"The Hard Way"

Okay, can I just say in a nice and oh-so-blessed way, that it looks like Christmas threw up all over my house still?!!!!!! Nonetheless, I will post...but not about Christmas...that will come later (after new places have been found to put all the 1, 423 new toys my 2 children received).

However, I just had to jot this one down before it slipped my mind...

I arrived in Mississippi for my Mar's funeral on Sunday afternoon. I called home to check on the boys and see how things had gone getting ready for church, etc.

SIDENOTE: Joshua had made a booklet the week previous in Sunday School that contained pages that they could memorize to earn points towards prizes. He had kept it in the van and had looked at it several times, so I knew he was working on it. (Example: Books of the OT or NT, 10 Commandments, etc.)

Back to my story...I was already missing the boys and was anxious to talk to them when Joshua got on the phone. The following conversation ensued...

Me: Hi, Sweetest!
JK: Hi, Mom. (He always sounds so little on the phone.)
Me: How was church? Did Daddy brush your hair and help you tuck in your shirt? (Mind you I left EVERYTHING layed out and ready to go--including breakfast!)
JK: Yes. Hey, Mom?
Me: Yes, Baby?
JK: Guess what?
Me: What, Baby? (Normally at this point, I would become "IT".--I fall for the "What"game everytime. It really has become old these past few MONTHS!)
JK: I got to pick out a prize at Sunday School today!
Me: You did?! That's great! What did you memorize and tell your teacher?
JK: I did two!
Me: Are you serious?! Wow! Which ones?
JK: Fruits of the Spirit and the books of the New Testament
Me: Wow, Joshua!--I knew that you had learned "the fruits", but you did the New Testament too?
JK: Yes! (His voice is VERY excited and VERY confident.) AND she even said that I did it the "Hard Way"!
Me: The hard way?
JK: Yes, the hard way.
Me: What do you mean, Sweetie? (Confused, but trying not to hamper his excitement.)
JK: Out of order!!!!!

No, joke...and he was so proud that I had to cover the phone to keep him from hearing me burst out laughing! Oh, I do love my Joshua Kirk!

It Is Well With My Soul

Last week began in a fog of glory after winning the gold ball. Then on Tuesday, we received a call that Kirk's grandmother had passed away. She had enjoyed her weekend, even driving with her daughter from Prague to Shawnee to watch the championship game on TV. She was such an avid fan of her grandkids and great grandkids, that it was special that she got to watch her grandson Kirk and great grandson Kyle win their first gold ball together. (Although, she was mad that the players poured Powerade on Kirk because it was so cold!) Today would have been her 92nd birthday. She truly lived every minute of her life and loved her family dearly.

While getting ready for school on Thursday morning and planning to leave that afternoon after school for the visitation/funeral, I received another call. My grandmother had passed away. After a long battle with Alzheimer's, Marjorie Elaine Chitty Ferrell Shumate opened her eyes and went home to be with her Lord.

My sisters and I flew to Mississippi on Sunday and the funeral was Monday. My dad did part of the service and did an amazing job honoring my "Mar". Throughout the service and the time spent with my extended family before and after, I realized this...my memories of my grandmother are not immature or idealized. If anything, they were confirmed and enriched. My memories of my grandmother are of a true Southern lady. She had class and integrity. She dressed sassy, did not have any gray hair, and talked with a drawl that made you smile every time she said, "Hello, Darlin'". She wasn't like other grandmothers...she didn't bake cookies, she boiled shrimp and made crab etoufee' (no idea how to spell that!). She loved "Co-Cola" (Coke) on ice and long walks on the beach looking for shells. She was very smart and a voracious reader. She was an independent woman with great business sense, but dearly loved my grandfather and waited on him hand and foot out of love. She always did her quiet time and was serious about her walk with the Lord.

Over and over, friends, coworkers, class members, and family told countless stories of her passion for missions and diligence in reaching the lost for Christ. She taught a Sunday School class for years until the disease began to confuse her. She did not just believe in God, she believed God. She loved her Lord and she loved people. Isn't that what life is all about?

I have such a legacy. What I thought about my Mar is true and even more so. On Dec. 11th, that little lady not only got to see my grandaddy, but most importantly her heavenly Father, who I believe said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

"And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul."

I love you, my Mar. I miss you. I WILL see you again.

This picture was taken the last time I saw Mar. My mom and I took Joshua to see her (and her husband, Jim) in October of 2002. She fell in love with him!

It's a GREAT day to be a Redskin!

Getting ready for the big night (Redskin/Christmas spirit!)

In the stands, before the game.--We had great seats, thanks to Miss Micki!:)

After the win (UHS 34-JHS20)--The media loves him!

