Spilt Milk 'n Mood Swings

Troubled

2011-10-15T02:25:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I had a doctor's appointment to hopefully get some medication to put an end to these never-ending sinus issues I've been having since the beginning of summer here in the deep south and to discuss yet another health issue that's been bothering me for several months. What I learned during this visit was nothing I could have possibly imagined, dear friends. I really don't have enough information right now to elaborate any further but by the end of next week, [hopefully] I should know all I need to know with regard to the entire matter and will freely share at that time. Because of the little information I was given, my entire psyche was a hot mess last evening but it's all good now. I have a plan and it's already set into motion. Having done some research on my own though, the greatest part of this plan has been given to a Higher Power because it's going to take the Great Physician to get me through this one. Well, it always does but sometimes it's just not so easy to "Let Go, and Let God." I'm in far better spirits today but I've found myself troubled over something that happened earlier this afternoon (more on that a little ways down).

The day didn't exactly get off to the best start seeing as how I overslept. Don't y'all just hate it when you come flying out of bed, heart pounding, moving like a cheetah chasing after her run-away babies, having to think on the go because now that you're day has started behind schedule you've got to find a way to compensate and get caught up within a matter of minutes?

~Whew~

Me Too!!

Rest of the morning and afternoon was about average for me; doing this, that and the other. I was quite excited for Miss Ma'am today when she got home from school and informed me that she had made the cheerleading team at school again this year! Of course, there was never a doubt in MY mind that she wouldn't make it but she was quite excited so I expressed my proud Momma moment right along with her. Later today, she was to participate in the 1-Mile Fun Run at the School Fall Festival again this year and she was quite looking forward to that. Since we had a couple hours before it started, I asked her to tend a simple chore for me and that's when the trouble started. Normally, I'd regale y'all with the glorious detailed conversation but this one was a bit lengthy, so long story - short ... her 10-year-old going on 14 smart little self popped off at me with that disrespectful mouth and that whole bobble-head/neck twisting thing that must be her Daddy's DNA.

Now, y'all remember earlier when I said I've been having some serious sinus issues? Well, they're all cleared up now, friends; 'cause my left eye started twitching and fire came out of my nose!!!! And Miss Ma'am bought herself a one-way ticket to her room for the rest of her natural born life.

I don't suppose I have to even mention that this, naturally, turned into a huge fiasco and she threw herself one of heck of a poor-pitiful-me drama party.

Tough Love is one of the hardest things to deal with from a mother's standpoint because it just nearly killed my heart to see her so heart-broken about not being able to participate in something she was SO looking forward to and something that we've attended together (just the two of us) every year since she started school.

It was something she said, though, in the throes of her tantrum that really has me troubled. The very idea that my 10-year-old beautiful little baby who has the whole world at her feet used the phrase, "I'll just kill myself," really has my heart troubled. Oh, don't misunderstand now, because I'm not worried in the least nor do I feel the need for any alarm.

I've tried so hard to safeguard her from so many different things in this world and to not expose her too early to some of the things that other children her age are and I can't even fathom where she heard this phrase. After a lengthy, indepth conversation, I came to realize that she does, in fact, understand fully what it means. I'm pretty sure that's what it is that really has me so bothered - that she UNDERSTANDS what it means. She's losing so much of her childhood innocence at such a rapid pace ... I'm just not ready for her to grow up at all, much less so quickly.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Welcome to My Crazy Life

2011-10-04T10:11:00.002-04:00

Well y'all ... I'm still kickin' somewhere out here in the real world. I haven't disappeared again ... I'm just a wee bit stressed at the moment for varying reasons, some of which I won't go into right now but y'all can bet I will eventually.

I've been working on two different projects the last few days and neglecting some priorities, unfortunately. I suppose, though, that we're all entitled to venture down some side winding paths on occasion and I'm no exception to that.

It's certainly been a fun little adventure mixed with a lot of work but, alas, it's time to leave it all for a while and try to regain a new focus since I spent the better part of 4 hours trying to make something work that just absolutely would not cooperate.

Well All Right Then! You've beat me for now but I shall return and conquer AFTER I've had ample rest.

I'll tell y'all what though ... I'm quite looking forward to kicking off this project I've been working on. It's been in the idea and planning stage for the better part of a year and a half now and I just decided a few days ago it's time to get it underway. I won't share all the details though until it's all ready to go [of course, some of you already know; and I'm hoping y'all will be as supportive as you generally are and enjoy every minute of watching it grow].

I'm thinking now that I need some serious rest after I hop over to my post drafts and add a couple thoughts that just crossed my mind regarding one of the special pieces I'm working on that will hopefully prove to be prize winners! HA-HA!! I think I may be delusional at this point.

Y'all have a fantabulous day and I'll be right back before you even have time to realize I'm gone.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Redefining Friendship

2011-09-25T17:04:00.014-04:00

All my life I've been told, "Friends Come, and Friends Go," as are most people in the world and eventually we come to accept this idea whether we like it or not. In an effort to help my baby girl define friendship on a basic level, I found myself on an enlightened journey, rediscovering my own basis for that which defines friend. I believe that throughout our lives we make this same journey periodically and with each passing event, we redefine our very own expectations of what the word "friend" comes to mean.

I just want to say at this point that I'm likely to step on some toes with this entry but that's okay because if I'm stepping on your toes? Chances are - you darn well deserve it.

I don't have to list any names because you'll KNOW beyond doubt who you are once I get started. I do intend, however, to accentuate the positive in my life and list the names in an abbreviated form of those who deserve recognition.

I've done a lot of soul searching and redefining and I've even categorized the people in my life into lists (shame on me, right?) but it was something that had to be done for my own sanity and NOW I can walk through life happy again knowing who I can call on and who's "just gone." At age 44, I've discovered that what I've been taught my entire life is SO WRONG! Friends do NOT come and go. Friends remain and those who are gone - were never friends to start with. Well, at least that's how it's worked out in my own life and after all, that is what this is about, right?! MY Life!

I suppose I should throw in a little disclaimer to say that I have no social degree and I'm not an expert on defining what a friend should or shouldn't be, is or isn't. This is strictly ME and MY LIFE!

BREAKING IT DOWN:

The Pretenders: You're generally very kind and even likable, and could fall into almost any of the groups below. In fact, you may have been in one of those groups at some point in my past but you won't ever again. Now that I've redefined what friendship is to me, the one defining detail that sets you apart is nothing more than this - I DON'T LIKE YOU! You're the spoiled fruit that I'm slowly plucking from my life's branches because I don't need you ruining the rest of my life. You've TRIED to manipulate me, you've stolen from me, and you've taken advantage of my good nature - so you're out of here. I no longer give second chances. Gone.

Acquaintances: You are the kindly people in my life that I know and even like, we're on good terms and we're social when we meet in public places; with a friendly greeting, "how are you?" and maybe we even share a current event defining why we're in this particular location at this particular time; and on the rare occasion, we call each other on the phone (if we have each other's number) to verify a date or time for a particular event that we'll both be attending or that our children will attend together. That's It. One day we may become more than just acquaintances or maybe we won't and neither of us are really over concerned about the matter. And that's just the way it is.

Friends: This is where it all takes a very detailed turn. A true friend is a friend unconditionally and not just when it's convenient for them, HOWEVER, friends are often separated by priorities, distance, and even differences but friends are friends, regardless. We've eaten dinner together in public venues on one or more occasions, our children attend each other's birthday parties and have had sleepovers in one or both of our homes. We gladly pick each other's children up from school if the need arises. We talk on the phone just to talk - about nothing particular and sometimes about the most spectacular events in our lives. We see each other in a public place and we go out of our way to say even just a quick hello no matter how little time we have at the moment. We don't have to see each other or even talk to each other for days and it's okay, we'll catch up at a later point in time when time allows. We've eaten dinner at each other's table. We've gone to movies together. We've run into each other in a public place and decided on the spur of the moment that we'll just hang out together. We've made specific 'dates' to get together for no reason other than to enjoy each other's company. And Oh So Much More ...

Close Friends: My close friends hold every attribute as do my "Friends" with a few differences. You are the Silent Angels in my life. You've called or texted when you know I'm sick to see if there's anything you can do whether it be take Miss Ma'am for a little while so I can rest, right down to offering to prepare a meal so that JD doesn't have to do it himself. You're the ones who've bent an ear and offered a shoulder, affording me the opportunity sometimes to do no more than rant, but most importantly to cry. You haven't always had the answers I needed. In fact, there are more often than not - NOT any answers. But you listen, you share opinions or thoughts, you're in my corner and always - without fail - available when needed and you have my back. And I've done the same for you because you truly are counted as FRIEND and I love you each and every one.

Best Friends: You're a Friend, you're a Close Friend but the one thing that sets you apart is that we've known each other for so long or we know each other so well that you can look me in the eyes or whisper in my ear on the telephone, "Stop lying and tell me what's wrong," after I just told you, "I'm doing great!" And I can do the same with you. I don't think this needs any further explanation.

And then there's my Mother, but can I really call her my best friend? After all, she's my Mother and so much MORE than any friend could ever be. She, along with my sister, has been my GREATEST source of support over the last two years. Then there's the question of JD, the most incredible man any woman could ever even hope for. He, too, goes so far beyond the term 'Best Friend,' I'd have to write an entirely different entry to describe it and I probably will some day.

I love all my friends dearly and thank you for being you, each and every one.

My close friends and best friends who have had my back and seen me through the last two years of my life that have been tainted with so much emotion - I could have never gotten through it without you. So take this small token for your blogs or Facebook (or other social networking) Random Files and Know How Very Much I Love and Appreciate You - All Five of You!

LPW - friend for 23 years.
Val B - friend for 6 years.
D.E.H. from the H.O.H - friend for 4 years.
Jn.D from Are We All Crazy? - friend for 6 years.
Hope from Hope From the Edge - friend for 4 years.

No matter what keeps us apart from time to time, remember you're all in my heart, my thoughts, and my daily prayers.

To you - I dedicate this song ...

And now that I've thanked everyone who's seen me through so that I can get back to blogging (at least part time), I can start writing the Mom Files again and hopefully be able to bring everyone up to speed on the happier side of what's been going on here on the homefront over the last two years.

Until then, this is USS Retired signing off ...

the BFF

2011-09-19T23:38:00.008-04:00

Every evening for the first nine weeks of Miss Ma'am's fourth-grade school year was a living nightmare in our home. There were questions raised as to the possibility of her having ADD and upon taking her to a behavioral therapist, we were able to find out the ugly truth. Miss Ma'am had been TRYING to tell us daily that something was wrong but she just never would come out and say what, and I can't even tell y'all how devastated I was upon learning the reasons behind the aggression and the anxiety attacks that she had been suffering for all those weeks.

As per my norm, I won't bore y'all with the details except to say that The Momma had to intervene to ensure the safety and well-being of my baby girl, but all's well that ends well and she's my happy little bundle of sunshine again. The "B" part of *her BFF* has fallen from the equation and it's still questionable at this point as to whether the two "Fs" will remain.

Through several months of sorting and rearranging lives, attempting to maintain guarded relationships and secure an overall state of security here on the homefront, I began to realize that I needed to redefine the term "FRIEND," not only for myself but to help my daughter, as well.

So, together we embarked on a journey in search of defining friendship. We began our adventure by going to the easiest accessible source - a dictionary - and this is what we found:

A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard. A person who gives assistance. A person who is on good terms with another, a person who is not hostile towards the other. A comrade, an ally.

Miss Ma'am and I, together, decided that we liked this well defined version of "friend" but we felt other terms should be included when defining a personal friendship.

Respect ... Understanding ... Not Possessive ...
Not Obsessive ... Two-sided ... Not Manipulative ... Trust

We determined that we could be a friend, even a Best Friend, to many and yet have none of our own.

This provides Miss Ma'am with no more than the basic essentials to look for in a friend but I know, without a doubt, that in due time she'll redefine friendship time and time again based on her own standards, and - like always - I'll be here to help guide her should she request my assistance.

When she decided that she absolutely must attempt to repair a friendship that she hadn't broken, Oh! How I prayed that she could somehow manage to make it work without getting hurt again. Not so innocent as herself, I know in my heart how this is going to play out and as much as I hate to see my baby hurt, learning from the choices we make in life are the greatest educational tools we have.

I do admire her determination but I weep silently
at her innocence that's becoming more lost every day.

With all this being said now, I'm going to leave the story revolving around Miss Ma'am here and define in my next title entry my own personal feelings and afflictions with Redefining Friendship.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Reality

2011-09-19T02:49:00.000-04:00

If there's one thing I've learned very well in the last two years it's this: The world doesn't stop turning and life doesn't cease to continue for a broken heart.

That's right, friends. I said two years - two years of depression - two years of misery - two years of disbelief, unrest and lack of understanding. Most of you never even knew that I was going through anything at all because more often than not, "The one with the biggest smile, is hiding the biggest tears."

I always thought from events of my very distant past that life could turn on a dime but what I thought I knew was miniscule to what I learned. It all started in 2009 when Miss Ma'am was in second grade. Events that shook the very foundation of my entire life and that, in turn, affected everyone here on the homefront.

Satan reared his ugly head and I suffered great trials of faith, not just a battle - a WAR! I suffered a massive depression that I'm sure the wonderful man in my life thought would never end.

I'll not go into detail with the who, where and why of it all. I've said it before and I stand by it now - there are just some things that don't need to be aired to the general populous. Those who need to know - KNOW.

There came a point during all this time that I began to feel better and attempted to start blogging again, when all of a sudden ... BAM! I was hit from my blindside with yet another devistating traumatic event, and I fell yet again. I'm here to tell y'all now that depression is a very serious business and not ever to be taken lightly. I won't lie to you and say that I'm 100% healed because the truth is I may not ever be, but I AM better.

During these trials, I found out who most of my real friends are and I've discovered others whom I'm slowly eliminating from my life. I'll update again (very soon) regarding friendship in general, but for now I want to pull out of the list the greatest friend through it all ...

He wasn't just the wind beneath my wings, y'all. For many days, weeks, even months; HE WAS MY WINGS and I could never even begin to express with words or even actions or emotions how very much I sincerely love, and appreciate my incredible husband. I can only hope and pray (I do that a lot lately) that somehow - He Knows.

I love you so much, Mr. Man.

I really DO mean it. Love, Me.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Back to The Basics

2011-09-18T23:47:00.007-04:00

Today I should be celebrating three years of blogging bliss but I find myself merely getting Back to The Basics. I've been gone for some time now (well over a year, in fact) and I've returned now from the darkest realms of God only knows where. There will, of course, be more on that in later updates.

My beloved journal has come to be known as "The Mom Files" and I certainly have lots of updates with regard to Miss Ma'am and her life over the past year but in addition, I have other things - a LOT of subject matters - I want to broach. Oh yes, dear friends; I DO actually have a life outside the universe of my baby girl.

For now, though, I find I need to refamiliarize myself with several new and claimed-to-be improved updates here at blogger.com. So I'll leave you for now, anxious for more, and with hope that I'll return before you even realize I've gone missing again.

Until then, this is USS Retired signing off ...

The Edge of Infinity

2010-07-17T03:52:00.002-04:00

It's true, dear friends, that I've been gone far too long but I won't apologize for being a slacker. The truth of the matter is that I've been on quite the emotional roller-coaster for nearly the last year, more so in the last few months.

Y'all are all aware of how busy my life gets when school is in session and with cheer season every year so I do have much to catch up on to bring everyone up to speed with our lives.

I've gone through a period of rediscovery and I'm still not positive at this point exactly who I AM but I have been enlightened on quite a few aspects of life, have found solace in several different literary sagas and have taken quite a liking to symphonic metal music.

I've learned that no matter how great life is, it can turn on a dime and your world can be turned completely upside down and destroyed in a matter of moments. I've learned that the support of family and friends is one of the most powerful forces known to man. I've learned that continued daily prayer will get you through what seems to be non-ending. I've learned that I can go head-to-head with the devil and come out a winner simply by hanging on to Hope & Faith and believe me when I say I was holding on by a thread for a while there. I've also learned that time doesn't heal all wounds but that it DOES lessen pain.

I have found a break in most of my distress now and have been feeling much better of late, and with that being said; ya'll will be happy to know that I'M BACK and the Blogging Shall Recommence in the near immediate future. (Just as soon as I'm able to offload some photos from the old PC.)

I've been keeping a lot of mental notes over the last few months and have lots to tell y'all about once I can get my thoughts all organized - so stay tuned, for there is much more to come.

Dream on -- until you've reached the Edge of Infinity.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

River City Championship

2010-03-07T10:07:00.038-05:00

This has truly been a day to remember!!!
They went. They cheered. They placed 3rd.
And I'm a proud Mom!!!

It was a long, exasperating day to be honest. As usual, adrenaline levels were high and even I had a momentary tear in my brain that set off a massive anxiety attack before we finally left UNF, Jacksonville; headed for home. During the awards presentation, I tried to make my way down to the floor; during the process of which, I managed to leave Miss Ma'am's shoes in the stands. Once I reached the door, I realized I didn't have those $80 shoes and headed back up to see if I could locate them. Bear in mind, the crowd was incredible and near impossible to get through but I did manage to locate the seat where I had been only to find - NO SHOES! I looked down to the floor and all the cheerleaders were GONE!

My baby was out of my sight!

Now, I knew (logically) that the BFF's mom would have my girl with her since she was down on the mat during the awards presentation, but my heart went into panic mode, y'all, making it twice as difficult to get back through the crowd. My phone was buzzing in my pocket but I didn't have my glasses on and I was in such a state, I just couldn't focus to get them from my bag!! Finally - I made it out to the lobby where I found my Miss Ma'am who was all excited that they had placed 3rd and she ran right into my arms, all smiles!

Relief!

Then came the head spin & the moment of - "if I don't get out of this building NOW & away from this crowd, I'm going to fall down!" So, the 5 of us (that would be Miss Ma'am, myself & the BFF, Big Sis and their mom) made our way out a side door where I was able to breathe and calm myself enough to find my glasses and check my phone where I found a text message from another cheer mom that she "Found the Shoes & had delivered them to Miss Ma'am personally!" (Oddly enough, I hadn't even noticed that she had her shoes. Well, I guess I figured those shoes could be replaced and I was more concerned with seeing that my girl was safe and back in my own care!)

I absolutely love the way we all have each others backs and look out for each other but Lord Have Mercy on The Mom who loses sight of her young'n. That may be the most terrified I'd ever been in my entire life.

And now for your enjoyment - of course, y'all knew there would be pictures ...

Gathering the girls ...

Miss Ma'am and her "littlest BFF," ESH,
sporting their OOAK flips that D.E.H. made for them.

CHEESECAKE!!!!!

Striking a pose...

Miss Ma'am & Her BFF

So Sassy - ALL THE TIME

Me?! - - - - YES YOU!!!!

And here are a few combined clips of Miss Ma'am burning off some adrenaline after her competition! She's always a bundle of energy once she's done performing.

Until next time, my friends!!

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Slacker!

2010-03-05T09:53:00.048-05:00

WOW! I've been out of the loop for a while, I guess; just realizing that I don't have one single entry for the month of February this year. It's certainly been a wild, crazy ride around the homefront for quite a few weeks though.

I had planned to blog about my anniversary that was way back in December. It was less than a banner day to say the very least being in the midst of yet another crazy time during our lives. I suppose I'll get around to it eventually though.

What can I say about February?

Seems like it was yet another month of illness intertwined with one fantastic weekend.

The week leading up to Valentine's Day - well, the Monday prior to be exact; Miss Ma'am came down with strep and bronchitis. Poor kiddo! We had hoped that the tonsillectomy would put an end to the strep issues but it didn't. She is doing much better overall though and hasn't had to resume her daily medications that she's been taking since age 3 - so that alone is a relief.

Less than 12 hours after taking her to the pediatrician, the momma came down with the same mess. Was the first time I've EVER had step in my life. I can't even recall a time I ever even had a sore throat in my life - and let me just say - I was miserable! A week of antibiotics seemed to cure that right up for the both of us, but Miss Ma'am had to miss her very first Sweetheart Dance at school because she was just too sick to go. In fact, she missed that entire week of school along with the class Valentine Party. By Thursday, the 11th, we were all feeling 100% and were in full swing with preparations for Valentine weekend - and what a weekend it was!

