What I Learned In School Today 8/30/07

Fire Drill

"We go outside onto the Baseball field, and then when Mr. Prizer (Principal) tells us it is OK we can go inside."

I am not sure if she goes to the Baseball or the Football field since she uses the names interchangeably at this point. Hopefully in the next few weeks we can take her to one of the Football games so she can see the difference. On a side note Liberty High School won their very first football game. Not only was it their first game but it was against the school that many of them used to attend.

What I Learned In School Today 8/29/07

"If someone steps on the pad for the new playground they have to start over and we have to wait two more days. It wasn't me I was holding onto the yellow tape."

Since the school is new they are still finishing up a few things. From what we understand of this story Aubrey and her friend Lily were being good and holding on to the caution tape while someone else stepped on the rubber padding the workmen were laying. The pad has to cure for a few days and right after it was poured someone stepped on it. I think it now needs ripped out and redone.

What I Learned In School Today 8/28/07

Today was the Kissing Heart. Aubs came home with an art project and a new habit of kissing us on the hand and telling us that it goes straight to our heart.

What I Learned In School Today 8/27/07

Today was another song day:

Aubrey: "Say your name and when you do we will clap it back to you."
Mommy: "Mommy"
Aubrey: CLAP CLAP

She also used this to greet the band director Shawn is working with. He of course loved it.
I am sure this is a cleverly disguised lesson about syllables and rhythms.

Man, Am I In Trouble.

I am having problems uploading pictures today so I will give you a quick story while I figure it out.


We took Aubrey to the Nieman Marcus Last Call store last night. It is their outlet. She sat in her stroller pretty bored until we got to the shoes. Then she stood up and started shopping. Since they were adult shoes I was in no real danger of succumbing to "The Blue Eyes Of Death". However if last night is any indication I should start an Aubrey Shoe Fund now. She picked up a pair of Manolo Blahniks and said "OOOH I love these, don't you Aunt Car-Car?". Of course since it was Aubs she couldn't stop with the shoes. When we walked past the purses she found a nice Marc Jacobs and put it on her arm and did her best Runway Walk.

What I Learned In School Today 8/24/07

I suspect Aubrey will be a singer. She has been singing non-stop lately. She also has only been telling us the songs they learn in school, we cannot get anything non-music related out of her. Friday they learned 5 ducks on a hill. The best part of this song for me is the end when she says "Daddy Duck Says "QUACK, QUACK"" Said in a very, very low voice. For my mom and her sisters it is very reminiscent of Daddy, Mommy, Baby Cow from when I was little.

Help Please

They are starting a new magazine in Orlando. They are looking for freelance writers and photographers. It is all about the attractions in this area. I have decided I am going to contact them about working with them. After all I am a pass holder for Disney ,a passholder and former employee of SeaWorld, and former employee of Universal Studios. I worked as a Scaracter for Halloween Horror Nights. I was thinking of sending one of my pictures with the e-mail. Can you help me decide which one?

What I Learned In School Today 8/23/07

Listening Ears. "Just Listen"

She also learned a new song. It starts "Five little monkeys swinging in a tree, Teasing Mr. Alligator, can't catch me. Along came Mr. Alligator *clap* (think the Gator Chomp) Four little monkeys swinging in a tree." She sang this to me over the phone and I nearly crashed the car. When I got home and she sang it again it was even funnier with the hand motions.

What I Learned In School Today 8/22/07

Walking Feet. This was her first art project. They glued the outlines of feet to a piece of paper. When we asked her she told us "We are supposed to walk everywhere because if you run you trip and fall.".

She also learned the Hickory Dickory Dock song.

I am not so much of a slacker...

...that I would forget to post what Aubrey learned today. She did not have school. They are starting the kids on a staggered start. All of the class will be together for the first time tomorrow. I have decided today to post some things I have learned in the past couple of days. Today I will be talking about multi-taskers. All of these items have a very specific purpose, that is not how I have been using them.

1. Clorox Wipes: They are supposed to be for the kitchen. Should you ever have a child that dirties up a brand new pair of school shoes just days before school should start they are also most excellent at cleaning the dirt off of the rubber soles.

2. Kitchen Timers: We have been using these for "Bath Timers". Aubrey would play in the tub all day long if we let her. We set one as she starts and we are done without a fight.

3. Baby Bottle Brush: This works great on the threads of travel coffee mugs.

What I Learned In School Today

Aubrey and I have decided that everyday we will write down something new she learned in school. We are also going to try to take a picture each day so we can chronicle how she changes.

Here is what she learned today:

The side of a book is called the spine. Your back is your spine.

