Whew!

We are all breathing a huge sigh of relief!!! That was a close one, but luckily for us, all we got was lots of rain and a little wind! At least I don't have to water my flowers today--or for a while! Not so lucky on the coast, though...we hear that our friends who were under mandatory evacuation in Gulfport have water all around their house, but not in it. We have also heard reports that Jourdan Shores had a big surge of water, not sure if it made it up into the camp...Im sure Michael and Chris will head down to check things out as soon as the curfew is lifted in the area.
Chris and I do have some friends with family here from South Louisiana, Lafouche Parish to be exact--that's right where Gustav came ashore, so we definately want to say very special prayers for them, as they aren't sure what they will be going home to...
We will keep our eyes open and watch Hanna and now, Ike....

Back to School is....

Back to schools means a lot to different people--here are my thoughts...
Babies...the best part and the Brown Bear song that means the day is over...
Art projects--Ms. Sarah loves to finger paint
Crackers--the Goldfish variety...our favorite!!
Kid size cups and chairs....so cute

Teachers...need I say more.
Overtime--but we work for the state--overtime hours, but no overtime pay.

Smiles...
Cries...
Hugs...every morning!
Overjoyed mom's and dad's when we finally meet THAT goal that we worked so hard on!
Old McDonald and Wheels on the Bus and Itsy Bitsy Spider--EVERYDAY!
LOVE and lots and lots of it!

Welcome back my sweeties!

Back to School

Well...it is August--middle of Mississippi summer and HOT and it is time to go back to SCHOOL! Didnt' once upon a time, school start after Labor Day?? Though so... needless to say--last week was EXHAUSTING! Went to bed one night at 6:00...Chris asked if I was napping---nope in the bed to stay till the alarm went off the next morning! I have lots of new babies to see and a few old kiddos...This will be a great year--once we get schedules worked out and a routine established! WELCOME BACK!

Making Friends

Well...almost making friends...




My sweet Maggie just wants to play...especially when baby Dali thinks that white tip on Mags tail is he play toy. Then it gets a little hectic...Magster just doesn't realize she is quite bigger and HEAVIER than Dali...who ends up all pissed off and biting Maggie's ears and lips and belly...quite funny, but we don't let it go one too l ong. We are scared Maggie will get hurt--that's right big ol' Maggie. Dali is one tough kitty!

But I love my babies!!

Sarah and Chris go to Tennessee

Chris and I just returned from Tennessee from a visit with his parents. The trip to Tennessee was a bit of hard, but the joy of seeing Martha and Joe took over. Chris and I--well mostly Chris--did lots of work around the house. I know it is hard being so far away from his parents. He quite the landscaper and carpenter. We got to spend some alone time... we went to Downtown Chattanooga to our FAVORITE PLACE...The Big River Brewery and Grill...they were out of our favorite beer there, Sweet Magnolia Brown. (Maggie is named for this beer--perfect for her) But we found other things and still love the place. We were able to walk down to the Tennessee River. The minor league team, the Lookouts, were just finishing a game so we had fireworks...it really was a perfectly ROMANTICAL evening!
We also spent an afternoon friving up the Ocoee River, watching the rafters and kayakers. So fun to watch...not sure about actually getting out there and doing it, though. We drove up to Chilhowee National Park--up being UP A MOUNTAIN. There is a neat lake on top...and we made a good effort to walk to some waterfall...effort only because we had no water, and I was wearing my site-seeing by car only flip-flops...
Still had a great time....it is great to see Chris's face light up when he is in his "stomping ground." And it really is good for him to get to see his parents. You I have always heard "Watch how a man treats his mother!" I know that I am in very good hands! I LOVE YOU MY CHRISTOPHER!!

United Way website

I have tried to insert a clickable link--having trouble...or ignorance...but you can copy and paste from below!


www.unitedwaysems.org

A Little About United Way

I know lots of you hear about the United Way--especially around football season..It is my understanding that the NFL is a huge partner with United Way. Well United Way is at work everyday in our community.
I have the wonderful opportunity to work for a United Way Agency, The Children's Center for Communication and Development. There are many services that we would not be able to provide if it weren't for the United Way.
Ii is almost time for the Annual Campaign to raise money for our LOCAL United Way. Many of you work for companies that participate. I have heard "Oh, Im not giving...that money goes to some person far away." NOT TRUE!! The money you give stays LOCAL!!
SO, as the United Way campaign comes around, please consider donating...they make it easy. A Fair Share Giver is one who gives one-hour per month of their salary...so very doable!!! You won't even miss it and all of our hours really add up to help our community! Thanks...the thank you that you may get from a recepient will warm your heart and make it all worth it!

Gonna do better!

I am going to try to be a better poster....not that I will put any thought provoking or interesting posts up, it will give me an outlet to ask questions that may or may not get any answers and to say all those things I want to say without who ever is around tuning me out....does that all make sense....

Question for Today---

Who around me, other than my neighbor, has a wireless doorbell...It has to be within 75-100 feet of my receiver...can't figure this one out. I have been home a lot lately with school out, and several times a day I hear my front doorbell--I get all excited because I am BORED out of my mind that someone has come to see me, have lunch, grab a mid-day margarita, WHATEVER---but NO ONE AT THE DOOR. Either my building is haunted or someone close by keeps setting off my front door bell.--never the back, just the front. I have thought that maybe it is someone walking by, but no one is ever around--or any where close. SOOOOO, if you happen to drop by while I am off, come ring the BACK door! THen I will know it is for real--and we'll go to lunch!

Have a good day!

YEAH!!! THE BEACH!!

We just got back from a well deserved trip to the beach in Panama City...seven days of sand, sun, and fruity drinks--minus the umbrellas...GOOD TIMES!