Short and Sweet

Tuesday morning came too early! After removing a pointy, little knee from my back, I headed to the shower to start another day. Fortunately, the winter weather has moved on and the day dawned crisp and sunny! Fortunately for us, we were early enough to miss the long lines of traffic at A.L. Lotts and Wilma always squeezes us in before stopping traffic. She is one of the many blessings I take for granted. She always has a warm, friendly smile and a quick wave to start our morning. I am inspired by people who enjoy what they do and share their happiness.

Sam and Addie scooted out the door and into the school. As I drove away, I was struck by how much I will miss these seemingly "little things" as they grow up. Elementary school is such an important place in a child's life. Safe, loving, challenging, celebrating, and nurturing-the foundation of learning is built on such things.

After school, Addie had a soccer game. Her team won 8-0! Addie's good friend and neighbor, Taylor joined us to cheer her on! Then it was off to Webb to watch Drew run the mile and the half mile. His time on the mile was 4:58. Now it's a mental thing with him to get his time whittled down even more. I think he knows he's a good runner at last, so it will be fun watching him challenge himself. I am so grateful to have healthy children who can participate in sports.

Dinner consisted of McDonalds drive-thru burgers, then home at last (9:00) for Addie's quickie shower and bed. Thank goodness for TiVo. Chelcie and I caught American Idol - Mariah Carey night, and David Archeletta is still our favorite.

Brrr! Old Man Winter's Not Dead Yet!

Monday's Highlights - My day started off on the right foot today because my friend, Suzanne has given me an awesome devotional book entitled, Daily Light. Keeping my thoughts focused on the "big picture" is a challenge for me, but starting the day with my Savior makes everything fall into its proper place.

School for all but Tom today. I got a late start this morning, so Tom took Addie and Sam to school for me so I would have time to make my Monday morning copies. After school, Chelcie picked me up and filled me in on the "tux shopping" details. She met Trevor at the Tux store to pick out the perfect tux. She is excited about her senior prom because she is going with a great guy!

We are working on Contemporary Poets at school so I thought I'd throw in a few pix of "my school kids" for memory's sake. Today is my nephew Charlie's 14th birthday, so happy birthday Lil' Chuck!

Tom went to show a house this evening, so the kids, sans Drew, and I went to Moe's for our usual dinner. On the way home, we decided to drive-thru Sonic for some pellet ice and hot fudge sundaes. Addie said, "Man, I can't take anymore! I had a McFlurry today!" Like we were going to force ice cream down her throat! Chelcie and I were cracking up when about Addie's funny comment when Sam reported that Jacob B. said he was going to hit Tyler in his "fluffy." On further probing, we discovered that "fluffy" is another word for penis. Oh my! The things they learn in school!!! No wonder homeschooling is all the rage these days!

Drew and Dane have been checking out the Facebook babes on the computer this afternoon.

This is a been a day filled with blessings!

Another Beautiful Weekend!

Wow! What a glorious day! The day started with Addie's soccer game. We had to have her at the field at 7:45. Her team was scheduled to play her "old team" coached by the notorious Coach Blake! She was geared up and ready for action. Much to her disappointment, Coach Tony had her on defense for two quarters of the game. She played great and prevented many goals from being scored, but didn't get the opportunity to score the 5 goals she'd dreamed of scoring. The fourth quarter brought a little more action, but not in time. The mighty Hurricanes fell to Girl Power by a score of 3-2.

I headed down to Webster's for a little chat with my good friend, Dean and my right hand "man," Anderson. We talked a lot of business about what it means to be a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Ugh! Not exactly my area of expertise, but thank the Lord, it IS Anderson's and Dean's area of expertise! I am grateful for the folks who have answered the whisper of God's call to be part of this dream.

On the way back home, I picked up Sam's buddy, Evan, and they spent much of the afternoon comparing their Pokemon cards and running around in the yard. We did have a little impromptu baseball game in the driveway. All too soon, Evan's mom, Amy, came to pick him up for his baseball game. Fortunately, we had him all warmed up and ready to play! We made plans for Sam to go home with Evan on Thursday after school. Right after Evan left, Sam made a new friend-a baby caterpillar! He had a great time looking at him through the magnifying glass he received as a birthday gift from his friend, Anthony.

Addie went to Morgan's to spend the night. Drew, Clayton, and Andrew headed out to play a little frisbee golf, and Chelcie was chilling at Mimi's house. My favorite math teacher, her daughter, Katrina, Sam, and I went for a walk/bike ride to Weigles this afternoon. We couldn't get over how breathtakingly beautiful the day was! Sam had a blast riding his bike down the road, stopping at all the intersections, but giving me a heart-attack everytime he turned his head to look back at me. (He tended to veer toward traffic)! Once we got home from our walk, five of the six Crawfords loaded up the car and headed down to Koko's for a little chicken and rice. Addie was the only one not with us and her presence at the table was missed!

Drew had Andrew spend the night and Chelcie headed out to meet Cassie's Auburn roommate. The big boys rented a movie, Tom worked on the computer, and Sam and I headed to bed after reading a couple of spooky stories about the "hairy toe"

Sunday was a day of church, rest, and grading papers! We roused ourselves early for the 9:00 service. Abby joined us for church this morning. Pastor Scott has been answering "tough questions" from the Bible. Today five people prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. Scott boldly proclaimed that Jesus is THE ONLY way to heaven. A man from the end of my row prayed to receive Christ and I was reminded of my responsiblity to love everyone like Jesus would. After church, we grabbed a quick bite at Panera. Tom and the big kids headed to Chattanooga to meet with the team going to Nicaragua this summer on a mission trip. I wanted to go too, but we couldn't get in touch with Addie to make arrangements for her to stay at Morgan's after the birthday party this afternoon. Sam and I worked on "W" homework and enjoyed being together at home. Tom relaxed on the couch, a rare happening for him, by watching the Masters. Addie crashed after Hannah's birthday party at Jumpity Jump. Turns out Hannah's dad is a guy i went to high school with way back in the old days. Kinda nice to know that I haven't changed that much...I think.