She also learned that magnets stick together. I had to ask the teacher what she was talking about because our description was something like this "We had science today. We had to put the sticky things together and pass them to the next person. If you put it the wrong way it was not sticky." Now that I know what was it makes so much more sense.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of Pre-K. Aubs had a great day. We started off with a special breakfast of eggs and toast. She made a new friend and has not stopped talking about her day since I picked her up. We got a call from her teacher this evening telling us how great she was in class and that she thinks Aubrey is going to be a blessing to have in class. Aubrey and I have come up with a fun idea to chronicle her first year in school. We are hoping at the end of the year to turn it into a scrapbook for her.

30 Project Part 2 Update

I just thought I would let everyone know how I am doing with my 30 goals. It is one thing to set them but another to put them in action.

#4 To explore cultures through their cuisine. I tried Jamaican food the other day. It was amazing.

#8 Learn Spanish, TJ is helping me with this one. She wants to practice and I want to learn so we are working together to learn new vocabulary words. Here is my newest sentence: Necessitas electrodos para machina de TENS? Do you need TENS electrodes? Now if I could just figure out what the responses coming back to me I will be in a much better spot.

#11 Take tap dancing lessons. See photo above for my rockin' tap shoes. Who knew the darn things cost that much? It doesn't help that my feet seem to be bigger than the other dancers so I had to go to a special store. I start class on 9/4/07.

#9 To be less wasteful. Meet the Green Bag. I am starting with this little sentence: I have my own bag. I purchased 3 of these bags for $1.49 each. They are made from recycled plastic. A surprising bonus of these bags are that they hold as much as 3-5 plastic bags so I can make one trip in from the car with all the groceries. I also got a reusable lunch box and water filter so that I can cut back on the bottled water. I have to keep at least one case in the house during hurricane season but I have stopped purchasing a case a week.

#18 To have more spontaneous family moments. My house is a bit messier than I like it to be but quality time is at an all time high. I have been cleaning a bit while getting ready in the morning to save evenings for Aubrey time.

Through The Eyes of A Girl

When turned loose on the band room these are the things Aubrey found interesting.

Aubrey's Big Night

Tonight was the open house for the new high school. Aubrey's Pre-K class is in the building. Unlike the other schools that have been retro fitted in order to accommodate the Voluntary Pre-K program the new HS was built with the intention of housing the class. It is a beautiful facility and I am slightly, OK very jealous of the auditorium and music facilities. The Pre-K teacher and the Early Childhood Education class will be working together throughout the year. There is an observation window connecting the two classrooms so that the HS students have exposure to the young kids during lessons without being a distraction. Since this school was built to include the Pre-K kids they are going to be integrated into the HS as much as possible. They have been volunteered to work with the drama program, I am positive this will be Aubrey's least favorite part of the day. :) The principal is so excited to have the kids as a part of his student body that when he ordered the school spirit shirts for the 9-12 grades he also ordered them in the kids sizes. They are the Lil' Chargers! Isn't that the cutest thing? They are going to try to bring them to the Pep Rallies and other whole school activities. If I had been able to pick my favorite things and make what I think would be the best teacher for Aubs, it would be Mrs. P. I am so very excited that they ended up together. Aubs already worked her way into the teacher's heart. The first words out of her mouth were "I remember you, you sent me the letter". I of course burst into tears as Mrs. P. looked about ready to do the same. By the time we left Aubs had made a necklace out of the stringing beads and presented it to Mrs. P., who endeared herself to me by immediately putting it on with just the right amount of fanfare to make Aubs feel like the most important girl ever.

Movie Reviews

I have recently joined Netflix, I am really enjoying receiving a large variety of movies in the mail. It is really allowing me to catch up on 4 1/2 years of movies I have not been able to see in the theater. Oddly enough we were actually able to see a movie in the actual theater last night. OK so it was Underdog and Aubrey had to convince Uncle Robb that it would be a great idea to see. I do believe that it was her rousing chorus of "Underdog... Underdog... Underdoooog!" while resting her head on his shoulder that did the trick. So here are my reviews one for Underdog and one for Paper Clips.

Underdog: This movie has been hyped during every other commercial break on the Disney Channel. Aubrey wanted to see it because Kyle Massey from Corey in the House sings the theme song. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was really cute and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves. (Even Uncle Robb) For parents of Aubrey aged kids, the movie really held her attention. It is the first movie in a long time that did not require a potty break. That is Aubrey's sign of boredom in a movie. It doesn't hurt that I think Jason Lee is absolutely hilarious. He is Earl in My Name Is Earl and one of the actors that carries through most of the Kevin Smith movies. If you are looking for a great family movie this one should definitely be considered.

Paper Clips: Everyone should see this movie. It is a documentary about the middle school in Whitewell, TN. They had started a Holocaust Class fort the eight graders. The students were having a problem quantifying six million. The teachers challenged them to find an item small enough that they could collect and be able to visualize the number. They decided on paper clips. This movie chronicles their quest to collect the paper clips and find a place to store them while respecting the memory of those who perished in the holocaust. Aubrey watched part of this with me, while it is about the holocaust it is really about those kids. When Aubrey asked me what the movie about I told her that children have the ability to do great things. I am sure that my description doesn't do this movie justice but if you have the time I highly recommend this movie.

