bounce) and then Ansley started crying b/c she just automatically cries when other people cry, but it was 100% time to leave. And I can't even remember what promise or bribe I offered to Stephen to get him in the car without having to let Tilly back out of the kennel, but whatever I said worked and we were all pretty much in control of ourselves by the time we got out of the neighborhood.....
I believe in sending kids out to play (my mom did it to me for years, so I feel it is my family obligation to continue the tradition) but it really is still too hot for even my southern born and raised children to force them into the backyard and by the time it cools off in the evenings, it is too late to ride bikes when we have to rise and shine at 5:30 the next morning. So we play inside and they both have really started mastering some games on the Wii - bowling and boxing and baseball. So we have enjoyed that as an inside activity.
Ansley had her first tests this week. Spelling, Math and Reading. I am a tad worried about the pressure she is putting on herself already in school. She scored a 100 on both Spelling and Reading, but (oh my gosh - you should have seen her tragic expression when she told me her score) she made a .....(drumroll)..... 97 on her math test. yep - she missed one question on the math test and made a 97. So- I attempted the speech that covers the topics such as "we are proud of you for trying your best" and "we don't expect you to be perfect" and "oh my goodness, you are six years old and we don't want you to develop an ulcer before you are tall enough to ride Space Mountain." But I am glad she wants to excell in school. I wonder how long that will last - I always loved school - but honestly, by the time high school rolled around - it was probably equal parts socialization and learning and my grades were not nearly as good as they could have been because of it.
 |
| Uncle Luke and Ansley on the NC beach |
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
catching our breath...
I feel like we are ending the summer in light speed over here. I have GOT to shop for Ansley's school supplies. She is not one who likes to wait until the last minute. We are also going to miss her orientation when we are in Florida next week. I have not mentioned this to her and I may just forgo that conversation completely. She would not be happy. And as much as she is excited about 1st grade, I kind of feel like my kids are in a summer coma. We have such a crazy schedule. We may get the urge to get Krispy Kreme about 9pm, so we all go. We sleep in. We watch movies. We spend hours in the afternoon channel surfing or coloring or reading books. The shock of a school schedule is going to be hard on us all.
I have a new approach to school mornings this year. I am cutting tv in the before school hours. In the past few years, I turn on cartoons and sort of let them watch until they wake up a little more. But I feel like I have to do jumping jacks in front of the television to get them to actually eat some breakfast. So this year - no tv until they are dressed and fed. I am hoping this will make for a smoother morning. Mornings really aren't that bad - and usually if they are stressed it is b/c I just plain got up late.
But one thing I feel VERY strongly about is that the last thing my kids will hear from me as I drop them off each morning is something positive. I have worked car pool enough in the morning to have memorized the faces of children who have spent the car ride to school being completely ignored or yelled at about every little thing under the sun. And its children from all backgrounds. Those who ride to school in a nice SUV with their initials monogrammed on their backpacks and hairbows and also those who ride in a rusty old car filled with cigarette smoke and mom's current boyfriend. This really turned into a tangent - but I think this is why I want to be where I am professionally. I want to have the freedom to work with these children and assure them someone cares what they have to say. And to ensure they hear at least one positive thing each day. I work with the best teachers around - encouraging and patient, willing to hug a child who has not bathed in days and who may or may not actually be wearing clothes that fit even a little bit.
But we have a few more days of summer and We are looking forward to a family wedding next Thursday in Fort Lauderdale. With a stop in Orlando (not going to Disney World though if you can believe it) we should have a nice trip.
We had a great time in Savannah and Charleston. It was good to see Luke and Sara. The kids always jump right back into his arms no matter how long we have been apart and I am thankful for that. I will post some pictures from the trip soon.
For now - I am off to bed - registration comes early tomorrow morning.....
I have a new approach to school mornings this year. I am cutting tv in the before school hours. In the past few years, I turn on cartoons and sort of let them watch until they wake up a little more. But I feel like I have to do jumping jacks in front of the television to get them to actually eat some breakfast. So this year - no tv until they are dressed and fed. I am hoping this will make for a smoother morning. Mornings really aren't that bad - and usually if they are stressed it is b/c I just plain got up late.
But one thing I feel VERY strongly about is that the last thing my kids will hear from me as I drop them off each morning is something positive. I have worked car pool enough in the morning to have memorized the faces of children who have spent the car ride to school being completely ignored or yelled at about every little thing under the sun. And its children from all backgrounds. Those who ride to school in a nice SUV with their initials monogrammed on their backpacks and hairbows and also those who ride in a rusty old car filled with cigarette smoke and mom's current boyfriend. This really turned into a tangent - but I think this is why I want to be where I am professionally. I want to have the freedom to work with these children and assure them someone cares what they have to say. And to ensure they hear at least one positive thing each day. I work with the best teachers around - encouraging and patient, willing to hug a child who has not bathed in days and who may or may not actually be wearing clothes that fit even a little bit.
