Smile!

I got my family portraits today in the mail from Mom! We had these taken in May when I was home, so you can see it's taken quite awhile to get them and I am so excited! They're really nice! I definitely will be sharing.

Just seeing the black folder with the gold "Maineline Studio" emblem on the front brought multiple memories of high school back, as we all had our senior portraits done at this same studio, for me and Travis (my "twin" brother) over 10 years ago. They did a great job then and though a little slow, our family ones were no exception. Now, if you're really luck I'll share some of those senior shots, because now they would be pretty laughable!

Celebration Flip Flops

I was feeling a little crafty today. So I purchased some little water balloons at The Dollar Tree, took a pair of Charity's flip flops and threw together this simple creation. She's got a birthday party to attend tomorrow, so I thought they'd be cute. What's more appropriate at a birthday than balloons?? And these are better, you don't even have to blow them up! Also made a couple barrettes to match and a second set of barrettes for a friend's little girl who just had a birthday. Guess I've been spending too much time on Etsy.com . . . at least no purchase went on the credit card!

Warning . . . AGAIN!

During his visit to Wal*Mart this afternoon Dave just happened to notice the cheese slices are still on the shelf out in Seasonal section! It's only been 48 hours. I think I would have said something this time. I'm wondering how many have are missing from the display?? Yikes!! I would imagine eventually somebody will smell this error . . . Peeeeee-uuuuu!!

McCain & PALIN

Like most Republicans, I was kind of ho-hum about the upcoming election option. Not anymore, this is going to be exciting now. Especially when our next VP is someone as remarkable as Governor Sarah Palin!!

I nearly broke my leg running up over the stairs to tell Dave the news. Amazing! And those that say she doesn't have the experience, don't have kids. Because as far as I'm concerned, Mom's are the strongest and smartest people in the world! Check her out:

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Seriously, you may not want to purchase your cheese at the local Wal*Mart. This is what I found this morning . . . Yes, that is Kraft sliced cheese neatly stacked between the Pringles and the Bounty, far from any cooling system!! I had to take a closer look, see if this was some new product that didn't require refrigerating. Nope, right there on the side of every one of those boxes it says: KEEP REFRIGERATED!! Yes, only at Wal*Mart!! And I'm reminded again why I continue visiting this establishment, nope not for it's low prices . . . just for the pure entertainment of the experience!!

Want a Job?

This email arrived in my inbox. I'm beginning to wonder if they are any "real" jobs out there and how I'm going to get one. I've run into so many scams. Crazy . . . someone needs to put a stop to this . . . and certainly stop wasting my time!!!

It's long and boring, but skim it. You'll get the just of it . . . S*C*A*M!!! And the letter read:

Mrs. Cook,

Your resume have been received at CareerBuilder and we would like to offer you an Administrative Assistant position in our company.Our company specializes on purchase and resale of products in such spheres of industry as: Electronics, Chemical Products, Expensive Construction Materials and Manufactured Goods. The market of our activity includes the distributed networks consisting of the international auctions as on the Internet and locally. Through our networks we constantly receive new orders both for purchase and for sale. At present we require Administrative Assistant of our company in the countries where we conduct our business through our networks.

Assistant's work consists of receiving company's financial assets to the assistant's account and forwarding of funds according to our instructions. It will be receiving payments for the items from our customers and forwarding such payments to our representatives or to the seller directly.

We have 2 reasons that made us start the hiring program of the Administrative Assistants:

1. Due to elite position of services given by the Swiss banks and a great demand for these services in the field of storage of financial assets, Switzerland has very exacting and inconvenient rules and high commission fees for bank transfer services. It is highly appreciated for the purposes of safety of financial assets but it is very inconvenient for conducting trading business.

Our Legal colleagues International Financial and Law Consulting House:Price Water House Coopers suggested us to use as a variant of tax and financial planning the following scheme: the Agency agreements with representatives in the countries of business dealing for cooperation on the basis of the commission rate.

2. As said above, our activity includes constant financial streams in connection with conducting the international business transactions so the second reason of starting our hiring program is the expediency of acceptance of payments for our services to the bank accounts of our Assistants in the country of the buyer, then as a rule funds should be forwarded to our other partners as payment for the services or in order to purchase the necessary items. The given program helps us to operate quickly with streams of funds and to send them in a direction necessary for us avoiding HIGH COMMISSION FEES and LONG TIME TRANSFER EXPENSES of the SWISS BANKS.