Maury

My Aunt Maury left me this comment today: Sorry about that, Miss. Yes, it's Aunt Maury. By the way, Aunt Mary laughed at me when I dressed Jake for his first day of school. Everything matched and it was all ironed and creased! Silly Maury!

My comment back to her is: I think something must have stuck since that boy will be a Marine in exactly four weeks. He will never leave the house again without matching ironed outfits!

Our recruit earned a call home this week. I am so very excited for Maury. Did I mention that he earned that call for being the absolute best in his platoon on the range?

I am so proud of you Maury, I know this must be terribly tough for you. Your strength is truly inspiring. I love you to bits.

Godspeed Endeavor

The Endeavor shuttle launched this evening without incident. This launch was very emotional for me. I missed seeing the initial lift off but did catch the last moments before booster separation. For those who don't know Barbara Morgan is on this shuttle. She is the teacher that was the alternate for the Challenger. My third grade teacher Mr. Hill had applied to be the teacher in space. From what I remember he made it pretty far into the process. That day was horrible. I think it was the first time I had seen adults cry. Every teacher in the school made their way to our classroom. I remember them saying to Mr. Hill "I'm so glad it wasn't you." and hugging him. As the countdown hit "Lift Off" I realized I was holding my breath and crying. I pray that they make it safely back to earth.

Aubrey's View Of The World

Today I asked Aubrey what she thought her chores should be. We explained what a chore is and I told her that we would make a chart and if they were all completed she would be rewarded. We gave the example of cleaning her room. Her response to the question was "Taking a nap, that is a REAL chore for me."

A Skewed View

I have been letting Aubs play with the little digital camera a bit more when we are out and about. She loves being a little photographer. Here is one she took while we were school shopping on Saturday. I have often wished to view the world through her eyes, I guess this is my chance.

Shopping!

Yesterday Aubs and I went first day of school shopping. That girl seriously has the biggest feet I have ever seen. She is in a 11 1/2 or 12. We discovered that all of her old shoes do not fit anymore. Once summer hits she wears sandals and flops most of the time. Most of her school acceptable or closed toe shoes were size 10. We spent hours looking for shoes yesterday. She is very picky and they must be rock star enough for her but still girly. The pink shoes are one of the two we settled on please notice the skull and crossbones that made them OK for the girl. Aubrey took that picture her self. She is quite the budding photographer.

The other picture is her picking her first backpack. She decided on a High School Musical back back with a picture of Zac Ephron. I do believe she has her second celebrity crush. The other is Corbin Bleu, also from High School Musical. I can add to the countdowns and Aubrey has 12 days until High School Musical comes out. That is going to be a HUGE weekend for her. It will start with HSM2 and end with a first day of school.

By the way Operation Don't Let Your Baby See You Cry is not going as well as I had hoped. I cried when she picked up the back pack. She also had some very profound words for me when she was talking about missing her Poppy. She told me that Kenai (Brother Bear) said "The people you love are never really gone they are always right here" and pointed to her heart. Needless to say I was absolute mush and then had to explain to her that I was not crying from sadness but because I am so amazed and proud of the wonderful girl that she is.

Countdowns/Operations

I have a couple of major countdowns happening right now. I have given each of them code names.

The first is "Operation Don't Let Your Baby See You Cry" or Aubrey starts school in 18 days and I am just not sure I am going to make this tear free.

Second is "Operation Watch Our Baby Boy Become a Marine" or Aubrey and Mommy's first solo road trip. We are going to Parris Island in one month and two days to watch Jake make the transition from Recruit to Marine. For those of you who don't know Jake spent his first couple years living at our house. I watched that boy take his first steps and I cannot wait to watch him march by on his way to his pinning and graduation.

Third is "Operation Organize My House And Make A Craft Room" Or Ikea opens in two months. Ikea is opening their first store in Florida and it will be less than five minutes from my office. I have big plans for me and Ikea. I am sure we will become the best of friends. My kitchen, family room, living room, and office are patiently awaiting the day when they are gifted the pieces from Ikea that I am quite sure will complete them and add much needed storage space. You don't realize how great it is to have a basement until you live in a state without them.

Monday Musings

While driving home I thought of these interesting things:

- I watched a tan SUV swerve in and out of traffic in an apparent hurry to get somewhere. Due to the rain they had the bike seats covered with grocery bags. While I applaud their attempt at recycling I find myself wondering why they would bother since the wind ripped the bags off. I found myself wondering even more when I noticed where they were headed in such a hurry. Their destination: Cypress Cove. For those of you who don't know that is the nudist resort/colony. I figured it must be really tough to drive while under the constraints of clothes.