But we have a few more days of summer and We are looking forward to a family wedding next Thursday in Fort Lauderdale. With a stop in Orlando (not going to Disney World though if you can believe it) we should have a nice trip.
We had a great time in Savannah and Charleston. It was good to see Luke and Sara. The kids always jump right back into his arms no matter how long we have been apart and I am thankful for that. I will post some pictures from the trip soon.
For now - I am off to bed - registration comes early tomorrow morning.....
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
winding down....
Playing some music at the park...
Summer is winding down quickly, but we have some serious traveling left to do before school starts on August 9. We leave Thursday for a trip to Charleston, SC and I am really excited. Luke and Sara are meeting us there and I have always wanted to go! We are going to try to drive back through Savannah - another place I have always wanted to visit.
We return from that trip and leave 5 days after for Orlando and then Fort Lauderdale for a wedding.
Stephen is ready for anything at the fountains on the Eastenr Shore...
Summer is winding down quickly, but we have some serious traveling left to do before school starts on August 9. We leave Thursday for a trip to Charleston, SC and I am really excited. Luke and Sara are meeting us there and I have always wanted to go! We are going to try to drive back through Savannah - another place I have always wanted to visit.We return from that trip and leave 5 days after for Orlando and then Fort Lauderdale for a wedding.
Stephen is ready for anything at the fountains on the Eastenr Shore...
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sweet Macy...
In 2001 Jamey and I moved into our new house. Our first house as a couple. We pulled into the driveway. we could see 2 eyes shining in the darkness. A black dog - mostly lab we thought - wagged her tail at us as we got out of the car. "Go home" we told her. She just looked at us. Then she sat. "Look, Jamey, she can sit! " I said. She stood back up, I said "sit" and she did just that. Jamey then picked up a stick and threw it. She ran to get it, ran it back and dropped it at Jamey's feet.
"We can't keep a dog. We both work full time. We have a new house to take care of. We will put up some signs, put an ad in the paper. Someone obviously took care of her. Who in the world would abandon a dog like this?"
But she never left us. The vet estimated her at 2 years old, so we have no idea where she was before she came to us, and we had no idea how much she would mean to us through the next 9 years.
We named her Macy. When Jamey propsed to me in 2000, he sang part of a Macy Gray song to me, so we thought it was a good name. She learned it instantly.
"She will be an outside dog."
Right, I can't exactly remember, but Im willing to bet she did not spend one single night outside in the backyard. She moved right in and that was that.
She was ours and we loved her. Jamey worked nights at the mall back then and Macy was my companion. She was more than happy to sit right next to the bathtub while I took a bath at night, right next to me while I brushed my teeth and then right by the bed as I fell asleep. Jamey came in one night with a hat on and Macy did not recognize him. That is the only time I had a glimpse of her in a moment she felt compelled to protect me. He quickly called her name and she relaxed.
We loved her when we brought Ansley home from the hospital. We have video of bringing Ansley in the house for the first time and Macy going to look in the car seat at her with a gentle wag of her tail. In those foggy, emotional days after our babies came home from the hospital, she would sit right by my feet while I nursed and rocked, nursed and rocked. Many times we would find Macy asleep right next to the crib and then later next to the kids' beds.
I could not count the number of people who said how special Macy was. She would never think of jumping on someone or eating something without getting permission first. She loved the water. We would take her to the beach or lake and she would swim herself to exhaustion.
Sweet and gentle, she would lay as Ansley or Stephen climbed on her or sat on her or kissed her. Never once did I worry with her around. When it appeared a few years ago I may lose my job through cutbacks, I came home one day, sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. Macy sat right with me while I cried and cried and cried every tear I had held in for probably the past year or two. She let me cry with her head in my lap and hands and I was better for it.
She did not like for us to leave. We left her one time at a swanky boarding house for animals while we went on vacation. She worried herself sick - literally. So we never ever did that again. Sitters were brought to the house for her or she went to stay with my dad - where I am pretty sure she slept on the couch (with his full permission of course)
She loved playing fetch and she loved to sit by my dad who would sneak her bites of his supper.
When we lost her this week so suddenly....
She went for her checkup in May and was great. Healthy, aging, but looked great.
The past 2 weeks she was losing weight - losing interest in food - even people food. I think I knew in my heart before I was ready to admit it that something was wrong. Our trip to the vet Thursday confirmed my fears.