Also your assistance is required because if we had used international bank transfer it could take more than 3-5 days, but if the payment is sent to an account within the same country it takes no more than a single business day.

Such scheme allows us to accelerate the whole payment process also giving us an opportunity to ship the items to the customers faster than any other competitive companies because speed and customers' satisfaction are vital for our business.

Assistant receives 10 from the amount that has been successfully forwarded to the receiver. The 10 commission can be retrieved immediately after the amount has been received by Assistant. Usually there are 2-3 payments being sent during a week.

Cooperation in such form does not mean constant and regular transactions through your bank account. The given action is directed to find and check an executive, fair and responsible person for further cooperation with our company.

First of all we suggest a trial period to become acquainted with us and the given kind of business.The given scheme of cooperation is simple enough, and we are ready to pay well for this work.First month your income will be about $3,000, then it will be increasing for about $500 each month up to $8,000 per month. There is a trial period of time for you in our company (first 2 years). After that you'll be offered a new position of Project Manager (salary from $2,5k/week).

You do not need any special education or experience to be hired. But please notice that only honest, responsible and punctual people are required for this work. You will have to forward the funds you will receive within 12 hours since the moment the funds are available for withdrawing. Payment inquires and notifications will be sent before each payment is sent and the payment is always sent only after Assistant's readiness confirmation. If payment is delayed for more than 12 business hours the Assistant's commission will be cancelled and the funds should be sent without any revenue for Assistant. If the payment is delayed for more than 24 business hours the contract with Assistant will be terminated also and if the payment is not sent within 48 business hours police and authorities will be involved.

All the information provided to us will be used for our cooperation only and will not be ever disclosed to 3rd parties or companies with the exception of your account number (it will be sent to our customers for issuing payments to it). You can either open new account or use an existing one for receiving the payments.

If you are interested and wish to test your abilities in this occupation feel free to send us an email to . . . blah, blah, blah . . .

Sincerely,
Eric L.
G***** Financial Trading Group
Do I look like a moron?

A-E-I-O-U

Remnants of a learning Kindergarten:
I found this "Vowel Towel" on the bathroom sink today. Only a mom has to snap a picture before throwing in away!

A Day Off

Oh, thank God! He knows what this momma can handle. I want to work, but tonight has been an emotional doozie for Charity and I! And she took longer getting to sleep tonight. When I finally got her asleep, I got up to start preparing for tomorrow (ironing, printing off directions, etc . . .) and got the message that I won't have to work tomorrow. Hallelujah!

Charity also got her second warning today at school. Something about Tuesdays, I guess. She got one last week Tuesday, too. Uuuggg! A big pile of homework to boot! Man, I've had all I can handle for one day, I need a day off! :P Ha!! You know, because I work so much!

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well (get a tissue!)

I came across this poem the other day on another blog I read. It killed me! :( So sad, but so real! Most appropriate for this time in my life. And then today . . . I had to post it.

But first, let me explain what happened:

Today after school was cheerleading, which Charity was "wanted" to do. Dave didn't think she'd do it, I just tried to just encourage her and hope we don't have too many hiccups along the way.

One minute she wants to do it, the next minute she's stressed out beyond belief about where to go and what to do after school. I called the coach yesterday just to find out all the details: they'll call the cheerleaders and bring them to the Multi-purpose Room where first they'll let them change and then they'll practice. Coach said just make sure she pays attention. Oh dear! Charity!?!?! Pay attention?!?!

This morning she was still worrying about what exactly to do. We assured her, she'd be fine. I also put a note in her folder to her teacher, reminding her that she's going to cheerleading, just in case she still sitting there in the hall and misses the call.

You know what this mommy was doing at 2:45pm? Fasting, praying, interceding . . . hoping she catches where to go, what to do. Hoping she doesn't get left sitting there. Hoping she doesn't think I'm coming to get her. By 3:30pm, I minimally calmed my own nerves realizing if something would have happened surely I would have been notified by this time.

Fast forward to this evening:
Of course, you know what happened . . . she heard them call cheerleaders and still wasn't sure what to do. So eventually a coach came and got her sitting alone there in the hall. And now she doesn't want to do cheerleading.