- Does anyone else's neighborhood contain one resident that just makes their day? Ours has the Man With The Dogs. Truth is I have no idea what his name is. I do know that he walks his dogs every morning and evening up and down Pleasant Hill Rd. He waves, smiles, points, and air high fives anyone willing to take 10 seconds to do the same. I wonder if he knows what an amazing gift he is to the residents of Poinciana. He is pure joy. Aubrey is heart broken on Saturdays if she doesn't give or receive her wave on the way to ballet.

4 & 1/2

Aubreygirl,
I cannot believe you are already 4 & 1/2. You no longer have those baby cheeks, when I look at you I see a real little girl. You will tell me you are a big girl but I know the truth. I know you turned 4 & 1/2 last week but it seemed to slip away from me while our family fought the flu. In less than one month you go to school. You will look so tiny in that school full of big kids. You will wow them all with your wonderful little personality. I can't wait for the next few weeks they are going to be so great. We get to go school shopping for the very first time. I cannot wait!
Love,
Mommy

Funny Thing About The Smurfs...

... Apparently they are timeless. Who knew? Aubrey is watching them now. She discovered them on Boomerang a few weeks ago and now wants to watch them everyday.

5 second later update: She is now watching the "Norks". Snorks must fall into the same category as Smurfs.

Finished

I have completed book 7. It. Was. Fabulous. So very very good. Wow and loved it. I cried, laughed, and made many exclamations that caused Shawn to wonder what could possibly be happening. Have you ever tried to pace while reading a 700+ page book? It is pretty darn difficult let me tell you. I promise to keep the ending a secret, so that is all I will say.

Your normally appearing blog should resume sometime tomorrow.

Procuring HP #7

At precisely 11:29 PM on 7/20/07 I boarded the Hogwart's Express (Little Red Neon, at least it is the same color). Once Hogsmeade was reached I asked the first witch in blue robes (WalMart employee) where I could find Hogwart's. She directed me to the gates (layaway). I crossed through the forbidden forest (display of silk trees) and viewed for the first time the entrance hall to Hogwart's (Layaway decorated with maroon and gold streamers and balloons). I then took my turn with the sorting hat (bald man handing out house wristbands) and was sorted into Gryffindor (No, really that is what it said). Once the clock turned 12:01 they started handing out our textbooks. I made my way to the front to pay for my purchase and found that someone must have convinced the goblins at Gringott's to put up a few Galleons towards each book and I only payed half of what I had expected to pay. (Even I have to admit sometimes WalMart is not pure evil.) I have managed to avoid all Death Eaters on the prowl this week (Hackers, leakers, and the New York Times) and not heard word one about what will happen. To ensure I keep on this path towards good I will not return the the Muggle World (Internet, live radio, or TV) until I have finished book 7. I also promise that once I finish I will keep what happens quiet except to others who have completed the book.

Friday Figments of My Imagination

1. I am less than 4 hours away from the release of Harry Potter. I may not make it. I am leaving my house around 11:30 to try to get my hands on a copy.

2. Due to #1 I may be very difficult to reach for the next few days.

3. I have a problem with large non-English speaking teenage tour groups. They completely destroyed the Target that is closest to my house. While I understand that their culture allows this, ours does not. If you are going to travel the world I think it is important to respect the cultures of the places you choose to visit.

4. I once came in second place in a costume contest for my Harry Potter costume. I made the costume out of a black bed sheet and some fusable webbing. If I can find a picture I will post it.

5. The next three hours and fourteen minutes may be the longest of my non-pregnant life. (Try waiting one week and a day longer than your due date and you will know what I mean)

Random Thoughts

1. I just finished HP books 1-6. Here are the questions I want answered in book 7
- Why is Umbridge still employed by the Ministry?
- Is Snape good or bad?
- Who is RAB?
I have many more but these are the three most pressing. I have some speculations
as well but I will not post those because in case I am wrong I do not want to have
to admit it.

2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a great movie. I really enjoyed it even though there were some things left out that I think should not have been.

3. My daughter is becoming the sassiest funniest four year old around. Mom, once again I am very sorry for anything I ever did that resembled the last few days around here. She has been launching into these very lengthy explanations about why she cannot do what we have asked her to do. We also count to three when she is doing something she shouldn't be. Last night she counted to four at me when she was angry with me. I laughed so hard I had to leave the room.

4. I sent a photo into a contest and they have picked it be published in a book. I have also been advanced to next round of the contest.

5. Last weekend when Aubs took pictures in all of her new outfits she requested pictures of her running in each one. This one is of her running in her "Funky Pants".

30 Project Part 2 #10 to #30

10. To go on a cruise.

11. To take tap dancing lessons. I will actually attempt this one this fall.

12. To go to the Balloon Fiesta in NM. I love the pictures my Aunt Kim has taken and Jenny and I are planning to go there next October.

13. To be there for as many big family events as I can. Living so far away this can sometimes be hard. I miss a lot of backyard barbecues and birthday parties. Next up on the list is Jake's Boot Camp Graduation. Aubs and I will be making the drive up to Parris Island. I am very honored that Jake wants us to be there.