Two in a Row? What's up with that?

Okay, so maybe the idea of documenting life is slightly addicting. That, accompanied by the fact that I have 38 minutes of TCAP testing time to kill means that I am off to a good start. Addie, my little fashion "diva"skipped off to school in her lacy black shoes and black polka-dotted wrap over her denim shorts and white t-shirt. This was the outfit of choice after deciding that the black capris were just "too much black!" Sam, of course, went to school in his "Thing 2" shirt that he slept in last night! Today was Tom's last day of Car Door Duty, so he was up and out the door with kids in tow early. I headed to Panera Bread for my Friday sunrise breakfast with folks from West Valley. Suzanne, Lisa, Phil, Sherry, Vickie, Angel, and Nancy shared some laughs along with our bagels to start the day off with a smile.

Brief highlights from the day:

Tom, Addie, Sam and I were watching the Masters this afternoon, and Addie said that Tiger should be wearing an orange shirt. When Tom asked her why, she said, "'Cause Tigers are orange, Dad!" I haven't seen Chelcie all day. She's hanging out at Sarah Hope's house. Drew went to Hooters (what a wholesome place for my young son to dine!) and Laser Quest with a friend. Tom and I watched the storm roll in on Doppler radar and assured Addie and Sam that Anderson County is far away from our house.

I'm finished with TCAPs for this year! Now maybe I can rediscover what it means to actually TEACH again! I got to play in a staff vs. students volleyball game, and we won all three games! I stink at volleyball, but it was fun anyway. One of my students gave me a pink satin SuperGirl cape to wear. I'm sure the other team was intimidated!

Addie has to be at the soccer field at 7:45 in the morning, so I'm headed to bed. I'll try to update tomorrow or soon thereafter.

April 10, 2008

This is my very first attempt at documenting the "days of our lives." I must admit to feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and a little nervous. I've read lots of creative, inspiring, motivating, and uplifting posts from amazing people who seem to live extraordinary lives. What's that saying about the most important step to realizing your dreams is the first one? Well, consider this my first step. Hang on, here we go!

Today, Tom was the designated "Car door opener" for Mrs. Wells' Kindergarten Class at A.L. Lotts. He headed out the door with the young ones at 7:00. I followed out the door soon thereafter to inspire the young, impressional minds at West Valley Middle School. Since it's TCAP week, everyone is a little on edge.

Drew continues to amaze me with his track performances. He's consistently running the mile in just under five minutes. He shrugs it off as no big deal, but I am very proud of him. I know he's setting personal goals and striving to reach them. Sam thinks he's the coolest big brother in the world! Drew and Dane went "tux shopping" the other day. I only wish I could have been a fly on the wall to witness that experience. Drew is taking Darian Todd to the prom. I have been instructed not to take pictures because "I'm a guy, Mom. The girl's mom takes pictures!" Maybe I'll get Laura to make copies for me.

Chelcie continues to prepare to leave the nest. Yesterday she told me she was taking all the Bearden "stuff" off of her car. She plans to replace her BHS stickers with a Big Orange Power T! Can you believe it? My baby girl is moving on! She plans to be an elementary school teacher, and I know she will be a great one! Prom and graduation are at the forefront of her plans. She asked Trevor Brown to be her "lifesaver" and he enthusiastically agreed to escort her to the prom.

Tom is squeezing as much out of life as he can! He volunteers with the Ulster Project and Kiwanias. He coaches Sam's soccer team, and volunteers whenever anyone lets him know of need. Real estate is keeping him very busy. Lots of homes to show and houses to list! In the meantime, he works full-time as Mr. Mom, shuttling the kids here and there and being the "at home" parent for all four of the kids! He gets out of bed about 5:00 every day and heads to bed between 10 and 11. I think I would fall over with exhaustion if I got up at 5:00, even if I went to bed at 6:00!

As for me, school is keeping me busier than I really want to be, but this time of year is notoriously busy for everyone! I am one of the sponsors of National Junior Honor Society. This is the time of year for applications, parent phone calls, and emails. As Reading Department Chair, I am responsible for making sure Reading is being taught throughout our school. Fortunately, West Valley has scored higher than any other middle school in the county on all three benchmark tests this year at all three grade levels. Nothing makes a Dept. Chair. look better than a great team! I'm also working on the Knox County Mentoring Institute which exists to ensure that new teachers are not left to fend for themselves. I love working on this team, and look forward to seeing where this might lead. Also, Reach Them to Teach Them is gearing up for an amazing 2008 event! The news of the day is that we've decided that our keynote speaker will be Dr. Don Bartlette. Hillary Hudson emailed me that Comcast may want to be one of our primary sponsors! I'm sure I will write much more about this as we take steps of faith toward changing our world!

Today's highlights - Addie had soccer practice and scored 5 goals! Sam and his "soccer buddy," Spencer, flew an eagle kite for about 15 minutes before running off to act like boys. When we got home, Sam took a shower and gave himself a shampoo mohawk! Whenever he says, "Hey Mom, come here!" I never know what I'm going to find! Chelcie painted Addie's toenails bright pink! Sam commented that the song the "Top 8" on American Idol sang (Shout to the Lord) was a good song because it was "about ours Lord!" Addie has memorized "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. Every night before bed, she has to say it for me.

Well, my brief update about today has evolved into an introduction to who we are. Let's see how long I can keep this up!