"The Gang" (Rus and Morgan had to leave early and Nana was home with strep throat!)

After 18 years of coaching, it was pretty special to finally get that gold ball! We are so proud of him and his boys!:)

"The day after".--It was Saturday and Daddy was home! (Look closely at the sign!)

Got Me Some Cute Goin' On!

Ok, can I just say that My. Sister. Rocks! All of the new cuteness that you see before you was a surprise from her. And if you think my blog's new look is cute...hop on over to zumthemum.blogspot.com and look at Karson and Campbell.--Now that's some cuteness! Love you, Lucy!:)

"Sunday School Answers"

Above pic is of Joshua and his teacher after his "program". It was "Bedlam Day" at school and he and Mrs. Coleman matched! (All of the children had on turkey hats, not just mine!)


As I took a shower tonight, I thought back over something that happened at Joshua's little Thanksgiving songfest at his classroom this afternoon. It wasn't really a program per say, just a chance for the parents to come and see their kiddos sing a few Thanksgiving songs. It lasted all of 10 minutes and then we got to take our children home early! (Yea for the teacher!) Anyway, after about the third song, the kiddos reached down and picked up little signs and held them by their sides. One by one they each held up their sign and read off what they were thankful for. (I know, don't end a sentence with a preposition!--"...for which they were thankful" sounds so formal!)Family, friends, my dog, etc., etc. were some of the answers. Eventually it came to Joshua's turn and he says in a clear voice, "I'm thankful for Jesus." Well, I just stood there in the back of the room feeling so proud that MY child had such a good answer and was not worried about saying it.--How awful am I?

When I was thinking over that tonight, it made me remember something that happened earlier in the week with John Thomas that I found humorous. It was time to pick up Bubba from school, and I went upstairs to wake JT up from his nap. I got him out of his crib and set him on his changing table to put on his shoes so we could leave. He had been sound asleep, so his hair was crazy and his little eyes were still all scrunched up. He just looked so snuggly! I squeezed him and said, "OOH, who made you so cute?" He looked at me and in a monotone voice said, "God did and he made my tennis shoes too." I almost burst out laughing because it was like a flashback to my elementary Sunday School classes where if you answered "Jesus" to any question, you were almost guaranteed to get it right!

In pondering these two times with my boys, I am so glad that they know the "right" answers to say. At least that let's me know that they are HEARING. But are they SEEING? I so want to be a vessel through which they see and feel God's love demonstrated for them. My greatest desire and prayer for them is that one day they will not only know ABOUT Him, but KNOW Him. I have gotten to witness and be a part of so many milestones in their short lives, but nothing could compare to that day!

I Got "Punk'd"!

I don't know if I spelled the above term correctly in the title (I'm not so hip if you haven't noticed thus far!), but it definitely describes what happened to me (all except for the fact that there was no tv crew or host, Ashton Kutcher!).

I digress...Anyway, last week I was so proud of myself because for the first time in FOREVER I was going to the doctor for a check-up! I know that doesn't sound like something fun and surely not anything to be proud of, but I am NEVER sick and, therefore, NEVER go to the doctor. It is so bad that on any paperwork where it asks for my primary care doctor, I feel guiltly writing someone because I bet if they saw that they'd say, "Who? I don't have a patient named Mary Fried-rich." (That, of course is the way they'd say it!--And "Mary"...well, that's a whole other story.)

I digress further...All of that to say, I called, made an appointment, went and had my bloodwork done in advance, and the day finally arrived for my appointment. Well, I sat and sat and sat in the waiting room and then the exam room, but eventually had my appointment and everything was ok! Leaving the examroom, I head to check out. At this point, I am frustrated at the amount of time it took, but glad to know that my health is good. Since I had gotten my flu shot, I was having to write another check.--While doing so, my cell phone rings. It is a number I don't recognize, so I answer and the ensuing conversation takes place:

Caller: Mrs Fridrich?
Me: Yes?
Caller: This is Judy from "the preschool" (should have been a clue to me!)
Me: Yes? Is John Thomas okay?! (feeling panicked)
Caller: Well, he is just having a really hard time today.
Me: Is it his behavior or is he not feeling well?! (getting a little more panicked)
Caller: Well, he has been hitting all the other children and...(I interrupt)
Me: Oh, my goodness!
Caller: He is just being really bad and...(I interrupt)
Me: Oh, my goodness...That's just not like...Well, should I come and get him?
Caller: Teen? (pause) It's me!
Me: Oh, you've got to be kidding me! Bull!!!!!!! Oh, you are so evil!

My heart is still racing typing this! My sister got me good. I've officially been "punk'd"! (But she IS evil and must be destroyed.--Just wait, Lucy, when you least expect it..!)