14. To raise a happy and well adjusted child.

15. To pass on the love of music that Shawn and I share to our child.

16. To see one of the New World Wonders.

17. To live without regrets.

18. To have more spontaneous family fun moments. Some of my favorite Aubs and Mommy memories thus far are the ones where we had other things we were supposed to be doing but were much happier to just be us.

19. To remember that it is still OK to play. I will admit my husband and I both have toy collections that rival Aubrey's. However I think as we move further along our journey as parents we sometimes forget that.

20. To see the Paris. Ever since our Paris unit is French 3, I have wanted to go there. To see the Berceau de Paris, the Louvre, and all the other wonderful places we learned about.

21. To see my Mom preach in her own church. I saw her preach at Stow but she was covering for Rev. Yeager. I can't wait to see her with her own congregation.

22. For Aubrey to feel the same way about us as I and many of the other kids felt about my parents when I was a teenager.

23. To be more forgiving. I have been harboring a lot of grudges lately. It is time to forgive and let go.

24. To not take things so personally. I tend to think that every negative comment is a personal attack both at work and at home. I need to toughen up a bit.

25. To not lose track of who I am. I think that sometimes it is much easier to be who everyone wants you to be.

26. To try to learn something new everyday.

27. To live a healthy lifestyle and set a good example for my daughter.

28. To see all 50 states. Shawn has seen 49, he only has Alaska to see. I have seen 16 of them. I am not counting the states we just drove through on our various travels. I have to have actually stopped to see something in them or spent the night.

29. To read the Bible cover to cover. I have read many of the verses. I would like to read it from start to finish. No hopping around or looking for just the verse I need at the moment.

30. To be happy. I have led such a happy and fulfilling life up until now that thirty goals seemed pretty difficult. When Shawn and I were about to be married he was worried that he had been to so many places and done a lot more than me. I looked at him and said that there was nothing that I wanted to do that I could not do without him there. That has not really changed in the six and a half years we have been married. The only difference is that it will be the three of us facing these next years together.

Some Pictures...

...To make up for my absence. I will complete the "30" Project on Wednesday. Tomorrow is Shawn's Birthday and we will be seeing a sneak preview of "Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix." YAY!!! I am so excited. I have reread books 1-5 in my absence and will reread 6 after the movie tomorrow so that I am all caught up when book 7 comes out next Friday.

New Friends

We went to a petting zoo yesterday with Debbie and her family. We met her lovely niece Taylor. Aubs and Taylor were instant friends. They had a great day. Aubs went on her first pony ride.

Is That A Chicken?

My Darling Girl

Find Your Center

Further Proof...

That Shawn and Aubs take some of the best Daddy/Daughter Pics around.

I have not yet been able to take her outside for the "Runway Girl" photo shoot. It has been a bit rainy.

I am not yet ready to post the rest of my goals as they still may end up containing snide comments. They should be coming in the next few days I am definitely in a much better place.

Funky Pants To Bring Me Out of My Funk

Today was a great day. Aubs, the Cowan Girls, Andrew, and I went shopping today. Children's Place is having their Monster Sale. If anyone has children go there now you can read the rest later. I got her tons of new outfits for very few dollars. Aubs seems to be getting taller by the minute and I am trying to find shorts that are knee length or longer. Her waist size and leg length don't seem to match up at this point.
We were looking at some pants for her and I asked her if she wanted green, pink or funky, she of course said funky. Tomorrow we are going to do a photo shoot in the backyard so that all our friends and family can see her beautiful new clothes. She loves playing "Runway Girl" and it makes my heart happy to watch her.

We finished our girls day out with a dinner for two at Smokey Bones. We had a great time and I felt my icky mood lately finally moving completely away.

I have decided that if someone isn't going to like me for being me than that is there problem and they will have to deal with it not me. Plenty of people like me just the way I am and I will not change.

Hiatus Update

Thank you everyone for your concern. I am and will continue to be OK. I am just dealing with some things that I do not think need to be broadcast over the web. I have great friends and family that have contacted me today and I feel truly loved and cared for in a way that I have not been feeling lately. Today it got a bit worse and my character was attacked. I am a strong cookie and will get through this and I will be stronger for having dealt with this.

For the record I do know that I have more than two readers. It was just a joke from when my Mom and Charissa were about the only two checking in. Thank you all for your loving thoughts.

PS. In all of my drama I forgot to add that Aubrey has read her first word. She sounded it out and read it. That's right, my 4 year old daughter has read her first word. Did I mention that she is only 4? Or that she hasn't started school? I just wanted to share that even though I feel a bit down Aubs is a true light. Above all I am a proud mama who will do anything for her child, through everything that is what I come back to. I also have some pretty kick a** friends.

