The 10 Myths of Teen Dating Book Review

 

Truths your daughter needs to know to 

date smart, avoid disaster, and protect her future

SUMMARY:  Your daughter is ready to date.  You need help!

     There is no moment of greater panic in a parent's life than when his or her daughter begins to date.  But many parents feel ill equipped to guide their daughters through the minefield that is teen dating.   And by the same token, teenagers crave genuine information about dating and relationships.

     So how do you talk to your daughter about relationships and her future happiness?  Expert educator Daniel Anderson and his daughter Jacquelyn help you navigate the biggest dating myths, including: a boyfriend will make your daughter happy, she should trust her feelings, and sex will enhance her relationship.  Combining scientific research with poignant personal stories and practical application, this book will equip you to teach your daughter how to date smart for today . . . and tomorrow.

REVIEW:  While I was reading this book or anytime she would spot it laying on the kitchen counter, my teenage daughter would roll her eyes and just make a disgruntled noise.  Hannah was embarrassed because I received this book after she started dating her boyfriend.  Since I very rarely dated in high school, I want to help my beautiful daughter safely navigate her through the teenage dating years and beyond.  This book was very helpful in giving me insight to current teenage dating practices, thoughts and ideas.  The authors discuss ten common myths, such as "a boyfriend will make me happy," "love and sex are the same," "he will never hit me again," and "serial dating and living together will make my marriage better" and shows examples, along with data and research, on why these myths are false and tools to use to avoid falling in these traps.  At the end of each chapter, there are questions to reflect on and ones to discuss with your daughter.  These questions will give you a place to start discussions and help you when you talk to your daughter.  Some are difficult and may make you feel very uncomfortable but, unfortunately, are necessary in today's teen scene.  Even though some myths build on the previous one, they each provided information that is very helpful for both teenage boys and girls, along with adults finding themselves on the dating scene. 
     The authors are both teachers in the public schools in Oregon.  Daniel has been teaching for over twenty years and has learned from his students as well as helped them in difficult situations.  Jacquelyn is Daniel's daughter, also discusses her dating experiences as a teen, as well as those of friends and classmates she knew in school.
     This book has been very helpful and is a great tool to have during these crazy years.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and David C. Cook

for review without compensation.

Daniel Anderson is a former college All-American basketball player and a father of two grown daughters and one son.  As a veteran high school teacher in the public school system, Daniel was troubled by how his students approached dating and relationships.  He and his daughter Jacquelyn Anderson, a twenty-something high school teacher, decided to address this need by equipping parents with The 10 Myths of Teen Dating, their first book together.  Daniel and Jacquelyn both make their home in Portland, Oregon. 

The New Vintage Family Book Review

A Vintage Look for the Modern-Day Family

SUMMARY:  FAMILY IS NOT OUTDATED! BUT CAN IT STILL BE DONE WELL?

     In The New Vintage Family, Drenda shows you how to embrace God's design for family and how to refashion your family while pursuing your destiny together.  In a world that has traded the ability to mentor children God's way for a world of fast-paced instant gratification, we need real answers to the modern day struggles we face as parents.

     Drenda combines her wit, humorous stories, and dynamic teaching to equip you with the tools you need to make parenting fun again.  Learn to use the four pillars of family, to effectively communicate, and to fit the pieces of family mentorship, business, and home life together for success.

REVIEW:  Family is not just something you do on the weekends and holidays, but every part of every day.  Drenda includes stories from her husband and five kids about how they did life and business together.  She and her husband, Gary, included their children in their business ventures, traveling across the United States in a camper when Gary had business trips.  They home-schooled their children and had them help around the office, using each child's talents and strengths.  She shows you that struggles are real but they can be weathered and overcome, whether it is a lost job, health issues or a wayward child when they are faced together.

     As a parent of grown children, Drenda offers advice for all stages of life: from newlyweds to new parents, toddlers, pre-teens and teens, and empty nesters to grandparents.  She shares bible verses and stories of how God works in your life, your family's lives and those around you, encouraging you to keep striving for a God-centered family.

     If you are longing for the "good ole days" of close families and were wondering how to try to recapture those times, this book is a good place to start.

This book was provided by SON Studios for review without compensation.

 

Drenda Keesee is a television show host, author, speaker, entrepreneur, and pastor whose mission is to bring people into spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness.  Drenda and her husband, Gary, have created several successful businesses, and are the founders of Faith Life Now, which produces two television programs - Drenda and Fixing the Money Thing, as well as worldwide conferences, and practical resources.  They also pastor Faith Life Church near Columbus, Ohio.

A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest Book Review

SUMMARY:  The Adventure of a Lifetime
     Journey through Africa with ten-year-old Mu and discover how one simple encounter can change everything.  J.A. Myhre's new adventure fiction series for kids and young adults blends magical realism, page-turning action, and subtle gospel themes.
     Orphaned ten-year-old Mu's drudgery-filled life changes forever when he meets a talking chameleon and the pair embark on an adventurous quest in the ever-changing landscape of Africa.