On top of that she got confused about her rest blanket?!?! I don't know, thought she was supposed to bring it home today!?!?! No, that's Friday. So the poor little thing had an emotional break-down this evening. All this was just too much for her!

I think I've got her all set straight now after much, much, much positive talk. But, man! Daddy said, isn't it always the little things that seem so big and overwhelming? True, they can set off your whole day. Which is why we're doing our best to encourage her to overcome these minuscule dilemmas. For when we arrived there to pick her up she looked like she couldn't have been happier, doing all those cool moves to that funky music!

I'm sure she'll be fine. Just part of growing up, as hard as it is. Releasing her, let her go and grow.

Charity, I hope you always know that when you hit these little bumps in your road of life, that you've got your biggest cheerleaders here at home rooting for you all way and better yet, Jesus watching over from above!!

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well
Author: Victor Buono

Dear World: I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long...and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sun when she runs.

I trust you'll treat her well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning...and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now she'll learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells...and deadlines...and she'll learn to giggle...and gossip...and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things...like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friends is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes.

For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and mother and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers...which is only right. But no longer will I be the smartest woman in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time...she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group...with all its privileges and its disadvantages too.

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud...or kiss dogs...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer. Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.

So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.

I trust you'll treat her well.

Tuesday Tidbit

I'm in love with this bag by Juicy Couture. So pink, feminine, a strawberry for sweetness and a big, ole bow on the side!! Love it!!
Can't wait until I have a job, so I have a little extra spending cash!! (Wait, let me rephrase that, I can wait until I have a job, but don't like not having the extra spending cash!) One day closer though: tomorrow I'm going on an assignment in Franklin for staffing company. It's pretty far, not much money and only one day, but you never know . . .

Routine'd

It happened like clockwork today. Monday morning! Wow!

Dave woke Charity up as I finished showering, she got herself dressed as I finished getting ready, Charity ate breakfast (an apple!) as I packed her bag, then we left and even were at school on time!! Things are falling into a routine. And I barely heard any whining or crying about being tired or not wanting to go to school. Even after a late church night last night, so glad we took that nap!!

Never thought me and my child would be able to pull this off. Since we've never in her 5 years of existence had any type of consistent schedule. But we're doing it. Welcome to the new chapter!!3rd week of school . . . not too shabby!

Until 2012

The 2008 Summer Olympics have officially come to a close. I'm a little sad since they've been keeping me good company during the day while Charity's at school.

Not sure what I'm going to do this week without them . . . maybe I'll actually get a job!! Wouldn't that be great!!

Go Eagles and Etsy!!

Got the "custom, school team spirit, personalized, embroidered, streamer pony-o" today I ordered from http://www.etsy.com/ for Charity. I love Etsy, if you haven't checked it out, you've got to! It's all handmade treasures, everything and anything made by hand. I get lots of crafty ideas there, but sometimes there's things I'm not able to make, like embroidered items, and I have to purchase.

I got this creation from Anita/Yellow Brick Road Boutique. It's beautiful and very meticulously crafted!! That NCS orange color is not really my favorite color, so my idea is to add cute hair things to make it more tolerable. It's slowly growing on me. And this cute pony-o will definitely compliment that bright orange polo!

Thank you, Anita, for sharing your talent!!

Another Interview

I've got another interview, today. I'm a little suspicious, a Saturday interview and they never called. Only communicate via email. Different. However, it's in Bellevue, so I'll check it out. Can't beat the commute, but still thinking this is odd. Won't give too many details, just it case I get a real interesting story out of it.

My Little Morningbird

Woke up this morning, thought a bird was in our house. Tweeeeeeeet! Tweeeeeeeeeeeet! Tweet! Tweet! Tweeeeeeeet! Tweeeeeet!

Dave was sound asleep beside me and I thought Charity was surely still sleeping, so I arose to investigate the situation. Started to head out of the bedroom, but before I got out the door realized it was coming from our bathroom. Turned around, back to the bathroom.
There was Ms. Charity, wide awake, whistling louder and longer than I'd ever heard her whistle before. Of course, 7 AM Saturday morning!! Lovely!! And it got me up out of bed!! Lovelier!! Had she been practicing all night? Obviously not or she would not have been so "chipper"! Last night she crashed in her bed at 9 PM, sound asleep before I went in to read her a story and shut her light out.