A Romantic Holiday in Savannah
We headed out Friday afternoon, reached our destination in remarkable time, and got settled into the hotel where we shared an adjoining room with the BFF family (I seriously need to come up with a better name for them), freshened up a bit and then we all headed for the Downtown Historic District. The drive there was a lot of fun but poor JD was outnumbered 5 to 1; and I can't even imagine what must have been going through his mind when Taylor Swift came on the stereo, I reached and cranked up the volume, and all 5 of us girls started singing along to "Just Another Picture to Burn" with an incredible passion.

Once we arrived, we perused the city streets until we found our way to City Market and found a cute little Italian place to have dinner. Of course, I'm not quite sure what's so "Italian" about Marilyn Monroe though but the kids all lined up to have their photos made with the OVER life-sized statue in front of the place. (It's Valentine's Weekend People! Hello? Ditch the Santa hat already!)

The kids all had junk food, of course; opting for pizza. My meal though? People - the prime rib dinner I had was absolutely melt-in-your-mouth/make-ya-mama-slap-ya-ugly DIVINE! Dinner was nothing shy of fantastic but I just have to tell y'all that at some point, the fates lined completely against me and I became a "liquid" magnet for the entire weekend. It all started when our server dumped an entire glass of sweet tea all over me. And when I say all over? I do mean that the entire front and left side of my body was soaked clean through from my neck to my shoes. First impulse was to scream like someone was trying to kill me but I was already so cold, I think I just went into a near catatonic state of shock and I just sat there with my mouth gaping open, nearly panting for survival like I was drowning. Surprisingly, I wasn't all that upset about it once I was able to come down from the freeze blast. Must have been the ambiance of the entire weekend because JD & I were all about some romantic interludes (I think I even heard some mock gagging and giggling from the little ones). Well, the two shirts I was wearing were completely ruined (and thinking back on it now - that WAS my favorite sweater, so I'm feeling a little put out about it because it was cream colored and I haven't been able to get it clean). We had passed a little souvenir shop on the way, so Jn.P & I headed over there, leaving the others to wait for our meals to arrive, where I was able to find a suitable sweatshirt because there was no way I was walking around the rest of the night soaking wet and risking the chance that I'd end up with pneumonia in the high 30 temperatures outside (and I probably should have just kept that thought to myself).

Next Stop: Candy Shop - well that ended up being quite an adventure and a. BIG. Mistake! We ended up spending double in this place than we did for our dinners but it was Oh.So.Worth.IT. Candy, candy everywhere from the novelties to the chocolate fountain. Can y'all say YUM?! We ended up with 3 tins full of Barrel Candies, a pound & a half of Pecan Pralines, 2 aluminum bottle sodas, a cup of coffee, and I can't even tell y'all how many packets of Pop Rocks! The kids had an absolute blast watching them make candy and goodies, and they especially got a kick out of the overhead train that was running full speed ahead.

A kids dream come true...

Miss Ma'am & BFF eyeballing the fresh-made goodies while carrying their tin purses that they filled with the barrel candies.

Back out in the City Market, we found our way to the horse-drawn carriages and prepared for quite an interesting historical tour. Jn.P took all the kids while JD & I were able to enjoy our own private tour. There are no words in the English language to describe the adventure of the evening.

Temps were still in the high 30s but we were able to wrap up in blankets and ...

That's all I'm saying about that.

The kids enjoyed themselves too. We passed them a couple times during the route and Miss Ma'am was ear-to-ear grins. I don't think she was quite sure what to make of all of it.

Diamond Cheer & Dance Competition
First competition of the season. The excitement energy was incredible, and the adrenaline was in high count. Of course, it's always that way with every competition. I'm so proud of my little Miss Ma'am and all her accomplishments but I couldn't be more proud when I see her so elated, energetic and passionate about what she's doing!

Sapphires (-2) ready to get their Cheer On

Awards - Their pyramid collapsed and they placed 7th
but HEY! they still rocked!

One relieved Miss Ma'am ...
glad the first performance is behind her now.

Carnations from Dad & BFF who (incidentally) isn't cheering this year but is a great source of support.

Posing pretty on the river front.

Home Again, Home Again
It was certainly an exciting weekend and very tiring. School resumed on Tuesday morning and by this time, I was in a great deal of pain. My chest was hurting so much that I thought, surely, I was relapsing bronchitis save the fact I wasn't coughing at all and had no fever; so after dropping Miss Ma'am at school, I headed to my doctor. He said my sinuses were perfectly clear and he couldn't hear anything at all in my chest or lungs, so he sent me for an x-ray. When the report came back, I was diagnosed with double-sided pneumonia. I had to literally beg for him not to admit me. I just didn't feel that I had time to be laying up in a hospital bed with work to do at home but he did finally, albeit reluctantly, allow me to go home. I collapsed. My friends, for nearly two solid weeks, I slept. I slept more than I ever have in my life without the help of medications. So much for foregoing the hospital to get things done, huh?

On a happier note though - when Miss Ma'am arrived home from school, she was about to pop open and I think she may have even been glowing. Since she missed all the Valentine activities at school the previous week, all her goodies were waiting for her on this Tuesday morning but it was the one special Valentine she got from the boy BFF, J.R.F., that put her in this joyous state. Instead of just a little card, he surprised her with a plush Saint Bernard puppy and some homemade cookies.

She's named this one "Goldie Beag" ... she's just too
adorable for a 3rd grader with a crush.

All is well now on the homefront again. There's much to get caught up on in the way of home maintenance though. Three weeks of neglect really sets a Mom back a few paces.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

At It Again

2010-01-26T22:41:00.013-05:00

She never ceases to amaze me, this child of mine. Whether it be positive or otherwise, it seems that there's something going on daily that forces me to be the firm parent, that has me doubled over in laughter or that has me popping open with pride.

One such occasion occurred one day last week when she came pouncing in the house with this huge plush reindeer with a big green nose that she had won for meeting her AR goal. She was so excited telling me about it, I honestly couldn't understand a word she was saying. She had set her goals earlier in the year on that trophy that they give the top readers at the end of every year and even though I don't think she's going to make that particular goal; I, naturally, couldn't have been more proud. She's been a bit behind in reading since she started into the first grade but this year? The child has pulled her level up to 4.7 (so far). She's in the third grade. I'm so very proud of her and she's very proud of herself. Encouragement from me and JD, along with her hard work has paid off for her once again.

She's named this one Lilly Pad because
"her nose is green like a lilly pad," she said.

As hard as she works, though, to accomplish goals and plans; we seem to have begun a rather consistent battle of wills in our home in the last month and let me just be the first to tell y'all, she's really got the sass down to a 'T' ...

Sadly, I'm afraid to report, the war rages on and the battles have pushed me to the edge of the front lines and she's forced my hand for the last time. To put it simply - The Momma Has Had It! I'm told this is just a phase she's going through and that she'll outgrow it during the learning process (which I hope is true).

I won't go into all the details except to say that I am no longer the "nice" mom (in her eyes) for I have decided that I must do whatever it takes to see her through. It will be my persistence to win the battle that leads us BOTH to victory. I will, undoubtedly, be the one who wins all the battles but in the end, she will be the one who's won the war because she'll be a better person for it.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Changes

2010-01-24T23:14:00.004-05:00

We 3, here on the homefront, have all undergone quite a few changes in the last several months; most of which have proven to provide a greater source of strength within each of us. While JD's and my own changes have been more on an emotional/spiritual level, Miss Ma'am has undergone many physical changes.

She's well on her way to being 9 now and just has grown into a size 7 jeans. The 6's still fit her fine in the waist but THOSE LEGS! The girl has got legs clean up to her neck, I tell ya.

Her favorite color is no longer pink. She's favoring hues of blue and light purples now. She still wants to be the princess but she's grown out of the Disney Princesses save just one. We had been making plans to give her room a facelift and when I asked her if she wanted to keep the princesses, she told me that she only wanted Mulan in her room. An odd choice, I thought; so I asked what it was that she liked so well about Mulan ...

Her: "All the other princesses are too fair and are like (insert swooning body language here) 'oh I can't live without a prince to rescue me' but NOT Mulan. She's a tough girl and got out there and beat up all the boys."

Me: "But Mulan had a prince too, remember?"

Her: "Yes, Mom, but only 'cause she WANTED to; not 'cause she just had to have one or she would just die."

That's MY GIRL!

So with the decision made that the pink room and all the princesses have to go, we'll be pulling some of the colors out of the Mulan poster I was able to find to paint the walls and accent the room. I have an absolutely gorgeous floral bedding set in blue that I'm hoping she'll love as well, but if she doesn't, we'll be off looking for something more suitable for her taste.

This will be our first of what we hope to be three projects for this year. Not only is Miss Ma'am getting a facelift to her room, but she's getting an entirely different room. What's the guest room now seems to be a little more appealing to her and she's requested that we make it into hers. Not a problem. Done deal.

We're also hoping to complete the guest room and the master suite. Pretty ambitious, I think, to try for all three bedrooms but hopefully we'll have the financial means as well as the time to get them completed.

Miss Ma'am is undergoing some style changes as well. I'm all for her expressing her own style (within reason of course). I think it's healthy that she has her own taste and is given the opportunity to express that. So far, we haven't bumped heads on any of her style choices except for one. When she asked for the gold "Sharpey (from HSM) pants," I had to say under no uncertain terms, "NO!" Now, the pants are cute enough and she could probably pull off the look quite well but she tends to get a little on the sassier side depending on what attire she's wearing. The girl is sassy enough already!

She's phased out of Hannah Montana and is all about Selena Gomez now from Wizards of Waverly Place. This momma's not complaining at all about THAT.
When it got really cold here (down in the 20s), she wasn't very happy about having to wear sweatshirts. How do you keep a girl fashionable during the coldest winter months when you can't find pretty pullover sweaters for reasonable prices? Accessories. She picked out the T's with the fancy lace & the hat to dress up the drab appearance of the sweatshirts. The glasses were in her stocking this past Christmas. Can y'all see the sass she exemplifies based on her attire, though?
This is probably my most recent favorite look. When she left for school, that scarf was around her neck in a sweet little square-knot and she looked like a well-groomed young lady. THIS is how she came home. I couldn't help but laugh. It IS kinda cute.
Her relationship with BFF has grown overwhelmingly. I'm so grateful that she has a BFF in her life. Every girl needs one. I took them out to supper tonight despite the fact that we consider Sunday a school night. They both really needed some quality BFF time. Last year, their favorite place to eat was Ruby Tuesday. This year, it's Applebees. Lucky for me - kids eat free every day after 5:00 & all day on Tuesdays.

Sunshine Happy
Goofy Best Friends
Lovin' the BFF time...
(the zebra print is another of Miss Ma'am's new style choices)
The only thing that never changes, I know, is that "Everything Changes" ... she's just growing up so fast. I can hardly keep up sometimes.

"I must hurry for there she goes, and I am her leader."

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Trials of Faith

2010-01-21T11:30:00.017-05:00

Nearly into the second month of the new year now, I'm finally getting around to catching up and reflecting on several things in my life. I'm not going to recap every month of 2009. It was a great year but it was also the worst year of my life. One would find very little in the way of distress in this online journal of mine though. There are just some stories that simply can't be put out to the general populous but I'm so grateful for my fantastic network of friends and family. Some of them (most of them) will never know just what a blessing they are in my life. Some are completely unaware that they've even helped me through the down times and most don't even know that there were down times.

Today, I'm just going to put it out here. During the summer months of 2009, when everything was seemingly at its greatest, disaster struck here on the homefront; a single event that sent my mind, body and soul into a storm system that I thought I'd never be able to survive. I completely lost myself and lost sight of Who I Am. I lost faith in a lot of things and I lost faith in God. Did y'all hear that? Because I surely did say it!

I battled daily within myself, searching the universe over for answers and reason and whys with regard to this matter that I just simply couldn't fathom. I went head-to-head with Satan himself and believe me when I tell y'all that Satan had his hand all up in my soul, manipulating every turn I took and every corner I turned, stirring confusion that sent me on a journey in search of what was real and what wasn't. These were defining moments in my life. I struggled by the hour on a daily basis literally begging God to let me once again FEEL his presence in my life as I had felt for so many countless years - - - Nothing.

If ever there had been a time in my life that I doubted God's existence, it was minuscule compared to what I was feeling now. This battle within me raged and as much as Satan tried - - he knew he'd never win (though I wasn't so sure), but I'll give the devil his due - - he certainly put up a good fight.

Let me take you back to yesteryear for a moment ...

It was in the wee hours of the morning on May 28, 2000, that it happened. I stood face-to-face with two of the most magnificent creatures imaginable, an experience I just simply could never put into words. There in the corner of my bedroom stood two angels holding my little angel (my precious, beautiful little boy that I never got to hold) that God decided needed to be back on Heaven's Playground. It was an out-of-body experience; the first I'd ever had and, in all honesty, an experience I don't believe I'd want to feel again but I am so grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to see that little boy before/as his life passed from my body.

Some would consider me delusional at this point but the truth of the matter is ... I. Simply. Don't. Care.

Okay - y'all can come back to your own version of reality now ...

Knowing that God is very real and wanting my own daughter to be able to experience and feel God in her life just as I have and knowing that she was steadily on her own journey to find Jesus, I continued to lift Him up in her eyes, I continued to go to church and I continued to pray - - - Nothing.

It was on an afternoon somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas that I went into a very severe bout of anxiety that found me screaming to the top of my lungs and spewing hate that could have flooded the world. During this particular battle, as JD sat patiently soaking it all in, I said it.
"I've Lost Faith In God and I'm not even sure
anymore that He's even there!"
It was in that very moment that something blew by me so fiercely, it nearly knocked me to the ground. I just smiled. Relief came over my soul. For you see, my friends, it was in that moment that, once again, I Felt God.

I suppose it took me saying it out loud and admitting the charge of this raging battle to send Satan running - and run he did. Haven't heard much or seen much of him lately. Sadly though, healing of the mind and soul doesn't happen in an instant so I find myself still facing the reality of it all and challenged from time to time.

I no longer believe, as I've been told so many times in the past, that God never puts more on a person than he/she can handle but rather ...

God will never take us where His grace will not protect us. I don't believe the rains that started this storm were the will of God but I know He's been with me through the raging battle and been my constant shelter even when I felt stranded and abandoned in a rising flood.

The 'Hour of Hope' that became 2010 found me in tears but they were ones of hope and of new beginnings.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Final Week of '09

2009-12-31T20:35:00.009-05:00

The last week of the year was as busy as ever. After Miss Ma'am took a turn for the worse (post surgery), nerves were on edge and the momma nearly blew a gasket at the doctor's office but everything ended up A-OK and back to an order of 'normal' around here. Well - 'normal' for us anyway. Our anniversary was less than a banner day having spent the majority of it in the doctor's office but we'll have our time to really celebrate eventually.

The week was interjected by a visit from friends of old who were traveling from New Jersey down to Disney World for a New Year celebration. We became well acquainted with the Clark Family while stationed at Pearl Harbor - or should I say, Mr. & Mrs. perhaps? Since the news of the expected twins arrived shortly after we relocated & now they've added another to their beautiful family. If there's one thing I love about having been part of the military, it's the few dear friends that we've made with whom we continue to share our lives - despite the distances between us now. We were able to spend a mere few hours together but it was greatly treasured time and almost as though we'd never had any time lapse whatsoever since we last saw one another. So now, 8 years later ...

The A-Gang(er) & The Nuke ...
Looks like retirement suits them both well - maybe TOO well?!
Little blessings from Hawaii
Later in the week, we found ourselves helping out those people over there at The Edge on their moving day. I had been rather distraught this day thinking that I wasn't going to have an opportunity to see my dear friend again before they headed out of town to begin their newest adventure in life, but the Good Lord put His hand in the mix & provided the opportunity for a final farewell.

After taking Miss Ma'am to see a movie (since she was feeling MUCH better now), we dropped by to find our friends in the final stages of cleanup prior to heading out.

Now, when I told Miss Hope that we were there to go through everything she was throwing out - I Was Kidding, Ya'll; but somewhere in all the confusion, the cooler got loaded on that big moving truck & we found ourselves inheriting a lot of goodies on final clean out of the fridge. I was just grateful to have a last little bit of time to spend with the woman who has become one of my dearest friends ever.

After check out and lock up, we all headed over to Cracker Barrel for supper before The Edge set out on their journey to a new adventure. The time was bittersweet, full of laughter and stifled teardrops but a memory I will forever cherish.

Miss Ma'am & The Boy playing at the park
Lots of Laughs
Hope from The Edge & The Momma actin' a fool
(I miss you, Hope)
New Year's Eve was pretty well ordinary for us, save the street party that was going on outside at the neighbor's house. In all the years that JD & I have been together, we've only spent 2 (that's TWO) New Year's Eves together. The first was on our honeymoon at the turn of the century (Y2K) while we were in Panama City Beach, and the second was when Miss Ma'am was only 16 months old, the year we left Pearl Harbor.

Miss Ma'am & I had ourselves a girl's picnic on the living room floor and brought in the New Year with Disney Channel while we enjoyed some awesome treats and then embraced in a huge hug at the Hour of Hope. We retreated out to the yard and joined our neighbors (Miss Ma'am's BFF) in making a lot of noise, lit some fireworks and waved a few sparklers. Miss Ma'am called her Dad at work at 12:30 and must have paced the length of our walkway 200 times in the 10 minutes that she was talking to him. She was wound for sound, people, and didn't actually get to sleep until 2:00 a.m.

With hopes for a bright 2010, this is USS Retired signing off ...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T23:44:00.008-05:00

It seems that I've captured the last of the priceless expressions on Miss Ma'am's face on Christmas morning! She was up and running this morning before I could even get my feet on the floor. Once again, the house was filled with excitement and lots of laughter and smiles. After taking a few photos ... can y'all guess where I ended up?!

Ye'sir'ee Bob!!! Back to The Kitchen! I believe I have enough time in now that I could start my own Food Network show.

With a fresh pot of coffee brewing, I made us some Hawaiian sweet bread french toast, dusted it with a little powdered sugar and cinnamon, and we enjoyed a nice warm breakfast that was just a little piece of paradise. For myself, there was my lovely chai tea latte; for JD, coffee - leaded - straight up black; and for Miss Ma'am, some hot cocoa.

What more can be said of Christmas Day in a home where family comes first and where love abides above all else? We spent the entire day listening to Christmas music, watching new movies that Miss Ma'am had collected over the last two days, playing every game she got (which I think was a total of 6 this year), and nibbling pretty much all day on Christmas Goodies.

I can't express how grateful I am to have been blessed with such a fabulous husband and such an incredible child. They're both my world (and Miss Ma'am knows it too, y'all). The gift of an entire day to do nothing but play has been nothing shy of fabulous.

Santa must have really been listening and watching all year long. She had asked for an easel and paint supplies back during the summer time and was extremely proud to find it by the tree on Christmas morning.

Checking out the paint set ... (Is she artistic? Not particularly but I reckon Santa figured there would be no harm in letting her give it a try. She goes on so much about wanting to set up in the front yard and paint the sunset, and since she's been honored with both Terrific Kid & Sailor of the Week this school year, she's most definitely earned the opportunity to give it a go. Who knows?! She might actually prove to be talented!)

Working her way through all the goodies. She loves Air Hockey and was really surprised to learn that Santa was listening when she asked for this tabletop game.

She saw Santa three times this season and each time, the only thing she requested directly was 'Sorry' (the board game) & Pick-Up Sticks. Well now ... seeing as how her Grandmother gave her 'Sorry' on their visit this past weekend, all good ol' Santa really needed to make sure he had on that sleigh of his was the 'Sticks.' Do the elves still make these things? I hadn't seen them anywhere & believe me when I say, I WAS DOING SOME SERIOUS LOOKING. On the Friday prior to Christmas, I got an email from Santa explaining how he had to travel to the other side of the universe to the Land of Archaic Toys and how he had to purchase extra feed-corn to fuel his reindeer; all in an earnest effort to make sure that Miss Ma'am (in addition to everything else received) did, in fact, get precisely what her heart desired. And judging by the look on her face? I'd say Santa was Right On!!!

Yay for the kid who loves movies as much as her mom ...

Woody Pez dispenser - one of three that
were in her stocking this year.

It's All About The Shades!

JD & Miss Ma'am engrossed in a game of Pick-Up Sticks. I think they must have played this game alone about a dozen times.

A very happy but tired Miss Ma'am.