Going on Hiatus

I know that I am in the middle of the 30 Project part two but I need to close down the blog for a bit. It may be only a day or two and it may be for longer. As my mouth and probably my typing seem to get me in trouble lately I think it safest for me to just disappear for a bit. Take care all I will catch my two readers up when I am feeling happier.

30 Project Part 2 #9

To lead a less wasteful lifestyle.

I realized that by taking baby steps I can work my way towards living a greener lifestyle. I am not saying I am going to become a hippie and live in a commune but I am going to try to be more aware.

Ohio Trip Day Two Friday

We got up early and went to Cedar Point. My father was there with the conference youth. I hadn't been back in about 10 years and for Shawn it was closer to 15 years. We rode most of the new rides and got to spend some time with my dad and cousins Gwenn and Alex. I had some of the delicious and horrid for you Cedar Point Fries. When we got home the cutest little man was waiting for us.

30 Project Part 2 #8

I would like to learn Spanish.

I was opposed to this idea for a long time. Now that I know my Great Grandfather is from Spain.

I have problems with people who assume that they can live here and not bother to learn English. I would never move to another country and expect them to speak English to me, it seems a bit snobbish. I know a bit of Spanish now and would like to expand on that. I can carry on a partial conversation with VERY simple sentences. Adios.

Ohio Trip Night One Thursday

After a brief delay out of Orlando and a run for our connecting flight we made it into Akron Canton Airport about one hour after our expected arrival. We picked up our rental car and made it to the house I grew up in and promptly went straight to the room we would be sleeping in. My mom had left a package of Mount Union goodies for my birthday. We then went to bed because Friday was going to be a big day.

30 Project Part 2 #7

I would like to learn my family history.

Everytime I go home I push my father for more information. Unfortunately this trip was a bit too busy for me to find anything out. The last trip home I learned my Great Grandfather was born in Spain and was the most recent arrival to the US in 1880. His name was Arthur Joaquin. I know that I have a Saint and a rock star in my family tree. Shawn may also be related to Helen's sister-in-law Cille. I cannot wait to find out more of our history.

The "30" Project Part 2 #4, #5, & #6

4. To continue exploring different cultures through their cuisine. My mother has a "You can't say you don't like something without trying it first." rule. I try to apply this rule as I approach food as an adult as well. Last night we ate at a Japanese restaurant and I turned the rule around on my mother. She tried a sashimi roll. My next type of food to try is Thai.

5. To read at least one piece of classic literature per year. I started this a few years ago and have not kept up with it the way I had intended. I read "Oliver Twist" by Dickens. I then read the complete works of Jane Austen. Next up is "Jane Eyre".

6. To explore the locations that are important to American History. This list includes Boston, DC, and Plymouth Rock.

The "30" Project Part 2 #1, #2, #3

I am away from my internet connection for the weekend so I am doing a post from my cousin's computer. (Thanks Gwenn) I did not want to let the "30" Project lapse too much so here are three goals for the next 30 years:

1.To have another child. I loved having siblings as a child and even sometimes now as an adult. I would like Aubs to have the same feelings that I have towards my siblings.

2. To vacation on another continent. I have never left North America. We are planning on going to Ireland in a couple of years so that Aubs can see where her grandmother was born. I would like to see many places all over the world.

3. To continue my education. I would like to have a Master's Degree. I do not know what in but I would like to have one someday. Joshua's mother recently graduated with a doctorate degree. She is such an inspiration and I hope to be able to handle being a wife and mother with being a student.

The First 29 Years.

I am ...

a mother.
a wife.
a musician.
a fighter.
tatooed.
strong.
happy.
a daughter.
a big sister.
loved.
a friend.
able to love unconditionally.
brave.


But most of all: I am ME.

The first 29 years have been great. I hope there are many more ahead of me. Goodbye my twenties, and watch out thirties because now I'm a PK!!!

It's Official

Recruit Jacob A. reported to Parris Island today. Please keep our Jakey in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months.

30 Project #30

I am a preemie.

I was born a little over seven weeks early. I weighed 4 lbs. 12 oz. My mom told me I was the biggest baby in the NICU. I think if I had been on time I may have out weighed Aubs. I was transferred immediately to Rainbow Baby and Children's hospital. By the grace of God I have not had any of the major issues associated with a baby born that early. I have been proving I am a fighter from my first breath. I was my father's very first Father's Day gift. When I am told the stories from the night I was born I am amazed at how I was surrounded by love even when my parents were at another hospital. Even the driver of the transfer ambulance was a friend of the family.

Yesterday

Yesterday I was the proudest mommy in the audience. I am quite sure that others including Jenny felt the same way. Aubrey was incredible. She did not freak out, she looked forward (the teacher was doing the dance in the wings), she smiled, and danced like no little ballerina I have ever seen. I also saw Kait dance for the first time. I must also mention that my brother-in-law is an incredibly talented man. He teaches at the studio with Aubs and his classes were some of the most beautiful and definitely the most together of the show. He also danced in many of the numbers, all of our family kind of looked at each other in shock. We had no idea he was so great. So congrats to Jack, Michaela, Kait, Danny, and of course my Aubs on an amazing job last night.