Let the playoffs begin!!!!!!!

Trick or Treat...Smell My Feet!

Halloween takes on new meaning when you have children of your own. I have very vivid and fond memories of my childhood Halloweens, but I do not recall being hyped up already at the beginning of September!! Joshua and therefore, John Thomas (monkey see monkey do!) have been anxious and at a fevered pitch for weeks! Between the dust collecting decorations, the sugar high from all of the candy corn (Why can't I leave that alone? It's really not that good!), remembering to unplug the inflatable scarecrow when the winds were too high, the numerous (and I do mean numerous!) pieces of school art work that must be displayed, having to go down the costume aisle EVERY time we go to Wal-Mart or Target, and the keeping tabs of Joshua's behavior in order to earn his costume back (yes, he FINALLY did earn all $40 with a few days to spare!), I am worn out!!!!!!!!!!

Even Kirk was relieved when he came home from work Sunday night to find all of the decorations put away! HOWEVER, the boys will only be 2 and 7 this one time and they had a blast...the whole month!.--Which I guess is the most important thing anyway!

With Halloween falling on "game night" this year, it made things a little different. Kirk doesn't come home on Friday's before a game, so I got the boys ready and took them out to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood. (He called from the stadium to check on us; I think he was sad he was missing it!) We timed it out perfectly with our route ending just in time to hop in the van and head to the stadium. Still in our costumes, we got there just as the National Anthem was being sung, and we flew into the Red Zone for dinner. The kids so hated everyone oohhing and ahhhing over the cute little fireman and Jango Fett (sp?--I just say Star Wars)! After dinner we hurried into a classroom in the UMAC to set up for a Halloween party for all of the coaches' kids. We had bowling, a cake walk, pin-the-nose-on-the-pumpkin, bean bag toss, football toss, tons of food and prizes too! Since the clock ran continually the second half of the game, the dads were able to come up and enjoy the chaos for a little while afterwards. A great time was had by all! (The only negative of the night, was the thought that we had an 8 AM basketball game the next morning!)

Here are a few pics of the evening:

"Fall Free Days"

Once again, I must giggle at the title. As I am aging, I can't quite remember if that is what we called the break at OBU, or that is just what I called it when I was at OBU. Nonetheless, my mom and sister always fell out in the floor when I said that instead of "Fall Break" and harrassed me unmercifully!

Enough rambling about things that humor only me..."Fall Break" couldn't have come at a better time. The boys and I desperately needed some down time, and the days off definitely provided that! To start off, the Lord provided some GLORIOUS weather throughout the entire break.--It. Was. Perfect. Add to that lots of outside playtime, eating, and cousins and you've got yourself some GOOD TIMES! For a play-by-play, keep reading...

On Wednesday, the boys and I stayed in our jammies most of the morning. We made muffins and painted pumpkins. (Notice I said "painted".--Can't do the carving thing. Not talented or strong enough and have an aversion to the texture of the goo inside. The smell's not so great either!) Over the years, Joshua has gone from painting normal jack-o-lantern faces to Frankenstein and spiders, to football helmets. So, this year's pumpkins came as no surprise...That night the whole big family met at Applebee's to eat together and support Kirk during his radio show. Afterwards, we all went back to Nana and Grandaddy's and played and took baths, etc.

Thursday morning Lucy and I took the kiddos to the donut shop to eat breakfast and to let Karson pick out/order her birthday donuts.--Hard to believe she's going to be 5! When we got back to Nana's, we decorated a real gingerbread haunted house, did Halloween crafts together, jumped on the trampoline, and just had some good play time.

It was game night for Union, but we were playing in Choctaw, so the boys and I didn't travel. Instead the whole family went to eat at On the Border and came home to listen to it on the radio. We bathed the kids, put the little ones down and listened to the Redskins swat the fire out of the Yellowjackets! Joshua and Karson were so good to play by themselves the whole game!

Since we had a long weekend and an easier opponent, Daddy was able to come home by noon on Friday! What a blessing! He spent most of the afternoon in the backyard smoking some unbelievable ribs, chicken and brisket. Because he had to keep watch over the cooking, the boys had him all to themselves outside all day! That night, the big family came over and enjoyed a great meal together, compliments of "Pit Master"! (Oh, Daddy did come to the front yard long enough to put up the boys' inflatable scarecrow. JT was most excited!)

It was so great to wake up Saturday morning and have Daddy at home. The day was gorgeous and we took advantage of it! We scootered and played basketball, passed the football and frisbie, played on the playground and just had an all around good time.

To top off the great weekend, we all got showered and dressed and headed to the TU game. We got there early and ate out on the lawn. What a festive atmosphere and a great game! It turned cool and the Hurricane turned it on! It was so fun to be there as a family, and the boys were great.

