Oh, To Be Young Again

Good morning, everyone! Only 7 days left til Christmas!! Now, if you've finished choking on your coffee, continue reading...

Here are the promised pictures from Riley's dance last Saturday night, the Jingle Bell Ball. Known hereafter as the JBB...

The above picture, obviously, is of Riley and I. It's not black and white because I'm trying to be all artsy, it's just because Robert, like me, is still trying to figure out our new cameras and this picture was mostly orange. Why use it, you ask? Well, the other 2 pictures he took of us were wider lens and my shirt was halfway up my stomach- the pink one, thank God I had on a tank. Trust me, no one, including me wants to see my stomach. Of course, neither one of them bothered to tell me to fix my shirt. Heck, they probably didn't even notice it was messed up. These are the trials and tribulations one must suffer when living with 2 men...

Back to the JBB. After taking a few pictures at our house, we drove over to Morgan's house, Riley's girlfriend. Here's their picture:

Don't they look great?

A bunch of their friends also met over at Morgan's and we got some great group shots. Here's the guys:

All looking very dapper!

Then, the beautiful ladies:

Gorgeous!

Finally, the whole group:

Don't they look amazing? I don't think I looked that good in high school. No, I'm fairly sure I didn't. Oh well...

Here's a kind of funny story. They went to eat at the kind of fru-fru place before the dance, a place Riley had never been to before. Here's the conversation I had with "Mr. Picky" (Riley) afterwards:

Me: How was XXX restaurant?
Riley: Terrible.
Me: Really? What did you order?
Riley: Calamari. It was overcooked. It looked like onion rings.
Me: Normally, calamari is best at Italian and seafood restaurants.
Riley: Yeah, but I like calamari. And it was on the appetizer menu, so it was cheap.
Me: Ah.

And, there it is.

My take: Oh, to be young again! Except...no, don't really want to do that again. I'll just continue to enjoy Riley and his friends - they seem to be doing it well!

I'll leave you for today with a parting shot of the "Angels."

My Absolute Hope

This post will not be a normal one, filled with slightly sarcastic wit and light-hearted humor. Not today. As I sit down to post, the tears have started again.

I do not have the words to express how utterly devastated I am over Friday's shocking events in Connecticut. I have cried more tears over complete strangers' families than I would have ever thought possible. Until this.

It's unfathomable to me to think that something like this could happen in an American elementary school. I just can't believe it. 20 kindergarteners. Beautiful boys and girls who will never see another birthday. Little girls who will never put on make-up for the first time or go to the prom. Little boys who will never play in a high school football game or ask a girl out on a date. They are gone, just gone. How can this be?

As a former teacher, I am shaken to my very core at the thought of having to deal with what took place on Friday in Newtown. Teachers feel an absolute responsibility for their students. And, in this day and age, just look at what that means. To think that in just minutes the lives of your students may be gone and there's nothing you can really do to stop it. You just hide and pray. And give your life, if it comes to that.

As a parent, I just don't have the words. I was literally sick at my stomach and fighting back tears while driving Riley to school today. It would be so easy to just live in fear now. Every day.

My take: Again, I am speechless. My heart aches for these families who have lost the most precious thing they have 10 days before Christmas. I don't know what to say, what to think, what to do, so I just pray for all of them. This will be a terrible week for Newtown, CT, as they bury their babies. Next week, Christmas, will be worse. I have so much to be thankful for. But, as I write these words, I just keep praying: God, please protect my son. Return him to me today. I haven't had enough time yet. Protect his school, our whole district, all of the districts across the state and the country. Protect our babies. Because YOU are the only one who really can.

So, that's what I do. I pray for these precious families and for my own. Because truly, God is my only hope. And at Christmas, that's what God did for us. He sent His Son and made a way for us to get through something like this. To have hope. He is my source, He is my protection. He is good and I trust Him. Even in the midst of chaos, when everything is upside down, He is my absolute hope.

Fun Friday: Shop and Shop...Then Go Shop Some More - It's Christmas!

So. I chose the above picture today to remember how lovely my house looked when all my lights were working. Which, OF COURSE, is no longer the case. Can you guess which lights aren't working? Uh-huh. Apparently there is a demon living in my bushes that is struggling to come up with ANY Christmas spirit WHATSOEVER. Don't you hate it when that happens?