REVIEW:  This was an intriguing story of a boy trying to find out where he belongs.  Mu's companion is a chameleon who directs him where he needs to go, helps him communicate with other animals for help and food, and gives him advice about life.  The journey he takes is dangerous, fraught with men who want to kidnap him, animals that could kill or maim him, and paths across the savanna and up high mountain passes.  Along the way, Mu learns more about his birth parents, the uncle he lived with and what he is made of.  He makes some very difficult choices, the consequences of one he will have to live with for the rest of his life.
     This novel was written for families and young adults.  There were a couple of places I wouldn't want my younger child to read because it was difficult for me.  But, all in all, it was a great story of God's faithfulness and leading us along life's highways.  Check it out and see what you think.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and New Growth Press 

for review without compensation.

J.A. Myhre, MD, serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades.  She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places.  She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom these stories were written as Christmas presents.

St. Jude Marathon and 1 Mile Run/Kid's Marathon

This December, Mike is participating in the St. Jude Marathon. The kids and I are doing the Family Race (1 Mile Run/Kid's Marathon). We would love for you to join us by sponsoring us. Click on the link below to go to Mike's page. While there, you can make a donation to help us fight childhood cancer.

www.mystjudeheroes.org/mjinnette

This will be Mike's third year to run in the marathon.  This year, the kids said they wanted to participate in the Family event.  So, on December 3rd, all of us will be out in the cold weather.  It is all for a very worthy cause: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

If you aren't familiar with them, check out their website.  They were started by actor Danny Thomas to help cure childhood cancers.  They also work with Sickle Cell Anemia patients.  St. Jude does not turn anyone away, even if you do not have insurance or money to pay.  They have a very high cure rate for some cancers and are constantly researching cures for the rest.  I am very proud of Mike and my family for wanting to help out.

Chaos Rules Too Much

My house is loud and chaotic.  Three kids, a dog and all the noise they make is only part of it.  We are a family of yellers.  Unfortunately, I'm not talking about the color.  With the exemption of Mike, although he will raise his voice when necessary, the kids and I seem to always yell about something.  If someone is aggravating the others, there is yelling.  If someone doesn't get their way, there is yelling.  If a child is trying to parent one or more of the other children, there is yelling.  We yell at the dog.  We yell when we are mad.  We yell when we want something.  We yell when we don't want to do something.  I yell from one room to get someone from another room, even if they are at the other end of the house.  We are also very critical of and negative towards each other.  It has become such a part of our family that we don't even realize when we do it. This is just not acceptable.

While praying this morning, I apologized to God for all the yelling we do, my critical spirit when it comes to my kids, and how it has bled over to how my kids react and respond to one another.  God speaks to us in a still, quiet voice and that is how we should speak to those around us.  Not knowing how to change myself and my family, I prayed for direction and guidance, along with a HUGE dose of wisdom.  God showed me that instead of pointing out all the negative things the kids do, point out the good things and the not-so-perfect tries and reward them.  He reminded me of the marble jar in my cabinet.  Every time I saw the kids cooperating with each other, doing something nice, talking to each other without sarcasm or venom, etc., I will put a marble in a jar labeled with their name.  At the end of the day, I will total up all the marbles in their respective jars and keep a running total.  When they get to a set amount (say 30 or 50), we will redeem them for somewhere they want to go like Chuck E. Cheese or McDonald's.  Now, if I see or hear them not getting along, I will give them a chance to correct it.  If there is still a problem, I will remove a marble and they have to do a job from my Job Jar.  (The Job Jar is filled with jobs I want done around the house like wash the backdoor windows, clean the walls beside the backdoor, wipe down the baseboards in different rooms, clean the hall bathroom, put up dishes, clean out the microwave, etc.  I stopped using this jar a couple of years ago because the kids would BEG to pick out a job so it wasn't much of a punishment.)

After I got everything ready, I set the kids down and explained what we were doing and why.  So far, there has been a good response.  I have had to get on to the kids a couple of times but not as often as usual.  The volume around here has gone down considerably.  The kids are getting along much better.  I know this is something I will have to stay on top of.  The kids are going to revert back to their old habits and so will I.  But change has got to come so I am hoping I can remain diligent and keep trying.  Kids do not need to be raised in a house full of chaos.  They get enough of it from the world around them.  They don't need it at home too.  This should be a place of shelter, a place to get away from the chaos and find peace. 

Isaiah 26:12a  LORD, you establish peace for us...
Isaiah 32:17  The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Ephesians 4:3  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Proverbs 16:7  Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
Proverbs 3:17  Her (wisdom) ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
Psalm 34:14  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Hebrews 12:14  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
1 Peter 3:11  They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB)You will keep in perfect peace the mind [that is] dependent [on You], for it is trusting in You.

Introducing Pepper!!

Family Vacation

     After all the busyness of Christmas, Mike and I took the kids to Chattanooga to visit Dick and Daphne, Mike's dad and step-mom.  I thought we would never get on the road.