Just to show how relaxing the break was for me...Kirk was able to convince me not to wash off the boys' TU tatoos before church on Sunday morning! Oh, Fall Free Days...

One Hump or Two?

Before I post, I should explain the humor I find in the title...I can't exactly remember the story in perfect detail, but it goes something like this: My grandmother and grandfather were riding along in the car and my grandmother insists that she saw a camel! (This is where my memory fades.--Was it walking along the side or what?!). Anyway, my grandfather NOT having seen the camel and in total disbelief, begins to harrass her. She is quite adament and is getting frustrated with him. In trying to act like a supportive husband he asks, "Well, did it have one hump or two?" You may not find this funny, but we are warped and found it quite humorous and have used this phrase many times over the years!

Now the point of my post...The boys, Nanny (Kirk's mom) and I went to the pumpkin patch over the weekend. The boys were most excited about it, and it did not disappoint! Here is a brief photo synopsis:

We saw rabbits, chicks, roosters, hens, turkeys, pigs, donkeys, and KANGAROOS!

He are the boys looking at the goats. Notice who is standing closer...one goat stuck his head out and almost bit John Thomas' hand! He still patted him later! (The big boy...not so much!)

I felt like I needed to sing the OBU alma mater when we saw the bison!

John Thomas' horse was named Cherokee. JT thought this was great fun even though the picture doesn't look like it!

Here is Joshua on "Stormy". For the first time, he was excited and anxious to ride! He did great!

To answer the question...One hump! How crazy is this? My boys rode a camel! They both loved it!

Oh yeah, we picked out some pretty great pumpkins while we were there too! (That is a stuffed scarecrow behind them, not me!)

Whatever Works...

I have always been a big believer in putting up one thing before you get out another. Both boys know this, and it has been taught and reinforced since "day one". Nonetheless, this morning I made an exception. (Yes, I actually was flexible about something!) The reason for the exception to the rule: MY. HOUSE. IS. A. PIT.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On non-preschool days, John Thomas and I have gotten in the habit of playing for long periods of time in the game room after taking Bubba to school. This morning was no different, however, after shooting nerf guns, making a fort, and watching parts of Nemo (for the 100th time this week!), I HAD to get at least the upstairs cleaned. Thus, the "whatever works" title.

As I diligently scrubbed both tubs and all three vanities (I love all the bathrooms until it's time to clean!), I kept poking my head in and checking on him. Every time I did, I noticed more "stuff" was out. I was so tempted to use my mommy voice and inform him of the rule and commence to guiding him to clean up. However, the nastiness of the rest of the house outweighed the game room mess by a mile, so I didn't say a word.

About 40 stuffed animals. 63 hotwheels, Bubba's basket of Star Wars guys (shhhh, don't tell JK!) and 10 footballs later, I have my head in a toilet when JT comes and asks me to push the button on his stick horse (it plays the Lone Ranger music and a trotting sound). I turned around to see this:

He still had on his Superman jammies, but had added a TU stocking cap and Tulsa Drillers sweat bands! --Ride 'em, cowboy...or Superman, baseball player, TU fan boy! All I could do was giggle. He was happy, I got to clean...whatever works!

Nature Vs. Nurture

Being a science teacher and all, I've often wondered about the subject of the above mentioned title. Since having children, I've pondered the subject even more. Both of mine are boys and both of my younger sister's are girls.--Hence, the rowdiness at my house and the drama at hers! This, plus much more evidence, leads me to lean on the nature side quite often. Case in point to follow:

Weekends are EXTREMELY long for me. We see Kirk on Fridays after the game on the field for about 5 minutes. He usually comes in around 1 or 2 a.m. after we're all asleep. That's it for Friday. On Saturday, he pokes his head out of his office long enough to watch Joshua's football game, but he stands on the field to watch and goes straight back to work before the snacks are given out. (He did make it home for dinner on Saturday night, though.) Sunday's are always hectic trying to get everyone ready for church and then rushing to eat lunch, so Daddy can get back to work ASAP. He usually makes it home around 7 or so on Sunday nights.

You catch my drift? Weekends are extremely long for me! (I really do have a point here.--Stay with me!)

Yesterday was a particularly long day due to the fact that the boys couldn't look at each other without fighting. It was driving me nuts, so finally about 4 o'clock, I called Nana and asked could we bring the fighting, I mean come over to her house and play. Of course she agreed and off we went. My ideal plan was for me to sit on the screened in porch (anyone noticed how bad the mosquitos are lately?--It's almost October for goodness sakes!), with the ceiling fan going and watch the boys jump on the trampoline. That lasted for a while and then came the dragging out of every toy known to man from "the crates". John Thomas became engrossed in putting every toy up onto the tramp. Which took quite a while, because it is quite a feat for him to climb on and off! Meanwhile, Joshua and I decided to play football again.