Today is a BIG shopping day for me. My mom and I will be out most of the day. Me - trying to finish up odds and ends, plus some extras just added to my list at around 7:00am by my dear husband. Thanks, Babe, love ya. Mom - trying to get a real idea of what everyone has on their list for her to buy.

For instance, Robert has asked for a camp stove. Well, my mother doesn't own a camp stove, has probably never used a camp stove, and honestly, more than likely, doesn't even really know what a camp stove is. I mean, I know that all of that is definitely true for me. I figured a camp stove at least resembled a real stove top, maybe just portable, right? Nope. It's much smaller. Actually, I would've named it "Stove-in-a-Can." There it is.

In other news, one of my bonus sons is graduating tonight from EMT School. Yay! We are so proud of him. I think he really loves his work and I'll bet is great at it. Go, John!

Also, tomorrow night is the big Christmas dance at Riley's school - the Jingle Bell Ball. Omigosh!!! They've been talking about this weekend for months and planning the wardrobe. Less than 3 years ago, I was very concerned that Riley would never remember to wear deodorant and lacked the ability to match clothing colors. My, how things have changed! We put together his outfit weeks ago - this dance is kind of semi-formal - and even yesterday he was concerned that maybe another color shirt would match Morgan's dress better. Anyway, they are all very excited and I will hopefully have some good pictures to share with you on Monday.

Then, this Sunday evening is our church's Christmas party. We've invited 3 missionaries to come as our guests. There's going to be lots of yummy food and great fellowship. Actually, I just remembered I'm supposed to be writing a poem for that evening. Hmmm...add that to my list here....OK.

Finally, late Sunday evening my brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Alexandrea, will be getting here from Wisconsin!!! Yay! I absolutely can't wait. Their arrival is actually one of my favorite days of the holiday season every year. Paul is a professor at a university, so they usually get to stay for almost an entire month. It's so awesome!!! Also, they'll be introducing a new dog to the family this year, Sutton. Half St. Bernard. Yeah, big. Did I mention that I can't wait?

Yes, big weekend for me and while ALL of this is going on, I've been contracted to write a 6-book graphing series, 1st grade reading level. Uh-huh. Not the best timing you say? Well, when you're a struggling writer you take the work when it comes, am I right?

My take: Whew...I'm already tired. Check in on Monday and see if I'm still alive, will ya? I wouldn't want to be unconscious under the Christmas tree and no one realize it. And, yes, that could really happen at my house!

Happy weekend, be merry!

So today's recipe is my mother's "go to" dessert, meaning when she makes it, everyone "goes to it," and it is gone. So yummy! Try it this Christmas!

Buttermilk Pie

Ingredients:
1-1/2 C sugar
3 T flour
1 stick butter
3 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 C buttermilk

Directions:
1. Mix sugar and flour. Melt butter and add to sugar and flour.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Add vanilla and buttermilk, mixing well.
4. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then continue baking at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

Living La Vida de Loca...at Christmas

Well, it's another very busy day here in RahRah land.

First, I'm going to my mother's Bible study Christmas party, where my friend, Beth and I will be singing. Yes, singing. Really early in the morning for singing, when you're old and your voice is out of shape. So, it should be interesting. But, the thing is, the ladies in this Bible study are the absolute sweetest people on the planet and they will think we're awesome not matter what. So, that's a relief.

After the luncheon following the Bible study, I'm dashing back to Lumberton to try and catch Riley's band's performance at the Intermediate School. Mainly because I'm missing the real concert tonight because it conflicts with Robert's office Christmas party. I figure I can't miss that and since I do have an option, I'm just going for it.

My take: I gotta get off this computer and go! See you tomorrow for another Christmas recipe!

No Flu

No flu at my house! Hallelujah!

I took Riley to the doctor yesterday, as you know, and he only has a sinus infection. I'm so relieved. No flu so far this year.

The pediatrician's office was a zoo. Kids everywhere. Some people came in with 3 kids, all of which looked sick. I just don't think I could've handled 3 kids PERIOD, let alone 3 kids sick at the same time. These are the days we're all thankful for wine.

The other funny thing about the pediatrician's office was that most of the kids in the sick waiting room were around 5 and under. Then there was Riley - 6 feet tall, in need of a shave. It was pretty funny. But it made me think about when Riley was that age - he was so cute, very quiet and reserved, always a book in his hand. It made me feel kind of sad, really, knowing that my "baby boy" is grown.