May God bless you all as he has surely blessed me.
Merry Christmas!!!
This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T22:21:00.075-05:00

Busy as ever, this morning found me in the kitchen (yet again) preparing a few platters of finger foods and hors devours for us to enjoy prior to opening our gifts from under the tree this evening. When JD called to say he was on his way home, I busied myself with the last minute details to make sure everything was ready when he walked through the door. Miss Ma'am still had to be on a soft diet because of her throat (only three days post-op now) so I made her a nice warm cup of cheesy potato soup.

Feeling "just okay" at this point, Miss Ma'am was starting to tire and I wasn't sure she would make it through the evening but she made it quite well in spite of it all. After enjoying some good eats, we helped ourselves to some sugary treats and retired to the living room for some gift opening fun.

Modeling her 8th Annual new Christmas jammies.

Every year, since her birth, I have a photo of her surrounded by all HER gifts on Christmas Eve. Y'all think she's spoiled much?

A gift from Dad - she was more than pleased
with the 'dangly' earrings.

Jonas Brothers Concert DVD - one of many
that was on her wishlist.

She's phased out of Hannah Montana and has turned her attention to Wizards of Waverly Place with her newest idol being Selena Gomez. Can't say I'm torn apart over that one.

It's not often that I can catch a moment like this.
It was the WoWP DVD above that sparked this reaction. I do believe she was beyond excited!

At this point, she was really getting into opening her gifts. Tearing and tossing paper all over the place. It was all she could do to keep from busting open to see what was coming next. This has truly been the most excited I've ever seen her on Christmas Eve.

Yet another endearing moment in time...

Whoever came up with the idea to combine Play-Doh with kitchen gear is a genius. My girl absolutely LOVES her some Play-Doh. She spends countless hours molding and modeling it into cute little creations and with her love for being in the kitchen, this couldn't have been more perfect.

She definitely belongs to JD & ME!! Girl loves to read!!!!

Another of the gifts that was actually on her wishlist.
Seriously? How many kids ask for books for Christmas?! Does the momma's heart proud (to be honest). Now, I'm not sure what I said to her at the moment I snapped this photo but she's definitely giving me "the look" - LOL.

A gift from Mom - this was yet another of her favorites and what better way to celebrate her coming into her own fashion sense than with her own little mani-pedi set that includes lip gloss (for dress up only, of course) featuring none other than her new favorite, Selena Gomez & the Wizards of Waverly Place.

Proud of her very own "make-up" caboodle.
(Score one for the momma!)
Miss Ma'am always gets to go first when it comes to opening gifts. For one, it's really hard for her to wait for everyone to take turns and just to be honest, I get the greatest joy out of just watching her enjoy herself. It permeates a feeling I just simply can't explain. Naturally, once all her gifts are opened, she moves on to help everyone else and on occasion I just sit back and let her open all mine right by herself as well.

The one single gift she insisted I open on my own this year though was the one from her. It was a rather large box that felt to be stuffed and overflowing inside the wrapping paper. Upon opening the box, I found a beautiful new soft and fuzzy pink bathrobe. I had been needing a new one for several months and was more than tickled to get it. She & JD insisted that I try it on right that minute, so I did ... and then ... I felt something in the pocket - so I turned about as if to model the robe and quickly reached in the pocket to retrieve a tiny box all wrapped up pretty - slipped it into my own 'secret hiding place,' and continued my pirouette of modeling the robe. (Can y'all just hear me laughing out loud in my head right about now?)

"Feel how warm the pockets are, Mom," she told me. So ... I slipped my hands in the pockets without even cracking a smile and replied with a warming sigh, "mmmm that's nice and warm." With a big grin on her face she asked, "do you feel it?" Smiling nonchalantly, I told her, "yes - it was very warm in those pockets." By this time JD was smirking, knowing I was teasing her but what he didn't know was that he was getting it too (y'all can just insert a huge evil grin right here).

"NO MoM!" she exclaimed. "The Box?!?! In the pocket."

With an inquisitive look on my face I told her that there wasn't a box in the pocket. Well I wish, I wish, beyond all wishing possible in this world that I had been recording this on the video camera. If y'all could have seen the look on both their faces?! They were frantic and JD was getting up to start the great search for the missing box when I lost it and bent double with laughter as I retrieved the box from its 'hiding place.'

"Ooooooh, y'all mean THIS box?!"

Sighs of relief came across JD's face and Miss Ma'am blatantly exclaimed ...

"M-o-0-o-0-o-0-o-0-o-MMMMMMM!?!?!" and then started laughing.

With the room full of smiling faces now, I sat down to open the tiny box and inside found the most beautiful cross pendant necklace a mother has ever seen. It was made even more special with the knowing that she picked it out and paid for it herself with money she had earned & saved from helping me around the house.

So proud of her gift for Mom ...

The photo really doesn't do it justice. It really is
very sparkly and shimmery and I couldn't love any single possession any more if I tried.

And let's not forget JD. The gift addressed to: "the Dork" ... from: "Incredible Me." My favorite of all else. I can't wait to hang this pretty up on his Navy wall. Well, that is if I ever get everything together and organized enough to actually create the wall.
With the gifts from under our tree all opened now and with lots of smiling faces, we gathered and organized everything together to tidy up and make room for Santa's big delivery as that time of the evening was quickly drawing nigh, and there was still much we needed to do before calling it a night.

A round of eggnog with a toast "to We3 being together, to our home filled with love & peace, and to the celebration on the eve of the greatest day known to man;" was a great start to our annual reading of The Night Before Christmas, followed by the story of Jesus' birth.

After two beautiful stories, Miss Ma'am prepared a plate of cookies for Santa along with a stemmed glass of eggnog which she placed under the tree along side the picture of a gingerbread man that she had colored for Santa earlier in the day.

She hung Santa's Magic Key on the front door with care, grabbed Rudolph's Jingle Bell from the tree and headed for bed where she said her night prayers, said "Happy Birthday Jesus," and then rang that bell as if her little life depended on Rudolph hearing it and knowing that she was going to sleep now.

Santa's Magic Key has been hanging on our door for the last five years so the jolly ol' man can let himself in since we don't have a fireplace or a chimney BUT Santa is the only one who can make the key work.

... nestled, all snug in her bed ...

Rudolph's Jingle Bell was a gift that Santa gave her back in 2006 after she gave him the jingle bell necklace she was wearing around her neck as a gift for Rudolph. He told her to ring Rudolph's Bell every Christmas Eve before going to bed so Rudolph would know she was going to sleep & could guide his sleigh directly to where she was.
With Miss Ma'am all comfy-cozy and tucked in tight, JD & I settled in to watch Miracle on 34th Street, allowing her time to drift off to sugarplum dreams before we headed that way ourselves. Santa was rather noisy upon his arrival and when he opened the door, his fingers must have been slippery from all the treats along his way because he dropped the Magic Key to the floor and it broke into three pieces. JD & I were startled by his abrupt arrival and saw nothing but the heel of his boot as he fled the scene upon hearing the bedroom door to Miss Ma'am's room open.

As she came around the corner into the kitchen, there I stood with the broken key in hand and listened intently as she told me with her face all lit up, "did you hear that clatter?" She seemingly never noticed the key, so thinking quickly, I tucked it in my pocket and assured her that it couldn't have possibly been Santa because "Mom & Dad aren't asleep yet." I hurried her back to bed and stayed there with her until I was sure she was back to sleep.

Once all was quiet again, I removed the key and twine from the broken pieces of the ornament and craftily attached them to a mini stocking that I hung back on the front door so Santa could once again, freely enter at will; and JD & I headed on to bed as not to interrupt his delivery yet again!

A Christmas Intermission

2009-12-23T20:25:00.011-05:00

Back in the kitchen, as I noted earlier (in the hopes of lifting my spirits), I managed to make another three pounds of fudge - two of which were gift boxed for JD to take to work - and another pound of roasted nut bark for us.

Somewhere in the midst of the stirring, pouring and packaging - came a knock at the door. Much to my surprise, there stood the man from FedEx with a package from Hawaii that I had been told would be coming. Nestled inside this incredibly hard cardboard packaging were three loaves of Hawaiian sweet bread straight from the island bakery - one of which was so fresh, it was definitely going to have to sit a day or two before I would even be able to slice into it. This is just one of those gifts for which one can never truly express enough gratitude. I remember a similar gift back in 2005 when JD's great Aunt S. sent us a case of Cheerwine. It's not an incredibly exceptional beverage but it was a cola that I absolutely love and it just couldn't be found anywhere (at that time) without making a trip to North Carolina. The same holds true now this year with this incredible gift of sweet bread. I have a recipe and I could surely make my own but (without a single doubt) it would never taste the same as it does coming straight from the island, itself.

I'd like to take a moment, if I may, to reflect on a friendship that means more than the world to me. One couldn't ask for a better friend than Miss VB. I never got the opportunity to meet her face-to-face when we were PCS'd at Pearl Harbor but through the Submarine Wives Club, we've managed to create this incredible friendship despite the distance between us. Back in November of 2008, she FINALLY married that sailor of hers, The Chief. Shortly following his retirement (I believe it was), she unselfishly opened her home to her ailing father-in-law to whom she became sole caregiver. In addition to tending his health needs, she also found herself having to tend all matters regarding finance and legalities for him with little (if any) to no help from outside sources. After his health further declined, she and her new husband eventually had to lay him to rest once he found his home with Jesus - the arrangements for which, she also became burdened - but through it all, she held herself together and selflessly poured herself into the task she knew she had to tend. In addition to all this, add in the regular throes of life, her two beagle fur babies (who are both incredibly adorable and rambunctious) and everyday chores ... all before she even celebrated her one year wedding anniversary. She had told me that she and the Chief were going to spend a quiet holiday season ALONE without going all out of sorts this year. She had no plans (even) to send greeting cards for Christmas. Now, I can't say that I blame her in the least, folks. She certainly deserves some down time after the year she had just gone through ... and to think ... that through it all ... she thought of our family and took the time away from her own quiet holiday time to send us this incredible gift? Friendship just doesn't get any better than that, people! God's precious gift of friendship found in this incredible woman brings a smile to my face daily. (And I hope you don't mind, Miss V, that I snagged my favorite photo of you from FB, so I can show the world who you are.)

Shortly following the arrival of that incredible package, I called m y sister with Christmas greetings and to let her know that the package she had sent for Miss Ma'am had arrived the day before. She insisted that Miss Ma'am open her gifts from Aunt D right then. Even though she really wasn't feeling well, Miss Ma'am held no qualms with this and gladly obliged.

Trying to be happy to open a gift a day early.

She managed a little bit of a smile when she opened the copper key chain that was twisted into her name.

The biggest smile she could muster over the homemade hat and scarf. Earlier in the winter season, she had requested a rainbow scarf. She didn't want something that was multicolored but wanted it to actually look like she was wearing a rainbow around her neck. I knew there was no way I would find something like this, so when Aunt D. offered to crochet her one, I was quite tickled as was Miss Ma'am, especially when she saw the hat.

Admiring the "twin" charm/locket bracelets to be shared with BFF. She really has missed BFF this holiday who's been on an extended vacation, and is looking forward to her return so they can take a Christmas photo to put in the bracelets.

It's turned out to be a great day despite my emotional stumble earlier and we're all looking forward to a wonderful Christmas.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Traditions '09

2009-12-23T15:37:00.009-05:00

Our family of "We3" have created quite a few traditions through the years, most of which revolve around the winter holidays; but this year, it seems, we were destined that a few of these would be put on hold or rearranged a wee bit.

Ornaments
JD & I have always chosen a new ornament for Miss Ma'am every year since she was born to commemorate the particular year but as she's gotten older, we've given her the freedom to choose her own. Since she was old enough to be introduced to Lilo & Stitch at age 2, she has absolutely adored Elvis, but I must admit I was a bit surprised when she chose a character figurine of Elvis as her ornament for this year.

The Elvis Ornament
Santa Cookies
Since Miss Ma'am was a mere 16 months old, she & I have made, cut, baked and decorated cookies for Santa on the morning of Christmas Eve. This is a tradition we have both come to love over the past few years and has come to be known as "our girl time in the kitchen." That didn't happen this year. She was just not feeling up to it; so we decided Santa could have some of "our" cookies along with a little fudge and some eggnog (instead of milk) this year.

We were able to get our gingerbread house made though during the weekend prior to Christmas while her grandparents and a cousin were visiting to share some Christmas Cheer. I remember the first one we ever made and her saying, "it looks funny," and her sad little eyes thinking she had done a terrible job decorating it as compared to the picture on the package ... to which I had to assure her that "It's a gingerbread house - it's SUPPOSED to look funny!"

Looking better with every passing year
Mommy Kissin' Santa Claus
Every year since Miss Ma'am was 16 months old, I have a recording of her singing my personal Christmas favorite, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. I was saddened that she was unable to sing it for me this year but it wasn't for lack of trying. This is also something she looks forward to but I had to encourage her to rest her throat and not strain herself trying. Bless her sweet little heart. She knows how much I love it, and even more so when she's the one singing it for me.

Travel
Normally, we always make a trip to "The Country" the weekend following Christmas leading up to the New Year. Not being sure whether Miss Ma'am would be up to travel so soon following her surgery, among a few other things, prompted a rearrangement in the norm and my parents, along with one of my nephews, came to visit us here at home the weekend prior to Christmas instead.

This change, above all others, has probably been the hardest for me to bear. We quite enjoyed the visit but it just wasn't as satisfying as "going home" for the holidays and now that my parents have left to return home (and even though Christmas has yet to arrive), I feel as though Christmas is over.

And so, after seeing that Miss Ma'am was in a good condition, I stepped out on the front porch and just sat down and had myself a good cry; picked up the broken pieces of rearranged traditions and headed back to the kitchen (where I've already spent a little more than a week baking) to see what else I could create to redirect my thoughts and spirit.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Surgery for Miss Ma'am

2009-12-22T20:00:00.001-05:00

A tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, laryngoscopy and nasal turbinate reduction; four surgical procedures in one. We left home at 6:15, on the morning of December 21, headed to the hospital for check in. Miss Ma'am didn't complain much about not being able to have something to eat or drink and, as would be expected, fell asleep on the journey north.

We arrived at the hospital outpatient center at about 7:20 and were taken back to pre-op by 7:30. It was at this point, she began to get a little anxious. In fact, terrified would better describe her state of mind.

All dressed out in her "fishes" gown, the nurse came in to take vitals, turned up the volume on Disney Channel that was playing in the room and gave her some stickers. Miss Ma'am settled a little bit until the anesthesiologist showed up and she looked like a dear facing the head lights of a car head on. He asked JD & I if it would be okay to give her a little something to drink (meaning a liquid sedative) and I pleadingly replied with, "yes."

It was almost breaking my heart to see her like she was. It didn't take long for the pre-medication to kick in and she was all smiles and comfy/cozy in her little chair and nearly out cold by the time they took her back to the operating room at 8:00 a.m. Dr. S came in to check on her prior to the procedure & the nurse actually picked her up and carried her to the operating room.

I hadn't taken my camera with me, not anticipating even taking photos; so when she asked where my camera was, I whipped out the cell phone and did the best I could. (I guess she's gotten so used to her momma having a serious picture taking problem, she expected that I would naturally have it with me.)

Checking the vitals, making sure everything was in order

One frightened little lady
A little "something to drink"

Feeling MUCH more relaxed

Dr. S & Miss Ma'am

Miss Ma'am & her own personal nurse

JD & I headed down to the cafeteria for a little breakfast, of which I wasn't able to eat very much. Admittedly, my nerves were in a pretty big bundle and I really just wanted to get back up to the surgical floor.

The surgery went well without complications and JD & I were called back to the recovery room at approximately 9:15 where Miss Ma'am was alert long enough to see both of us and then went right back out. JD went down to the gift shop in search of a stuffed bunny for her but was unable to find one, so he picked her a sea turtle instead. Once he returned to the recovery room, we were able to rouse her long enough for her to take the turtle, snuggle it under her chin and out she went again. We were in the recovery room for what seemed to be the longest hour and a half of my life.

The sea turtle. She named it Madonna!
(This photo was taken a couple days after surgery.)
Once she was able to drink 4 ounces of water without problems, we got her dressed in her Tinker Bell thermal jammies, matching Tink snuggie and her blue slippers; and were discharged to go home.

Before we left the parking lot, she was on the phone with her grandmother, talking normally like she hadn't even had surgery at all but it didn't take but about 5 minutes after we really got on the road home for her to conk out on us yet again.

All settled in with Scruffy (the big puppy) as her pillow
and the sea turtle tucked under her arm.
We had to stop on the way home to get her readjusted
when she nearly fell completely out of the seat.
Upon arriving home, she woke up while JD carried her into the house and attempted to put her to bed but she wasn't having any of THAT! To the couch she went, turned on the television and asked for something to eat. She was feeling NO PAIN. Feeling she probably need something a little more sustaining than jello, I made her some thin creamed potatoes and she was quite happy. Once finished, I got her settled on the couch and headed to my room to change into something a little more comfy for myself. Upon my return to the living room, I found her sitting there eating Pez Candy!!!!!!

Poor baby just couldn't understand why she had to be on a soft diet if it didn't hurt going down. I thought I had explained it to her well enough but when I left and came back again, she was sitting there eating some mint fudge. Bless her heart! She said, "...but it's soft," and almost came to tears when I told her that she might hurt her throat even though she wasn't able to feel anything just now. The remainder of the day was filled with a lot of rest but she never did go back to sleep until late evening when I gave her the post-op medications that would hopefully keep her out of pain.

Post-op cocktail. Pain med, nausea med,
antibiotic and a little water.
(As was expected, this stuff was "nasty," in her own words.)
She slept quite well through the night and had an awesome following day. She wasn't in any pain, so I refrained from giving her the medications (except the antibiotic) as the instructions were "every four hours - as needed for pain." Apparently, that was a mistake on my part. By late evening on the 22nd, my baby was in some severe pain. I decided at this point that she would get the medicine every four hours whether she was in pain or not in an effort to keep her from being in pain. We continued this regimen for 48 hours before we tried, yet again, to not give her anything at all.

It's been an exhausting couple of days but all is looking well so far and with Christmas just on the horizon, anticipation is on the rise.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Goodies: Day 5

2009-12-20T22:58:00.021-05:00

Yesterday, I settled in for what I had hoped would be a very restful weekend to enjoy with my family and for the most part it was; however ...

Apparently, there just wasn't quite enough sugary goodness in the house and back to the kitchen I went where I, Mother & Miss Ma'am made and baked 5 dozen gooey butter cookies that were just absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious; a bit of a hassle to make but oh so worth the effort and I'll definitely be adding that recipe to the annual cookie files.

Now, my best good friend from Maine, Jn.D, had given me a recipe for some Eggnog Spritz cookies that sounded super yummy so I made, baked and glazed 5 dozen of those too. Let me just tell y'all ... and Jn.D you know I love ya, girl ... but I will NE-VAH make those things again. They were EW! Miss Ma'am & Daddy were the only two out of the six of us who actually liked them so guess who ended up taking about 4 dozen home once the weekend was over?

Miss Ma'am has discovered a new love in the last few months for mint chocolate so she put in a request for some mint fudge. Altering my recipe just a wee bit, I was able to also manage to make three more pounds of fudge; one mint, especially for Miss Ma'am, one regular milk chocolate for the rest of us, and one to be gifted to the neighbors across the street.

All-in-all, it was a great day and we had a lot of fun just being able to share some taste-testing goodness, some laughs and a whole lot of love. I think JD, Daddy & MC, Jr. [nephew] may have gained a couple inches just in one day's time (well, somebody's gotta do the dirty work, right?).

After everyone was pooped and relaxing, Miss Ma'am & I settled on in for the evening by making our annual Gingerbread House. This has become something we look forward to making every year since she was 2 years old. Very fortunately, she and JD both LOVE gingerbread so it never goes to waste.

Family Christmas Cheer
The plan to spend Sunday sharing some Christmas Cheer was awesome. I was so glad that Mother, Daddy and MC, Jr. were able to visit with us since our annual journey to 'The Country' just wasn't a possibility this year. We had some soft Christmas music playing, candles lit, house smelling all yummy and enjoyed a counter full of finger foods & hors devours, and then totally indulged in some sweet confection.

Of course, Miss Ma'am was chomping at the bits waiting to get to the gift-giving portion of the day but it came soon enough.

A Very Excited Miss Ma'am

On their BEST behavior (they look like they might
actually like each other - LOL)
Cheesy Grins ... Guess we've made them wait long enough ...