We seem to have some of our best conversations during our passing games.

"Mama, this is going to be the best touchdown pass ever."
"Okay, that wasn't it. THIS is going to be the best touchdown pass ever."
"This one is going to be the best punt ever."
"Mom, pass it over there. This is going to be the best interception ever."
"Okay, this is going to be the best back up, take a knee and let the clock run out ever." (Is that a coach's kid or what?)
"This one is going to be the best spin, break a tackle and score ever."

This continued on and on until he is running past me doing one of his "best ever" moves and he stops, bursts out laughing and says, "This one is the best TOOT ever!!" and commences to laugh and pass gas.

Shortly thereafter, he informs me he needs to go the bathroom and can he please just go outside?!

My case is proven, is it not?! I did not teach him these things!!

"The Best Day of My Life"

Wow! Last week was a stressful one. It was "Union/Jenks Week". For as long as I can remember, there has been "Union/Jenks Week" . I went to Jenks and then taught at Jenks, but then I married a Union football coach and things went from fun and festivities to a little more seriousness. Ultimately, that coach became the Head coach and things definitely went from serious to stressful! Well, all the stress culminated in victory Friday night and smiles were abundant all around our house! Major victory for the kids, coaches, community and our family! But that wasn't the "best day of Joshua's life"...

Saturday, I woke up early to the sounds of pouring rain outside my window. I thought to myself how glad I was that JK's flag football game was on the turf intead of the grass field this week. By game time, it was not raining and we enjoyed the game without rain gear or umbrellas. Joshua had a touchdown and pulled two flags! But that wasn't the "best day of Joshua's life"...

After an EXTREMELY muggy Friday and Saturday, we awoke on Sunday to a sweet, cool morning. We went to church and learned about not losing our zeal or passion for God and our spiritual walk. Joshua won New Testament Bingo twice in his small group and received 2 Laffy Taffy's! After church, we met Doo-Daddy (Nana was sick) at Fuddruckers for lunch and JK won 3 prizes out of the hardest arcade machine in the place! When we came home he played Madden on PS2 and beat the computer by a bazillion! Later, I needed to go out and mow and made the boys go out with me. They scootered and played golf and climbed on the fort. Every few rows, I would stop and push them on the swings. After I finished, we sat on the back porch and ate popscicles. A rousing game of football ensued thereafter between Joshua and I. (JT played with us periodically, but mostly got out every toy we have in the back yard and ran about!) That is when the "best day of my life started". In between passes, JK started talking..."I love breezy days like these, it reminds me that Halloween is coming." "I love wearing these cozy shorts (long, cut off sweat shorts)". "I love playing ball with you, Mom." "You're the best mom I've ever had." (Ok, so I'm the only mom you've ever had!) "It doesn't get any better than this!" "I'm so glad JT's my little brother." (At the time, JT was leaving us alone and playing pleasantly by himself!) "That was a great pass, Mom." "That's okay, Mom. I don't always throw it very good every time either." "I just love breezy days like these!" "You almost got me that time, Mom."

We played until past dinner time and finally Daddy got home, and I went inside to fix something quick for dinner..."Wow, Mom, a bacon sandwich. That's exactly what I wanted."...On to showers and into bed. "Can we read part of my book from the tooth fairy, Mom?" (He lost a tooth on the field after the game on Friday night!) "Yes, but only 2 chapters. You pick which ones." He picked and we took turns reading one page after another. I told him that his aunt Lucy and I used to laugh and laugh about this same story. He giggled so much I thought that he would wake up John Thomas. After we finished and said prayers, he turned and said, "Mom, this was the best day of my life." Wow, not Daddy's win, or his success in his own game, or his birthday or Big Splash or the lake or all his other favorite things...TODAY was "the best day of his life". Glad for once I wasn't too busy or too lazy to be a part of it.

Randomness...

Again, I warn...much randomness!

How many happy meal toys can one household contain? Oh, my goodness!--I just cleaned out and threw away an entire trash bag full! Praise the Lord (literally) for preschool. JK's desk and nightstand drawers have been haunting me for months. Anytime he opens them around John Thomas, I cringe. It's like opening Pandora's box! I see JT's eyes light up and know that he will go back later and start dragging all that "stuff" out! Needless to say, once I dropped him off, I went straight to work! All finished! Joshua might even be able to sit at his desk and work on one of the many "projects" he likes to do. (All of which will be shoved into those drawers for me to clean out again in a few months!)