She was our first baby. Our sweet, gentle Macy who wanted nothing more that to love us and be with us. I hope we gave her all she deserved. I hope she was not scared in the end.
I have pictures of her I want to post - but its too hard to look right now..
I know for some without pets, this might be a tad difficult to understand. But for those who have made these bonds, who have spent years caring, you understand our pain.
I still catch myself looking for her....
"We can't keep a dog. We both work full time. We have a new house to take care of. We will put up some signs, put an ad in the paper. Someone obviously took care of her. Who in the world would abandon a dog like this?"
But she never left us. The vet estimated her at 2 years old, so we have no idea where she was before she came to us, and we had no idea how much she would mean to us through the next 9 years.
We named her Macy. When Jamey propsed to me in 2000, he sang part of a Macy Gray song to me, so we thought it was a good name. She learned it instantly.
"She will be an outside dog."
Right, I can't exactly remember, but Im willing to bet she did not spend one single night outside in the backyard. She moved right in and that was that.
She was ours and we loved her. Jamey worked nights at the mall back then and Macy was my companion. She was more than happy to sit right next to the bathtub while I took a bath at night, right next to me while I brushed my teeth and then right by the bed as I fell asleep. Jamey came in one night with a hat on and Macy did not recognize him. That is the only time I had a glimpse of her in a moment she felt compelled to protect me. He quickly called her name and she relaxed.
We loved her when we brought Ansley home from the hospital. We have video of bringing Ansley in the house for the first time and Macy going to look in the car seat at her with a gentle wag of her tail. In those foggy, emotional days after our babies came home from the hospital, she would sit right by my feet while I nursed and rocked, nursed and rocked. Many times we would find Macy asleep right next to the crib and then later next to the kids' beds.
I could not count the number of people who said how special Macy was. She would never think of jumping on someone or eating something without getting permission first. She loved the water. We would take her to the beach or lake and she would swim herself to exhaustion.
Sweet and gentle, she would lay as Ansley or Stephen climbed on her or sat on her or kissed her. Never once did I worry with her around. When it appeared a few years ago I may lose my job through cutbacks, I came home one day, sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. Macy sat right with me while I cried and cried and cried every tear I had held in for probably the past year or two. She let me cry with her head in my lap and hands and I was better for it.
She did not like for us to leave. We left her one time at a swanky boarding house for animals while we went on vacation. She worried herself sick - literally. So we never ever did that again. Sitters were brought to the house for her or she went to stay with my dad - where I am pretty sure she slept on the couch (with his full permission of course)
She loved playing fetch and she loved to sit by my dad who would sneak her bites of his supper.
When we lost her this week so suddenly....
She went for her checkup in May and was great. Healthy, aging, but looked great.
The past 2 weeks she was losing weight - losing interest in food - even people food. I think I knew in my heart before I was ready to admit it that something was wrong. Our trip to the vet Thursday confirmed my fears.
She was our first baby. Our sweet, gentle Macy who wanted nothing more that to love us and be with us. I hope we gave her all she deserved. I hope she was not scared in the end.
I have pictures of her I want to post - but its too hard to look right now..
I know for some without pets, this might be a tad difficult to understand. But for those who have made these bonds, who have spent years caring, you understand our pain.
I still catch myself looking for her....
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Summer Shots...
Slow down summer! we are having too much fun...
We made it through a few days of sickness (here are my 2 little sick ones on the couch)
Ansley and Carson finding a shady place..
Stephen enjoying the water slide in the backyard...
Ansley balancing down the middle..
It is HOT on this bike ride...
Cool at the water park...
cuttin' the grass.....
Our message to Jamey on Father's Day when he was out of town... we missed him so much!
We made it through a few days of sickness (here are my 2 little sick ones on the couch)
Ansley and Carson finding a shady place..
Stephen enjoying the water slide in the backyard...
Ansley balancing down the middle..
It is HOT on this bike ride...
Cool at the water park...
cuttin' the grass.....
Our message to Jamey on Father's Day when he was out of town... we missed him so much!
Monday, July 5, 2010
8 questions....
I was tagged by my good friend KPH to answer 8 questions she came up with and let me tell you - this is going to be hard!
So here are the questions my sweet friend Kelly came up with:
1. If your life was a sitcom, who would you cast to play yourself and your most important costars?
This is really tough b/c I never know anyone's name on TV. But I guess for me I choose Kellie Martin. Most of you will not know who she is, but she played in the Christy series, She played Lucy on ER and also Becca on Life Goes On - a series that came on around 1990. I think she has always seemed down to earth, fun, and has always played characters who seemed somewhat realistic.