Wedding Day Sparkle Barbie ... the first she opened of several gifts to include a Tinker Bell Snuggie, Toy Story Snuggie, Star Trek Collector's Edition Pez Set, and Sorry (a board game). We're still waiting on one more to arrive in the mail. It didn't quite make it in time for our Family Christmas Cheer.

Making her rounds ... after opening all of her own gifts (we always let her go first), she had to help everyone else open theirs.
First stop - Granddad.

Hugs & Kisses from Grandmother

She even bought gifts for Abby (MC, Jr's puppy). It wouldn't do for Miss Ma'am to have a dog of her own. She'd have the poor thing playing dress up with her. She picked out and bought (with her own earned money) a Christmas sweater and bone for Abby.

Miss Ma'am & MC, Jr. - two cousins - loving on Abby.
This is one of my favorite photos taken this year.
After a lot of laughs, precious moments, smiles and hugs; I served up a round of eggnog while Miss Ma'am and Granddad played a game of Sorry. As much as I hated to see it come to an end, as all good things must; Mother, Daddy & MC, Jr. were scheduled to leave out in the morning - so off Mother went to start packing while I began the necessary preparations for Miss Ma'am's surgery in the morning. I still hadn't made any jello and that absolutely had to be done before we went to bed.

In the process of organizing, it occurred to me that once the surgery was done, we should dress her in some pajamas to bring her home so we wouldn't have to worry with trying to change her into something more comfy once we did finally arrive home.

So, after she had a nice hot shower, I let her open a gift from under the tree that was from me. Totally exhausted by this point, she was quite tickled with her new Tinker Bell Thermal Jammies.

Wishing all my fabulous friends the joy of family at Christmas time. There's absolutely nothing like it in the world.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Goodies: Day 4

2009-12-18T23:52:00.005-05:00

It's Friday! Miss Ma'am is at school enjoying her Polar Express Christmas Pajama Party, my parents and nephew are scheduled to arrive sometime this afternoon/evening and I still have baking to get done and groceries to buy for our family 'party' as well as grocery supplies that Miss Ma'am will require following her surgery on Monday. I Shall Not Panic!

One more day in the kitchen has proven quite productive for me. I've been able to make and bake enough sugary goodness now to get us through (and beyond) Christmas. I'm just going to tell y'all that as much as I love baking during the holidays; I'm flat worn out, exhausted, and looking forward to my parents arrival and what I hope to be a very relaxing weekend.

Now, I don't have photos of EVERYthing I've made in the last week but just for the record, I want to make a note of it all. Don't really know why - just one of those accomplishments I'm quite proud of right now, I suppose, since I was unable to do any great amount last year with my health condition such that it was.

Fudge: 5 pounds (3 pounds gifted)
Frosted Cookies: 5 dozen (3 dozen gifted)
Candied Pretzels: 5 dozen (2 dozen gifted)
Roasted Pecan Bark: 4 pounds (2 pounds gifted)
Roasted Nuts: 2 pounds (1 pound gifted)
Giant Gingerbread Man Sugar Cookie: 2 (1 gifted)
Poppyseed Lemon Bread: 1 loaf
Banana Nut Muffins: 1 dozen
Brownies: 1 pound
Cheese Ball/Spread: 2 pounds

WHOA MOMMA!!!! That's a lot of sugary goodness! HA! Maybe I should start my own Holiday Baking Network - LOL! Of course what few photos I have is slim compared to the actual amount, although several of them are posted under previous titles in my Christmas Goodies: Series.

By 4:00 I was done, tired and ready to go eat. Now, y'all surely didn't think I would be cooking after all that did ya? We had made plans to have supper at Cracker Barrel so after a quick shower and change, we headed out. I put in a call to mother to see where they were in their travels to discover they were a mere 15-20 minutes out. So ... we reserved a table for six and they met us there. Upon arriving, however ...

What to my wondering eyes should appear? But Santa & Mrs. Claus all decked out in their holiday suits. I would have given anything for a photo of Miss Ma'am when she saw him standing there. She walked right over to him and exclaimed ....

"I saw you at Walmart last night!!"

After a quick visit with Santa, Miss Ma'am & I retreated to the ladies' room to wash our hands where she pulled my sleeve and whispered to me ...

"Mom? I think that's the really real Santa. He was at Walmart last night and now he's here at Cracker Barrel. He's really really real, and he's watching me to make sure I still believe."

Well, I wasn't about to tell what I knew but I had been tipped off that Santa would be making an appearance at Cracker Barrel in "the suit." Miss Ma'am is, sadly, coming all too quickly to the age where that magic disappears, but I mean to tell y'all that this squashed any doubt that she's been having over the last couple months. (This was, in fact, Santa that she had seen the night before - y'all know?! The Really Real Santa!!)

After a delightful supper with Mother, Daddy and my Nephew (MC, Jr.), we headed on home for a relaxing evening. At last, my R 'n R has begun ... or so I thought ...

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Goodies: Day 3

2009-12-17T23:48:00.002-05:00

I did manage yesterday to get the second gingy-cookie made and delivered along with another package of goodies to our dear friends from The Edge. I was determined that this fella wasn't going to lose his head (like his brother) and used an entire batch of royal frosting to make sure that he didn't. He turned out just as cute as the original but he was way heavier, covered in enough frosting for about 5 dozen cookies. (I should note that this handsome guy is about the equivalent of 2.5-3 dozen sugar cookies, about a foot tall and probably 10-12 inches across.)

The Class Party
Last evening was spent baking cookies for the Miss Ma'am's class party which was quite a lot of fun. I arrived the last hour and a half of the school day and I, along with two other moms, had a blast with all the kids. We enjoyed some home-baked goodness, a Charlie Brown Christmas, and a beautiful "reading" of The Night Before Christmas by the entire class.

A classroom full of happy children
ready for Christmas break to begin.

Miss Ma'am & J.R.F. (the boy BFF since 1st grade
which is a story I STILL need to blog about)

Presenting Mrs. F with a gift she chose all on her own
after working around the house and making her own money
to buy gifts for those on her list.

A photo with Mrs. W (Language Arts & Reading)

This was my Christmas gift this year that she made for me at school. I was looking forward to another ornament like I've gotten the last two years but was quite surprised with this magnet to hang on the fridge. I absolutely adore it.

Making His Rounds
A trip to Walmart following school to pick up those much needed groceries and supplies for the upcoming weekend proved very unproductive for me but was quite exciting for Miss Ma'am. Who should we run into but none other than SANTA? Of all the children in the store who were pointing and staring, he made his way over to Miss Ma'am with a questioning look on his face that very closely matched that of her own.

Miss Ma'am: Santa, why are you wearing blue jeans?
Santa: This is the night I make my rounds to make sure everyone is behaving the way they're supposed to be and it's a little too warm for the suit ;).

He gave her a hug and allowed us to take a photo, then presented Miss Ma'am with a candy cane. Now, I'm just gonna tell y'all right here that I'm SERIOUSLY not about my child taking candy from strangers (even ones who look like Santa) but how I could tell her no. Instead, I intercepted the sweet confection, tucked it in my purse and told her she could have it after we ate supper. Much to my delight, Santa nodded in agreement and gave her a little wink and a smile. She completely forgot about the candy.

With my parents scheduled to arrive sometime tomorrow afternoon/evening, I should spend no more than one more day in the kitchen before I can call it all good and settle in for a little rest & relaxation of my own.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Goodies: Day 2

2009-12-14T23:30:00.017-05:00

Today began the initial preparation for Miss Ma'am's class parties to be held on both Thursday and Friday of this week. Thursday is a one hour party with pizza and every other kind of junk in the world; and then on Friday, they're having a Polar Express Pajama Party that will last all day long.

I'll be sending some home-baked cookies that I haven't even started preparing yet, and some chips. Just when I thought my shopping was complete ... I completely forgot to pick up Miss Ma'am a new pair of jammies while I was out and about. There's another task to add to my "list" for tomorrow.

This morning was spent packaging gifts for Miss Ma'am's classmates. Once again, I managed to create a sweet little goodie bag for each child for less than $2 each. I thought they were a little slim when compared to past projects but they turned out right cute, I thought.

My Beautiful Best Girl decided this year that we needed to take a name card from the Christmas Tree at school that supports our local less-fortunate families and buy EVERYTHING on the list. We had always done something like this in the past when JD was still active duty but haven't done one since he retired, and I'm really not sure why that is. So, I was most definitely amenable to the idea even though our finances have been a little tight this year. She chose a little baby girl and was quite the little helper last evening while we were out shopping for this wee one.

A portion of this morning was dedicated to preparing these gifts, as well. They didn't have to be wrapped but I did at least want the little outfits in boxes so they weren't just tossed down in a bag to get dusty and wrinkled.

A late morning conversation with my dear friend who's getting ready to move just after Christmas sent me back to the kitchen with a spur of the moment idea. We had been discussing when we might be able to share our own bit of Christmas Cheer when the matter came up that her 5-year-old son absolutely adores Miss Ma'am & I decided that I'd bake something extra special just for him as a gift from Miss Ma'am, herself. It took all of 30 minutes for me to bake, frost and decorate this sweet little gingerbread man sugar cookie since I had frosting left over from the previous cookie baking. Just had to whip it up a little, add some cocoa to give him the "appearance" of gingerbread and here he is! I found the cookie pan for this guy at Walmart this year and just HAD to have it. Now, I'm glad I splurged.

Miss Ma'am has been off & on with a fever so I had to make a momma decision today and not let her go to cheer & I refused to cave on this one. Of course, she got all huffy about it but the momma KNOWS how it goes - she gets in that gym, gets overheated, goes into one of those coughing spells that nearly causes her to vomit and then she'll be completely out of school tomorrow with a high fever to kick off the day. Been there, done that ... Don't Intend on Going Back!!! I had to absolutely put my foot down.

I did make it up to her with a surprise outing to meet one of her little friends at IHOP and share some Christmas Cheer with ESH & her mom. The girls had a great time, enjoyed some pancakes and were so full of anticipation. I thought they'd both pop a vein waiting to open those presents.

Goofy Girls having a blast!
FINALLY! They didn't waste any time tearing into those packages.
Sharing some chocolaty goodness. They both look like they're a little unsure about that whole caramel deal (LOL).
Lots of Hugs
After leaving IHOP, Miss Ma'am & I planned a quick 5 minute trip into the market to grab some decorating sprinkles for the cookies I'll be baking tomorrow for her class party. We ran into three people we know and that 5 minute trip ended up being 45 minutes, but we finally were able to get what we were after and get on back home.

I checked on the gingerbread sugar cookie to see if he was dry enough to package up yet and he was; but when I lifted him from the table...

Poor thing lost his head ... SO, I broke both his arms and had myself a late evening treat ... He Was Delicious!

I'll be back in the kitchen tomorrow morning, my friends, to make those party cookies and another gingy-man, and 3 pounds more fudge for JD to carry to work with him; and then tomorrow afternoon Miss Ma'am has her pre-op exam in BrWick.

With a promise of returning soon ...

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Goodies: Day 1

2009-12-13T22:37:00.000-05:00

Sometime last week, I finished my gift shopping, wrapped and packaged all the goodies that had to be shipped out and made preparations for the upcoming weekend (which was this past).

On this past Friday, I began the first of my holiday baking and wrapped all 32 of these lovelies. Somebody is gonna have a great Christmas, wouldn't y'all agree?!

In between all the wrapping (or maybe I wrapped in between all the baking?), I managed to make 3 pounds of fudge, roast peanuts & pecans, make 1 dozen cookies, 4 dozen candied pretzel sticks, and a half-pound of roasted pecan bark all before I had to pick Miss Ma'am up from school.

Let the true fun begin. I still needed to bake 2 dozen more cookies and get all 3 dozen frosted. Oh how my girl does love to get in the kitchen and help the momma. First thing she did was dig through the drawer to find her Christmas apron, got her hair all pulled back, washed her hands and proclaimed that she was ready to get started!

Now, my momma always said, "if ya ain't makin' a mess? ya ain't cookin'!" And make a mess, we did; but we had a ball doing it.

We both absolutely love the quality of fun we have in the kitchen but ... this right here is her favorite part! And why not?! (Oh, that I were able to stomach all the goodness once again like I did when my own mother handed me the mixing bowl.)

Much to the dismay of Miss Ma'am & JD, all these baked goodies were for a few of our neighbors who are getting ready to leave town this week; so I had to get theirs done ahead of time.

There was, however, about a bread-plate size of extras that I gladly let my two favorite people in the whole world have for their own indulgence. Pretty much just gave 'em the "scraps" (I know! - I'm horrible, huh?). After all was said and done though, they both enjoyed what little they were able to have, and here are two of the four finished products.

There will either be three or four days in this "Christmas Goodies:" Series. I still have baking to do for two more friends and for JD to take to work; there's Miss Ma'am's class party coming up at the end of this week and then, of course, my parents are arriving on this coming Friday so I'm hoping to have enough of EVERYTHING by that time to last "We3" through Christmas.

Hoping everyone is having as joyous a season as I.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Twelve Days and Counting

2009-12-12T12:48:00.000-05:00

Deck the Halls (and the yard too)
JD & I spent nearly an entire day getting the yard all decorated after he prechecked all the lights to insure they were all working properly, then discovered that we didn't have enough power extensions to light it.

I'm so fortunate to have this man in my life, honestly. He follows directions quite well and with my OCD personality, I know sometimes he must get frustrated but he never lets it show and he never complains. Fortunately, I'm able to "see" the outcome before I have him place everything in the yard so he, at least, doesn't have to move things from one area to another - just a few adjustments here and there while I stand back and delegate the necessity for perfection in my own eyes.

Sadly due to scheduling, the ornaments sat for three days before we were actually able to get them all connected and finally...

~ We Have Lights ~

View from the road all lit up. There are wreaths on the three front windows as well as candles that you can't see because they're powered by light sensory and the yard ornaments are so bright, it causes the candles to go out.

We've had these yard ornaments for quite a few years now and try to add a new piece each year. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without our Nativity in the yard. In fact, Christmas just wouldn't even BE without the birth of Christ. This ornamental scene is surely my most favorite of all.

We got "Frosty" the same year as the Nativity, trying to really make Miss Ma'am's second Christmas one that was exciting. This was the first year we were transferred back to the mainland from Hawaii. Miss Ma'am was just 16 months old that Christmas year.

The Tree
This year's tree, my friends, is the product of a sad story. After fighting with the lights on our big gorgeous tree for nearly a week, JD decided it was done for and we had to toss it out. I debated on whether or not to go purchase another one or to just try and string a few old light strings on it, decorate it with ornaments and call it good. The prices on the nice "fat" trees that I like so much are just unreal right now and I really didn't want to have to buy a little skinny one and be unhappy with it until it finally played out and it was time for another new one. I had it in the back of my mind that we would wait for the after-Christmas sales and be able to get a more preferred tree within a more reasonable price range.

I had offered to loan our little tree to a friend who's getting ready to move and didn't want to have to put up anything massive and then try to take it all back down. For whatever reason, she decided to go and buy her very own "little" tree. The Good Lord knows what He's doing for sure.

We already had this little beauty out and ready to deliver to my girlfriend and it hit me. We'll use THIS ONE and then replace the old one after they all go on sale after Christmas. Miss Ma'am was a little disheartened (to say the least), when she saw it sitting on the floor where the big tree once stood but I assured her that once we got it all set up and decorated, it would be just beautiful. It's so tiny, we weren't able to get all our precious ornaments on it this year so I told Miss Ma'am this year's tree was HERS. Naturally, this idea lifted her spirit quite a bit. We sorted through all the boxes and found all of her ornaments that she's collected over the years and adorned it with nothing but, then tied a big red bow on the top and voila! We have an absolutely gorgeous tree.

As we continue to prepare for Christmas, our lives are busy and our schedules full but more updates will be coming soon. Until then, my friends ...

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Living with a Sailor of the Week

2009-12-04T19:08:00.023-05:00

This morning started out on the wrong side of the bed to say the very least. Miss Ma'am's test anxiety is going to be the death of ME! I've begun to notice a pattern on Fridays with her being ill in some way or other but this morning had to be the worst. She had two tests today, spelling and math facts. She was well prepared. JD & I always make sure of that.

Upon an attempt to wake her, she complained that her tummy was hurting. Immediately, my hand went to her forehead to discover that she had NO FEVER. After a little back-and-forth battle of wills, she complained that her head was hurting and then finally, her knees. Now, I have no doubt that her knees were hurting. The child is growing like a little ragweed, so I gave her a dose of Motrin, told her she was STILL going to school and even had to threaten to implement some old school discipline if she didn't get moving.

I ended up with a headache from Lord only knows where. Felt like a caffeine headache but I thought it couldn't possibly be since I've been pretty well off of caffeine for nearly five months now with no problems. I decided to have just a little chai tea latte after dropping Miss Ma'am and BFF off at school and sure enough ... the headache began to ease off. Go Figure?!

Fast forward to 2:30 ...

I picked Miss Ma'am up from school to be met with much delight and the biggest smile I think I've ever seen on her face. She made a 100% on both her tests but that wasn't all ...

My baby girl was bestowed the honor of Sailor of the Week this morning. This is an honor her little heart has desired since she first learned about it the first week of first grade.
The Sailors of one of our locally ported submarines sponsor a program [at Miss Ma'am's elementary school] that honors students who exemplify the US Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment; students who are leaders in the classroom, who listen, follow instruction, help others and who are respectful in all ways. The teachers choose One student each week from each Grade Level to receive this honor.
Did y'all just see the buttons pop off my blouse?!
I am so proud of my daughter!!!

Of course, JD was just as proud and suggested that she be rewarded with supper out on the town. No need to even ask where she wanted to go ... I already knew what her answer was going to be. So off we trekked in this horrible rain and cold to dine at the local Italian Restaurant, best known in our house as 'Papa Lungs.' (That's what Miss Ma'am has called it since she was 5, in an attempt to read 'the big words' on the sign.)

Our Sailor of the Week

She's as proud of herself as we are of her ... as she should be!
According to Mrs. F - "I never saw her so proud and bold! She sprung right up and made herself known when they [the sailors] entered the room. It was so cute."
♥ Cheesy Spaghetti at Papa Lungs ♥
I'm trying to obtain a copy of the photo that was taken with the sailors at school this morning when she received this award. Sadly, I was not informed ahead of time and wasn't there to capture my own priceless moment in time.

Here's hoping for 'Sailor of the Year' now.
Wishing you all a fabulous weekend, whatever your plans may be.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Christmas Countdown

2009-12-01T23:48:00.022-05:00

Our calendar has already filled up with activities to be done this month. It's incredible how every December, we seem to find so much to do in the way of activities; most of which revolve around local celebrations downtown on the waterfront.

Some of the local events and 'base' activities are overlapping this year though and decisions must be made as to which we'll be attending. These are difficult choices to make to be honest because they're all really a lot of fun for all of us.

With Christmas well on the way now, the momma has been quite busy with activities too. The tree is up but yet to be lit. JD is having a fight with the lights this year but I'm hoping that he can get it all sorted because I really do not want to have to toss this tree for another one. I love my tree!

Christmas packages that had to be shipped out across this great country of ours have been wrapped, packaged and are now on their way. I still have a little shopping left to do for my parents, my brother and his boys, and maybe a few extras for JD if I can ever get away without him (heh-heh). That should be soon enough though since he goes back to work in a couple days.

Today, we were able to get the windows adorned with wreaths and candelabras before we ran out of daylight so we should be finishing up the yard decor in the next day or two. Of course, photos will be posted once we get it all done.

Winter holidays around here usually start for us about a week prior to Halloween and don't end until New Years Day so y'all can imagine how busy I've been over the last few weeks. Christmas, of course, (being my favorite holiday of all) is not only the greatest season of all but also our busiest.

Our Christmas Countdown was officially kicked off with the "Operation Christmas Child" project at church. What better way to spread the love of Jesus to all the children in the world than with a simple shoebox, a few gifts that most of us consider meaningless and a little wrapping paper?

Miss Ma'am decided we would do a box for a child in the 2-4 year-old age group but the debate was on about whether we would do a box for a girl or for a boy. SO ... the only logical solution that I could find was to make the ultimate sacrifice and buy myself a new pair of shoes [insert grin here] so we would have two boxes - one for each.

She really got the greatest joy out of packing these boxes.

Per Miss Ma'am's request, I must also mention that prior to Thanksgiving she enjoyed a sleepover with her girlfriend, Paige, [daughter of Hope from the Edge]. She insisted that I post the picture and to remind Paige that they need to have another sleepover before she has to move away. She really did have the greatest time and it did her little self a world of good.