Another random thought...Isn't it amazing how much we try to protect our kiddos from things, and many times we end up making things worse? Joshua had his first flag football game of the season on Saturday. It had rained a lot that morning and we weren't playing on the turf this game. It was cooler and so John Thomas had on jeans and a hoodie. When we got to the field, the gate area was a mud bog! Mind you I was carrying my camera, rain gear for JT and me, a very large golf umbrella, and my folding chair, all the while trying to hold John Thomas' hand and steer him clear of the big puddles. When I saw the terrible gate situation, I decided that I needed to carry JT through the gate. Well, guess what? In my efforts to keep him nice and clean, I get through the mess and promptly drop him in the mud while trying to put him down! I had to leave all my stuff, tell the boys not to move (and JT NOT to touch anything) and go back to the van for wipes! The Lord blessed me because a lot of it came off and was only on his hands and the knees of his jeans. Gotta love good intentions!

Daddy came over from work to watch JK's game. He even wore blue!
Joshua is fourth from the right, looking VERY focused!

Here he is in action...#24! Great form! (He did score a touchdown on the first play of the game. We threw a pass, he caught it and took off down the field to the endzone!)

Here's an interesting thought...our roofing materials are supposed to be delivered this afternoon. Removal and reroofing won't begin until next week or possibly the next. Since the supplies sit in a LARGE stack on your driveway, it blocks you from utilizing one whole side of your garage. With all the storms predicted in the next week, let's pray Kirk's truck doesn't get hail damage while we're waiting to get our roof repaired from hail damage!

Last of the random thoughts...while in Target yesterday purchasing a $40 halloween costume (yes, Joshua has to earn it), I saw fall floral leggings in the junior/women's dept.! Oh, my goodness...that is a blast from the past that really wasn't a blast when we were in the past! You've got to be kidding me! I know I am rarely all put together and in-style these days, but this is one time I won't mind!

Another Day of Firsts

John Thomas went to preschool for the first time today. The day had been so highly anticipated, that I was a little nervous when he was a bit subdued. (Last week at "Meet the Teacher", he proudly announced, "My school" when we drove up and "My class" when we reached his classroom. Mind you, we do not attend this church and had never been there before.--I was impressed with how comfortable he was.) We got to school a little early and sat in the car and visited and watched a DVD. I knew things were going to be okay when he started begging to get out and go! Off we went into the chaos of first day preschoolers and their parents. We weaved through all of the kids, strollers and baskets in the halls and made our way back to room 111. Both teachers greeted him by name! (That's right...no one forgets my baby!) He put his new football lunchbox in the basket, and in he walked proudly carrying his mat! Not a tear or a look; he was so brave and happy! On the other hand, I lost it! I watched him for a second and then left. Right about now he should be doing his bible story or craft, and have already been to music, had snacks, and played on the playground...not that I'm thinking about him or anything! I'm so proud of him!

After getting in the van, I drove a little way and then realized that I didn't have to listen to the Scooby Doo DVD that was playing. I turned it off, said big prayers for the little guy, and tuned in to an actual radio station! Here I was...riding ALONE, listening to adult songs, going to Walmart! Wow, talk about a first!

Well, I got out of Walmart without a donut, popcorn chicken or even a smiley face sticker.--I almost didn't know what to do with myself! Now I'm home and ready to begin the HUGE list of projects I have set "To Do Once JT Starts School"! Wish me luck!

'Lympics Revisited

Okay, since the post with all of John Thomas' funny words, one has me repeatedly asking, "What?" so many times that I had to tell you.

"Poo-Perrios" (the second part is pronounced like the cereal Cherrios)

In context..."Mon (come on), Mama. Play in rayroom (gameroom). Poo-Perrios."

See what I mean? Thus, the "What?"

"Mama! Poo-Peerios. Rayroom!"

"What?"

"Poo-Peerios!"

It is not until he goes and gets the basket out that I realize, "OOOOOH, super heroes!"

"Yes, Mama, poo-peerios."

And They Taste Good Too!

These are the donuts we took for Joshua's teacher's b-day party today. I told you they were cute! It was amazing to see all of the different designs they had. His teacher's favorite colors are red and black, and she collects stars and anything with polka dots, so we went with these. And yes, I let John Thomas get another donut when we went to pick them up. I am getting so brave...he had a basketball one.--I know!--Orange and black icing!

My, My How I've Mellowed!

Now that my arm has recovered from patting myself on the back for mopping the other day (All the motivation was short lived--I still haven't finished the bathrooms or the dusting!), I need to once again brag on myself.

Those who know me today might only suspect that I might be a little tightly wound, but they have no idea that I have always been, well let's just say...a tiny bit type A, anal retentive, obsessive compulsive, over-achieving , "all-girl" perfectionist! For a little history, I will give some brief examples:

*In fifth grade, I got so anxious about the first day of school, I threw up and missed it entirely. Much to my dismay, that made the second day of school even harder!