And since I am choosing her - I will choose Noah Wiley from ER to play Jamey. Mostly b/c I think he is cute :) and they were sort of together on ER. Now how confusing is that!??
2. Outdoor concerts: Yay or Nay? And why?
Want to know what I think of when I think of outdoor concerts??? Jamey and I were together, not together, together, not together over the course of college years. One time. when we were NOT together, we went on a road trip with about 12 people to see the Counting Crows and the Wallflowers in Birmingham. I spent the whole time flirting with him , he spent the whole time pretending not to notice and his friends spent the whole time teasing him about me. We did NOT get together on that trip. But it was such a fun memory. So I say YAY for outdoor concerts.
3. If you could learn one skill tomorrow and be awesome at it, what would you pick and why?
Oh this is EASY - i need to learn Spanish. Seriously. It would make my life so much easier at work.
4. What would your name have been if you had been born the opposite gender?
I have no idea! I would have to ask my mom. Im guessing maybe Luke bc that is my younger brothers name.
5. Uhoh! Its Karaoke time. What do you sing?
Easy again - MJ. Michael Jackson - probably Billie Jean. Or Thriller. LOVE him!
6. What's your guilty pleasure?
I love celebrity gossip. People.com is a website I hit regulary. I also watch those awful shows with the Kardashians, The Girls Next Door and Kendra. Jamey HATES all 3 and they are too awful for me to watch in front of the kids so I watch them alone :)
7. What's #1 on the bucket list?
traveling with Jamey through Europe. It will happen one day.
8. Best thing you ever ate?
Well, today I ate my mom's homeade ice cream. It is an old recipe made with raw eggs. I have been eating it for 29 of my 30 years and I have not keeled over yet. I love it. But this question might have a different answer on another day....
So here are the questions my sweet friend Kelly came up with:
1. If your life was a sitcom, who would you cast to play yourself and your most important costars?
This is really tough b/c I never know anyone's name on TV. But I guess for me I choose Kellie Martin. Most of you will not know who she is, but she played in the Christy series, She played Lucy on ER and also Becca on Life Goes On - a series that came on around 1990. I think she has always seemed down to earth, fun, and has always played characters who seemed somewhat realistic.
And since I am choosing her - I will choose Noah Wiley from ER to play Jamey. Mostly b/c I think he is cute :) and they were sort of together on ER. Now how confusing is that!??
2. Outdoor concerts: Yay or Nay? And why?
Want to know what I think of when I think of outdoor concerts??? Jamey and I were together, not together, together, not together over the course of college years. One time. when we were NOT together, we went on a road trip with about 12 people to see the Counting Crows and the Wallflowers in Birmingham. I spent the whole time flirting with him , he spent the whole time pretending not to notice and his friends spent the whole time teasing him about me. We did NOT get together on that trip. But it was such a fun memory. So I say YAY for outdoor concerts.
3. If you could learn one skill tomorrow and be awesome at it, what would you pick and why?
Oh this is EASY - i need to learn Spanish. Seriously. It would make my life so much easier at work.
4. What would your name have been if you had been born the opposite gender?
I have no idea! I would have to ask my mom. Im guessing maybe Luke bc that is my younger brothers name.
5. Uhoh! Its Karaoke time. What do you sing?
Easy again - MJ. Michael Jackson - probably Billie Jean. Or Thriller. LOVE him!
6. What's your guilty pleasure?
I love celebrity gossip. People.com is a website I hit regulary. I also watch those awful shows with the Kardashians, The Girls Next Door and Kendra. Jamey HATES all 3 and they are too awful for me to watch in front of the kids so I watch them alone :)
7. What's #1 on the bucket list?
traveling with Jamey through Europe. It will happen one day.
8. Best thing you ever ate?
Well, today I ate my mom's homeade ice cream. It is an old recipe made with raw eggs. I have been eating it for 29 of my 30 years and I have not keeled over yet. I love it. But this question might have a different answer on another day....
Friday, July 2, 2010
making me smile...
a fellow blogger challenged her readers to make this list - so I challenge you guys! Can I really come up with 100 things?? I guess we will see.