Now normally, y'all know with me being the momma that I am, I would NEVER allow Miss Ma'am to have a sleepover with a teenager but since I know Miss Hope so well and since she was actually the hosting mom, I was quite comfortable with the idea; plus it gave me and JD a night out alone.

So, without further adieux - the photograph ...

We have many busy days ahead so there should be plenty of updates on the horizon. Until then, my friends ...

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Giving Thanks

2009-11-27T23:27:00.012-05:00

We have so many blessings in our lives, I find it very difficult to be able to list them all but I think Miss Ma'am summed it up BEST, when she was asked what she was MOST thankful for, with her answer - "I'm thankful for God and all that He does."

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving this year. I spent nearly 3 days in the kitchen baking and prepping and then finally cooking on Thanksgiving Day.

I wouldn't trade all the hard work for anything when I can sit at the table and have my family together. I'm still awed by the fact that JD will NEVER be deployed during another holiday, EVER! Now, whether or not he's working is a different story but at least we know (Lord Willing), he'll be making it home within a 12 hour period of time. We were very privileged this year, as well, to have my parents join us.

Three generations of girls in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day was nothing shy of awesome. Miss Ma'am was quite the help and actually got to get her hands into the good stuff this year.

Among several of her "duties," Miss Ma'am got to prepare the rolls
for baking and "tear up" the turkey neck for the giblet gravy.

She also got to tend the simple tasks of crushing crackers for the casserole topping, stirring and folding different dishes, and she helped with one of the cakes.

Glad to finally be eating!

She LOVED that she got a turkey leg!!
(even though she ended up not eating it at all)
This years menu was incredible for just the five of us but to hear JD tell it, "Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving if there are no leftovers."

Turkey, Cornbread Dressing, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Deviled Eggs, Candied Yams, Squash Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and Corn on the Cob; Red Velvet Cake, Gooey Butter Cake, and Pecan Pie; Sweet Tea, Coffee, and Eggnog. Can y'all say Y-U-M?!

~Black Friday~
I've never been one much to even attempt the "day after Thanksgiving" sales. Last year was the first time I'd actually even made plans to brave the terror of it all but as y'all might remember, my health condition at the time wouldn't allow me to get out there. This year was a different game though ... JD and I got up at 3:00 A.M. with the idea of going to one place ONLY! Can y'all guess? I Love Belk so much!! We were able to completely finish Miss Ma'am's Christmas shopping with the exception of the one item that has to be special ordered, and even found a few goodies of our own. We scored the only 2 items we were after within the first 10 minutes and then browsed at leisure for about an hour. When it came time to bag it all up and head on back home, the total rang to $94 (with a savings of $124). We were home and back in bed before anyone even knew we had gone!!

The afternoon was quite eventful as well with a spontaneous shopping trip. Mother, Miss Ma'am and I ventured out for about an hour or two. I was able to pick a few little decorative pieces for Christmas for reasonable prices (even though the local sales were pretty well over by then).

Living room furniture is rearranged, tree is (at least) up and ready to be decorated. Christmas Season has officially begun and now our focus turns to the greatest season of all.

Blessings to you all throughout the remainder of our winter holiday season.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Time

2009-11-19T23:15:00.021-05:00

It seems lately that time is passing so quickly around me, I find myself trying to play 'catch up' on several levels and in several aspects of life. I've had so many thoughts that leave just as quickly as they come and try as I might to get them down on paper, it just never seems to happen.

Time is my worst enemy some days and my best friend other days.

Cheerleading team practice is in full swing right now and Miss Ma'am is well into preparing for what we hope to be another outstanding competition season but even she is growing weary trying to keep up with everything in her own life right now. Of course, school is a little harder this year as is to be expected with each new grade level. She's still suffering the daily sore throat and having issues with strep and tonsillitis. On December 21, she'll be going in for a four-in-one surgical procedure. Tonsils are coming out, adenoids are coming out, laryngoscopy because Dr. S. suspects that she has polyps on her vocal cords, and a turbinate reduction; all with the hope that this will improve her overall sinus/allergy health, eliminate the chronic sore throat and lessen the fluid build up in her ears.

The stress levels have been on an uneven keel for all of us, I'm afraid; but we're all three hanging in there and facing our daily dilemmas head-on.

I've been volunteering my time at the school as usual. I've also been volunteering a little time at the cheer gym, but lately I've just felt so stressed and worn out that I'm having to give up every bit of my volunteer work in order to focus on my family, my home and myself. I feel like a cad for backing out like this but I'm left with no choice. My health is starting to be affected by my lack of rest. I do have one last project to finish up for school but I have until December 01 to get that completely in order. I just can't drop the ball on something I've already committed myself to doing, and it's something that I can easily complete at home.

Despite all three of our busy lives, I've continually tried to find ways for us to have a little family time together and it has often been found in the oddest places. Some days we just hang out at home, watching movies.

Miss Ma'am & I found the perfect opportunity for some good quality time a couple weeks ago; although she'd probably beg to differ on the beginning stages since I drug her out of bed at 4:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning to hit the 4-hour only Charity Day Sale at Belk. I knew it would take nearly the entire four hours to choose clothes, try them on and have them purchased before time ran out and y'all know what? I was right.

We made a quick stop by Hardees since they're right in the same shopping center, traveled all of 30 seconds across the parking lot and enjoyed a sausage biscuit and some juice while we waited. We walked in the door when they opened at 6:00 a.m. and checked out at 9:45. We found some awesome deals to be sure and Miss Ma'am scored HUGE! We left the store with a total of 5 new school outfits, a Christmas outfit, 3 Sunday dresses, a couple sets of 'unmentionables,' and a fleece zippered hoodie; all just for her. I was able to find a gorgeous pair of shoes for myself and a new set of 400 count (king size) bedsheets.

Grand total came to $399.76 ...
After all the discounts were figured in, I saved a total of $250.73 which left the bill at a mere $149.03. This may be the first time in my life that I've actually saved more than I spent. What an incredible shopping trip.

We capped off the day with a late morning breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then came home and literally collapsed. We were both worn slap out but we had the best time, overall.

Naturally, I couldn't have a day out with my girl and not take a few photos ...

Can hardly wait to see what sales will be
coming our way during the winter holidays.

Watching diligently for the doors to officially open.

She was so patient with trying on so many different outfits and didn't complain once, so I told her she could pick ANYTHING in the store as a special treat for being such a champion through it all ... of all the things in the world ... she chose this GA Bulldogs pullover hoodie and y'all can see just how tickled she was to get it.

The lady at the checkout counter gave Miss Ma'am her very own 'Belk Bag' to carry. She thought she was something else carrying that bag out of the store!

All buckled in and ready to go get a REAL breakfast
(as she called it).

We never go to Cracker Barrel that she doesn't have to play checkers even if she has to compete with herself. She's just too adorable sometimes. She was actually arguing with herself about different moves she was making on the checker board.

I have more thoughts I'll be sharing in due time including some new Miss Ma'am banter that will absolutely have y'all cracking your skulls with laughter once you realize exactly what it is she's said. Until that time though ...

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Events of Halloween

2009-11-01T13:42:00.020-05:00

Fall Fun Fair
Last weekend found the three of us (and BFF) at the fall fair hosted by First Baptist Church where Miss Ma'am and BFF had a great time playing games, eating treats and trunk-or-treating. I even won a homemade pineapple upside down cake in the cake walk that was out of this world.

Every opportunity available, this dog was trying to get over on Miss Ma'am by grabbing goodies from her basket and even tried to slip her plate away when we were eating. She was totally tickled.
Among several games available to entertain, face-painting
was one of the first that the girls headed for.
Trunk-or-Treating
Sick Days
On Monday morning, I had relapsed with yet another sinus infection coupled with bronchitis and started my 3rd round of antibiotics. My immune system has just been way off course lately and it seems that I just can't get well enough to pick back up before I'm down again. Despite all this, though; on Wednesday afternoon, since I was without fever, I decided to go ahead to the school for my volunteer time. When I walked into the classroom, Mrs. W. informed me that Miss Ma'am wasn't feeling well and had a stomachache. When she stood up, I knew something was horribly wrong with my little angel and took her into the hallway to find out what was going on.

The symptoms she described to me were those of her typical migraine, so I slipped back into the classroom to let Mrs. W. know I needed to take Miss Ma'am home for the day. Upon arriving home, I was preparing to give her medication for the migraine when I realized she had a fever which was shown to be 102.7. Off to the doctor we went to discover that she had a sinus infection, upper respiratory infection and a middle ear infection. My child spent nearly the whole day at school and never said a word about how horrible she was feeling until after lunch when she was unable to eat.

I love that she's not a typical complainer but sometimes I just wish she'd come and say that she's not feeling well - just not in her nature, I guess. And her pain tolerance is outrageously abnormal. Doc asked her if her ear wasn't hurting to which she, of course, replied, "NO." He said her ear drum was bulging. This is the second time she's done this with a massive ear infection and when I think back on it; as a baby, she had ear infections but never pulled or tugged her ears, never whined or whimpered; and I never even knew she was ill until she started with a fever.

On Thursday morning, she spiked a fever to 103.9 and I thought I'd never get it to come down. She was lethargic and had to literally drink the Motrin through a straw because she wasn't even able to sit up.

Needless to say, she was out of school the remainder of the week leading up to Halloween weekend.

On Friday morning, her fever was down but not completely gone and she started working me really hard about how well she was feeling. She even went as far as to get herself a shower by her own initiative to prove to me how well she felt.

She had been so looking forward to the Friday night MWR party on base for weeks and was quite disappointed when she wasn't able to go this year but I wasn't about to let her go out with a fever regardless what she had to miss.

By late Friday night, her fever broke so I told her we'd have to play it by ear on whether or not she would get to Trick-or-Treat Saturday evening. I really hate to play the devil's advocate and even though her fever was gone, she had developed a cough that's made me feel less than comfortable about the whole issue. It sounds like bronchitis but she says her chest doesn't hurt at all, but knowing her history of a high pain tolerance, it makes me wonder.

Halloween Fun (or not)
Saturday came around and she continued to work me about going Trick-or-Treat but I had decided it would be best if she just stayed home and helped the momma hand out candy this year. Even let her get all costumed up and she was just too adorable. Then it happened ... I was doing a good job holding my ground but in the process of getting her dressed up ... I caved!

So JD took her out around the neighborhood while the momma handed out candy to about 300 kids.

Miss Ma'am had a great time and scored a little more than a gallon zippy bag of candy but by the time she made it back home, her cough was worse and I was fretting but she was still without fever; so I was considering that maybe she just sounded worse than she actually was.

Off they go ...
Dragon Princess
Making her way back home, looking totally
worn out but happy she got to go

No event would be complete without a visit & photo with BFF
The Day to Follow
...and the recipient of this year's "Bad Mom Award" goes to none other than yours truly.

After a warm bath and a little snack, Miss Ma'am headed off to bed for what I had hoped would be a good night's sleep when, at 2:30 this morning, I was awakened to a little hand on my check and a whispered, "Mom, I don't feel so good."

Her fever was back up to 102 and I've been feeling horrible all day because I caved in last night and let her go. JD, in all his infinite wisdom, has been trying to assure me that it wouldn't have made any difference. Now we have a follow-up scheduled tomorrow morning. I've been able to keep her fever at bay with the alternating Tylenol and Motrin combination but the cough is even worse today than it was last night and a look at her throat showed me that she has the little white vesicles all over her tonsils and a very beefy red throat.

On top of it all, my "new" cell phone is on the blitz and I'm about ready to go into the Verizon store and throw it at the first person I see. Started out not getting alerts for my text messages, wouldn't actually ring when someone called but would give me an alert if there was a voicemail and NOW - I'm getting alerts for voicemail and text messages dated days ago, so I'm not getting any of this in real time, AND it was showing a fully charged battery last night and the stupid thing died on me and was looking like it didn't want to charge up when I plugged it in. It has me aggravated to no end right now. I'm thinking I got a lemon of a phone and I Want A Replacement.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-25T14:43:00.011-04:00

It has certainly been a stressful week filled with adversity but fulfilling, nonetheless, here on the homefront. A lot of things were brought to light and I was feeling very lost by Friday evening. The answers I seek will be found in due time, I'm sure; but for now, while I try to maintain my sanity, I'm forging forward daily, breathing in and breathing out, feeling lost more oft than not.

I decided Friday afternoon that I'd take Miss Ma'am (on Saturday) to a farm I found a little south of us so we could pick our Halloween carving pumpkin and just spend the day together. It seems, of late, we don't get enough quality time together and even when BFF is tagging along, it's always enjoyable for me just to spend any time available with my girl. I'm glad we took BFF along, of course, because I don't believe Miss Ma'am would have had near the fun that she did; but I do SO long for just some mommy/daughter time. Our schedules have become so tedious and full lately but I'll find a way eventually, I suppose.

Saturday was filled with a lot of excitement and fun, but I'd be lying if I described it as the perfect day. The girls both complained a lot about having to wait in lines and it seems we did an awful lot of that - nearly 40 minutes just to get a little lunch, for one. We'll definitely be eating beforehand if we decide to go again.

Bless their little hearts - they're learning very quickly how grateful they can be for indoor plumbing as the only facilities available were port-a-potties. They both had me laughing hysterically over this particular issue because I remember all too well having to use an outhouse on a few occasions when I was much younger while visiting some of our "country" relatives .

Then, there was the hen house. Oh my stars! They walked in the door and were running out holding their noses in no less than 3 seconds. I was near doubled over with laughter trying to ask them if they were SURE they didn't want to go back and feed them.

They had a great time all-in-all but were disappointed that they weren't able to go on the hay ride but I gotta tell y'all ... we had already stood in that line for a half hour waiting and when we weren't able to get on the wagon and were going to have to wait for the next round ... they didn't want to stand in that hot sun for another half hour any more than I did; so we headed out, stopped to pick our pumpkin and then stopped for ice-cream at the store on the corner just up the road before making our journey back home.

My Little Farm Girl

Go-cart racing!!!
She found it difficult to pedal the go-cart and had to have a "push" a couple times to get her back in the race.

The sunflower was just the perfect height for a beautiful photo op

Y'all knew she'd have to be showing off
the dance moves at some point!!

I do believe they had the most fun just playing in the hay.

On top of the world!

The Pumpkin Patch

In search of the perfect carving specimen...

I think that pumpkin weighed as much as she does.

As it turned out, we really weren't able to find a nice pumpkin to bring on home with us but we'll be headed to the local patch this upcoming week with hopes of finding just what we have in mind. Carving will commence on Wednesday afternoon after homework is completed.

Until I'm able to return, my friends, have a beautiful week.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

My Terrific Kid

2009-10-16T18:49:00.022-04:00

Three years running now, I've received an email from Miss Ma'am's respective teachers; reading:

Dear Mrs. P,
Your child has been chosen as this nine-weeks period recipient for the honor of Terrific Kid; blah blah blah, etc. etc...

I can't even begin to express how my heart leaps every time I receive one of these notices that my child has exemplified behavior demonstrating "positive attitude, good character, and responsible citizenship," or as Dr. M (the school's principal) puts it simply - A Leader In The Classroom - and praises the children who receive this honor during the first nine-week period. Of course, this was to be kept under my hat as the school's desire was for the children to be surprised on this day of assembly (good thing I'm good at keeping secrets).

So this morning I suggested to Miss Ma'am that she wear a pretty little dress and necklace with ribbons in her hair and since she loves to get all "dolled up," she gave me no grief about doing so, and suspected absolutely nothing. In fact, she was completely unaware that there would even be an assembly this morning.

Miss Ma'am & other 3rd graders who received awards
(WOW! I just realized how tiny she really is.)

Proud to be a Terrific Kid

Miss Ma'am & Mrs. F
The last few weeks, Miss Ma'am has had a couple big events but a bout with bronchitis followed by influenza and a couple migraines has kept me from my beloved journal. I'm feeling a good bit better today, so I'll go ahead and bring y'all up to date.

A few weeks back, Miss Ma'am, was able to attend a Cheer Clinic here at the local High School followed by the privilege of cheering with the "big kids" at the Wildcat Game the following Friday.

Miss Ma'am & The Wildcat Mascots
she was really excited to be able to attend this clinic

of course, BFF came with us to the game

a little pregame fun - Miss Ma'am & friend, J R
hamming for the camera

Junior Wildcats take the field with the Wildcat Cheerleaders
Miss Ma'am is 3rd from the right in the white leggings

Miss Ma'am & ESH from House of Hayes
excited about 'something'

At one point, I was beginning to think that all Miss Ma'am's little friends would end up sitting with us. I had to take this photo - it's just priceless to me.
JD & I have been donned "the cool parents."

And lastly, was fall picture day. After these shots I took at home, I can hardly wait for the professional proofs to arrive. The school is using a different photography group this year so I'm hoping that we'll actually be able to get decent looking photos without having to go through retakes for the third year running.

My Beautiful Girl

Happy Weekend, my friends!
This is USS Retired signing off ...

He Hears Me

2009-10-09T08:42:00.006-04:00

Since June of this year, my life has been one big emotional roller coaster and it seems that no matter how loudly I scream, the conductor has yet to see fit to bring this ride to a screeching halt and just let me off.

I need a fix and can't find one, and no matter how many times I ask, there have been days that I just feel as though I'm not being heard. I suppose, my friends, I've just forgotten how to pray or perhaps I just don't know exactly what to pray for. Maybe there IS no fix.

Isn't it just amazing, though, how God moves in our lives and brings us just the message we need at the time we most need it?

Just two days ago, it came to me; the answer I was most looking for, I suppose; found in the words of a friend from Junior High School (who is completely unaware of my personal trials) ...

"He still hears us even when we don't know how to pray."
My mind has simply been cluttered with confusion in recent months past, but her simple words brought a breath of fresh air that I've not felt for quite a while; and while the road that lies ahead is still long, I know now that I don't have to know what to ask for because He already knows what I need and, in due time, will find a way to supply.

Proud Mom Moment

2009-09-19T23:36:00.007-04:00

Seven weeks into the school year, Miss Ma'am is already shining. She's struggled a little with Math this year but is excelling nicely in English, Literary/Language Arts (she gets THAT from me), and Science.

I couldn't be more proud of her than when I rummaged through her backpack this afternoon to find seven test papers marked with A's and one with a B.

At week number three, Mrs. W. sent home a goal sheet for reading that would hopefully be accomplished during each nine-week period of the school year. That left only six weeks for the students to meet and/or exceed this goal for this first nine-week period of time. Miss Ma'am has exceeded the goal by two books, two weeks early and has set forth her own goal to TRIPLE that of her teacher. She's set her sights on that reading trophy they give out at the end of every school year and she's working really hard towards accomplishing this.

The Momma is smiling really proud right now!!

In addition to all these excellent grade papers and goal assessments, I found the rubric for her Science Habitat Project for which we/SHE worked really hard the week prior.

"Excellent speaking voice!! 100% -- A.
Awesome presentation with lots of information!!"

Her verbal presentation, I'm told, was just as incredible as her visual. She worked really hard on the brainstorming for the project idea and the required research; and it absolutely paid off for her!

The morning she was to turn in the project and present her verbal presentation. She's so proud of her work, as she should be. It came as no surprise to me when my little aspiring marine veterinarian chose the "Ocean" habitat.

Miss Ma'am & BFF both showing off their projects before we headed off to school. Miss Ma'am chose to do a 3D Poster of the Ocean Habitats of Georgia with required elements to include 2 animal life (with resources for food, water & shelter), and 3 plant life. BFF chose a diorama of the Mountain Habitats of Georgia with same required elements.
I think what has made me most proud about all this is that she has found satisfaction in a job well done and has needed no further reward; just another sign my baby girl is growing up.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

A Toast to Time

2009-09-18T11:31:00.008-04:00

Time is quickly fleeting and looking back over the last year, it amazes me just how much a person can accomplish in such a short period. A year ago, I jumped on the blogging bandwagon thanks to the ladies over at the SWC who made blogging seem like so much fun. After reading several of their blogs and visiting other random writers, it became apparent to me that this blogging world could also hold a place for what has become nothing shy of an ongoing journal of our lives that our families and friends seem to thoroughly enjoy.

When I set out in search of the perfect layout, I don't believe I could have done any better than this one that I've chosen and have maintained for this entire year. Two things about me that a lot of folks don't know is - 1. I love to write, and 2. I do LOVE a nice cup of hot tea on any given day of the year. My sister, in fact, (over at Nap Time World) commented that when she logs into my blog, she can just see me sitting there with my cup of tea, typing up a storm of stories.