*In middle school, I made my dad go with me on schedule pick-up day. We would walk to every class on my schedule and make me a list of directions.

*In high school, I had my mom bring home bulletin board paper (she was an elementary teacher) so I could cover my textbooks. I would buy coordinating folders (red cover/red folder and so on) so I could maximize my time at my locker and make sure I didn't arrive in class unprepared or with improper materials.

*To this day, I bet if you went back to the on-campus apartments at Oklahoma Baptist University and went in my old bedroom, you'd see hot pink fingernail polish spots on the dresser. I repainted my nails every night to make them look fresh. I also rolled my hair every night on spongy rollers, so even if I overslept, my hair would always look good.

*At my first teaching job at Tulsa Public, I was wearing black jeans on a spirit day. I always sent all my jeans to the cleaners and they were so starched and creased that a student thought I was wearing leather pants!

*Later in my swinging single days, my church singles group went camping one weekend at a campground near an OK lake. We slept in tents and it POURED down rain all night. The next morning I awoke, went up to the showers and emerged in an ironed t-shirt tucked into cut-off jean shorts (purchased that way at Old Navy) and a belt! Later that summer I went to Africa on missions and the group bet that I couldn't make it 2 weeks without wearing parfume.

Get my drift?

What spurred this post...This morning I was at a donut shop ordering donuts for a surprise birthday party for my son's teacher. (They do donuts that spell out "happy birthday" and all kinds of shapes and decorations.--Let me tell you, they. are. cute!) While I was looking at all of the designs and talking to the owner, John Thomas was looking in the case. All of a sudden, he screeches, "Momma, star! Momma, me, star donut!" I only paused for just a second, and then I ordered it for him. You do not understand the growth here, people! Had this same scenario presented itself 5 years ago with Joshua (mind you, I did not even have his bag complete with bib and wipees with me or in the car!), there would not have even been a pause! The answer would have been "Not on your life, child of mine!" (Well, maybe not those exact words, but something to that effect with a nice tone of voice, of course!) But here I am five years later, buying a donut with icing for my 2 year old, curly-head. We sat and visited and he thoroughly enjoyed his donut. And you know what? So did I!

Like I said, most people in my world today only suspect my former tendencies. Now I have learned to let my house go dirty (okay, it's neat but not clean!) while I play with the kids. I wear sweats or gym shorts and my hair in a clip (I've really learned this one well!). I even let my kiddos run in the sprinkler with their clothes on. So you see, I have so mellowed!

Did I leave out the part where JT really wanted the BLUE star donut and I "gently steered" him towards "wanting" the WHITE one?!:)

2008 "Lympics"!

As I got around to the passenger side of the van to get John Thomas out this morning, his comment made me think of this blog. We were back in the garage after taking Bubba to school, and he saw a box from Daddy's birthday present. "Look Mama! Daddy weedie eater boc!" "Weedie eater" struck me as funny, so I began to make a list of some of his latest. Here goes:

1. "Weedie eater"=obviously, weed eater (By the way, Hon, the yard looks outstanding!)

2. "Darth Bader"=we are all about Vader at our house these days!

3. "Doda"=Yoda-- always said in a serious and reverent, low voice

4. "Doo-Doo"= Scooby Doo--this one is really fun when he sees S.D. balloons across the way at Wal-mart and screams to alert me..."Doo-Doo, look Mama, Doo-Doo!"

5. "Poo-Panda"=Kung Fu Panda

6. "Rockets"=rocks; such a problem with his crocs at the playground--they always have rockets in them!

7. "Blip-Blops"=flip flops; this makes me giggle everytime he says it

8. "Mamble"=cousin Campbell; mind you, her older sister's name is Karson and he says that just fine!

9. "Curry hair"=describes himself; he has curry hair!

10. "Lib"=lid; as in "I do lib!"--when you are trying to get him some juice and he is spilling it everywhere

11. "Brow-brows"=eye-brows; we have learned what these are lately and I'm sure he wonders why I want him to show me his all the time; he sounds so cute!

12. "Lubs"=loves; he has to "give lubs" every night before bed

13. "Huppy"= any kind of dog; he loves them, unlike his older brother who is terrified!

14. "Grage"=garage; said as one syllable not two; inevitably that where his "shoesies" are!

15. "Picycle"=popsicle; yesterday he and JK had one outside; when asked what color theirs were he replied, "Bubba purple, me red."--Actually his was orange and Bubba's was green!--That's my boy!