    Mike had to work Monday and Tuesday, so I tried to get everything packed and ready to go.  It is easier said than done when you are trying to unpack all the mismatched clothes and short-sleeve shirts your kids put in their suitcases and telling them they can't take everything they got for Christmas.  I could not keep my focus on what I needed to do and would get distracted at every turn.  The kids were helpful in that they cleaned my bathrooms, dusted, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher and whatever else I needed them to do.

     Hannah's friend MaKayla was going with us so her mom Ami dropped her off late Tuesday afternoon.  While going through our bags to see what to put in the van first, we realized that MaKayla's suitcase was still in the back of her mom's van - 45 minutes away.  Ami and I met halfway at Sonic.  The kids ate dinner while Ami and I made the exchange.  As I am pulling out of the restaurant, the car behind me started honking at me.  It was Ami again.  She forgot to give me a permission slip in case something happened while we were gone.  So, we both pulled back into the parking lot and Ami gave me the paper.  Once we get home, Mike helped me get the van loaded with all the suitcases, toys, bags, food, cooler, pillows, blankets, movies, DVD players, etc.  We make the kids take a potty break while we walk through the house one more time then get on the road.  We finally pull out of the driveway at 8:55 p.m.  Yes, you read that right - PM.  Since I had to make an extra trip I wasn't planning on, Mike thought it would be good to top off the gas tank.  We pull into Sam's and notice the gas station closed at 9 p.m.  It was 9:02 on the van clock.  Since Mike had not eaten, we decided to forget getting gasoline and stopped at Krystal's.  Normally we are in and out within 5-7 minutes.  That night, we left about 15-20 minutes later.  We finally got on the road at 9:30 p.m.  Mike bought two 8 ounce coffees, one for me and one for him.  I drank both of them plus most of a 24 ounce cafe mocha Mike bought when we got gas at the Linden exit.  (In my defense, I was tired after all the packing and late night plus I was driving.)  Needless to say, I was wired and could not stop talking once we finally got to Chattanooga.  Mike and his dad were amused.

      We arrived at Dick and Daphne's at 4:15 a.m. and got the kids settled quickly.  Mike and I slept until 10:30.  Mike's brother Rich, Michelle and their boys drove down from Pigeon Forge and spent the day with us.  Brent and Jennifer, Mike's step-brother and his wife, along with their two boys came over too.  We ate a wonderful dinner and opened Christmas presents.  We had a great time.

     Thursday found us being lazy all day and not doing anything.  We thought about taking the kids to the park and letting them run around and play but we never got it in gear.

     Friday, we all went to Brent and Jenn's house.  The kids ran around outside and played (the temperature was around 65).  Everything we ate was delicious.  The kids have a picnic outside and enjoyed it.  Jennifer made chocolate fondue as a snack.  GOOD!!  It started raining late and rained all night and most of Saturday.  Mike and I took the kids to the Creative Discovery Museum Saturday since it was wet.  The kids had a blast playing and looking at all the exhibits.  Their favorite was the water feature at the very beginning.  If they had a choice, they would have never left.

     Saturday night, Cody and Erinn came over along with Brent and Jenn and their kids to celebrate New Years and Cody's birthday.  Erinn is pregnant and due any day.  She wasn't feeling few well so they left early.

     After an awesome breakfast, we left Chattanooga around 1:30 for home.  We made good time and made it home by 7:15 after stopping for lunch in Dickson.  I was so excited to be home.  We really enjoyed our trip but it was nice to sleep in our own beds.

Big Day!

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!  Merry Christmas!!

Last night, I was up wrapping presents until 1:30 this morning.  Before last night, I only had one present wrapped.  So, after the kids went to bed and went to sleep, I started on the gifts.  God answered prayers last night because I ran out of wrapping paper and bags.  God stretched everything to where I had just enough to cover everything I needed!!!  Mike had to wrap my gifts with paper bags but, hey, it worked!!!

About 6:55 this morning, Hannah came into our room excited about what Santa brought her.  She asked if she could play with her toys.  When I asked her to go back to bed because Mike and I had a late night, she very sweetly said okay then crawled into bed with me.  She then jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom.  Mike was in there and I told Hannah to use our other one.  She said she would wait then suddenly changed her mind and darted out of the room.  When she did, Hannah pulled the cord to our space heater out of the socket.  She started apologizing like crazy.  She was so funny and sweet!!  Will got up shortly afterward and let Andrew sleep so we went up and looked at what Santa left.  Andrew woke up about 30 minutes to an hour later (he was up late last night).

The kids racked up!!  Hannah was most excited about her Barbie Jet; Will, his Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash.  Andrew loved the Hot Wheels cars, Thomas the Train set, and Will's Hot Wheels city pieces. 

Mom, Dad, Joan, Melanie and Nathan all came over.  We opened presents and had a huge lunch.  Joan cooked a ham and made Ambrosia (some without coconut for me).  Melanie brought broccoli and cheese and a cinnamon butter braid.  Mom made dressing.  I made green bean casserole, corn pudding, rolls, and a breakfast casserole. 