Funny how when you learn something new, you discover it first thing in the morning, sometimes, I guess. Good thing I went to bed shortly after Charity, or I probably wouldn't have been enjoying her new found talent so early this morning!! My little night owl is turning into a morningbird!!

~ Morningbird (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia): The Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) is a species of whistler in the family Pachycephalidae. ~

A Futterfly Friend

I did have to get out. But it was all good. Dave and I came home and took a nap. I was able to recoup from our blistering travels. Had to get Charity from school and since Dave had the day off, we told Charity we'd take her to do something fun after school. So for the 3rd time this summer, we headed down to Bicentennial Mall to play in the fountains, only (for the 3rd time this summer!) to find they weren't on. So annoying, not sure what the deal with that is.

So we headed to the little Fannie Mae Dees Park with the squirting little giraffe for some H2O refreshment. While there Charity made a little friend.

Look! A Butterfly!!

Meet my friend!!

He vs. Me

Okay, so here's a big difference between Dave and I: He can't stand being bored for even one minute. Me on the other hand, I love being bored, as it doesn't happen very often.

So this morning when we dropped our car off and it was going to take 2 hours, instead of 45 minutes as we thought, Dave immediately knew he couldn't tolerate sitting there in that little waiting area for that amount of time.

What he said, "Let's take a little walk." (Next time, I'll ask him exactly what he means by "little". Because the journey we took yesterday, was far from little!)

We headed out from Firestone, walked completely around the perimeter of the Bellevue Center. Crossed the busy street, thought we'd get some breakfast at Jack In The Box, then remembered there was a Shoney's "just down the street a little more". Ha!! But what was a little more after the hike we'd already endured. So on we continued.

After our Shoney's breakfast as we headed back, the Firestone people called us and said our car was finished. Perfect timing, in Dave's view! Not one bored second! Tired and exhausted I arrived at our new-tired car. Sorry, Dave, but don't look to me for anymore exciting adventures today. I think I'll be spending the rest of your day off doing nothing . . . being bored!!

Our Journey

Just Call Me Martha Stewart

Wow! I can't believe how much I got accomplished today! Yay!! I sure wish I was this motivated everyday. Wish I could bottle some up and take a little out everyday, especially on those days when I don't feel like doing anything!

1st - Washed, ironed and re-hung my bedroom curtains. This hasn't been done in, well, I won't admit that, but it's been awhile.

While the curtains were washing I made Charity an orange bow and a set of matching orange bows, while looking for jobs online.
Vacuumed out our entire walk-in closet taking out everything and getting underneath all the clothes and shoes that never get moved. Dust is going DOWN!! :D

Washed, ironed and starched the duvet cover. I mean, I wash it all the time, but who irons and starches these things? Martha? P-leeeaaaase, don't take the wind out of my sail if you do this on a weekly basis . . . :p I sure don't.

I think that's about it. Doesn't look like a whole lot in writing, but it sure took awhile. And I'm proud!! Next week I'll attached those nasty sheers atop our bed. They get sooooo dusty. And it's so much work washing them and getting them back up. Uuuuugggg!! Well, that's next week project. Dave has tomorrow off, so we're planning on doing a whole lot of nothing, well relaxing and a few needed errands. So I have no excuse for not being full of energy and ready to get back to cleaning on Monday morning!!

Get 'er done!!

Why do one thing, when you can do three? Just call me the Multi-Tasking Queen!!! Or is that just unfocused?!? I was laughing at myself when Dave popped his head in my office today and asked me what I was doing. Had to stop and think to answer him.

Looking for jobs online, making bows for Charity, and mending the bedroom valance (something that needed to be done years ago!) In between these tasks I also was staying atop the laundry: washing, drying and folding.

I definitely shouldn't label this post "A Day In The Life of Me", because if you know me or follow my blog, you know this is nothing like my typical day!!