100 Things That Make Me Smile:
1. Sleeping Babies
2. Real Letters that arrive in the mailbox
3. Santa Shopping
4. collecting sea shells
5. Planes that arrive on time
6. Thunderstorms when I am home for the day
7. little baby tomatos and watermelons in my backyard
8. my water aerobics class
9. reading blogs of people I know and love
10. listening to Ansley read
11. listening to my kids sing the soundtrack to Annie
12. texting my mom - especially when she uses :)
13. getting a movie in the mail from Netflix
14. the farmers market on Saturday mornings
15. crossing the finish line at my first 10K
16. Running with Shannan - the best running partner I could ask for
17. My kids whispering to each other
18. Girls nights to the movies
19. overnight trips with Jamey
20. planning vacations online
21. coffee
22. my church family
23. Howell Easterling reminding me to picture everyone naked but wearing socks when I speak in church
24. movies with Adam Sandler
25. walking on Main Street in Disney World
26. Wesley saying "As you Wish" in the Princess Bride
27. waking up on summer days and having no where to be
28. Watching my kids run through the sprinkler
29. Ansley's loose teeth
30. Stephen calling Ansley " Sissy"
31. Scooby Doo
32. Halloween
33. My moms Chicken and Dressing
34. Elizabeth's chocolate dipped strawberries
35. Eli's curls and grin
36. Seeing a movie opening weekend
37. The swingset in our backyard
38. flower headbands
39. Luke and Sara coming for a visit and setting up camp in Stephen's room
40. Scrapbooking
41. Friends I have known since I was very small
42. Friends that are coworkers
43. Emails during work from friends
44. Ansley's field trip days
45. Stephen calling erasers "wiper offer things"
46. Clean babies right after bathtime
47. Jamey talking with Stephen about his day.
48. Harry Potter books
49. Getting my hair cut and colored
50. Finding an outfit that looks good
51. browsing for books on amazon
52. texting with my friends
53. christmas lights
54. new friends
55. Riding bikes with Jamey and pulling the kids in the bike trailer
56. Zumba
57. a clean house
58. going to lunch with my mom
59. Jamey teasing me
60. my kids with their grandparents
61. my kids with the aunts, uncles and cousins
62. Christmas morning with my parents and Luke and Sara and Jamey's parents and Elizabeth here with us.
63. playing the Wii
64. Reading my Real Simple magazine
65. puppies
66. taking my kids on mission trips
67. watching my kids run through the sprinkler
68. The home daycare where Stephen goes each day
69. texts from "my person" Jillean
70. Hugs and Kisses from my babies
71. reconnecting with old friends on facebook
72. packing my kids suitcases for their sleepovers at grandparents houses
73.Old Dutch Ice Cream shop
74. Secret jokes between good friends
75. New York with a blanket of snow
76. Cabins in the mountains
77. the beach
78. dualing piano bars
79. picking blackberries
80. candles
81. getting my carpets cleaned
82. being married to my prom date
83. watching my kids perform the stage version of Peter Pan
84. Ansley making chicken and dumplings with her great grandmother
85. Stephen traipsing through the yard with his great grandpa
86. My lunch group at work
87. Kindergartners the first week of school
88. The childrens section of the library
89. pedicures and facials...and massages
90. finding money in my pockets
91. listening to Jamey talk about a day of golfing
92. baking
93. having a neighbor who I can chat with and swap childcare
94. inviting lots of people over for a cookout
95. watching my kids jump on the beds the morning of a Disney World day
96. my new wreath
97. kisses on my kids' bellies
98. the fact we have a 2000 square foot house and all 4 of us spend most of our time in probably 10 square feet -including the 2 dogs
100. Sunshine filled days of swimming and snacking
100 Things That Make Me Smile:
1. Sleeping Babies
2. Real Letters that arrive in the mailbox
3. Santa Shopping
4. collecting sea shells
5. Planes that arrive on time
6. Thunderstorms when I am home for the day
7. little baby tomatos and watermelons in my backyard
8. my water aerobics class
9. reading blogs of people I know and love
10. listening to Ansley read
11. listening to my kids sing the soundtrack to Annie
12. texting my mom - especially when she uses :)