While everyone was coming in and while we were opening presents, it started snowing!!!   It is the first Christmas in 93 years that we have had snow fall on Christmas Day.  A couple of times in the past we have had snow on the ground Christmas Day but it was already there.  It didn't stick because the ground was too warm but it was beautiful!!

The kids are playing one of their new Wii games.  I am getting ready to look at some of my new crochet books.  Mom bought me one on edgings and trims and other on stitches.  I am so excited!!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!  Remember the Reason for the Season - JESUS!!

Dwelling on the Positive

Dwelling on the positive things in life is hard. I tend to want to think about the bad, hard, and negative things that are going on and that have happened instead of focusing on the wonderful things God has provided.

For example, yesterday was my birthday. I love celebrate birthdays and I'm proud to tell people I am 43 years old. But something happened last night that I allowed to put a damper on my festivities. Instead of cooking my own birthday dinner, I asked my husband if we could go out instead. Where I wanted to go eat (Carraba's) was too far of a drive so I thought about all the options available near our house. I decided on On The Border, a place I haven' been to in a while but love. So, Mike and I loaded up the kids and headed off. When the kids were told where we were going, they started in with the whining and complaining. It didn't stop until we were on our way home. At the restaurant, they fought with each other. One didn't like the choices on the kid's menus and drink options. Another wanted to stand up and jump on the seat (we were sitting in a corner booth) or sit on the corner edge of the back of the seat. When the food came out, they weren't happy with the cheese on the nachos they ordered (it was melted instead of the nacho cheese). It went on and on. I know we bothered the people around us even though they didn't say anything.

What I should focus on (and need to remind myself to do regularly) is that I have a family that cares about me. My husband is awesome, loves me a lot and treats me like a queen. He still has a great job and we can afford to go out to eat. (I have two different friends that have just gone through job losses and don't know what to do.) My kids are healthy and love each other, even though they don't like each other some of the time. I have a house that I love to share with others any time of the year (as long as they don't mind the mess ;-)). Most important of all, I have a Savior who loves me, died for me and forgives me of all I've done wrong even though I will never be able to repay Him.

Life isn't going to go the way I expect or want it to. I just have to remember to focus on the blessings God has given me and trust Him to get me through the rough patches. He will ALWAYS be there for me.

Thanksgiving Celebration and Fun

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year.  Mike and I load up the kids and drive for two days to visit Mike's aunts, uncles and cousins.  We always have a great time and hate to see it end.  Every year after we eat Thanksgiving Dinner, the guys like to play in the Turkey Bowl.  It is a touch football game that gets more serious every year.  This year, a couple of the guys went and lined the field and set up cones to mark the end zones and the sides of the field.  I even found t-shirts at Old Navy that were perfect for the game.  Later that evening, Mike's cousin Andrew took a picture of the whole family on the staircase and a video that he is going to send in to Good Morning America for their "Three Words" segment.  We hope it will be picked.  If it is, I will try to post something here.

Here are some pictures from the weekend of the Turkey Bowl and a few of the kids.

Isn't this a handsome group of men?

Hannah and Ashtyn were the cheerleaders

 Andrew and Will playing in the sand

 

Some action shots

Mike has the ball!

Hannah and Ashtyn enjoying their time together

Aren't these some beautiful ladies?

Will being silly

The Grissom, Frazier, Edenfield, Jinnette, Chitwood, Hoyle and Nowiski  Families

Mike and Andrew were on their way back from the restroom when this picture was taken. (LaNell, Will, and Isabelle were looking at them.) I think another one was taken with them in it but I do not have a copy.  They were in the video which was done next.

I just love this family!!!

Fall-ing For Jesus

The Children's Ministry at our church had an event called "Fall-ing for Jesus" for 1-3 graders and their families today after our second service.  Hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks were available to eat.  There were also games such as a cupcake walk, sack race and a doughnut game (you had 30 seconds to eat a doughnut hanging on a string without using your hands).  There was even a hayride and face painting! 

Will, Andrew and I did the cupcake walk.  Andrew and I won on our first trip around.  Poor Will walked around for about 15 minutes.  He was persistent and it paid off.  He won a chocolate cupcake.  Hannah got her face painted.  Andrew participated in the sack race.  He was the last one to cross the finish line but he did it all by himself.  All of us rode on the hayride before heading home.  It was a nice ending to a fun event.

We all had fun being outside, playing games and visiting with friends.  Thanks Missi, Angie, and Anne for heading it up and putting on the event.  It was fun!!

Two New Residents in Heaven

In the last five days, Heaven received two new residents.  My Aunt Orpha passed from this life to the next on Sunday; my Aunt Sybil joined her family in Heaven early this morning.  Orpha and Sybil were my grandmother's sisters.  Aunt Sybil and Grandma Gladys were best friends growing up and as adults.  Many times, they lived near each other and their children grew up together.  Aunt Orpha moved out west long before I was born so I didn't get to know her as well.  My knowledge of her is through comments made by her children and other family members.  She, along with all the other Findleys, loved to laugh and talk.  Oh, what a reunion Heaven is having tonight!!  I'm sure God is loving seeing His children meeting again on the other side.  Out of the fifteen children my great-grandmother had, only four are still here.  My thoughts and prayers go out to them: Opal, Helen, Margie and Ted; along with Aunt Orpha and Aunt Sybil's families.  Your sweet spirits and laughter will be missed for a time but we WILL see you again on the other side.  LOVE YOU!!!