Spilt Milk & Mood Swings - so defined due to what seemed, at the time, to be a non-ending battle with mood swings and emotions that I was having. Spilt Milk is the name of the book that I've been writing for the last 22 years of my life. One day, I might actually get it finished and sent off to publication but mostly just for posterity sake. It's to be a compilation of my memoirs through the years written in poetic prose and I would, at the very least, like to have one published copy for Miss Ma'am.

The defining line of this journal was set forth as "a twisting tale of emotional ties that bind, blindsided raw emotion, and everything in between;" and so it has been.

Looking back over all that has been suffered, overcome and accomplished in such a short period of time; I find myself able to proudly proclaim my continually maintained strength as an individual and as I've always heard that the Lord puts no more on us than that which we can handle; Praise God that He made me such a strong mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, WOMAN!

Summer's Last Rose

2009-09-14T23:20:00.014-04:00

I can see summer quickly fading away with my dying lilies and the last bloom of my rose bush. We never did get the flower gardens finished this summer, but JD did manage to get the fountain back to operational and get my gorgeous yellow rose bush transplanted. It's no wonder as busy as we unexpectedly became during the summer months but perhaps we'll find time during the fall and winter months to get the layout finished and can plant the three red rose bushes and the dogwood tree in the front yard next spring. I can always hope. The early mornings and late evenings are comfortable and I can feel Fall on the horizon. Matter of fact, I can HEAR it every morning as I sit on the back patio with my cold beverage for some me time reflection after dropping Miss Ma'am and BFF off at school. Once the trees start shedding, I'm glorified with the sound of "colors" (that's the National Anthem as the flags go up over on base for you non-military folk) to remind me it's 8:00 a.m. (or 0800 hours), and time to get off my fluffy behind and get going with whatever the new day has in store for me.

Lately, I've found myself reflecting on the changing seasons of my life as well. The Lord has been good to us and is most definitely still in control. Not that I ever had any doubt of that fact, mind you.

The company for which JD worked prior to his present employer, the company that "let him go," I understand is now "letting go" a great deal more thanks to our current economy; and while JD is looking at some cutbacks on time scheduling over the next few months - I firmly believe that God knows what he's doing and we'll get through and for the moment (at least) his employment is secure.

I'm looking at the possibility of having to go back to work myself. It's not something I particularly want to do because I have so loved being a stay-at-home-mother (even though I never stay at home very much). I'll soon be looking into the market of something I can hopefully do from home but for the time being, I'm volunteering at the cheer gym 3 days a week. I'm actually looking forward to this venture and who knows, maybe it will turn into a full time gig later down the road, in another changing season. I'm not particularly looking for that to happen or even hoping that it will happen but I am SO looking forward to being able to put my talents to work to help take some of the strain off the coaches so they can do what they do best - coaching!

Hope - the feeling that one's innermost desire will be met. No matter the season, no matter the many changes, hope is always abundant in my life.

And speaking of Hope? As I enter yet another changing season of my life, my Hope From the Edge will soon be departing; not from my life completely, but from the convenience of a phone call to say, "Let's do breakfast. I hear Cracker Barrel is cooking up a mean pot of grits." God had a hand in our meeting as well; of this, I have zero doubt. Miss Hope & I were almost a near missed opportunity of coming face to face because of both our busy lives but somehow, somewhere across the Heavens, God swept his hand and said, "Let there be ..." and there was! I know she'll be reading this eventually so let me just say publicly how grateful I am to have the privilege of having her in my life. Hope & I share a common thread and she has been my leaning post on several occasions, and I hope I've been the same for her if by no other means than to "just listen."

My little Miss Ma'am recently turned 8 years old and is just transforming into a beautiful young girl. Despite her own changing seasons, she remains my loving, talented, ray of sunshine and center of my universe. She's growing up way too quickly for my heart, I can tell y'all that but I couldn't be more proud of her if I tried. Of course, she has her moments - what child doesn't; but all-in-all, she's the butter-cream icing on my cake of life.

For some time now, I've been labeled as "content" and I'm proud to say that I've regained that contentment that was temporarily misplaced. While I still have harboring issues with which must be dealt in due time, JD & I are as close as we ever were and I'm finding my morning me time reflection to be very useful in helping me get back to the place I so desperately love; and while “to be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring,” (according to George Santayana), I believe to find true contentment is an even greater season than spring.

Girl Loves Ribs

2009-09-05T22:23:00.002-04:00

We've kicked off our Labor Day weekend in a pleasant manner to be sure. Miss Ma'am's day started with a surprise from JD taking her over to the base for her very first ever "official" golf lesson. They were there about an hour and a half and I mean to tell y'all the child had a fantastic time.

She came home sweatin' like a true athlete and just absolutely could not shush up about the experience; and, of course, just HAD to HAVE a new pink visor and I'm pretty sure she didn't have to bat her eyelashes to get it ... Definitely gets the sporting genes from her daddy.

While I didn't get the opportunity to tag along because my sinuses were acting like y'all know what, I was still out of bed relatively early this morning - finishing up the necessary research for this science project Miss Ma'am has coming due in just a little more than a week.

To be honest, I wasn't really looking forward to having to drive "south" to try and find the rest of the materials we needed for this project. I was only able to find a few items over at Walmart and had just pretty well reserved myself to having a frustrating time shopping, figuring we were going to end up in several different stores. The decision was made that we would just head on down to River City to Michael's where (would y'all believe?), after nearly 3 hours of looking at every little thing they had in there, we found EVERY bit of what we still needed. Of course, I had to put my creative brain cells to work and now I'm actually excited about getting this thing done.

I always enjoy any quality time that the three of us are able to steal from our busy lives and today was no exception. After the exhausting shopping trip, we enjoyed supper at Sticky Fingers. Well ... they did at least. I didn't find it quite as good this trip down as I have in the past. Could be my sinus infection is creating some taste issues or something but regardless ... we still had a great time.

Once our meals arrived, it occurred to me that Miss Ma'am is 8 years old now and has NEVER ONCE had barbecue ribs and I was so glad that my camera was in my purse today. Once we showed her "how" to eat ribs and after she got beyond the "eww, I'm not gettin' my fingers nasty" part, the girl discovered that she loves some ribs and when she was licking all the sauce from her fingers, y'all would have thought she had a little taste of heaven right there on her finger tips.

We finished the journey with a trip to Yogurt City where she absolutely went wild creating this yogurt sundae and just seriously couldn't move beyond the fact that ... "it tastes just like ice-cream." Now I'm pretty sure she's had frozen yogurt before but I couldn't swear to it. I think she just loved being able to add all the toppings herself and we let her have free reign to add whatever her little taste buds desired.

We finished off our day, after arriving back home, with Bridge to Terabithia. It was a great day.

As for me ... I had my optical follow up yesterday and my eyes are still at 20/20 with little clouding behind the new lenses and the eye doc doesn't want to see me again now for six months. As far as I'm concerned, this is a good thing. I'm tired of doctors y'all.

Miss Ma'am, on the other hand, is going to soon be seeing a new ENT specialist with the hopes of getting those tonsils out so she doesn't have to suffer with this chronic DAILY sore throat any longer and we've had to get a referral for her to see orthopedics. Y'all remember at the end of cheer season last year when she sprained her left elbow? Still giving her a little trouble but I'm hoping it's not anything too serious and that she'll maybe just need a brace for a little extra support or something when she's working out. I'll update on her doctor visits once I have more to share of course.

And speaking of cheer season, we now have the official season schedules for tumbling, team practice and competitions. It's going to be another fantastic season! I can already tell.

Here's a few more shots of her ready for golfing ... her clubs at the course were more age-appropriate size-wise though but she wanted to pose with "dad's club."

Wishing all my family, friends and fans a safe and fun filled Labor Day weekend.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Growing Up

2009-09-02T12:17:00.015-04:00

I know I promised myself I wouldn't get behind again on my updates but to be honest, friends, I've been running like a mad woman since two days before Miss Ma'am's birthday.

I know my good friend, Miss Hope, over there on The Edge agrees with me when I say, whatever genius came up with the term "Stay at Home Mom," has obviously never been one. I'm still trying to figure out where that "stay at home" part comes in.

On top of the insane running, I've been a little down as well. This constant rain isn't helping matters any either. We officially have a lake in our front yard again. There are issues awry on the home-front and I'm learning very quickly that voicing my opinion is just pointless. The general population has been led so far into an area of gray that they can no longer see the black and white, right and wrong. I've always been very strongly opinionated about the fact that what's right for one may not be right for another and I still stand by that, and while I don't think my opinion is the only one that matters; my spirits have sincerely just been crushed by the fact that people ALLOW themselves to be blindly led and live their lives in the dark shadows of what is undeniably WRONG.

So, as my little angel turned 8-years-old over this past weekend, I can't help myself as the momma to consider what kind of world she's going to have to live in once she reaches her adult years. I can't shelter her from the cold, hard and seemingly transparent world that we live in or she'll never be prepared for what may lie ahead and my job as a parent is becoming harder with every passing day.

I've watched this blessed little darling transform before my very eyes over the last 8 years from the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen in my life to this highly active young lady that she's all too quickly becoming, and I see her childhood rapidly slipping away. She's started into her prepubescent stages of life and while some of her actions and overall behavior are quite hilarious, all I can see some days is my little six-pound bundle transforming right before me and there's not a thing I can do to stop it; so I've promised myself that on those days when she really just wants to be that little girl on the back porch blowing bubbles or otherwise, I'm going to be actively participating and soaking in the all too quickly fleeting moments.

I have treasured and enjoyed Miss Ma'am from birth. She has ALWAYS been the center of my universe and those who know me well, can attest to this without doubt. The one thing I can honestly say after she's grown and off to lead her own life is that there was very little this momma missed out on.

Moving on to the big day now ...

Her 8th birthday went off without a hitch. Her party was at our local aquatic center again this year and she had the best time with all her friends who came to help her celebrate. This "real" party (as she calls it) was followed by a nice family dinner out on the town and then a nice relaxing family party here at the house where she got to blow out candles a second time and open even more presents.

Let me just tell y'all, girlfriend racked up on some friendship beads. I think she got a total of 5 boxes (every one different) of friendship crafting supplies; 3 more plush computer play pets, 1 Webkinz, 1 Beanie Baby, and 1 Little Pet Shop; a couple of CDs of her favorite Disney rock stars; a beautiful pillow/blanket set embroidered with her name from Miss D of the acclaimed House of Hayes and loads of jewelry which was just right to her liking as she's quickly becoming all about her jewelry now!

Her favorite gift of all though was the only thing that she had actually asked for - the telescope! And just as soon as we get a break in this nasty weather, we might actually get to take it out in the yard and gaze upon the handiwork of God some celestial evening.

Today, she measures 49.5 inches tall, weighs 52 pounds and aspires to be a "sea animal doctor" when she grows up (translated - marine veterinarian)

Party Time

Make a Wish, Baby Girl!

Racing in the Lazy River

Having the time of her life!

Wish Really Big This Time!!!!

Webkinz Junior

Now what could this Possibly Be?!

Just What She Wanted!
When she said she wanted a telescope for her birthday, it opened the question, "why?" to which her response was simply, "so I can see the 'candles' in the sky more better."

Ninja Thumb

2009-08-28T09:21:00.005-04:00

With summer now behind us, blogging caught up, school back in full swing and we now have the official schedule for fall tumbling and stunt practices; it's time to get back to the grind as normal here on the home-front. Miss Ma'am is all settled into her routine for the most part and while experiencing some issues of peer pressure already in her young life, she's hanging in there like my little champ.

Tomorrow, we celebrate her 8th birthday with a "G-Force" themed party at the local water park so she's quite looking forward to spending some time with a few of her good friends from school, cheer and otherwise.

I found out JUST THIS MORNING that she's been invited to a birthday sleepover tomorrow night, following her own party; and on Thursday, I found an invitation tucked in her backpack from another classmate who's party is Sunday (the day after her own). Three birthdays in one weekend? I'm thinking something has to give here!

As for the sleepover party, I think we're going to have to just make an appearance, deliver a gift and call it good. Her grandparents will be arriving this afternoon to spend the weekend with Miss Ma'am for her own birthday so I'm thinking that she really should be around for that especially since we were planning a family dinner/family party after the "official" friend party tomorrow evening - AND - I don't know either of the parents of this child who's having the sleepover. In fact, now that I think about it - I don't even really know THIS CHILD either - just that she's a classmate from school.

My parents will be heading back home on Sunday morning, so I don't see any good reason why Miss Ma'am can't attend the party on Sunday. Can y'all say - BUSY WEEKEND APPROACHING!

Now, with the hopes of settling back in to my beloved blogging that (I might add) I have missed terribly over the summer months and with which I have no intentions of ever getting behind again; let me just tell y'all what 'the momma' has gone and done. Brace yourselves for a funny ...

On this past Tuesday, I was busy cleaning up the dishes and getting things tidied up around the home-front. Now, I know y'all know what Tupperware is, right? I have this one piece - it's called a "hotdog keeper" - very old style - so, I was trying to put the lid on it as I do with all my plastic pieces before storing them in the cabinet. That lid was hard as the dickens to get on, so I had the first three corners in place and was pressing really hard on that fourth corner using my thumbs when I suddenly felt this pain shoot from my right thumb, traveled all the way up my arm and felt like popcorn going off when it reached my shoulder.

OUCH! People that really did hurt!! So I rubbed my arm a little bit and made another effort to get this stupid lid on this container only to be met with excruciating pain in the upper arm. FINE THEN! I'll put the stupid lid under the dish and put it in the cabinet that way. WELL ...

As I reached up to put it into the cabinet, I can't lift my arm over my head without feeling like the blang thing is going to snap right off my body. What in the sam blazes?! So now, to shorten this already lengthy tale, I go over to the Emergency Room - explain to them what happened, they're all laughing, I'm laughing and I know you're about to be laughing. Would y'all believe - I have ripped the muscle fibers in my right upper arm?!

Let it be noted from here on out, my friends, when you think about messin' with me? You better think more than once cause I got more power in my right thumb than you got in your whole danged body - okay? OKAY! I'll be putting "the thumb" on ya if you come up in my business messin' around! I'm just sayin ...

So I'm sitting in the Emergency Room waiting, waiting, waiting - nurse comes in with two shots. One is for pain and the other is Valium. Having a little medical background, I ask her what the Valium is for, knowing this is what they use to sedate nut cases. (I've been tellin' you people for how many years that I'm a certified nut job?)

So this nurse tells me that it's to help calm me down. I'm looking at JD, he's looking at me and we're both like ... "uhmm okay, what the ...."

"So," I say to her, "this is actually acting as a type of muscle relaxer then?"

"No! It's to calm you down!"

Friends let me tell y'all - I was not excited, hyper or upset in any way UNTIL THAT MOMENT! {Why the sam blazes do I need something to calm me down? If I don't get some answers as to why I'm being given this, okay, y'all gonna have to give me a double dose, 'cause I'm about to go over the edge here.}

In went the needles to my caboose and in less than 10 minutes, out went my lights.

Then, comes in another nurse with a prescription for none other than VALIUM! I asked her (with hopes I'd get some kind of logical answer) why I'm being given this, explaining what the other nurse had said. She kind of giggled then apologized profusely, informing me and JD both that while Valium IS typically a medication they use to sedate patients who are excited, it was a little stronger than the usually prescribed Flexeril which is a muscle relaxant and it would help me be able to move my arm without pain and exercise the muscle just enough to help it start healing without me having to go through physical therapy.

By this point, I'm laughing so hard I'm beside myself. Good thing I had the Valium on board or I probably would have pulled something else.

THEN ... oh it gets even better ...

Without going into explicit details, in an effort to not cause more pain to my arm during a period that I was between medication ingestions, I maneuvered my body in such a way that I ended up wrenching my lower left S.I. joint and that had me near immobilized yesterday. Had to pull out the old crutches to even get around.

So here I am with a damaged wing, trying to use crutches to relieve the pain in my lower hip joint - Let's just say ....

I was a mess and not fit to be doing much of anything. Praise God, JD was off work yesterday and I mean to tell y'all, he did a fine job taking care of me. I got me a good man - definitely a keeper - think I'll hang on to him for a few more years anyway.

Today, with the exception of minimal pain in the hip and arm, I'm doing exceptionally well and gearing up for this busy "birthday party weekend."

I'll be back again soon, my friends; but until then,

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Summer 2009

2009-08-19T09:35:00.023-04:00

Summer was quite exciting around here and very busy, to say the least. I can happily report, though, that Miss Ma'am wasn't sick at all so that knocked out any doctor visit for her. As for myself, that's another story. I had several follow ups over the summer time and still have some few more before I can get back to a life-as-normal routine. Fortunately, I can already see that on the horizon and have to admit that I'm feeling relief. The one follow up that has me a little on edge right now is with the optical surgeon to see whether or not I'm going to have to undergo this last little bit of laser surgery - that appointment is coming up at the end of this month.

The Great Grounding
Miss Ma'am's BFF and family moved into the house next door, and then BFF had to go on an extended vacation which left Miss Ma'am all in a tizzy; and so, the first week of summer vacation from school, she managed to get herself good and grounded. I guess she can't be perfect all the time. I don't even remember what it was for now but I'm positive, it was well-deserved. I remember it well because she wasn't allowed to attend a birthday party or to have a sleepover with one of her cheer friends. The one that hit her hard though was learning that she also would not be allowed to attend Cheer Camp! Y'all would have thought the child was going to curl up and die over that one.

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School was next on the agenda. Unfortunately, I have no photos of this event because they were lost in the great hard drive meltdown we had. I won't even get into all the details of that except to say, we lost a lot of photos (some of which I've been able to recover because I sent the majority of them in emails to family & friends). The greatest loss; however, was all the banking, billing, and financial data. I'm STILL trying to rewrite the majority of our spreadsheets that were lost. On the upside though, I've invested in a few flash drives. Never seemed so important before because it was just spreadsheets that could easily be rewritten UNTIL I was faced with actually having to do it.

Now, see how I've just totally jumped the bridge there ... where was I? Oh yes, Vacation Bible School. Miss Ma'am had quite the time learning and crafting. This year's "theme" was based around "Camp Edge." Experiencing and Discovering God Everywhere. I was more than thrilled that she was able to attend and complete the entire week.

Learning to Swim
Eventually, Miss Ma'am's BFF returned home and the two girls settled in for some "quality" summer fun of their own. Since BFF has a pool in her backyard now; first thing on the list, to be sure, was swimming lessons. Both girls spent two weeks learning the basics and both did quite well.

Sassy Girls Learning to Swim

Miss Ma'am and the swim coach
(who is also her cheer coach)

Miss Ma'am & BFF racing in the pool
after only two days of lessons

A Visit from BFF's of Old
We were fortunate to have my best good friend, JnD, visit with us for a couple days while she and her gang were on route back to Maine after their own little summer getaway. Miss Ma'am was truly excited about being able to spend time with her "old" BFFs; better known as Thing 1 & Thing 2 over on their momma's blog - "Are We All Crazy?" I, too, was quite elated that they were able to visit though it wasn't long enough. We made the best of the time we had though; went out to supper so they could experience some 'local flavor' and took all the kiddos over to the local water park.

Thing 2, Miss Ma'am, Thing 1

Playing Dress Up

Graduation
After four semesters (which lasted two years), Miss Ma'am finally graduated from Kindermusik. It was an exciting day and very sad all at the same time, as with any graduation I suppose. "I don't want to graduate," she told me, "cause I don't want to never stop learning music." But now that it's over and all is said & done, she's all right with it. She had a great time at the little luau themed ceremony but is still showing some interest in possibly taking guitar lessons so I may be checking into that a little later just depending on how busy her schedule gets now that school has started back.

Receiving the last sticker

Officially Graduated

Mrs. Keira, Miss Ma'am, and C.D. (a classmate)

Back to School
And speaking of school starting back? My baby girl started the 3rd grade this year. Hard to believe some days. She had a less than banner first day back though. For the last two years, all the students have been cycled up together from one grade to the next but it would seem that her class was the one affected most by the rezoning that took place this year. While all the other classes went on with life as normal, Miss Ma'am's class was separated and placed in the 5 different classrooms. On closer inspection by myself, I've only seen 9 of the 17 that have been classmates for the last two years. So Miss Ma'am and BFF were quite disappointed to learn they wouldn't be in the same class this year. Of course, they'll survive but BFF has also decided she won't be cheering this year and has taken up dance instead so the girls get to see very little of each other except on the weekends. I'm not so sure that's a bad thing though. Frankly, I personally think that they need the space between them so their friendship can truly grow if it's meant to do so.