13. getting a movie in the mail from Netflix
14. the farmers market on Saturday mornings
15. crossing the finish line at my first 10K
16. Running with Shannan - the best running partner I could ask for
17. My kids whispering to each other
18. Girls nights to the movies
19. overnight trips with Jamey
20. planning vacations online
21. coffee
22. my church family
23. Howell Easterling reminding me to picture everyone naked but wearing socks when I speak in church
24. movies with Adam Sandler
25. walking on Main Street in Disney World
26. Wesley saying "As you Wish" in the Princess Bride
27. waking up on summer days and having no where to be
28. Watching my kids run through the sprinkler
29. Ansley's loose teeth
30. Stephen calling Ansley " Sissy"
31. Scooby Doo
32. Halloween
33. My moms Chicken and Dressing
34. Elizabeth's chocolate dipped strawberries
35. Eli's curls and grin
36. Seeing a movie opening weekend
37. The swingset in our backyard
38. flower headbands
39. Luke and Sara coming for a visit and setting up camp in Stephen's room
40. Scrapbooking
41. Friends I have known since I was very small
42. Friends that are coworkers
43. Emails during work from friends
44. Ansley's field trip days
45. Stephen calling erasers "wiper offer things"
46. Clean babies right after bathtime
47. Jamey talking with Stephen about his day.
48. Harry Potter books
49. Getting my hair cut and colored
50. Finding an outfit that looks good
51. browsing for books on amazon
52. texting with my friends
53. christmas lights
54. new friends
55. Riding bikes with Jamey and pulling the kids in the bike trailer
56. Zumba
57. a clean house
58. going to lunch with my mom
59. Jamey teasing me
60. my kids with their grandparents
61. my kids with the aunts, uncles and cousins
62. Christmas morning with my parents and Luke and Sara and Jamey's parents and Elizabeth here with us.
63. playing the Wii
64. Reading my Real Simple magazine
65. puppies
66. taking my kids on mission trips
67. watching my kids run through the sprinkler
68. The home daycare where Stephen goes each day
69. texts from "my person" Jillean
70. Hugs and Kisses from my babies
71. reconnecting with old friends on facebook
72. packing my kids suitcases for their sleepovers at grandparents houses
73.Old Dutch Ice Cream shop
74. Secret jokes between good friends
75. New York with a blanket of snow
76. Cabins in the mountains
77. the beach
78. dualing piano bars
79. picking blackberries
80. candles
81. getting my carpets cleaned
82. being married to my prom date
83. watching my kids perform the stage version of Peter Pan
84. Ansley making chicken and dumplings with her great grandmother
85. Stephen traipsing through the yard with his great grandpa
86. My lunch group at work
87. Kindergartners the first week of school
88. The childrens section of the library
89. pedicures and facials...and massages
90. finding money in my pockets
91. listening to Jamey talk about a day of golfing
92. baking
93. having a neighbor who I can chat with and swap childcare
94. inviting lots of people over for a cookout
95. watching my kids jump on the beds the morning of a Disney World day
96. my new wreath
97. kisses on my kids' bellies
98. the fact we have a 2000 square foot house and all 4 of us spend most of our time in probably 10 square feet -including the 2 dogs
100. Sunshine filled days of swimming and snacking
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
It has been over a MONTH since my last post! Our computer went to that great electronics dumpster in the sky...so no computer has been rough. We both have internet on our phones, so we haven't been 100% disconnected. But let me tell you - I have computer dependent and I am not ashamed to say it. Paying bills online, news, weather - I am addicted.
So here are a few highlights from The Duke Family:
1. We have a new addition - no, not the 2 legged kind - the 4 legged kind. Tilly is a 3 month old black puppy we adopted and let me tell you, puppies are a TRIP. Its like a toddler on speed. She is all over the place, wants to chew everything and is scared of the sound of the toilet flushing. She will run and hide under the armchair if she hears it. She is funny and sweet but we have a lot of work to do. We are learning right along with her, and if I can get her trained before Jamey drop kicks her into the next zip code (Kidding, kidding animal lovers out there!) I think she will be a good dog for our family. She annoys the heck out of Macy - but I think Macy kind of likes the company.
2. We traveled to South Dakota on a mission trip with a group from our church. I know a lot of you saw the pictures on facebook but I will load a few on here for those family members not on facebook.
3. I joined a gym! Yes, I did it. This one has childcare and a pool and I have really enjoyed going. I know I am still in the honeymoon phase of working out but I honestly am enjoying it. I have several friends going too and Im starting to meet new people there. Hopefully this means I will have some success in the baby weight losing department (can I call it baby weight when Stephen is 3?? Of COURSE I can)
4. Jamey and I will be married 10 years in December this year. He tells me, choose Vegas or skiing - oh my gosh that is a hard decision, but let me tell you, I am already looking forward to this trip that has not destination yet! We will be gone the week before Christmas and will actually be there on our anniversary. We went to Las Vegas for part of our Honeymoon, so I'm leaning toward that for sentimental reasons...but I am enjoying researching different trips right now. 10 years. Woah. That is A LOT. The average marriage in America lasts 7 years (or so I have heard). I can't imagine life without him...
5. We are enjoying our summer break. Well, the kids and I are anyway. Poor Jamey has worked almost every day at 3 seperate jobs. I am proud of him and thankful for his willingness to work so we can get a new computer soon and plan our anniversary trip. Stephen still goes to his sitter a few times a week for the summer and she recently took the kids to learn about safety from a "real policeman" and "McGruff the Crying Dog" . Stephen was confused that McGruff never actually cried....
Here are a few pictures...