Carol, Aunt Sybil, Mom and Jim

Aunt Sybil on her 87th birthday

The Saga Continues

In my last post, I mentioned all the things that have occurred in the last two weeks.  The story is not over yet.  Thursday, after picking up the kids, the lights on the van's dashboard came on and wouldn't go off.  After dropping the kids off Friday morning, I took the van to Meineke to have the oil changed, the tires rotated and to see if they could figure out why the lights came on.  Five hundred dollars later, the oil was changed, tires rotated, two belts were replaced (the old ones were cracked), fuel injectors were cleaned and the O2 sensor was changed.  I noticed a whine from the engine area when I left that I had not noticed before.  A few hours later, while I was waiting in the car line to pick Will up from school, the van died completely.  No lights, no radio, no air conditioner, no power for the windows, NO NOTHING!!  Andrew had just fallen asleep and Hannah was in the back.  Did I mention the temperature outside was about 101 degrees and the car line was out to the street?  Yea.  When I called Mike at work, I broke down crying and went into hysterics.  It was not a pretty sight.  After a few minutes (and a few honks) the cars were able to get around me.  Will's teacher was working the car line and told us to take refuge from the heat inside the building.  Mom picked up the kids and took them to her house while I waited for Mike.  We talked to my dad, Dick (Mike's dad) and the Meineke guy and they all came to the same conclusion: the alternator needs to be replaced. 

When I got home from Meineke, I noticed the thermostat was reading 86 degrees in the house.  Come to find out, the capacitor on the outside unit went out and had to be replaced.  God blessed us by having the air conditioner repair man headed home when I called.  We were on his way so he came by and replaced the part immediately. 

Dick came in last night from Dothan to be here for Hannah's baptism.  Daphne stayed in Dothan to help take care of her mom, who recently had knee replacement surgery and lost her husband (and Daphne's dad) last Tuesday.  Mike and Dick are going to replace the alternator in the van today.  I hope they don't have any problems.

Well, enough of my whining for now.  I hope everyone has a great week.  Remember, God loves you and is with you every step of the way.

Baby Shower and Rants About A Car Dealer

Today, Melanie and I drove to Ripley together for our niece's baby shower while the kids were with Mike and Mom. Jessie is due any day with baby number 2. Riley, her first child, turned one year old on January 27th. The shower was fun. We got to see family we haven't seen in a while and get our baby fix with Riley. After everyone left, Melanie and I spent time with Dad and Joan talking. It was nice getting to hang out with Melanie today. We had a good time talking, laughing and having a good time.

If you are looking for a car, I don't know if I would recommend the place where we recently purchased ours. The night we bought ours, the dealership was not prepared at all. The ad we looked at online said the name of the dealership and the location. It didn't say there were at least two locations and the place listed was not where the car was located. So, the salesman we spoke with at the first place followed us to the other lot. We beat the salesman there and waited about 15-20 minutes for him to show up. (It only takes about 15-20 minutes to go from one dealership to the other.) While out on the test drive, the salesman told us that he had only been on the job one week and wasn't familiar with the area. Luckily, I knew the area pretty well and was able to get us around the neighborhood. After making our decision to purchase the car, we waited another 10 minutes for the salesman. He wanted us to fill out all this paperwork for financing that we didn't need (Mike had gotten his own financing through the credit union). After another 10 minutes or more, we are told we have to move to the third building to complete the rest of the paperwork. When we walk over (it was on the same lot), we are directed to a dark waiting area and sit for another 15-20 minutes. While we are sitting in the finance office, the finance person is pulling the paperwork we need to sign instead of having it ready. (Now, have I mentioned that NO ONE was there except salesmen? NO ONE!! No other customers were there AT ALL!!) Mike and I then spent the next 30 minutes filling out paperwork. Form after form was completed saying we weren't purchasing this option and that warranty, etc. While all this is going on, Mom was keeping the kids and called wanting to know when we would be home because she was tired. When we finally get the car, the gas gauge is sitting on empty. We had just enough gas to get home. We arrived at the first car lot just after 6 p.m. We left the last lot about 8:45 p.m. Most of that time we played the waiting game.

Oh, Mike was also told to bring the car back in the next day or so to get a new drive out tag and to get it cleaned. The tag they put on the car was for another vehicle. Mike was also told the car manual and key card (for the keyless entry) was in the glove box. When Mike looked for it the next day, it was not there. When Mike called the dealership about the missing manual, the manager we spoke to the night before told Mike he would have to go to a Ford dealer (the car is a Ford Taurus) and purchase another key card and we would not be reimbursed. The manager said the key card would be about $60 but he wasn't sure. Luckily, Mike was able to download the manual off the internet onto his computer.