All By Myself

I gave myself mucho kudos for holding it all in as Charity headed off into the big, bad world and started Kindergarten. Thought I was so strong, so together. I can do this Mom thing!! Until today . . . it all came crashing down, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I had to go talk with Dave about this one, I just needed some moral support before I curled up in the corner and cried! My little girl is growing up, getting so big, so independent, so un-reliant on mommy everyday. Sometimes I push her in that direction and then other times, I think, what am I doing? Reminds me of my favorite book, "Let Me Hold You Longer", that say to cherish their lasts. Unfortunately, it's harder than it sounds, because we never know when those lasts will be, thus the reason we need to cherish every moment.

Well, I have to say Sunday we had a last and I didn't even realize it. I regret the thought, "Do I ever get any me time?" and "I wish I had more room." and "Please stay off my feet." and "Can't I even take a shower . . ." Because today Charity decided she wanted to take her shower all by herself! Is this allowed at 5? Of course, I stayed right in the bathroom with her making sure she was okay. But when she got out, she was beaming more than just from being clean. She couldn't wait to tell her Daddy how grown-up she was! As I, her mother, crumbled at another last gone past.

Waitressin' @ Waffle House

There's only 4 jobs in the Administrative/Support Services section of the Sunday paper, previously a list that used to be columns and columns long. I told Dave I'll be waiting tables at Waffles House soon. He said I would stay home before that happened. I love Him to pieces!! xo xo xo

Monday Morning

Here's me this morning . . . I don't like Mondays and 6AM!!!!
Where did the weekend go, anyway!?!?!

Washed By The Water

I love music . . . and I love it when people are passionate about what they do. So I really, really love passionate music people!!! NEEDTOBREATHE is a group of 4 guys that are just that. I heard their song, "Washed by the Water" a few months back and loved it. Kinda' forgot about it until just recently and stumbled upon the music video! I LOVE it and haven't stopped listening to it since! I am dying to see these guys in concert!! September 27th they'll be in Nashville, wanna' go!?!?

To Deana and Mark

Today's a very special day for my dear friend, Deana! I'm so happy our paths crossed in a small town on the coast of Maine, now our time there is just a chapter in our lives' book. You are a truly amazing woman handling with grace and strength what life has given you. I'm so happy for you, but sadden that I'm not able to be there to witness this joyous occasion. None the less, Dave, Charity and I wish you the best on your new journey! God bless you! We love you so much!!

P.S. . . . and we can't wait until you come visit us in Nashville and sign that record deal!! :)

The "Beary" First Week . . .

. . . was so "beary" much fun!! We love Kindergarten!!

To celebrate we headed to the Monkey Tree House right after school, since Charity's been begging to go there for months now. Figured it would be a good "get-through-the-first-week" incentive. She enjoyed it!

Dad was off to Men's Conference, so we ran by Papa Murphy's and got a take 'n' bake pizza. It was pretty good. I've heard a few folks rave about these. Ummm, I'm sad to admit, I'm not sure what the big deal is. It worked out well for dinner this evening since we were in that area and we had a coupon. But I don't think I'd drive over there just for a pizza I have to bake myself. I know, lazy! What can I say?!?!

Enjoy your weekend!! :o)

I'm Underpaid!!

The Price of A Mom: $138,095
A new report assigns a salary to a stay-at-home mother, based on the jobs she does in a normal week.
-by MSN Money Staff-

What's a mom worth?

According to one new report, $138,095 a year.

That's the figure in a report by Salary.com, which calculates the wages that would have been paid a stay-at-home mom in 2007 if she were compensated for all the elements of her "job." That total is up 3% from 2006's salary of $134,121.

Moms who have jobs outside the house would earn another $85,939 for their mothering work, beyond what they bring home in existing salary.

The job descriptions that Salary.com used to determine a mom's salary includes 10 jobs that moms do on an average day: housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, CEO and psychologist.

In calculating a mom's wages, Salary.com looked at the "overtime" that both working and stay-at-home moms put in each week.

"Mom works multiple jobs and rarely gets a break from the action, working an average of 52 hours of overtime," said Bill Coleman, senior vice president at Salary.com, in a statement.

Teddy Bear Picnic

It's going to be a fun day at Kindergarten today!

Picnic time for teddy bears
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today
Watch them, catch them unawares
And see them picnic on their holiday.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain,
because Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Bad Habits

I am happy to report I didn't hear "I don't want to go to school". today!! Nope, not once. However, lying in bed tonight, she says: "I don't want to go to the Teddy Bear Picnic." What did we do wrong?!?!? Does she like hanging out with her mom, dad and gramma that much. Tomorrow the kindergartens get to bring their teddy bear to school and eat outside. How fun! Why would any 5 year-old want to miss this event? Unbelievable . . . . sooooo,

I'm thinking that this little quote has become a habit . . . a habit that we'll be cracking real soon!