First Day Back to School
~Arriving In Style~

Choosing the Perfect Seat

All Settled In

Miss Ma'am and J.R.F. (the boy BFF since 1st grade, and that's a story I'll save for another day but notice the 'grin' on her face? Of all the students from their original class who could have gotten paired together, they just HAD to put these two in the same room this year)

The Rest of The Story
Of course, Miss Ma'am continued with cheer tumbling over the summer and has "almost" tackled that backhand spring she's been working on. She, at least, gained the confidence to throw her body and now she just has to work on form and then get it all perfected. She has her second round of placement tryouts tomorrow to see if she'll be a flyer again this year; but she has informed me that it doesn't matter to her. She loves competitive cheerleading and intends to stick with it regardless the position she gets on the team. In all honesty, it goes beyond loving the sport though. I've never seen a child more passionate about anything in my life.

...and so, the busy lifestyle and schedule to which I've become accustomed in the last few years continues on as planned with no room for a break anytime soon.

This is USS Retired signing off...

Miss Ma'am Banter

2009-08-15T23:35:00.008-04:00

~The Walk~
During my recovery time over the summer, Miss Ma'am and JD went out for a nice walk around the block just to get some fresh air and some quality time. At some point, they picked up the pace a bit and during this brisk walk, Miss Ma'am experienced a cramp in her side, doubled over and said to JD, "Now, I know how mommy felt when she had ME!"
Oh, If She Only KNEW

~Just Like Daddy~
She has set her sights on finding a boy 'just like daddy' and while she may not realize it, her message rings loudly with this particular conversation. While driving home from the store one afternoon, Miss Ma'am told me that she was going to fall in love and marry a boy that works "where daddy works." I told her that sounded like a great goal because boys who work where daddy does have to be really super smart. Then she nearly took me aback when she exclaimed ... "and Mommy, if he even THINKS about TALKING about joining the US Navy? I'm gonna hit him! HARD!!!!"

Love My Girl!!!

On one evening when we were out to supper at the local Chinese buffet, she was questioning as to why we would have a Chinese restaurant in America. JD & I proceeded to explain to her that a lot of people from America never get the opportunity to travel outside our country and that different types of restaurants afforded them the opportunity to taste other types of foods; and that additionally, for people who came from other countries to live here, it provided them with a little taste of home. This then broadened the conversation into different countries and we discussed what types of foods different people in the world ate. Nearing the end of this discussion, she asked then what type of food the people in England eat. I told her pretty much the same as we do here in America. WELL - she wanted to know if I had ever been to England and how I knew this. I told her to think back and remember our history lessons .... asking, "Where did we live before we came to America?" Well, I guess I should have been a little more specific about the "we" part because her reply to me was ...

"HAWAII"

Post Navy Rebellion

2009-08-11T01:07:00.010-04:00

After his retirement from the good ol' US Navy, JD went into a post Navy rebellious phase and decided to let his hair grow out.

He took a lot of slack from some folks about it but for me personally; while I didn't care much for it and was really wishing he'd get it cut off, I never said anything other than, "it's your hair, wear it like you want to."

Two years later, during the time he was doing all the yard clean up, I could see he was having problems with it being all in his face so I suggested he put on a hat. He needed one on anyway as hot as it was if for no other reason than to protect his head. Guess it was TOO HOT because he didn't want a hat on for that very reason. So ....

Not trying to be funny or even teasing, I offered him a hair band. Honestly, I was being serious. It was obvious that his hair was really getting aggravating. It was at this point he informed me that he didn't need a hair band either, he was done with it, and going to get it cut off.

"Whatever you want to do, dear." I can't even describe to y'all how elated I was with this news and when he walked through the door, my mouth fell open and my heart skipped a beat - literally; for there in front of me stood the handsome hottie I fell in love with a little more than 12 years ago.

~ Rebellion Phased Out ~

Backyard Planning

2009-08-10T18:40:00.026-04:00

Continuing the cleanup from the summer storms I mentioned in an earlier post, JD has been really hard at work getting the yard finished up. He spent the better part of a day tending to that last bit we had to get done after the neighbor's tree top was blasted into our yard. It was quite amazing to be honest. JD found a branch at least 30 feet from the tree itself and it was pretty well buried into the ground a good 6-7 inches I believe is what he told me. The winds and lightening that day were obviously meaning business, y'all.

So he's been cutting and splitting the logs that he hacked up with that chain saw of his.

Mr. Macho Man loves his powers tools.

Of course, he had to cheesecake when he saw me with the camera. I told him that people wouldn't believe me if I told them he was actually doing hard manual labor and I had to have proof!

Did I mention at any point that Miss Ma'am's BFF & family moved into the house right next door to us over the summer? Well, that was a little more summer excitement around here especially for the two girls but getting to the point, they have a fireplace in their house; and should quite enjoy the free firewood coming their way.

So now that he's near finished with all the cleanup; he's got plans, people - and I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more of him with those power tools in the coming months. Or at least after the weather begins to cool down a bit. I'll definitely have to do some before and after photos to post but he's set his ambitions on getting all that underbrush and what he calls "The Jungle" cleaned out of the backyard, building himself a new storage barn large enough to house his work bench and ALL THOSE TOOLS he has stored up in the garage in addition to all the lawn care equipment and poisons, etc. He's going to cut down that old swing set "because the bolts are too rusty," he says to try to take it down. If y'all ask me, I think he just wants to play with that power saw some more! And then (hopefully by Christmas time), though she doesn't know it yet; we're planning to get Miss Ma'am a brand spankin' new swing set put up in the yard. I know she'll just be elated over this. She's really missed not having it to play on but it was a little rickety to start with (having been left behind by the folks we bought our house from) and then after the first tree fell on it and shifted it even further, I just wasn't comfortable AT ALL with her playing anywhere near it.

Back to Blogging

2009-08-08T11:07:00.009-04:00

Sometime back in late May, upon viewing my pending summer schedule, I wasn't sure that I'd be able to blog at all during the summer months and as y'all can see; that is, indeed, what happened.

The summer was way too short but on the same side of that coin it was probably the longest summer I've ever experienced in my life.

I'll spare y'all all the TMI details of the stress that transpired around here this summer and just say that it was very busy around these parts but we DID survive and continue to push on with our busy lives, such that they are.

My heart is back where it should be now (for the most part) and I'm more in the mood for blogging these days. So, over the next few days I'll update with some of our more exciting summer events.

Summer Storms
This was the year for some crazy storms. The flooding was incredible and everyone local to us will completely understand when I say we've had this permanent lake in our yard for weeks now. Every day, we've had some atrocious thunder storms, some with really high winds and one that sent me & Miss Ma'am to hide out in our 'safe spot.' She was completely freaked - and in all honesty, I wasn't sitting very comfortable myself but in an effort to calm her nerves, we holed up in the closet in my bathroom because I've always taught her, "as long as we have a plan of action, we have no reason to be afraid" ... so off we trotted to the closet where she felt more comfortable and safe. It was shortly thereafter, that we lost electricity and had to light the hurricane lanterns.

On another such day, JD & I were sitting out on the back porch when one of these monsters came rolling in. I suddenly had a bad feeling go across my skin with the high winds and told him, "it's time to go" - opening the back door, I yelled for Miss Ma'am to hit the closet "NOW." No sooner than JD closed the back door, we heard a horribly loud noise in the back yard and of course, JD in all his infinite wisdom - "opens the back door to see what it was" ... HELLO?! There's a storm out there. I just told you we need to get to a safe place. You hear this noise, knowing how high the winds are and OPEN THE DOOR?! Okay - I'll leave it alone but I just couldn't believe he actually did that.

My good friends, the neighbor's tree came down and landed in OUR back yard. We had just lost one of our own not long before this and JD had no sooner gotten the yard cleaned up before he had to be out there again, cleaning up another mess. I won't even get into expressing my feelings on the neighbor's actions (or lack thereof) at this point but I'm still a little put out about the whole issue. So then - JD gets that mess all cleaned up and what do y'all think happened? It wasn't even another week, when lightening hit yet another of the neighbor's trees and took the top out of it and right over in our yard, it landed.

Here are some shots of some of the mess JD was faced with cleaning up and out. We still have the most recent mess to get cleaned up but fortunately, just a few downed trees left no damage in their wake for which we can be very grateful because it most definitely could have been worse.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T03:18:00.002-04:00

Today I celebrate with my daughter the wonderous gift we've both been very lucky to have as a part of our lives. I don't believe I could be more blessed than having this man in my life. Miss Ma'am is still too young, I think, to realize just exactly what she DOES have but in her own little way, I know she loves and appreciates her DAD more than any other human being alive.

Today I celebrate my own father, the man I call "Daddy." I can't express with words what he means to me and I'm so grateful that he has always been a part of my life.

I'm grateful that both these wonderful men in my life are God-fearing Christian Men, and I thank the Lord daily for them both.

On this June 21, 2009, I wish my husband and my daddy a very Happy Father's Day. May God smile down and bless you both beyond your imaginations.

To all the 'Dads' who can't be home with their children today for whatever reasons, may God Bless & Keep You Safe especially you who are defending our freedoms here in the United States.

And to all the other dads in the world ...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Girl Interrupted

2009-06-21T03:06:00.002-04:00

With four surgical procedures now behind me, I'm returning to my love for life. I have once again found my place of contentment and I couldn't be more elated with what I see my future to hold. We've all had to weather quite a storm here in recent months but have forced through with high hopes and have all three (JD, Miss Ma'am & Me) survived quite well.

Miss Ma'am is faring well as can be expected. She has had quite a battle herself and still faces demons of the past that she will hopefully overcome with little stress.

JD is as fine as ever. Working hard as ever. And has been my personal sole source of both physical and emotional support.

In my absence, I missed a great photo opportunity when Miss Ma'am learned to ride her bicycle with no training wheels. I was present for the falls but was in no state of mind to even consider grabbing the camera, sadly. On her next venture, however, I'll be sure to snap a few photos of her and post them straight away.

Not much going on these days other than the heat index that is rumored to reach 110 degrees by afternoon on Father's Day. I'm totally NOT looking forward to that but I'll be kept under air conditioning as not to overdo.

It's great to be back and I'm looking forward to hopefully having some wonderful stories to tell in the near future.

Hope all you wonderful friends of mine have been well in my absence.

Brief Hiatus

2009-06-11T10:05:00.006-04:00

Seems I've not really had much to blog about since cheer season ended for Miss Ma'am and things have slowed down a bit around here for us but the truth is I've simply just not been able to find time with ALL the OTHER THINGS that have taken the place of her competition season and since school has been out for the summer.

Mother arrived yesterday to visit with us for three weeks and tomorrow I undergo this fourth [and what will hopefully be the last] surgical procedure in the last 6 months.

*Wheew* - I'm tired y'all! And a bit worn down to be honest.

So for now, I'm taking a brief hiatus and will return only to let everyone know that I'm all right before completely abandoning my new found love in blogging for a few weeks.

Godspeed to all of you. May you be blessed every day of your life.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

My Daughter's Eyes

2009-06-09T01:42:00.007-04:00

Too often in life as we sit and watch our children play, we let our minds wander back to our own childhood and days of youth; soon to be followed with feelings of anxiety when comparing our own world as a child to the world our children now must grow up in which is then followed by a fear of how the world is going to change even more as our children are growing.

Through my daughter's eyes, I can see ...

The angel that lives in the tree in our backyard.

Lizards are just ... creepy.

The bunny in the backyard that not only speaks, but understands English.

The whole world is your adoring fan when you sing into your hairbrush.

A plain chocolate Hershey bar is a little taste of heaven.

A hug from mother can still make the hurt go away.

God bowls a lot up there in heaven and he must get a lot of strikes because Jesus likes to take pictures every time He does.

The angels pour water to earth using flower-watering cans.

You can float above the trees if you get the bubble big enough.

Dandelions make the most beautiful bouquets.

AND SO ...

Next time you sit and watch your children play, look through their eyes and see what a WONDERFUL world THEY still live in, and find peace in the knowing that innocence (while quickly fleeting) is nothing shy of magnificent.

It's STILL a beautiful world!

Txt'ing 101

2009-06-02T11:31:00.003-04:00

I'll just take a moment to enlighten everyone on the subject matter of txt'ing. I DON'T TXT normally. I've had several friends and my sister going on about the issue for some time now and I just laugh it off. Simple truth of the matter is - if I had time to sit and txt with folks, I'd have time to sit in front of the computer and carry a conversation where the keyboard is much larger, my fingers are more agile and I can communicate much easier. Now that's all I'm going to say regarding the matter.

Moving on now to today's lesson: When you're not a txt'er, LEAVE IT ALONE!

On June 12 (just a few days from now) I will be undergoing my 4th and last of all the surgical procedures I need on this road to recovery that I've been on for quite some time now. In an effort to save JD some time on the day I have this last little tidbit, I decided that I would compose a txt message on my cell phone as he & I do not share all the same contacts, save it as a draft and then all he would have to do is punch in a total of 4 keys and the message would be sent.

WELL! Me and all my idiocy - writes out a message, "The Momma is out of surgery and doing well."

Simple enough, yes? Then comes the part where I save it as a draft and end up SENDING IT to seven different people.

OMG! I'M IN A PANIC!!! Rushing to try and send out a retraction regarding my blunder and then my phone starts ringing. It's my sister, all frantic, thinking that I've had to have some emergency surgery this morning and no one told her a thing about it. I CAN STILL HEAR HER LAUGHING AT ME!!!!

Only 3 of the 7 who received the txt actually called but I'm sure there is laughter spread across the glorious United States this day, including over there in Hawaii.

It will certainly be a debate as to who's laughing the hardest!!!

Okay - all said and done, I have the txt message all keyed in and saved now in the draft box and I'll be checking in again soon.

"May all your days be filled with glorious laughter even if it's at my blundering expense."

This is USS Retired signing off for today...

In Memory

2009-05-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

Today's date marks the ninth anniversary of the day I suffered the greatest loss imaginable in my life; and while this day has thus far been one of reflection and lost thought for me, I've found comfort in the knowing that the keepers of Heaven's Playground hold MY Angel close at hand.

This is USS Retired signing off ...

Another 3

2009-05-27T13:13:00.001-04:00

What a week this has been, indeed; and as much as I'd like to say that the first official week of summer has been great, it's been so outlandish that it's just become laughable.

Sometime last week, JD headed out to see a late movie over at the local cinema and discovered on his way out that he had a flat tire. At this time during the evening, it was POURING rain and I do mean pouring. Poor guy! Gets in the trunk in an effort to try and get the tire changed only to discover that his spare was flat too; so he had to put in a call to AAA to have his car towed home and then spent the next morning getting the stupid tire replaced and he's yet to get the spare replaced but that will certainly happen in the next coming week.

Moving on to number two, the computer monitor went on the fritz and there was no way to get around replacing it. Well let's face it, the thing was 11 years old so it had a nice long life but just to be honest, I'm kind of glad to finally be rid of that old CRT piece of junk.

So off we went to shop for a few items I needed and to price some new monitors. Walmart had relatively decent prices so we picked one and headed for home. Upon our arrival back to the house, would y'all believe ....

I noticed that water was puddling all along the garage door. I asked JD where this water was coming from because it hadn't rain today (yet). WELL ... upon entering the garage from the inside door, he found that it was flooded and that the air conditioning compressor (I guess that's what it was) was all froze up and had started defrosting. So now after getting the garage cleaned up and going through the boxes that were in the path of the water to try and salvage whatever might be there, the AC folks will be arriving tomorrow evening to fix the retarded thing.

I guess when you own a house, there's just always something that's going to need tending when you least expect it.

__________________
Moving on now to Miss Ma'am who managed to send us on an emergency run to the hairdresser this afternoon. She took it upon herself to try and cut her bangs out of her eyes and hacked them all up but on closer inspection of her hair, I realized that her bangs weren't all she had cut.

BEFORE:

She originally tried to slip past me but I saw it the minute she walked out the back door where I was sitting on the porch. Her reasoning was - "my bangs were just in my eyes and really bothering me but I got them cut too high because I wasn't looking in the mirror. Are you mad at me, Mommy?" OH, I wanted to be but I just couldn't. In fact, I was trying really hard not to laugh but she's so funny sometimes with the way she explains herself.

Now, this is what I found on closer inspection. She had cut the front left as well but couldn't give me any reason why she had done this.

And then there was the back and she managed to hack both sides. I almost wanted to cry. She had been planning to donate her hair once it was long enough anyway and it would have probably been just as emotional for me doing that too because I just love the child's hair.

She had done this once before when she was 3 years old and I cried so hard. She came bouncing down the steps with scissors in one hand and hair in the other and said, "Look mommy! I was playing beauty shop." When she saw me start crying she said, "It'll grow back, Mommy!" Of course, I KNEW it would grow back but it was just one of those 'momma' moments. I, at least, understood at that time. She was only 3, she really didn't know any better and was just having a good time playing. (I might add in here, y'all, just for good measure, that both of these incidents occurred with the kid safe scissors.) She was grounded indefinitely from ever using scissors again, until she started to school but she had the understanding that just the same as we write on NOTHING but paper, we also do not CUT anything but paper with scissors.

AFTER:

Definitely different but it's cute and she loves it. It's just going to take me a little time to get used to it, I guess.

Still My Precious Miss Ma'am (a little saddened by the fact that all her scissors have been removed from her possession until such a time as she requires them for school.)

Remembering The Lost

2009-05-24T22:54:00.009-04:00

In memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend the freedoms of the United States of America.

May their sacrifice never be in vain and may their lives never be cheapened by the words of those whose freedom of speech has been protected and preserved by these brave men and women of all branches of our Armed Service.

In The Bighouse

2009-05-24T03:49:00.004-04:00

Now that it's officially summer for Miss Ma'am, I've given her a couple hours of lax on her bedtime. Last evening, however, when 8:00 came around, I requested that she go ahead and get in her jammies, brush out her hair and brush her teeth so that if she got really super tired before her new bedtime, she'd be all ready to just jump right on in the bed and not have to worry with all the "gettin' ready for bed stuff."

I was sitting out on the front porch soaking in the aroma of the gardenias in the neighbors yard when she came bouncing out, all smiles.

Now, I want y'all to know that through this entire conversation we had, I remained very calm, collected, soft-spoken and serene.

Me: Well I see you're in your jammies but you haven't brushed out your hair. Did you brush your teeth?

Miss Ma'am: (all whiny like) I don't wanna brush my teeth.

Me: Do you want your teeth to fall right out of your head?

Miss Ma'am: No Ma'am.

Me: Well, that's what's going to happen if you don't take good care of them; now scoot on in there and get 'em brushed.

Miss Ma'am: (all whiny like again) I don't feel like brushing them.

Me: Sometimes it doesn't matter what we feel like or want, we just have to do to make sure we're healthy.

At this point, she climbed up in my lap and laid her head over on my shoulder.

Me: Please don't make me raise my voice now. Go on in there and get your teeth brushed.

Miss Ma'am: (climbs down off my lap) If you do that, you'll make me cry.

Me: Then you'll just have to cry but you HAVE TO brush your teeth.

Miss Ma'am: (in a very angry voice) If I cry, I'll start crying very loud and then start screaming and then it will wake up the neighbors and they'll call the police and then you'll go to jail, mommy!

Me: Then I'll just go to jail and sit there until I rot but you're STILL going to brush your teeth.

Miss Ma'am: Fine! I'll just slam the door on my way in then.

Me: You know what's going to happen if you do?

Miss Ma'am: WHAT?!

Me: You'll stand there and open and close the door 30 times until you can do it properly and for every time you slam it, I'll add another time to it.

Miss Ma'am: (pulls the door back as if getting ready to slam it hard) HMmMPH!

But she must have thought twice because she didn't slam that door for which I was relieved because I was gettin' ready to grab this child of mine up by her ears!

SO ...

When I call one of y'all to get me out of the Bighouse, you'll know I made Miss Ma'am brush her teeth.

Hoping everyone has a fantastically full summer.
This is USS Retired signing off...

My Little Maestro

2009-05-21T22:31:00.009-04:00

Ladies & Gentlemen, May I Present ...

My Official 3rd Grader

And for this evening's entertainment ...

Maestro Miss Ma'am

A Word, Please?!