Mike took the car in to get it serviced and cleaned this past week. The people that cleaned it put the temporary plastic back in the floorboard wet underneath. They took the empty gum wrappers that were in the console and put them in the glove box instead of the trash. Yes, I said the glove box.

A few days after we purchased the car, we got a call from the salesman saying they needed a copy of Mike's driver's license because they forgot to get it while we were there. Then, they called a few days after that asking for a copy of my license. Mike called and spoke to the Finance Manager about the shoddy job the finance people were doing. Come to find out, the finance person had only been there about a month. The FM agreed to help out and took over the job himself to complete the paperwork. He came out to the house to get the Saturn's car tag, have me sign a paper, get a copy of my driver's license and get our tags taken care of (this is something the dealers do now for the owners. Not sure yet if I like this.) If you want to know the name of the dealer, just ask. I would be happy to tell and strongly advise you to find another one. The only good thing I have to say about them is that we got a good deal on the car. A really good deal.

Hannah's room and Happy New Years!!

On Sunday, December 27th, Mike and Hannah started cleaning Hannah's room about 2:30 p.m.  They finally finished about 8 p.m. with a few short breaks mixed in.  They filled both a 55 gallon trash bag and 33 gallon garbage bag with trash.  Mike also filled one box with toys for Andrew's class at school.  They cleaned out the plastic bins under her bed; cleaned up all the junk, toys, clothes and dolls in her floor and in the corners of her room; cleaned up her closet and bookshelf; and cleaned up the storage unit and boxes in her room.  Everything looks wonderful!!!  Now that we are back from our trip to Chattanooga, I plan to get Melanie's old daybed and change out Hannah's bed.  The daybed Hannah has now is a heavy wood frame that is more suitable for a boy.  I bought it for my guest room when I was single.  I don't know what we will do with it, probably sell it.

Happy New Years!!  I know it is now the third of January but I did not have access to the computer while we were gone.  We left for Chattnooga on December 30 to celebrate Christmas and New Years with Mike's dad and step-mom and returned today.  While there, we got to see Mike's brother Rich and his family; spent a couple of evenings with Brent, Jennifer and their boys, Ethan and Blaine; celebrated Cody's 18th birthday (Brent's nephew); celebrated Christmas with the family; and went to the Creative Discovery Museum with the kids. 

The Creative Discovery Museum is very similar to the Childrens' Museum of Memphis.  It has a ton of hands-on exhibits, things to do and play with and interesting things for parents.  We were there about two hours.  My favorite was the water exhibit when you first entered the museum.  You could play with the dam trying to redirect the water, open and close locks and dams, and generally have loads of fun.  The kids had a blast!  I don't know what their favorite things were but I'll make some educated guesses.  Mike seemed to like the area where you could make a toy car that would run using an electrical charge on a special track.  He made two cars: one for Hannah and one for Will.  Andrew seemed to like the musical area where he could play the drums.  Will's favorite seemed to be a machine that would help you get a basketball into the goal using a bike, skate, kiddie pool, double-ended kayak paddle, two shovels, a tube of fabric and a clothes basket.  Sounds weird, I know but you had to see it.  It was neat.  I'm not sure about Hannah.  She was everywhere and participated in just about everything. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful God-filled year. May Adonai bless you as you seek to know and love Him more each day.

Merry Christmas!!

It has been an awesome (and tiring) Christmas.  The day started early (about 7:15 a.m.) when the kids got up and saw that Santa had stopped by and left them a little something.  Hannah got a mountain bike, puzzle, the game Aggravation, and "Hannah Montana - The Movie."  Will got a scooter, puzzle, Black and Decker play set (including tools, toolbelt, hat, screwdriver, hammer, etc), and the movie "G Force."  Andrew got a Cars play rug, Mr. The King (from the movie "Cars"), a Black and Decker play set, the game Chutes and Ladders, and the movie "The Jungle Book."  I got some clothes, a book and an envelope with a clue inside.  Mike, playing Santa, hid clues around the house that lead to a gift hanging on the back of the tree.  It was a Mommy's Bracelet that had all three kids names.  I cried when I opened it.  After searching around town for quite a while, Mike found a place in Atlanta, GA that could add Andrew's name to my existing bracelet.  It was wonderful!!  Mike got the Garmin GPS with heart monitor that he can wear while running.  He's been wanting one for a few months and I finally got it for him.  He also got Glenn Beck's new book "Arguing With Dummies," and a new travel kit.  The zippers broke on the one he had because he had it well over ten years.  Santa left Mike and me a Dance Dance Revolution game, Dance Dance Revolution mat, another controller and nunchuck for our Wii that came with another Sports game that has nine different sports. Mike and I got the kids a Snuggie each (it's a blanket with arms) and a toy.

Melanie and Nathan came over and we opened gifts.  Mom wasn't able to come because she woke up with a 23-hour stomach virus.  She sent over some of her presents for us and kept some others for us to open when she feels better.  The kids got clothes (something Hannah and Will desparately needed!) from Mom and Mel.  Andrew got a rolling Cars suitcase that contained a blanket, pillow and flashlight.  He also got a Cars book where some Cars toys "drive" on a track inside.  Will got a Hungry Hungry Hippo game and some Hot Wheels cars.  Hannah got a Junie B. Jones book, an activity book and some red sparklely flats.  Mom got us another nunchuck and controller for our Wii (now we have three - YEAH!)