30 Project #29

I can play the saxophone.

I have played the saxophone since I was ten years old. I had wanted to be just like my daddy. The saxophone I use was the one he learned on as well. I remember the band director trying to convince me I should choose something smaller. When I started the saxophone came down almost to my knees.

Off To Recital

My little ballerina will be taking the stage in a couple of hours.

30 Project #28

I am an Alpha Xi Delta.

I joined my freshman year in college. I really loved being a part of a group of so many strong and wonderful women.

Introducing...

The Reverend Nan Morgan.

My mother was officially commissioned as a Local Pastor for the First United Methodist Church.

Experiment Day 4

Same results as day 3.

30 Project #27

I took the SAT in sixth grade.

I did this because I inherited an ability to do well on standardized tests from my father. A local university was doing a study of kids who scored twelfth grade levels on the Iowa tests could score at the same level if the took a test actually geared toward twelfth grade students. I do not remember how I did on this test but I remember taking it and never feeling so hungry in my entire life. It was a long morning for an eleven year old. I remember taking in a class room at the University of Akron and eating lunch at Hardee's afterwards.

Experiment Day 3

The main subject still has not realized they are a part of an experiment.

30 Project #26

I was in the spelling bee.

When I was in 4th grade I represented my class in the spelling bee. I can still remember the word that I misspelled. Satellite, that one word still gives me fits. I still remember how I misspelled that word: Sattelite. Yup, I mixed up which letter needed to be doubled. I once drove by a sign for Satellite Beach and had to relive that moment all over again. My verbal skills continued to improve from there and that is what brought me to #27.

Experiment Day 2

I had started off with only 1 subject for this experiment. Today I added a few more just for fun.

One of them figured it out. A four year old named Michaela also figured it out.

I can't wait to share this one with everyone.

30 Project #25

I have three tatoos.

Each of them are for people that I love and miss every day. The sunflower is for my Grandpa Morgan. I chose that one because I have always loved sunflowers and since it was my first I thought it should be something I really, really liked. The second is for my Nana. It is an X with angel wings and a halo. Her maiden name started with an X and that is what she used for her middle name. She also collected angels. My most recent is for Granny and Poppy, Shawn's grandparents. This one is a Mickey Mouse outline with the Irish flag inside. Shawn's grandfather helped open Walt Disney World and Granny is from Ireland. Shawn's mother was also born there. I miss them all every day and it is nice to have my own special tribute to them. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. I just realized I don't have any uploaded.

Experiment Day 1

I am performing and experiment of sorts. What it is about is a secret. I will let everyone know the results at the end.

30 Project #24

My parents are proud of me.

I am also proud of them. They have made me the person I am today. I couldn't be the mother, wife, or friend I am today without their guidance. I can only hope that I am half the parent they have been to me.

It is amazing to look back as an adult and see not only how much you have grown, but how much your parents have grown. My parents took the fateful step of taking us to the Stow First United Methodist Church nearly 25 years ago. Little did they know how much that little church on Fishcreek would shape and change our lives. There are people there whose faces light up on the Sundays we are home and say to us "I remember when...". I chose my college because of that church. The groups we were involved in came out of that church. That church brought us to Lakeside which in turn brought Brian to Helen. The youth of the church asked my parents to help us out, Mom and Dad then grew into such an integral part of that program that my dad is still involved with the youth groups. Next Sunday I will walk into that church to watch my mother preach. Wow. Next Sunday may be one of the last Sundays that I go to that church. This is very sad. I was talking to my mother about it and she wisely said "That will always be your church". She is definitely ready.

30 Project #23

I cut off all my hair.

A friend in college was going through chemotherapy. She had started losing her hair and I decided it was the one thing she didn't have to go through alone.

This picture is the longest my hair was that summer. The cuts after that were a bit shorter but this is the only picture I could find.

The Girls

Michaela and Aubs had a sleepover last night. We had so much fun. The girls made ice cream with M&M's. We had a picnic in the living room. They had hot dogs and corn on the cob. Michaela was convinced he did not like corn on the cob. Check out the picture and tell me if you think her mind has been changed. Thank you Jenny and Joshua for letting us have Michaela for the night. We always have a great time and love having her here.

30 Project #22

We have started our own traditions.

I love how as a family we brought together traditions from the homes we grew up in. My favorite of Shawn's family is the Christmas Crackers. They are something I had always thought looked very fun. There is nothing better than seeing my father in law sitting at the dinner table in a pink paper hat. I am not sure how it happens but he almost always gets the pink one. Shawn reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to Aubrey. This is something that my father has done every year.

My favorite of our new traditions is the funny hats at Disney. We invite any visitors with us to try them on. The picture above is my cousin Jeanne's kids. They came down from Ohio and we went and saw them at Magic Kingdom.