2009-05-19T23:26:00.008-04:00

All right people! Whoever ordered up this rain? I'd like to have a word!!!! Ten more days of this? Seriously????

I'm really in dire need here to get to the grocery market and with hurricane season quickly approaching, I'm needing to get ready and stocked up for that too-ooo-oo!

Looks like my flower beds just won't get done this year, sadly. It's been one thing after the other 'round here and now they're so over-run with weeds it's just ridiculous. But what can I do?

What must be done, must be done - so out comes the trusty umbrellas and tromping through puddles that actually started this evening with Miss Ma'am's little award ceremony at school tonight.

Last year she made the Principal's Honor Roll and that was really exciting and just totally incredible, I thought - but she set her sights on being on the Superintendent's Honor Roll for this school year. Now, I ask you - how many 7 year old children (well she was 6 then) do you know who actually set goals for themselves?!

After the Christmas/Winter Holiday she began to experience a little difficulty with school work in general, especially in the area of mathematics. Throw in her hectic schedule with Cheerleading and Kindermusik, and we weren't positive she would be able to maintain this goal - but let me just tell y'all what a little go-getter she is! My baby girl buckled down and pulled it off and came home tonight with ...

Superintendent's Honor Roll!
For those who don't know what that is, precisely? She made all A's on all report cards and progress reports ALL YEAR! Oh! I might mention, too, she was the ONLY ONE from her class to be the recipient of this honor!!

I don't believe I could be more proud if I tried.

All ready to go.

Well! So much for that hair-do, huh!

Horrible picture, I know but it's the best
we could get under those gymnasium lights.

Miss Ma'am & Mrs. M

Wind Blown To Be Sure!

My Very Proud, Miss Ma'am

No Time For A Bath

2009-05-14T08:25:00.016-04:00

I have been SO looking forward to this summer, thinking that I would finally be afforded a well-deserved break but it seems that even once school is out, my life will be in full swing. Looking ahead I see plans for a cheer camp or two, tumbling workouts with focus on the back handspring, a writing camp, swimming lessons and the final semester of Kindermusik; all of this for Miss Ma'am.

Additionally; BFF, BIG SIS and Jn.P will be moving in the house next door; there's the possibility of my eldest nephew coming to spend the summer here with us; and we're hoping to work in a trip to North Carolina to visit JD's grandma and a couple of my own friends.

Mother will be coming to visit for at least two weeks, possibly three; and I begin Phase 2 of my "getting back to good health" program.

And here I was thinking that I was going to catch up on some reading this summer? I can honestly say, though, that my life has never been more full and I'm loving every moment of it.

In the meantime, we're still muddling through these last two weeks of school - trying really hard to survive.

Miss Ma'am and I had a great day yesterday and did a little shopping for swim-wear. I was able to find her this darling little two-piece that I'm okay with her wearing. I was honestly trying to find one of those tankinis but, alas, no such luck. Despite my ill feelings of late on the whole one-piece verses two-piece issue -- let's just face it people -- when you're a girl, a two piece is just easier to deal with and I'm sure ALL you girls out there understand.

So now, after the awesome day Miss Ma'am had yesterday, I went to wake her for school this morning only to find that sometime during the night she woke up and decided to work in her math puzzle book using her markers -- she has given a whole new meaning to GOING GREEN and since there was simply no time for a bath, this is how the child went to school this morning ...

Never A Dull Moment 'Round Here!

Reflecting on Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:03:00.024-04:00

My dear friends, life has kept me away from my beloved blog for some time now and as unfortunate as this seems, I don't think I could be more satisfied. Yes, it's been hectic and I've been a bit stressed and overwhelmed with all that I've had to do in the last couple weeks and all that I've yet to do in the upcoming two weeks but my little Miss Ma'am is SO worth every moment of my day.

With today being Mother's Day, I'd like to wish all the wonderful Mother's in the world a beautiful day filled with blessings!
Today has been a fantastic day for me. I've been the center of my daughter's attention, showered with loads of love, hugs, kisses and sweet smiles. I was treated to a ham 'n egg breakfast-for-dinner complete with grits and red-eye gravy perfectly prepared by JD that was then finished off with THIS lovely cake.

The morning afforded me excitement from Miss Ma'am just chomping at the bits for me to open my Mother's Day gift that she had made at school. I can't publish a photo of it here because there are names visible (but for those of you on Facebook, you'll be able to see it there). She says it's a 'coaster' and it's the most beautiful coaster I've ever seen. Second grade class made these little darlings out of tile pieces using Sharpie markers to decorate them. I won't be using it as a coaster though - but intend to purchase one of those mini-plate stands to display it on my china hutch. I was also given a card with this precious little charm attached that I will proudly be wearing around my neck as soon as I can pick up a chain for it and to brighten my day more than anything else, Miss Ma'am wrote me the sweetest song/poem. Does it get any better?!

All-in-all it has been a fantastic day, though I wish I could have spent a portion of it with my own mother, as well. I sent her out a lovely (as per her own description) potted azalea that I hope she might enjoy for years to come but considering the woman that she is, what little I do for her never truly seems to be enough. I was looking back at the post I made called "Project: Me 'n My Mom" and stopped on the question "How do you know your mother loves you?" While this was an intended project for Miss Ma'am and me to complete over the next several years, I couldn't help but think of my own mother and asked the question, putting myself in the position of the child.

SO ...

"How do you know your mother loves you?" I think the more appropriate question would be, "How could I NOT KNOW that my mother loves me?" I could write a book on this wonderful woman and I count myself fortunate to have been chosen to be one of the three children blessed to have her as a mother.

Before I became a mother, I never experienced a lot of things but the one most significant idea is that before I became a mother, I never realized just how much someone could love me and it simply takes my breath away and is undoubtedly the most incredible feeling in the world to realize that any one person could love ME that much, but Mother Does!

End-of-Season Party

2009-04-26T01:01:00.009-04:00

Our kiddos ended their cheer season with an awesome party at the local aquatic center. They all seemed to have a really great time but I have to tell y'all the water was so cold that Miss Ma'am was shivering all over and BFF's lips literally turned purple but do y'all think for one minute that kept them out of the water? After some good food and a little play time, they were all given a season tour-style Tee and their medals.

I was even enjoying the party myself save the nasty little gnats! Great Gravy!! Then suddenly I heard the Life Guard's whistle blow and being the momma that I am, started turning my head in every direction only to find that it was MY BABY who was laying on her back!! Y'all never seen a momma moving so fast as I was to get to my young'n.

Turns out that she was temporarily blinded by water in her eyes and was trying to "escape" the big bucket splash, jumped forward into what she had perceived to be water only to find that it was CONCRETE! So off to the First Aid Office we went to bandage up the nasty little scrape she took to her left leg. She's going to be just fine and, of course, I told her to just shake it off and encouraged her with the "you're the toughest kid here" pep; but it really is a pretty nasty boo-boo covering nearly the entire length of her shin and approximately two fingers wide.

Once we got home and I took a good look, I noticed that it was also very bruised so she's definitely going to suffer some pain for the next few days. Right now, she's all bandaged up, took some Motrin before bed, and I had to make her a special pillow prop to even get her in a comfortable position.

Gotta love BIG SIS for spending her time with the little ones rather than her own team-mates. What an incredible girl she is!

Receiving their medals.

Cupcake Smiles!

TRYING to get warm!

Proud Miss Ma'am

Post #100

Beef comes from WHERE?!

2009-04-25T20:48:00.003-04:00

This past Tuesday I took Miss Ma'am and BFF over to our local BBQ place for supper before they headed for a work out at the gym. Every time we've ever gone over there, they have these two little ceramic pigs that sit at each of the entry doors but just happens one of the pigs was missing on this particular day; and now I'm inclined to share the conversation that transpired between these two 7-year-old girls upon exiting the restaurant.

Miss Ma'am: I wonder what happened to the pig? Maybe it got broke.

BFF: NO - they broke it all up and cooked it in your barbecue.

Miss Ma'am: Nuh-uh ... I had beef, NOT pork.

BFF: Well where does beef come from?

Complete with body language and a little eye roll, offering a sharp, short, exasperating-like sigh ...

Miss Ma'am exclaims: New York!?!?? Du'uh!!!

Oh NO She Didn't!

2009-04-25T16:26:00.015-04:00

With the upcoming end-of-season cheer party & awards being at the local aquatic center, we were shopping for swim wear one day last week. I was looking at this cute little one-piece suit that would have been just adorable when Miss Ma'am informs me ...

"I will be needing a two-piece. ALWAYS! You will buy me a two-piece every year because I won't wear that one-piece!!"

Well now, little Miss Gettin' Too Big An Attitude for The Britches You're Wearing? Right in front of God and everybody standing around I think I made my point very clear with my response of ...

I AM THE MOMMA! I make the swim suit rules in our family and if I can't find a two-piece that I deem to be appropriate attire? You WILL be wearing a one-piece and you WILL like it or you WON'T be going swimming at all! Got it? GOOD!!!

I guess that put an end to that sassy attitude right quick like ... hmph! Now, being as on this particular day we were running short on time and I really needed her to try on the swim suit before I purchased it -- well, it didn't happen. So now, trying to scramble around getting ready for the party (which is actually this evening), I had her try on last year's suit to see if it would still fit or if I was going to have to rush out this afternoon for a replacement.

Lucky for me, it does still fit but it's just on the line of being too small so this will be the last opportunity she gets to wear it.

Now in the process of trying on last year's bikini, she gets all sassy and prissy, puts her hands on her hips, bends the one knee, works the hair by throwing it over her shoulder, bats the eyelashes and says to me ...

"Does it make me look hot and sexy?"

STOP!
Rewind!!!!!

Did my 7-year-old? daughter just ask me if she looked HOT? and SEXY?

She keeps pushing my Momma buttons and she'll be in a one-piece with shorts over top for the rest of her life. Hot & Sexy?! Girlfriend P-LEASE!!!!!

So now, I come to the road where I decide that I will, for one more year (at least), allow her to have a two-piece that I (as stated earlier) deem to be appropriate and this is where we commence with Lessons In Modesty.

So we'll see how it goes from here.

Hot & Sexy ... 7 years old ... I just can't get it out of my head!

PROJECT: Me 'n My Mom

2009-04-24T16:42:00.004-04:00

The idea behind this project is to see how your children perceive you at varying stages in their lives and is (apparently) an eye-opening experience. I think I'll shoot for every five years and see how the answers change.

So ... MEET ME ... according to Miss Ma'am (now age 7) ...

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Clean up your room.

2. What makes mom happy?
Me giving you hugs and sugars.

3. What makes mom sad?
Not giving you hugs & sugars.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Makes funny faces.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Beautiful.

6. How old is your mom?
42

7. How tall is your mom?
If I'm up to here on you, and you're two feet taller than me, that makes you "8 feet tall."

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Take care of me.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Works around the house.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Caring for ME.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Taking care of me.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Sharpening crayons.

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Work around the house.

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Cheesy potatoes with onions.

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
When she cooks good burgers on the grill.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
The little squirrel on Sponge Bob. (Now THERE'S an eye-opener! I had to ask her when in the Sam Blazes she ever watched Sponge Bob because it's one of those shows I find to have questionable content.)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Shop.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both have brown eyes.

19. How are you and your mom different?
She wears glasses and I don't.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
She feeds me.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
His jokes.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Home.

Got CHANGE?

2009-04-20T11:39:00.005-04:00

... better hide it then before Obama taxes it too!

I heard that on the radio this morning and nearly cracked something in my head laughing. It was truly one of those "Laughing Out Loud" moments.

Not much happening around these parts these days. Spring Break was nice and quiet for the most part, and I kindly hated to see it come to an end. JD got the lawn tended over the weekend and now we're on hold (by the rain) on getting the gardens back to a beautiful array of color. I can hardly wait to get my hands out there in all that dirt and start planting my spring flowers. The lillies are already blooming and absolutely beautiful, and the yellow rose bush is FULL of buds that should just be busting open any day now.

I've been working on a couple projects; one for Miss Ma'am's 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. M, since Teacher Appreciation Week is fast approaching; and the other, a secondary blog (by popular request) but y'all will just have to wait to see what it holds in store.

We hosted a sleepover this last weekend before school started back for Miss Ma'am and BFF. It was quite fun with a day outing to the theater to see Hannah Montana: The Movie, a trip to Walmart for junk food and snacks, and yet another movie (Bedtime Stories) that we watched on Saturday evening while eating pizza, chips, popcorn and chocolate covered strawberries that we made earlier in the day -- which reminds me ...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE to find great deals and when we were at Walmart for snackage, they had strawberries for $1 per pound - SO - I bought 5 pounds; then commenced to making chocolate covered strawberries on Saturday for the girls sleepover and a yummilicious strawberry shortcake on Sunday that was absolutely decadent!!

Now - back to the sleepover ... the girls quite enjoyed their last couple days of Spring Break and come bedtime they decided the living room needed to be converted into a tent for sleeping.

Notice I said the living room needed to be converted and NOT that they built a tent in the living room?

Yeah - well ... when they were done with their little project, my living room looked as if a spider had spun a web of cotton and linen over my entire living room. No blanket or pillow from Miss Ma'am's closet and bedroom was spared and eventually covered every nook and cranny of the living room. This tent had four or five entrances and included a "sitting area", a "reading room", and a "sleeping center."

Hoping everyone is enjoying Spring as much as we are around here and wishing you all a fantabulous fun filled week ...

This is USS Retired signing off.

My Internet Diva

2009-04-18T12:06:00.018-04:00

Trekkies tour 'Starship Farragut'
A film studio in Southeast Georgia opens its doors.
Starship Farragut for full story.

Miss Ma'am earned her two seconds of fame while visiting the newest Trekkie movie set located here at home. Look closely -- JD's in there too. Great gravy - as if their heads weren't big enough already, now I LIVE with famous people - LOL!! (They're in the segment of the shuttle craft controls just after they explain how the set "doors" work.)

If embedded vid isn't available you can follow This Link to view it at the original location.

Contact hbednar@starshipfarragut.com for information about the production or to volunteer.

~ SCREEN SHOTS ~

A Beautiful Day

2009-04-15T12:44:00.004-04:00

'Tis a beautiful day down here in the south with the sun shining brightly, and a nice comfortable breeze; and everyone here is finally well. We've had quite the trying past week beginning just a day or so prior to Easter, combating illness in some form or other.

Easter turned out to be fantastic. Miss Ma'am was feeling much better and we rather enjoyed a nice dinner with our own little family and the BFF's family. Lots of good food, good friends and great quality time together made for another beautiful day.

It was the day following though that 'The Momma' began to take ill with an over-the-top migraine that lasted for two days (and right now I'm knocking on wood that it doesn't return again today - but so far, so good).

JD is working today and I'm patiently awaiting his arrival home so we can hopefully share some good quality time together again this evening since he doesn't have to work tomorrow. I'm kindly hoping for a trip downtown for dinner and a walk along the waterfront if it doesn't get too dark on us.

In the meantime, though; I'm going to relax a bit on the back porch and maybe take in some reading.

A few photos from Easter ...

The basket the bunny left on Easter morning, filled with ALL her favorite candies, a PINK soccer ball and water bottle! She was all about that soccer ball now!

Miss Ma'am & BFF hunting eggs

Loving the plush bunny that daddy brought her on his return from North Carolina

Showing off the beautiful dress that Grandmother bought her

Posing Pretty

Mom of The Year

2009-04-11T13:45:00.017-04:00

So many wonderful thanks to Miss Hope over there on The Edge for this fantabulous award. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that ANYONE would think me Mom of The Year. I've certainly made my share of mistakes 'cause when I brought Miss Ma'am home from the hospital, they forgot to give me that "How to be A Perfect Mom" manual.

I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have a friend like YOU in my life who can share both the joys and the trials of being 'The Momma.'

Admit one thing you feel awful about involving being a mom. Get it off your shoulders. Once you've written it down, you are No Longer allowed to feel bad. It's over with, it's in the past. Remember, you're a good mom!

I thought for days on in what I could possibly dislike or feel bad about being a mom and came up empty handed until recent weeks. I absolutely hate when I KNOW my baby is suffering emotional distress and I can't fix it! I don't think anything makes me any angrier in this world than the idea that there are just some things in this life she'll have to muddle through on her own without me being able to kiss it and make it all better for her.

Remind yourself you are a good mom, list seven things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you. These are the things to remind yourself everyday that you Rock!

I love her laugh. It has often been my saving grace on hard days. I remember the first time that I was "truly" away from her. That night while I was in that place just between awake and sleep, during a very stressful and emotional time for me; I found comfort in the sound of her laughter that my subconscious mind was replaying, woke for a brief moment, smiled and drifted off again.

I love those unexpected great big hugs and kisses. She's notorious for just pouncing me like a wildcat just to say "I love you, mommy!"

I love that she loves to help in the kitchen -- not in the cleaning department, of course; but the child absolutely loves to stir and bake and sift and sprinkle and taste-test. Nothing does this momma's heart more proud than to know that she seemingly has the same love for cooking that I do.

I love Girl Parties! Miss Ma'am & I often just have us a good ol' fashion girl party - NO BOYS ALLOWED! We put out a nice little spread on the coffee table of fresh raw veggies with dip, fresh fruit including strawberries with a chocolate dipping sauce, shrimp cocktail (sometimes), pizza bagels, pretzels, popcorn, just whatever we can find that will constitute good food and good times; then we both sit down on the floor and commence to eating while we enjoy ourselves a great movie.

I love that she loves to read. I have an incredible love for reading and am so thrilled that she does as well.

I love that she sets goals for herself. I know people my own age who have never had a single goal in their life, yet my little 7-year-old has dreams and plans of her own and she strives so hard to reach for those stars. Did I ever tell y'all that she wants to be a "sea animal doctor" when she grows up?

I love her passion, her carefree heart, her innocent mind and how she brings them all together in play with her invisible friends and dollies; whether they be playing ball, singing in a staged concert as famous superstars, writing music for their next big performance, acting in a stage production -- you name it -- she and her invisible friends have done it! She's just absolutely incredible!!

Send this to five other Mom's of the year that deserve credit for being great moms and remind them that they are the best moms they can be!! Remember to send them a note to let them know you've selected them, and add a link to the person who nominated you.

For your love, admiration and dedication of/for/to your children, I award you ladies this special honor to PROUDLY display on your own blog journals and to pass along to five moms whom you admire most. (Be sure to use the guidelines above when posting and passing it along.)

Hope from The Edge
(surely you didn't think this wouldn't be coming back?)

Are We All Crazy?

Nap Time Mommy

House of Hayes

Before you were conceived I wanted you
Before you were born I loved you
Before you were here an hour I would die for you
This is the miracle of life.
- Maureen Hawkins

You Are My Miracle of Life

Vacation Cancelled

2009-04-10T16:52:00.004-04:00

Sadly, Miss Ma'am developed strep again just a day before we were scheduled to leave for our Spring Break vacation to North Carolina. I really feel bad about not being able to visit with Great Grandma on her 95th birthday and was hoping to snag some pictures of her and Miss Ma'am since I only have two or three total of the two of them, but I know the good Lord knows what he's doing. We'll be making plans to go up this summer though and hopefully be able to catch a few more friends and see a lot more of the family.

NOW - providing Miss Ma'am is feeling up to it on Sunday, I'm trying to plan a little something for Easter with BFF. JD should be back home sometime Sunday afternoon so maybe a late lunch/early supper kind of thing followed by an egg hunt out in the yard. Just something really simple so she can at least wear her pretty little dress that her Grandmother bought her.

This does, however, mean a mad dash to the commissary tomorrow (Uuuugh!) since I wasn't planning on being home this weekend; all depending, of course, on how Miss Ma'am is doing. I will say this though - her nasal spray was changed and she had an almost instantaneous result and is now coughing all that mess up and out, and she seems to be feeling some better already but the momma can tell she's still not quite up to par just yet.
__________________________________

The school rezoning vote took place last evening and - well - it went right on through 4-1 in favor of the rezoning. I'm saddened that our efforts fell on deaf ears and that lives are going to be disrupted because of it. We'll ALL survive and get through but I get the feeling from a few friends who are VERY DIRECTLY affected by this that it's not over by a long shot so I'll continue to help in the effort as much as I'm able with hopes that a more suitable solution can be brought forward and implemented.
__________________________________

Looking forward to a great weekend with my baby girl even if she's not up to doing much. We've really been needing some quality Miss Ma'am/Mommy time lately and if we can't get out and about, we'll just have a good ol' fashion "girl party."