We were wondering . . .

Okay, just in case you been catching up on the happenings in Beijing as Dave and I have each night, you may have been wondering about this too. I know we questioned it and think this is pretty neat that someone addressed the issue and it's quite entertaining reading. What did I say about not taking much to impress unemployed me?!?!
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008 * 12:31 pm EDT
The Mystery of the Showering Divers
By Chris Chase Over the last three nights, NBC has led its primetime Olympic coverage with synchronized diving. According to the stacks of letters that have poured into the Fourth-Place Medal Investigative Unit Headquarters, you've all been watching but are baffled by one facet of the competition. In that case, you're in the right place. After successful forays into the cases of Cullen Jones' disappearance and the identity of the hot Paraguayan, Fourth-Place Medal will today tackle the mystery of the showering divers.

After completing a dive, competitors swim to a ladder, climb out of the pool and head immediately to a bank of showers that sit adjacent to the diving boards. Then, in full view of the crowd and NBC cameras, they shower off. Divers keep their suits on, of course, usually appearing only to rinse off their hair and arms. Oftentimes, the divers will receive their scores while still showering off. What's the purpose of this?

Theories have ranged from 'to get the chlorine off' to 'they want to have fun' -- seriously, that last one is a direct quote from NBC's diving analyst, Cynthia Potter. Neither are the reason.

Divers shower in between each dive to keep their muscles warm after getting out of the pool.

The temperature of the pool water and the air are usually different (the pool is usually around 80 degrees, with the air temperature between 68 and 72 degrees). This difference can cause muscle tightness. To combat this, divers warm up in either the showers or a hot tub.

Mystery: solved. (Although we're still a bit unclear as to why the showers are out in the open.The water cube cost over $200 million to build. They couldn't have put a privacy wall in?!)

Photo via Getty Images

I ♥ Zappos.com!!

It was only after a rather lengthy search we found Charity the perfect pair of new school sneakers, well almost perfect. I first spotted them at Sears, but they we a little high in price. However, since I am not a sneaker-wearer and am known for purchasing Charity cute, but blister-causing shoes, I told Dave he was in charge of this task. He first statement, "They need to be comfortable." We also knew it didn't need to be something she would have to worry about coming untied at school. He agreed the Sketchers at Sears would do the trick, fitting both descriptions. And I liked them because they weren't white, though it matches better, these won't look so dingy at the end of the school year. Before making the final purchase at Sears, I looked online to be certain this is what we really wanted, then waited for a little sale at Sears and headed out to make our one-a-year sneaker purchase.

Charity currently wears an 11, so I figured we'd go with a 12. Tried the 12's on . . . too, too big. Okay so an 11.5. Nope. Sears doesn't care 0.5 sizes. From my online research I knew they came in an 11.5 and since those 12's were flopping all over the place, I knew we wouldn't be going home with those sneakers from Sears.

Back online, and I don't know how I missed it, but maybe assuming shipping would be additional, I found the same sneaks at Zappos.com for less!! And free shipping!! Whoo-hoo!! I have never ordered from Zappos.com, but everything I've read and heard has been awesome. And my experience was no difference.

I ordered the sneakers Sunday night . . . really late. Had the sneakers Tuesday afternoon! And I was stressing we wouldn't have them in time for school! I was amazed! But it gets better . . .

Charity wore her lovely new kix Friday 1/2 day, Monday all day, and Tuesday all day. When she got home on Tuesday her elastic lace had broken! How could this happen?! 2 1/2 days!?! Sketchers!?! You would think they would hold up better than that.

Stupid me thinking Zappos.com wouldn't take care of this issue, calls Sketchers directly. Oh yeah, that was production . . . NOT! Well, she did tell me I would have better luck if I contacted the merchant whom I purchased them from. But if they didn't help me, I would have to mail them to their warehouse, where they would evaluate them for defects. Whatever? 4-6 weeks without sneakers, right?!?!

