Rough Go

The last few weeks have been rough at my house. Why do things have to be rough? It could be my fault....but I'm not admitting that.

Last Thursday was Stephen's first day back on shift. It is amazing how quickly I grow accustomed to him being home and helping me with life. i.e. the kids, laundry, food, etc. Yes, I can handle these things on my own. But, why do it alone when I can have my husband help me? Am I right? Anyhow, let's get back to Thursday. Thursday was hot. The kids had swimming lessons in the morning, and I barely got all of them out alive. Regan is such a wild card. This kid is typical in the fact that he is almost 2 and always on the move. I got the 3 girls dressed in the dressing room and looked away for maybe 30 seconds. In that time Regan left the dressing room and went to the deep end of the pool to climb on to the diving board. Luckily, our neighbor who happens to be a lifeguard grabbed him before he actually made the jump. I don't get frantic all that often as a mother. I was frantic, desperate even. I

This week I am all alone. It kind of bites, and I find myself wanting to reach out to someone. I am doubting myself and my choices. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this life. I made it through yesterday....barely. I didn't struggle with the kids at all. I actually got a ton done around the house. It was pretty amazing. But, my conflict came in the evening. Always the worst part of the day. I was unsure and unhappy. However, I survived! I did it. I made it. There just might be a light at the end of this tunnel.

I

The American Flag

I know that sometimes there is question regarding my patriotism for this country. I want to let you know that I have started a tradition in our family of the folding the flag on the 4th of July family get together. I taught the cub scouts how to fold the flag and wanted them to understand a little bit more about it. The local American Legion guys did this demonstration for me, and I was really touched. I guess I really am proud to be an American.


Have you ever noticed how the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!



The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, Ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, youll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love the symbol of "Liberty and Freedom."

Wild and crazy

Have you ever been a Saturday Night Live fan? I love it! "We are.....two wild and crazy guys!" I feel wild and crazy sometimes too. I realize, however that the thing that people like most about me happens to be my least favorite quality. I'm wild and crazy. I guess the wild and crazy part isn't what bothers me so much, it's the why.

Nervous energy.

Why do I have to have so much of it? It is not normal. I tell ya, it's not! How does one get rid of all that energy? I have found some interesting ways through the years. I dance. I love dancing. I do zumba, which is still pretty much dancing. I workout. I run. I clean. I mow the lawn, take the garbage to the dump. I clean some more, and then I talk. This is the part that I hate the most. I talk and talk and I laugh and I talk. Remember that stupid old t-shirt that expressed the line "Help I'm talking and I can't shut up!"? I'm fairly certain it was constituted in my behalf. I used to worry that people would read what I wrote on this blog and judge me, but then I worried that no one would want to read what I wrote. Ironic no? I want people to think I'm funny. Who doesn't love laughing?

Today at church, my neighbor and I got giggling so hard that I almost had to leave. This is the kind of giggling that you try and squash by closing your mouth and putting your head down. But, you are shaking so hard that you can't breath. I tried to look away from the hilarious culprit only to see Stephen giving me a disapproving glare. Even funnier. All the kids were either sitting on his lap or right next to him. They were smothering him. He looked like a tiny jungle gym that had long since reached capacity. Funny things happen during church. It's so hard to not laugh at them. So, why was I laughing in the first place? That damned nervous energy. It gets me every time!

I'm back....I think

It has been well over a year since my last post. It's strange to think that I used to post so much on here. I was intimidated by knowing that people I see in my day to day life might be reading my words and somehow hearing my thoughts. Strange feeling indeed. Also, I feel like maybe I'm not as funny as I used to be. Seriously, I wonder what I was on. I need to find that again. I hope that maybe, just maybe I can start writing again. I think I can feel those trickles of desire for the writing coming through. Maybe, just maybe. I need to reread everything. I hope I'm not embarrassed by what is here!

I have gotten way intense about a lot of things over the last year. The biggest one is running. I can't seem to get enough of it. It's hard to find a circle of people that appreciate my passion. I haven't wanted to put anything not funny on here and force it down anyone's throat. Now I realize, I'm not making you read this. Seriously, click out of it at anytime!

Day to day our thoughts consume us. No matter what we are doing our brains never stop working. This is an absolutely amazing thing. My brain is going constantly and usually not in the same direction for very long. See if you can keep up!