Jake and Sam.

Dear Jake and Sam,
Today you will graduate High School. I wish I could be there to see you unfortunately I had to stay in Florida this year. I love you both so very, very much. I am so amazed by the young men you have become.

Sam, I remember when you were born because I was so excited to have a cousin to share my birthday with. You see Helen and Bob always had joint parties and they looked like so much fun to me. You were such a funny little guy I loved the early mornings when I spent the summer at your house. We would just sit and snuggle in the living room before everyone else woke up.

Jake, I absolutely cannot believe you are old enough to graduate let alone be a Marine. I will pray for you every day that you stay safe and strong. I remember the night you were born we were sitting at the dinner table when they called us. I will never forget the look on Bob's face when we found out you were another boy cousin. He was so excited. I remember sitting and snuggling you as a baby too. You were in our wedding, the little man everyone adored. You asked for Aubrey, that is why you were our first and only choice for her Godfather.

Enjoy this weekend and the next few days. I am so proud of you and love you both.

Love always and forever,
Missy

30 Project #21

I had wanted to post this yesterday because they are recent accomplishments that reached their six month mark yesterday.

I have kept all my New Year's Resolutions.

1. I have kept the blog going. In fact for the last 21 days I have blogged every day.
2. I have paid cash for all purchases.
3. We have registered Aubrey for school. I cried last week when she excitedly pointed out the school and said "That is my new school". I will be ready for this by August 20. I have taken the day off so we can go out for ice cream and she can tell me all about her first day.
4. I got a late start on this one but we are leading a more active lifestyle. I started wearing a pedometer this week. It is amazing how many steps you can take in a day. (I've even lost a few pounds)
5. I am embracing turning 30. This is going to be a great year.

I have never in all of my life made a resolution that has been kept until February let alone June. As a byproduct of #2 I have also decided to curb frivolous spending and am trying to not buy shoes or non-SPF tinted moisturizer make-up for one year. You cannot go without sunscreen on your face everyday in Florida.

Happy Hurricane Season!

So, today is the first day of hurricane season. We have already had the first named storm a few weeks ago. Today Tropical Storm Barry has decided to make his way towards us. The upside is that our state is so dry right now a storm with a ton of rain is the best thing that can happen to us.

Helen, Brian, Gwenn, and Alex this is not the kind of souvenir I had in mind from your cruise. Be safe and I hope that you do not experience your first hurricane this weekend.


In honor of Tropical Storm Barry I will post some of my "Happy Freakin' Hurricane Season" list.

- Do not ever ask a hurricane what the "F*** else can you do to us" for it will surely show you exactly what else it can do to you.
- Also do not say "Bring it on B***H" They will.

- There is an over abundance of Generators, plywood, shingles and concrete screws in Florida as long as it is December, January, Febuary, or early March.

- Do not drink coffee before or during the storm. You have enough adrenaline coursing through your veins. Caffiene will just contribute to your running around like a crazy person confirming that everyone has clean dry clothes, blankets, important papers in ziplocs, and other random snacks stacked in the hallway neatly in rubbermaid bins. These bins will double as the chair that you will sit on and realize that you do not need blankets in Florida in the summer. Especially when there is no power. What can I say, I tried.

- 3 hurricanes and multiple lawnmower hits will not kill the oak tree sapling in the side yard. But it will bend a pine tree so far over that it still looks like the wind is blowing. UPDATE: We finally took down "The Little Oak Tree That Could" it was starting to grow at a 45 degree angle but the pine tree is still bent.

- Non working traffic lights are four way stops. As no one pays any attention to this rule Pray really really hard while driving through the intersection.

- Blue tarps are as versatile as Duct Tape. They can be roofing supply, trash tie downs, or freezer insulation, at least that is what the grocery store does with them.

- If you are in the RED ZONE stay inside. Or do what I did stare at the weather man dumbfounded realizing they had moved the path to include my house and panic.

30 Project #20

I had a different post in mind tonight but have decided to move that to tomorrow in light of recent headlines.

Survived living at the cross point of 3 hurricanes Charley a category 4, Frances a category 2, and Jeanne a category 3.

I learned a lot about myself and my own personal strength from those. I can take care of my family in a crisis. I can get all the necessary supplies into the hallway without windows, collect all important papers and seal them securely in Ziploc bags, and make beds that fit in the hallway so that we will be comfortable for a very long night in less than 30 minutes. It changed paths so quickly I didn't have much more time than that. I learned what it was like to pray for our lives. It was the first time I think I faced my own mortality. It really did sound like our home was being ripped apart. I realized that Florida is really really hot in the summer when there is no air conditioning. I gained strength those nights and it is a good thing because a tropical storm is on the way. They don't think it will turn into a hurricane however the Gulf is already at 84 degrees. This is not a good thing unless you are swimming which I would not recommend this weekend.