Next call: Zappos.com. Whoowwww! What a difference! I just can't say enough good stuff about them! The phone message is even awesome. I didn't wait hardly a minute (forever on hold with Sketchers). Spoke with Stacey who was glad to exchange them, for anything of equal value without hardly any exclamation, however they were out of 11.5. I asked her if I could get a refund, since this was the pair we really wanted. So she did without hesitation. I figured I would need to mail back the sneakers, so I asked if I needed to go online to print a return label. Stacey said, "You can just throw them away." I couldn't thank her enough. I couldn't believe they would completely refund my money and let me keep the broken sneaker! Because for $38 I can't fix them, but for free, I'll figure out how!!

The moral of the story: Buy your shoes at http://www.zappos.com/!! They truly are "Powered by Service". It's not just a cute quote to sell more shoes. They really rock!!!

Progress

We're getting there! Charity did pretty well with drop-off this morning. I tried to say good-bye at the end of the sidewalk, but she made me walk all the way up to the door. I showed her where one of her fellow classmates was being dropped off out of his car. And then her turned and yelled, "Bye, Mom!" So I think, she thinks that neat. We'll attempt that next week, hopefully!

I think I only heard, "I don't want to go to school." twice this morning. So that's good. Considering she had her shortest amount of sleep ever (since starting school), I've always said she didn't require that much sleep. But we'll see what we pick up after school . . . probably a little bear!! Daddy had to go into the office today, so he woke her up even earlier than I do, since he left the house at 6:30am, and that's about when I wake her up.

I'm off to an Office Team interview, they're another temporary/permanent staffing company. The guy I talked with on the phone was slightly unprofessional, so I'm not really sure I have too good a feeling about it, though this is a large national franchise. Dave reminded to trust God . . . He knows!

Growing Weary

I am super tired. I didn't sleep hardly a wink last night. Dave got up around 4:30am and I was lying there wide awake. "One of those nights?" He asked. Oh yes, and in the worst way.

Not sure what my problem is. Though I do know sometimes when my anxiety hits an all-time high, it negatively effects my ability to sleep. I have been in the mully grubs lately. And this job situation, just gets the best of me some days. I wouldn't wanted to miss Charity's first day of school for any job. I just have to remind myself this is the first week. A job will come! Uuuuuggg!

But, I do thank God Gramma isn't having to go through what I'm going through. Charity is making it soooo hard to go to school. She fusses and cries most of the morning and then she's horrible after school. I know she completely exhausted with the new schedule. But she's been asleep no later than 8:30pm every night, except tonight it was closer to 9 (making me all stressed out for what tomorrow will hold). I can't wait until it's darker earlier and this "new" schedule happens like clockwork!

Despite her "cranky" streak, she did an awesome drop-off outside the building this morning instead of inside. We're slowly inching towards "total" car drop off, where she'll just jump out of the car and walk inside to her classroom by herself, much different than that first day when I was beginning to wonder if I was going to get to leave! And pick-up this afternoon happened without a hitch. And she loved it!! She was so stressed out about it, but of course, it was fine!! Now, if we just don't have to hear, "I don't want to go to school" a hundred times between the time she leaves in the afternoon until the time she goes in the morning, it would be awesome. But somehow, I think we're going to make it through.

For now, I'm going to get some sleep . . . I know that will help a whole lot too!

He Just Knows

I am so glad God knows our stupidest little desires! He is such a good God to provide our needs, as well as the things that maybe aren't so important.

When Bro. Jerry and Sis. T were here for Asian Conference, they forgot to pack Bro. Jerry's dress pants. The next day, Sis. T ran out and picked Bro. Jerry a few pairs up at Goodwill. Only 1 of the 3 pairs she chose worked for him. When they left Sunday night, she told me I could exchange the two remaining pairs for whatever. :)

Well, I figured today rather than sit around another day and mope about not having a job, I would go on a $13.00 shopping spree at Goodwill! Unemployed people aren't hard to please! :p

For some reason, they had an unusual amount of new handbags? I began scoping them out, when I came across this one. I have been looking for a patent blue bag for some time now . . . and this one at Goodwill was new with the tag still attached for just $6.99!! It's not any great brand or anything. But oooohhhh, it just made me so happy! Just what I had been looking for! Yippee!!