Ok, so I can't get the pictures to move on this little netbook (grrrr) so you have already seen them up at the top of this post)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Graduation Day
Ansley with her friends from school:
Well, Ansley is now an official kindergarten graduate. I have a few pictures below from graduation weekend. I want to have a few others taken in her cap and gown - I couldn't get my camera to focus right in the sanctuary for the actual ceremony. But it was a wonderful weekend celebrating our girl. I really feel like graduating from kindergarten is something special - and I can't figure out why public school doesn't acknowledge this achievement. Its a whole new world in kindergarten, especially for those children who did not attend any sort of preschool. It makes the children proud, connects them to their school work, and allows parents a moment to see how far their kids have come in just one school year. Anyway, I am glad the little school Ansley attends celebrates this moment.
Here is Ansley on stage - not sure what that face means. We asked her before to make sure and SMILE, to which she replied, "I can't watch my teacher and smile at you at the same time." I could not argue with her on that. 
Here is she reciting her part during the program.
Before the graduation ceremony....
Here she is with her daddy. And, excuse me for a moment while I brag (but if you can't brag on your own kid on your own blog, where can you do it?) but she got Student of the Year for academics and behavior. We were BEYOND proud. Of her and all the other kids.
Here comes 1st grade!
Here is she reciting her part during the program.
Before the graduation ceremony....
Here she is with her daddy. And, excuse me for a moment while I brag (but if you can't brag on your own kid on your own blog, where can you do it?) but she got Student of the Year for academics and behavior. We were BEYOND proud. Of her and all the other kids.
Here comes 1st grade!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Playground Wars
I have been trying to blog about this particular incident all week. I think it took me a while to get my thoughts together and they are still a little scattered - so excuse the run-on sentences and the stream of consciousness-type writing.
The kids and I spent last Saturday on Dauphin Island with my good friend Kim and her family. They were camping there for Spring Break so we went for the day for some beach and some fun. It was a great day complete with a picnic and some time on the playground. And that is where I met....HIM. The meanest 8 year old I think I have ever seen in my life. And I have spent almost 10 years working in public schools - the last 6 as an elementary school counselor.
While Kim and I say chatting on a park bench, I glanced to my left to catch Carson (Kim's son) jumping out of the way a kid taking a swing at him. At first I assumed it was simply a game of you-can't-get-me. But when this kid turned around, I knew he was not joking. This kid was armed with a plastic, full sized shotgun and was threatening any kid who dared step on the playground equipment he had declared his own property. But it wasn't just threats - he was acting on it.
"I think we can all share this slide." I said.
He then shoved the end of that shotgun at Ansley's head and made a noise like a shotgun blast and I was up and over there in about 10 seconds. Surely, I thought, if I stand here - staring at him - on this piece of playground equipment, he will either leave or at least leave my kids alone. We are not talking about the biggest playground - it was pretty much play on this or swing. But this was not to be. After being called several names I didn't hear until middle school, I watched him take that shotgun and swipe it at both me and the other kids attempting to climb up to get to the
And at that point, I was done. I firmly took the end of his shotgun in my hand, pulled it to me, leaned in close to his drawn up little face, and whispered, "If you touch me or another child on this playground again with your hand or this gun, I will lay you out on this ground."
Instantly I began praying that he believed me. That he really though I had it in me to put him flat on his back in front of God and everyone at the playground. Our eyes were locked for several seconds...and then he sat back. He had bought it. He bought my threat. The kids began climbing around him to get to the slide and he just sat there. No tears. No words.
After a few seconds, I told him we would love to play with him if he was nice. No answer.
A few minutes later, a van drove by and it was his ride. He took off running to the van. Well, I thought - perhaps I just bought myself to meeting with his mom - who is probably 100 pounds of muscle and tobacco...Maybe I can outrun her I thought. Kim can take the kids in the opposite direction.
But the van drove off.
And my heart was sad.
How sad to be 8 years old and to put a plastic shotgun to someone's temple and pull the plastic trigger. How sad to be that mean when you are so young.
When I told Jamey about it later, he said, "He is 100% showing off what he sees at home." And I know this is true. But the anger- the desire to hurt someone. At only 8 years old.
Ansley had so many questions about it. And let me tell you, it is not easy teaching your child the right way to stand up for themselves. When do you just concede the playground - when do you say, you know what? I can play here too. And Im not going to let you hurt me.
I'm not sure. But I am sure that my heart breaks for that little boy.
The kids and I spent last Saturday on Dauphin Island with my good friend Kim and her family. They were camping there for Spring Break so we went for the day for some beach and some fun. It was a great day complete with a picnic and some time on the playground. And that is where I met....HIM. The meanest 8 year old I think I have ever seen in my life. And I have spent almost 10 years working in public schools - the last 6 as an elementary school counselor.