Susan, Todd and their boys came over and ate lunch with us.  I cooked my first turkey today and it was good!!  We also had mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cornbread dressing, pineapple casserole, broccoli-cauliflower salad, and cranberry sauce.  I forgot to cook the crescent rolls but we were not suffering for food.  We had planned to also have ham but looking at the amount of food, I decided not to cook it and save it for later.

Now, the kids and Mike are watching "G Force" while I type away.  Our guests left for their houses with some great memories made today.  I hope everyone has a great day and remember the reason for this season - JESUS CHRIST.


P.S.  I realized after I posted this message I had forgotten to mention one very important gift the kids (and parents) received this year - a Nintendo Wii gaming system!!!  My dad and step-mom bought it for the kids and we all have been having a blast playing it.  It came with five games: tennis, golf, boxing, baseball and bowling.  Both Hannah and Will are really good at Bowling.  I started out doing great (my best score was a 202 with FIVE strikes in a row!!) but has steadily gone down hill.  Tonight, I bowled a 98.  Horrible!!  Mike and I like to play it after the kids go to bed.  Some nights, Mike will play all five games before turning it off.  Now that we have three controllers, playing multiple players will be a lot easier.

Busy Thanksgiving Week

We arrived back home from our adventures around 5:45 p.m. It was a week filled with fun, family and food. Tuesday night, we left home and headed to Pigeon Forge. Wednesday, after Mich got off work and James and Jerrod got out of school, we left for Stedman, NC. A few months ago there was a rock slide on I-40 near Asheville so traffic has been re-routed. So, instead of taking I-40 through North Carolina, we took I-81 and went through Virginia. That was soooo neat!!!

**Side note - this was my second time to go to Virginia. The first was in November, 1999. After Mike finished his weekend drill in Johnson City, TN after the Marine Corp birthday celebration, I asked him if we could cross the state line since we were so close. He agreed so we crossed the VA/TN state line, took the first exit and turned around JUST SO I COULD SAY I HAD BEEN TO VIRGINIA!!! We had so much fun laughing about it. After we passed under the first exit's bridge, I got excited all over again.

We arrived in Stedman around 8:30 local time (I think; I can't remember exactly). The kids had a blast. Hannah played with Ashtyn, Isabelle, and Gabby while Will and Andrew played with them or the other cousins. (Hannah and Ashtyn are the only girls in their respected families. Since they are only two months apart in age, they really enjoy getting together once a year and playing.)

Thursday, we ate, and ate, and ate. Barbara, Sharon and others out-did themselves again. The food was awesome!! Thursday night we had a scare, though. Mike's Uncle Woody had a seizure while we were getting ready to have a Spades tournament. Thank the good Lord above, he is doing fine and is now at home.

Friday, Rich, Mich, their boys and I went to the movies and saw "2012." It was pretty good. The special effects were good. It was sad in parts but was interesting to see how the director and writers depicted their take on the end of the world. As I watched the movie, I kept thinking that I was glad I know the Maker of Heaven and Earth and that He holds me safely in the palm of His hand. Since He is the ONLY one who knows when the end of the world will actually end, I can rest in the fact that He will take care of me until then. After the movies, we went to Joe and Sharon's and joined the rest of the family for dinner. We had Carolina barbeque, baked beans, cole slaw, chicken tenders, and hushpuppies. It was the first time I had Carolina barbeque. It was good. I prefer Memphis barbeque since that is what I grew up with but the vinegar base of theirs was delicious.

Saturday afternoon, we left North Carolina and headed to Pigeon Forge where we spent the night. We got up this morning and left around 9:30 for home. Traffic wasn't too bad at all, not like it has been in the past. We had sunshine most of the way, then a few clouds. We encountered some misting after Nashville for about 20 miles then again once we got closer to home. It started raining after we got the van unloaded and settled in. We had a great time but it is good to be home.

Improvise, Adapt and Overcome

Mike says it is the unofficial Marine Corp motto: improvise, adapt and overcome. That seems to be the motto I live by nowadays. With Andrew not wanting to sleep in his crib, I let him sleep in Will's bed for naps and at night. Will slept in the floor and didn't mind. I bought Andrew a Cars toddler bed yesterday. He slept in it last night and it seems to be working for his nap, so far. For some reason, Andrew hasn't wanted to sleep. He has been up early (yesterday at 6 a.m. and this morning, 5:45 a.m.) and doesn't want to take a nap until late. Maybe now he has his own "big boy bed" he'll start sleeping more.

Last night while doing laundry, our dryer stopped working. The drum isn't turning. Mike and I discovered it late last night, around midnight. He took it apart but couldn't find the belt. Mike did find a roller lying on the bottom of the dryer case. I'm thinking either the belt slipped or broke because the drum isn't turning. Our old dryer has one of the rollers brake and it made a loud racket when the drum turned. Mike's not sure but thinks it might be the belt, too. We both hope it will be something easy and inexpensive to fix.