I also found a Copper Key dress for Charity for $2.49 and a skirt and matching t-shirt for me. I did have to shell out an additional $4.00 on top of the exchange. But for 4 things and the bag I've been looking for, I couldn't have been more excited!

As I headed off for my next errand, I couldn't help but think God blessed my shopping spree! He just knows what I need to lift my spirits. And if it takes a cute little bag, He'll put it my path! So I must trust Him and know that if He can do this simple thing, that finding me the perfect job won't be an issue either. Thank you, Jesus!

Gymnastics Superstars 2008 Tour

Trying to remember to get tickets for this . . . Charity will love it! She's our little gymnast, starting her second season in the Fall. She hasn't been able to watch many of the Olympic gymnastic competitions since they've been on after her bedtime or while she's at school.
Date: Oct 16, '08 7:30pm

Tickets go on sale Sunday, Aug 3 at 10am

Event Website: www.gymnasticssuperstars.com

The Sommet Center will be hosting the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars on October 16, 2008 featuring Paul Hamm, Morgan Hamm, Shawn Johnson, Nastia Liukin, Kevin Tan, Justin Spring, Chellsie Memmel, Shannon Miller, Jonathan Horton, Joseph Hagerty, and Blaine Wilson with special musical performances from KSM, Jordan Pruitt featuring songs from Disney Girlz Rock 2.

The 1st Full Day

I found this on the wall upon dropping Charity off for her first full day today! :) I'm glad she's smiling in the picture and the self-portrait. That's a good sign!

TO -mA-toe, TO-ma-toe

Who knew you could have so much fun with friends and tomatoes?

After Charity and I checked on Mason this morning, did a little yard sale-ing, Mysty called and invited me to the 2008 Tomato Art Festival in East Nashville. I went home, cleaned the downstairs, took a shower, mending and ironing the dress I wore!, and Mysty met us around noon at our house.
Costumes were encouraged. Do you like this lady's? Notice her shirt . . . Tow Mater!!! :D Too cute! Ha!

It was a part of Nashville Dave and I had never been to, but definitely will revisit. So cute and artsy. The festival was very tomato-y! The area and the people reminded us so much of Bar Harbor, Maine where we spent 6 years before moving to Tennessee. Neat little boutiques, like The Hip Zipper and unique eateries, like Margot Cafe and Bar (that I can wait to try because my middle name just happens to be the same, no, not Cafe and Bar, but Margo without the t!) and PizzeREAL, where we were able to enjoy a delicious pepperoni pizza lunch. Yummm!! Definitely a very cool place! I loved all the tomato take on things and we visited an art gallery with all tomato art (for Mysty the art lover). Charity even got an icee, so that made her day! Why does he always look so "impressed" when I'm taking his picture? Maybe because I was keeping him from biting into a piece of piping, hot pepperoni pizza? I don't know?

We just happen to have Mysty's favorite movie in our possession from Netflix: Dan in Real Life. So we invited her to hang out and watch it for her 12th time. Had a little salad for dinner and some coffee ice cream for dessert and our Saturday came to a peaceful close.

I just got Charity to bed trying to stick with the early bedtime, this new chapter. Tomorrow it's up really early to take care of Mason before church, so I think I'm off to bed too!

Good night!

Back-To-School Bash = Answer to Prayer

After our journey home from Lillie Belle's, it was a 10 minute rest on the couch, and then we were off for our next engagement: Nashville Christian's Back-to-School Bash.

This fun-filled family event was an awesome way for us to get to know more families at Charity's school and also we got to hang out our dear friends, Jerry and Allison (who I might add, have helped me so much with all my silly questions during this whole entire process. I pretty much owe Allison my life for all my pestering over the past week or so! Love you, Allison!! :)

We had a scrumptious dinner, free, since this is our first year! That made it even yummier!!There was a football scrimmage, bouncy house, face painting, snow cones, etc. . . for the kiddos.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect and as we walked toward the car I couldn't feel more certain we've done the right thing in sending Charity to school there. Getting in the car, Dave said to me, "We need to pray God provides for Charity to go next year." I nearly leaped for joy!!! If you've read previously you know I've been waiting for Dave to be on the same page with me about this! Yay!! Only 1/2 day and a Back-to-School Bash and we're there! Thank you, God!! Now . . . I just need a job to make it totally possible!! God will do it!!

Eagles Rock!!