While Kim and I say chatting on a park bench, I glanced to my left to catch Carson (Kim's son) jumping out of the way a kid taking a swing at him. At first I assumed it was simply a game of you-can't-get-me. But when this kid turned around, I knew he was not joking. This kid was armed with a plastic, full sized shotgun and was threatening any kid who dared step on the playground equipment he had declared his own property. But it wasn't just threats - he was acting on it.
"I think we can all share this slide." I said.
He then shoved the end of that shotgun at Ansley's head and made a noise like a shotgun blast and I was up and over there in about 10 seconds. Surely, I thought, if I stand here - staring at him - on this piece of playground equipment, he will either leave or at least leave my kids alone. We are not talking about the biggest playground - it was pretty much play on this or swing. But this was not to be. After being called several names I didn't hear until middle school, I watched him take that shotgun and swipe it at both me and the other kids attempting to climb up to get to the
And at that point, I was done. I firmly took the end of his shotgun in my hand, pulled it to me, leaned in close to his drawn up little face, and whispered, "If you touch me or another child on this playground again with your hand or this gun, I will lay you out on this ground."
Instantly I began praying that he believed me. That he really though I had it in me to put him flat on his back in front of God and everyone at the playground. Our eyes were locked for several seconds...and then he sat back. He had bought it. He bought my threat. The kids began climbing around him to get to the slide and he just sat there. No tears. No words.
After a few seconds, I told him we would love to play with him if he was nice. No answer.
A few minutes later, a van drove by and it was his ride. He took off running to the van. Well, I thought - perhaps I just bought myself to meeting with his mom - who is probably 100 pounds of muscle and tobacco...Maybe I can outrun her I thought. Kim can take the kids in the opposite direction.
But the van drove off.
And my heart was sad.
How sad to be 8 years old and to put a plastic shotgun to someone's temple and pull the plastic trigger. How sad to be that mean when you are so young.
When I told Jamey about it later, he said, "He is 100% showing off what he sees at home." And I know this is true. But the anger- the desire to hurt someone. At only 8 years old.
Ansley had so many questions about it. And let me tell you, it is not easy teaching your child the right way to stand up for themselves. When do you just concede the playground - when do you say, you know what? I can play here too. And Im not going to let you hurt me.
I'm not sure. But I am sure that my heart breaks for that little boy.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Back Home
Cruising was definitely a NEW experience for all the Dukes! And we jumped in with our whole crew not really knowing what to expect. It ended up being a great trip and a great experience for us all. We left Mobile about 4 Saturday afternoon and spent the next day and a half at sea. This meant time spent at the pool, reading, eating, eating and eating! Our rooms were tiny, but had everything we needed. We had pull down beds for the kids, but they spend pretty much every night in the room with my mom down the hall so we really didn't need the pull down beds anyway.
Jamey and I decided that we are more fans of the excursions than we are the days at sea. This was one clean and organized boat! And there was so much to do on the boat - we both just had kind of a, well, antsy feeling the days at sea. I am not sure if that makes sense. We loved exploring the cities. Progresso had the best cheap, fun jewelry. We all agreed that we wished we had purchased more pieces there. Cozumel did not have nearly the cheap (but still really cute) items. Everything there was expensive! In Cozumel, we went to Playa Mia for the day. Swimming, jumping on the water trampoline and taking a catamaran out were the events of the day.
Each night, our WONDERFUL waiter would present the best meal. It was so nice. I can't even begin to describe it. He told us he sees his family in the Philippines every 6-7 months. I don't know how he does it. He told us he was thankful to have a job and to be able to send money to his family. He was such a gentleman.
The shows on the boat were really good too. Much better than I had expected. I didn't realize they would do a dancing/singing show several nights. Also, they have a Camp Carnival that runs almost 24 hours a day for the kids. They did arts and crafts and games and snacks and movies for the kids.
Our only bad experience the whole time actually happened to my mom. But she was a trooper and let it roll right off of her. The pool on that boat was WAY too small and deck chairs were PRIME real estate. She found an empty chair one morning and sat down to read. About 45 minutes later a very LOUD and presumably drunk man insisted she had moved all his things to a secret location and had stolen his chair that he had been saving all morning. Um, ok. His wife was embarrassed (although I am assuming he behaved this way on a regular basis - too bad for her) and my mom told him she had done no such thing, but quickly moved away from the crazy man.
We are now researching the Disney cruise :) Of course, this is no surprise to any of you out there!!!
We are off to the beach tomorrow to visit with friends and soak up some of the last days of Spring Break 2010.
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