It's been a while...

I know it's been a while since I posted, but this week has been crazy. So, with the end of August coming up, I'll just post a few things now (as a teaser) and post the rest of our photos at the end of the week...

First, I wanted to post a few photos of Matthew. There have been a few days where he hasn't gotten an afternoon nap, and come about 4, he can't stay awake any longer. Hence, the couch sleeper:

Standing on the edge

My little bird is standing on the edge of the nest trying to decide if she will fly. Looking back at Momma and Daddy and baby brother bird in the only nest she's known is safety, comfort, and a known quantity. Looking out, the world appears huge, scary, and unknown.

Today we took Cadey to her Kindergarten Open House. We met her teacher and the teacher's assistant. VERY nice ladies. Cadey really seemed to like them. Both C and Matthew enjoyed playing in the kitchen/housekeeping centers. Of course, they also enjoyed the welcome table with lots of cookies.

We've had several talks about kindergarten. Cadey keeps telling me she's nervous. Today, in the car, I almost cried telling her I was nervous too and that I would miss her each day. Then we get into the class and she doesn't look back at me. I see her little wings begin to flutter.

Monday she'll start her first day of kindergarten. Mamma bird is trying to accept that this is a first, and necessary step into independence. Baby bird is trying to understand how and why his big sister would want to go to a school that he can't yet attend. Daddy bird is just overwhelmed with the thought his baby will be flying around without him here to watch over her.

We know she'll excel. We know she can do it. It's not her hesitation, it's ours.

For now we watch her perch on the edge of the nest and flutter. Flutter, big girl, flutter.

I am grateful!

On Thursday we had the most severe storm I've ever witnessed in my almost-six years in Beaufort. No warning. Fine one minute, then HUGE winds, lots of rain, and lots of "Boom-boom-booming" as Matthew calls it.

I was grateful for the free water for my yard. Even enjoyed watching God's power out my window. Talked with the kids about the thunder being the angels bowling. (Thank you Momma and Nana VanHandel for that one...) The wind howled, the rain blew sideways, leaves fell.

Then the power went out. No biggie. Not the first time. The kids and I enjoyed a picnic on the floor. (B was still at work.) We used the camping lanterns to "camp." I figured the power would be back on in no time at all. WRONG!!!

I put the kids to bed and within 30 minutes, Cadey was begging for "some sort of air, pleeeease." Her little bangs were soaked and stuck to her face. So, I brought her down to my room. Mind you, it was hotter than hades in there too. So then I think I'd better go check on Matthew, and when I get upstairs, the kids looks like he's just taken a shower. Sweat soaked. Bring him downstairs. Set up a bed on the floor for the kids. Not having any "camping" fun anymore. I mean, heck, even the pop up had A/C!

So, long, hot, sweaty, whiny, cranky story later (30 hours later to be exact) the power comes back on. I thought I would cry with relief. Of course, the power came on 3 hours after we'd gone to the local hardware store and rented a generator to hook up our fridge and some fans to...

So, like I said in the title, I'm grateful. For many, many things. But on two hot, humid South Carolina days and one night, for A/C.

Had to share

I received this today as part of an email, and I just loved it so much I had to share...

'Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!'

I am blessed and highly favored!

Save your moo-lah!!

I was recently checking out at our local Kmart when I came upon the new A & W Float. "A creamy blend of rich A&W and Ice Cream flavor." So I'm envisioning a wonderful root beer float -- all in one bottle. I could barely rein in my anticipation as the bottles chilled in the fridge. I even prepped a nice frosty glass. Hours later, I open the bottle and begin to pour.

Clue number one that it's not what you anticipated: No fizzy bubbles.
Clue number two that it's not what you anticipated: Drink appears a cloudy whitish color.
Clue number three that it's not what you anticipated: It tastes like crap! Seriously, it tastes like a VERY old soda with a plastic vanilla flavored air freshener thrown in.

When I read the label, I assumed that the "Rich A&W" was a yummy root beer flavor. WRONG!! Maybe they meant the taste of the "Rich A&W bathroom floor." Maybe I just read too much into the label...

I mean, seriously, how did this drink EVER get past the taste tests????

So, my expert opinion is to save your money. Your money would be better flushed down the toilet, not drinking this thing that tastes like the toilet (though I've never actually tasted a toilet, this is probably what it tastes like!)

That's all for now...