Until we got in a room with one of those "5-year-olds" next door, who was screaming bloody-murder and kicking the wall. Actually, before the visit was over, there were screaming "5-year-olds" all around us, in stereo, if you will, and we decided Dr. Hubbell must be a saint.

My take: 5-year-olds can be cute, but grown kids who don't injure nurses and doctors while being treated have their charms, too!

Happy Hump Day!!

The Un-Project Files

Well, dang it, Riley is sick. He's been puny since Sunday and I was hoping it was just allergies, but I had to pick him up early from school yesterday with fever. After he'd tried to call twice, the school had called twice and he'd text me. Twice. My phone, as it were, was in my purse on silent while I was trying to help my mom with a "project." Yes, it looks like I have become "that" parent.

So, I'm taking him to the doctor today. At this point, I'm just praying it's not flu. He gets the flu every year, bless his heart, despite the fact that we take the flu shot. How unfair is that? Anyway, he may just have a sinus infection, which means he still feels lousy, but that he probably doesn't feel as lousy as he could AND he won't infect anyone else. Like me. Did I mention "bless his heart?"

About the "project" with Mom...yeah, EPIC FAIL. And, it was all my idea, I'm sad to say.

When I was in Colorado a few weeks ago, I came across these cute spiced mug mats. They are these little fabric squares with spices inside of them that you put your hot drink on and the heat makes the scent really come out. I'm using mine right now as I'm writing.

Anyway, my mother is a really good seamstress and she's always looking for a little gift for the ladies in her Bible study group, so I thought she and I could make these. The ladies would LOVE them!

Now, understand that when I say "she and I," I really mean HER making them at my house while I serve refreshments and say things like, "Yeah, those are looking great, Mom, good job!" Number 1: I am an encourager; Number 2: I do not sew. At all. No hemming or even buttons.

So, we went ahead with the before mentioned plan and it was doomed from the beginning. The potpourri Mom bought wouldn't crush up small enough. Then, I was supposed to be ironing on this fleece stuff, (I did end up with a simple job), I guess that was the heat part, and my iron kept powering off and not working well. Which I would've known if I EVER use my iron. Which, I don't.

Finally, Mom made an executive decision to save all this fabric stuff for next year, seeing how she needs these gifts this Thursday, and find something else. Like Hershey kisses inside little stockings, etc.

Then, next year, we'll attempt the spiced mug mats again a little earlier. And we'll use her iron.

Shout Out to the Parental Units

Good Monday to y'all!

I'll begin today with an update on affairs:

Robert and I had a nice weekend trip to Houston, where we put a major dent in our Christmas shopping. This has become a little tradition for us, except the past years we've been in Dallas. But, scheduling difficulties fixed it to where Houston was the best option this year. So, we went to our beloved Omni Hotel and had a great time. We have quite a "group" to buy for, plus we bought things for a children's home our church is blessing this Christmas. Needless to say, there was barely room for Riley in the car on the way home...

Speaking of Riley, he made All-Region band over the weekend. Yay! So very proud of him and to have him as my son. You make me happy, Boy...

In case you've been trapped under something heavy all weekend and are not aware, Johnny Manziel from Texas A&M is this year's Heisman Trophy winner - oh, yeah, baby!!! As a freshman, too. He SO deserves it, in my book. Gig 'em!

Finally, I want to give a huge shout-out to my parents. In short, I don't know where I'd be without them - and, trust me, it wouldn't be anywhere I'd want to go! They are the most amazing parents in the world! They've always been and continue to be a constant support in my life - through the good, the bad and the ugly.

They're very close to Riley, too. I truly believe he'd move in with them and never miss me if I'd let him- and, actually, that's not a terrible thing. It used to bother me, but now that I have grandkids, I totally get it.

Anyway, my parents are the main reason that I can travel some with Robert. They always keep Riley, shuttle him around wherever he needs to be - and there's ALWAYS SOMEWHERE he needs to be. They help with homework projects, feed him (a feat all in itself), and spoil him, of course, which I'm pretty sure is rule #1 in some grandparenting book somewhere...or, at least it should be.

They even came over to help me before I left for Houston on Friday.

Here's Mom gathering up all of Riley's "things" for the weekend.

Love her.

And, here's my sweet dad, fixing the Christmas lights in the bushes - yes, they're working!

Love him.

My take: my life is oh, so much sweeter because of my parents. I hope I am HALF the parent to Riley that they have been to me. Meme and Pawpaw forever!!! Love, love them!