Here are some pictures we took recently.

Andrew and Hannah in the RoadTrek

Will and Andrew in the RoadTrek


Andrew in the van on the way home from Chattanooga

Hannah on the way home from Chattanooga

Will on the way home from Chattanooga

Dick and Mike

Dick, Mike and the kids

Andrew taking a nap in Will's bed
(See the Cars video by his head. He wanted to sleep with it.)

Andrew playing with toys on his first day of school

Andrew while walking into MDO on the first day

Andrew sitting on his new bed

Andrew and his new bed while holding his lunchbox

Michelle, Dick and Mike

Busy Weekend Leads Into A Busy Week

Ever have one of those weeks where you feel yourself meeting coming and going? It looks like it is going to be one of those weeks after a busy weekend.

In case some of you weren't aware, Mike, the kids and I went to Chattanooga for a quick, almost last minute trip. Mike's dad was celebrating his 70th birthday with a party for friends and family. Dick's birthday isn't until the 11th but he wanted to take advantage of the long weekend. When he first called about the party, we didn't think we could make it. The kids were suppose to have their first soccer games on Sept. 5. Since Mike is coaching Hannah's team and helping Will's coach, we couldn't miss. Monday, I called the lady directing the Upwards teams to check the schedule. Because of the holiday weekend, she decided to move the first games to the next weekend. This now freed us up to go to Dick's party. We had to find a house/dog sitter since our usual sitter was also going out of town. Thank goodness, a dear friend, Sandra, volunteered to help us out. With that taken care of, Mike and I packed for our trip.

On the road, I remembered I left my ring soaking in ring cleaner. When we stopped to get gas and take a bathroom break, we found out the diaper bag was missing. Mike left it on Will's bed when he changed Andrew's diaper before we left. When we arrived in Chattanooga (about 1:30 a.m. ET), we found out Hannah's suitcase was left on her bed back at the house. Andrew was awake for most of the trip out. He finally went to sleep around 2:30 a.m. (I'm guessing on the time because it was after I went to bed). Saturday, the fam went looking for Walmart since we had to get Hannah all new outfits, pajamas, toothbrush and toothpaste. We went WAY out of the way but finally found it. (Oh, our Tom-Tom decided it didn't want to work at all while we were gone.)

The party was great. It was held at Vandergriff Park in Hixson where there was a great playground area for the kids right next to the pavilion. The kids played on the equipment and in the sand next to the tables. Mike got to spend time talking to Brent and Rich. Mich, Jennifer, Toni and I got to spend some time talking too. This weekend was the first time Mich and I had gotten to meet Toni. She is married to Mike's half-brother, Richard (yes, Mike has two brothers named Richard). Her Richard wasn't able to make it this weekend but Toni came. Afterwards, we went to Brent and Jennifer's (Daphne's son and daughter-in-law) to cook hot dogs and s'mores. We were all exhausted and went to sleep pretty quickly once we got back to the house.

Sunday was quiet. It started raining sometime during the night and continued off and on during the day. The kids enjoyed watching the Scooby Doo marathon on Boomerang while I enjoyed a nap on the couch.

We slept late every morning (at least 9-10 a.m.). This morning, we got up, packed and got on the road about 11. When we were almost half way home, I remembered we left Andrew's sippy cup and the container of milk we brought with us in Dick's refrigerator. A perfect ending to a busy weekend!!

Tomorrow starts a busy week. I have a board meeting at church; Hannah has soccer practice; there is a PTO meeting for Will's school; and Will's school starts selling cookie dough as a fund raiser. Thursday will be an equally busy day. Fun, oh fun!!!

Happy Independence Day!!

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Independence Day!! Thank you to all the service men and women who are (and have) protected our great country while serving in our armed forces. The sacrifices you and your families made have not gone unnoticed.

Our celebration this year is going to be small with just Mom and the five of us. Melanie and Nathan are on their way home from a baseball tournament; Patti, Alyssa and Matthew are working at a tournament in Horn Lake; Susan, Todd and their boys are in Roswell, NM visiting family; and Dad and Joan are camping with friends. I have some ribs cooking on the stovetop right now and will finish them up on the grill along with some hot dogs for the kids and some fresh corn on the cob. We are also having cole slaw, baked beans and strawberry pizza. If it doesn't rain, we are planning to go to see some fireworks at either Latimer Lakes in Horn Lake or Snowden Grove in Southaven.

Mike is working on our master bathroom. It took him about 12 hours to remove the wallpaper. He is patching the walls where the wallboard came off when we were taking the wallpaper off. We are going with a medium green paint and brown tiles, like in the hall bathroom. He is going to tile half the wall behind the toilet and the back wall. I can't wait. It already looks bigger with the pink paisley wallpaper off. We are taking pictures of it so show the progress. When I get them downloaded off my camera, I'll post them here for all to see. Can't wait for the finished project!!!