16. "Huh Thomas"=John Thomas; he knows we say something before his middle name, so he does this little sigh/exhale/pause then the "Thomas" part; if anyone calls him "John" he doesn't even turn!

17. "Lympics"= Olympics; we are addicted! He has been watching every night after bath, chanting , "Go Blue"...I think he's confused and thinks its Gladiators...or Wipeout...we prefer educational tv over here!

Speaking of Olympics, I deserve a gold medal for mopping my ENTIRE downstairs before I wrote this. We are not talking "swiffering", people.--I mean the fill up the sink, rinse every time, wring it out, mopping! While my arms are strained from patting myself on the back just then, I better figure out a way to go dust and clean bathrooms while little man naps. Go USA!--Tina

Precious Moments--Not the figurines!

Not sure how often you're supposed to post on your own blog, but had some thoughts I wanted to remember, so I'll go ahead and write two days in a row. (Embarrassed to admit, but I do frequent--okay, I'm a stalker!--a few blogs that I get disappointed if they don't post daily! Honestly, I don't think I have nearly enough interesting things to write about!)

For those of you that have very short short-term memories, let me refresh you...in the two and one-half years of John Thomas' life , we have moved from Stillwater to Owasso and Owasso to Tulsa. That means that Joshua has gone to three different schools in the last three years. To see him walking up the sidewalk to school this morning, just made my heart feel so full. He got out of the van (dressed in his camo school spirit shirt) and started walking when he saw some buddies. It was like a sea of camo and black mesh shorts! They all grinned and turned and walked in. And I thought...He belongs. I feel it and he feels it. God is good.

Back on the home front, while "Bubba" was gone, John Thomas and I spent the morning scooter-ing in the driveway, pulling weeds, playing basketball and sliding at the playground. (Oh, the overcast morning was so nice.) Once back inside, we sat on the floor in his room and read books and played train. There were no interuptions, no rowdy craziness, not even a furrowed brow (JT has mastered that look lately). It. Was. Delightful. And the Lord made me very conscious of my precious time alone with my second born.

First Time For Everything!

First of all...the name--"Mama Fred"...well, since before I even met my husband, everyone always called him, "Coach Fred". After we got married and we were teaching in the same building (same grade and subject), I became "Mrs. Fred". In the natural progression of things, I have now become "Mama Fred"! No, not really, in fact, no one calls me that, but this blog required a name and I couldn't come up with anything more creative! So there you have it... "Mama Fred". (By the way, should "mama" be spelled with one "m" or two in the middle?)


Another first, my first born started first grade today! He was VERY excited and had been counting down the hours! When he came downstairs fully dressed and ready this morning, I almost couldn't catch my breath. Could it be that this handsome boy is really my little one? I don't know why this year was emotional for me; he went to kindergarten all day last year. It isn't even the fact that he'll be gone all day (Lord knows we need a little time apart and a lot of structure after this summer!).--I think it is just knowing that this is another year older, another year of growth, of becoming an even "bigger boy". He even wanted me to drop him off instead of walking him to his class. Okay, sometimes a mom has to draw the line! I compromised and walked him up to the door of the school and then let him go! What a HUGE milestone of growth that showed in him! I couldn't be more proud of that big boy if I tried.--The Lord truly blessed me 7 years ago with Joshua, and I can't wait to see what HE accomplishes this year through him.



John Thomas will start preschool after Labor Day.--Thank goodness I will have a couple of weeks to recoup! (Although, "Me go school", was totally ready to go today!)

The last of the "firsts" or otherwise random ramblings of my first ever blogging experience...Kirk turned 40 today! It sounds so old to be into the forties. Thirty-something was still young and swinging, but now...well, let's just say, I am glad that I'm still not there yet! Seriously though, it was a great day (hopefully he thinks so) of celebrating and teasing at his office--complete with screened t-shirts (terrible picture of him accompanied with caption "I'm a man, I'm 40!"), lots of yard signs in our neighborhood and on campus, pictures on the jumbo tron, peanut butter cookie deliveries and a great lunch. JT is still wearing his little "Daddy-face-shirt"!

Oh, I almost forgot...the last of the "firsts"! Joshua is no longer a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan. This a definite first! We had a MAJOR problem when Brett Favre got traded last week to the Jets. Why, you ask? Because our lives have centered around BF for the last two years and thus the $70 Green Bay backpack we took to school everyday last year would not, could not be taken now! So, in an effort to lick our wounds (and hopefully save Mom some money in the future--football is a fickle business!), we went to the U-Wear Store and bought the one pictured above! He was happy and, therefore, so was I! (Although, amongst all the happiness this morning, he did ask, "Mom, for Christmas can I get a Jets backpack?!") Like I said in my "About me" little bio thing...my life is all about faith, family and football!!!!!!!!